A Better World: The Facebook Game That Rewards Good

A little over a year ago, I openly admitted that I was the last person on earth to create a Facebook account. I had held out as long as I could but was finally forced to in order to apply for... something or other. Which I clearly must not have been selected for. So what was the point of Facebook again?

All I could tell at the time was that it was a way to find old friends (or people that I wasn't particularly friends with in the first place) and possibly keep in touch with them. In theory, at least.

Considering it took me a while to even find the time to figure out how to leave a comment on someone's wall, the invitations that I seemed to somehow be receiving to do some farming (what?) or join a mafia (even bigger what?) were not even registering on my list of things to do.

As a wife, mom, and blogger, my time is already spread pretty thin, so a game has to be a really great game in order for me to want to find out more about it, let alone play.

However, when I was introduced to A Better World and heard things players about being rewarded for good deeds and its promotion of acts of kindness and expressions of gratitude, well, in this case I actually wanted to hear more!

Created by ToonUps, a digital entertainment company that has focused on developing digital content that encourages a positive outlook and altruistic behavior, A Better World is the first of hopefully many more games in the future of the "do good" genre.

Using research showing that being encouraged to think about things that we are thankful for and doing activities that provide encouragement to others improves our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, A Better World gives players the ability to express gratitude and support to their friends... as opposed to requesting that they water crops. In short, it's a game that can make you feel good about playing it!

Getting started with A Better World is easy and there are more than 15 locations throughout the game to explore and try out:

• Department of Do Good: a place you can share real world good deeds you’ve performed and see what other members of the community have done.

• Gratitude Grotto: a charming area where you can reveal what you are thankful for and express your support for messages left by others.

• Sanctuary of Hope: a building where you can communicate your hopes and dreams and send encouragement to other players.

• Arcade: a play area with uplifting mini-games to enjoy alone or with friends.

• Better Pets Pet Shop (a new feature): filled with adorable puppies, cute kittens or even a magical unicorn

Each area of the game is fun and gratifying in its own way and has the ability to leave you feeling good. Whether you go on to report that you've done something good, reveal what you are feeling thankful for or to support others, you'll find yourself feeling inspired, in a more uplifted mood about about yourself, and in general part of a positive community.

Even though both of my children are too young to play games online, knowing that ones like A Better World are out there makes me glad. It isn't violent, it isn't offensive, it isn't sending negative messages... in fact, it's just the opposite. Who wouldn't be happy to know that their children are playing a game that can help make a difference virtually and out in the real world?

With more than 125,000 players already, isn't it time that you spent your free time on something good rather than just wasting it? Find A Better World on Facebook and get started making a difference today!

I was given the opportunity to share my thoughts and opinions on A Better World. I received a gift card as a thank you for my participation. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nutrisystem {Week 26}

I've got no sugar-coating for this week, as this? This is the Nutrisystem wagon. And this? This is me falling off of it.

I'm not sure what happened in my brain, but I clearly just made a whole list of poor choices. And each day that passed had me feeling... blah. Both mentally (knowing that I was going to regret whatever I was putting into my mouth) and physically (my body just feels heavy and gross and unhappy).

I am still focusing on the overall picture and how far I've come and the non-scale victories and all that... but I won't say that I'm not disappointed in myself, because I definitely am. However, today is another day and I know full well that things can be completely different by next week. It's time to re-focus!

As well as the support and love from the Nutrisystem Nation, I know that Nutrisystem will be there for me. For instance, they have a whole list of great tips for all of the cookouts and barbecues that we'll all be attending this summer, just in time for the July 4th holiday:

Surviving (and Enjoying) the Summertime BBQ Season While On Nutrisystem

• Bring your "BBQ-esque" Nutrisystem meal of choice - Nutrisystem’s Hamburgers, Chicken and Hot Dogs are great on the grill! That way you still feel part of the BBQ eating festivities while staying on program.

• Offer wheat rolls and buns - this way you give everyone a healthier option.

• Follow the guidelines of your grocery guide – create a garden salad with all your favorite vegetables with various dressings on the side. That way everyone can choose what dressing is best for them, you to get in your add-in additions while on program. To make a complete meal, top with some grilled chicken.

• Grill some vegetables on the BBQ. One fun way to do this and to have the kids get involved is to make vegetable shish kabobs! Then all that is left to do is toss them on to the BBQ and have a great side dish (or condiment too).

• Try to steer away from items drenched with BBQ sauce as this will only add in extra calories and typically is high in sugar and sodium.

• Make sure to have iced water on hand. Toss in some slices of citrus fruits (i.e. oranges, lime and lemons) or even cucumbers, too. This makes it different and is quite refreshing!

• For dessert you can have your Nutrisystem dessert with the group, but also have a healthy option such as fruit salad or fruit kabobs for you and your guests. The kids can even help out with making them.

I'm going to have to keep these in mind with the upcoming holiday, because I know that there is going to be far too many tempting foods available! For now though, I have to suck it up and admit that...

Previous loss: 23.2 lbs

This week: +2.0 lbs

Total loss: 21.2 lbs

Why does that third Nutribear seem so far away all of a sudden? No more excuses for this week, it's time to get serious! If you want to see how you can lose weight and get healthy with me, visit Nutrisystem today or call 888-853-4689!

Want to hear how other awesome bloggers are doing? Head over and visit Living on Love and Cents, "Deal"icious Mom, Our Kids Mom, Sippy Cup Mom, Mama Loves Her Bargains, Closer to Lucy, The Life of Rylie...& Bryce, too! and Shibley Smiles and cheer them on as well! I guarantee you'll be inspired!

As a member of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem is providing their food and program to me to review. However, all thoughts, opinions and results expressed are completely and honestly mine; your experience or feelings may differ.

The Walmart Ice Cream Social at home: Sundae Bar (#theicecreamsocial)

Last month my family attended The Walmart Ice Cream Social, an in-store demo event at Walmart that was fun. And tasty. And involved yummy Edy's ice cream.

Did I mention it was tasty?

And did I also mention that Walmart is holding another event this upcoming July 2 that is going to involve Nestlé Drumstick Lil' Drums Sundae Cones? Um... yes, please!

So, after thoroughly enjoying our treats at The Walmart Ice Cream Social, we made sure to check out the options that Walmart had to offer for our own sundae bar. We drooled over the large variety of Edy's ice cream...

...including all of their unique flavors...

Yum! After picking out a few ice creams, we went straight for the toppings. As well as typical toppings, we like to include our favorite candies as well. Because if candy bars are good on their own, then they're even better with ice cream, of course!

With so many choices, the hardest part is deciding which ones to bring home!

As we were having a small family reunion at our house, it was the perfect time to have a sundae bar for all of the kids and adults. We would have had it outdoors, but with the cool summer weather we've been having, we moved it indoors to enjoy everything. Did that take away from the excitement and the fun?

With a spread like that, how could it?

Little Sister B pretty much sums it up with this look:

But here's really how the party turned out...

Even after forgetting to get out the ice cream cones and the sprinkles (dang it!) and that we didn't have any cherries to put on top (what was I thinking?) the sundae bar still turned out delicious and fun! Walmart had everything we needed and with so many yummy Nestlé options to build our sundaes our way, there was no way to go wrong.

I know that we'll be sure to have more sundae bars this summer... after all, with so many flavors of ice cream still left to try, we can't just stop now, right? Next time I'm going to make sure to have all of my ingredients set out beforehand, though.

Now, can someone please pass the Edy's Slow Churned? I need a second scoop!

This shop/project has been compensated as part of a campaign for Nestlé but all views and opinions are my own.

Plan Your Next Playdate with Kmart Playdate Place

In the months after Big Sister E was born and it was clear that we needed to find ways to get out of the house and interact with other parents and kids... to help preserve the sanity of both of us.

Although it took a little time to gain some confidence and, more importantly, to meet a group of friends that we love, here we are four years later cherishing each and every playdate that we go on. There is just something about the way that my kids can socialize and have fun with their peers while I can talk and confide in other moms that can commiserate, advise, discuss, recommend and, in general, be there for me as friends.

However, even after all this time, planning a playdate isn't an easy task. Coordinating the time, choosing a location... not to mention picking a theme or activity that will meet all of the interests of the various ages of each of the kids. What's a mom to do?

Fortunately, planning a playdate just got easier thanks to the articles, tips, toys, and more available right online at Kmart Playdate Place.

Created to provide ideas, inspiration, and help to plan the perfect playdate, Kmart Playdate Place is a great resource for easing the stress and burden of planning a fun-filled afternoon for everyone involved.

Together with a panel of expert parents and bloggers, you'll find information in everything from spending a day at the beach to great board games to playdate safety to so much more. I found the article Playdates with Siblings hit especially close to home, as trying to ensure that both of my girls are having a good time is something that I feel I am continually working on.

As well as articles for parents to show you how to involve your child in fun, constructive playtime with friends, there is much more to be found at Playdate Place. You can sign up to receive their e-newsletter and find their great information, special offers, and the chance to win fun prizes (Playdate Perks) right in your inbox...

...and of course it wouldn't be Kmart or a playdate without toys, right?

Playdate Place makes it easy to browse through a great selection of Kmart toys that can be enjoyed by one child or by many. You'll find a description, information, and a quick link right to Kmart.com when you're ready to make a purchase. Easy!

If that wasn't enough, parents can also sign up for the Kmart Birthday Club, which will get kids fun things like $5 in Birthday Bucks, a birthday crown, a certificate, and surprise goodies. And while the birthday boy or girl is enjoying their treats, Mom or Dad can find gift suggestions, party planning tips, and more to help celebrate the big day.

What are you waiting for? Before your next playdate, be sure to check out Kmart Playdate Place as well as connect with them on Twitter. It's time for fun!

This post is part of a shop that has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.