Understanding Cookies

When I think of cookies I prefer the tasty kind.

I’m really not one that understands cookies on the internet and what settings my browser should have and how Adobe could help. In fact, most of the time, I leave them on and  I get quite irritated when I have to enter my password again because my browser lost it’s settings and I have to enter it again. Yes I’m lazy when it comes to my browser settings. I visit the same sites over and over again and if my browser has the option to remember the password then I allow it. I’m probably not the most secure internet user out there. Which is why I am very vigilant with the virus protection software. But let’s digress for a few seconds and do a little vocabulary training.

What is protected mode?

When your browser is in protected mode, you should find that it makes it more difficult for malicious software to be installed on your computer.

What are cookies?

Cookies are little text files that websites use on your computer to remember information about you and your preferences. For instance, a cookie can be used to save your login name (as you can tell I use this feature all the time), your preferences for viewing content, or to track you as you browse the Internet.

What are flash cookies?

A flash cookie is a local shared object. They are very similar to cookies with a few minor differences. Flash cookies keep track of your preferences in a little more detail, for example they can keep track of your place you are in a game and they are harder to clear. They could be on your computer forever and you would never know.

Now knowing all of this can someone please tell me why I can’t get Google to let me leave comments under my google account? My cookies are on,  I can log in but when I try to leave comments on blogger blogs under my google account it always says that I don’t have my cookies turned on but in fact I do. I’m so frustrated it’s driving me crazy! My blogger friends must think I don’t love them anymore but I do. How do I fix it?

 

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How to Make an African Drum #LionKing3D Inspired By Zoe

A few weeks ago I posted a whole bunch of tips on how to Have a Lion King 3D viewing party. Miles Zoe and I got out all of our arts and crafts and the first thing we made together was the African Drum, the Nala’s Log Drum.

How to make an African Drum

 

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The Supplies:

3 empty food cans washed and dried
Clear tape
Construction paper
Markers or Crayons or Stickers
A Can opener

Directions:

Remove the lids on both ends of the cans

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Tape the cans together

Decorate the construction paper

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Wrap the cans with the construction paper and tape it on securely

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Then Beat your drum with sticks and enjoy more Lion King Inspired crafts.

 

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The Lion King 3D  comes to theaters September 16th and October 4th will be released on Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray Hi-Def

The Truth is Out Kermit and Miss Piggy are JUST FRIENDS

I’ve been following the story for some time now as I’ve been getting ready for the New Muppets movie to come out since January. You see back in January I had the opportunity to go back stage with Miss Piggy and Kermit and they were very cordial and kind. I was able to see one of their scenes being filmed and was reminded to be quiet on the set.

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Then back in June I asked the question? Did Miss Piggy and Kermit ever get married? No, they haven’t. I knew that would be world breaking news right? Everyone knows that Miss Piggy is madly in love with Kermit but I never really knew how Kermit felt. So how does Kermit feel?

Miss Piggy and I have a professional relationship. I think we’re professionals; she thinks we’re in a relationship. Actually, Miss Piggy and I are good friends, but just friends. We like each other a great deal, but we are not romantically involved—despite her best efforts.”

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There you have it, in a recent interview with the frog he admitted that they are JUST FRIENDS! He goes further to discuss how it was working with her again.

“I have to say: working with Miss Piggy is always a pleasure. I have to say that ‘cause she makes me say it.

This was a different kind of movie for us. Normally, Piggy and I are together right from the start. But in Disney’s “The Muppets,” Miss Piggy is over in Paris and we have to go get her. That was challenging for me. France is tough for frogs… with legs.”

Check out the rest of his interview for his upcoming movie, The Muppets.

What is your role in Disney’s “The Muppets”?

I play me, Kermit the Frog. I’ve played other parts, like Bob Crachit in “A Muppet Christmas Carol” and Captain Smollett in “Muppet Treasure Island,” but I think “me” is my favorite part.

Playing a frog named Kermit might be type casting, but there aren’t a lot of great parts for amphibians, so I was happy to get the part.

In the movie—and in life, really—I’m a humble frog in Hollywood who wants to get back together with his friends and keep entertaining people.

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How does your life differ from the characters you play in the films?

Well, on the big screen. I’m 16 feet tall. But in real life, it’s closer to 18 inches. So, I’d have to say the biggest difference is more height—and better lighting.

Seriously, though, my life on screen and off screen is about the same. In real life and on film, I’m surrounded by chaos, craziness, and romantic pigs—just like any other Hollywood star.

Why did you want to take part in this film?

I understand they considered other actors—George Clooney, Tom Hanks. But in the end, when it comes to playing short, green and amphibious, I’m still Hollywood’s go-to guy. According to director James Bobin, when I read for the role of “me,” I nailed it.

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What is the funniest scene in the film?

I like the scene where everything goes crazy and no one knows what to do. It’s total mad chaos…..Hmm, come to think of it, that describes most of the movie.

I can’t pick JUST one scene—all the other scenes would get jealous. But I really do like the big finale. Lots of singing, dancing, laughing… and, I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s happy, too.

What was it like working opposite Jason Segel?

Jason is not only a great comedian, but as a co-writer of the movie, he’s great to work with. If you forget your lines, he can make up new ones.

Jason’s a swell guy. He really loved the Muppets before we worked together…and he still loves us after. That’s a true fan. And he has such a fantastic sense of humor. He can find funny everywhere… even in Fozzie’s act.

…Chris Cooper?

Chris plays the villain, Tex Richman, yet he’s really the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. That’s an incredible feat: being a good guy and playing a bad guy. When it comes to acting, it’s not that easy being mean.

…Amy Adams?

Amy is incredible. She’s so beautiful and talented and funny. I’d love to make every movie with her…. but Miss Piggy won’t let me.

She’s also a great actress: she can sing and dance, and she has three Academy Award® nominations. I’m hoping she gets an Oscar® for Disney’s “The Muppets.” If not, I’m willing to paint myself gold and stand on her mantle.

Describe director James Bobin.

James has a quirky sense of humor. Just watch his work on “Flight of the Conchords” and you can see this isn’t someone who sees the world like everyone else. Not being normal helps when you work with the Muppets. He’s a consummate professional—and we’re not, so we really needed him.

What is your advice for up-and-coming frogs/actors?

Never say croak.

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I received travel and hotel stay to LA to visit with the Muppets courtesy of Disney/DreamWorks.

Hormel Afterschool Snack Time Challenge

Hormel asked me to challenge my children by letting them pick out their own snacks. The challenge, I was provided with a gift card to take my children shopping at the grocery store, we chose Costco because it’s really close, has lots of organic options and it’s a great price to buy snacks in bulk. The kids love fruit, it’s their favorite snack.

The hardest part of the kids in picking out their favorite snacks was getting them to go in the cold section at Costco. They hate going into the refrigerated rooms, but they LOVE picking out fruit. With organic apples, watermelons, and raspberries just to name a few it was hard for them to make a decision.

Zoe picked out cantaloupe, grapes, apples, and dried fruit crisps. I talk to them a lot about what’s healthy and they have a basic understanding of some things. This is what they say, candy is tasty but it isn’t good for you. It’s not healthy, but fruit is healthy and tasty. They understand that not everything that tastes good is good for you.

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Miles picked out Carrots, bananas and salsa. One of the best snacks in his opinion is carrots and Salsa. Both of my children love to dip, and finding dips really low in calories like fat free yogurt and salsa is super easy. Hormel’s brand CHI CHI’s,  the makers of CHI-CHI’S® Snackers™ brought salsa, one of America’s most popular condiments, out of the cupboard and into snack time. The single-serving, 4-ounce portable packages offer us, Miles especially, a chance to create a fiesta at any time with three of CHI-CHI’S® salsas’ most popular varieties. (Zoe likes it too, but not as much as her brother does.)  The fun-sized packs pair great with veggies and are the perfect serving size for the kids. Usually, they eat half of one and we save the rest for the next snack time. Hormel Foods offers online coupons? Check out their website for constantly rotating offers on all your favorite Hormel products!

 

This post was written as part of an on-going campaign with Hormel and enters me into a contest to win a Hormel Family blogger Grand Prize.

Would You Sell Your Old Jewelry?

I was stopped in the mall the other day with my kids and this guy asked me to guess the value of a bag of gold jewelry. I guessed, $3,000. I wasn’t sure how much the bag weighed but I know that the price of gold is really high right now. He was shocked that I actually knew the price of gold and asked me if I wanted to sell any. He said that most people guess that the bag is worth $45 or $50. The bag was actually only worth $1800 because it wasn’t as heavy as I thought it was. I actually do have some jewelry that I’m not ever going to wear but some of it still has some sentimental value. so I’m not sure if I’m going to sell it or not.

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And for those that are getting married, how in the world can they afford a ring right now?

With the price of Gold in the 1,000s per ounce mens tungsten rings are a great alternative. My husband’s wedding band is one of the mens tungsten wedding bands we looked at and we purchased it maybe 7 or 8 years ago and wow the price has dropped on Tungsten since then. I know we’ve almost been married ten years, but he lost his wedding band, or the cat lost it, we’re not sure what happened to it exactly but we replaced it very early on in our marriage. The jeweler told us that Tungsten is a great metal that’s used in airplanes. I thought that was really cool. If you’re interested in checking out tungsten alternatives check out MensTungstenOnline.

What might you think does this have anything to do with Momstart?

One, it’s one of the many random personal posts that I do. Two, I got a pitch the other day from a ring company and I was wondering how that would go over before I accepted it. Would you guys be interested in a jewelry giveaway of some kind? Men’s or women’s jewelry?

 

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Win RealD 3D Limited Edition #LionKing3D Glasses

 

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The Lion King 3D is NOW SHOWING in theaters around North America. Mom Start is excited to give three of our readers an opportunity to win a pair of limited-edition Samba-themed kids’ RealD 3D glasses. These RealD glasses were available exclusively at RealD 3D-equipped theaters while supplies last; if your child didn’t get theirs, but loves the Lion King these are a must have!

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This limited-edition Samba-themed kids’ RealD 3D glasses will only work in RealD 3D theaters, but this collectable is yours to keep and reuse for all other RealD 3D movies. Locate your nearest RealD 3D viewing theater. These RealD 3D kids’ glasses are for children 8 years of age and younger. Each pair is individually packaged to ensure they are sanitary and of high quality.

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If you didn’t get to see Lion King 3D during opening weekend, don’t forget to head out soon as this limited engagement is only 2 weeks long! What is your child’s favorite part of Lion King?

My children love the Lion King! My 4YO loves the silliness of Timon and Pumbaa especially buzzard bowling. My 2YO loves the beginning when all the animals are moving across the Pride Lands for the viewing of baby Simba.

Giveaway Closed! Winner e-mailed.

About Summer:

Summer is very active in our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living while cooking up a storm.

Halloween Recipe: Bone Warming Chili

For your Halloween festivities, turn your guacamole into spookamole, your deviled eggs into deviled eyeballs and create party snacks to please big and little treaters and tricksters alike. Avocados are at their peak in the autumn and winter seasons in Mexico, ready to make ghoulishly and naturally green dishes. Create these delicious gore-d’oeuvres and watch your trick-or-treaters snap them up!

Also on the menu is this delightfully Bone Warming Chili!

MA-100 Beef Chili with Avocado

Bone Warming Chile Recipe

Halloween Recipe: Bone Warming Chili
5.0 from 3 reviews
Print
Recipe Type: Main
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1-1/2 cups chopped red onion, divided
  • 1/4 cup diced jalapeños
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 can (14 or 15 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, optional
  • Coarsely grated cheddar cheese, optional
  • 1 fully ripened avocado from Mexico, halved, pitted, peeled and sliced
Directions
  1. In large saucepan over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil.
  2. Set aside 1/4 cup onion; add remaining onion and jalapeños to saucepan; cook and stir until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute.
  4. Add beef, breaking into large chunks; cook and stir until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
  5. Add chili powder and cumin; cook 1 minute.
  6. Stir in tomatoes and 1 cup water; heat to boiling, reduce heat to medium-low; cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. In small bowl, combine 1 cup water with flour; add to chili along with kidney beans and salt.
  7. Bring to a boil; cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes; stir in cilantro, if desired. To serve, ladle chili into bowls; sprinkle with reserved 1/4 cup chopped onion and cheese, if desired.
  8. Top with sliced avocados.
Google Recipe View Microformatting by Easy Recipe

 

 

 

For more fun Halloween stats, check out this Halloween Eats Infographic

Getting Kids to Make Healthy Veggie Choices Crock Country

Did you know that according to statistics parents don’t make children eat their veggies because they don’t want to upset their children? YIKES!  Can you imagine a place where you don’t have to hide veggies to get your kids to eat them, a place where carrots and broccoli fly off plates and into tummies? This place is called Crock Country. Inspired by the scene depicted on their tubs of spread, Crock Country brings to life a place where good habits are delicious ™ and families are proud to serve vegetables. There you will find really great recipes to serve the whole family.

I took my kids to Costco yesterday to pick out some veggies to eat, and I had a terrible time with my phone camera so I never got a good shot of them picking out veggies. Miles picked out a package of organic carrots and Zoe picked out a package of organic spinach. We also purchased potatoes and corn and we made potato soup.

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Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe

Ingredients:

6 Potatoes peeled and cut
1 bag frozen corn
1 16 ounce package of chicken broth
1/2 cup of Country Crock
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup whipping cream
2/3 cup cheddar cheese

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot and cook on high for 4-5 hours.

Then turn to low add the cheese and stir until melted

Then add the cream and turn off the crock pot.

 

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Cynthia C.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules. We received samples.

The Woolite Washing Savior Complete Laundry Kit

Woolite is hosting a sweepstakes on their Facebook page for $20,000. The Woolite Washing Savior contest is on a mission to find a savior, a hero, who can fight back with Woolite and help protect everyday clothing from the torture of other detergents that treat your clothes as if they are dirtier than they are. The Woolite Washing Savior Contest is only open to legal residents of the United States and the District of Colombia (excluding Puerto Rico), age 18 or older at the time of entry. Click here for the official contest rules.

It’s quite an exciting giveaway as we all have to do laundry. You can enter the Contest through the www.facebook.com/wooliteus ‘Woolite® Washing Savior Contest’ application on the Facebook Platform. Complete and submit the information as instructed ("entry") including your name, a description of why you are a Washing Savior in 300 words or less, a photograph or illustration of yourself as a Washing Savior. Are you a washing savoir, if you’re a stay at home mom or dad then the answer is an astounding yes. Go Enter!

· The contest ends Tuesday, September 20, 2011 (ONLY 1 WEEK LEFT people) and voting will end on October 3.Voters will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes for the chance to win a $100 Amex gift card.

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This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Jennifer Marie.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules. We will receive samples

Chicken Soup for the Soul Inspiration for the Young at Heart

I’m still collecting Chicken Soup for the Soul books and ready to share the latest edition with you guys.

Chicken Soup For the Soul Inpiration for the YoungLife begins again at 60! Crossing that magic age might bring a few new wrinkles but also new experiences. This collection is full of humorous and fun adventures from those who are actively enjoying their "senior years!" Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for the Young at Heart celebrates the fun and wonder of getting older with its stories about dynamic older singles and couples finding new careers, new sports, new love, and new meaning to their lives. This book will amuse and invigorate readers.

 

 

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This book covers everything from new careers to new passions to finding love in your senior years. Seriously, this is a great read for anyone approaching retirement. "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for the Young at Heart" proves that your most enjoyable years are still ahead and gives you 101 ideas about what to do with them.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winners: Daniel M, JW and Linda Kish.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules.