Do You Play Like A Girl?

Whether through nature or nurture, I was a sedentary little kid who has grown up into a sedentary adult. I have been trying to tap into my inner outdoorsiness but it's hidden pretty darned deep! Both of my kids possess a physical grace that I simply do not. They have rhythm and physical coordination and, perhaps most importantly, they enjoy playing. I never wanted to run around and climb things or play team sports. It never even occurred to me. If I was on a playground, it was probably on a swing with my nose stuck in a book.

Thankfully, my kids are much more athletic than I ever was. They both love to run around and play with their friends. They're the first across the monkeybars at playgrounds, they join in team games and are rapidly becoming tennis sharks. I'm happy they have more balanced personalities than I did when I was their age, especially with all of the distractions they face daily. It's so important for kids to stay active, especially in this digital age. Our children are constantly attached to one screen or another: televisions, smartphones, tablets and computers seem to have a hypnotic allure to the younger generation.

While I'm glad both of my kid are active, it's especially satisfying for me to watch Roo run around. When I was her age, I was entering a particularly awkward phase. I started developing early and was always self-conscious. Roo is also an early developer but she's become more active this school year and she has really blossomed. She loves being with her friends and jumps head first into any game she can. I love how fearless she is! Her independence and energy are really infectious and I think they have helped shaped her cheerful, self confident personality.

When boys on the playground tell her she plays like a girl, she's proud. And so am I.

My husband and I aren't huge sports fans but Roo and Jasper already have their favorite teams picked out. They like to watch sports on TV, although they prefer playing themselves. This football season, Verizon has created a series of videos featuring the "FiOS Football Girl" who one-ups her brother's football savvy using FiOS technology that empowers you to be a part of the game.

Verizon wants to hear from parents who are as proud of their daughter’s athletic achievements as they would be if she was a boy. They want to provide a place to go to show that pride – a place to harness and share the empowering impact that sport can have on the lives of girls.

Verizon FiOS gives your family the connection and speed you need to play with the big boys. Share your proudest moment of your daughter’s athletic achievements at www.verizon.com/playlikeagirl. You could be chosen to win a grand prize valued at $5,000!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Verizon. The opinions and text are all mine.

Get Ready for the Big Game with Cravebox #Cravebowl

Are you already gearing up for the Big Game? I have to admit, I'm not much of a football fan, but I do love any excuse for a big food-filled get-together– especially with a New Orleans flavor! 

Right now, you can enter the drawing for a special Big Game Cravebox featuring a surprise selection of yummy Cajun goodies from Zatarain's, recipes for your best Superbowl spread ever, plus special bonus offers for only $15, including shipping and handling. To make the "Cravebowl" even more enticing, you can upgrade to a Party Size Cravebox and get two of everything for no additional charge! And… one lucky Cravebowl buyer will win the entire Big Easy Big Game spread pictured above for their party.

Learn more TONIGHT at the Zatarain's Big Game Cravebox Twitter Party from 9-10pm EST. Don't forget to RSVP for prizes!

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I will receive a complimentary Big Game Cravebox. No compensation was provided for this post. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

Snackbowl 2011

I'm not a big sports fan but I do like party food, so the upcoming Superbowl is definitely on my radar. If you're already planning for the big game, you'll definitely want to check out the Diamond Snack Bowl 2011, a contest sponsored by three heavy hitters in the world of tailgating: Pop•Secret Popcorn, Emerald Premium Snacks and Nuts and Kettle Chips (my own personal addiction). The trifecta of tailgating is honoring "party excellence" and wants you to share party pictures, videos and memories to prove why you should be inducted into the Ultimate Pro Football Partier Hall of Fame.

One Grand Prize Winner will Win:

• Trip for 2 to the Hall of Fame® in Canton, OH.
• Tickets to the Friday night "Enshrinee Dinner"
• VIP tickets to the Friday night Hall of Famers post dinner reception.
• Tickets to the PFHOF Enshrinement Ceremony on Saturday.
• Tickets to a round table on Sunday with PFHOF Members.
• Tickets to a Tailgate Party on Sunday before the PFHOF Game (provided such game occurs).
• Tickets to the PFHOF Game (provided such game occurs).
• A Plaque (to be designed and provided by MARS Advertising, Inc., Diamond's agent) will be placed at the PFHOF Snack Bar during the Enshrinement Weekend and related events.
• A "VIP Moment" during which a PFHOF Member will present a trophy (to be designed and provided by MARS Advertising, Inc., Diamond's agent) to a winner determined by Diamond of the Promotion during one of the enshrinement events set forth above (to be determined by the PFHOF).
• Plaque hung in the Hall of Fame snack bar
• $5,000 cash USD
• Instant Win Prizes
• Enter daily for a chance to instantly win 1 of 1000 prizes.

You can vote up to three times daily for your favorite entry and play once per day for a chance to instantly win a $50 gift card for the Pro Football Hall of Fame online store. And don't forget to create your own personalized EndZone Weekly Video on Facebook, showing your growth from newborn football fan to tailgating superstar!

Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I am being compensated for writing this post and posting a widget on my sidebar but all opinions (and lust for Kettle Chips) are my own.