How To Spend Less Time on Facebook

 

If you've been wondering how to spend less time on Facebook, I have 5 ideas to help. These are simple ideas that you can incorporate right now to stop wasting time on your never-ending news feed and focus on what really matters.

So, let's get straight to it!

Here are 5 tips for spending less time on Facebook.

1) Create a Private Group of your Closest Friends and/or Family Members.  Having a private group gives you a space to share special photos or updates with your closest friends and family members without getting distracted by your news feed.  

2) Hide the Facebook Shortcut on your Phone. This is so easy and probably the most effective way to spend less time on Facebook. For many people, checking their Facebook news feed has become habit. Look at your phone, check your facebook, right?  But, if you don't see the icon there, it's so much easier to stay off it. Trust me. If you manage a blog or business Facebook Page, you can still keep that shortcut on your home-screen, but get rid of the regular Facebook shortcut!

3) Use the Facebook's Free Texting Service to Keep in Touch With Friends. I started using the Facebook Instant Messager App to chat with my mom and sisters, and I love it. This is a separate app on my phone which helps keep me connected without the need for my news feed.

4) Turn Off Unneccessary Notifications.  Sure, I want to know if someone sent me a direct message, but do I really need to know if 10 friends wished another friend a Happy Birthday?  Nope.  

5) Use Facebook Interest Lists to Maximize Your Time on Facebook. Facebook describes interest lists as a "way to organize the content you're interested in on Facebook. You can create your own interest lists based on the things you care about."  Choose your best friends and favorite pages and put them into one list.  It's a quick way to check the best part of your news feed without having to scroll through updates from all of your Facebook friends.

These simple tips are so straightforward and they can make such a big difference in the amount of time you spend on Facebook.  

Try them out and let me know if they helped you.  Or, if you have another tip, leave a comment below!

Alabama: Hyper Local Blogs for Fun

Happy 2014! This year, I will be featuring some of the best Blogs for Local Fun.  You'll get introduced to different blogs each week and, today, I'm featuring some of Alabama's best local blogs.

The Rocket City Mom website highlights the best kept secrets of the Huntsville, Alabama area. In addition to their fabulous local calendar of events, you'll find blog posts about education, motherhood moments and wellness. Jennifer and Stephenie, who run this blog, are both moms and savvy business women who know the Huntsville AL area inside and out.  

If you're headed to the Birmingham, Alabama area, you'll definitely want to check out BirminghamMom.com before your trip!  This blog, which has been going strong for years, is chock-full of local information for Birmingham area families.  Read more at BirmingHam Mom.

 

For More Alabama Bloggers, check out Alabama Bloggers.com.

 

Reebok Sale & Promo Code

 

Are you all shopped out yet? 

We're winding down from the holidays and starting to get back into the swing of things.  As much as I wish I could take a break from shopping right now, there are still things we need.  My son's sneakers are falling apart and it's time to get a new pair of school shoes. This Reebok 30% Off Clearance Sale is really good!  

Reebok’s year-End Clearance Event is here! Starting today and running through January 2nd, save 30% on shop.reebok.com’s sale collection. That’s right, over 300 products with already reduced prices now available at an additional 30% off!

Men’s and women’s apparel, as well as kids styles are included in this limited time offer. Reebok CrossFit styles are excluded. 

To redeem this offer, enter the promo code CLEARANCE during checkout here: Reebok 30% Off Clearance Sale 

Kidoodle TV: Built for Kids, Loved by Parents

 I participated in a Blog Blast program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Kidoodle.TV. I received a promotional item and a free trial as a thank you for participating.

I'm really excited to tell you about Kidoodle.TV!  Kidoodle.TV is a safe, ad free, internet video service for kids 12 and under. It is absolutely perfect for a household like mine that has decided to cancel our cable for public and internet t.v. instead.  

We just started our subscription and my kids are loving it! They enjoy having some of their favorite shows like Sonic the Headgehog, Paddington Bear and Willa's Wild Life, plus shows that are totally new to them, like the Game of Life show.  I love the fact that they can navigate Kiddoodle.TV all by themselves without being interupted by advertisiting. 

Try Kidoodle.TV for FREE & Enter to WIN 1 of 10 Tablets or 1 of 10 Kidoodle.TV Year-long Subscriptions by December 31, 2013!

Follow Kidoodle.TV on Twitter
Follow Kidoodle.TV on Facebook 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE CONCERT ON WHYY

As a mom of 2 boys, we have plenty of days that are filled with sports, dirt and video games, but I also make an effort to expose my boys theatre and art as well. I want them to appreciate some of the finer things in life, even if we're on a budget. This weekend, A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE CONCERT, is airing on our local WHYY station, and I hope you get a chance to check it out with your kids.

I was sent a copy of the DVD to preview and my 5-year-old and I loved it. A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE CONCERT is a new production of the classic tale, which will be airing on WHYY this Sunday, December 22nd at 1:30pm.  When we first turned on the DVD, I never expected it to grab the attention of my kindergartner, but he was mesmerized by the singers, narrator and the orchestra. We watched the whole performance together and really enjoyed it.

It's the classic Dickens tale performed as a dramatic concert featuring a full symphony orchestra, choir, rhythm section, a narrator, and three soloists. It has musical styles that range from classical and Broadway, to blues and gospel.

If you have WHYY, I encourage you to check out A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE CONCERT this Sunday at 1:30pm.  It is absolutely beautiful and you get to experience this classic ghost story as you’ve never heard it before!

FREE Disney Vacation Planning DVD

"You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality." - Walt Disney

Dreaming of a Disney Vacation? Just click the banner below and order your FREE Disney Vacation Planner DVD today.  (Affiliate Link)

"I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse."
- Walt Disney 

Easy Recipe for White Pine Tea

 I was checking out the Hilltown Families blog and I came across something I never expected to see.  It was a recipe for White Pine Tea from Leslie Lynn Lucio.  I have never heard of "pine tea," but after reading her blog post, now, I'm curious.

You have to be really careful to make sure you find the right type of pine tree, which Leslie talks about in her post.  But, once you find a White Pine tree, you just add some honey and lemon and you're ready to make your tea.

It definitely sounds like something that would warm your body and soul on a cold winter day. Plus, it's a fun way to get your kids involved in the kitchen.

Continue here to read her full post:  Oak & Acorn: White Pine Tea for Winter Days

Save $5 on Sesame Place Furry Christmas Admission

It’s A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place®!

When:  Now through December 31st, 2013 
What: A family-friendly celebration with Sesame Street's favorite charachters. A Very Furry Christmas includes Christmas shows, dry rides (weather permitting), twinkling lights, decorations and a mucial parade.
Where: 100 Sesame Road Langhorne, PA 19047

Click on the image below to SAVE $5 off a Very Furry Christmas Single Day Admission. 

Make a LEGO Minifigure Holiday Card

Need a quick way to say Happy Holidays? LEGO.com has got you covered. On their site, you can create a mini-figure family to spread some Christmas cheer.  It's totally FREE and you can download your custom creation and send it to as many people as you want to.

Here's my personalized card.  Merry Christmas from my LEGO family to yours!

I kept my card pretty simple, but you can make it as personalized as you want with different tops, bottoms, skin colors, facial expressions and hats.

If you want to make your own virtual card, you can add up to 13 people or pets.  They have figures for adults, kids, babies, cats and dogs. The backgrounds choices vary from tropical to traditional Christmas and frozen igloo, so there is something for everyone,

Just click on the image above to go to LEGO Minifigure family holiday web page.

Enjoy!

 

10 Elf on the Shelf Themed Gift Ideas

Christmas is getting closer and it won't be long before our Elf on the Shelf will be making his way back to the North Pole. Some Moms and Dads will be rejoicing, but I know my kids will miss the smiley little guy. 

We've been doing the elf for a couple of years now and I always thought that the Elf on the Shelf was it, but there are actually a bunch of elf products that you can surprise your kids with.  

Here are some elf-themed gifts that may help make Christmas a little more fun.

Note: Local Fun for Kids is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may get paid if you buy something after clicking one of the links below.

10. "An Elf's Story" Holiday Cocoa Gift Set

The Elf Story DVD (#3) looks really cute and I also like how there are different products to suit any budget.

Did you do anything creative with your Elf this year? Send me your photos and I may feature it on my blog or Facebook page.

DIY Thumb Print Note Cards From Kids

You know that person who seems to have everything?  Or, maybe you know someone who just doesn't want any more "stuff." These thumb print note cards are the perfect DIY gift for that person!

My sister is very thoughtful when buying people gifts and she needed a gift for someone who is really hard to shop for.  So, she came up the idea to make them a set of thumb print note cards as a special present from her son.

My sister worked with her son to create these custom note cards and I think they look amazing!  This is a cute gift that you can help your child make for someone special in their life.  You only need paint, blank note cards and a marker.

 

 

First, she bought a set of plain white note cards.  She also chose an acrylic paint set in bright colors. Then, she and her son created these note cards including little fish, a caterpillar and funny little monsters. How cute are these? 

You can use any thumbprint design you want.  When you have completed the set, just tie them up with a ribbon, and wrap them up for that special person. I really like this gift idea because it doesn't cost a lot of money, it's practical, creative and it's from the heart.

Do you have any easy ideas for homemade gifts from kids?

Build a Free LEGO® Snowplow - January 7th 2013

Mark your calendar!

On January 7th 2013, children between the ages 6-14 are invited to a local LEGO® Store to learn how to build a Snowplow model.  They will be able to take home their mini model for FREE!  The event starts at 5pm.

Read more about the LEGO® Mini Model Event Here.

Note: Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. One free model per child. 

 

Winter Dessert: Snowman Candy Apples

Here in the Philadelphia suburbs, it's turning into a bit of a winter wonderland with snow on the ground. It reminded me of the Candy Apple Snowman that I made a while back and I wanted to share them with you.

These candy apples are really easy to make and I think they are adorable for a winter themed celebration or favors for a kid's birthday party.

Click here to read the full post:  

How to Make Candy Apple Snowman

Save On Energy Costs with ChooseEnergy.com

 

Most moms, like myself, are in the midst of the holiday rush. I still need to decorate. I haven't even started sending out my Christmas cards, and I'm in search of the best deals on Christmas gifts. With so much on my plate, why am I thinking about saving on energy costs?  
 

Well, it’s the season of savings and everyone is surfing the internet to find the hottest deals. Yet, I bet you never thought that you save big by shopping for your energy provider.

ChooseEnergy.com is an easy-to-use online marketplace that allows you to comparison-shop for your ideal energy supplier. Simply head over to Choose Energy, type in your zip code and find an energy solution that fits your budget from the best suppliers out there – you can save up to 25 percent just by switching your energy provider. Best of all, they’ll even make the switch for you.

It takes less than 10 minutes to find solutions that fit your needs – so fit ChooseEnergy.com into your shopping this year. Compare rates and plans for energy suppliers in your area and make the switch all in one place.  It's that easy.
With the new year just around the corner, you'll be a step ahead of the game!

5 English Recipes for Christmas and #DiscoverIssuu

I was selected for this opportunity as part of the Girls' Lunch Out network. All views expressed are entirely my own, and were not influenced or directed by either Girls' Lunch Out or Issuu.

Last year, my mom and sisters made Christmas-time unforgettable. They decided to incorporate my husband's English heritage into our Christmas Eve tradition. I can't explain how much it meant to me that, in the outskirts of Philadelphia, we were celebrating Christmas - English style. 

In addition to our traditional Christmas menu, we had pork pie, sausage rolls, scotch eggs, and sticky toffee pudding, and some other British food. There were colorful Christmas crackers on the table and even some of my husband's favorite Cadbury chocolate bars for the road. It was amazing!

Living in America, I'm not immersed in British culture, but I still love reading about trends in England and learning new European recipes. This is why I was so exited to learn about Issuu.

If you've never heard of Issuu, it's kind of like Pinterest for magazines. Issue currently has 15 million publications to more that 80 million unique monthly visitors. Wow! It's the fastest-growing digital publishing platform in the world.

On Issuu, I found a new issue of the ASDA magazine which is packed with holiday recipes, crafts, entertaining ideas from across the pond. 

Here are a few of my favorite finds from the ASDA magazine:

  1. Clementine and Lemon Curd Recipe - Page 41
  2. Rich and Fruity Sausage Rolls - Page 49 (These are now on my cooking to-do list!)
  3. Spiced Snowman Biscuits (aka Gingerbread Men Cookies) - Page 50
  4. Spiced Apple and Cranberry Chutney - Page 51
  5. Best Ever Roast Potatoes - Page 71

So, I'm hooked! I will definitely be coming back to Issuu time and time again to get my British fix.  If England's not your thing, don't fret. Whether you like fashion, sports, or want to read something local, they have tons of other magazine to virtually flip through. And, after you use Issuu a few times, it starts recommending fabulous articles and magazines to you.  How cool is that?

Check out Issuu for yourself. Or follow them on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

Best Buy Holiday Gifts & Coupon Code - December 2013

                  

Great Tech Gifts in Small Packages

I remember when they my kids were toddlers and our Christmas tree was surrounded my bright, colorful toys on Christmas morning. Now, my kids are getting older and they're starting to grow out of the toy phase. Much of their Christmas wish list consists of sports stuff and electronics. My little guy is going loving Skylanders at the moment, and my older son is desperately wanting FIFA 14 so he can get his soccer fix!

The Ultimate Holiday Showroom

Best Buy is unique because they feature more than 100 products sold only at their stores this holiday season. They offer a market-leading selection of the hottest tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles, health and fitness gear, and much more. Buying things online is convenient, but I also like that I can go into the store to check out the products in person. I like the option of asking one of Best Buy's trained staff members for help if I need it. 

Low Price Guarantee

These tech items can be expensive, so I'm always checking my email for deals from Best Buy. They understand that price is important to their customers and it’s important to them too. Their Low Price Guarantee helps to ensure that we’re getting the most competitive price possible. 

Some of My Favorites

Do you still have shopping to do? I'm not finished with my holiday shopping and I've been checking out the holiday gift guides on Best Buy.  Here are few of my favorite items: 

How cool is this Samsung Galaxy Tab for Kids? I love the bright colors and the fact that it includes a bumper guard to protect it from those inevitable drops and bumps.

I wasn't sure about Skylanders when I first heard about it, but I can totally see why kids love it.  My son would be over-the-moon if he saw Skylanders Swap-Force under the Christmas tree.

 

Even Barbie is tech savvy now! Let your child transform an Apple iPad into a makeup mirror with this Barbie Y2748 digital makeover kit.

LOOKING FOR A PROMO CODE OR COUPON CODE FOR BEST BUY?

Just click below for the coupons

Save 15% on Health & Fitness, Fisher Price and Mattel Toys

Save 10% on Headphones & Portable Speakers (excludes beats, bose and Sony)