MommyPR.com™ » Interviews

Christine Avanti Tells Us How Metromint Can Cure Your Hunger

Angela — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:34:02 +0000

Christine Avanti, published author (Skinny Chicks Dont Eat Salads), chef, nutritionist and outspoken advocate of the trans formative power of REAL food, had an eye opening call with some select bloggers today. Christine told us about how we can use water to cure our hunger and keep hydrated.

Did you know 2011 Summer is shaping up to be the hottest summer on record! Most of us gain between 3-4 pounds during the winter season, so we have 5 tips for you to stay hydrated and keep that weight down.

Sip Yourself Skinny- Water with a hint of fruit or mint makes it easier to drink more during the day. Add cinnamon or mint
Boost your metabolism with mint- All natural ingredients help you stick to your health resolutions
Curb your cravings- Fight your desire for sugar by snacking on healthy treats. Like chocolate mint water!
Fight inflammation with hydration- Water is necessary to support the body’s processes
Hydrate to cleanse the body- Drinking water helps rid your body of toxin

Did you know that a mint study was done at Wheeling Jesuit, showed that 27 adults who sniffed mint under their nose every 2 hours ate 350 less calories a day!

A great healthy option is MetroMint Water! Actually created by a woman who wanted to add flavor to her water, she simply crushed up a mint and added it. Mint Water was born! It has 0 Calories, No Artificial flavors, sweeteners or flavoring! And it can help freshen your breath. To keep you on your toes- Next time you feel hungry, try drinking water instead. Your body may actually be thirsty from not getting enough fluids.

While you are over at Metromint, enter their sweepstakes!

Some Information provided by our MetroMint Call.

HGTV Designer Lisa LaPorta Offers Tips on How to Avoid a Moving Nightmare

TaraTodd — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 21:02:20 +0000

Lisa LaPorta – HGTV and Rachel Ray designer, and “techorating” expert is available just in time to give so great tips to help people avoid the biggest moving mistakes and how to make your move with technology so much easier thanks to Cable Mover.com

I was a little nervous and got caught with the call right in the middle of dealing with my kids lol But check out all these great tips that Lisa LaPorta offered me about moving into a new place and making the technology transfer MUCH easier as well as how to add color to the room if you are restricted on paint in an apartment.

Find Lisa on Facebook

@LisaLaPorta

HGTV Designer Lisa LaPorta Offers Tips on How to Avoid a Moving Nightmare

Tip #1 – Plan Ahead

Given that the average person planning a move has a “to do” list of over 60 items, it’s no wonder that some things may fall through the cracks. We get so consumed with packing boxes and getting out the door of our current home, we often forget to take care of some simple things that can really help to smooth the move and make a new house feel like a home.

My #1 tip for a smooth move is to plan ahead – especially for the key services you will need the moment you open the door to your new home. Think of how much easier things will be if you have your phone, internet and cable television up and running as soon as possible upon your arrival. You can actually use these services to facilitate everything else you do – call for take out, order new shower curtains and entertain the kids while you unpack boxes.
There’s a great one-stop-shop I think is very helpful to streamline this process – www.cablemover .com. You simply enter the information for your new home and get to set up an appointment to transition all of these services on a date and time that’s convenient to you. And it doesn’t matter if your move is across town, or across the country.

Tip # 2 – Why Move the Mess

Once you check off the “plan ahead” items off your list, it’s back to business with the boxes! I encourage everyone to look around before they start packing their boxes. Especially when you see some unsightly cords or electronics – ask yourself – why move the mess?

Clean up – Take advantage of moving to clean up that web of tangled and dusty cords. You probably won’t have fun while you’re doing it, but you’ll be really thankful when you unpack.
Label Your Cables and Equipment Inputs – Use a labeler with color coated labels to identify what cable goes into the correct input on all of your audio, video and computer equipment before you unplug everything for packing. This strategy will remove the guesswork when reconnecting.
Bundle — Get bread ties or trash bag plastic pull ties to wrap and bundle the cords individually.
Packing – Pack all of your cables and remotes in the same box – This will make it much easier to find everything you need to reconnect and program your equipment upon arrival.
Do your best to hide your cords in your new home. Once you begin to set up your new home, consider using plastic tubing channels which are an economical and great way to organize and clean up that cobweb of cords.
Consolidate your remote controls — as a designer, I prefer seeing just one remote control sitting on the coffee table …and not multiples — which are confusing and always look messy. One remote — a universal remote — can control all of your equipment. It’s a great way to be ahead of the game in clutter control. And clutter can destroy a good room design.

Tip # 3 – UPDATE & UPGRADE

Because technology has become woven into so many different facets of lives– there’s a lot to think about when from both a design and technology standpoint when setting up your new home. In fact, designers have coined a term for this phenomena – we call it “techorating.”

The first thing you need to think about are the electronics you already have and what you will do with them in your new home. Moving is a great time to “update and upgrade.” For instance, you may not want to go through the hassle of moving that heavy, space and energy hog big box TV you’ve had for 15 years. You can either donate it if it is in good working order or recycle it — some home electronics stores will actually recycle your big old clunky junk. You can then purchase a space saving and design friendly slim new Energy Star rated TV – which can actually put as much as $58 per year back in your wallet while also cutting your carbon foot print!

Moving is downright stressful — but with these tips and a jumpstart from cablemover.com you are well on your way to a stress-free move!

MORE ABOUT LISA LAPORTA:
Based in Los Angeles, designer Lisa LaPorta has extensive experience managing projects of all types and sizes, from concept through completion. Her business includes many prominent clients, who appreciate her strong design sense, practicality and ability to listen to their needs. She is widely recognized by millions from her considerable visibility through a string of successful HGTV shows including, “Designing for the Sexes,” “Designer’s Challenge,” “Designed to Sell,” “Bang for Your Buck,” “Showdown,” and “First Time Design.” For over 10 years, LaPorta has been entering people’s lives and helping them deal with the toughest design dilemmas. Lisa’s credibility and reputation have led to partnerships with brands, most recently including KILZ brand primer and Purdy paintbrushes. Lisa is a go-to expert providing tips in publications such as People, US Weekly, TV Guide, Entertainment Weekly, Newsweek, Time, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times, and she has made appearances on national and regional TV programming, including “The Rachel Ray Show.”

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Disclaimer:

This interview opportunity is sponsored by Cable Movers

I will be receiving FREE product.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely my own and any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified by the above mentioned store, PR,or product designer. This post is not endorsed, sponsored or has any connection to twitter, facebook or any other network. This post is solely the property of Mommy PR and/or its above sponsor. You can read more about Mommy PR’s Policy Disclosure here. See our Mission Statement for more on what we promise to uphold on every post.

Dr. Travis Stork, co-host of CBS show, The Doctors, Interview for Crest

TaraTodd — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 19:28:08 +0000

Dr. Travis Stork for Crest

Summertime is associate with freedom – no school, cold treats, like ice cream and trips that may knock a person off heir normal health and hygiene routine. An avid supporter of maintaining oral health to promote the best possible overall health, Dr. Travis Stork, discusses these issues.

Crest Pro-Health Sensitive and Enamel Shield Toothpaste helps prevent enamel loss. It contains active stannous fluoride, which binds to and strengthens enamel to create a micro-thin shield against acid attack. It also contains finer ActivClean Crystals™ for a smoother brushing experience, and modified Dual Silica Technology for gentle cleaning.

Save on your Crest brand purchase with P&G coupons here

Find great updates and more info from Crest on Facebook.

Background: On CBS Television Distribution’s award-winning syndicated show, “The Doctors” Dr. Travis Stork helps educate individuals on how to achieve and maintain good overall health, which includes good oral health. Oral care is an important health topic that many adults may overlook because they believe that they are already doing everything they can to protect their mouths. They do not realize that red gums or minor bleeding during brushing or flossing can be a sign of early gum disease called gingivitis. Gingivitis, when left untreated, can lead to a more serious form of gum disease, known as periodontitis, which can be a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Dr. Stork has partnered with Crest to promote the importance of gingivitis awareness and the impact of oral hygiene on overall health and well-being.

More About Travis Stork: When he isn’t in front of the cameras working with “The Doctors”, Dr. Travis Stork is a faculty physician in the Emergency Department at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN. His credentials include graduating Magna Cum Laude from Duke University and earning his M.D. with Honors from the University of Virginia. He completed his residency as an emergency room doctor at Vanderbilt University. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Stork is a devotee of mountain and road biking, kayaking and hiking with his dog, Nala. He has participated in numerous fundraisers for organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and, in 1998, he bicycled solo cross-country for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Sensitive Skin Insight Interview with Dr. Downie, M.D.

TaraTodd — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:24:45 +0000

Recently I had the opportunity to get some great tips on ways to better the winter skin and year round tips for people with sensitive skin, from Dr. Downie.

My oldest son has asthma (which is maintained), eczema and allergies. So needless to say we are a very product cautious home. I have not used all of the products in the video yet but I know these are great products for those who do have dry skin issues thanks to rave reviews from friends and family.
We really love Olay products in our home because everything we have tried always seems to make our skin soft or betters it in some way and oatmeal “treatments” just like the Aveeno product here is amazing, not too mention these are super AFFORDABLE!!

Dr. Downie shares other great products and tips here in the video.
Check it out…

I mentioned my concerns of asthma, allergies, eczema, itching etc and these are the tips I received from Dr. Downie:

I would suggest Tide Free & Gentle, Bounce Free & Sensitive and Tide Stain Release Free . These products are perfume-free and dye-free make a difference with decreased itching for kids & adults with eczema. I love that she pointed out the Stain release option because honestly I never thought that far down the laundry line about the products and it’s definately best to have every option covered. I have noticed in the past perfume and dye-free are definately the way to go!
For kids with sensitive skin I like Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash – unscented, Aveeno oatmeal baths, Olay Complete Moisturizer with spf30 and Oil of Olay Advanced Healing Lotion. I also like Blistex for their lips and keeping any child with eczema nails cut is imperative. Again, head to toe, product to product. These are great tips. My son scratches all the time and his nails pretty much have to be cut every two days and it seems like it doesn’t scratch as much when his nails are clipped.
Semi hot, not very hot baths are the rule.

Skincare Tips:

To prevent chapped skin, make sure your baths are filled with
lukewarm water rather than hot water.
Pat your skin dry and rehydrate with a thick emollient lotion.
Scents tend to irritate the skin and make you dryer and more
irritated, so keep this in mind when choosing products, including your
laundry detergent. Use a dye and perfume-free line of laundry
products—like P&G’s Tide Free & Gentle, Downy Free & Sensitive,
Bounce Free & Sensitive and Tide Stain Release Free.
Make sure you are using a lip balm that contains SPF and apply
balm to their hands (in between fingers) before covering them with
warm winter mittens.

More About Dr. Jeanine Downie:

Jeanine B., Downie, M.D. is board certified and is the director of image Dermatology in Montclair, N.J. She has extensive training and experience in all aspects of
dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, laser and dermatologic surgery. Dr. Downie earned her B.S. from Tufts University and her M.D. from SUNY-Health Science Center at Brooklyn. She trained in dermatology at Mount Sinai, where she was the chief resident. Dr. Downie has been honored repeatedly by Castle Connolly as one of New York Metropolitan’s Top Doctors. She is a medical consultant and frequently appears on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The View with Barbara Walters, The
Rachel Ray Show, The Dr. Oz Show, Good Day New York, Ten Years Younger, BET News, as well as many other shows. She has a chapter in Bobbi Brown’s best seller ‘Living Beauty’, ‘Bobbi Brown Beauty Evolution’ and in ‘Hair Rules’ by Anthony Dickey. Her first book, Beautiful Skin of Color, is a comprehensive skin care guide for Asian,
Olive and Dark Skin. (Harper Collins, 2004)

Check out your local department store to find these great products!

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Disclaimer:

I did receive free product in exchange for this posting.

Andrea Is On Time To Play Magazine

Angela — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:50:38 +0000

Yes our own Mommy PR Manager Andrea is on Time To Play Magazine!!!

Here is what Time To Play is About:

Welcome to TimetoPlayMag.com. We’re glad you came by. Our team has combined experience in the toy industry of more than 100 years. We travel the world looking at the newest toys, video games, and entertainment products. We scour the stores and talk to the manufacturers about the products they’re promoting. Then we start playing.

Our goal is to give you the best information and the easiest way for you to find the toys, videos, electronics, accessories and more that are perfect for your child… or yourself!

You can visit more on Time To Play Magazine HERE.

To read about Gender Toys, and why sometimes,… its OK to let boys learn nurturing with baby dolls… Click here (Article by Andrea Millay of Mommy PR!)

Make sure you follow Time To Play Magazine on Facebook, Twitter, & You Tube.

Interview with Dr. Ayala creator of Herbal Water

DawnS — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:03:34 +0000

You all know by now what a big fan I am of Herbal Water and I am so pleased that Dr. Ayala took some time to answer a few questions for us!

First I would like to fill you in with a little background. Dr. Ayala is a pediatrician, a mom, lifelong vegetarian and artist. She began making herbal waters at home for her friends and family. They enjoyed them so much that she decided to branch out and share them will all of us and Herbal Water was born.

Out of Dr. Ayala’s creativity has come the most unique and delicious healthy drink alternative that I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. It reminds me of the days when I would get so much enjoyment out of a good glass of wine with a great meal. I equally look forward to my Herbal Water along with my meal and enjoy deciding which flavor will most compliment my dinner each night.

I am so excited that my local Whole Foods is now carrying Herbal Water. I thought that I was going to have withdrawals when our 90 day Herbal Water sponsorship ended, but my favorite Whole Foods did not let me down! However, if they had not started carrying Herbal Water, it is super easy to order online and have it delivered right to your doorstep! They also offer some great deals, so be sure to sign up for their newsletter so that you don’t miss out on them!

I’ve also started recommending it to some of our local restaurants. It would give me such great pleasure to walk into one of my favorite eateries and find Herbal Water on the menu!

Now for some questions and answers with Dr. Ayala!

1) I have always made my own flavored water using lemon, oranges, cucumber etc… but it never crossed my mind to try herbs. What made you first try herbs and what was your first flavor?

I love fresh herbs, and have been growing and using them in food and beverages for many years. Herbs have a high concentration of flavor and aroma molecules, add lots of sophistication and complexity and are naturally virtually calorie free. To me, they seem like the natural choice when looking for flavor and I find they are a little underutilized. I really want to popularize these terrific healthy foods.

The first flavor combination was the lemongrass mint vanilla. It’s a great drink for almost any meal and any activity.

2) Your flavors are so crisp, clean and bold… how do you achieve such a clear herbal taste without any artificial additives?

We use the purest of water and high quality organic herbs. Herbs are wonderful that way—you can achieve full flavor with no aftertaste and no need to add anything.

3) Do you have a flavor that is your own personal favorite?

I love all my children the same. Really

4) Do you have plans to create and introduce more flavors?

Definitely. More flavors and perhaps other sizes too.

5) Can you pinpoint any particular experience that has made the biggest impact on your business?

As a small, young company the word of mouth and grassroots recognition and buzz we got from enthusiastic consumers and bloggers was incredible, and made a huge impact on our ability to get nationwide distribution and be where we’re at today.

6) There are some wonderful recipes on your blog, do you have any that you would share with us? Perhaps one that utilizes Herbal Water?

Dr. Ayala has shared some wonderful recipes with us. One I have posted here and the links she has provided can be found below.

Lemon, Verbena and Geranium Sorbet

Ingredients:

• 2 cups boiling water

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 5-8 leaves of rose geranium* (can be replaced by French tarragon or 1 teaspoon lavender flowers)

• 1 cup lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh Lemon Verbena

• ½ teaspoon grated lemon peel (yellow part only)

*Another option is to replace rose geranium with 1 bottle of Ayala’s Herbal Water Lemon Verbena Geranium. If you do this, use just ½ cup of boiling water to melt the sugar.

To prepare:

Stir the sugar and rose geranium leaves in the boiling water until sugar is dissolved. Chill completely. Remove leaves just before making the sorbet.

Add the lemon juice, lemon Verbena and lemon peel.

Freeze in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions 25-30 minutes.

If you do not have an ice cream maker you can find alternative directions by clicking here: Sorbets
Additional recipes can be found here:

Whole wheat pita bread

Whole wheat banana bread

Wheat berry salad

7) Do you have any upcoming events scheduled where our readers may be able to find and try Herbal Water?

We donate our water to many charitable events, and have in-store tastings often.

Sign up for our blog or newsletter (http://www.herbalwater.com/

<http://www.herbalwater.com/index.html> ) so you don’t miss a thing.

A very special thank you from MommyPR to Dr. Ayala and Herbal Water for sponsoring our 90 Day Health and Fitness Challenge and for taking time to personally answer questions and share with our readers.

We wish you great success in 2010 and you can be sure that I will be doing everything I can to spread the Herbal Water love around Birmingham!

Connect with Herbal Water:

Follow Herbal Water on Twitter.

Follow Dr. Ayala on Twitter.

Become a Fan of Herbal Water on Facebook.

Follow Dr. Ayala’s blog.

See all of our 90 Day Fitness Challenge posts here.

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Disclaimer:

I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting.

I did receive product or services to keep for my testing purposes from herbalwater.com.

Receiving the products for free did not persuade my personal beliefs or views.

You can read more about Mommy PR’s Policy Disclosure here.
See our Mission Statement for more on what we promise to uphold on every post.

Some information may have been used from the sponsors website, PR, or other provided material. (Giveaways- Odds of winning depend on the number of entries vs prizes. No purchase is ever needed or endorsed for an entry) The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely my own and any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified by the above mentioned store, PR,or product designer. This post is not endorsed, sponsored or have any connection to Twitter, Facebook or any other network. This post is solely the property of Mommy PR and/or its above sponsor.

Rainn Wilson From “The Office” Answers YOUR Questions

Angela — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:41:58 +0000

Nikon Festival On Facebook

(Via Facebook-) Calling all fans of The Office, Soul Pancake, and The Rocker – Rainn Wilson will be answering YOUR questions. Post yours Qs here and we’ll pick the best to ask Mr. Schrute himself… And if you can fit in the 140-sec theme, we’ll be super-impressed.

Nikon Festival On Twitter

(Via Twitter-) Love Jim, Pam, and most of all Dwight? @NikonFestival is asking @RainnWilson YOUR questions. So what do you wanna know? #TheOffice

Official Nikon Festival Website

Disclaimer:

I was no paid for this post.

I review for Nikon on Mommy PR.

Interview With Mommy PR – (7/10/09)

Angela — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:01:29 +0000

Interview With the ladies of Mommy PR from Taras View Of The World

PLEASE VISIT TARAS VIEW OF THE WORLD!!

Friday, July 10, 2009

20 Questions with the ladies of Mommy PR

I’d like to take this chance to introduce you all to a great new site- Mommy PR! They are celebrating their grand opening with a TON of giveaways so make sure to check them out! I asked the ladies of Mommy PR a bunch of questions and here are their answers…

1. First of all who are the ladies behind Mommy PR?

Angela:
Angela- I’m the director of Mommy PR. I’m a military spouse with a
hotty hubby and 2 awesomely spoiled girls. (ages 6 &2) I attend
Capella university for my BS in marketing.

Andrea:

Andrea- Well I will just answer for myself, I am Andrea mommy to 2
wonderful boys (16 months and 3 years).

Amy:

Hi my name is Amy Brewer. I am married with 3 beautiful children. I live in a small town in Ohio where I was born and raised. My favorite things to do are spend time with my family and care for animals. I am a fun person who loves to laugh.

Dawn:

Dawn- I am Dawn Speese and a WAHM of two daughters that mean the world to me. I work full time as a Finance/Office manager for a company that owns and operates Adult Foster Care homes for adults with mental illnesses. In addition to that I am an adoption advocate and blog about adoption on my personal blog www.ryleeforlife.blogspot.com, along with posts about family life after adoption. Although with the start up of MommyPR, I haven’t been around
much on my own blog, but hopefully that will change now that things are starting to roll along so well at MommyPR!

Megan:

My name is Megan and I’m a unique reviewer for Mommy PR – I’m a mom to an adorable and mischievous cat named Bailey! I don’t have any (real) kids yet, but one day I hope to. When I’m not at my 9 to 5 day job I enjoy cooking, sewing, listening to music, traveling, spending time outdoors, going to the beach and just about anything else fun!

Breanne:

Hey guys!! My name is Breanne Blanchard. I have been married for 3 1/2 years and have an amazing 1 year old son and looking forward to having more! I am a SAHM, but before that I worked as a Hair Stylist at a salon. My plan is to go back to school for nursing when my kids are older. I LOVE the beach, Coke, havin fun with my family and friends, and goin to Disneyland!

Mommy PR also has a silent person who is their IMS (Independant Marketing Specialist)

2. How did you all meet?

Angela- Through a past blog when I had hired them for writers.

Dawn- I started following Angela after I saw a post from her about the charity DreamCatchers For Abused Children (http://www.dreamcatchersforabusedchildren.com/). It wasn’t long after
that when she posted that she was looking for review bloggers and I answered her back right away! I am so happy to be together at MommyPR with such an amazing and hardworking group of people!

Andrea- At another blog

3. Why did you start Mommy PR? What is your main goal with the site?

Angela- Marketing and advertisement is in my blood! I wanted to help other bloggers start and succeed as well as work with companies to showcase their products and services as well. Basically join the 2 so there was a win win for everyone.

Andrea- The blog started in hopes to be able to connect more bloggers with great companies, and of course to continue with the great reviews and giveaways

4. Do you wish you had more time, energy or money? You can only choose one

Angela- Wow hard one…I would say more money, then my hubby could work less!

Megan- TIME

Breanne- Right now….Money!

Amy- I would want more energy.

Dawn- Well that is super hard to only choose one, but I would say time! If I had more time, I would be able to get more sleep and have time to make more money LOL!!!

Andrea- Ahh that’s easy….more time

5. Do you all blog elsewhere as well?

Angela- Nope , Mommy PR only.

Megan- I have my measly little blog that I’ve kind of stopped paying attention to recently because I have more fun blogging with Mommy PR!

Breanne- I do! Breblanchard.Com….Although it’s been almost a year since I last posted anything! Oops!

Amy- No. I only post on Mommy PR

Andrea- Nope this is my one and only

6. What do you do in your non-blogging time?

Angela- What’s non blogging ?? Lol! I go to school, have kids..Blog.. Lol
There really is no non blogging time! Oh but I do love to fish and shop like nobody’s business lol

Megan- Work…besides work I love spending time with my family and friends!
Usually my free time is spent outdoors.

Breanne- I spend time with my hubby and my son Malachi. We love to go to Disneyland and the beach! I also do hair..Just at home for family and friends now..I used to work in a salon, but i want to stay home with my son.

Amy- I am a SAHM so I just hang out with the family.

Andrea- Play with my kids, try to keep the house picked up LOL, and I work as a physical therapist 2 days a week

7. What inspires you? What makes you laugh?

Angela- My dreams inspire me. My husband, my kids. And my girls here at mommy pr are so kick butt it’s crazy. They make me laugh so much in a day!

Megan- Life is my inspiration – And I am usually the reason for my laughter.
Hey, gotta be able to laugh at yourself, right?

Breanne- My husband inspires me, my aunt inspires me, Jesus, and my son. Um, if
I’m really tired…Everything makes me laugh! I laugh everyday at my son (he is almost 2 and so fun!) my husband and my whole family is pretty dang funny!

Amy- People who go above and beyond inspire me. I have to say that people just being silly no matter how old will always make me laugh.

Dawn- I am so inspired by my kids, especially my daughter that we adopted in November 2007 at age 4 1/2. She is so brave and joined our family with the total intent of taking over!
She has tried, believe me, but she has fit so completely in to our family that it is hard to remember a time when she wasn’t here. If we all could approach new and uncertain situations with the same spunk and determination that she does, there would be absolutely nothing that could hold us back!

As to what makes me laugh – both of my daughters have a wonderful sense of humor and love to make me laugh. I am so happy to say that they both accomplish this multiple times a day.

Andrea- My children inspire me, my family and friends make me laugh

8. If you were suddenly turned into a fish what would you do?

Angela- I would search the ocean floor for buried treasure!! And maybe check out a hot mer-man!

Megan- Depends on what type of fish – if I were a shark, I’d go scare the little fishies. If I were a little fish, I’d go hide from the sharks.

Breanne- I would swim to Australia so I could hang with Crush.

Amy- If I were turned into a fish, I would swim away from the worms that suddenly appear
in the water.

Andrea- Swim to tropical water and enjoy the scenery

9. What is your best (funniest or most inspiring or most challenging) mommy story?

Angela- I think the most challenging mommy story is that of raising 2 kids in Italy while our daddy was deployed for 15 months. I have a huge respect for single moms, I have no idea how they do it 24/7 365. 15 months almost killed me!

Breanne- My most challenging is this age right now. It is getting a little better, but my son has been into everything! Climbing, running away from me, throwing himself on the ground and screaming, pouring toilet water on the carpet, throwing my make-up in the trash, you name it!
Although sometimes I just laugh at him, other times I wish I could put him in that nice soothing swing for 5 min…Man I miss that swing!

Dawn- One of my favorite mommy stories is when my daughter Hanna shared her first belly laugh with us at a J C Penney Home Store. Her Daddy jumped out from being a clothing rack and said “boo!”, it was the first time we heard that beautiful sound and then spent the next hour running through the store, jumping out from behind racks and listening to the greatest sound I had every heard! What total maniacs we must have looked like and I can’t even imagine the security camera tapes!!! We were totally unaware of the other shoppers or the time – it was just the three of us totally absorbed in a giggling baby!!

Andrea- Nursing both of my boys for a full year (I never knew how hard it would be to continue for a year and how much negativity I would get because of it)

10. What is something you wish someone had told you before you had kids?

Angela- KOOL-AID STAINS! LOL

Breanne- Wow. Lots of things…Like you might puke your whole entire pregnancy!
That being pregnant and giving birth are the scariest things you will ever face and they don’t always have a happy ending…

Amy- That the preteen stage in girls is way worse than the terrible two stage.

Andrea- Travel before you have kids

11. When you are blogging what are the things you must have… quiet? music? chocolate? pens in 6 different colours? a clean desk? a messy desk? a desk at all? can you work with kid’s running around or do you wait until they are asleep?

Angela- Haaaa I wish I could show you my laptop screen. It’s a mess. I have so many tabs and im’s open at once. All you hear are kids screaming and the im’s beeping like mad. I have to say..Our site may be organized..But I’m a messy blogger!

Megan- I’m pretty good about blogging under any conditions – noise, quiet, tv on or off, etc.

Breanne- Coke! My spot on the couch, lap top charger…
I usually do all my posts after my boys are in bed…Nice quiet alone time for mom!

Amy- I have to have a pen and my notebook. I usually wait for at least 2 of my 3 kids to go bed before I start posts.

Andrea- My kitchen table LOL, and my trusty notebook. I like quiet but it rarely happens

12. What is the oddest thing about you?

Angela- Um..I have no idea. My hubby could probably name 100 lol. I have to say I’m a big nerd. I love everything geeky, nerdy, technical. And I have a slight ocd disorder for my site being organized. I’m always changing things for the better. And it bugs me when I get to overwhelmed and I cant finish in 24 hours lol.
Weird I Know!

Megan- I was born in Cuba

Breanne- Haha! Um, I love to peel! You know…When you are sunburned, when you let glue dry on your hands, the dried hairspray on the bottles….Yea I’m a creeper. Been that way since I was a little girl!

Andrea- LOL that’s a hard one, I guess I have to have my house picked up before going to bed…it drives me crazy

13. What is the best quality about each of your team-mates?

Angela- oh the best question!

Andrea- only a call away anytime, she is great for 6:30 problem calls too!
Shes a great friend, will back you up. (haaa she will love that one! Its a joke don’t worry lol.)

Amy- I don’t think I know anyone sweeter, always there for you too.

Dawn- she’s a go getter/leader. She’s a tough cookie! Awesome worker

Breanne- she’s so pretty lol wish I had her looks! I like her no crap attitude also. She sets her mind to something and goes for it.

Megan- our single gal! She’s so quiet lol. She does her work, has her fun, goes to her regular job, and is totally awesome doing it all.

Our IMS- (she wishes to remain anonymous at this time)- super great lady, on the ball about things, understands what we are trying to do with marketing, research and so forth. Hands on, could not be a better worker.

Megan- I wish I could name each other Mommy by name and best quality, but I can’t. I only really know Ang well enough to comment on The best thing about Ang is her patience!! I’m always asking pesking, annoying questions and she never loses her cool with me

Breanne-

Angela- devotion/loyalty…She is always always there for you and will do what ever it takes to help you out. She has patience like I have never seen!

Amy- so kind and sweet! And honest!

Dawn- she is a freakin go getter! Hard worker!

Andrea- I need to get to know you! very cute family!

Megan- I need to get to know you too! But you are adorable!

Andrea- Angela is the most caring, selfless person I know, I love Dawn’s organization, Amy is a sweetheart, our IMS is very focused and driven, Breanne is honest, and Megan is fun.

14. If you had access to a time machine where would you go?

Angela- When I first saw my hubby, I would have asked him out sooner!

Megan- I’d love to go back to the Elizabethian times, just so I could wear the clothes for a day. Then I’d want to take a shower and come back to real time asap! Haha!

Breanne- Back to the 1950′s!!

Amy- I would go back to see my children when they were first born just to feel that bond I
had with each of them. The first bonding experience is always the best.

Andrea- I would love to go back to when my parents were my age and see how
they handled raising young children

15. What is the last or best book you read or movie you saw?

Angela- I always loved those Nancy Drew books growing up. I love mysteries and scary movies/books. My fav movie right now is Twilight!

Megan- The last book I read was “Eclipse” from the “Twilight” saga. The last movie I saw was “The Taking of Pelham 123″

Breanne- Well I hate reading so I will go with movie….Confessions of a Shopaholic! So cute! (it’s the last one I saw…Not the best one. Ha!)

Amy- Twilight

Andrea- Whew I am so glad I can answer this one LOL, my hubby and I just rented Bride Wars this week (seriously it is the first movie we have seen in over 9 months…pathetic). I LOVE fiction books and just got done reading the latest James Patterson The Eigth Confession

16. What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

Angela- Can I answer tomorrow after I go shopping! lol!
Um..Milk, juice, apples, lemons, butter? lol

Megan- Not a whole lot since I was eating it out all week so I wouldn’t have leftovers while I was out for a week. (Megan is on vacation right now!)

Breanne- Coke! Duh! Um, juice, milk, water, turkey, hot dogs….And lots of other stuff. Nothing interesting…Sorry girls!

Andrea- Hmm, let me go look. Milk, OJ, lots of cheese, manicotti leftovers, macacroni and cheese leftovers, and lots of pickles LOL

17. If you could be any fictional character who would you be?

Angela- Hum. I would be Ariel from little mermaid I think

Megan- Maid Marian

Breanne- Good question!

Andrea- The mom from Incredibles

18. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Are you a social butterfly? A homebody? Serious? Funny? Crazy?

Angela- I am a social butterfly on the net. In person I’m more quiet and shy. I’m a homebody. And I am serious, funny, and crazy . (more the last 2 lol)

Megan- Extrovert mostly – outgoing when I’m in comfortable situations but I can be really shy in new, strange situations. But I’m definitely crazy!

Breanne- I am all of those! For sure! Depends on my mood and who I am around!

Amy- I am a homebody who can be a social person if I want to be. I like to try to even them out. I am half serious and half funny/crazy mixed together.

Andrea- I am more comfortable in small crowds vs large ones when I first meet people, LOVE talking on the phone, and have a dry sarcastic humor at times

19. If you could be a superhero what would your special powers be?

Angela- One that could save all the poor, homeless, and helpless.

Megan- Read minds!

Breanne- I would love to heal people…Not just from physical pain, but also emotional. That would be amazing to be..

Amy- I would want super speed. I could do all of the things I did not want to do really
fast so I could have extra time for the things I did want to do.

Andrea- Easy- a mind reader so I could figure out what my 3yr old is up to

20. When you were a little girl what did you want to be when you grew up?

Angela- A rich & successful person!
Lol- it changed thru the years. But i always loved marketing something.

Megan- I wanted to be a marine biologist and train animals in the aquarium.

Breanne- I wanted to be a dancer at Disneyland! I thought it would be so amazing to dance in the parades and I’ve gotten to twice! (well, just getting picked out of the crowd!) but I really was in a parade that went through Disneyland…I still secretly want to…They don’t get
paid very well though

Amy- psychiatrist. I always loved listening to people. Sometimes that’s all a person needs is someone to listen.

Andrea- a vet

Thanks so much Mommy PR for answering my questions and helping us all get to know you a little better!

You can find Mommy PR on Twitter and Facebook as well!

Interview With Mommy PR- PR Week (8/4/09)

Angela — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:28:54 +0000

Part of Kris’s PR Week! Mommy PR took the floor on Tuesday with this interview!

PLEASE VISIT HANDS, HOUSE AND HEART!!

From Mommy PR

For larger names and smaller ones it’s really just a simple strategy…be secure in your own self. Feel confident when you email them or speak to them on the phone. They know you’re a mom and a blogger so you don’t have to get all worked up. Don’t ever lie . Be honest about why you want to test their product..think how many emails they get a day from other bloggers..yours needs to stand out.

How long had you been blogging when you did your first review?

Wow, hum, I believe maybe a few days. It was quite fast.

What is your policy on reviews–do you review everything that comes your way or do you reject reviews? If you reject some how do you determine what to review and what not to review?

We do not review adult items, smoking or alcohol drinks. We also veer from political or religious items. However certain religious items are allowed, such as games or cds because they are for a mere review, not to influence our readers on religious aspects. So yes we do filter what comes in.

How do you come by reviews? Are they offered to you or do you actively seek them?

Both, but it has become more of them coming to us.

What is your best advice concerning reviews?

If you come across something in your review that you are worried about, just ask your PR or whoever you’re dealing with. We have had both ends of the spectrum. Dawn had a company that offered to send her another product since the 1^st item was not up to posting standards. Myself..I was allowed to post my thoughts, even though they were not positive. Have fun with the review. Your talking to regular people, regular moms. Be yourself.

How should people make their “pitch” to companies? If you don’t believe in “pitching” to companies–why not?

Be Honest. Don’t lie. Make your email stand out. Be personable. Be confident. Don’t be scared to email someone. The worse they can say is no. But at least you tried! When you write your email, tell them why you are emailing them. Do not send a staged email with nothing to catch their eye. Tell them who you are, and why they should pick you. Remember to attract them in the first few lines. It’s like meeting someone for the 1^st time. If you a mess, you’re unapproachable. Make sure your email presents you and your site. If you have to call someone..Just be yourself. Be confident in your site. They know you are a mom…and a blogger. Be professional but calm. You will break the ice in 2 seconds.

What are your thoughts on paid reviews?

I am all for it. Moms should be paid for their time and energy. Moms listen to other moms, this is the time for us to stand and be recognized for what we can offer these places. Go for it moms!!

Do you keep most/all the items you review or do you return them?

We make it mandatory that we keep them all. (Unless it is pre-agreed that it has to be a loaner.)
If there is no product then there is a fee.

What are definite “no-no’s when it comes to product reviews for you?

Lying, over exaggerating and bashing a company or product. Bad language. NO!

What are your thoughts on publishing negative reviews? Please explain why.

I don’t see any reason why not. It’s your opinion on that product. So long as the company your working with doesn’t have a stipulation on that, then your fine. It is our policy to speak with the company before we post a negative review. We give them the opportunity to either not have a review posted or to possibly send a new product to try.

What are some of the pros/cons of reviewing items?

The pros definitely include being able to try out new and unique products Sometimes before anyone else. It can be exciting to discover a unique company and be able to share them with your readers. Cons include the amount of time that it takes to do a review and also you are doing it for free. When you review a product you spending time to test the product and then researching the product and company before writing the review. You can have anywhere from three to six or eight or even more hours invested in each review.

What is the best way to find reviews if you actively seek them? Should one start out with the small stuff and work their way up to the large stuff or just jump in head first?

You should start wherever you feel comfortable. We do a wide variety. No one is too small or too big to not want or need advertising.

Do you have a “PR Policy” or “Media Kit” on your website ( or that you send to potential companies) If so, where can we see it (if we can see it) and what do you recommend putting in it?

Yes we have one. You can find it here: http://www.mommypr.com/?p=3305
Yes , sure go ahead and take a look. It never hurts to add it to your letter. But that is a personal preference.

If you are one of the companies/sites to find reviews I’ve been in contact with–What are some strategies for making your blog PR friendly? Any links to examples?

Post your stats on the side bar or somewhere they can see them. Make sure your email is visible

There are 2 sides to this question I want to make clear about Mommy PR, because I don’t want moms to think they have to have numbers to have a voice in the bloggers world. Wrong!
When Mommy PR looks for bloggers for companies, we are given a criteria for each one. So one company might say ..I don’t care just fine me 5 blogs that you think will like my stuff. So , we find then 5 bloggers regardless of stat.
Then we do have some who will only allow us to find certain high bloggers.
Just know that no matter what, all mom (and dad) bloggers are welcomed at Mommy PR

What is the biggest mistake a blogger can make in contacting someone for a review or in doing a review? Any other helpful hints or warnings of what NOT to do?

Do NOT be snobby or unprofessional. I don’t care if it is the owner of an Esty store, and Ebay store, or the President of Sears. You never treat them with disrespect. They will remember you and your site. Don’t burn a bridge because you don’t know who they know. Isn’t that why you’re a mom blogger? If someone wrongs you, you tell your friend, who tells her friends. Same with companies. Ethics are very important to us, so we stress it to others.

One more thing, always follow through with what you have committed for a company. We have had companies tell us that they have not had reviews posted when promised, or did not hear from the blogger for weeks after the product for review had been shipped. Communicate with the companies that you are working with and let them know when you will be reviewing their product, and then do everything you can to follow through.

Interview With Makeup Artist Renata from VERT

Angela — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:17:30 +0000

Mommy PR recently was able to interview Renata from Vert.

Here are our questions about Eco-Friendly Products from Vert and why she decided this was the path for her.

Renata

Hello Renata, my name is Angela, and i am a newbie to Going Green!
I would love for you to help myself as well as our readers on some benefits of this
newest venture for you.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Why did YOU choose to “Go Green”?

I have been a professional makeup artist for print, television and film for many

years. The decision to go “green” was something that I really began to take

seriously when I experienced some health issues a few years ago. I just wasn’t

feeling well. I visited many doctors who were simply unable to help me. Finally, I

found a genius practitioner who concentrated on my hormone health and suggested that

I remove all chemically based products from my personal care inventory. I was amazed

that this could make any difference at all, but I was a bit desperate at this point

so I decided to take her advice. Little by little I began to research the

ingredients in all the makeup, hair, skincare and home cleaning products that I used

and found that everything was chock full of toxic chemicals that were potentially

dangerous to my health, as well as the environment. As I began the transformation to

natural and organic products, I started to feel ALOT better! It was a decision that

changed my entire life.

What made you want to focus on customers in a more personable way?

The transition to natural products can be daunting. Its really overwhelming to try

and overhaul your personal care inventory in one fell swoop! I think it is essential

to help educate my customers and guide them to a healthier lifestyle in a way that

is easy and pleasurable. I tell them to start slowly, maybe with some basic

skincare, and work their way toward makeup, products for the home, and so on. It is

my mission to help people in such a way so that they can learn as they go, and not

feel intimidated by the enormous amount of products out there. Many of these claim

to be “clean” but they aren’t. Knowledge is key. Personal attention in store at

VERT, as well as an extremely user friendly website hopefully makes the transition

to a natural lifestyle an easy one.

Vert brings you the best selection of pure and organic beauty products available.

It has been said that you are known for personally helping customers find products
that cater to their needs and lifestyles..can you tell us one customers reaction
that has stuck with you since?

I had one customer come in that came into VERT, and she had been quite ill. There

was many explanations for her illness, and no real relief from how awful she was

feeling. I spent several hours with her over the course of many visits to VERT,

talking to her about her skin, hair, lifestyle and listening to her story about her

desperate attempts to try and feel better. Conventional medical treatments proved to

be of no help- she had stopped taking a ton a prescription medications that were

making her feel bad, and had embarked on the route to go totally natural and

chemical free. Over time, she changed various aspects of her lifestyle, and became

a total devotee of the VERT products that we incorporated into her natural life. I

met a very sickly, totally frustrated woman who gradually got her life and luster

back! It was such a gratifying feeling to witness the transformation and to know

that in some small way, her change to toxic free products made a difference.

Considering that children are the future of this earth, what can we teach our daughters about the importance of Eco friendly bath, body and home products?

Wat we can teach our children is that living an eco friendly lifestyle is not merely

a choice, but a necessary decision for the health of ourselves as well as the health

of our planet. There is simply no excuse anymore. Future generations need to be

exposed to all there is to offer in the way of eco friendly health and lifestyle.

Our kids need the basic education of why it is so important to eliminate toxins from

our personal care items, and we can teach them that choices ARE available, and the

small effort it takes to be eco conscious will make a huge difference both

personally and on a global scale.

We all know about eating better, using less energy, and the effects of global
warming. But moms rarely think or consider the ingredients in there makeup and body
products as anything less than ..well.. Ingredients. How will switching to
Eco-Friendly Items help us (and maybe the earth) ?

There is really no reason NOT to use eco friendly products. So many of the health,

beauty and home items that we use contain chemicals that are linked to cancer,

allergies, and other types of illness. Not to mention that the ways in which these

toxic products are formulated is detrimental to the health of our planet. For

instance, every product we carry at VERT is created in an earth friendly spirit from

the very beginning: that could mean harvesting trees and plants bio-dynamically, so

that there is virtually no wasted land, and then putting that product in post

consumer recycled packaging. And every product on our shelves is free of parabens,

artificial fragrances and dyes, as well as harsh detergents such as sodium lauryl

sulfates. These are just a couple of examples. If you could use a product that is

better for your body, AND better for our planet, AND get effective results

( usually better ) why wouldn’t you?

Vert Interior

I have seen the pictures of the interior of Vert, from my views, it looks very
inviting and almost like someone’s home. Is this what you envisioned?

Yes, absolutely! I wanted to create a space that was warm and inviting- so that when

customers came in they could get more than just an average retail experience. At

VERT, its not just about purchasing a product. Its about feeling comfortable and

really enjoying the time spent in the store. Myself and my staff work very hard to

create not just an aesthically pleasing environment, but one that is pleasant on a

spiritual level as well. Our customers repeatedly tell us that they love to hang out

in the store, which is exactly what I wanted!

What are some of the BEST Eco skin products we can buy?

When I decided to open VERT, my mission was to find the ” best of the best” in eco

luxury beauty, home and baby products. Every product has been hand selected by me,

and rigorously tested by myself and my staff, to insure that it matches the

extremely high standards that I have set. We have great makeup such as Josie Maran

and Jane Iredale- fabulous hair care too: Rare Elements and Hamadi, exclusive

ayurvedic skincare by Pratima, and a totally vegan line called Keys. Even our

candles, such as Susan Foster and Red Flower, are formulated with organic essential

oils and have lead-free wicks. These are just a few of the amazing eco friendly

products we have to offer. Visit www.vertlosangeles.com or come by our store in

Venice to get the full VERT experience!

What tips can you give for moms on low incomes to slowly switch to better products?

You don’t need a big budget to be Eco friendly. Many products do double duty, thus

making the consumer purchase less. Example: Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer with SPF

30 does three things: hydrates, gives full protection from the sun’s harmful rays,

AND gives you a sexy summery glow. RMS Skin Balms moisturize dry lips, as well as

any other parched area. Try cult fave Eric Sebags Essential Argan Oil on your hair,

skin, virtually anywhere on your entire body. Natural products multi task so well

because they are SAFE to use anywhere. That makes them VERY easy on your wallet.

Why should moms choose to shop at Vert?

Moms should shop at VERT because it is never too early to insure the health of you

baby or child. For babies, we carry ERBABVIVA and EPICUREN lines that are completely

natural and totally safe for baby’s tender skin and hair. We also stock clothing and

baby accessories form COYUCHI, which makes all their products with 100% organic

cotton. There is no longer any reason to expose your children to the harsh chemicals

that could potentially be dangerous to their health.

Vert Los Angeles

What improvements do you see incorporating in the coming months?

My mission at VERT is to constantly strive to be better and make any and all

improvements that are out there. I am continually doing research to find the best of

the best eco friendly products, and educating myself and my clientele. I see the

green lifestyle and the betterment of the health of our planet as a process that is

really, never ending.

Would you like to see our reader’s feedback and suggestions?

Of course! I am always interested in any feedback and suggestions about VERT, the

products, and experiences about green living that could improve and add to the

mission of a healthier population and planet.

Vert -1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice CA 90291 phone 310 581 6126

So what did you learn today about Vert and the products they carry??

Are you in the Vert area??? Swing by and tell Renata hello!

Tell her Mommy PR sent you!

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to California!

Vert LA is now available online!

Come Visit!Location
1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice CA 90291
phone 310 581 6126
email info@vertlosangeles.com

Hours
Tuesday ~ Sun, 11am – 7pm
Monday Noon-7

Valet parking is available with validation around the corner on San Juan

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Interview With Mommy PR – (7/10/09)

PLEASE VISIT TARAS VIEW OF THE WORLD!!

Friday, July 10, 2009

20 Questions with the ladies of Mommy PR

Interview With Mommy PR- PR Week (8/4/09)

PLEASE VISIT HANDS, HOUSE AND HEART!!

Interview With Makeup Artist Renata from VERT

VISIT THE VERT BLOG! FOLLOW VERT LA ON TWITTER! JOIN THE VERT FACEBOOK GROUP ADD RENATA TO YOUR FACEBOOK

VISIT THE VERT BLOG!

FOLLOW VERT LA ON TWITTER!

JOIN THE VERT FACEBOOK GROUP

ADD RENATA TO YOUR FACEBOOK