It’s pretty simple, if they get money — they all pool it together and save up for something really cool.

I have to admit, I remember doing the same thing with my brothers and sister when I was younger.  We had the total “old school” Nintendo system and the Power Pad, we had the most fun together playing.  Oh, those Power Pad games got pretty down and dirty… super competitive!

I love seeing my sons play on their Nintendo DS systems because (simply) they’re genuinely having fun.

Which brings me to this crazy-cool announcement… because I LOVE it when Nintendo bridges the world of gaming to sports.

The United State Tennis Association (USTA) announced today that Nintendo has signed on as an Official Sponsor of the SmashZone Mobile Tour, the interactive tennis fan attraction which introduces children to tennis in a fun and engaging way. As part of the agreement, Nintendo, the worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, will incorporate video game kiosks into the SmashZone experience throughout the duration of the tour.

The partnership will launch at the California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard, Calif., on May 19 – 20.

This year’s SmashZone Mobile Tour will serve as a launching pad for Mario Tennis Open for the Nintendo 3DS hand-held system. Mario Tennis Open, a fun, portable tennis game that can be played in 3D without the need for special glasses, is scheduled for release everywhere on May 20, and this partnership provides an opportunity for an integrated fan experience where audiences can demo the new game.

SmashZone Mobile includes a 53-foot trailer, which anchors four kid-sized tennis courts for youth play. Courts feature games such as Xerox Rally Courts, Esurance Sweet Spot and Target Challenge. The trailer itself, which is handicap accessible, features interactive activities for visitors, including a TENNIS Magazine Green Screen Cover Shoot and touch screen kiosks. The Nintendo video game kiosks will be located in the game room of the trailer. Additionally, Nintendo brand ambassadors will be on site to provide hands-on demonstrations of Mario Tennis Open on the youth tennis courts.

“Video games can serve as a gateway to help get kids interested in real-life sports and activities,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Mario Tennis Open features all their favorite Nintendo characters, and fast-paced tennis action that people will have fun experiencing.”

In addition, Nintendo will be an Official Sponsor of Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess, which will be held on August 25 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The sponsorship will enhance fans’ on-site experience by having in-person visits from Mario and Luigi from Mario Tennis Open and product demonstrations on the grounds during the free activity portion of Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day.

“We are thrilled to welcome industry leader and innovator Nintendo as an official partner,” said Kurt Kamperman, USTA Chief Executive, Community Tennis. “Their collaboration and support of the SmashZone Mobile Tour provides a tremendous opportunity to engage thousands of parents and children throughout the country.”

And what about Mario Tennis Open which is released on May 20th… ?

In Mario Tennis Open, Mario and his Mushroom Kingdom friends return to the court for a flurry of intense tennis action, from engaging singles and doubles matches to skill-building Special Games and online play. Using the built-in wireless features of the Nintendo 3DS system, up to four people can play together in local* or online** multiplayer modes and exchange player information via StreetPass. Players can choose between intuitive Touch Screen and gyro sensor controls or strategic button-based gameplay that delivers an even deeper experience. Players can also choose from a variety of playable characters or use their own personalized Mii character as they serve, volley and smash their way up the leaderboards.

I get questions from moms all the time asking me to recommend some comfortable and stylish shoes, it’s something I love being able to share this info with my readers.

I’m excited to announce that I’ve become a CrocStyle Insider… Crocs literally are my sons’ shoes of choice. They live in the Classic Crocs throughout the summer. I mean, LIVE in them.

But what about the ladies? What’s hot at Crocs right now for us?

Crocs has a ton of new arrivals for the season right now that I think are absolutely fabulous. I actually have (2) pairs that really call my name that I wanted to share with you today.

If you’re looking for comfort, durability and style… you’ve got it with these (2) sandals:
- A-Leigh Wedge
- Sexi Sandal

I wanted to show you up close and personal why I recommend them…

You’ll love these!

Disclosure: I’m working as a CrocStyle Insider

Tide is doing an incredible campaign right now called My Story, Our Flag and they’re asking everyone to share their red, white and blue stories. What does red, white and blue mean to you? It’s different for everyone and a beautiful way to get everything excited for the upcoming Games! To share their red, white and blue stores on Facebook and Twitter!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to interview World Champion Cyclist Sarah Hammer, one of Tide’s spokespeople. We’re HUGE fans of cycling (my husband does some cycling), so as soon as they revealed who I was going to get to interview, I was extremely happy!

Sarah Hammer is a four-time champion (2006, 2007, 2010, 2011) in the individual pursuit at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Hammer finished fifth overall in the individual pursuit. She currently holds the world record in the 3000 m individual pursuit.

When I hopped on the phone with Sarah, immediately I was greeted with a friendly voice! She was so sweet and open to answering all of my questions.

What does red, white and blue mean to you?

It means pride. There’s pride for me to wear the colors, a huge sense of pride. If it’s my USA jacket or my uniform to compete, it’s pride. I’m proud of what the colors stand for and I feel pride for the men and women who fought and fight for the red, white and blue.

What are you feeling as we lead up to the Games? Nerves? Excitement?

I’m feeling excitement! As it gets closer, it’s starting to get bigger and bigger. I have some nerves, but I try to control them. It’s just really just excitement for me to get there and compete.

I’m curious, do you ever get scared while you’re cycling on the track?

I don’t know if I get scared, it’s more of a rush. I try not to think about getting scared because I like to focus my energy. But really, it’s a rush for me.

How did you get into cycling?

My Dad was a racer and a local master racer. I used to tag along as a child to his races to watch him. We’d go out together as I got a little older. Finally I got a race bike that I had been wanting. But I started when I was about 9 years old and just loved it!

When did you know that you were different? And I mean that in the best way. When did you know that you could take cycling to an elite level?

I realized I was good at it when I was about 16 years old. I was in high school, but I was so focused on cycling and wanted to be so good at it. It was what I thought about all the time. I would wake up early to get a ride in. I just loved it and I didn’t want to be doing anything else. I started to see good results when I was in high school and I knew I wanted to keep getting bigger and see how far I could go.

What is your inspiration?

For me, it’s about pushing my body and seeing how far I can take this. That’s what inspires me. And I’m inspired by my family. They love watching me and I love doing good for them.

What kind of training do you have to do to prepare yourself for racing? And, of course, for the Games?

I do morning and afternoon workouts. I do 4 different types of things:
1. Track training
2. Road biking
3. Gym training
4. Indoor trainer
I work out 6 days a week to keep myself in training mode.

OK, tell me what it’s like having your husband as a coach. I work with my husband and I love it, what’s it like for you?

It’s very natural for me to work with my husband. We actually met as athletes at the Olympic Training Center. He gets it all, so it makes it easy for us. We do try to carve out time where there’s no talking about cycling! But it’s great to work with him because we get to travel the world together and be together.

And my last question, and this is from my sons, what is the name of your beautiful dog?

Awww… Dakota! Who has been right next to me this whole time!

When I was a little girl, my Barbie Collection was under my bed. I had about 25 Barbie dolls and they were the best dresses Barbie’s ever. Being a mom of all boys, I have to say… I wish there was a Barbie in my house! My nieces have tons of them, and I have loved throughout the years getting to shower them with Barbie clothes, accessories and fabulousness!

It has always amazed me how Barbie has evolved so much throughout the years… she really is still an icon after all these years!

Today I’m excited to share a new Barbie Doll of the World Collection!!

Established in 1980, the Dolls of the World® Collection is the largest and longest-running series in the history of the Barbie® brand. After more than 30 years of success and over 100 dolls created, the line re-launched in 2012 with a fresh new look and introducing a new generation of Barbie fans to this global glamorous line.

Each doll wears an adorable ensemble inspired by the native costume and fashion of each country. Additionally, every doll package contains a ‘passport’ and a special pet providing extended play value. The packaging can also double as a carrying case for the doll or a place to store personal travel souvenirs.

I LOVE this because I think it’s an incredible way for a child to learn about different places in the world.

The new dolls released this FALL?

Amazing…

Argentina Barbie® doll
Capturing the passion of the tango, Argentina Barbie® doll wears a vibrant, ruffled blue dress with black fringe. Her black lace shawl and stunning rose accents complete her tango-inspired Argentinean look. The Argentina Barbie® doll come complete with a special pet friend – a puma, indigenous to Argentina. This is the first time that Barbie® has visited Argentina in the history of the Dolls of the World Collection.

Australia Barbie® doll
Ready for any adventure in the outback, Australia Barbie® doll sports a stylish safari outfit with a linen khaki skirt, button-down top and a printed belt. With her brown boots, shoulder bag and brimmed hat, Australia Barbie® doll is ready to hit the trails of Australia with her koala friend.

China Barbie® doll
Wearing a red “silk“ gown with colorful floral accents, China Barbie® doll’s look is timeless and elegant. With geta shoes, a dramatic hairstyle, golden bangle bracelets and drop earrings, Barbie® doll’s look is simply stunning. Joining China Barbie® doll is her cuddly panda friend, native to central-western and south western China.

Ireland Barbie® doll
Complimenting her flowing red hair, Ireland Barbie® doll wears a precious green dress with a laced bodice and golden trim. Black shoes with green and gold detailing complete the Irish dancer-inspired ensemble. Accompanying Ireland Barbie® doll on her adventures is an Irish Setter puppy – a popular dog in Ireland and around the world.

And new ones are going to be released VERY SOON!! Stay tuned!!

Available now at www.barbiecollector.com

No matter how one tries to make it organized, efficient or smooth… MOVING is none of these.

When Barry and I recently moved into our “Retirement Cottage” from a mightily packed 10-room home, I thought I could beat the MOVING nightmare with my incredible organization, efficiency and s-m-o-o-t-h attitude.

A very romanticized rendering of our "Retirement Cottage"!

Nah.

Didn’t happen.

Two weeks into our “Cottage”, we are still basically camping while waiting for for hardwood floors to be treated, walls to be painted and all that other person finishing stuff that will make this new home our home.

To date, we have one bed, one bureau, one television, 2 computers, a 70′s style kitchen with same-era decor and appliances (except, new refrigerator), 2 chairs (no table), paper plates, and a nice trash receptacle.

Not bad, actually.

We’ve had major, unexpected plumbing issues… all resolved.

We bought a nice new washer/dryer stacking system that will be hooked up tomorrow.

Good things.

We have a huge garage loaded with our comfy, cozy and/or functional furnishings.  That same garage is also housing several buried cardboard wardrobes of clothing, and boxes upon boxes upon boxes of things like kitchen utensils, dishes, sock, shoes and, well… towels.

Bath Towels. 

I didn’t realize how much I relied on bath towels until I had just one.

Isn’t that always the way?

So Barry and I have been sharing one bath towel.

One towel.

This is new to me because I grew up with a Mom who insisted that every member of the family has his/her own towel (germs and all that).  I just kind of adopted that one towel each thing with my own family and have been doing so for decades.

(Oh, I do wash that one bath towel at my daughter’s home, with other sparse clothing that I’ve managed to find in our garage.)

But this morning, you can imagine my shock to push back the shower curtain to find that bath towel gone.

What?

Where’s the towel?

“Honey?  Honey?”

No answer.

I will admit that our shower does have a nice view of our back yard and the bay beyond… but how much fun and interesting stuff can happen out there while I drip-dry in here?

Drip dry?

Then I spotted the Viva paper towel roll sitting on the toilet tank… next to my iced coffee from our local little coffee shop.  Viva la VIVA!

Viva la VIVA!

(I’ve been using Viva paper towels for hands, face… and, of course, all the intense cleaning I’ve been doing in our new home. I love the way I can use a Viva paper towel for both BIG and little jobs, and even use re-use the “cleaner” ones.  Yes, I do.  I’m frugal.  Another tip I learned from my Mom.)

Anyway, I leaned from the shower, grabbed a Viva paper towel and used it as a bath towel.

Seriously.

I used ONE Viva paper towel as a bath towel, and even squeezed out my hair with it.

I loved Viva before, but this just soaked up my little ‘ol heart.

Seriously.  Happy.

Viva la VIVA!

(Oh, by the way, I’m not going to find any bath towels in our garage anytime soon, so I’m buying some new ones today.)

(And… in case you’re wondering, Barry had hung that one bath towel in an empty, warm room to dry out for me.  Awwww. Thanks, Honey!)

Well, I’m clean and dry.  Thanks, VIVA.  And off to do some more rather intense and necessary scrubbing in our “Cottage” with my rolls of Viva Towels!

What a DAY!! Thank you Kerri!

With having 4 sons and a husband… all whom love Hanes, I love seeing what’s new and what’s going on in the world of Hanes for men, especially their tees. My husband wears Hanes ALL THE TIME, tees and (ahem) underwear, they’re the best and they are incredible quality and amazingly affordable.

It’s a win-win!

What I love the most about Hanes tees for men is that they can easily be dressed up or down… they are versatility for men at its finest…

I was super excited to head to the Hanes Showroom and see what’s new right now in Men’s tees at Hanes… I was extremely impressed.

Here are some of the features of Hanes Men’s Tees…

I just loved seeing the tees… they truly are such a staple in my home and I’m excited to see what innovations Hanes keeps adding into the mix!

Disclosure: I’m part of the Hanes Comfort Crew

It’s amazing to think that we all have memory triggers in our minds that may be sparked at any moment by some sense or other.

I had a fireworks trigger yesterday morning about someone I hadn’t thought about in 50 years with something as seemingly simple as a washer/dryer delivery.

This is how it happened.

Barry and I left an easy, functional, awesome stacking washer/dryer system tucked inside an upstairs closet of the home we recently sold.  With the closet door, I could open it to a world of laundry or shut it from a world of laundry.

At our new home, the rusty, old, dirty stored-in-the-cellar washer/dryer that came with the house quickly became one of these:  Barry, uh-uh. No way. 

Barry’s response went something like this:  OK, Honey.  Whatever you want.    Why not use them for a year until we renovate the kitchen and master bedroom.  Notice that this wasn’t a question, as in Honey, why not use them for a year until we renovate the kitchen and master bedroom?

Let me just say here that I love doing laundry.  I really enjoy it.  I love the smells, the gratification, the finished product of it all.

I am the laundry person in our home.  My Dad, the Navy-man, taught me how to fold perfect sheets and towels when I was a very little girl, and I’ve transferred those lessons into all of my laundry.  I’ve transferred those space-saving, neat lessons into every linen closet, clothes closet, drawer, gym bag and even into packed suitcases when we travel.  I can pack anything neatly and efficiently.

Especially clean laundry.

But what I don’t want to do as I near 60 is carry loads of laundry, tramp up and down old cellar stairs to and from a big, old dusty cellar… to and from a rusty, old, dirty washer and dryer.

I convinced Barry to purchase a new washer/dryer system (my Mother’s Day gift!) that we could use now and then transfer to an upstairs space when we do our renovations in a year or so.  That’s when I heard the musical:  OK, Honey.  Whatever you want.

The problem became:  Where do we put the washer/dryer for the time being?

Answer:  On our back porch!  Ah, ha!  Our little back porch is heated, it has a beautiful view of the back yard and bay as far as the eye can see (nice while folding laundry in all 4 seasons, I’m thinking), it has plumbing capabilities (little tip from our neighbor) from the owners prior to the people from whom we bought the house AND how easy is it to have the grandkids (or us, for that matter) kick off some dirty, sandy, salty, sweaty-from-playing-in-the-great-outdoors clothes right there at the back door?

The Back Porch Laundry view...

At first, Barry was all like… but it’s the back porch… and we might want to sit out there… and it will be so visible…

But I was all like… Honey, I’m the one who does the laundry!

So how does all this laundry, back porch talk tie into my fireworks of memories from 50+ years ago?

Early yesterday morning, the washer and dryer were delivered.  (I think the delivery guys were thrilled that the first stop of the day required only up a few steps onto a back porch.)

Our soon-to-be stacked new washer/dryer system...

They set the beauties down, gave us the set-up for the stacking component, counted hoses, etc., completed the paperwork and took off.

I stood on our back porch, admiring our brand-new digital masterpieces when all of a sudden came a picture in my mind from 50 years ago of my grandmother’s farm in Michigan… and it’s little side porch… with my Dad’s Aunt Martha standing on that little side porch… washing laundry and wringing it through the wringer-thing.  I could see sheets and white shirts and Aunt Martha’s wrinkled hands nimbly taking wonderful care of the laundry.  I could see Aunt Martha’s little white cap and her white apron.  The porch was up a few steps, just like mine, and the wind carried that laundry as she snapped it, wrung it, snapped it, hung it… over and over and over again.  I could see Aunt Martha’s eyes… twinkling… old… she never said much because she spoke very little English… mostly Polish… but she loved her laundry.  I think she must have loved standing up those few steps and seeing the farm land as far as the eye could see, the wind, the scents, the gratification, the finished product of it all…

I sensed it then.  I know it now.

It was then that I knew how much I will love doing laundry on our tiny back porch.

This back porch is scheduled at some time or another to become part of a bigger, modern kitchen… but I’m already thinking that I may not want to move my washer/dryer stacking system upstairs.

I may want it built into its own closet in our new kitchen, right where it is now…. in honor of Aunt Martha, who came to visit me yesterday with the most delightful childhood memories of my visits to Grandma’s farm.

And wonderful memories of laundry.

(I’m just smiling at what Aunt Martha would think of this!?)…

My little man, he loves a good handsome shirt!

I’m excited to be working with Proactiv over the next couple of months to share some stories of how to achieve clear, healthy skin… at any age.

Your face is something that you can’t hide.  It’s who you are and how people find you.  It breaks my heart to hear stories of women (and men, too) who are so devastated and unhappy with the look of their face because of acne.  It’s such a horrible thing to have to go through.  I think it’s absolutely amazing that there are options for people out there with skin they’re not happy with, and Proactiv is one of those options. It can help bring your sense of beauty back, and for a woman, that can be priceless.

So what is Proactiv?

There are tons of different products, and I’m excited to bring you through them all over the next few months.  Today I wanted to share with you their 3-Step System and one of my favorite products from the line.  It seems like most people have heard about their 3-Step System from the commercials on TV… I love seeing them because you can actually see results from the testimonials… it’s a wonderful thing to physically see.

There are 3 easy steps that you need to do each night with the 3-Step System… it’s all about renewing, revitalizing and repairing.

The Renewing Cleanser is an oil-free formula that contains smooth, tiny beads to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and other impurities, plus prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide to penetrate pores, attack bacteria and heal blemishes fast. The Cleanser should be used in the morning and again in the evening.

The Revitalizing Toner is an alcohol-free toner that helps balance skin tone and remove dead skin cells to reveal the vital, radiant skin beneath. It contains Proactiv’s special formulation to balance skin’s natural acids, witch hazel to refine and purify pores, aloe and chamomile to soothe and soften, plus allantoin, a moisturizing and skin conditioning agent. Removes excess surface oil without drying, leaving skin even-toned and soft. This can be applied right to your clean face after washing.

The Repairing Treatment is an oil-free treatment that contains finely milled prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide to heal blemishes and help prevent future breakouts. This can easily be used morning and night, too.

The beauty of the 3-Step System is that is literally works together, as a system. What I love about it is that it’s easy. You just get yourself in the routine of washing and toning and treating every single night. I think it’s a beautiful thing to find something that’s doable and practical for your lifestyle, and this 3-Step System is just that… it’s easy. I love recommending easy beauty routines to moms!

My fave product right now form Proactiv… ?

I’m LOVING the Tinted Moisturizer!

It’s lightweight. It goes on smooth as can be. It has built in SPF 15. It’s perfect for the spring/summer months because it’s sheer, it’s not too heavy. It’s a great addition to your beauty arsenal for the warmer months!

Feeling beautiful, is a beautiful thing.

Let Proactiv help you out!

Disclosure: Sponsored posting.