Reviewza-palooza

Madeline Alice Spohr

2009-04-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

You Capture - Week Seven - Fun

2009-04-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I took the kiddos home. Well to the place I grew up. The whole weekend I kept thinking - get the FUN shot. So I got a few to share.

On Saturday morning around 7:30am I heard a really loud noise, then I heard it again. I knew exactly what it was from 18 years of living there. I woke the kids up and we rushed into the backyard to find this landing in the field behind my Dad's house.

My kiddos have a picnic at the Lake on a beautiful Northern California day.

My brother and my daughter planting strawberries.

And since I missed last week I had to add my view of Spring from Sonoma County.

Don't forget to check out I Should Be Folding Laundry for more You Capture photos.

Mee Wee Review

2009-04-08T21:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mom Fuse I just had the chance to review Mee Wee Hip Hop for kids.

Mee Wee is designed as "Hop music for elementary school age children". I'll admit I am a fan of hip hop and my itunes library is full of songs that I don't let my kids listen to. Even when listening to the radio I often find myself turning the channel because the lyrics are not appropriate for my 5 and 2 year old.

Mee Wee's songs are catchy and my kiddos caught on really quick. My 5 years can sing almost all the songs and requested them over and over. Especially "Hip-Hop-O-Potamus". I found the songs to be a refreshing change from the same old kids tunes that we have heard over and over again and much more age appropriate then the songs on the radio today. The kids also had a blast dancing to the music.

You can purchase Mee Wee Hip Hop for kids by clicking on the Itunes link on the Mee Wee website.

You Capture - Reflection

2009-03-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

I know the point is to go out and shoot this week but I have a couple of reflection pictures that I took because I loved the look of the reflection so I think they fit this week's challenge. I took these in January in State Line, Nevada from the 18th floor of Harrah's casino. I want to have these picture printed and framed and hang them in the living room.

Lake Tahoe

Don't forget to check out I Should Be Folding Laundry for more You Capture photos.

WINNERS!

2009-03-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

Magic Senses
Congratulations to:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:2 3
Timestamp: 2009-03-25 20:15:44 UTC

2- Penelope
3 - Mom to Three

Clorox canisters
Congratulations to:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

8 - Just Jill
3 - JK
1 - Tammy
11 - Leigh Spoon
10 - Leigh Spoon
23 - Sportzgrl4God
17 - Peggy
6 - Penelope
7 - Andrea

I have sent you each an e-mail. Please respond within 48 hours or I'll have to pick new winners and I don't want to do that!

You Capture - Shadows

2009-03-17T21:39:00.001-07:00

This was the lamp in our hotel room at the W in Atlanta. I love that lamp! I took pictures of it with the light on and off and with a flash and without. Love shadows shapes.

Don't forget to check out I Should Be Folding Laundry for more You Capture photos.

Want to win something? Enter my current giveaways here and here.

Magic Senses soap and a GIVEAWAY - CLOSED

2009-03-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

This week I received an adorable bar of butterfly soap from Magic Senses and Mom Fuse. Look how cute this is:

Magic Senses specializes in handcrafted glycerin soap and whipped body butter and they offer over 55 designs and fragrances.

My daughter is all about butterflies right now so this was a perfect fit for the kids bathroom. I was surprised at how thick the soap was and the smell is amazing. The detail in the design is so pretty. Every time someone comes over I have to show them the soap. Smell it - look how cute!

I went out tho their website and I know have a list of all the different soaps I want to try. Number one on my list is Cherry Vanilla.

DISCOUNT

Do you want to try Magic Senses? Well, Magic Senses has a special deal 15% of and order of $15 or more for Mom Fuse and ReviewzaPalooza readers. Just use the code: mom when ordering. This discount is good through December 31, 2009.
Note: the coupon is good for all categories with the exception of the Soap Subscriptions.

GIVEAWAY

Magic Senses is giving away two Butterflies for my readers. That means there are two winners!

Here's what to do:

1. Participants must live in the USA or Canada

2. Go to the Magic Sense website to subscribe to the Magic Senses Newsletter. Here is the link: http://www.magicsenses.com/page.html?id=17 be sure to use the same e-mail to sign up for the newsletter that you use to enter the contest.

3. Come back here and let me know in the comments which soap is your favorite.

I will select 2 winners at random on Wednesday March 24rd at 12pm pacific time. You must have a valid e-mail address to win. If you do not respond to my e-mail within 48 hours I will select a new winner.

Thanks and GOOD LUCK!

What I Learned This Week

2009-03-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

Since I missed last week I am going to let you know what I learned on my Girls Weekend in Atlanta.

I learned:

No matter how big an airport is somehow you just end up on the right escalator.
New hotels don't always have the best housekeeping and 4 star restaurants can have amazing food and horrible staff.
Target in a different state with your girlfriends is much more fun then the Target at home. No matter how many times you hubby says you flew to Georgia to go to Target??
It's puh-chan not pee-can.
The Waffle House is yummy and a little scary.
Tom-Toms don't always point you in the right direction but that's half the fun.
I really like Grape Martinis and Berger cookies. Anderson Cooper is IN. If given the choice between the chicken and the hat I would chose the chicken.
I can still function on very little sleep.
I miss my girls! We had a fabulous weekend in Atlanta and now they are gone and we are back to e-mailing 100 times a day, IM'ing, texting and calling. I saw a picture frame in Target that sums up my feelings. It said "Don't cry because it's over, SMILE because it happened.

For more What I Learned This Week visit Musings of a Housewife.

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes new Decor canisters AND a GIVEAWAY - CLOSED

2009-03-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mom Fuse and Clorox I had the chance to try out the new Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Decor canisters.

From the Clorox website: Combining both fashion and function, the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes new Decor canisters will make the days of hiding cleaning products under the sink a distant memory.Clorox Disinfecting Wipes new Decor canisters:

Come in eight unique color palettes to match any home decor
Feature a sleek new shape and wider mouth
Have a new effortless single sheet dispensing system
Has the same disinfecting power of their namesake wipes
Are fashionable enough to be left on the countertop

I have been a Clorox wipe person for awhile now and I have to say I am REALLY liking the new canisters. The designs are beautiful and I don't feel bad about leaving them out where everyone can see. My favorite part is the wide mouth opening. It makes it so much easier to get a wipe. No more trying to fit your fingers in and attempt to grab one. The wide mouth is so convenient. The wipes are great. You get that great clorox clean without the harsh bleach smell or the worry about bleaching your clothes.

They are also have a contest in which you can design your own container and win some great prizes. Check out the contest at - http://www.redesignclean.com/#/design-it-your-way

You can even take off the sticker in front so the canister looks even more stylish!

Being the great company that they are Clorox even included some coupons for a FREE New canister of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. So I am sharing with you! I have 9 FREE coupons to giveaway!

Here's what to do:

1. Go to the Clorox and come back here and let me know in the comments which new canister is your favorite.
2. For an additional entry follow me on Twitter @jeskbmom and come back here and leave a comment letting me know you are following me.

I will select 9 winners at random on Tuesday March 24th at 12pm pacific time. (US shipping Only) Since there are two ways to win you can win more then one coupon! You must have a valid e-mail address to win. If you do not respond to my e-mail within 48 hours I will select a new winner.

Thanks and GOOD LUCK!

Girls Weekend

2009-03-05T10:03:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow morning I am getting up at 3am. That is if I ever get to sleep tonight. I am so nervous and excited about this weekend. You see the only reason beyond my kiddos that I would get up at 3am would be to catch a flight to go see my girls!

Tomorrow I am heading across the country to spending time with five amazing women. I am looking forward to laughing so hard my cheeks hurts, telling stories until the sun comes up, discussing the plot for the New Moon movie, figuring out what the heck sweet tea, old bay and Berger cookies are, trying a Grape Martini and some Alabama wine.

I am also wondering how a self proclaimed over packer will find a way to fit everything into one carry one suitcase without smashing the Sees candy I am bringing. Priorities. Un-smooshed candy is at the top of the list.

Watch out Hotlanta - here we come!

You Capture - March 4

2009-03-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge from Beth: PERSPECTIVE. Take a picture from a completely different angle than what you normally would. Be creative…makes us, your audience, see a piece of something that we normally overlook when just passing something by.

It's been raining for weeks. OK days but it seems like weeks so I have not had much opportunity to step foot out of the house. I tried lying on the floor taking pics and realized I needed to mop. I tried taking a picture of the inside of my washer which reminded me I need to get some laundry done. I tried to capture the raindrops but I can't figure out this camera.

So here's what I came up with.

Here is the rain soaked grass in my backyard. If you look carefully you can see the raindrops. The upload doesn't seem to show that as well as the original.

And for some reason I like the way this one looks. It is my son's bobblehead collection. They are on a perch near the ceiling so I had to get on a chair and hold the camera over my head to take this.

I think it's time to get a flickr account so you can click on the pictures to see the real thing.

The Intrepid Traveler - Travel Guides

2009-03-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

Did you know I am going to Disney World? Yes that's right me and 34 of my closest friends. Wait make that 35 people in my family. Did I mention that I am planning the whole trip... for everyone. Yep that's right. Yes, I did volunteer to do it, and no I had no idea what I was getting myself into and yes I am having fun.

When Mom Fuse asked if I would be interested in reviewing a travel guide from The Intrepid Traveler I took a look and knew that The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation 2009 would be a perfect fit for me! I have been to Disney World twice before but never with the kids and never with a large group.

Yes, I am working with someone from Disney's Magical Gatherings to plan this trip. I find that their help is limited to: here are your options - you pick. I need a little more. I need tips, tricks, ideas on what to do while we are there. The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation 2009 has been a great help!

The first thing I noticed was the book gets right to the point. No long intro, no fluff, straight and to the point and that's what I need!

I often find myself flipping through the book trying to find a specific page. You know what would have been perfect with this book? those little post-it flags that you can mark sections and pages for easy reference. note to self... get flags at Target.

I am enjoying the "Where To Eat" and the breakout of what to do with young children, families and even seniors. There is even a section on "Fun Outside the Theme Park" with tips on fun things you can do at all the hotels.

This book is just what I was looking for to help plan my trip. It is full of tips but it is not overwhelming to read or to remember. I would highly recommend this book to anyone planning an upcoming trip to Disney World. Even if you have been before you will learn something new. You can order The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation 2009 along with a selection of other travel guides on the Intrepid Traveler Website for only $15.95.

Nubar nail lacquer

2009-03-01T12:41:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Mom Fuse I recently had the chance to try Nubar nail lacquer.

From their website: Nubar is a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative, high-quality Nail Art and Nail Care products. nubar’s non-toxic line contains zero Formaldehyde, Toluene or (DBP) Phthalate. Choose from over 180 colors, 14 nail treatments, 48 colors of nail art and color changing nail lacquers.

Nubar sent me two colors "Hot Blue" and "Hot Pink".

My daughter saw the colors and was ready for a mani/pedi right away. She picked Hot pink for her fingers and Hot blue for her toes.

The first thing I noticed was the applicator was very easy to hold and use. Sometimes the part that you hold onto is too small or too large that it make putting the nail polish on difficult. Not with Nubar. The thing I like most was the scent or rather lack of scent. Yes, it smelled like nail polish when you opened the bottle but there was no lingering scent. The hubby couldn't even tell that we had used nail polish something that he usually points out right away.

The color in the bottle was very true to the color that came out on the nails. I only had to use one coat for my daughter. The best thing about the Nubar nail lacquer was the drying time. I painted her fingers nails first and they were totally dry by the time I finished her toes. VERY NICE for use on kids who love to squirm and aren't willing to sit down for too long, or for the Mom on the go who only has a couple minutes to get some color on those nails.

Overall I was very impressed with the Nubar nail lacquer and can't wait to try some colors of the 180 colors.

You can purchase Nubar nail Lacquer on their website.

You Capture - Feb 25

2009-02-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about this weekly challenge. You see Beth at I Should Be Folding Laundry has the same camera I do but that girl is talented! Have you seen her pictures? My camera can do that... at least I think it can. Not too sure about the lady behind the camera. So I figured if I participate I can figure our how to use this wonderful camera and maybe how to edit pictures???

The first You Capture challenge was to "Take a picture of something you love... without the flash". So the hard part was trying to find something beyond the obvious kids, hubby, my Twilight series.

So my first thought was... I can sneak Twilight into this. My favorite paragraph.

Like how the page is marked? But then I thought you all are going to think I am a nut. So I thought harder what do I really love and it hit me.

Cuddle Stuff

On the left are K's (5) "Mommy Blanket" and Perry and on the right B's (2) Thomas the Train blanket and his Taggie. K's blanket was my bedspread when I was a kid. My Dad had it cut down and made into a blanket for my daughter.

In our house just before bedtime is cuddle time. The kids run and get their cuddle stuff and they each pick out a book and we cuddle and I read B's book and K reads her book to us. This is my favorite part of the day. It's the thing I look forward to most.

What I learned this week - Feb 24

2009-02-24T09:35:00.000-08:00

I learned this week that I never know what to say, that it's hard for me to put my thoughts into words that really express how I am feeling.

Last week I read a post that I wanted so badly to comment on but I had no idea how to put into words how worried I am, how much I ache for the writer, how much their words inspire me; without coming off like a stalker.

Last week I must have started at least 100 @ replies on Twitter only to delete thinking someone was going to think I was annoying.

Last week my Mom got some potentially horrible news and I had no idea what to say to calm her, to make everything all right, to let her know that I was there without physically being there.

Then when Mom was told the news wasn't as critical as first believed to be I couldn't put into word how happy I was. Nor could I explain to her my intense hope that she takes this news and does what she knows she needs to do to prolong her her life.

It's funny because if you knew me you would know that I am never at a loss for words... the problem is I am at a loss for the right words. I learned that I need to stop worrying about what other people will think about what I say or write and just do it. Speak from heart. I'll be working on that this week.

For more What I Learned This Week visit Musings of a Housewife.

Little Miss Matched

2009-02-23T13:59:00.000-08:00

When I first heard about Little Miss Matched I thought what I great idea for socks and they are so cute. Then I went out to their website and found out they are more then just socks. There are pj's, bedding, flips flop (SO CUTE!), furniture, accessories, books, toys and even things for Mom and Dad.

What you have never heard of Little Miss Matched? Look around... make sure the kids are out of the room... if not you are going to hear "Oh MOMMY I want that... look how cute... those are MUST haves Mom". Or maybe that's just my 5 year old fashion diva.

Little Miss Matched's philosophy is "nothing matches but anything goes!" Thanks to Mom Fuse we recently had the opportunity to try the Girls Marvelous fuzzy socks. You're probably thinking cute a pair of socks... but there is more. Instead of a pair of socks you get 3 socks that are miss-matched (get it?) but all 3 go together perfectly. You can pick any combination of the 3 to wear together.

My daughter got hers just in time for Valentine's Day and she was so excited to show them off. She had to put them on the second I opened the package. The girl is all about the fuzzy socks. The thing that stood out to me was that they didn't fall down. My daughter has lots of fuzzy socks that tend to slip down, fall off or get stuck in the bottom of her shoes. These socks are so cute! K was pulling up her pants leg all day to show off her socks. She has worn her socks every chance she has had and already sent the website to Nana in hopes that they can get matching Miss Matched fuzzy socks and these tights. Don't tell her but Mommy is getting some too and maybe some of those cute flip flops

Winners!

2009-02-23T13:57:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in my 1st give away. The winners were Thao and Shannon B who will be receiving their PakNaks in the mail. I can't wait to hear how you like them.

Keep checking back, I'll have another give away soon.

What I Learned This Week - Feb 17

2009-02-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

This has been a very educational week so it's time for a What I Learned This Week list.

Having house guests and keeping the house organized and clean does not always mix.
Buying a new washer and dryer makes doing laundry so much quicker, but that also means that the folding needs to happen much quicker... I am not a folder.
Taking the 5 year old to see High School Musical on Ice isn't that bad... especially when Troy is sporting a 24-pack. Yes there was nudity can you believe it. And you should have heard the Moms howling with delight.
When it rains in California no one leaves the house except maybe to run to Home Depot to start building that ark. This means there are no lines in the Starbucks drive thru.
When Nana comes to visit and offers to watch the kids so you and hubby can go on a date - GO! It was so nice to hang out with the hubby.
When you have been married for awhile and have a couple of kids a date consists of dinner and a Target run... so romantic.
When you know that one of your favorite shows will be starting on Feb 15th set the dvr right away otherwise you will forget and miss the 1st episode of Amazing Race.

For more What I Learned This Week visit Musings of a Housewife.

My Magical World

2009-02-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Mom Fuse we received the My Magical World DVD to review. From their website My Magical World uses colorful character to encourage young viewers to read. Each DVD also contains a full color 32 page companion book along with bonus features.

When we started the DVD I was impressed by all the options. You could add sign language to the story, there were song, and A Rhyme Time game of Who am I. My daughter wanted to play the game first. It was fun for her. A poem was read that describes something and she needed to guess what it was and after she guessed (a lion) the narrator talked all about lion. My 2 year old ran around screaming LION LION. The kids had a lot of fun playing this game.

My 2 year old liked the stories but my 5 year old got a little bored after a few minutes. She found it a little hard to follow because some of the characters were hard to understand and she can’t quiet read to follow along in the book. My 2 year old wanted to keep watching. He really liked Sammy the Book Jumper.

There are also some songs to listen to. Again my 2 year old loved them but my 5 year old had never heard them and they didn’t capture her attention. The Bubble Song was B's favorite.

I think the age limit on this may be a little more toward the lower range of the 2-6 that the DVD advertises for.

For more information on My Magical World you can go to their website at http://www.cleargatekids.com/.

What I learned this week

2009-02-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

I am sure this is something you all knew already. You probably are going to laugh and me and wonder what rock I have been hiding under. I haven't been hiding I swear. I don't know why I didn't realize this before. So here's what happened.

A friend mentioned that she found a really good recipe on a blog. You probably already know where I am going with this. So I have read the Twilight series (twice) and was looking for something to keep me preoccupied so I visited the blog. I fell in love. Really I did... with a blog. I mean have you all read this or tried this or took a look at this?

I learned this week that I *heart* Pioneer Woman.

Head over to Musings of a Housewife for more What I Learned This Week and don't forget to check out my PakNak's giveaway.

Pak Naks and a GIVEAWAY - CLOSED!

2009-02-07T13:39:00.000-08:00

**UPDATE - the 1st winner has been notified by e-mail. After the winner picks their 2 PakNaks I will e-mail the 2nd winner. If winner does not respond within 48 hours I'll select a new winner. THANKS for entering my giveaway!"

The first time I saw PakNaks was on on another blog and I thought they looked really cute. When I was offered the chance to review them for Mom Fuse I said sign me up!

My daughter loves things that set her apart. Things that make her stand out and things that make other people say "how cute" I think so she has an excuse to talk to them. I am one of those mean Moms that will not let her have a character backpack. I don't like the idea of Hannah Montana hanging around with her all day nor do I want her teased for her love of the Backyardigans. The moment she laid eyes on the PakNaks she screamed "These are so cool MOM can I put them on my backpack?" and she didn't even realize that exactly one of the things she could do with them.

From their website PakNaks are: PakNaks are fun soft rubbery 3-D decorations for kids (and adults too!) to personalize all of their stuff. Backpacks, lunchbags, headbands, computer bags, household items, the list is only limited by your imagination.

They remind me of those little tiny things that people put on their Crocs. But these are so much more. The are BIG. Each on is about the size of my 5 year old's hand. They have a really strong adhesive on Velcro and will stick to anything. I let my daughter pick two to put on her backpack. She picked:

And here's how easy they are to put on:

PakNaks are GREAT! There are so many styles to choose. Check out their website to see all the great styles available.

You know what else is great... I have 4 PakNaks to give away! Here is a picture of the 4 I have to giveaway.

Here's what to do.

Go to the PakNaks website and come back here and let me know in the comments which PakNak is your favorite. I will select 2 winners at random on Monday, February 16th at 12pm pacific time. The 1st person selected will get to choose from Robert the Robot, Tabby the Penguin, Martin the Monkey or Isaac the Turtle. The 2nd person selected will get the other 2 PakNaks. (US shipping Only) You must have a valid e-mail address to win. If you do not respond to my e-mail within 48hours I will select a new winner. Thanks and GOOD LUCK!

Vitamin Shampoo

2009-02-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to MomFuse I recently received some Vitamin shampoo and conditioner to try. I received the noni berry and lemongrass. I really like the containers.
A picture from their website

They are thin, tall and don't take up that much room in the shower. My favorite part of this product- the scent! My hair smells so good just ask the Hubby. He loves it too. I like a shampoo and conditioner that leaves your hair smelling good but not too floral or over the top. It's just the perfect amount of berry/citrus type smell.

The first time I washed my hair I noticed the label said "sulfate free" and "paraben free". Honestly I have no idea what that meant so I looked at the other shampoos I have and they all have sulfate and paraben in their ingredient list. So off the the net to investigate. You know you can find anything on the net! From what I can find products that are sulfate free don't strip the natural oils, they are milder to your skin and they are non-stinging or tear-free. It also looks like recent studies are starting to find some problems with paraben. I am not a scientist so I won't go into the deals you can google it. All I know is that my hair was soft, smooth and smelled really good and that's what I am looking for in a shampoo and conditioner.

Another thing I like - you can find this product at major stores. So many time you find something you like but you have to order online and pay extra shipping. They have Vitamin Shampoo at Wal-Mart and coming soon to Target. When I run out I will definitely try Vitamin Shampoo again I really want to try the pomegranate blackberry. I bet that smells great.

What I learned this week...

2009-01-27T11:55:00.000-08:00

I am joining Jo-Lynne from Musings of a Housewife for her new carnival.

So what did I lean this week? I learned to always check the dollar section at Target. The preferred method would be without kids because you can only have so many Strawberry Shortcake note pads or or black felt art sets. Last week I added a new small hamper for K's room and a handheld duster to my list of "things to get".

Now that I have the new washer and dryer (aren't they pretty) I can actually do laundry in a reasonable amount of time. K's hamper was taking up too much room for the little laundry that it was being used for. I also noticed that the pretty metallic grey that I picked for the washer/dryer collects alot of dust and it's annoying.

So I am browsing through the dollar section and what did I find a hamper and a hand held duster both for $1 each. WOW! I also found some great picture frames that will make great Valentine's gifts for the Grandparents. They were $1 too.

Check out the dollar section! Let me know what you find.

Learn more at What I Learned This Week

You're going to thank me for this

2009-01-25T19:10:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 26 is the first day of one of my favorite times of the year. It's time for -

There will be hundreds no wait probably thousands of giveaways all list on one page. Each link in Mr. Linky on the Bloggy Giveaway website will take you to another giveaway. This is so much fun and totally addictive. Check every day because new giveaway are posted all the time. And guess what... I be hosting my very first giveaway next week. Don't forget to enter. Have fun, good luck and don't forget to share.

Kids Central Kitchen

2009-01-24T13:46:00.000-08:00

Next up Mom Fuse arranged for us to try some baking mixes from Kids Central Kitchen.

From their website Kids Central Kitchen-

We offer natural, whole grain baking mixes for today’s active kids and their families! Also enjoy a fun and colorful selection of children’s cooking utensils, baking pans, mixing bowls, cookie cutters, sprinkles, chef hats, aprons, party favors, baking gift sets and other fun baking supplies.Our mixes are easy to make! NO trans fats, NO hydrogenated oils, NO high fructose corn syrup and NO artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Even low fat, low cholesterol and vegan recipes are available. Simple ingredients make simply delicious wholesome snacks for your family!
Our baking mixes are carefully prepared and packaged in the U.S.A.

There is a lot about that paragraph that I like. Did you see how healthy these mixes are? We received Snow Angel Sugar Cookie, Swinging Monkey Banana Bread, Flip Flop Flapjacks Pancake Mix and a kid’s chef hat – so cute! This weekend Nana was here so K decided that she wanted to make Nana breakfast. I was surprised at how simple these were to make. All we needed was water, milk, non fat plain yogurt and the mix.
I let K mix everything herself and she had so much fun playing chef.

Mom took over when it was time to cook the pancakes. They look delicious!
The box said it would make 21 small pancakes but I was able to make 14 medium size pancakes. Plenty for us. They were REALLY good. My daughter asked for more, my 2 year old ate 4 yes 4 pancakes… he is a growing boy. Nana even had seconds. They were a huge hit. My only recommendation is that you read the directions as soon as you get this mixes. I found that the pancake mix wasn’t something I could just make the day after I got them because plain non fat yogurt is not something I keep in my frig so I had to wait until the next time I went to the store.

I can’t wait to try their cookie mixes, they look amazing. The thing I like best about this line of products is that it is something I don’t have to think twice about giving my kids. I could pronounce every ingredient on the back, they are healthy AND they taste good.

If you go out to the website check out their baking kits – what a great idea!

Thank you Kids Central Kitchen and Mom Fuse.

Parking Pal

2009-01-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

This is one of those things that I should have thought of and that I would have loved to have had a couple years ago when my son was 1st born.

Since my daughter was old enough to walk we have always had a saying, “One hand on Rocket”. Rocket is our car. She was going through her Little Einstein’s phase when she named our beloved SUV. One hand on rocket meant that she would stand next to me by the car and always have one hand on the car, always touching Rocket. This was especially helpful when her brother was born and getting in and out of the car became a huge ordeal.

The Parking Pal is similar to those magnetic ribbons that you see on the back of cars. It is circle with a fun design and a hand print showing exactly where the kids should keep their hands. The Parking Pal makes “One hand on Rocket” fun for my kids. From their website the Parking Pal is described as:

HOW IT WORKS: Place the Parking Pal on the side of your vehicle, where it will remain safely attached at all times. It was specifically designed with bright colors, playful illustrations, and a small palm children love to place their hands on. After a couple learning sessions, your child will discover that the Parking Pal is their safe spot, and they will know where to go the second they are outside the car. It also helps teach them that parking lots are no place to play.

The first time I put the Parking Pal on the car my daughter asked why I didn’t buy one of these before. The first thing they do when they are out of the car is put on hand on the Parking Pal. I think it would make a great gift especially if you know someone who is having a new baby with an older sibling.

This is a great idea and a great product! Thank you Parking Pal and Mom Fuse.

SingStar Vol 2

2009-01-12T16:55:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me in real life know that K, my 5 year old daughter, has a goal in life to be the next American Idol. Since she started talking she was singing. At her Pre-School graduation she was voted most likely to become an American Idol. We are all about music around here which means we love karaoke style games. We have a PlayStation 3 and we have High School Musical, American Idol, and Rock Band 2 singing games.

When we were asked if we would be willing to review SingStar vol 2 my first thought was A PLAYSTATION GAME? You really want to send me a PlayStation game to review? HECK YEAH!

We played SingStar the first night we got it and just about every night since. I LOVE THIS GAME! Oh wait it was supposed to be for K wasn't it?

So here is what I like:

The game came with 2 microphones which means Mommy can sing too! It also means no failing and more points so K doesn't think she did that bad. The one thing I really don't like about the other singing games we have is that my perfectionist daughter always feels like a failure when Simon tells her how horrible she is. Maybe at 16 she can handle that but she is 5. We love doing the duets and even Daddy gets to play.
The videos! With every song you get to watch the actual video from the song.
The parental control. There are a few videos that can be inappropriate for 5 year olds and this game provides you with a means to block them. Love that option.
The songs! Most of the songs are recent with some golden oldies that like Pretty Fly for a White Guy, Funky Cold Medina and California Dreaming. I didn't say how old.
Download options - I love that you can go online and download more songs. You do have to pay but we can pick songs the kids know which makes it even more fun for the family.

I am really impressed with SingStar vol 2. We have had so much fun playing night after night. And I'll brag a little about my score of over 6,000 points on Beverly Hills. So who's coming over to play??

You can buy SingStar vol 2 here. You better start practicing if you want to beat me.

Thank you Sony and Mom Fuse!

Zookies

2009-01-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

When I went to the Zookies website I knew this was going to be a company I would enjoy. Their website is so bright, organized and looks like so much fun. We had the opportunity to review an apron from their Play and Learn line. The child size apron came with 2 spatulas, measuring spoons, an assortment of cookie cutters and a box of chalk. My 5 year old daughter was so excited. She is just getting into baking and helping Mommy cook dinner.

The apron is the perfect size to grow into. A little big which mean we will get lots of use out of it. K's favorite part is the small chalkboard on the front of the apron. She loves to pick her title for the day. On this day she was "Mom's Helper".

The Zookies website is filled with chalkboard items; hats, shirts, lunch boxes, and my favorite place mats. This site is filled with great gift ideas and they all provide an opportunity for the kids to get creative. There is even a section for custom items!

K now looks for excuses to wear her apron and pick her title. It's very easy to erase the board and add something new. You have to be a little careful because the chalk does rub off if you come in contact with something else, like Mommy's arm but then we have fun picking a new title in a new color.

We love our Zookies apron! Thank you Zookies and Mom Fuse!

Yes, I am one of them

2009-01-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

I never thought it would happen to me. I am a Mom, I am old; well not that old but old enough to know better. I work full time, I don't have time for things like this. Really I don't. Most of the time I can't find enough time in the day to work, cook, clean and get the kids to school. Then the company I work for decided that the holidays would be a great time to give us two weeks vacations. Two weeks during which you are not expected to check voice mail, don't even think about logging into e-mail and DO NOT think about work. I thought about all the things I could do... clean the house, bake, hang out with the kids and maybe just maybe read A book. Just one. I could do it. I had two weeks and during one of those weeks I would be in Lake Tahoe with no house to clean, nothing to be done but relax.

One of my friends mention this amazing series she was reading. She was obsessed. No one heard from her in days. She knew I would love it. So I did it. I borrowed "Twilight" from my Mom and I started reading it on Dec 23rd and I also got the flu. I read as much as I could between running to the bathroom. I was hooked. I had to know what happened next. The next two days my quiet time was limited with 20 people in the house but a interesting thing happened. Two more books in the series showed up under the tree.

I left for Tahoe on the 26th with books 1,2 and 3 determined to read them all. Did I mention that each book was at least 500 pages... at least. When I got to our destination I realized I really had books 1,2 and 4. What in the world was I going to do. I finished book 1 and started book 2 and knew I could not make it through the week without finding book 3. And this is where it got a little crazy... just ask my husband. I took K out for a drive through two states and 10 stores to find Eclipse. It was no where to be found. I was going crazy. The next day I begged Hubby to drive 30 minutes to a town that actually had a Target and a Borders. I HAD to find the book. Thank goodness the hubby loves me and knows how much I would have nagged if I didn't find the book.

I spent the rest of the week finishing all 4 books. Yes I read 4 books in a little over a week. I couldn't put them down. I had to know if Edward came back, I had to know what happened to Bella, I wanted Alice to be my BFF and yes I am now on a first name basis with the characters.

I am now what they call a

My goal is to convince everyone I know to join me and don't think I don't have selfish reasons. I need someone to go see the movie with me. I need to talk about the book and the movies. I can't get enough! This is so unlike me. I am even going to re-read the books. Seriously I have never done that before.

The bottom line is:

Hotslings for Kids

2009-01-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

I have to admit the KidSling was one of those products that made me think, is this really something a kid is going to use? I got my answer in the first 5 minutes after opening the product.

The concept is simple. It's similar to a sling you would carry a baby in but it's for kids to carry their dolls or stuffed animals. We received the Quinn Kid Sling. I love the brown and blue colors. My daughter didn't quiet get it until I put in on and showed her where she could hold her favorite stuff animal. "THIS IS SO COOL MOM" K carried her stuffed Teddy Bear April around all day. She loved that she could have April next to her while still being able to use her hands. She didn't want to take the Kidsling off. The first thing she asked for in the morning was her baby sling to carry April around.

I wish this was something I had for K when her brother was born 2 years ago. I really think she would have loved being able to carry her bear while Mommy was carrying her brother. I think this would make a great Big Sister gift.

We went on vacation the day after Christmas. While packing K got to pick a few toys to bring with her. Her main priority was making sure that April's carrier - her Kidsling was packed so April could go everywhere with us.

Another product that my daughter loved! Thank you Hotslings and Mom Fuse!

Helpful Hallies - Mighty Miracle Mist

2009-01-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

A product that I recently reviewed was Helpful Hallies Mighty Miracle Mist. A description from their website:

"Mighty Miracle Mist is a tool
that helps positively redirect young children to behave appropriately. It is a
4-pack of unscented, water-based sprays that includes: Cooperation &
Sharing, Kind Voice & Good Manners, Good Thinking & Pay Attention and
Good Night.

It works much like the concept of "Santa is
watching"... with the power of suggestion. When a child exhibits
inappropriate behavior, choose the corresponding bottle and mist the room.
Let child know the room is now sprayed for "Cooperation" or whichever behavior
you are trying to redirect. It's so much fun for kids that they want to
behave just so they can use it".

I introduced it to both of my kids but knew right away the 2 year wasn't going to understand but he wants to do everything his sister does so I made sure to keep him involved. The concept is great. This coming from a Mom who tells her kids that yes, smoke alarms are really Santa's cameras and when then are blinking that means he is watching.

The first night we tried the mists I squirted them in the air and the kids ran through. My 5 year old, K said "I feel like I have good manners now!" The first day seemed to work really well. The second day we tried the Paying Attention spray and she said she didn't think that one works on her. That night she reminded me that she needed a little help going to sleep so we sprayed the Good Night spray.

I was very consistent in using the product for five days and to be honest it had it's moments. There were times when K just knew the Miracle Mist was working and their when times when she wasn't buying it at all.

I wish that the sprays had a little more to it. Maybe a scent to go with it that lingered in the room to remind her that is had been sprayed and that the positive attitude vibes were soaking in. Like any Future American Idol she was disappointed that the glitter didn't stay on her.

Overall the one that has worked best for us in the Good Night spray. When it's been a rough day and K needs that little push to stay in bed I pull out the Might Miracle Mist and it's just that little extra comfort she needs.

Kidz Bop - so cool!

2008-12-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

My 5 year old daughter (K) has one goal in life is to become the next American Idol. She loves to listen to music and sing and sing and sing oh yeah and then she sings some more. When I was asked to review the newest Kidz Bop CD's I jumped at the chance.

We were sent Kidz Bop 14 and the newest Kidz Bop Christmas CD. It's been raining non stop here so I put in the CD and we literally spent hours dancing and singing. I'll admit the only other Kidz Bop CD I have is last year's Christmas CD and we loved it. I had no idea Kidz Bop had 14 previous CDs.

Kidz Bop 14 is filled with songs that you would hear on a current top 40's station. The lyrics are all clean and mostly sung by kids; which my daughter LOVED. She was so excited to hear other kids singing. There was only one song on the CD I didn't care for but I don't really like the original either. K was over the moon when her favorite Taylor Swift song "Tear Drops on my Guitar" came on. She has asked to play this CD over and over again and you know what, I have. I like being able to listen to music that I would listen to on the radio without the fear of an explicit lyric or two.

Next we put in "The Coolest Kidz Bop Christmas Ever"! Again a huge hit in our house. I asked K why she liked it so much and she said because it's kids singing just like me. I like how it's a twist on the old classics which unfortunately sometimes get boring for the little ones. Even my 2 year old has been dancing and singing to the Coolest Christmas Ever.

When I finally turned off the music K asked "Do you think Santa will bring me Kidz Bop 15?" I went out to their website and guess what - there is a Kidz Bop 15 and I love almost every song on the CD. Oh wait... this is supposed to be a kids CD.

You know what else I found??? Kidz Bop 80's Gold! You mean my daughter and I can sing such classics as Footloose, Girls Just want to Have Fun and Mickey! This is going to be fun!

I think Santa might have to find Kidz Bop 15 and 80's Gold for me... I mean K.
THANK YOU Mom Fuse and Kidz Bop!

Lorain's Touch - Soy Candles

2008-12-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

One of the things I look forward to as it starts to get cold is lighting candles. I love the look, the feel and the scents. Of course I jumped at the chance to review a handmade candle from Lorain's Touch. I really like the idea of handmade candles and the knowledge that I am buying from someone not some big cooperation.

I received a Orange Blossom soy candle that can in a great silver tin. Great packaging!

I have been known to drop a jar candle or two only to watch it break. I am particular about my candle scents and I loved the one I was sent - Orange Blossom! To me it smells like and Orange and cream Popsicle. You know the ones with the vanilla ice cream inside. YUMMY.

I had the perfect spot for the candle!

I burned the candle for 2 hours the first night. The scent was very minimal and one thing I noticed right away, when you blow out the candle no smoke at all. I really like that. Another thing I liked was that as the candle burns the wax disappears very cleanly. There are no black edges, no remnants on the side. It's a very clean, pretty look.

Handmade, light scent, GREAT prices! Check out
Lorain's Touch!

I'm here to help

2008-12-15T08:55:00.000-08:00

I try my best to be a good listener, a good friend and give great advice. So here you go a little unsolicited advice for the week.

Do NOT and I repeat do not under any circumstances go to Wal-Mart on a Saturday in December. I don't care how cheap their prices are. I don't care that you haven't been grocery shopping in two weeks. DO NOT go near a Wal-Mart unless you want to navigate your way through 20 carts in each aisle, listen to rude people complaining about not being able to find something. Hello people what do you think the Internet is for... get a blog!
Remind me to read the bullet above next week when I need to get the fixings for Christmas dinner.
Before you order Christmas cards count how many people you have to send them to and don't forget to ask Hubby how many he needs for work. Paying shipping twice is not fun.
When you go to the post office on Dec 15 at 8:20am to be in line when the post office opens at 8:30am be sure to make sure you have your wallet with you and it's not sitting at home next to computer where you left it when you ordered more cards. (see above)
When you decide to host Christmas Eve and Christmas remember how small your house is and that you only have 13 chairs in the whole house and there is NO WAY you can fit 20 people at your dining room table. What the heck am I going to do???
When trying to preoccupy a 5 year old with face paint remember that the red face paint is a little harder to wash off then the rest. So you might not want to paint a Rudolph nose on a Sunday night when the kiddo has school in the morning.

I sure hope my advice helps you because it's been a long weekend round here.

Visit Design Mom on Friday Dec 12

2008-12-10T12:54:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite bloggers Design Mom is hosting a A Twelve Days of Christmas Celebration on Friday December 12th with 12 YES TWELVE giveaways! Be sure to stop by on Friday.

Nix - All Star socks

2008-12-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

I'll admit it, I am not too fond of shopping for little boys clothes. I envy the selection in the little girls department. Row after row of everything and anything and then tucked away in the corner a few racks of blue, brown and maybe green. I am beginning to learn that shopping online for my little man is a must. He needs color, he needs style, he needs socks.

When I got my sample of Nix All Star socks in the mail I was so excited. Yes excited about socks. I had gone to their website when I first heard about the company and I saw all the colors and selection and the cute sporty styles and couldn't wait to put some on B's tasty toddler toes.

I opened the package and right away I was surprised. How cute are these!

I was a little bit worried about the size 2-7 with B being almost a 7; but look at the size compared to my most recent one size fits all at Target
The first thing you notice when you pick up these socks is how soft they are. I mean really, really soft. The bottom foot part of the sock has more padding then the rest. Just perfect!

My favorite thing about these socks... in two days of wearing them not once did they fall off. Not one time. B didn't even try to take them off! WOW. These are definitely on my must purchase list.

I only wish they had them in girls sizes so I could get some for K too. If you have a little girl you must check out the adorable girly colors. AND if you go to Nix right now it says FREE SHIPPING to U.S. and Canada!

Buy something, win something, find something new

2008-12-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

How cool is this? Someone bought something from one of the sites I posted just because they read about it on my site. Love it! I am having so much fun sharing some of my favorite things with y'all.

Now its time to share some more blogs with you. This week I have a theme. Well kind of sort of maybe. Here are a few of my favorite shopping/contest/giveaway/new stuff blogs.

And to one of my dear friends - yep more shopping site for you. Tell your hubby not to get too mad at me when the credit card bill comes in.

Bloggy Giveaways - Every day a new giveaway. Every day another chance to win. Even if you don't win almost every post includes some type of discount for the company sponsoring the giveaway.

Goody Blog - contests, crafts and cool stuff!

Cool Mom Picks - a new contest everyday and links to some of the cutest stuff on the web. Geared towards those with younger kids but every now at then you find a gem like Lesser Evil Christmas Coal. I know what Unc is getting this year.

It's December and I don't own a coat

2008-12-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

Today's post is going to be a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Ready? Ahhh look a list!

The more I blog the more I think about blogging and the more I want to blog. I started this thinking about doing reviews because I don't like talking about myself. Then a funny thing happened. I was driving home from my Mom's house in the car with no radio playing the alphabet game with no kids in the car and I thought I should post about this. I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about things to post. I think I am going to blog more.
It took me over an hour to find a Q while playing the alphabet game. I have never been so happy to find a Quiznos.
I drove out of my way to drive past a store that I knew started with a Z so I could finish the game before I got home. It was 9:30pm and I had been away from my family for 5 days but I HAD to find that Z.
I have a blog list now. I know shocking right? My favorite thing to buy in the Target dollar section is lists. The ones with the magnet on the back with lots of lines. Even better if it has boxes to check off. I love to check things off. I feel like I actually did something.
Yes the title is true. Sometime after we got back from the snow last year I washed my jacket. Some how it ended up in the dryer. I am not naming names but I bet you can figure it out. I had to throw it away. I didn't buy another one right away because Spring was right around the corner. Now here it is December and I still don't own a jacket. I don't think I need one quiet yet. It has only rained once. The low during the day is in the 60's. We don't head for the snow until the end of the month. I wonder how long I can wait? If anyone know where I can find a nice jacket, that is waterproof, with a hood but NO FAKE FUR... that would be great.
B (the 2 year old) is very upset about Christmas. We had to move the train table to make room for the tree. He has asked very nicely if we could "peas make Christmas go away" because "Christmas is messy Momma".
At Thanksgiving dinner K asked if we could go around the table and tell everyone what we are thankful for without skipping a beat B said, "ummmmm Thomas" B loves his trains.

Look a contest - Lil' Peanut Patch

2008-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out the 12 Days of Christmas at The Patch. I love this site and not just because I have won two of the past contests. I thought I better share the prizes this time.

Gobble gobble fat turkey fat turkey

2008-11-27T14:30:00.000-08:00

The title? The song that K taught B who is 2 and now sings fat turkey fat turkey all day long. I think he is trying to tell me something but I'll save that for a skinny jeans post. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We are getting ready to head out of town and I was just wondering how odd I really am. According to the hubby I am very odd.

Do you clean the house before you travel?

I always clean up before we head anywhere. I can't stand coming home to a mess. I won't leave a dirty dish in the dish washer. Hubby thinks it's weird. He says wait until we get home. I want to come home and relax and not lift a finger. Am I the only one? Is it really that odd that I have spent the morning scrubbing the floor and doing laundry while watching the Thanksgiving Day parade?

I'll be back on Monday. Don't get trampled shopping on Black Friday! I can't wait to hear about all the deals you all find while I am sleeping in. Please kiddos just this once let Mommy sleep in. Pretty please.

More of my blogroll

2008-11-26T07:03:00.000-08:00

More of the blogs that I read everyday. Yes every single day.

Rocks in my Dryer - also know as the home of "Works for Me Wednesday" (WFMW) and "What I'd like you to know". Today is a great day to check out this site. WFMW is up and as of this posting there are links to 178 WFMW posts.
Perez Hilton - Now you know who to come to if you want to know all the details of Heidi and Spencer's wedding. I know. Don't judge. It's my guilty pleasure.
I Need a Martini Mom - I love the stories this Kindergarten teacher has to share. And her insight to raising teenage girls, I'm taking notes.
Big Mama - I am in awe of the way this woman writes. She has a gift for telling a story and often has one to tell that I can relate to.

My last link for today is very important this time of year. Not only is it the holiday season; a chance to spend quality time with your family. It's also the holiday movie season! One of my favorite tradition is checking out ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas and setting the DVR. Nothing better then curling up on a cold raining day watching Christmas movies.

Random Acts of Kindness ROCK!

2008-11-25T09:09:00.001-08:00

I had a post in my head for today about the Alaskan Ulu but that's going to have to wait. Something happened this morning that I just have to tell everyone about.

A couple of weeks ago one of my friends wrote a post about World Kindness Day. It really made me think. I am the type of person who tries really hard to do nice things for people but sometimes life gets in the way. I made a mental note that I really needed to make more of an effort to do something just because it would make someone else smile. Then I got the call about Mom and rushed to be with her and lived in my own little world for the past week. I am spent both emotionally and physically. I didn't realize Thanksgiving was this week until K reminded me that she didn't have school on Monday. Ooops Mom of the year.

So this morning when K asked if she could please go to Starbucks I checked my wallet for cash and said sure. Anyone else feel guilty going to Starbucks when they have to put it on their debit card?

We ordered and got up to the window and the barista said it's your lucky day, the car in front of you paid for your drinks she said to tell you to have a nice day. I started crying. The lady in front of me was a complete stranger. I remember the car and I know I have never seen it before, I know I have never seen the women. I can't believe that someone said I'll pay for that person's drinks and drove away.

I felt so guilty. I tried to pay for the car behind me but would you believe there were NO cars behind me. At Starbucks at 8:00am not one car. Why is it that you feel guilty when someone does something nice for you. Like you don't deserve it.

So today I drank my coffee and it tasted better then ever and I am smiling. I don't know who you are but you made my day. You made me smile and that's been hard to come by these days. You taught my daughter a lesson in being kind and seeing what it's like to have someone do something for you just because. THANK YOU!

Yes - I cook

2008-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

I told you I would be back. You can't get rid of me that easily. WOW What a week. I am so happy to be back home and in the middle of Thanksgiving break, working, doing laundry, cleaning house, cooking dinner and tonight heading out to a Pampered Chef party. Any excuse to get out of the house right?

Like every other Mom out there I get invited to home parties ALL the time. I finally had to put my foot down and not feel like I had to go but rather go to the ones that sell stuff that I will actually use. I have enough Party Lite candles to light up the block, I am real picky about my jewelry, and don't get me started on purses... but Pampered Chef (PC) that's another story. I love PC parties! Someone cooks me dinner, I get to hang out with my friends and buy stuff I actually use. Well that I use now.

Cooking is not my thing. I laughed the first time I went to a PC party. I think I bought a vegetable peeler and some towels and offered to host a party. That was back in the day when I went to every party and felt guilty for not having any of my own. I had my party and ended up with $300 in credit and 2 half priced items. I went crazy. Then the boxes came and I had to figure out what to do with everything. So I started cooking... and now I love it!

You know what I like best about PC. The quality. Everything works really well. I had an egg slicer break and they sent me a new one no questions asked. I am lucky to have a great consultant too. She has her groupies and we go to parties, learn new recipes and host parties of our own to get free stuff. I have my one party a year every May because that is when PC hosts it's Help Whip Cancer and they have cute pink items that they only sell during May and part of the proceeds go to fighting Breast cancer.

OK so here's my list of my favorite Pampered Chef items - today.

Kitchen Shears - I have the cover too and keep these under my kitchen cupboard. I use them everyday for cutting up the kids food, opening things, cutting box tops off the packages. These are by far the item that I use most of all.

Stoneware - it's one of those things that you just have to use to understand it. When I first saw a piece of used stoneware I said NO WAY not going to use it. The I got a piece for 60% off and tried and I am hooked. Cookies turn out perfect and you can use it for anything and everything.

Easy Read Measuring cups - Yes they are just measuring cups but they are wonderful. You don't have to pick these up to see how much you are pouring in because the lines/measurements and on the inside. I use the 4-cup size as a little bowl to mix things that need to be poured into something else.

I have so many more favorite so if you need some suggestions let me know. If you have to have something listed above I know a great consultant or you are welcome to crash my party in May.

I'll leave you with one last thing - a recipe that we made at my last party. YUMMY!

The Pampered Chef ®Mini Glazed Lemon Cakes
2 tbsp butter, softened, divided
2 tbsp sugar
2 small lemons, divided
1 pkg (9 oz) yellow cake mix
1 egg
1 container (8 oz) sour cream

Glaze and Garnish
2 tbsp lemon juice (from lemon used for cakes)
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup sugar

For cakes, brush six Prep Bowls with 1 tbsp of the butter; sprinkle evenly with sugar.

Thinly slice one of the lemons using Ultimate Mandoline fitted with thin slicing blade. Remove any seeds from lemon slices and place one slice into bottom of each bowl; set bowls aside.

Zest remaining lemon using Microplane® Adjustable Grater to measure 1 tbsp zest; set lemon aside for glaze.

Place remaining 1 tbsp butter into Classic Batter Bowl; microwave on HIGH 15-20 seconds or until melted.

Add lemon zest, cake mix, egg and sour cream; whisk 1 minute or until smooth.

Scoop batter evenly into prepared bowls.

Place bowls in a circle on microwave turntable. Microwave on HIGH 4-5 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in centers comes out clean.

Carefully remove cakes from microwave using Chef's Tongs; cool in bowls 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, for glaze, juice reserved lemon to measure 2 tbsp juice.

Melt butter in (2-cup) Easy Read Measuring Cup.

Stir in lemon juice and sugar; microwave on HIGH 30-60 seconds or until boiling.
To serve, gently tap sides of bowls to release cakes; invert cakes onto Cutting Board. Transfer cakes to serving plates using Mini-Serving Spatula. Drizzle glaze over cakes.

Yield: 6 servings

My all time favorite - Family & Friends

2008-11-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

I have been a little lax in my postings lately and with good reason. On Tuesday I got one of those phone calls that makes you heart skip a beat, my Mom was in the hospital and I needed to get to her as soon as possible. I called my brother who was only 20 minutes away from Mom and he dropped everything. I called my husband at work and asked him to please come home I needed to leave, he too dropped everything and rushed home. I sent a few IM"s to my boss and co-workers, they told me not to think about work, to go be with my family. I posted a message to my friends so they wouldn't think I dropped off the face of the earth. I packed, kissed my daughter and within 30 minutes I was in the car for 2 1/2 hours to get to Mom. The texts and phone calls started before I got out of the driveway. Friends checking on me asking if there was anything they could do, keeping me company on the long drive - with no radio UGH.

As I was driving the sun was setting and both sides of the highway were covered with the most beautiful grapevines in the most amazing shades of yellow, orange and red. That's fall in the Wine Country. I couldn't help but smile, to feel ok about everything, to know deep in my heart that everything was going to be OK. And the cell rang again, more friends to keep me company on my drive. When a friend called late on Tues night my bro said, "Wow you really have great friends". I DO!

For the past two days I have been surrounded by love and by the most thoughtful, caring people I know. The hubby has taken care of everything with the kiddos and hasn't allowed me to stress about not being home for one moment. K made sure that I had two Junie B books so I could still read to her at night so I wouldn't miss her too much. B calls me and tells me what's in his tummy and that he misses Momma. My friends from all over the country have texted, called, e-mailed and posted prayers, positive thoughts and even made me laugh. On top of all of this I work for an amazing company. A company that really believes in family and has made sure that I know that my family is the priority.

Everything you all have done for me has allowed me to focus on Mom. To help her, to stay with her, to get her through this rough time. Tonight Mom came home. She is doing ok. It's going to be awhile before she is herself both physically and mentally but she is going to be fine. She gave me a great big hug today and said thank you for being here I really needed you. I thought about everything it took to get me here and for me to be able to stay here for her and it's all because of you - THANK YOU I really needed you.

Clean kisses and huggies

2008-11-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

My kiddos have very sensitive skin. We have to be very careful about what we use and always take soap with us when traveling. It's really hard for me to find soap that I like and won't give the kids a rash. I was walking through Target one day (ok so I am almost always walking through Target) when I saw the bright orange packing of Kiss My Face Kids. I read the label and the words "chemical free" and I knew I had to try it. We started off with "a whale of a soap" which are the cutest whale shaped soaps with an amazing orange scent. We have since tried the berry scent too. LOVE this soap! The kids had fun playing with the whale, there were no bad reactions and it smells so good. It comes in a package with two whales and they last a long time. After the whale soap we tried and loved the Self Foaming Hand Wash. The kids adore the scent, My favorite is that it has no color so it's not getting all over the bathroom like some other hand soap targeted for kids . It's also very kid friendly. I find that some of the foaming pumps are hard for the kiddos to use but my 5 and 2 year old have had no problems. So far I have found the Kiss My face kids line at Target and Safeway but you can also order online. Try it... you'll like it - promise!

Saving you time and money

2008-11-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

You have to check this out.

Jo-Lynne from Musings of a Houswife has taken the time to search to the end of the Internet to find some of the best and most unique holiday gifts. There is a section for men, women, kids, jewelry, stocking stuffers and everything in between. My favorites are here, here, here, and if you know the Hubby tell him to go here. Make sure you click on the button above to check out the guide and look for special discounts codes on many of the products.

5 more favs

2008-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Is it Friday yet? This day has been so hectic I don't even know what time it is. I asked K what time is was and she broke out into song. I really need to get her the HSM 3 soundtrack so we can introduce a few more songs to get stuck in our head all day long. Which leads me to... more of my favs!

1. Taylor Swift's new CD Fearless - K and I bought it this weekend and one of our rules is that Mom has to listen to the whole CD first. There is something about Taylor Swift that I really like something that I never got from Miley. The songs are sweet even though she is totally boy crazy... but who wasn't at 15. So far my favs are Love Story and Fifteen. It's Mom approved.

2. Chic Critique - another website I love. The authors describe the site as "We are regular women reviewing beauty products for regular women. " So far I have bought three products based on reviews from this site this, this and this.

3. Hallmark movies - I love this time of year and all the new Hallmark movies. Have you seen the "Love Comes Softly" series? SO GOOD and something you don't have to pause when the kids come in the room. There are six movies in the saga. Set your DVR to tape them all; promise you won't regret it.

4. Friday Night Lights - 2 words... Kyle Chandler. If that wasn't enough this is the BEST show on TV even if you don't like football. The portrayal of the kids and families on this show is REAL. The dynamic between the Coach (Chandler) and his wife and daughter could happen in any American home. It's real and many times I forget they are actors. I love this show! This season is being shown on Direct TV channel 101 but will be shown on NBC next year. You still have time to get caught up! Oh and the best thing about watching on channel 101 - no commercials.

5. Quick Salsa - My neighbor gave me this quick recipe and my blender broke while making it - it was that good. Either that or the blender flipped out because I made salsa and margaritas in the same night and it didn't know what to do. It's so easy and so yummy.

2 cans of Petite Cut Diced with Zesty Jalapenos - Del Monte brand
juice from 2 limes
cilantro
Mix it all in a blender

And there you have it!

Gift cards - yes or no?

2008-11-13T09:48:00.001-08:00

The Christmas music is playing, the Starbucks holiday cups are out and it's not even Thanksgiving. If you are like me you have almost finished your Christmas shopping... oh wait you haven't even started? Can you believe all I have left is the kiddos, the hubby and my Dad. Yep that's right and the only reason Dad is not done is because Dad doesn't like gift cards. Which leads me to my question of the week...

Gift cards - great gift or no thought? Let me know what you think in the comments.

Here my 2 cents - This year I ~~worked my tail off~~ was lucky to get an award from work. This award could be used to purchase gift card with award points. Hubby and I talked and decided to get our Christmas shopping done and save ourselves and our checking account by getting almost everyone on our list a gift card. For each person I thought about which store to go with. I thought about their hobbies and what they liked and made sure to make a good fit.

Then I started reading about a backlash on gift cards and how they are impersonal and take no thought. I tend to disagree. Personally I would much rather get a gift card then another vanilla scented bath basket. I like the idea that people can go and get what they want or need with a gift card.

I may be in the minority but I even like the idea of gift cards for kids. I love taking K shopping and letting her figure out how much she has to spend and picking something out that fits her budget. I think the idea of a gift card for a book store for a 5 year old is a wonderful idea. Yes, I know exactly how much you spent but I don't care. It really is the thought and anyway I am a Mom and a shopaholic so I already know how much everything is. I like the idea that you can have a budget and stick to it and not have to worry about wrapping paper and cards and bows.

And just to make things a little more personal I'll be sure to add a picture of the kiddos; because you know that's what Grandparents really want. If you need it to be a little more personal I'll let you take the kiddos for a whole weekend... my treat. Oh wait... that would be a gift for me. I am sneaky like that.

Mommy Blogs

2008-11-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

On Wednesdays I am going to share some of my favorite websites and this week it's all about the Mommy blog. I don't know how this all started but I think the first Mommy blog I read was Mama's on a Playdate's blog about her daughter Allie. I clicked a link on a sidebar to another site and then another and I have been hooked ever since. I have a very large blogroll that I'll share with you. I check their site almost daily. I try to comment as much as possible especially after one of the bloggers posted about how comments are like pats on the back and make the posters feel better and I am all about making someone smile. Almost every day someone posts something I can totally relate to and make me feel like I am not alone out here.

So here are a couple of my favs for this week:

Musings of a Housewife - She tells it like it is and every week she tells a story that makes me laugh or nod in agreement because my kids just did the same thing. She's also the one that introduced me to Twitter.

I Should be Folding Laundry - An amazing women who has been through some tough times lately and has blogged it all. She open, honest and OH MY you HAVE to check out her photography.

The Daily Mish Mash - This lady cracks me up! She is hilarious. You must be sure to stop by her site every Friday for some eye candy.

Bakerella - You probably don't know this but I want to grow up to be the Ace of Cakes or Bakerella. I want to make everything she posts about but I just know it won't be that cute. I will be trying her cupcake pops this holiday season.

WantNot.net - I check this site every day to find some of the greatest deals on the web.

So there you have it, the first 5 on my blogroll. Oh but wait there is more, much, much more.

I'm a Tip Junkie

2008-11-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

As promised here is one of my favorite blogs - Tip Junkie. This site has a great collection of tips and ideas from other Moms, women and bloggers for just about anything you can think of. Right now you can take a look at

and the 12 Days of Junkie giveaways starting on Tuesday November 11. The shopathon features Mom-preneur's and their talent. Let's help support other Moms and buy homemade this year! One of the things I like best is how all the products are categorized and easy to find.

My favs - check out the Ducky Soaps, Elli Noelle Designs and Simply Silhouettes. Time to go shopping!

What's New - Baggu's

2008-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

I had a whole shelf in my laundry room that is full of nothing but plastic bags. I have tried reusing them for lunches, cat liter, making kites for the kids but I swear they are like gremlins and they just multiple. I had to get rid of them!

Everywhere you look, at every store you go to you see reusable bags. Bags with ads for the local grocery store, or just plain green or black. I wanted something with a little more color, something that everyone would see and ask "Where did you get those bags?". I was visiting one of my daily Mommy blogs and saw a review for Baggus. The bright colors immediately caught my eye. Then I saw the price. A little steep for me. Then I went shopping and came home with 25 plastic bags. Yep 25. I only have one cat this plastic bag thing isn't working. So I took a leap, spent the money and bought 6 Baggus in colors like persimmon, saffron, peacock and lime.

I love these things. The colors are great, the are very sturdy and you can fit the contents of at least 3 plastics bags in one Baggu. They each come with a little pocket to store them in. They fit perfectly in your purse so you always have one with you. Every time I pull out my Baggus everyone asks where I got them... just what I wanted.

I use my Baggus for more then just grocery shopping. I take them to the beach, use them to bring in Kindy snack, soccer snack, trick or treat bags, and to carry all those extras you take with you on vacation. I always carry one in my diaper bag and purse because you never know when you are going to need a bag.

A quick tip - when you take your Baggu out of the pocket, put the pocket in the bottom of the bag. That way when you empty your bags you pocket will be right there and you won't lose it... I only lost one before I figured it out.

Better then sliced bread

2008-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

My top 5 things I know and love this week in no particular order
Oh TIVO how do I love thee. OK so I don't really have TIVO anymore we have a DVR. OK really we have two DVR's, two HD DVR's but that is all Hubby's doing. What in the world did we do before TIVO? Play outside? Talk? Sleep? Never know what was going on in the Olympics? Watch commericials? Remember when we had to wait until Saturday to watch cartoons, and we had to get UP to change the channels? I remember being home sick and watching 21 Jump Street wishing that there was something that would change channels for me during a commercial. I really think that the dvr is the best invention ever. And yes... I watch way too much TV.

Mr Clean Magic Erasers. These things are amazing. I use them to clean everything and they really do clean almost everything. I have been able to get gum off a wall, sharpie off a dresser, clean my baseboards, and oh my do they work wonders on tile grout. You know I luv you because look - You can get a FREE Mr Clean Magic Eraser

Basin Lip Balm. Not only do I love this product but I love this store. I found it in Downtown Disney in Anaheim. They have the most amazing and creative soaps and bath products. I got the lip balm because it came in the shape of a baseball and you'll soon know I love baseball. Once I started using it I was hooked. The baseball lasted almost a year and I use lip balm ALOT. When we got to Disneyland this year my very 1st stop wasn't Splash Mountain or It's A Small World. It was right to Basin!
Starbucks. I know it's not PC and it's not the best thing to do during an economic crisis, but I LOVE ME SOME STARBUCKS. Did I mention I don't like coffee? I don't know how that works but it does. Peppermint mochas, iced vanilla white mocha and if it comes in the holiday red cup even better. There is just something about stopping by Starbucks on Mon and Thurs that makes my mornings just a little better.

Mommy Blogs - First thing I do in the morning is check CNN. No wait that's probably more like 10th. I don't even know what the weather is going to be like until I check my blogroll. I have a list of blogs that I check daily and a few more that I check when I have time. I feel like I know these women. Like they are speaking to me. I buy products they reccomend, I watch shows they mention, I go to sites they link to and I even cook recipes they list. The Mommy Blog craze is amazing and I love it. On Wedneday I'll even post some of my favorite blogs.

This is Reviewza-palooza

2008-11-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

OK so I am a little late to this Mommy blog thing; but I am a Mom and I know how to blog so I figure better late then never right?

I thought for awhile about what to write about. I am not a writer. I am not the most articulate person. I am fluent in two year old, Kindergartenese, Gossip Girl, gansta rap and did I mention I work full time. Not bad for a college educated girl from the suburbs. I would venture to guess that most of the Moms at school don't know the real me, unless they happen to walk by when my cell phone rings "Ice-Ice Baby" which means I am getting a text. Texting... one of my favorite things, but we'll get to that.

I thought about a kids blog a place to post all the craziness that is our lives; but I already do that and it's a private blog. I read somewhere that google is forever and I don't think the hubby is ready for the internet to read all about our lives.

So I figured I would do what I do best and that is ramble. A little bit of this and a little bit of that with a sprinkle of toddler antics and Kindy sass. Most of all I want to share about the things I know and love.

For now here's the line-up:

Mondays - Things I know and Love
Tuesdays - What's New
Wednesdays - The Wide Web World
Thursdays - You tell me - Question of the Week
Friday - Anything Goes

I reserve the right to mix things up depending on my day and how much sleep I got.

I hope you'll have fun getting to know me and my world.