I don't consider myself to be a hard core mommy blogger but I am a mom who blogs so I guess I can claim the title by default. Anyhoo, one of my favorite gal pals, Nikkie from the Mommy Factor recently posted an HP PhotoSmart TouchSmart Web Printer Review, which I LOVED and wanted to repost! Like Nikki I've been an HP customer for years AND take a ton of pictures of my son, so this printer looks like the perfect choice for a tech savvy mom like myself, but don't take my word for it. Watch the video below.




HP PhotoSmart Video Review Above | For Full Review Click Here

Related Post: Adding New Life to my Old HP Laptop

Black Parenting Blog Giveaway:
10 Copies of The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Details below, but first...

Patti LaBelle Joins Jumpstart’s Read for the Record Campaign. This is Jumpstart’s world record breaking campaign that brings children and adults together to read the same book, on the same day, in homes and communities all over the world.

I love it when my son says, "Can you read me a story mommy?" His dad and I have been reading to him since he was in my belly, which is why he not only has a love a reading by a gift for gab at only 3 years old.


Are you going to pledge to read today and read The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats with us on October 7?

Grammy Award winning humanitarian and living legend, Patti LaBelle will be joining Jumpstart as a reader on the TODAY Show October 7! In addition, Jumpstart's corporate partner, American Eagle, is offering an incentive for people that pledge to read! If someone pledges to read, they’ll be entered for a chance to win gift cards. To make your pledge and enter to win a $77 GIFT CARD from 77kids by American Eagle visit: www.readfortherecord.org/enter.

“There’s nothing more important than making sure our children have the tools they need to succeed and literacy is essential to this. I think if we all make it a priority to introduce children to reading and education at early ages, they will be more interested in these things as they grow up and be better equipped for success.” -Patti LaBelle


I 100% agree with Patti. I see the living proof in my son every time he picks up a book and reads with me. To win a copy of "The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats" just answer this question in the comment box below: "What is one book that you love reading to your child or loved to read as a kid?" - Be sure to leave your email address, so I can notify you if you won!


This campaign also kicks off Jumpstart’s yearlong program, preparing preschool children in low-income neighborhoods for success in school and life. Getting our kids to start reading and keep reading is so important! I hope you join us and pledge to read to the children in your life on October 7.

While sharing the DVD Giveaway, “Almighty Debt” hosted by Soledad O’Brien, I came across the video above in a CNN Black In America article (link below). Share your thoughts on this.

Quote I found in this article and I agree with it: The church's effect on the romantic lives of black women cannot be gleaned from a mathematical equation or a select bible passage, Davis says.

You can find the full article on CNN: Does the black church keep black women single? And Blog SurvivingDating.com.

Get an advance copy of the next installment of CNN’s Black in America series titled, Almighty Debt!



Here’s your chance to receive an advance DVD copy of CNN’s Black In America special called Almighty Debt (hosted by Soledad O’Brien), which airs October 21st. The special gives an in-depth look at debt in the African American community.



All you have to do is email your name and address to InAmericaKit@CNN.com and you will receive the DVD in the mail while supplies last.



Also be sure to visit The Black In America Website

As the creator of the Black Moms Club and the Black Parenting blog, I had the pleasure of interviewing Raven Symone, getting the inside scoop on Disney’s soon to be released animated movie, Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue.



Raven plays, “Iridessa”, a light fairy who brings light to all the little plants and animals. She also happens to be one of Tinker Bell’s best friends.



Tinkerbell Movie: Raven-Symoné Interview




My Interview With Raven-Symoné
LaShanda: We’ve all grown up with Tinker Bell, how does it feel to be a part of the story?



Raven: It’s really exciting. If you go to my mom’s house, in my room in the drawers underneath my television you’ll find every Disney animated movie on VHS. When I first found out about this, I knew I had to be a part of it. I’ve always loved the part in Peter Pan where we have to clap to keep Tinker Bell alive. I’m thrilled to be a part of the story of Tinker Bell and I love being able to play such a beautiful black character.



LaShanda: What’s your favorite part about Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue?



Raven: I love that the fairies stand for amazing things like nature and friendship. They each have unique identities that can appeal to different types of young girls.



LaShanda: What can little girls learn from this story?



Raven: They can learn about being understanding of other people, being adventurous, and trusting in friends. And parents should watch with their kids because if you follow Lizzy, the little girl in the story who loves fairies and her relationship with her father who does not believe in fairies, you’ll see its also about communication and family.



LaShanda: We’ve seen you in so many amazing roles on television and the big screen, is ‘Iridessa’ different from the other characters you have played?



Raven: Iridessa is very different from ‘Olivia’ the character I played on the Cosby show to my character on ‘That’s So Raven’. She likes to play it safe, whereas those other characters were more adventurous, loud mouthed (lol) and take charge.



LaShanda: Do you have anything in common with Iridessa?



Raven: Well she likes to play it safe, while on a good day I’m adventurous. Like Iridessa, I am always down to help my friends.



LaShanda: We know Iridessa’s talent is light. If we had Raven the Fairy, what would your talent be?



Raven: I think I would be a water fairy. I like to go with the flow and I’d be able to stop it from raining, so it wouldn’t mess up my hair (lol).



LaShanda: Disney has given us our first African American Princess, the beautiful Princess Tiana from Princess and the Frog and now we have the lovable Iridessa. What do you think about these new animated characters of color and their importance to little girls?



Raven: I think Disney was waiting for the right time to come out with these very strong and beautiful characters and share them with the world.



I had such a great time speaking with the beautiful and talented Raven Symone, who I've been honored to also feature on my SistaSense.com blog as one of our Successful Sistas who's made over $400 million in her career!



I have to agree with Raven on two points… I think most of us sistas would love to be water fairies to keep our hair nice and right during those rainy days (lol). And as a Disney Magical Mocha Mom, I first hand see Disney’s commitment to diversity and the creation of characters that all little girls and boys can enjoy.



Definitely look out for the release of the new animated Tinker Bell DVD. If you’d like to win one, enter the Black Moms Club Giveaway: Disney DVD - Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue.






Related:

Learn More About Raven Symone’s Character Iridessa

Watch a Sneak Peak of Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue

Terry Crews Talks About New Sitcom ‘Are We There Yet?’ And his Real-Life Blended Family