Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Wordless Wednesday-My babies


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Making Tuesday Tasty-Ham And Cheese Quick Bread

I love bread, who doesn't really?  I also don't have a lot of great equipment in my kitchen for making baked goods and breads, so this looks like a great fix.  I love quick breads! The possibilities are endless.
Check this one out for your next brunch or make it ahead of time as a different choice for breakfast.



Ingredients

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Pinch cayenne pepper
  • 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 eggs
  • One 6-ounce piece deli ham, finely chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese, lightly packed (about 3 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced (about 1/4-inch) havarti or gruyere cheese (about 2 ounces)
  • 2 scallions, chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9-by-5-by-3-inch metal loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard, kosher salt and cayenne until combined. In a large bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup milk, the oil, 1 tablespoon honey and the eggs until smooth. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Then fold in the ham, 3/4 cup shredded cheese, the diced cheese and scallions.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Bake until well risen, golden brown and a skewer or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small microwave-safe bowl, stir together the remaining 1 tablespoon each honey and milk and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard until smooth. Heat in the microwave until hot and bubbling, 20 to 30 seconds. Turn the loaf onto a wire rack and generously brush with the warm glaze. Cool completely.

*recipe courtesy of foodnetwork.com*

Monday, April 23, 2012

Enter To Win A KitchenAid Stand Mixer

Shopwithmemama.com and commercial-industrial-supply.comhttp://www.commercial-industrial-supply.com is currently having a giveaway for an amazing KitchenAid Stand mixer! Woot. I would love one of these wouldn't you?


Go enter the contest and good luck!

Fresh Produce Clothing-Review


Hey all!  I just wanted to sit down and do a write up for a clothing brand called Fresh Produce.  The clothing is for women, they carry both standard sizes and plus size clothing.  The "feel" I got while shopping in their online store was comfortable, light, and casual.  Those are all pretty inviting to me!

While shopping, I decided that I really liked the women's cardigans that they have to offer. I'm always on the hunt for these as I wear them with so many things.  I have a large chest and wear lots of separates to fit my body. I don't like bare arms, although I tend to like the fit of most tops that are short sleeved or sleeveless.  I also wear sleeveless dresses with a cardigan too.  The one I ended up choosing is called the Santa Barbara cardigan, it comes in six different colors to choose from.  I love the variety!


I really enjoyed looking through the Spring clothes for women and, the Summer beach cover-ups for women too.  There is so much to choose from.  I wanted one of their maxi dresses but, I am so short I decided against it. The Spring and Summer prints are feminine and they have lots of color choices from your basic palette to pastel to brights.  I think the price ranges are average for a department store or department store online.  Check it out, you may find something you love!

*thank you to Fresh Produce for providing the cardigan for review*

Friday, April 20, 2012

Daycare



Guest post of the week by Brittany Booker

I operate a home daycare center. It’s medium-sized, as far as home daycares go. We have anywhere from 10 to 12 kids on any given day. I have one assistant that works for me as well. I’m wondering if that qualifies us for DIRECTV for Business. I would like to look into that because I’m thinking that perhaps the rates might be more reasonable. I don’t exactly know, but I do know that the only reason I would want tv is for the daycare. On Fridays, and on rainy days when we can’t go outside to play, I let the kids watch a show. It’s usually something on PBS kids, like Curious George or something calm like that. I would love it if I could get a good package deal for the daycare. I’m pretty sure the daycare will qualify as a business for these purposes. It certainly qualifies like a business in most other ways. I have to pay taxes like a business, get insurance like a business, etc. I think I should get some of the perks, too.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Wordless Wednesday-Cake!


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Making Tuesday Tasty-Yoshida's Noodles

This is a simple and QUICK meal I like to throw together for the family.  My husband loves Yoshida brand sauce(teriyaki).  I buy the chinese or udon noodles in the ethnic section of the supermarket, and put a dinner together.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken, pork, lean beef, or shrimp
1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
1 package of Chinese stir fry or Udon noodles cooked to al dente.
Yoshida's teriyaki sauce
1 clove of garlic

Preparation

Boil your noodles per the directions of the package, cook to al dente.  Pour a tbsp of oil(sesame, peanut, olive) into your pan and heat to med high heat.  Chop up one clove of garlic and put it into the pan alone with bite sized pieces of your meat.  If it's shrimp, follow the directions of how to prepare so you don't over cook it.  Brown the meat with the garlic quickly.  I like to par broil the broccoli but, it depends on how done you like it. If you like your broccoli softer, you can steam it a little first and then throw it in the pan.

Put your drained noodles and broccoli in your pan and toss it a bit to get a nice texture on it.  If you like it a little "fried" consistency then heat it up for a bit until you see some browning.  Once all the ingredients are cooked to your liking, add the Yoshida's and toss.  Serve.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Fat Princess Fistful Of Cake-Giveaway

Hi and welcome to my blog. I'm running a few giveaways currently and thought I would put this one up here too. This is something I purchased on my own, it isn't a sponsored post.  I currently have up for grabs one copy of Fat Princess for the Sony PSP.  Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

Win It!

One winner will get a copy of Fat Princess Fistful Of Cake for the Sony PSP. Yay!

Rules

Contest is for U.S. only. Winner will be chosen and sent an email confirming win. Please leave your email address for me to contact you with.  Winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or I will have to choose another winner.  

Mandatory entry

Follow me on Google Friend and tell me what your name is on there. If it's your last name, just leave your last initial.

Extra Entries

Like my FB page

Follow me on Twitter @kaiasmommy

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Contest runs until April 23, 2012 at 11:59 Arizona time.

Good Luck

Pamper Mom $300 Cash Giveaway

Pamper Mom $300 Cash Giveaway (HTML)
Photobucket
"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother" by: Lin Yutang, Chinese writer We are Thankful for our Readers and we would love for you to win some cash to make your Mother's Day extra special The Freebie Junkie and Children Teaching Mama are joined by other fabulous bloggers in offering 1 lucky reader the chance to win $300 in our Pamper Me Cash Giveaway event
The cash giveaway is open to all worldwide and will be paid directly into your paypal account
 
What would you do with $300?  Splurge on a new wardrobe?  Spend a day at the spa? Enroll in a new class? Take a family away for the weekend?
 
 
 
To enter the Pamper Me $300 Cash Giveaway simply fill out the rafflecopter form below. 
Only the first entry is mandatory, the rest are optional, but of course the more entries you complete, the greater your chances of winning this prize! This giveaway will end on May 9, 2012 @ 11:59PM (EST).
Please note that you only need to enter this giveaway ONCE since we are all using the SAME Rafflecopter widget code.
  a Rafflecopter giveaway This event was made possible by these amazing bloggers:
The Freebie Junkie | Children Teaching Mama
Racing and Saving Mama |Mommy's Coupon Train | Daily Mothering |Our Share of Crazy | The Mama Report |Fort Hood Savers | Keenly Kristin | Jenn's Blah Blah Blog | Raising my Boys | Shopper Strategy | Woven by Words |Mom and More | Tatum's Family Reviews| Ramblings of a Wannabe Writer | Retail Therapy Lounge | And The Little Ones Too | Make Money From Your Kitchen | Chocolates and Figs | Mom Mart | Coupon With Cents | Mama Writes| Gone Klippin' Krazy | Mama Nibbles | Prew Chatterly Everything Girly | Frugal-Shopping | Joy Of Momma Joyner |Grocery Alerts | Simply Shawn N Jenn | Smarty Saver |To Sew With Love

Be in it to win it

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Ultimate Blog Party 2012-5 Minutes For Mom

Ultimate Blog Party 2012

Hey Everyone! Welcome to my blog.  I am really excited to be participating this year in the UBP 2012!  This is my third time participating in this event.  It's a great way to network and see different blogs.  I like to see the graphics, how they're run, what the content is, etc.



A little about me.  I'm Melanie, a thirty something mama, married to my sweetie for Just over 6 years now.  I have a five year old daughter, a 12 year old step son, and a one year old son.  I currently work at home from time to time and Stay at home with my children.  My big girl will be starting Kindergarten this year, I'm excited for her.

In the past few years I've had a great time reviewing wonderful products, giving away free stuff, blogging great recipes,  networking with a number of blogs, and sweeping.  This is my time at night especially to relax and "visit" with some online friends.

If you're interested in joining the Ultimate Blog Party, do so by entering by April 20, 2012.  Write a party post, network with a number of other blogs through the linky, Pick some great prizes that you'd like to be considered for, and most of all have fun!  Click on the button above for more information.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Wordless -Sweet Smile


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Shabby Apple $100 Gift Card Giveaway

Shabby Apple $100 Gift Card Giveaway

Sneak Peek: Pamper Mom $300 Cash Giveaway

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"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother" by: Lin Yutang, Chinese writer

We are Thankful for our Readers and we would love for you to win some cash to make your Mother's Day extra special


Starting Monday April 16th The Freebie Junkie and Children Teaching Mama are joined by other fabulous bloggers in offering 1 lucky reader the chance to win $300 in our Pamper Me Cash Giveaway event
The cash giveaway is open to all worldwide and will be paid directly into your paypal account
 
What would you do with $300? 
 
    
 
Splurge on a new wardrobe? 
Spend a day at the spa?
Enroll in a new class?
Take the family away for the weekend?

To enter the Pamper Me $300 Cash Giveaway simply come back on Monday 4/16 at 12:01 am EST to find the giveaway post

Be in it to win it

Making Tuesday Tasty-Garlic Herb Potato Wedges

I love potato wedges. It's always better to bake than fry anyway and this is a recipe loaded with flavor. I make a version of this with baby red potatoes as well.  I was wondering what it would be like to mix this recipe up with a garlic and herb mayo?  I might just have to try it. :)  Enjoy.

Makes 8 portions
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

 Ingredients
 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and rinsed
 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced and mashed against the cutting board with the flat of a knife 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed fine
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

Preparation:
 Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Cut each half, lengthwise, into 4 equally sized wedges. Add the potato wedges to a large mixing bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Toss meticulously to coat the potatoes evenly. Line a sheet pan with foil. Place the potato wedges, skin side down, on the foil. Be sure to space evenly, so they cook uniformly. Bake for 35 minutes, or until well browned, crusty edged, and tender. Serve immediately, sprinkled with more salt if desired.

*recipe courtesy of American food at about.com*

Monday, April 9, 2012

Winners!!!

I have pulled my winners for my two recent contests from random.org.  Congrats to my winners and thank you to those that entered!

Learning Link Touchtile Reading System



Leslie S. April 5, 2012 11:13 PM  
I would love this for both of my boys.My oldest is 9 and struggles with reading.He is dyslexic as well as has add.I am willing to try anything to help him.My youngest is about to turn 5 and just starting to try to read.Thanks!
Congrats Leslie! I would love to hear you're doing sometime after you've started this adventure.

Print Runner Giveaway

ChosenToBeFree April 4, 2012 1:10 AM  
I'll use them to advertise school shows I want to perform.I will be sending you both emails.  


New winner chosen because previous winner didn't respond.

stOOpidgErL said...
I run a shop on Etsy and I would use them to promote my online store.
kripley81@yahoo.com




Mama Share Monday-Naming Baby

There is no hard and fast rule about naming a baby. Unless, it's illegal in your country, you can basically name your child whatever you want to.  The problem with doing that, is you may in fact be altering their future if you choose to name your child something nonsensical.  I think that you should be careful what you name your children.  Being as unique as you want to be without being ridiculous!  Here are some ways you can pick a fun name.
  • If you and your husband have names or beginning or names that flow together you can compound them to make a new name.  Or you could use a female/male in your family that you want to honor.  Ex: Annalise, Mary-Lynn, etc.
  • Using a word that you love or means something to you can be a fun way to express individuality...as long as it goes with the rest of the baby's name and sounds appropriate. (hope, faith, etc)
  • Giving your child a nod to someone famous for any reason, may also be something that is fun to do as well.  I think by using that persons initials in the baby's name, or using it as a middle name can be something unique and your child may admire it later in life.
What advice do you have about naming a child?  What are some ideas you've come up with?  Please leave your answers in the comment section.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Win $500 (US Dollars) Cash with ContestChest.com!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter...He is Risen!  I'm thankful today for all the many blessings I have but, most of all for my savior.  I would be remiss if I didn't mention him and his sacrifice today.

*this image is not mine, obtained from google image search*

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Wordless Wednesday-Cousins


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Making Tuesday Tasty-Pancetta-Wrapped Pork Roast

Easter is this coming Sunday.  Of course there is the standard American faire that we are all used to but, it's always nice to change up things once in awhile.  America is so diverse in it's cultures and food.  It's one of the things I love about this country!  Here is a main dish roast that will be sure to please. Enjoy!



Ingredients

  • 8 large garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 (3 1/2 to 4-pound) tied boneless pork loin roast
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 ounces thinly sliced pancetta
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups dry white wine

Directions

Blend the garlic, rosemary, thyme, and oil in a small food processor, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally, until the garlic is minced.
Sprinkle the pork roast generously with salt and pepper. Arrange the pancetta slices on a work surface, overlapping slightly and forming a rectangle. Spread half of the garlic mixture over 1 side of the pork and between the 2 loins that meet in the center of the tied pork roast. Place the pork, garlic mixture side down, in the center of the pancetta rectangle. Spread the remaining garlic mixture over the remaining pork. Wrap the pancetta slices around the pork. Place the pork in a roasting pan. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Pour 1/2 cup of broth and 1/2 cup of wine into the roasting pan. Add more broth and wine to the pan juices every 20 minutes. Roast the pork until a meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 145 degrees F for medium-rare, about 1 hour. Transfer the pork to a cutting board. Tent with aluminum foil and let stand for 10 minutes. Pour the pan drippings into a glass measuring cup and spoon off any fat that rises to the top.
Using a large sharp carving knife, cut the pork into 1/4-inch-thick slices and serve with the pan juices.

*recipe courtesy of foodnetwork.com*

Monday, April 2, 2012

Mama Share Mondays-World Autism Awareness Day

For today's Mama Share Monday, I am going to post a basic diagram photo of some of the "symptoms" of Autism.  Today is Autism Awareness Day, and I think if people understand this more, they may be able to show more empathy to those around them.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Learning Link Touchtile Reading System-Review And Giveaway

My daughter turned five this winter so her school year starts this Summer out here. I've already registered her for school, even.  As I reflect on the fact that my first born is readying herself for school, I also have to reflect on what I have taught her so far.

The school she is enrolled in, is a charter school.  It has of course, a specific phonics program, math program, etc.  I found out though, that the general teaching in all schools is normally sounding out and looking at the letters.  Some children's brains process differently and they struggle to learn words and sound them out.  I had no idea which type of learner my daughter was because I haven't gone so far as to teach her reading.  She has been taught the alphabet, numbers to 20, shapes, colors, and the basics.

I was given the Touchtile system which was created by Learning Link Technologies and it's creator, Lisa Harp. This is a learning institute that helps children with "learning disabilities", created to make a learning difference.  There are different levels provided in the learning system, that allow your child to learn how to sound out larger words.  I've had this for over a month now and I haven't gone over all of the levels but, I can tell you that this system does it's job!

When a child is unable to just look at something and sound out the letters together, it could mean that they need some extra help, or it could mean they need to touch what they are seeing.  Repetitive touching can help a child's brain to see what they are trying to read.  The touch part of this exercise can allow the brain to "re-wire" itself and learn how to connect the dots so to speak.

I think my daughter enjoys this type of learning, I know in school they will do it differently but, I can always reinforce the touch if she is having difficulty with a word.  She has not been diagnosed as having a learning disability but, I know this can only assist in her learning processes!

The below video is just one basic example of how this is done.  Part of the process is done by using a dauber or large marker and repetitive motions while going over each letter.  There are pages and pages of different words, and learning tiles to go over as your child progresses.  If your child is struggling, I definitely would suggest that you check into this method to, improve reading skills, and build onto what they already know.



 Buy It 
 You can purchase a number of different programs based on your child's needs at http://www.learning-aids.com/ 

Win It 
 Does your child need help with reading? Would you like to win the Touchtile reading system that I've described in this review? If so, please enter your information in the comments section for a chance to win! 

Rules 
 To enter, please tell me who you would like to win this for. This contest will run until 11:59 PM, Arizona time on April 6, 2012. Please leave your email in the comment so that I can reach you when a winner is selected! 

 Extra Credit
 If you would like to enter more than once after the mandatory question, you may get extra credit for doing the following: 
 -Follow on Facebook, leave a comment with your first name, last initial
-Follow on Twitter, leave a comment with your twitter ID

Good Luck!