Get Clued In’s Year in Review- 2012

Posted on December 30, 2012 by getcluedin

Well, 2012 has certainly been a roller coaster for our family. It was a good blogging year but I honestly have had a rough 2012 and am looking forward to 2013, hoping some of that bad karma from 2012 is gone for good! Wishing you a very happy 2013 as well, and thanks for following along.

This year’s review of Get Clued In is not as diverse or uplifting as the 2011 Top 10 and Year in Review and honestly, is a more mixed bag. Just like the personal roller coaster year our family had, so are the posts.

Here goes:

10. Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – a gem of a movie (now on DVD) – as far as movies and movie reviews for the year, this one has special place in my heart. I loved, loved (did I mention LOVED) this movie. It’s a must see for 2012 or any year and remember as Sonny said in the movie, “everything will be all right in the end… if it’s not all right then it’s not yet the end.”

9. They really CAN see you- dangers of Group MMS messaging texts- Wow! Did I learn a lot this year about the dangers of group MMS messaging. I learned how to change the settings which can prevent a lot of heart ache later. Also, this one post did get a lot of traffic this year so I am glad the word is getting out. Get smarter than your “smart” phone. Note: Ironically, as I wrote this Year in Review, someone decided to send me a Group MMS and now I am getting texts from people I do not know. I guess keep passing the message on please.

8. Disneyworld on a Dime? Ahhh, Forget about it!- How could I not share a fabulous trip to Disneyworld we had and the opportunities to share tips. Sure, you can’t do Disney on a Dime but you can do it with some tips. It was a fun trip to Florida for my brother’s wedding and Disneyworld BUT we did manage to bring home the plague- not even kidding. So perhaps you can read the plague post after you read about all the fun we had at Disneyworld.

7. Our School-Moon Trip: get Clued In Heads West to California- Before our daughter started Kindergarten, we took a family trip to California- we had a blast! We saw the Bay Area, San Francisco, and San Jose, and got to hang out on the Beach at Monterey Bay/Carmel. We saw family and friends, and really enjoyed San Francisco.

6. New York, New York! We took a trip for Thanksgiving week to New York. The excuse was a wedding for a relative, but we capitalized and saw New York City, and enjoyed some amazing pizza, pretzels, and felafel. I think I gained 5 lbs on this trip from the wedding food, and all the other libations. Wow! Great trip with the kids and we saw a lot of both sides of our families. Great reunion, and a great time!

5. In an Instant- As I said earlier, this year marked the first time for us, on my side of the family that there were some health issues for both my mom and dad. Postings 4 and 2 below relate to all of this too. It was truly eye opening for all of us on many fronts. First, on the health care front in America – truly scary how bad it could have been without good health insurance but second, and more importantly, it made my brother and I realize that life is fragile. We all realized that the time we have on this earth is limited with friends, family, and loved ones so make it all count.

4. With Mom on Mother’s Day- This year, because of the health issues of my dad and then even my mom, was a bit unusual and instead of spending mother’s day with my kiddos, I got to spend it with my mom. I was there to help after my dad’s heart attack but getting that opportunity to spend time with her was just unique and there is nothing like being with mom.

3. Milestones & Memories- First Day of Kindergarten- This one is near and dear to my heart because all milestones are. Our eldest started Kindergarten. What a journey she has ahead and I guess us too!

2. Because of the Sacrifices they made - As you know this was a rocky year for our family, specifically my parents both had health issues and I thought this post was heartfelt and even reading it now, gives me goose pimples as the tears roll down my cheeks. My favorite quote from the movie The Odd Life of Timothy Green holds true as I think about the time we all have with each other on this planet especially our kids and parents: “there are two people in the world who want you more than anything. They will do their best, they’ll make mistakes, and you only get them for a short time, but they will love you more than you can ever imagine.”

AND FINALLY…. (drumroll please)

1. Decision 2012: Why Social Issues Matter - What would 2012 be without a political post or two. So, of course, I’d be remiss to not talk about how President Obama won this election despite all that is going on with the economy. It was a rough campaign and very ugly, and some of the posts I wrote before define it all but in the end, social issues do matter. Here are some other posts on the heated and historical election year: Why do you Vote? and my post after seeing President Obama for the first time ever: Politics 101

How much is too much social media? This is my story & New Year’s Resolution

Posted on December 23, 2012 by getcluedin

I have written about social media as being overwhelming for me. I recently decided that it was time to cut back on social media- way way back. Blogging? No… heavens no! Writing is a hobby and I really enjoy blogging and writing but I have made a firm decision based on a myriad of factors, to ween off of facebook, twitter, and even deleted my LinkedIn account. It was time. It is not like I am always on it but then when friends and family notice and say “Your head is always down,” you start to wonder how much social media is too much? And yes, sadly this includes E-mail and all forms of social media.

This degree should vary from person to person. If you are checking facebook and E-mails in the middle of the night, chances are, you are an addict. When you are posting pictures constantly or updates constantly, you may have a problem. I love keeping in touch with friends and plan on doing so still but my goal in the first few weeks is facebook twice a week only. Twitter updates? Not sure on this one since blogging activities are posted there but probably the same rule. I really got over-friend managing social media sites and with the recent privacy issues on facebook, twitter and the like, I am just deciding to start cut some aspects of social media out. If I can reach the point where I can control it, I may not deactivate my account. But honestly, I want to live with my head up and not down in a phone. My eye sight is suffering too because of my back lit Iphone, so it was time.

These days social media is also a place of political postings, often ugly to one side or the other, and I have been guilty of this too. Twitter and facebook have actually made me angry and by blood pressure shoot up, and worse: I have lost friends over trivial things and miscommunications. Tone is so tough through social media and E-mail. I really do not want to have a forum with people I like where arguments ensue. So, this is another reason to cut back as well. Plus, does everyone really need to know everything in my life? Nah…. from time to time, it will be nice to catch up with those I want to catch up with, but hourly has proven to be way too much for me with all the other responsibilities I have in this short day.

I recently had to hide my Iphone or rather, had my kids hide it so if I could not find it, I could not look at it. It helped a lot. How much do you think is too much? How do you find that balance?

So, here goes nothing…. my New Year’s Resolution: to reduce the amount of time I spend on social media outlets. I will still write and I love writing. Look for my Blog Top 10 list soon and I will be on E-mail to stay in touch and conduct business but other than that, My resolution is: Go from “too much” to “just right”… to maybe someday, NONE at all.

Treat Cards to the Rescue- Giveaway & More

Posted on December 8, 2012 by getcluedin

My favorite Holiday Card

From the same great people who brought us TinyPrints, Shutterfly, and Wedding Paper Divas, comes…. Treat! Treat is a website where you can make, personalize, and send (yes, they mail it for you) a greeting card from your home, office, etc., and seamlessly send it anywhere around the world. With a few clicks, you can rest easy about that birthday you forgot, or that special occasion, and they have a holiday card section too! You can send New Year’s cards, Hanukkah, Christmas, and yes, they have Diwali cards too. Yes folks, Treat has a card for just about any occasion or holiday you can think of. Please note: Order your Christmas cards by December 18 if you want them to arrive in time for Christmas.

My favorite card- Diwali

Check out this “Treat Cards to the Rescue” video on Treat and head on over to Treat to check out their card possibilities and pricing and don’t forget to enter the giveaway to win 10 free cards to try out Treat.

Sample Treat Birthday Card- just for fun!

If you would like to try to win 10 cards first, please enter the giveaway below and follow the guidelines for mandatory entry all the way to optional ones. In the meantime, Happy Holidays and don’t forget to check out Treat!

GIVEAWAY: Runs Dec 8-Dec 15; Winner Announced Dec 15.

If you win, please create an account on Treat.com prior to December 16, because the way to get your 10 free cards is through your account information – your account will be credited with 10 free cards.

(1) Mandatory Entry (limit 1 entry per person): Leave a comment and include what your favorite design is from the Holiday collection or any other collection on Treat.

(2) Optional Entries (leave a separate comment for each one you do – tweet limited to one per day, and all others limited to ONCE for each one during entire contest period):

(a) Tweet the following (Limit: once per day) and then leave in a comment the link to your tweet and your twitter handle. Treat Cards to the Rescue! Check out Treat.com and enter giveaway to win 10 free cards: http://wp.me/p1dnfM-Q1 via @getcluedin

(b) Do the following – leave a separate comment for each one done:

Follow @getcluedin on twitter (note: you will request to Follow @getcluedin and I will confirm because @getcluedin is protected on twitter)

Like Get Clued In’s page on facebook

Subscribe to Get Clued In! (this blog) via one OR MORE of the methods listed: RSS, Emails, or through Networked blogs on facebook (If you do more than one, you get ONE comment PER METHOD – that is up to 3 COMMENTS for this option)

Promote this post in some other way- linkedin, pinterest, etc. (Leave a comment for each promotion, and put the link in the comment). Once per social media method used- leave a comment.

(c) Do any of the following for TreatCards and indicate in the comments (1 entry per item done – leave a separate comment for each):

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TreatCards

Twitter: http://twitter.com/treatcards

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/treatcards/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/117542183382899885395/

Contest will run from posting through December 15, 2012 10 am Mountain Standard Time- Winner Selected and Chosen using “And the Winner Is” plug-in and announced here and notified via Email. You need a Treat Account for the credits to be applied.

And the winner in….. (used the plug in AND THE WINNER IS)

Your Winner

(confirmed)

Author: Cara Scott (Email removed for privacy)
Website: http://www.lakewoodco.macaronikid.com
Comment: permalink
I love the Very Merry Christmas cards, in fact I really like a lot of them, they are all so fun and festive!!

Disclaimer: Get Clued In was paid 10 free cards for this posting by Treat through Global Influence’s campaign. All opinions contained here in are Get Clued In’s and not Global Influence or Treat’s. Get Clued In’s general and specific disclaimers apply in addition to the above and Get Clued In is not responsible for contents on third party sites like Global Influence or Treat, or any of its affiliate companies.

Halloween for Kids in Denver- Let the “Ghoul” Times Roll…

Posted on October 14, 2012 by getcluedin

There are so many fun things to do for kids in the Denver-metro area for Halloween… this list is not exhaustive. If you have some places you go or take the kiddos, please do share with the readers here so we can all benefit. Keep in mind, I do not have teenage kids so this post is best suited for younger kids. Some below come with coupons too!*

*Boo Town & 3D Maze at Heritage Square- BooTown Halloween Fun is a large bi-level 3-D maze full of colorful and festive enchantment. BooTown is the place for children of all ages and family entertainment! On top of the adventure-filled 3-D Maze, take a walk through the huge pumpkin patch or pumpkin painting area. With FREE parking and affordable Halloween fun, Heritage Square is the place to be this October!” And now, with this Colorado Kids coupon, you can get $3 off per person on Boo Town or visit the Heritage Square amusement park and get $4 off of Unlimited Rides for the kiddos. Spend the day and boo away!

Click here for a $1 off coupon

*Kids Halloween Town - 108th and Old Wadsworth Blvd – Located North West of the City, Kids Halloween town is open 10am to 3pm Oct. 19-21 and Oct 26-28
Kids Halloween Town is a the Front Range’s Kid Friendly Halloween Destination.
Have your little goblins enjoy Trick or Treating! Face Painting! Hay Rides! Pick a Pumpkin! Pumpkin Painting! Bouncy Castle! Colorful, Fun and Friendly Halloween Town Characters!
And Much, Much more! All activities now $15.00 for children and $2.00 for Adults! Include Trick or treating – Hay Ride, Blowup Castle – Face Painting And a trip through a Kids Friendly Haunted House!!! And with this coupon at Colorado Kids, you can get $1 off per kiddo.

Haunted Maze and Corn Maze at Chatfield – come by and see all the activities for families at the Chatfield Corn Maze – lots to do and there is a haunted maze for adults and teens too!

Boo at the Denver Zoo! The Denver Zoo has its annual Boo at the Zoo and some of the activities are free and included with your admission or membership to the zoo. Check it out. And the weekend of October 27-28, you can meet “thing” after dark at Boo at the Zoo.

MORE MORE MORE! And if you want to know all about some more fun events… check out this Denver guide for Halloween for Kids.

* Disclaimer: For the starred activities above, through Colorado Kids, I was compensated with free admission for me and my family to the activities for promoting them as part of Get Clued In’s promotion for Halloween in Denver for Kids.

Taste of Colorado in Denver, Labor Day weekend- only 3 weeks away!

Posted on August 10, 2012 by getcluedin

As promised when I first wrote about the Taste of Colorado, here we go with a detailed review, schedule of events, and some ways you can have fun with your family at one of Denver’s funnest, most talked about events of the year! You won’t wanna miss the Taste of Colorado. It runs daily, with free admission August 31- September 3, which is Labor Day Weekend. The best website to get information especially for family fun events and kids’ concerts is this link through ColoradoKids.com.

And if you enter here, through Colorado Kids, you can win $50 in tickets for your family to spend on food, entertainment, and drink at the free admission festival held at downtown’s Civic Center Park each year.

Human Hamsterball at Taste of Colorado

There is something for everyone. Lots of food and drink vendors scattered throughout, and of course, there are kids events too including crafts for the kids, a lego exhibit and play area where kids’ imaginations can run wild, and of course, the rides. The Kidzone is open daily – check out the hours here and this area is a family-friendly area offering play equipment and a great variety of free, hands-on craft activities for children of all ages. Enjoy Carnival Rides and Games Saturday through Monday, presented by KOOL 105. EARLY BIRD wristbands can be purchased for $15 from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday through Monday. These wristbands are good for unlimited rides on the day of purchase until 5 p.m. ALL DAY wristbands can be purchased for $25 anytime from 10:30 a.m. to two hours before closing Saturday through Monday and are good for unlimited rides on the day purchased until closing. Individual rides are also available for generally two to ten tickets per ride. Check out all the fun family events and schedule of events for mainstage and more here.

If music is your thing, then check out the schedule for the main stage as well. The tickets for rides can be bought in increments of 15 for $10 and believe me, you will use them all and go back for more. I would say in any given Taste of Colorado that I have attended, you can easily spend upwards of $40 for a family so bring cash or there are credit card machines as well and ATMs. Hope to see you there!