Friday, April 30, 2010

Free Mother's Day Card! From Kodak



This is a way to get a really neat and personal card for mom this Mother's Day!

Friday Follow 4/30

 
Welcome to the Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.
Here's how YOU can join the celebration:
--Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below.
Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.
--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots. We will follow you back.

--Follow as many blogs as you'd like.

--Comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.

--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.

Tommee Tippee Review


One of the most difficult transitions for a baby is going from a bottle to a cup. The whole process is completely different and not a familiar situation. Caleb is not nine months old and we are working on this transition. There are so many cups out on the market but most are geared towards toddlers who have a handle on drinking from a cup. I decided to contact Tommee Tippee and see how their cups would measure up to the task!

Tommee Tippee®, from the UK-based Mayborn Group Limited, is the number-one brand of infant and toddler feeding products in Great Britain. Since 1965, Tommee Tippee has earned a reputation for its clever ideas, product quality and simply intuitive designs that promote natural development at every age, stage and feeding need. Today, Tommee Tippee innovations provide comfort for babies and peace of mind for parents in 45 countries around the world.
We were sent the Closer to nature ® first sips weaning cup to try with Caleb. Here are the details with this cup:
  • Truly non-spill drinking
  • Designed to ease the transition from bottle to cup drinking
  • Patented advance-flo™ technology for easy drinking
  • Super-soft and sensitive spout with flexible ribs
  • 150ml / 5 fl oz Capacity
  • BPA & Phthalate Free
  • Cup base is interchangeable with closer to nature nipples
  • Hygiene Cap
 
I can honestly say this cup does not leak, which is so important. The pieces come off very easy for quick clean up. I did think the mouth piece would be a little softer and more pliable. I love the handles as it is easier for Caleb to grasp this cup and hold onto it then others on the market. Overall Caleb is still not interested in drinking from this cup or any cup for that matter. He just prefers mommy or his simple bottles over anything he has to work for. We do and will continue to offer this cup daily until he gladly drinks from it. I am very impressed with this cup's design and plan to purchase several more as Caleb begins to drink from them.

Tommee Tippee products can be purchased exclusively at Babies R Us. This cup retails for $4.99 which is a great deal!

The Results Are In:

    * Closer to nature ® first sips weaning cup saves TIME~
Cleaning is a breeze and it does not leak!
    * Closer to nature ® first sips weaning cup saves MONEY~
At only $4.99 this is a GREAT deal!
    * Closer to nature ® first sips weaning cup saves SANITY~
Did I mention it does not leak!


Stay Connected, you can follow Tommee Tippee on Twitter and on Facebook!
 
Please see my disclosure policy for details about reviews and giveaways!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Sorry for the Confussion~ New Fan Page!

Okay I am so sorry for all the confusion. I was informed I had set the fan page up incorrectly! I like to do things the way they are meant to be so off I went to figure it out. I have fixed the error of my ways! Here is the actual fan page (and there is a link on the left hand side)! Please become a fan. I will be doing a GREAT giveaway in a month for my facebook fans only! You don't want to miss out on this!


Myspace Im Sorry Graphics

Save-A-Lot Introduces Smart Shopper Club

Save-A-Lot wants you to tell your friends and family about Save-A-Lot's Smart Shopper Club! Starting today, you can receive a $5 off $25 purchase coupon for each person who you get to sign-up as a Smart Shopper (you can sign up a maximum of 5 of your friends and family).
And the greatest thing...your friend will receive another $5 coupon just for signing up!



All you'll need to do is enter your current email address to get started!  Start sharing the love today!
This is a fantastic offer as Save-Alot-often has some killer priced deals. I love when I can find great prices on their meat!

Teething Bling Review & Giveaway

Caleb is nine months old now and what do nine month old babies go through..... teething! Teething is an exceptionally stressful (and hurtful) time for both mom and baby. I have so many bruises from where Caleb has all of a sudden bite down on my arms or neck; I look like a vampire has feasted on me! I have to tell you I was so excited when I ran across Teething Bling from Smart Mom. Smart Mom, LLC, was started in 2002 as a way to promote pretty and practical ideas for real Moms. Their first product line, Teething Bling® pendants and bangles, have been an enormous success and I can see why. They only use the highest-quality, phthalate-free, federally approved silicone. The material is non-toxic, latex-free, food–safe, even dishwasher-friendly! It is the same silicone used in many other popular teething products and SGS test reports are available upon request. They do stress that this is adult jewelry not intended for children to wear, yet all of their pendants come with a breakaway clasp as an added safety feature. I have to say this clasp is so nice to have, I know Caleb loves to pull on everything and I would have been strangled by now.

I was sent both the Onyx Donut Shaped Pendant and the Mother of Pearl Donut Shaped Pendant. I love how I can wear these necklaces and they do not scream 'teether' yet they work wonderfully! Both retail for just under $20 and have matching bangles if you wish to purchase separately. Okay so Caleb and I put these to the test in a hurry! See for yourself the results:
(Note please don't ever leave your child unattended with Teething Bling as the necklace could not only pose a choking hazard but a strangulation hazard. Caleb was under constant supervision at all times)


As you can see Caleb loves this item. I love that it is so handy when in the super market to discourage chewing on the shopping cart handles. They have stood up to about a month of use including the dishwasher and they still look like new! My four year old is jealous of this and puts it on whenever he can; low and behold look at what Smart Mom has come up with now. Tween Bling, made for girls but shhhh don't tell Aaron!


The Results Are In:
  • Teething Bling saves TIME~ no more hunting for that teething toy!
  • Teething Bling saves MONEY~ Toys get expensive you lose them then you have to buy more. Plus this doubles as a chunky funky necklace. (who could ask for more)
  • Teething Bling saves SANITY~ Well try it you will see! Soothe your teething child with teething Bling!

WIN IT: Teething Bling is giving away a Pink Calcite Pendant to one of my readers. This is one of their new colors!

MANDATORY ENTRY: You must go to Smart Mom and tell me something else you learned or would like to own.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

  • Follow this Blog (1 entry)
  • Follow my Blog  All About Entering Giveaways (1 entry)
  • Subscribe to my blog and verify  (2 entries)
  • Follow me, Twitter  (1 entry)
  • Tweet about this giveaway, up to 2x daily  Win a Teething Bling Pink Calcite Pendant Hosted ~ It's all about the Savings http://bit.ly/cVIJmI @all_about_savin
  • Grab my button and post a link! (2 entries)
  • Follow me on Facebook (1 entry)
  • Vote for me and leave a comment on (I'm listed under frugal living category)(1 entry)
     
    Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory

This giveaway will run from 4.29.10 until 5.13.10, please leave separate comments for each entry, winner will be selected via Random.Org  & emailed. They will then 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be drawn. Please see my disclosure policy for details about reviews and giveaways! U.S. residents only please.

Baby Dipper Review & Giveaway

The Baby Dipper bowl is the greatest thing that I wish I had thought of... (okay you have heard that before but come on) it is a bowl that allows parents to feed their child one handed and allows toddlers to self feed. Yes you read that right! (Go ahead read it again and let it sink in)

 This is a transparent bowl which is angled down to one corner. The spoon and fork have a very handy curved design which allow them to sit in the bowl without slipping down into the food. Also their is a gripping strip on the bottom of this bowl which keep it from sliding. All the features of a mess free dinner time in the convenience of one little bowl. I mean what family does not need this bowl? The angled bowl allows you to use one hand to scoop up food; this is a must for toddlers learning to self feed. I also love how you can place the utensils in the bowl and not worry about picking up a sticky sloppy mess with the next bite. I can honestly say this grippy feature really does work. I was able to sit this on the table with Caleb in his high chair and only ever use my right hand to feed him. Even with scrapping the bowl and getting every last bite, the bowl never slid!

Caleb has to be entertained when he eats and he is also grabbing for everything so I need something that will stay still and help me keep messes to a minimum. I can not wait to try this out when he self feeds. Wait did you read that right, did I just type I can't wait for Caleb to self feed. I remember when Aaron was learning how to use a bowl and silverware I hated that taste. We both ended up miserable and hungry as he could never manage to get any food on his spoon. Where was this bowl 3 years ago?
The Baby Dipper is BPA free, lead free, and phthalate-free. I think we can all agree this is a must for our children's items. This is a steal at $12.95 for the set and can be purchased directly here. I think this would make an excellent baby shower gift for any mom! You can find out more about this amazing product and how it all got started at their website! If you have more questions about this great baby item then be sure to visit the faq section on their site. Also don't forget to follow Baby Dipper on Facebook!

WIN IT: The Baby Dipper is giving away a Baby Dipper Set to one of my readers. (PLEASE NOTE Previous winners of Baby Dipper bowls are not eligible to win again.)

MANDATORY ENTRY: You must go to Baby Dipper and tell me something you learned.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

  • Follow this Blog (1 entry)
  • Follow my Blog  All About Entering Giveaways (1 entry)
  • Subscribe to my blog and verify  (2 entries)
  • Follow me, Twitter  and Baby Dipper  (1 entry)
  • Tweet about this giveaway, up to 2x daily  Win a Baby Dipper Set  Hosted ~ It's all about the Savings http://bit.ly/d6Dwlc @all_about_savin @BabyDipper
  • Grab my button and post a link! (2 entries)
  • Follow me on Facebook (1 entry)
  • Subscribe to Baby Dippers Newsletter (2 entries)
  • Vote for me and leave a comment on (I'm listed under frugal living category)(1 entry)
     
    Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory

This giveaway will run from 4.29.10 until 5.13.10, please leave separate comments for each entry, winner will be selected via Random.Org  & emailed. They will then 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be drawn. Please see my disclosure policy for details about reviews and giveaways! U.S. residents only please.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

It's a Social Parade

Smart and Trendy Moms


I came across this blogging parade today on A Mom's Balancing Act and I decided I want to join along. I mean who does not love meeting new people and networking online! Here is some more information about this Parade:

It's a Social Parade - Wednesday Link-up is a weekly link-up hosted by Smart and Trendy Moms . We created it for socializing and to get new followers, fans, subscribers, readers without feeling overwhelmed. Every week will be a new link-up that will focus on one of the ways you connect with people through your blog!  We will rotate through gaining followers, fans, Networked blogs and more.  Link-up and focus on one thing at a time. Its about fun one follower,fan and reader at a time!

And don't worry you do not have to carry this button or any button of ours on your side bars. Your blog sidebars are great real estate and we respect that : )   The button needs to be posted in your participation post only.

How it works.
Grab the link-up button and post It's a Social Parade!! Wednesday Link-up. Every Wednesday a new linky will be posted with that weeks exchange info.

So for this week it is Fan-Page Round Up. I am excited to join at this time as I just created a fan page last week! I would love to have you as a Fan (or like) of It's All About the Saving's on Facebook and if you are already... well I love ya! I use my fan page to post whats going on with this blog and it really helps get the word out on time sensitive deals as they are found! You can also win by becoming a Facebook fan, head here to check out the details!

So now if you have a Blag and want complete instructions on how to participate, you can visit Smart and Trendy Moms.

Penny & Rio Review & Giveaway

 Penny & Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting is a chapter book for young children. The short chapters are perfect for small children to stay focused while learning to read. The illustrations are very colorful and catch kids eyes and allow you to really envision what is going on in this book.

In this story kids meet two lovable dogs that have very different personalities. Penny is energetic and curious about everything around her while Rio just wants to take a nap. Penny soon discovers an owl, groundhog, squirrel, and a cat are up to something so she hatches  a plan to spy on their conversations. After learing what they are up to Penny comes up with a plan to stop them from causing trouble. Will she succeed and will Rio help her sister?

Aaron and I read this a chapter at a time each night before bed. He tells me that Penny is actually Isabelle (his lab). Aaron is not quite where he is reading yet but I can see this being a great book for years to come as he starts learning. I love that the book has some mystery but is very kid friendly with no violence or anything.

You can learn more about the author, Jennifer Swanson here as well as information on the true Penny and Rio. This book was also selected for inclusion in the Children's Book Council 2009 Awards.You can buy the Penny and Rio books by going here.

WIN IT: Jennifer has graciously offered One Lucky reader to win a Copy of Penny & Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting
MANDATORY ENTRY: You must go to PennyandRio and tell me something you learned while visiting.
EXTRA ENTRIES:

  • Follow my Blog  All About Entering Giveaways (1 entry)
  • Subscribe to my blog and verify  (2 entries)
  • Follow me, Twitter    (1 entry)
  • Tweet about this giveaway, up to 1x daily  WIN Penny and Rio Book 2  http://bit.ly/cazMUj  ~ It's all about the Savings  @all_about_savin
  • Grab my NEW button and post a link! (2 entries)
  • Vote for me and leave a comment on (I'm listed under frugal living category)(1 entry)
     
    Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory

This giveaway will run from 4.28.10 until 5.12.10, please leave separate comments for each entry, winner will be selected via Random.Org  & emailed. They will then 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be drawn. Please see my disclosure policy for details about reviews and giveaways! U.S. residents only please.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Winners on 5 Giveaway's!

Seventh Generation


tree said... 112
Tweet! http://twitter.com/patchouligirl91/status/12509258412 enchantedtree(at)hotmail.com
Daughter-in-Law Rules
Busy Working Mama said... 10
I learned if you make a purchase you get some bonus gifts.
KGeddes Creations

Drama queens mum (Kimberly) said... 68
Tweeted. http://twitter.com/dramaqueensmum/status/12718164815
Alexa's Angel's
Emmi said... 38
follow both on twitter mommysfreetime mommyfreetime@gmail.com
Sweet Treats
Julie said... 88
Follow Its All About Savings blog as jelaws5 aunteegem@yahoo.com
The winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. Thank you to all who entered. If you did not win please keep trying!

Summer Frugal Series One!

Okay so this week I have realized that summer time is right around the corner. With that comes school being out and me needing to keep a four year old entertained. Of course we all know this is a time when we can break the bank but I am challenging each of my readers to stay busy this summer FRUGALLY! Here is Summer Frugal series number one!
So how can you do camping frugally? Choose to go on non holiday weeks/ends. Don't go camping on Labor Day, Memorial Day, or The Fourth of July. Not only will campsites raise their prices for those times but they will be over crowded.
Camping Stuff costs so much Money! This is where deciding what you truly need is so important. Also you have to remember alot of the things you will buy will last your family for YEARS of camping and that needs to be taken into account.
  1. Make sure you spend money on a decent Camping Tent(s). The most important thing is to make sure you buy what will suite your families needs. Spending $200 is actually great when you factor in how many camping trips this will get you.
  2. Folding Chairs and a Cooler. (Cooler can double as a table.)
  3. Pack towels, sunscreen, plenty of changes of clothes. Also pack any balls, horse shoes, or any outdoor games you can find.
  4. Stock up in the weeks before camping on your foods. Hotdogs, Hamburger Meat, Chips, Soda, Snacks all go on sale frequently during the summer months. If you plan ahead and use sales and coupons to your advantage food could cost little to nothing.
  5. Think about inviting other family's to join you. We do this and everyone brings their own breakfast and lunch foods, then each family is responsible to provide dinner for the entire camp one night. This can help lower your costs and gives a great fun camping trip for your family memories.
  6. Remember this is a great time to get away from Modern life and just have fun as a family. The less things you bring in the lower your costs and the more that it is just about your family. Spend your time swimming, hiking, or just lounging in the shade of some trees. 
You can make each camping trip unique and fun. Your imagination is the limit. Two years ago 'Pirates' visited our camp site and left clues that involved swimming, hiking, and exploring to find our treasure chest. The treasure chest was filled with little things found on sale, dollar stores, and anything that did not break the bank. Two years later the kids are still talking about the pirates. 



This is a sponsored post. I was compensated for writing this post yet the experience and thoughts expressed are mine and mine alone.

Taste of Home Cookbook Sale


 Taste of Home has greatly discounted 12 different hardback cookbooks! Some of these cookbooks were originally priced at $24.95 and have now been discounted to just $5 each!I bought 7 of these cookbooks last time they did this sale. The shipping was slow but otherwise I was beyond happy! Check out all the $5 cookbooks here! You can score FREE shipping (No code needed) when you spend $20 or more.

Hip2Save.com is reporting you can use code 1131 to score shipping for ONLY $1!

Also, don’t forget to go thru ShopAtHome! You’ll get 10% Cash back from your Taste of Home purchases.
You could add these to a gift basket for mom for Mother's Day!

Earn Bonus Points With Coke Rewards!

*Members must enter 5 Diet Coke codes by 5/2/2010 to receive 20 My Coke Rewards Bonus Points. Bonus Points are a one time offer during April 26 - May 2.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Mamavation Monday: Week Five

So this is week three of the 'Move it and Lose it' Mamavation Challenge. This week has been so bad for me. I have been sick with some kind of stomach bug and I just can not seem to shake it. I have not been eating well (when I do eat) I have had two Cokes and just all around doing poorly. I have worked out sporadically and have little to now energy! I did go purchase the 30 day shred and can I just say OMG! It is beyond hard. I was able to do about 6 min the first night and about 9 the second. I am disappointed in that and can't wait to get to do the whole video!

I am sorry this is short but I am feeling really bad. Here is hoping this will become a better week!


Here are my measurements as of 4/12:
Bust: 51.5
Waist: 51.0
Hips: 48.75
Thighs: R- 24.0 L- 24.5
Arms: R- 14.25 L- 14.5
 
Current Stats: 
Photobucket




  • Weight: 213 (-9 total -1 this week)
  • Height:  5'8
  • BMI:    32.6 (- 1.2)

Current Goals:

SHORT TERM~
  • Drink 80 ounces of water a day
  • Work out on the Wii Fit for 60 minutes daily
  • Don't eat after 7 pm
  • No soda drinking
LONG TERM~ 
  • Weigh 150 pounds
  • No soda drinking
  • Work out 90 min daily 
  • BMI 22.8

I am so happy with my progress and I know I could not have done this without the support of the Mamavation sistas. Want to know more about being apart of Mamavation? Head over here and read all about it. Just us tonight and you could win some great prizes!

Make money buying CVS Sunscreen!

Here is a sweet Extra Care Buck deal available on CVS Suncare products– Buy 2 CVS Suncare products (excludes after sun and lip care) = $5 Ecb (Limit 1). So buy 2 oz Sunblock tubes that are priced at only $2.19 for a total of $4.38 and you’ll get back a $5 Ecb! Final cost FREE + a little moneymaker!

Please note: the 2 oz Aloe tubes do NOT work for the deal.


Deal taken from Hip2Save!

Rite Aid Aveeno Deal 4/26

 Get $5 back when you buy three Aveeno products. Here’s how to combine the coupons and the SCR to make money on this deal:
Buy three Aveeno Lotion 2.5oz $3.49 each
Use three $2/1 Aveeno in ad coupons
Use three $1/1 Aveeno Daily Lotion or from 4/24 SS insert
Pay $1.47 after coupons
Get $5 back via SCR wyb 3 Aveeno

Friday, April 23, 2010

Staples Upcoming Deals 4/25

I did this deal before Christmas last year and I loved it! I would definitely take advantage of this deal if I was you. Head over here to read more on it. I use my rewards to pay for my ink so it works out that I am buying my ink and getting my batteries for free!
*Valid for purchases between 4/25/10 and 5/1/10. Offer good on item nos. 703715 and/or 846026 only (size AA or AAA, 20/Pack). Limit 2 per customer. Purchase price paid for batteries will be credited to customer's Staples Rewards® account. Must be a member of Staples Rewards. Valid in store, by phone or on staples.com. Not valid on prior purchases. Purchaser is responsible for paying applicable sales tax. No cash/credit back. Staples Rewards® membership is FREE. Limit one Staples Rewards account per person or at any mailing address. Staples Rewards are mailed monthly when the value of the Reward is at least $10. Monthly balances of less than $10 will roll over each month until the minimum is met for that calendar quarter. If the $10 minimum for the quarter has not been met, the balance will expire at the end of the quarter. For full program details, visit StaplesRewards.com.

Also in this weeks ad there is two pages of coupons. Including Bic Pens for $1.00. This will be a good week to run into your local staples!

Friday Follow 4/22

 
Welcome to the Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.
Here's how YOU can join the celebration:
--Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below.
Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.
--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots. We will follow you back.

--Follow as many blogs as you'd like.

--Comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.

--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.


NESCAFÉ TASTER'S CHOICE~ Program Application


 
Okay so you know I love programs where I get free stuff in exchange for giving my opinion! I mean I love getting coupons and trying new products! Well I recently read about a new program with Nescafe called 'The Tasters' and they are currently taking applications for their program. Usually this consists of coupons, products to try (sometimes sample size and sometimes FULL size!)
Here’s how it works:

  • To begin the process, please review our Community Code of Conduct and complete the survey below.
  • All surveys are evaluated and membership is limited. If you are selected, you will receive an email notification to log into the private website and create a member profile.
  • You will then receive details on how to start participating this exciting community of passionate people who share a love for coffee and NESCAFÉ TASTER'S CHOICE! This includes hosting sampling events, previews of new products and promotions, earning points by completing online and offline activities and redeeming them for rewards in our online store. 
So what are you waiting for? Head on over here and fill out the application. I would love to hear if any of you get selected to be in this fantastic program! I sure hope I am picked!


Thanks Hip2Save!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

So its Official~ We are now on Facebook!

Okay it is official We now have a facebook fan page! This is huge and will allow you to check on It's All About the Saving's any time any where! So for this great occasion I am offering a giveaway to anyone that becomes a follower. Here are the guidelines.

How To Win: Become a follower of It's All About the Savings on facebook.

What you Win: Hmmm How does a $5.00 Amazon E-Gift Card sound to start. I will add more mystery things as I go.

This will end in 30 days! Depending on how many fans I get depends on the prizes! I will promise it will be good!


Jessica Bolin

Create Your Badge

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Bloggers On Bourbon

So as many of you know I am now one of the Mamavation Sista's. This group of ladies are some of the greatest people I have met in my life. What I mean I have not met them yet but I hope to July 23-25th. Bloggers on Bourbon will be a bunch of mommy bloggers getting together and well doing what bloggers do.... having FUN!

MomDot and Bookieboo have organized  Bloggers on Bourbon. This will be 30 of us bloggers on Bourban street in New Orleans just having fun and getting to know each other. I can honestly say I am so excited to meet Leah in person! I mean she is the master mind behind Mamavation and thus a driving force in my life right now. I can also say this trip makes me even more determined to get fit and show off what all the Mamavation ladies help me achieve.... a healthier me!

I have never been to New Orleans though I have always wanted to go. I always though Mardi Gras would be so fun and a once in a lifetime experience for me. I can not wait for no husband, NO kids, and no 'Mommy he has snot running down his face!' (my 4 year old exclaims instead of getting the tissue right in front of him) I will miss my kids and husband but oh how I will love this time for me.

I mean the last real trip I took was when I was unmarried and not a mommy. I got to go to Sacramento for work/training. Oh wait I mean the last fun trip I took was when I was in High School and we went to Chicago for Key Club. So how fun will New Orleans be now that I am above drinking age.... I mean an adult!

I love scary things too... I think I hear we will be doing a ghost tour! Oh I am all over this... but wait I have to wait till July. Okay okay I think I can do that! I want to see the culture and heritage and learn more about this place but who am I kidding I am ready to meet some fellow mommy bloggers. I have never been to any blogger anything and I am ready for New Orleans to be my first initiation into the faces on the other side of the screen.

Oh and by the way if your a company this would be the PERFECT time to get your name in front of some really great mommy bloggers who well love to talk and even more love to give their opinions!! I would love for us to work out a sponsorship. Please email me at angelface041206 at yahoo and I promise you I will get some mommies talking about your company and products!

What's Cooking Wednesday 4/21

Tuna Garden Salad






I made this tonight after looking at what I had in my fridge and  cupboard. I wanted alot of fresh veggies. I dislike tuna without mayo  but looking for alternatives. I love this! There is so much more you can  do and different just add fresh veggies as you see fit as well as  spices.

35 Minutes to Prepare and Cook

Ingredients

Starkist Chunck Light Tuna in Pouch (12 oz), 12 oz
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Whole Grain Rotini, 14 oz
Del Monte Diced Tomatoe Basil Garlic& oregano, 2 cup
Green Giant Corn, 2 cup
Fresh Express Spinach, 9 cup
Scallions, raw, .5 cup, chopped
Peppers, sweet, red, raw, sliced, .25 cup
Pepper Orange Sweet, .25 serving
Nakano Seasoned Rice Vinegar, 2 tbsp

Directions


Makes aprox 10 1-cup servings
Boil pasta and drain. Cook in  boiling water spinach till just cooked and then place in cold water to  stop cooking. (Can also saute in EVOO with a clove of garlic)
Chop  all veggies into bite sized pieces
Put pasta, tuna, and all veggies  in a bowl
Add Seasoned rice vinegar and mix well



Nutritional Info


Servings Per Recipe: 10
Amount Per Serving:

  • Calories: 217.8   
  • Total Fat: 6.4 g    
  • Cholesterol: 0.0 mg    
  • Sodium: 271.6 mg    
  • Total Carbs: 35.2 g  
  • Dietary Fiber: 5.3 g  
  • Protein: 6.3 g 




   

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Random Review Tuesday 4/21~ Sassy Products


So the past two weeks have been all about mom. I decided this week I would give a little bit to our little ones that made us mom. Sassy Has a great commitment: To caring parents, grandparents and gift givers worldwide, Sassy is the brand of products for children that you can trust for nurturing and developing your child because they have premium quality, innovative design and focused coloration, environmentally principled, with credible and helpful purpose and value added features. Read more about sassy and what they are about here.


I was sent a wonderful package by Sassy to try and put through the two boy test. What I mean is my two boys use the products and I tell you if they are worth your hard earned money. I promise you that my boys do every product test to the best of their ability. (they put crash dummies to shame!) So on to the test results!

Pour & Explore Cups (6 months & Up) Inspire Exploration:  This set of three cups offers a different moving part in each.  The movements — a twirling pinwheel, spinning top and floating beads ­­­— are triggered when water is poured in.  Each cup has a brightly colored rim and holes in the bottom to strain water.  Stack the cups in any order to form a tower of spinning, twirling, floating fun.  Pour & Explore Cups fit into Sassy Pour and Explore Water Whirl.  Suggested retail price for the 3-cup set is $6.99.

I can say that both boys enjoy these. Aaron loves to see cause and effect and is starting to get that concept. When both boys are in the bath together Caleb loves seeing the water pour out of the cups. He also tries so hard to get the toys from the inside out. All in all I think they are worth having around!


Catch & Release Net (6 Months & Up) Inspire Exploration:  This toy helps baby build hand-eye coordination as he works to scoop brightly colored sea creatures into the little net.  The fishing net is made of textured, blue plastic with nubby bumps on the handle to improve baby’s grip and a round ball at the end for gripping and mouthing.  Three friendly creatures with smiling, symmetrical faces and textured bodies float on the surface, making them easier for baby to catch.  Suggested retail price is $4.99 for the 4-piece set.

 WOW okay can I say this is Aaron's favorite toy. He loves to pretend he is the little fisher man in the bathtub. We had previously bought him one that had a fishing pole and it just did not work well at all. Caleb loves the little fish and other animals. He scopes them up from the water and of course chews on them. I love that there is no sharp seams on these toys! This set is completley a keeper and well worth the purchase! 


Scrub-a-Dub Car Wash (9 Months & Up) Inspire Imagination:  Working at the car wash has never been such fun!  Baby can keep busy with 8 creative activities offered on this floating platform.  There are lessons in cause-and-effect, opportunities to learn new words, invitations to use the imagination and skills to hone hand-eye coordination.   Baby’s car wash customers include 3 brightly colored vehicles that scoop or strain water.  Moving vehicles through the soft rinse curtain provides baby with a lesson in object permanence.  Squeeze the yellow, terrycloth “road sign” to squirt the cars moving under the car wash and scoop water into the car rinser in the center to watch it wash over the vehicles.  Speed bumps and a hill make driving through the car wash an adventure.  Scrub-A-Dub Car Wash has a suggested retail price of $10.99.

WOW this is a great toy! Aaron has so much fun with it and I can really see his imagination at work. The cars are also a safe toy for Caleb so I don't have to worry when they are in the bathtub together. 


Count ‘n Spell AppliquĂ©s (3 years & Up) Inspire Imagination: The writing is on the wall!  These number and letter appliquĂ©s spell good times.  Made of soft, durable foam, the appliquĂ©s adhere to the tub, tile and other smooth surfaces.  Textured surfaces are fun to touch and easy to grip.  Playing with letters and numbers encourages early reading and language skills.  Available in rainbow and pink assortments, the 36-piece set has a suggested retail price of $5.99. 

I love sitting with Aaron in the bathroom as he plays with these. He tells me what the letters and numbers are. (what he knows so far anyways) We practice colors and counting. This is a set I have to keep up in a separate bin because of Caleb but honestly they are so great for Aaron. I also love how they take up very little room in my bathroom. I think these are a must have for any toddler learning letters!



Soft Touch Rinse Cup (All Ages):  This soft plastic cup is made of a unique material that forms a watertight edge along baby’s forehead, keeping soap and water out of sensitive eyes.  A wide, soft handle is easy for adult hands to grip, even with soapy, slippery bath water.  The cup comes in a variety of bright, bold colors.  Suggested retail price is $4.99.

Okay I will admit I am not impressed with this product. I love the concept but the plastic is to soft and just fold instead of molding to the boy's heads. I still got water down their face and was back to using just a bathroom drinking cup the next time the boys took a shower. It would be better if it was a harder plastic with a piece that formed to their heads.  



Less Mess Metal Spoon and Fork (9 Months & Up) Inspire Independence: This little spoon and fork looks like the ones Mommy and Daddy use!  Curved metal spoon and “spork” bowls have tiny holes to help suction food in place to prevent spills on route from plate to mouth.  The grips are textured and wide enough for little hands to hold in either right or left hand.  The set comes in boy or girl colors with suggested retail price of $3.99 each.

 Okay so Caleb is now nine months old and we are begging the stages of self feeding. I have not gotten tons of use from this set yet as they are a little wide for his mouth but I know when he begins using a fork and spoon this will be the set to have. I love the green grips on this set and it really helps little hands keep a hold of the silver wear. I also love the little holes in the utensils as when he starts eating cereal or anything with liquid it will help with the runny mess all over the place. At $4.49 you can't beat this set!

Dippin’ Diner Plate Set (9 Months & Up) Inspire Independence:  Set baby’s table on the road or at home with these stylish, square plates.  Vary the menu and the plates – two are divided in half to keep foods separated, while two are standard plates.  Non-skid borders on the plates and corners help little ones capture food and get it neatly on the spoon or fork.  Since toddlers love dipping, all four have a little section for dip or sauce.  The set comes with two snap-on lids, making these plates perfect for travel and storage.  A no-skid base helps keep the plates from slipping and tipping while your toddler is dining and dipping!  Set of 4 plates and two lids has a suggested retail price of $6.99.

Okay I can not say enough good things about this set. I use this set 80% of the time I feed Caleb. We always try to give him alot of variety in his meals and this plate set allows me to remember to do that as well as only have one dirty plate. It comes with 4 plates and two lids... Can't be beat. The grip's on the bottom and inside really work to help capture food and not allow the plate to slid!  This will be a life savor when he is self feeding in those early months of learning. I strongly suggest this to any family with a baby or toddler!

On-The-Go Snack Bowl Set (9  Months & Up) Inspire Adventure:  These colorful bowls have snap-on lids to keep snacks tucked inside wherever baby travels.  The set includes three bowls and lids in graduated sizes.  A suction cup that can be attached to the bottom of any of the bowls is included to keep baby’s snacks in place on the highchair tray or other flat surface.  Built-in handles are easy for baby to grasp.  The bowls nest for convenient storage and come in assorted boy or girl colors.  The entire 7-piece set is top-rack dishwasher safe.  Suggested retail price is $6.99.

Okay this set is my favorite thing I received from sassy. It will be something I purchase for baby showers from now on!  The suction cup was a little hard to get on the bowl so make sure you do this step BEFORE filling the bowl with food. The suction cup is and will be great for many months to come (no flying bowls!). The lids pop on really easy yet they are very snug (no flying food!). I loved the different sizes which were so handy for trips to the park, grandma's house, etc. 


Sassy products overall get my seal of approval for Saving time, money, and sanity! I strongly suggest whenever you are looking for a new product for your young child or a baby shower gift that you head over to the sassy products. You just can't go wrong and the amazing thing is that they serve such a wide range of ages! Follow Sassy on facebook and keep up to date on all that is going on with them! I would love for you to share with me your child's favorite Sassy item!




See told you we put the products through the test. Guess Caleb wanted his snack :)The last picture is of another Sassy toy my Mother in Law got him for Christmas He loves it as well!

All opinions expressed in this review are mine and mine alone. I was not paid for this post. I did receive the products mentioned free of charge by sassy to facilitate this review. If you want to know more please refer to my disclosure policy.


HOT~ Reynolds High Dollar Coupon!

Earth Day on April 22 reminds us that we can do small things everyday that help to minimize our impact on the environment.

Using Reynolds Wrap Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum is an easy way to add a little "green" to your kitchen and make it more environmentally friendly.

It has the same strength and durability as Reynolds Wrap Foil.
Visit My other Blog 'It's All About Entering Giveaways' for current giveaways I have entered!