#RaiseYourVox with Sean Astin

I am honored to partner with Sean Astin to promote his radio show. I received a gift from Sean in appreciation of my support for his show. All thoughts and opinions in this blog post are my own.

My aim as a blogger is always to show you slices of my life. Oftentimes in doing so, you see people and things I love, causes I believe in. In preparation for celebrating my milestone 40th birthday at the end of this year, I have been looking back on a number of these people and things through the years that have shaped me into the person that I am today.

Among my foremost reflections from my "tween" years is the movie, "The Goonies". As a small town Oklahoma girl, when my mother took me to see this movie it had a profound effect on my life. It was a stepping stone that truly encouraged me to step out and show the independent side of my creative self and my artistic and creative mother who had long since her childhood had this same kind of spirit within herself, knew this. This movie was one of our most memorable mother-daughter bonding activities that would invoke sweet and special memories right up until the day she passed.

Recently I was excited to find news surfacing in social media that there may very well be a "Goonies 2" sequel with much of the original cast returning. I am beyond words excited at this possibility. One of the joys that came from what has become a beloved 80s classic has been watching cast member Sean Astin not only continuing his acting career into adulthood including such memorable roles in "Lord of the Rings" and "Rudy" but along with that, he is proactive in sharing causes he believes in to make a difference in our world.

Sean is beginning Season 2 of his political radio show for "the occasionally interested people" on May 1st. This season, he will be on a new network, TradioV. 

His interest in politics and representing the people's voice is infectious, and he genuinely wants people to understand what is happening with the government, even when it seems too complicated. An aim of the show is, "Whether you are or aren't interested in politics, he offers an intellectual discussion and doesn't just want to be heard, he wants to hear the people and their concerns, all while keeping it civil." 

I believe that a political voice is an important part of our world today. I truly believe in America that we have the power to impact laws and legislation through exercising our rights to vote and to petition our legislative leaders to voice our opinions on current and proposed laws. There is power in numbers and each voice is important, which is one of the reasons why I am so happy to see Sean offering this radio show format for a place for people to discuss politics, whatever your political opinion. I really enjoyed tuning in to Season 1 and I hope you will join me in tuning in for Season 2.
   

His broadcast airs live on Thursdays from Noon-2:00 pm Pacific/3-5 pm Eastern time on TradioV.com. You can follow Sean on Twitter on Facebook and on his YouTube Channel here.

You can visit Sean's website for Vox Populi Radio here and the hashtag is #RaiseYourVox.

If his radio show has caught your interest, you should join us tonight for a #RaiseYourVox Twitter party at 5:30 pm Pacific/8:30 pm Eastern time. 

You can RSVP for the Twitter party here.
Hosts will be @HostVoxPopuli @crazyadventures and co-hosts: @seanastin @LindaofNote @ENMNetwork and @Leah_Cevoli.
Panelists will be @MamaDweeb @StacieinAtlanta and @1momof5.
Prize Patrol is @SincerelyG with some fun prizes to be given away of two personalized autographed pictures, one autographed poster, and a grand prize "prize pack" with an autographed picture and Vox-branded items, including a Vox t-shirt!

ENMNetwork Disclosure

Spring Recipe Corner: "Easy Hot Cross Buns"

A beloved Easter treat, hot cross buns are a popular during Lenten season and a Good Friday tradition to many, including in our household, where I baked them today for our Good Friday breakfast tradition.  

The preparation process with the rising of the yeast, mixing and all-around hoop jumping to get the dough just right can leave some frazzled and tired. I use an easy and time-saving shortcut method by using Pillsbury refrigerated cinnamon rolls and make use of  candied fruit leftover from making fruitcakes during the Christmas season. My family and I were happy with the results. 

For the history of hot cross buns, marking crosses on baked goods such as breads and buns dates back to pre-Medieval times and was meant to be a visible sign that the bread was “blessed” and had the power to ward off evil spirits and help the longevity of the bread by stopping it from molding or becoming stale too quickly. One story says hot cross buns origins date to the 12th century when an Anglican monk placed the sign of the cross on the buns to honor Good Friday. I came across a fun old rhyme about hot cross buns that says, "Half for you and half for me, between us two good luck shall be".  

"Easy Hot Cross Buns" 

1 can Pillsbury refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
1/2 cup candied fruit 

Egg Wash Glaze: 
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare egg wash glaze by whisking together one egg and one tablespoon of milk. Set aside. Remove each roll from can and place each on wax paper. Take each roll and gently knead dough together to form a ball of dough. Place each back on wax paper. Make a well in the middle of each ball of dough. Place 1 tablespoon of candied fruit in the middle of each ball of dough. Gently knead candied fruit into each ball of dough just enough to combine candied fruit into dough. Place back on wax paper. Place each one on baking sheet. Coat each with glaze. Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown in color. Remove from oven and cool. When cooled, drizzle icing in cross shape on top of each. Enjoy!   

Disclaimer: This post is not a sponsored post by the Pillsbury company. I was not financially compensated by the Pillsbury company for this blog post. All opinions stated in this blog post are my own.    

Sponsored: “Sing Into Spring” with Disney Music Review and Giveaway

I am excited for the opportunity to review a set of Disney's preschool-age music CDs as part of "Sing Into Spring".  I was delighted by each of the four selections. 

I love the "Frozen" movie soundtrack. It includes the 2014 Academy Award winner for Best Original Song, "Let It Go", which I found inspiring as a grown up. The fun songs so perfectly match the wonder-filled movie.  I experienced such heartwarming emotions throughout the sweet song, "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?"

I found the treasure with the spirited and energetic songs in Jake and the Never Land Pirates "Yo Ho, Matey!". 

I think Doc McStuffins "The Doc Is In" is a prescription for a joy-filled journey of the imagination.

DJ Shuffle has a variety of cheerful songs that make for a spirited playlist.

Thanks to the generosity of Walt Disney Records, I will be giving away a set of Disney CDs to not one, but TWO winners. One winner will receive the Preschool set of CD’s and the other will receive the Tween set. 

The Disney 4-CD Preschool CD set includes:

• Disney Junior® DJ Shuffle
• Jake & the Never Land Pirates: Yo Ho Matey®
• Doc McStuffins; The Doc Is In®
• FROZEN® Soundtrack

The Disney 4-CD Tween set includes:

• Disney Channels® Play it Loud
• Austin&Ally: Turn it Up® 
  
• Doc McStuffins; The Doc Is In®
• Teen Beach Movie® Soundtrack

To enter, leave a comment below and let me know which set you would like to win.   

Giveaway closes Wednesday, April 9 at Noon EST. Winner will be announced immediately. 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary collection of Disney Music CDs to review as part of Entertainment New Media Network.  Giveaway is sponsored through the network by The Southern Fried Bride with prizes provided by Walt Disney Records. All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.