Family Spring Travel Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C.

Are you and your family ready for Spring and a family Spring vacation? If you have not made any plans yet, Moms Buzz recommends coming to the Nation's Capital and enjoying a beautiful celebration of Spring by attending the Cherry Blossom Festival.  Besides. being at the Nation's Capital, there is some much to do with children such as going to the Memorials, the museums at the Mall, visiting historical sites or you may just want to stroll around this beautiful city.

The Blossom Watch for this year is:

1. Blooming period: March 26 - April 7, 2011
2. Cherry Blossom Festival: March 26 - April 10, 2011

The weather in D.C. is nice during this time, neither too chilly or warm, just comfortable when wearing a light jacket unless you get hit with global warming. What's new, right?

Watch these pictures below to convince yourself that this a beautiful national event you don't want to miss.

Cherry Blossom Fully Bloomed


Washington Memorial Behind the Cherry Blossom


Jefferson Memorial Delicatedly "Touched" by The Cherry Blossom

 

Make it a beautiful Spring break family vacation!

- The Moms Buzz

source: www.washingtonpost.com and www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Easter Eggshell Votives - An Easy to Make Craft

Easter eggshells don't need always be filled with chocolate or other goodies.  You can transform Easter eggshells into votives for your table or as an Easter hostess gift. It's so easy to make that you can involve your children in this project.  Here's how to make Easter eggshell votives:

Material:

• Egg shells as many as you would like
• Egg cups to use as the base
• Food coloring
• Egg carton
• Warm and hot wax or tealight candles

Instructions

1. Make a hole in the top of each egg with a pin; enlarge the holes, and pour out the yolks;
2. Clean shells;
3. Then dye them with food coloring (follow package directions).
4. Nestle shells in a carton.
5. Cut wire-core wicks to 4 inches long, flatten one end, and fasten in shell with a bit of warm wax.
6. Using a funnel, fill shells with hot wax (tinted with dye pellets). Let the wax cool. Trim the wicks, and light.

An alternative is to use tealight candles instead of using pure wax.  You would need to make the egg holes large enough so that you can insert the tealight candles.

Get crafty for Easter!

- The Moms Buzz

source and image: www.marthastewart.com

Fried Egg Sandwich - a mommy story - by Daisy Alpert Florin

Years ago, when I first met a dear friend of mine, her grandmother was still living on her own in New York.  She was getting up in years and her family had started to worry about her living alone and cooking for herself every night.  Eventually, they hired a woman to come in every day and take over the cooking.

Weekend: Halloween Craft Ideas, Games and Fun at Candy USA

This weekend you can have an excellent repertoire of craft ideas and fun games for children of all ages.  The Candy USA site is filled with neat puzzles, games, coloring pages and craft ideas for this Halloween. 

In the games section for Halloween, there is a Halloween word search, design your own Jack-o-Lantern and pumpkin coloring pages!

In the craft ideas section for Halloween, you can do you own spooky Gingerbread House, design your own Jack-o-Lantern, or make candy-filled paper pumpkins!

Many options to keep your kids entertained and build up the Halloween spirit!

Happy crafty weekend!

- The Moms' Buzz

source and image: www.candyusa.org

Did You Know? Use Your VISA Signature Card and Save 20% Off at the Movies!

Image credit: ScreenCrave.com

One activity that the entire family can do together without much worries is going to theaters to enjoy a good movie. Today, Shrek Forever After, the last of the series, shows in theaters today, May 21, 2010.  If you have not your tickets you may want to get them soon. 

I usually buy my tickets at Fandango.com or MovieTickets.com because it is so convenient. Even on my iPhone I have bought tickets.  But the best part of it is that I just found out about this great savings opportunity for those movie goer families. If you own Visa Card that simply says 'Visa Signature' across it, you could be one of the millions of Visa Signature cardholders who can receive 20% off every $25 in movie tickets at Fandango.com up to four times per month. There are no restrictions on who can redeem the tickets, so it's also a great gift idea for the movie lover in your life.

For more information about Visa Signature perks, visit http://usa.visa.com/personal/visa-signature/index.jsp

Sweet savings here!!

- The Moms Buzz

Sites For Reconnecting with Family & Friends

With the Internet, lost family members and old friends are now back on sight thanks to sites that have allowed us to find and socialize with them like in the good old days.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the best sites for reconnecting with family are:

Spring Cleaning with Kids - Clever Tips

Ah! Little and/or young helpers can make up a fantastic cleaning crew at home! As Spring starts knocking at our doors soon, you may want to enroll your kids into your Spring cleaning chores through clever cleaning assignments.  Children love to help and feel useful to parents so  don't truncate their natural disposition to collaborate.  Although it may take longer to get a chore done or require more creativity and some child psychology, the more they help you, the more they will always help you as they grow up.

 

So, here are some tips that you could use to engage your kids in Spring cleaning in the weeks to come.

Best Websites for Finding Kid-Friendly Movies Reviews & Ratings

The sites below are the best websites for finding kid-friendly entertainment. Their family movie reviews and movie ratings will help you find great entertainment for parents and kids.

"Up!" - the New Pixar's Movie in Theaters Today!

It seems this weekend movie theaters will be a bit crowded due to the official release of the new Disney-Pixar's new 3-D movie Up! Critics are saying Up is a stunning 3-D adventure that will be an upper for the entire family.  The film is visually stunning, surprisingly touching, funny, and unsurprisingly delightful as all Pixar's movies.

The story is about Carl Fredricksen who spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Junior Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life.

Last Minute Easter Egg Decoration Idea

Don't sweat it if you have not had the time to buy an Easter Egg decoration kit or supplies to engage in a fancy Easter Egg decoration journey.  For a last minute Easter Egg decoration idea, just use any gift wrapping paper, tissue paper or colored foil paper you have at home to wrap them nicely and add a quick bow.

Happy Easter!

- The Moms Buzz

Easter Egg Decorating Kit - Moms Buzz's Favorite

Busy moms need simple, ready to use things to make our lives easier, and even more so when the kids get excited about crafting something as special as Easter eggs!   Of all the kits the Moms Buzz has used in the past, Williams-Sonoma's is Easter Egg Decorating Kit is the best by far.  Here is why.

Win $25,000 Scholarship to Help Pay for Your Child's College

This is one of those contests that are worth participating because the reward is worth every second of your time.  As you know, another school year means another year closer to college, and participating in this contest, may be the solution to high college costs. 

Put in a little creativity and a peanut butter sandwich, and off you go to help pay for your child's college. Yes, your family could win a $25,000 scholarship fund to help pay for your child's college. Here is the scoop:  Jif®, our favorite brand for peanut butter, is having two contests, one for children and the other for the parents.   

The Seventh Annual Jif® Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest™ fosters creativity in children as they spend quality time in the kitchen with their parents.

• Open to children ages 6-12
• Entries will be accepted from August 4 through November 14, 2008
• Five finalists will win a trip to New York City for the live judging event.
• The grand prize winner will receive a $25,000 scholarship fund to help pay for college.
• Four runner-ups will each receive a $2,500 scholarship fund.

The Jif® Moms Voice Their Choice Contest™ gives parents(or those inspired by one) a chance to share their stories about the choices they make for their families. The writer of the winning essay will win:

• A 4-day, 3-night trip to New York City with a companion.
• A seat at the judges’ table at the Seventh Annual Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest final event.

For Official Rules and entry forms and to learn more about The Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest and the Jif Moms Voice Their Choice Contest, visit www.Jif.com.

Good luck!

- The Moms Buzz

"Kiss My Astra" Contest for the Family!

This is a fun contest for the family.  It's about kissing an Astra, the new Saturn car, for a chance to actually win one! How's that?

It is simple to play and participate.  Take a photo of yourself kissing a Saturn Astra, or have someone else help you. Then upload your digital photo here, with a short caption (50 words or less). Be funny, be clever, be unique...as long as you're kissing an Astra, it's fair game. Who knows, maybe your kiss could win you your own Astra.

Click here to participate.

Good luck!

- The Moms Buzz

Travel Deals: Kids Travel Free on Norwegian Cruise Line

 

If you are still looking what, where and when about this summer family vacation. Here is a last minute travel deal from Norwegian Cruise Line.  Between July 14 and Sept. 26, kids sail free for three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sky. Prices vary according to cruise dates and length: A three-night cruise in early September starts at $760 for a family of four.

For more information, contact: www.Ncl.com or here.

Happy cruising!

- The Moms Buzz

>>The next time you decide to travel locate the best RV camping on the internet. Whether you want to find info about RV sales or you are looking for a place to park for the night... park at Wal-mart, the internet can help!

B.O.W. The Best of the Web Weekly Round-Up

Today, Tuesday, Moms Buzz is happy to bring you B.O.W. - the Best Of the Web in a weekly roundup of posts from fine blogs and sites featuring fashion, beauty, lifestyle, parenting and much more.

Style, Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle and Health

A Girl's Gotta Spa! A Girl's Gotta Spa! has some great tips for DIY home spa skin care. Don't have a budget for the spa? These DIY tips will help you save some $ on skin care.
   
Shrimpton Couture: A Shrimpton Couture Celebrity Vintage Spot.  Check out Nicole Richie looking hot in vintage jeans.

Couture in the City: Katie Holmes - A New Style Icon.  Katie Holmes -the latest Mrs.Cruise - has become to the fashion and style industry quite the trend setter.
   
Makeup Minute: Makeup Minute doesn't need an umbrella for Lord & Berry's Raincoat Protecting Mascara. Learn about a waterproof mascara that isn't dry or clumpy!
   
GlamSpirit: Meditation Tips for Women on the Go. These 5 fabulous tips will bring balance to even the most hectic days. 
   
Stylenotes: Take Note -- Generra. Generra ermerged in the 1980s and has become one of the top labels for understated, chic apparel -- read on for more about the brand.
   

Parenting, Family, Kids, Moms & Little Couture

TotSnob: Twinkle Ocean Cake Kit Kids Giveaway! To enter, give your best advice on how to keep toys neat and organized! A winner will be chosen April 11th.

Boston Mamas: Seeing Green. Thanks to some fabulous picks from See Kai Run's spring line you'll be seeing green in no time.
   
Clever Parents: Operation Shower Branches Out and Heads West for Memorial Day! Help do your part through Operation Shower, baby showers for expectant and new moms whose husbands are deployed overseas.
   
MomFinds: Win Two Fabulous Hip-Ts to Cover Your Assets. Battle the bulge, smooth out muffin tops and cover up peek-a-boo undies with these ingenious fashion fixes.
   
Moms Buzz: Teaching Kids How to Give Compliments. This video that you will watch is about the importance of teaching kids how to give compliments. This may sound a bit strange at the beginning to you since it is one of the few people skills we do not usually emphasize on your kids because for some reason we do not expect kids to give compliments.

One Chic Mama: Mommy-to-be chic. Ann Taylor LOFT has added maternity clothing to their offerings, and we're giving away a $100 gift certificate.
   
The Nest Baby: American Terry Giveaway. Give us your best bathtime tip to win a gift bucket from American Terry filled with a hooded towel, bubbles, toys and more!

B.O.W. - Weekly RoundUp of the Best of the Web!

Today, Tuesday, Moms Buzz is happy to bring you B.O.W. - the Best Of the Web in a weekly roundup of posts from fine blogs and sites featuring fashion, beauty, lifestyle, parenting and much more. 

Style, Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle and Health

Glamspirit: A Must-Have for Your Medicine Cabinet. Discover the Wonders of Tea Tree Oil.
 
Couture in the City: Dvb Jeans by David and Victoria Beckham.  Okay so its official – I am giving up chocolate. And chips. And the occasional glass of wine I so soooo love. Actually I may as well give up eating all together if I am going to be able to indulge the latest love of my life. Yes, I have fallen again for the impossible, the gorgeous, the have to have latest buy that just happens to come in a size zero and is designed to make a size 4 look like a candidate for Jenny Craig.

Shrimpton Couture Contest: Win $100 by sending in your suggestions!
   
Stiletto Jungle: Is Dreaming Tommy Hilfiger Delicious? Three real-world women review the newest fragrance from Tommy Hilfiger.

Stylenotes: Win a $100 Montgomery Ward Gift Certificate. Register for a chance to win a $100 Montgomery Ward Gift Certificate from stylenotes starting on Tuesday, March 25th at 10am. Montgomery Ward offers an array of products ranging from home decor, furniture and bedding to fitness, pet care, jewelry,and apparel.

Parenting, Family, Kids & Moms

Tot Snob Contest - Travel Horror Stories. Tot Snob wants to hear your worst travel horror story for a chance to win the CARES seat belt.

Boston Mamas: Food Fight. To serve the need for repeated mealtime tee changes with a dose of humor and sass, there’s food fight’s impressive menu of trendy onesies and tees for babies and kids.
   
Clever Parents: Organization-Motivation: ABC, MP3. Looking for a little organization inspiration? Check out this play list to groove - and get organized too. 
   
Coochicoos: The Perfect Playhouse Design Competition. 10 Grain and coochicoos.com sponsor a kid's design competition - "What's your perfect playhouse?" 
   
Healthy Bump: Baby Celebration LA. Call your best friends or moms and plan to spend the entire day at Baby Celebration LA April 12 & 13, 2008! If you went to Baby Celebration LA last year you know that it is a truly magical experience! Guess what? It is even more exciting this year!
   
MomFinds: The Best Time-Savers for New Moms. Your day is hectic enough, so we've rounded up a few of our favorite time-saving products to use with baby, at home and on-the-go to make life easier.
   
Moms Buzz: 10 Commandments of Pregnancy Exercise. For those busy moms who are expecting their first baby, second or other #, and love to and can exercise, here are 10 handful tenets worth warding.

One Chic Mama: A Tutu for Your Tee. We review Tu for Tee's adorable new spring collection - make sure you register to win one for your daughter!
   
The Nest Baby: DwellStudio Crib Set Giveaway. One lucky user will win a crib set of her choice from DwellStudio! Submit your best nursery decorating tip to be eligible.
   

How to Dry Flowers Tips & Techniques

With many trees and flowers already blooming across the country, you can make nice arrangements of either fresh or dried flowers. Fresh flower arrangements give your that beautiful Spring scent and touch. An alternative, as you know, is to dry flowers at home to prolong that Spring enjoyment.  If you have a garden in your back or front yard, it's even more fun and enjoyable.  Besides, it's so easy to dry flowers that you can teach your children to help you and have some fun together on a weekend.   

The video below demonstrates 3 ways to dry flowers: Air drying, Air drying with the use of silica gel and Air drying with the use of silica gel and heat. You really don't need much material as it is pretty straight forward and most likely you have already almost everything at home. 

Have a great weekend!

- The Moms Buzz

source of video: www.thenewsroom.com

B.O.W. - Weekly RoundUp of the Best of the Web!

Today, Tuesday, Moms Buzz is happy to bring you B.O.W. - the Best Of the Web in a weekly roundup of posts from fine blogs and sites featuring fashion, beauty, lifestyle, parenting and much more. 

Couture in the City: Spring Hair and Makeup Trends. Tell your winter makeup and hair to take a hike for a while…it’s spring and it’s time to lighten up that look! Black nails with a floral print sun dress? I think not. Check out these cute spring hair and makeup trends to update your look for this season.
   
Stylenotes: Fashion Week Paris: Show Reviews and Get the Look for Less. Check out our Paris Fashion Week reviews on Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, while picking up some examples of how to get the “runway look for less!"
   
Moms Buzz: Expectant Moms Giveaway! 10 Pregnancy Books to Giveaway! Whether you are an expectant mom or not, you will certainly want to participate in this giveaway. As women and moms, we always happen to know someone who's expecting, who truly needs to know the real deal about being pregnant. Enter to win!
   
Shrimpton Couture Present The Daily VFQ. Check out the new feature at Shrimpton Couture - fashion quotes from the past!
   
Stiletto Jungle: Best Brow Enhancers. From perfectly polished to super low-maintenance, Stiletto Jungle names the best products for fabulous brows.

Boston Mamas: Fight the Tide. Not only will GreenDimes fight your junk mail and catalogue tide for you (one registration covers up to 8 household members!); they'll plant new trees on your behalf.
   
Classy Mommy: Video Review of Horizon Organic Milk. Horizon Organic Milk passed the taste test with my 2 year old daughter Mackenzie. She loved slurping it down in her non-toxic Boon "Fluid" sippy cup!
   
Clever Parents: Kushies Baby, An Oasis in a Sea of Elmo and Dora. In a time when parents are bombarded with toys and baby products on television, videos, in Internet emails and every day life, it is surprising that finding a great, simple toy can be such a challenge. One trip down the aisle of a big box store is enough to send a parent over the plastic, characterized, noisy, battery-operated edge. What’s a Clever Parent to do?
   
Coochicoos: How Do You Make Dinosaur Soup? Ask your kids how to make their favorite dish and it just might be put in a book.   
   
MomFinds: The Best Rain Gear for Stylish Kids. Puddle-worthy rain boots, seriously slick raincoats and the most colorful umbrellas that will brighten up the gloomiest day.
   
One Chic Mama: Affordable Organics for Mom and Baby. Otopia Organics body products for mamas and babies are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. They’re also more affordable than you might think.

Swanky Moms: Snap Totes. I have a Snap Tote and I will tell you, I receive compliments on it ALL the time!! Even a handful of men have asked me where I got my bag!! I have handed out lots of business cards and given out the name of this wonderful company as I truly love my Snap Tote! It has a photo of my beautiful boys on it and I'm proud to carry it around.... 

The Power of the Charms - A Charming Site

Are your children charmed by Lucky Charms cereal?  If so, guess what?  Lucky Charms has a site where children can play,discover and explore to their heart's content!  They will be charmed and enchanted by the power of the charms. 

When they enter Lucky's Magical Realm, your children will find wonderful things to see, hear, play and explore.  Take them to this magical site, that is fun and safe, so that they experience the power of the charms!

Be enchanted!

- The Moms Buzz

Train Your Memory - Family Fun

This weekend when you have a quiet time at home you can have some family fun playing memory games. How good is your memory? Memory is not just one of many intellectual skills, it is the most important. This is because it directly effects every other intellectual process - did you know that? The good news is that it's easy to train your memory; in fact, the easiest mental process to train.

Sit with your kids and spouse and start to train your memory.  Moms Buzz found this fun site, www.KidsMemory.com, in which you can use the memory tools to train your brain, thus train your memory!

There's plenty of tools and games for all level, kids and adults, to play in family.

Have a momorable weekend!

- The Moms Buzz

source and image: www.Kidsmemory.com