Thursday, April 30, 2009
Crusty Crab!
I think I've got "toddlerwhineitis" or something because today it was like nails on a chalkboard every time I heard it. It goes without saying that the mom of a toddler doesn't get to pee alone, drink or eat normally, always sleep alone, or have a conversation past a toddlers vocabulary.
So yes, I'm a mommy who adores her daughter. I'm a mommy that feels amazingly blessed that I get to be home and raise my daughter(not sure for how long but, for now I am) and I have a husband who takes great care of us. I'm also a mommy who is having a cranky week.
I need some space. I need to have some adult time. I need "me" time. Being with a two year old pretty much all day every day with limited adult interaction has left me hungry for adult conversation. Just ask anyone I come into contact with and they'll tell you, I can talk their ear off! ha ha
Freaky Friday-8 year old wins divorce
At least her Mother, who found out after the fact, petitioned to get a divorce granted. The sad part is that a judge rejected the case twice, even though he stated that the marriage couldn't be consummated until puberty. Do you really think that the men that marry these little girls are going to wait? Some may have at least that respect but, why even marry them if you can't be with them? There have been disputes by children's rights activists, UNICEF, and international rights groups but, they have been mostly quiet. This isn't widely done in Saudi but, there are some that are for this because it's within Islamic teachings.
I know I'm American and christian and part of the modern world as far as marriages are concerned but, this is just absolutely GROSS! I don't wanna hear about how this is OK because it's someones religion, culture, blah blah. This is a child and no cultural, religious, or law stamp is gonna change that. I just feel so blessed that I live in a country that has laws to protect children from something like this. Not all can be protected but, at least it's a start.
31 Bloggers 31 Days Blog Party
If you participate and have giveaways going on for the month of May, then you can list your contests on the momdot site. Everyone can collectively give away prizes. So fun!
My Birthday is in May too so I'm hoping I win something fabulous. Hey, we are poor and I can dream, right? haha
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Belli Cosmetics Skincare Review *CLOSED*
The Body Firming Serum contains marine proteins, shitake mushroom, and pumpkin seed cake. It's meant to be used daily, as you would your favorite lotion or moisturizer. The shitake mushroom is added to improve elasticity and the rice proteins added help maintain a healthier, smoother skin tone. I liked that it was very light, goes on like a watery gel and absorbs quickly. Not scented and though it's light you can feel it on your skin, tightening slightly. I like it's natural, non greasy feel. I love that it's made with ingredients that aren't perfumed and are totally safe for babies and children.
The Skin Smoothing Body Exfoliator is my cup of tea! I get really dry skin living in AZ and it's essential for me to exfoliate. If I don't, I get that lovely crusty, white, dead skin film on my body. Nobody wants to see that. I also love that it's anti inflammatory. When you're pregnant and after you have the baby, there's so many hormones running through your body that it doesn't know whether it's coming or going. The dryness is just part of it. I really love the invigorating smell of peppermint oil! The ginseng and green tea makes this incredibly refreshing on the skin and leaves your skin very soft and smooth.
So what's the big deal about Belli? It's made by parents that wanted their products to be safe for both Mother and baby and saw a gap in the industry. It's OB-Gyn recommend and 100% Lact-med screened(pthalate free). The products have natural ingredients and are formulated to be safe for pregnant and nursing mothers and their children. That shows their dedication to making a safer and more beautiful environment and makes me comfortable using it.
Win It
One Mom is going to be lucky enough to win a Body Firming Serum and Skin Smoothing Body Exfoliator of their own! That's a $58 value.
Rules
Please go to the Belli website and tell me another item on their site that you would like to try. This must not be these two items. This must be done first or you will not be eligible.
This contest is open to everyone, please leave your email address or I won't be able to notify you if you won.
Extra Entries
Follow me on blogger (PUBLICLY)
Favorite me on technorati
Contest ends May 9, 2009 11:59 PM Arizona time
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wordless Wednesday-Cameron sleeping
Making Tuesday Tasty-Cinco De Mayo Celebration
Chicken Chilaquiles
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds fresh tomatilloshusked, rinsed and halved
2 large garlic cloves
1 large jalapeñohalved lengthwise, stemmed and seeded
1/4 cup packed cilantro
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon coriander
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pound shredded cooked chicken (3 cups), at room temperature
1 1/2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese (6 ounces)
1/2 cup farmer cheese (4 ounces)
1 scallion, sliced
One 6-ounce bag tortilla chips (8 cups)
1/4 cup sour cream
Directions
1.Preheat the oven to 450°. In a blender or food processor, puree the tomatillos, garlic, jalapeño and cilantro until smooth. In a large saucepan, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the cumin and coriander and cook over high heat until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add the tomatillo puree, bring to a boil and cook until the sauce loses its bright green color, 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Baby Traveller Deluxe-Review *CLOSED*
The Baby Traveller Deluxe is a unique diaper bag and that's why I wanted to check it out. It comes in red, black,camoflage,teal blue, plum, strawberry pink, burnt orange, black/floral and mocha brown. It's something Dad won't mind wearing at all, and you won't mind carrying since it turns into a backpack to keep your hands free.
The gr8x company has a number of versatile, beautiful, and parent friendly bags to choose from. There are so many features to choose from. The most fabulous to me is just how compact this bag stays while at the same time being able to hold all the items you need for an outing.
The Baby Traveller Deluxe is available at a number of retailers nationwide and outside the states. This bag and their other lovely selection of bags and products, was born in Australia and created for everyone.
Win It
One Mom or Dad is going to be lucky enough to win a Baby Traveller Deluxe of their own!
Rules
Please go to the Gr8x (great ex) website and tell me your favorite feature of the Traveller Deluxe or another favorite bag/item on their site. This must be done first or you will not be eligible.
This contest is open to everyone, please leave your email address or I won't be able to notify you if you won.
Extra Entries
Follow me on blogger (PUBLICLY)
Favorite me on technorati
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Pediped shoes-Review
The Pediped Originals are also great shoes. They are made with infants to young toddlers in mind. The Originals are made with a soft leather sole to move and bend with a new crawler and walker in mind. They are soft and move with the foot which allows for proper development while providing support.
The selection has been fabulous too. I had a chance to browse through the shoes today to see the choices and they really do have an amazing selection of Spring and Summer shoes. They have a wide variety of colors for girls especially,(you know they get all the good stuff!) and I was even surprised to see how many boy options were available. Pinks, blues, greens, metallic, blossoms, dots, eek! even cupcakes(limited edition). The boys have camo, dress shoes, tennis shoes, sandals and, boots. I'm sure you'll find something you'll love on there.
I give these shoes a thumbs up! They are fashionable, flexible, safe for developing feet and ADORABLE.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Flair For The Dramatic
Lately, when she cries over whatever she is crying about at the moment, she will stop mid cry and ask to "look". Basically she will stop herself from crying and ask to see herself in the mirror! ha ha. I laugh every time she does it. A two year old. I also did a video of her "acting" for me. I had her pretend to cry, sleep, etc. She is such a hoot.
I remember when I was very little really dragging out the "owie" cries and driving my parents up the wall. Now, I don't like it when people see me cry but, sometimes there's no way around it. So, maybe there's hope that she won't be nearly as dramatic as I expect her to be. At least not until she turns into a teenager.
Freaky Friday-Twitter User Updates Via Brainwaves
The gist is that a person uses their brain to focus on particular letters and ultimately they form a sentence which is sent as a tweet. EEG is useful in a number of ways. It can diagnose epilepsy and see what type of seizures are occurring. Dr.'s can check for problems with loss of consciousness or dementia. It helps find out a person's chance of recovery after a change in consciousness. Dr.'s can use it to find out if a person who is in a coma is brain-dead. It's used to study sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy. EEG watches brain activity while a person is receiving general anesthesia during brain surgery and can help find out if a person has a physical problem (problems in the brain, spinal cord, or nervous system) or a mental health problem.
How completely amazing is it that a person who otherwise would be unable to communicate and is locked in their own body could now be able to communicate snippets of information to those that are added to their twitter account? I am just in awe of the things we can do in this time period! At the same time technology can be FREAKY!
Happy Friday everyone!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Baby Sling Giveaway
All Moms Go To Heaven-Review *CLOSED*
- Follow me on blogger (PUBLICLY)
- Favorite me on technorati
Contest will end May 7,2009 at 11:59 pm AZ time. There is no guarantee that this will be received by Mother's Day. Thanks for entering!
Go check out more exciting giveaways, including my own at the Ultimate Blog Carnival
Enter To Win a Rocking Chair
Melanie
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Eco.kid Product Review
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Wordless Wednesday-Daddy's Love
Big Spring Contest At Dad Blogs
The reason my family and I would like to win this is because we are trying to buy our first home and the backyard is literally just dirt. We don't have a lot of money and we have a toddler that would go ballistic over this set! It would also be nice for when people come over with their little ones to visit!
When I was a kid, we had a busted up, metal swingset but, we loved to play in it. Some really fun times were when it was muddy outside(lived in OR) and we would swing on the swings and take our shoes off. We ground in some pretty deep holes with our feet, ha ha.
Melanie
Naturally Knotty-Review And Giveaway*CLOSED*
It's time to kick off some things I have planned for this Mother's Day! I decided, very last minute I might add, that I wanted to do a few giveaways to celebrate motherhood and the women that give of themselves every day to make their children's lives the best they can be.
This first one is a DOOZY! I "met" Jasmine of Naturally Knotty via twitter. This new social media genius has people networking in about a second! I asked her about doing a review after seeing her site and she was not just friendly and approachable but, very down to earth and real. She has a warmth to her that comes through even the most sterile and unfeeling environment out there, our computers.
If you haven't seen the shop or what they are about, you're missing out. I adore Asian inspired fabrics and designs. I love it when they are modernized and made into something useful. Naturally Knotty's bags are delicious. It's the only word that comes to mind. I love the color choices and combinations, I love the glistening silk and sateen, I love the springy colors of her bamboo wraps and I love the different styles of bags.
Oh and did you know she even has something for babies? She sells a gorgeous cashmere baby set through Costco that has recently been dropped to $124.99 and that covers shipping and handling.
Best of all, this is yet another mama who has used her talents to make a way in the entrepreneurial world and make a difference to her family, as well as others. She is committed to environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, she keeps overhead low to pass savings on to consumers, she is giving back to those less fortunate, and uses factory overstock and recycled materials.
What did I get to review? Oh, just a little, black, CASHMERE(hello!) wrap that is going to go to one lucky mom as a great Mother's day thank you, for all you do! Made with 300 g worsted cashmere, this wrap is wonderfully soft and light weight and provides warmth for a chill too. This would make a great evening, Spring, or Autumn wrap when you want to look classy, stylish and wear something sleeveless. It comes in a very neutral black or charcoal grey to go with everything. This wrap is six feet long! Long enough to wear for almost any size woman and any way you'd like.
Buy It
As a Mother's Day special, Naturally Knotty is offering their cashmere wraps for $74.99 each+shipping!! When checking out enter code mother to get your discount of $125 off! Now that's a great deal.
Win It
Naturally Knotty is giving one very generous gift to one lucky mom by giving my readers a black cashmere wrap as a giveaway. I know, can you believe it?
Rules
You must complete this first or you will not be eligible for the additional entries! Please go to naturallyknotty.com and pick out your favorite item, post it here. You must ALSO tell me something special you did for your mom or someone did for you for Mother's Day! Please do this all in your first entry.
Extra Entries
- Follow me, if you already do leave an entry telling me you do
- Follow Naturally Knotty on twitter @naturallyknotty
- Favorite me on technorati
Please leave an entry for each thing you do, I will be verifying this. This is open to everyone so please leave me an email address. It would be a shame for you to miss out because you didn't leave me a way to reach you.
Good luck! This contest ends Tuesday May 5, 2009 at midnight AZ time. I cannot guarantee this will make it to the winner by Mother's Day.
Go check out my other giveaways as well as so many more at the Ultimate Blog Carnival!
Making Tuesday Tasty
Here's a simple recipe that kicks the asparagus up a level and compliments it nicely.
Asparagus Wrapped Prosciutto
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon chopped basil leaves
1 teaspoon chopped oregano leaves
1 teaspoon chopped rosemary leaves
8 to 12 stalks asparagus, blanched
8 to 12 thin slices prosciutto
1 head lettuce, optional
Tomato wedges, optional
Directions
Marinate the asparagus in the dressing for 10 minutes.
Wrap 2 to 3 asparagus with prosciutto.
Serve on a bed of lettuce with tomato wedges, if using, and spoon dressing on top.
Calypso Studios Big Earth Day Event
Here is their announcement for the event as well as giveaway they are Hosting! Please take a moment and register to win.
In keeping with the spirit of Calypso Studios S.H.O.P. Totes ™ (Start Helping Our Planet), the company is excited to launch its first annual Earth Day Event. Calypso
Studios wants to promote this important day in our world by donating $10,000 worth of its S.H.O.P. Totes ™.
Calypso Studios launched the S.H.O.P. Totes ™ January 1, 2009. The company collaborated with American artists, such as Lori Siebert, Emma Hand, Robin Roderick, Tina Higgins, and Andrea Tachiera to provide beautiful art on the totes. The totes are a fashionable way to Start Helping Our Planet by using reusable bags. The spacious bags are 17” x 19” when opened and easily roll up into a 2” x 3” size. Three bags are conveniently stored in an 8” x 6” wristlet carrying case. Calypso Studios S.H.O.P. Totes were also chosen as one of the celebrity giveaway swag bags at the Academy Awards in February. Celebrate Earth Day carrying the bag the celebrities use!
Our Earth Day mission is to encourage everyone to get in the habit of carrying reusable bags on every shopping excursion – whether to the grocery store, mall, or on vacation. We want to Start Helping Our Planet by discouraging the use of plastic and paper bags.
Plastic bags are harmful to the earth in several ways:
Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide
According to the EPA, over 380 billion bags are used in the USA every year, which is more than 1200 per resident and it takes about 12 million barrels of oil to make this many bags.
Over 46,000 pieces of plastic are floating in our oceans worldwide
Each reusable bag you use has the potential to eliminate an average of 1000 bags over its lifetime.
To participate in our Earth Day Event please register on the retail website: www.calypsostudiosinc.com This event begins at 12 noon est on April 1, 2009 and will end at 12 noon est on Earth Day, April 22, 2009. A drawing will be held on the evening of April 22 to select the winners. These lucky individuals will each receive an Acts of Kindness S.H.O.P. Tote ™..
Please carry your bag with you on every shopping trip to show that you are helping your planet by not using plastic or paper bags. Calypso Studios S.H.O.P. Totes ™ are fashionable, convenient, and affordable. Let’s end the waste of plastic and paper bags and keep our world clean and green!
Monday, April 20, 2009
A Little Blast From The Past
Recaro Car Seat Giveaway
Saturday, April 18, 2009
PJmommy Breast Pump Giveaway
Melanie
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Freaky Friday-Tree Grows In Human Lung
So, basically, a Russian man complained of having pain in his lungs and coughing up blood. The Dr.'s suspected cancer from the scan so they performed surgery. When the Dr. went in, he took a double and then a triple take! The man had a 5 cm long tree growing inside his lung.
The Dr.'s believe that the man had previously inhaled the seed and it was able to grow inside the lung. It got big enough to touch the man's capillaries and cause severe pain.
Poor guy! OUCH!
click HERE if you want to see, not for the faint of heart.
Wildflower Diapers-Review
Awhile ago, when I was interested in venturing into my own business, I came across a wonderful site called Wildflower diapers. I found out that they were also a local brick and mortar and residing in Scottsdale, AZ. They had tons of natural, cloth diapering, baby carrying options to choose from. I also found out that it was run by a mom named Shannon Doan. I am always excited and amazed when I see women taking their own initiatives to make sure they do what's best for family. I also found out that employees are able to make a great work/life balance by bringing their little ones to work.
Shannon sent me an awesome, stainless steel feeding set to try out with my daughter. The makers of thinkbaby made up a set in a neutral orange, that contains two bowls, a cup, a platter, and utensils. The outside is plastic but the food touches stainless steel. It's easily washable on the top shelf of your dishwasher or hand washed. My daughter loves it and I love it because it's BPA free and contains just the right portions for her. The little dishes also have a plastic lid so that you can store their leftovers in the fridge or pack a lunch with it.
Since she is local, I thought it would be fun to get to know her a little better,so I asked her some questions and she graciously answered.
Tell us a little about who you are
I am mama to 9 year old Riley and 4.5 year old Ella. Before Wildflower Diapers, I worked for Arizona State University as a Botanist (my master's degree is in Plant Biology).
What made you want to start up Wildflower diapers?
How long has wildflower been in business.
How did you come up with the shop name?
I see you're giving baby wearing classes now, is that becoming popular?
Tell me a favorite item in your shop and why?
I enjoyed working with Shannon and getting to know more about her and her shop. I think she carries some wonderful, top of the line products, and I think it would be worth a peek if you are at all interested in cloth diapering, baby wearing, organics, etc.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A Cute, Quick Post
Since her vocabulary is getting better, I have decided she should help me with prayer time. She is so precious, it touches my heart to hear her little voice.
Me-Dear God
Kai-God
Me-Thank you for this day
Kai-thank u day
Me-Thank you for our blessings
Kai-Thank you blessings
Me-Thank you for mommy,daddy, Cam and Kaia
Kai-Thank you daddy,mama,Tam and Daia
Me-Thank you for family and friends
Kai-Thank you frinds,familee
Me-Keep us safe
Kai-safe
Me-In Jesus name
Kai-muffled(S's are hard mama) name AMEN!
Me-Amen!
You Ready For Some Spring Cleaning?
1) Look for cleaning products and tools that are manufactured using recycled components
BISSELL’s new Green Little Green compact deep-cleaner is manufactured in a closed loop process using a minimum of 50 percent post consumer recycled plastic. BISSELL calculates that if every adult in the U.S. purchased a Green Little Green, it would be like recycling 658 million pounds of plastic, or 20 million bags of trash. The tanks and hose are also PVC free, and the carton and inserts are 100 percent recyclable. The new Green Little Green will be on shelves from June, retailing at $89.99.
2) Steam is an all-natural cleaner, sanitizing surfaces without the need for chemicals
BISSELL’s Steam Mop™ uses the disinfecting power of steam to clean hard floors naturally, with no harmful fumes or streaky residue left behind. After cleaning, the Micro Fiber mop pads can be washed and reused, eliminating the waste of disposable cloths. $79.99
3) Instead of using paper towels and disposable surface wipes, opt to turn your fraying t-shirts into good old-fashioned rags. Re-using textiles is a great way to reduce your environmental impact, as well as keep a few extra dollars in your pocket.
3) Not sure what type of impact those chemicals under your sink will have on the environment?
Look for sprays and formulas that are biodegradable, without phosphates, dyes, optical brighteners or heavy metals.
4) If you do have a tough stain, read the label on all sprays and formulas, and look for those that carry Eco-friendly certification like the Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment (DfE) seal
All BISSELL machine formulas carry DfE certification, and BISSELL was recently named a “Champion Formulator” in the DfE program's Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Wordless Wednesday-Mama's Shoes
Tasty Made Over Chicken Pot Pie
For the filling:
Cooking spray
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
4 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/2 pound green beans, trimmed and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups lowfat milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup peas, thawed if frozen
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
For the biscuit crust:
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup lowfat buttermilk
Directions
To make the filling: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a large shallow casserole dish, or 6 individual casserole dishes with cooking spray.
Season the chicken with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of the oil over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the chicken with its juices to a bowl. .
Add 2 more teaspoons of oil to the same pan and heat it over a medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots and celery and cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the green beans, garlic and remaining salt and pepper and cook for 2 minute more. Add the milk. Stir the flour into the broth until it is completely dissolved and add to the pan. Cook, stirring, until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 2 minutes more. Return the chicken with its juices back to the pan. Add the peas and thyme and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon the mixture into the baking dish or individual dishes.
To make the crust: Put the whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a food processor and pulse a few times to combine. Add the butter and pulse about 12 times, or until pebble sized pieces are formed.
Add the buttermilk then oil to the food processor and pulse until just moistened. Do not over mix. Drop the batter in 6 mounds on top of the chicken mixture (1 mound on each individual dish, if using) spreading the batter out slightly. Bake until filling is bubbling and the biscuit topping is golden brown, about 20 minutes.
recipe by Ellie Krieger
Monday, April 13, 2009
Kaia and Elmo
Sorry for messing up the video a little. I was snapping my fingers and got off track for a second there.
WINNERS-Sinupret giveaway
Here are the winners in order from random.org
33. Jammie said...
Any holiday is special for me as long as I have my daughter and husband with me. I always love seeing my daughters face light up on easter. I would have to say my fav was when she was 2 and she was yelling at the keekee for getting into her easter basket I have it on tape and its precious
40. Donna M. Clark said...
I follow you on blogger
29. Kelly F said...
I am following you on twitter :)
username: wordsmoveme
11. Qwill said...
I follow you on twitter: qwills2cats
9. MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...
when one of my teens said he was too oldfor hunts and I tosseda gold egg in his room with cash inside...
he had to clean his room to find it andI found it rolledout of his room into the hall behind a basket- and rethrew it in and he took a long time to find it
Congrats to my winners! Please respond to my email within 48 hours and I will send your information on to our sponsor!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Happy Easter
I struggle daily with sin, doubt, and procrastination yet, Jesus is alive. He has taken my place and I'm forever indebted. Praise him and blessed is his name forever.
Breath Of God by Shane Barnard
A life you cannot define
Friday, April 10, 2009
Freaky Friday-Video
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Gecko Talking To Two Cats
Frecklebox Review
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Another Angel In Heaven
We don't have answers as to the why's but, we know that prayer is effective in healing, we know that compassion and empathy go a long way. We know that the creator is, and ever will be holding these children in his arms.
Also, for the ones who are very sick and in need today. The few that I know about, I will link to.
Hold your little ones tight and thank HIM for what he has given you today. I know I will!
God bless us in these endeavors.
Melanie
Stellan-is a fighter and God is hearing prayers
Aidan
Maddie
Tuesday
Audrey Caroline
April
Sinupret For Kids-Giveaway *CLOSED*
Win It
5 people will win
· A copy of Dr. Bob Sears bestselling book The Healthiest Kids in the Neighborhood
· A sample of Sinupret
· Yellow children's binoculars
· Sinupret for Kids Activity Books
· Sinupret for Kids Stickers
· Mini Plush Bear
Follow me on blogger
Follow me on twitter @kaiasmommy
I will choose the winners from random.org after Sunday night.
Shamrock Farms and Basha's Are Celebrating!
"Shamrock Farms semi-trucks will be set up at four Valley Basha’s locations – 7Th Street & Missouri in Phoenix, Power & Chandler Heights in Queen Creek, Power & McDowell in Mesa and Lake Pleasant Rd & Beardsley in Peoria – and will be giving away half-gallons of its nutrient-rich Essentials milk Saturday, April 11 beginning at noon while supplies last and no later than 5 p.m. A total 10,000 half-gallons will be distributed throughout the day, with approximately 2,500 per location (limit two per person)."
Shamrock Farms Essentials™ milk was developed because more and more, people are wanting healthy, nutrient enriched foods. It was created especially for little ones with added calcium and DHA for brain and bone development. The giveaway will include all four varieties made of the Essentials milk.
The giveaway also coincides with Basha's, a local grocer's, recent price cuts on 10,000 daily items in their stores. They want people to have better options and access to items even though the economic times are tough.
Shamrock Farms will also be giving out half gallons of milk to those that participate in the March For Babies on April 18, as they cross the finish line.
Don't forget to mark it on your calendar and visit shamrockfarms.net for more details on their new essentials milk.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday Tastiness-One dish Mac n Cheese
Mac & Cheese
1/2 lb elbow pasta-or sub penne or something you have on hand
2 C chopped frozen or fresh broccoli-also another way to sub in your favorite veggies. Great ones would be cauliflower,red,green, or yellow bell pepper, asparagus, mushrooms, etc.
8 oz package of favorite cheese shredded
8 oz package of another cheese shredded-recipe called for pepper jack
1 can(12oz) evaporated milk
1/2 c grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp. bread crumbs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray non stick spray in a casserole dish(2 1/2 qt.)
Cook mac in large saucepan according to the package directions, adding broccoli to the water for the last 3 minutes of cooking time. drain.
Combine cooked pasta, broccoli, both cheeses, evap milk, 1/4 c of the parmesan cheese and black pepper in a large bowl. Pour into the prepared casserole dish. Combine remaining parm cheese and bread crumbs, sprinkle over the the macaroni mixture. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove foil; bake for additional 10 mins until lightly browned.
This comes out creamy and cheesy and just right to my liking at least. Not too wet, not too dry. The possibilites are endless for this recipe. I didn't have any pepper jack so I added a little red pepper flake to mine. I also used different cheese blends for my mac n cheese instead of just one or two. You can add any veggies you want and sneak it in to your kids yummy macaroni. You can add grilled or cooked chicken, sausage, tuna, etc. You can also use low fat cheeses just find something that melts ok. To top it, I didn't have any bread crums or panko bread crumbs so I used french fried onions. The ones you top your green bean casserole with. YUMMY.
Winner-See Kai Run
95.
The Jacobsen Family! said...
I like the Grayson sandals for Erik... Perfect for summer!
garyandalesha @ cox.net
Congratulations! You have 48 hours to get back to my email or I will have to select another winner.
Thanks to all that entered!
Melanie
WINNER-Coconut Groove CD
# 3
Sandy said:
My son liked the Dinosaur Song when it started playing....he was dancing all around! Thanks
cheekybowtique @ hotmail.com.
Thanks to all that entered! You have 48 hours to return my email or I will have to select another winner.
Melanie
Monday, April 6, 2009
Smarty Pants
Her pronunciation is off a little but, she is really getting strings of letters together and singing the ABC song with me more and more. I love that she is learning so much and she is only 27 months old. It's true that little ones are sponges. I know there are even two year old children out there that can recognize all their letters and numbers but, my girl is on her own pace and I'm excited that she's learning!
Kaia is also trying to count to 5 and then to 10. She is gets some confused of course. Numbers are fascinating right now as well. I'm pretty sure that by the time she hits preschool age she will know the stuff she needs to know. I know it's nothing exceptional, it's just always exciting to see your child grow and learn.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Svan high chair
Friday, April 3, 2009
Freaky Friday-Loin Cloths Ladies?
A Japanese company is now making what they call the "ultimate women's liberation" garment, a loin cloth. It's selling for around $13 dollars and is released just in time for the hotter months. The makers say that it fits a variety of sizes and shapes, is more comfortable, and liberating. It used to be worn as traditional "underwear" for men.
I'm not sure about you but, when I think of women's lib, I certainly don't think about wearing a loin cloth. Women's liberation can include clothing if you're in an oppressed country but, this is not the case. Even Muslim women wear skimpy, sexy lingerie under their Jilbab. It's not like I want to go around with a big piece of fabric in the front of my crotch. Not to mention what it would look like under clothing. Just silly!
I will never understand trends in the fashion world. Some are just so ridiculous!
Under Construction
Melanie
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Plan Toys Giveaway
Go check out her site and see how cute it is!
Nvey Eco Makeup
The Nvey cosmetics are made organic(certified Australian) and aren't tested on animals. They are made with natural ingredients and made in Australia, although they do have a base in the US as well. They were created after six years of research and testing and 46 years in the cosmetic industry. Their goal is to dispel the thought that "green" makeup doesn't perform well. Their claims are that they have a special production method that keeps the green aspect in tact while delivering high performance.
In a world that is severely toxic, it's nice when I get to try and purchase products that are good for the body and feed my desire to have beauty products as well. Almost everything we come into contact with is toxic anymore from the years of chemical additives and preservatives being put into our daily use soaps, cosmetics, and lotions.
Nvey uses ingredients like natural beeswax, sweet almond oil, vitamin C, Jojoba oil, and rose absolute. There are no parabens, petrochemicals or synthetic fragrances in their cosmetics and they can be purchased on a number of sites and in a number of stores.
I had a chance to try some of their samples of blush and eye shadow. The powder's are dense, rich in color, and smooth when applying. There's plenty of pigment in the darker eyeshadow and blush. I used them for a few days to get a feel of how they go on and how they stay on.
I received an off white, matte powder eyeshadow, a frost pale pink and a teal. I also received a Terra cotta colored blush. The blush is a little darker than I usually use so I put it on very lightly and still there was more pigment than I would've liked. A little went a long way for sure. I tried on the different shadows and even paired the pale pink with the teal to see how they layered. If you use a brush to apply your shadows, you're going to have to either layer the shadows or dab the powder on the lid or it will be very sheer. If you like sheer, especially in light colors then it will work great for you! The darker colored pigment I had no problem with as far as applying.
My lids tend to get oily throughout the day so I did have fading in the color. If you have lids like that, you may want to put a base of powder on your lid to make it last longer. Overall, I was pleased with the product. I had no reaction whatsoever, the powder is weightless and actually soothing on the lid. Even when it flaked as I was applying it, I had no irritation. I can honestly say, I would use this product again.