Cats Gone Viral: Funny Feline Videos On The #HTC8

Momma Told Me: Just put 'cat' in the title.

It's a long running joke that some of the most watched videos on YouTube consist of nothing more than adorable animals doing what they do best; being adorable. I wish I could say I was immune to this trend (I've only watched the 'Peek-A-Boo Kitty' twice), but I too have my favorite viral videos featuring furry friends. Now, don't think that I prefer cats over dogs; this particular past just happens to sway the way of the felines. I'll do a pooch round-up soon enough. In any case, I was recently sidelined at my dentist's office waiting for a follow up appointment and decided to use my new #HTC8 Windows Phone to do some browsing on the YouTube+ APP for Windows Mobile. I am constantly impressed with just how fast the 4G service is, and how beautiful the Widescreen HD streaming is! All of that technology and there I was scouring the web for cute cat videos! In any case, I thought I'd share a little round up of some of my favorites, because we all need a laugh mid-week.

Friskies, the cat food brand, recently ran an entire series on viral cat clips; where they crowned the best user submitted videos in several cat-egories (pun intended) in a search for the World's Greatest Cat Video. It goes without saying that they know viral kitty videos when they see them! Their most recent campaign on YouTube calls for viewers to interact in a mini 'game show' titled "Will Kitty Play With It?" in which cats are filmed interacting (or ignoring) everyday common objects. It's a little cheesy, yes, but reminds me of my own felines, who will turn any piece of trash into a toy. If it's on the floor, it's theirs, right? Does your kitty play with strange objects?

Have you ever seen a barking cat before? When I first saw this video I was sure there were some creative filming shenanigans going on; but sure enough, the cat barks! Even more impressive is how it stealthily turns back into a meowing kitty when it's owner confronts it! Does your cat make a funny sound too? Out feral, Frankie, goes 'MOW!' when he want's something; it's like he's forgot to add the extra letter!

The final video is a nod to my current obsession; a wonderful non-for-profit organization in NC known as the Blind Cat Rescue, that offers a permanent home to 90 blind and health handicapped cats. This amazing shelter was founded by a woman named Alana who has smartly placed live streaming cameras in each of the kitty rooms, for fans and doners to watch and interact with the kitties live. Feed is LIVE 365 days a year from 8:30 AM- 7:30 PM EST, and you'd be amazed just how capable and active the seeing impaired kitties are! Best of all, you can buy items the shelter desperately needs, from their Amazon wishlist and watch the packages arrive, be opened, and immediately put to use on the Ustream feed! Of course there are some archived, home, videos to watch on the Blind Cat Rescue's YouTube channel as well; such as the above clip of blind Sandy running the giant hampster wheel!

This is a cause that has really touched my heart, personally, and taking care of 90 ill and blind kitties is a big task that takes lots of love from fans worldwide, as well as donations- I won't ask you to donate, but if you love adorable kitty videos like those above, and want to do something to touch a cat (or 90) in need, take a second to head on over to vote for the NC Blind Cat Rescue to win a $10,000 grant. Simply fill in: Shelter Name: blind cat, State: NC, and click vote. Don't forget to enter the CAPTCHA for it to count! You can vote every day between now and April, and the BCR is in second place, with very good odds!

What Daughter Says: Keep the cute cat videos coming!

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, HTC.

As Required by The FTC: I discovered these adorable cat videos through my new HTC 8x Windows Phone as part of #Troop8x, though the videos themselves are in no way associated with or endorsed by the company or organization. All opinions contained above are mine, and mine alone.

Feel the Breeze? New @HBOats Tropical Blends Is Here! Giveaway~ 3/5

Momma Told Me: Cereal is for kids.

When you're a child the concept of cereal is associated with cartoon characters and decoder rings nestled at the bottom of translucent bags. We wake up on school days and plop ourselves down at the table or nook to reach for that brightly colored cardboard box full of sugar grain puffs and marshmallows. 'Breakfast' is like morning dessert, as children we only care that it is a quick and sweet treat before beginning the day's grind at school. For me, that's where my bad habit of forgoing breakfast began. Once I felt I'd outgrown childhood cereals I quickly fell into a sway that involved skipping breakfast all together. Most experts will tell you that's a slippery slope; breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only should it be weighted higher (than other meals) in calories, but is necessary to provide the nutrients that fuel us through the day and keep us full until our equally rushed lunch breaks.And eating cereal for breakfast just doesn't seem like the 'adult' thing to do.

That's precisely why any child over 5 can easily identify what is casually known as an 'adult' cereal. These usually consist of plain white boxes full of photos of fruit, with nutritional claims in banners across the bottom. But 'adult' cereal doesn't have to be a high fiber compound of compressed oats and void of any flavor. In fact, Post's range of Honey Bunches of Oats has widely been recognized by fans as one of the most flavorful selections among 'sensible cereal'. And the new Tropical Blends flavor is no exception; packaged in a vibrant box of beachy hues, this breakfast cereal will inspire a "party in your mouth" (and that's a direct quote from the other half). Blending trademark Crispy Honey Bunches of Outs Flakes with a tropical Mango flavor, and Coconut Flavored Granola Clusters makes for a textural experience that is anything but boring or bland. Each serving weighs in with 10g of Whole Grain and 9 Essential Vitamins and Minerals, while still coming in below the leading brand of 'adult' cereal (Honey Nut Cheerios) with 2g less of sugar! The Tropical Blends variety is heart healthy and filling; tested here to a proclamation that just a bowl "Just may be the most enjoyable bowl of cereal I have ever had."

As part of the General Mills brand, Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends is a participating title in the Labels for Education program which donates a portion of money back to schools. But that's not the only reason to hunt down a box of this new blend; The Purex® brand is teaming up with Honey Bunches of Oats and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts to launch a monumental prize giveaway: The 2013 Tropical Trio Sweepstakes! That's right, Purex has a brand new scent in their Natural Elements Liquid Detergent; Tropical Blast, and they're teaming up to offer an amazing prize in hopes of spreading the word. In addition to a Grand Prize that will send one lucky entrant on a tropical paradise vacation to Outrigger Waikiki, 5 First Place winners will enjoy a year's supply of Tropical Purex and Honey Bunches! 100 Second Place winners will also receive coupons good for free Purex and Honey Bunches product, so don't hesitate to head on over and enter TODAY, and look for the new Honey Bunches variety on shelves in a store near you!

What Daughter Says: Enjoy the grown up cereal with big flavor and plenty of tropical texture, look for new Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends on a shelf near you!

One Momma Told Me follower will win 3 vouchers good for FREE Honey Bunches of Oats! Enter our Soft Scrub Total giveaway here. Enter our Dial Tropical Body Wash here.

Combining Cutting Edge #HTC8 Mobile Technology W/ Prepaid

Momma Told Me: The phone may be free, but the service isn't.

When I got my first mobile phone there were no choices. Nationwide mobile networks were at a minimum, unlimited was a mythical term of hopes and dreams, and the best shopping one could do was hope for an advanced handset with extra Night and Weekend minutes in exchange for a 2 year contract agreement. Boy have we come far in the past 10 years! But I am still amazed at the number of people who don't fully understand the choices available with pre-paid. When I received my new #HTC8 Windows phone it came ready for 4G service, and primed to connect to the T-Mobile network. While T-Mobile offers an extensive collection of month-to-month plans, the #HTC8 is so new and hot it is not formatted for the prepaid networks out of the box. Don't fret, however, I assure you this phone can be activated on a no annual contract plan, and is compatible with any of the mobile carrier's options. Of course, buying outside of a contract will mean paying retail value for your handset, but the HTC 8x is well worth it in my opinion, and you can still add on handset protection insurance each month.

How is it that a phone as cutting edge and awesome as the HTC 8x works with affordable, commitment free, pre-paid plans? It's as simple as ordering a pre-paid (micro) SIM activation kit from the T-Mobile website. There are many recent promotions where you can score this kit for free, and the traditional pre-paid SIM kit will work just as well, since the HTC 8x includes a SIM card of it's own. It may be a little confusing, but you are actually ordering the pre-paid activation code, more than the SIM, though they come together in the same kit. Once you have your Activation Kit you can install the original SIM card and provide the device Serial, as well as Kit Activation Code, and proceed to choose your plan.

While most people will want unlimited 4G coverage to take advantage of the beautiful 4.3" widescreen Gorilla Glass 2 display, and superior speed processor, the phone functions quite will with capped 4G plans. Don't get confused, just because the plan words a limit on 4G coverage does not mean your phone will not receive unlimited 3G service once the 4G data limit has been passed. In fact, for the first month of service I opted for an unlimited text and data plan that had structured 4G data, and 100 minutes of talk time for just $30/month. Thanks to the freedom of prepaid plans I can easily test out this low minute plan one month and adjust my time up as needed the following month. My #HTC8 has a complete My T-Mobile tile that displays my current monthly data, message, and minute usage so far. There's no fancy phone number sequences to remember or account information to save online, it's all visible through my handset! While some are anticipating T-Mobile's iPhone release in the coming months, I've already discovered the hottest handset on the market, the Windows #HTC8, and it's even ready for pre-paid!

What Daughter Says: Don't tie yourself down to a long term contract, enjoy the freedom of the HTC 8x with T-Mobile no-annual-contract phones.

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, HTC.
As Required by The FTC: I received the new HTC 8x Windows Phone as part of #Troop8x, though opinions contained above are mine, and mine alone.

If My #HTC8 Were An Animal...Exploring Gorilla Glass 2 #Troop8x

Momma Told Me: Why buy expensive electronics when you don't take care of them?

I'm not perfect, but I know I tend to be more gentle with my electronic devices, than the average consumer. In modern times it seems like we almost tend to take the wide availability of modern electronics for granted. With all of the service and extended contract warranties, or the never-ending updates in versions and models, it seems more likely that we will upgrade an electronic before it reaches the end of it's life. Furthermore, losing or critically damaging one of these electronics is almost an invitation to go shopping for an upgrade. When the other half lost his mobile phone last November I could actually sense a bit of excitement in his eyes, as he feigned sadness, while browsing new handsets on his tablet. But the simple fact is that we all, ideally, want to find that one device in each category that performs so flawlessly, upgrades are hardly enticing.

When I got my new Windows Phone, the #HTC8, I was looking for a long term relationship. I wanted a phone that would merge seamlessly with my work at home (and it does, thanks to the mobile Windows operating system), while providing a fresh and stylish design that was cutting edge enough to withstand the next 5 iPhone launches. I'd grown tired with gimmicks, and was ready to settle down. The #HTC8 had everything I could dream of, in it's super thin, yet beautiful HD widescreen screen. There was a gorgeous quality image from the front facing camera, and even a personal lens for group shots and personal images. Windows Live Tiles helped me drag and drop my life into an order that made sense and was intuitive to me, and the 4G service I'd signed on for, through a prepaid plan, with T-Mobile was lightening fast to showcase the device's 1.5 GHz processor.

I was captivated by how beautiful the image was on my screen when taking photos, viewing things in low light, and even streaming high quality videos through my Netflix or YouTube apps. How could this phone be so sleek and lightweight, while still responding with precision, and be strong enough to withstand my purse and other daily dangers? The answer was in the glass, Gorilla Glass 2; a cutting edge surface being utilized in the newest technological gadgets. Gorilla Glass is uniquely composed to offer longer wear in instances of damage, with more shallow scratches and chips, while improving over traditional touch sensitivity. It's lightweight build makes it ideal for slim devices like the #HTC8, yet it is strong enough to act as an armor for your phone's screen. Not only are Gorilla Glass 2 screens stronger, but they convey light with more precision for sharper and brighter images that compliment my phone's 4.3" touchscreen.

I'd never heard of Gorilla Glass prior to the HTC 8x, but I must admit that the screen, and Live Tiles, respond with much clearer accuracy than my last touch screen phone. I've also noticed that the screen is even more enjoyable to touch, smooth and responsive to the lightest swipes of movement. I'll certainly be keeping an eye out for Gorilla companion products when shopping in the future, as the other half is accident prone!

What Daughter Says: Stop 'upgrading' and discover why the #HTC8 is a protected investment, with flawless beauty.

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, HTC.
As Required by The FTC: I discovered these adorable cat videos through my new HTC 8x Windows Phone as part of #Troop8x, though the videos themselves are in no way associated with or endorsed by the company or organization. All opinions contained above are mine, and mine alone.

Certified Steak and Seafood: Slow Aged Boneless Ribeye

Momma Told Me: Life's short, eat steak!

Growing up I wasn't very aware of the various cuts of meat, or that there was even a choice in quality and tenderness. For the most part, Momma used skirt steaks creatively, and even found uses for tough London Broil. Sure, we were gifted beautiful bundles of gourmet meat during the holidays, but Momma never let that precious cargo touch my lips. As she would say, 'What you don't know, won't kill you,' and she was right; not knowing there was something better out there kept me fairly content through my teenage years. I'm afraid I have to admit I thought a 'filet' or a 'ribeye' was a method of preparing steak more tender than the other, until I began doing my own grocery shopping, and dating. Early on in college I began dating a man who wouldn't eat anything less than a Ribeye, and I quickly realized I had been fooled by Momma's smoke and mirror games all those years! Even on steep sale, I was hard pressed to find an 8oz steak in this cut under $15. So, after my initial Alaskan Salmon experience with Certified Steak and Seafood, I was tickled to discover their range of Certified Angus Beef.

With Boneless Ribeye options in 6, 8, and 10oz sizes, as well as a Cowboy Steak (bone in) weighing in at a whopping 25oz, Certified Steak and Seafood's CAB Prime ranks these steaks in the top 1% of beef. Slow aged and hand cut, these steaks undergo the same rigorous third party certification as the Atlantic Salmon. That means you'll receive a certificate of quality assurance with nutritional breakdown and basic health and quality checkpoints. I'm still tickled to be able to know when and where my meat was sourced! Entirely USA bred and harvested, these Prime 8oz Boneless Ribeyes have exceptionally smooth and even marbling, with fat that naturally flavors, and melts away, during cooking. I prepared our first two on a skillet, and our second two on the grill; both turned out ultra soft, melting along the palette in what I would expect to be meat heaven. I assure you, no steak sauce was needed for this cut of meat!

While I decided to go 'old school' with my meal preparation, and allow the steak to truly be the highlight of this meal, I did add a few traditional sides. I roughly peeled and sliced some potatoes to cook stove-top while the steaks were on, and grilled a few halves of corn on the cob. Both received a generous portion of butter, garlic salt, and fresh cracked pepper. For me, this is true comfort food; every last bite devoured and genuinely enjoyed! Next week I'll be pairing a lovely side recipe with the formidable Certified steak and Seafood 8oz Filet Mignon cut. It's hard to imagine a more tender, naturally flavorful, cut of beef after these Ribeye- but if anything will do it, it will be a USA slow aged Filet Mignon. Just watching these bad boys thaw in my fridge overnight has my mouth watering; I am truly in for a treat!

What Daughter Says: For those looking to take the guesswork out of superior meat, choose Certified Steak and Seafood and experience aged beef, as it should be!

As Required by the FTC: I received product from Certified Steak and Seafood to facilitate my review, though all images and opinions are mine and mine alone.

#HTC8 Windows Phone: A Few of My Favorite Things #Troop8x

Momma Told Me: You don't know until you live without them.

I'll admit it, I'm technologically obsessed, linked in and logged on every waking hour. While I grew up during the beginning of this mobile technology explosion, and still recall what a 'briefcase phone' looks like, I've become spoiled. Ironically, I'd estimate less than 10% of my interactions with my cellular device are related to direct communication via an actual phone call, or text message. If you'd have accused me of this a few years back, being tethered to an electronic device, I would have scoffed with offense. Now, it's something I've come to embrace. So long as my electronic devices don't prevent me from unplugging and connecting with the real world (aka, my family), I am fine with being labeled a techie/geek/nerd.I feel the electronics and technology I choose to align myself with is a clear expression of who I am, and a key to my success in nearly every daily activity. How can something as ordinary as a phone keep my life on course? Read on and find out just how my #HTC8 Windows Phone does just that!

I've been an Android user, mainly because the other half was, since it's mobile existence. My first smartphone was an Android, and it's hard to argue with a brand that has a cute little green robot as a mascot. However, working in digital media, I often find circumstance where I need to operate with Apple (iPad) devices for App reviews or software features. Though, the logical thing, for me, has always been to carry a 'smartphone' that is compatible with my processes on my Windows PC laptop. After all, what's the point of having a 1.5GHz, Dual-Core, processor if I can't seamlessly transfer and manage data between my home computing and on-the go devices? I knew the 8x, by HTC, was going to be my new best friend, ready to explore right out of the box. Using my Windows live ID I could seamlessly connect all of my social media accounts and back up any personal data to the Cloud. This means I can access my images and files on the go with the phone's integrated WiFi or 4G compatibility. And, did I mention how fast my new phone is?

Shortly after I received my new phone there was a small hiccup; an extremely rare glitch that shutdown my device, pending in warranty HTC repairs. There was a little bit of panic, as I switched back to my old LG handset in the interim. I had become so used to the lightweight, slender, and even sexy HTC handset, with the beautifully lit 4.3" Gorilla Glass screen, and Widescreen forward facing camera. Sure, I was happy with my old phone before, but now, I couldn't imagine going back! The difference between the two interfaces was dramatic. Where as I had been able to streamline all of my favorite apps, images, and even recipes, onto my Live Tiles home screen, with the 8x, my Android phone now seemed stiff and limited; almost, even, outdated. I yearned for the fast processor and 4G connection of my new baby, and the feel of the soft rubberized exterior gently weighted in my hand. It was as though I had traded my new flat-screen plasma in for an old tube television; everything moved slower, and nothing was as 'shiny' as it had been on the HTC.

When I was at last reunited with the #HTC8, I quickly began resetting my apps, and personalizing my home screen. Many of my images were easily pulled from the Cloud, thanks to my Windows ID account, though there were some Apps I was forced to download again. A unique Windows mobile APP I had found especially fun is called Munzee, similar to geocaching, for those familiar. Munzee is entirely free and offers a unique way to kill down time and explore while out and about with one's HTC phone. Simply lock on to your current position and select a nearby 'Munzee' marker. Using Google Earth, powered by Bing, you'll be given a clear visual guide to the designated location, as well as written tips left by previous visitors. The point? At each user designated location is a digital barcode to be found and scanned, or 'collected'. Move up in the rankings alongside your friends, or check your nationwide rank against other Munzee hunters. With the lightening fast speed of my T-Mobile 4G (prepaid) network, and the beautiful widescreen HD display, this is one app that executes flawlessly with the HTC 8x.

Though the 8MP main camera may not blow anyone's socks off in comparison to comparable smartphone devices, the auto adjust features, and photo editing software is extremely intuitive. In addition to the ability to take rapid fire images, this devices BSI sensor works especially well in low lighting for great images without a bothersome flash (though there is a flash option). The above image was sized down to fit this blog post, and taken without editing, just prior to this post. It's not the sharpest image I've captured with my HTC 8x, but it's a wonderful example of low life capture with a moving target! This bad boy also records MP4 files in 1080p, with a widescreen 2.1MP front facing camera, perfect for controlled images that don't leave me out of the shot!

One of the especially nice features of my new phone is the inclusion of Beats Audio precision sound, which truly brings my favorite tracks to life with it's dedicated amp. I've never heard such crisp vocals, and true surround from a mobile device! To make things even better, Spotify is offering a one month Premium trial for first time mobile customers (through their website), this month. That means I can make and play playlists from an almost limitless library of the hottest tracks. Just another reason my new HTC phone never leaves my side; thank goodness for built in battery management and extended talk time. This HTC powerhouse can easily handle my leisure media streaming, and on-the-go workload, as well as keep me up to date on Social Network news. All of these things, and so much more, are just part of what makes the new HTC 8x just one of my Favorite Things. Which feature would you enjoy most in the new #HTC8?

What Daughter Says: The HTC 8x has simplified my mobile life, and broadened my horizons.

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, HTC.

Disclaimer: I received an HTC 8x handset and service as part of the #Troop8x program. Regardless all opinions within are 100% mine, and mine alone.