Mome reads Mommy, My daughter's way to spell it when she was younger... It stuck. My son calls me Mome... just like it looks. I now sign all my notes to them "Love, Mome". It's our inside secret and makes them smile. I always want them to smile.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Date Night with Macaroni Grill's Creamy Basil Parmesan and Chicken Pasta

Winner

allysmama  1 week ago


"My favorite date has to be the candlelight dinner my hubby made for me & our daughter for our last wedding anniversary. He always says he married both of us, and our celebration reinforces that! "
 
Congrats!  Your kits will be mailed from MyBlogSpark
 


Things are what they are.  When I was recently sent some meals to try and it was suggested that I create a "Date Night" with them, I thought it would be impossible to make it happen.  With Macaroni Grill's new boxed Basil Parmesan Chicken Pasta staring at me each day from my cupboard, I was getting impatient with Hubster's new schedule that brings him home late and at unpredictable times.  The pasta looked so good and I finally caved and made it on a night he said he was going to be home at a decent time.  He wasn't.  Puddin Pop was at Grandma's house and Hubster was bringing her home with him.  That left this wonderfully smelling meal, Handsome and myself. 

My darling 7 year old took advantage of the fact we were home alone and asked if we could have a "date".  How perfect is that.  It may not be the "date night" that was intended but it was a "Date night" nonetheless.  He even set the table (with his sister's favorite blanket as the table cloth).

                                      My Date                                           

   
His Food
          He makes Mommy so proud and is the only other salad eater in the house:)
My food.  Salad is a little fancier.

See the fancy table cloth?  All his idea.  This meal was restaurant quality and easy to prepare.  Just add your own chicken.  We used chicken breasts, sliced and cooked them.  You could use the prepackaged chicken if in a big hurry.  This meal took about 20 minutes to prepare.  I thought the basil and sun dried tomatoes were wonderful but worried that Handsome would shy away from these new flavors.  He didn't. 

We sat. side by side on the couch, and ate and chatted.  Just like a real date.  He is growing up so fast and being able to spend this quality alone time with him was a real treat.  He's even cleared the table when we finished.  He must be being raised well.  Such a little gentleman.  My first Date with his Father was at an Italian Restaurant, so this meal was reminiscent of that.  Glad I had someone to enjoy it with.

I can definitely promote this meal.  Whether a special treat for a Date Night or a quick hearty meal after a busy day of school and work, this pasta is sure to please.  Easy and delicious.

You Could Win It
Leave a comment about one of your favorite dates and you'll be entered for a chance to win your own "Date Night" prize pack including this great meal from Macaroni Grill and a box of Wanchai Ferry's Orange Chicken (both meals require adding your own chicken).

Contest ends November 15th and a Winner will be announced on November 16th.

OR

You can download a coupon HERE for $1.50 off two packages of Macaroni Grill and/or Wanchai Ferry Dinner Kits.

The Dinner kits and Prize Pack are courtesy of Macaroni Grill and Wanchai Ferry through MyBlogSpark.  I also received a gift card to facilitate this review.  The opinions are authentic and 100% mine.  

Friday, October 29, 2010

Things I Require to be Comfortable/Giveaway

Winner




"allysmama said...
following through google friend connect as allysmama"
Congratulations.  The package will go out tomorrow.


This post brought to you by Carmex®. All opinions are 100% mine.

There are very few things I MUST have.  Almost nothing I can't live without.  Of course I'm talking about THINGS and not PEOPLE.  I definitely couldn't live without all the great people I have in my life.  The TV, makeup, jewelry, clothes, I could live without all those, although I'm sure a couple episodes outside naked and I'd have clothes thrown at me and dropped off at my door.  I'm just saying I COULD live without those things.  There are two things I find most annoyed when they are not readily available (and so they always are) Lotion and chapstick.  I can't stand to have dry or chapped lips and dry hands that get snagged on fabric or material drives me mental.  It's worse than nails on a chalkboard.  These items are mainstays in my purse, and easily transition to my pockets when not wanting to carry a purse.

With Winter approaching I tend to stock up on both items.  I'm usually not picky with brands but find that with lotions some last longer than others.  They all do the job initially, but if I have to reapply every 30 minutes than it's not a brand I'll buy again.  My legs become scaly in the winter months so I like something that lasts all day under pants.  I like scented lotions as well as unscented, it's more about the feel.  I want it to go on smooth (some bead up and that's just icky) and definitely NOT feel greasy.  Recently I found Carmex Healing Cream and Lotion.  The lotion is great for everyday use. It contains aloe and Vitamin E and is rich without being greasy.  It lasts all day.  The healing lotion is great for my dryer parts (feet and elbows) and with 9 different healing ingredients I have now worry that I'll get the irritating friction from elbow to sweater if the weather here ever gets cold.


I believe in this product and love the non-intrusive scent (think Carmex lip balm at low strength with a hint of vanilla) so much that I want to give a set away.  One lucky winner will receive Carmex® Healing Lotion and Carmex® Healing Cream to try for themselves.

How To Enter
*Leave a comment telling your worst dry skin story. (1st entry.  Must be done)
*Follow through friend connect on sidebar (extra entry)
*Follow on Twitter (one extra entry)
*Follow MFTAWK on Networked Blogs (one extra entry)

Easy as Pie!

Leave a separate comment for each action.  Spam will be deleted.

Contest ends November 15, 2010 and winner will be notified on November 16, 2010.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Monday, October 25, 2010

Love at First Pour

UPDATE:  HERE'S A COUPON FOR $10 OFF THIS FILTRETE PITCHER BY 3M
(expires 10/31)


We were recently sent a 3M Filtrete Water Pitcher to try and talk about.  I've seen these pitchers before, in the refrigerators of friends, I've never thought about splurging and actually buying one for myself.  I say myself because up until this last summer, I was the only family member who regularly consumed water.  This Summer Handsome decided it was one of his favorite beverages as well.  I still couldn't justify the purchase of this pitcher as we were both perfectly satisfied with water from the tap. (gasp).

But...

We received the pitcher and immediately rinsed and filled it.  Put it in the fridge to get the water cold and guess what?  Everyone (Hubster and Puddin Pop included) is now going for water as their first drink of choice.  This is a wonderful thing.  I'm not sure if it's the cool new pitcher or the new "crispness" the water has after being filtered but we are filling it every day and at dinner both kids are requesting water over milk or juice.  Had I known this would be the outcome, I definitely would have purchased one of these.  I never imagined the whole family would prefer water.  I never imagined filtering would make such a huge difference.

3M offers several tips and helpful tools on their site.  You can get reminders for your filter changes, sign up for a newsletter with money saving coupons and better living tips,  and get up-to-date information on new products being developed and offered.  The Water pitcher fills 5 times faster than other brands and the filter lasts through 100 gallons of water (about 3 months).  It also has a convenient meter on the filter that lets you know when it's time for a replacement.

Saving the landfills from millions of water bottles is usually the inspiration for companies to develop ways we can use the water that already comes into our homes each day.  We do purchase bottled water, although not on a regular basis, and refill the bottles several times before putting them in our recycle bins.  With the whole family now enjoying Filtrete water, I'm searching for more permanent solutions to totally get away from buying bottled water at all.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Filtrete and received the water pitcher to facilitate my candid review.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

It's all about the Boobs

It's all about the boobs this month.  Every month, actually, but particularly this month.  Everywhere you look someone is posting about "Save the Ta-ta's".  You can even "PINK" your profile on Facebook to remind everyone how important yearly mammograms and monthly self checks are.  Really ladies, let's protect our assets.  It's up to us,  If you're like me, you often get caught up in the day-to-day activities of your children and tend to put your own needs last.  I'm not a fan of Doctor's so you can imagine how hard it is for me to make that yearly call...but I do.  Their mine and their beautiful.  I could live without them, but since I don't have to, I'll do everything in my power to avoid that.

Here are a couple of campaigns that caught my eye.  My friend Julie posted this to her FB wall yesterday and I'm hoping she saw my comment to save me one of these.  I also hope she doesn't mind me stealing her picture, it's for the cause.  Don't you want one of these?







Another must is this video with Giuliana Rancic and Lindsay Avner.  The ladies discuss several ways to reduce our risk, talk about and demonstrate the proper way to do a breast exam and what to look for (frozen pea).  They also tell us about other ways that breast cancer can present itself.  It's very informative.  The campaign is "Treasure Your Chest" and is sponsored by Orbit White Bubblemint Gum.  As the main sponsor of this campaign, Orbit White will be (and has been) donating 10 cents from every pack of Bubblemint Gum sold in September and October to Bright Pink (Lindsay's breast and ovarian cancer non-profit).  Now WATCH THE VIDEO and FEEL YOUR BOOBIES!

Watch live streaming video from treasureyourchest at livestream.com

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Do You Enjoy a Good Debate?

I'm a big fan of arguing. Seriously.  When I believe I am right I will argue it to the death, constantly coming up with new reason WHY I'm right.  I guess I like to be right, but more than that it's about getting others to see my view.  I have some friends who also love a good debate and we engage in these often.  While it's important to make sure someone understands my point of view it's not as important to have them agree.  There are so many debatable issues, from abortion rights to whether or not $5 wine can be enjoyable, that it's fun to stand firm on an opinion.  I guess that's really it for me.  Standing firm on a decision I've made on a topic.  My opinion counts.  You don't have to agree, but you do (or should) value my opinion.  I promise to respect yours and debating with you may give me some insight into why you came to your decision.  It probably won't change my well thought out decision, but it doesn't make yours any less important.

I think that's why I love court shows.  The questioning, probing, and endless amount of information that goes into a trial to prove which side is "right" is fascinating to me.  I can't, however, imagine what it would be like to represent an individual whom I believed to be innocent only to find out through further discovery that they had actually committed the crime, and to have to continue to represent them.  I'm not so sure I'd be good at that.





If you haven't yet seen this years stand out court room drama, The Whole Truth, you should.  It has all the suspense of regular courtroom drama plus "the truth" is revealed at the end...after the verdict.  Two college buddies battle it out each week in the courtroom on opposing sides, just like the debates I am so fond of with my friends, except, in the courtroom someone has to lose.  Take a peak.  Wednesdays @ 10/9c on ABC.  You won't be disappointed.

For the record.  I am Pro CHOICE and I most definitely can enjoy a $5 bottle of wine!

I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'The Whole TruthThese opinions are authentic and 100% mine.

Random Facebook Status'

Don't forget to stop over at the Un Mom to read more random. It's the one day a week we get to get all the little tidbits out of our brains. Like a string of Facebook status updates.

randomtuesday
,
Speaking of FB...here's some of my updates from the last week...

(Puddin Pop) told me she has 3 boyfriends. She has sworn me to secrecy not to tell anyone who these boys are. They don't even know, lol. When asked why the boys don't know that they are her boyfriends she explained "They can't break up with me that way." I think that's damn smart.

Off to find some dinner. It's not gonna be good for me but it's gonna be GOOOOOD.

Ugh! Just took a big gulp of coffee and had something in my mouth that should NOT have been there. Damn FLY! No more coffee for me today.

Just ordered myself a little gift with some of my Gift Certificates from Mom Central
Amazon.com: Apple iPod shuffle 2 GB Pink (4th Generation)


To all my reading friends. This book needs to published. Like it so the author will finish it and get it to a publisher.
Dancing Skeletons
"Writer, blogger, mother...not always in that order, usually not in that order. I'm also the one who feeds the dog."

We can choose to go through life bitter and angry or choose to be Thankful. While I wasn't too thankful about the fly in my coffee yesterday, in retrospect, I AM thankful that it was in my coffee and not in my sandwich...which involved chewing. Today I sip my coffee through pursed lips.



Then a friend sent me this cool new avatar...



You want to be "friends" now don't you?

Tomorrow is the big Chile Blends Blogger Tasting. I'm so freakin' excited. 8 different wines will be sampled with some Chilean recipes to munch on during the online event. Can't wait to tell you all about it.

Now shoo on over to the Un Mom and link up.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The Whole Truth...Can You Handle It?




I know, I know. While you may be getting tired of reading about all my television watching, trust me, I'm tired myself. Staying up way later than I should trying to watch EVERYTHING. September is the hardest because all the new shows come out and I don't want to be the last person to find out about a new great show. I also don't like coming in late. I want to know what's going on from the beginning.

I love court room dramas and this seasons best bet in that category has to be The Whole Truth. This show has edge-of-you-seat drama with a spectacular cast (Rob Morrow and Maura Tierney) that make you believe you're watching Court TV. The end of each show provides a verdict and then a "truth" as to who the real "killer" is. I say killer because there have only been two episodes so far and both have been murders. I have no idea if all the cases will involve murder.

The two main characters are lead Defense and Prosecution Attorneys that also have a past. They went to school and took the bar together and maintain a friendship outside of their battling in the courtroom. I can imagine how hard this must be. It reminds me of a friendship I maintained with a rival "employee" who was after the same promotion I was. In the end we both got the promotion (at different restaurants) and maintained our friendship by helping each other. It could have gone differently if one of us had gotten promoted over the other. Thankfully we were never put in that position.

This show is a must see. If you like(d) Law and Order and/or Raising the Bar, this is right up those alleys and is laid out to keep you intrigued. Wednesday Nights on ABC 10/9 central.



I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'The Whole Truth. The opinions are authentic and solely mine.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Bear Flag Wines ~ Review

I recently had the pleasure of tasting the two latest additions to the Bear Flag Collection. The Dark Red Blend and their Bright White Blend. Neither is available in my area but I have some wonderful people at Hunter PR that look out for me and offer me the chance to try wines That would otherwise be unavailable to me. Thank You.



The Bright White Blend was crisp and semi sweet. It presents a floral bouquet to the nose with hints of lemongrass. To the palate it reminded me of a buttery chardonnay, but sweeter. Tastes of citrus and spice were also present. With medium body and finish this wine would be delightful with any seafood dish and is light enough to drink on it's own. It is comprised of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer. I would definitely drink this again. I'm really enjoying blends right now.



The Dark Red Blend is made up of Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, and Petit Verdot. It's bold and a blend that offers a dark berry with hints of spice aroma and flavor. It's somewhat complex but not overly so and, like the white, would be good to sip on it's own but can also accompany and enhance a meal. I enjoyed it with some homemade beef stew. YUM!



What interested me most about the wines (prior to tasting) was the unique artwork on the labels.


If this is your first time here (and hopefully it isn't), I'm totally a label buyer. When I see cool labels on the wine shelves they draw me in. I'm more apt to try a new wine based on label and blend than just reading winemakers notes. I'm not saying it's the best way to buy, it's my way. The Bear Flag site has even more artwork for your enjoyment and is definitely worth a peak. Go ahead. Take a look.

Hunter Public Relations graciously sent me these bottles to review. I was not monetarily compensated nor was I required to post anything. The opinions are 100% authentic and solely mine.

Random is as Random does...It's Tuesday

randomtuesday


I have a funny brain. I can remember the name of the boy who use to pull down my pants after school in first grade, but can't remember driving directions to anywhere...ever. I mapquest everything no matter how many times I've been there. It just doesn't stick in my brain.

My coffee maker is leaking from the bottom. Can't figure out why. It still makes coffee. It's stronger than planned since two cups of water leak out. Guess it's time to invest in a new one?

School pics came home yesterday and Handsome hands me his saying "Sorry. I know you told me to smile showing my teeth but, I forgot." See. He has my memory. He remembers me telling him a month ago to smile but forgets every day that he's not supposed to jump on the couch. Selective memory. It's inherited.

The weather is finally cooling off. Had the windows open all day yesterday and woke this morning to an inside temp of 65. That's perfect for me but freaks Hubster out. He ran to get long sleeves and socks for the kids. It'll be 75 in the house by noon so I refuse to let him turn the heat on. He didn't even ask.

There are a lot of really good new shows. Sifting through them is tough. I need to get down to a couple a week. It's going to take some time to decided. What's everyone else watching?


Now head on over to the Un-Mom and read some more Random posts. Looks like there are a lot of peeps playing today.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Bagel Sandwich.

Great for Breakfast, Lunch or a midnight snack. This Bagel sandwich is one of my all time favorites.

Toasted Everything Bagel (no other bagel compares), a good amount of Cream Cheese, 1 oz of Lox, a slice of ripe tomato and a full slice (thin) of red onion. Melts in your mouth.

Lunchables make me a great mom...at least that's what my kid says

My kids have always been huge fans of cheese and crackers. As a snack or an occasional meal, they request cheese and crackers often. Over the years we've gotten creative and added pepperoni and ham to their snack. For a meal I'll also add yogurt and/or some fruit.

My son LOVES Lunchables. Partly for the independence of putting together his own meal and partly for the "treat". He'll look to see what candy comes with each and make his selection accordingly. Every once in a while I'll surprise him with a Lunchable in his lunch box. It's quick and easy, but so is making his lunch. The main reason I do it is to see the huge smile on his face when he gets home. I always get a huge "Thanks", and usually a hug and kiss to go along with it.

When I saw the new Lunchables I got excited. They've been working hard to reduce salt content and make the meals healthier with low reduced fat cheeses and wholesome meats. Handsome was outgrowing the original ones. He's 7 now and needs something more substantial (at least for lunch) than crackers and some candy. The new and improved boxes come with the cheese, crackers and meat as well as a side of fruit (mandarin oranges, apple sauce, etc.), and a healthier snack than the previous mini airhead. This particular box came with mini vanilla wafers. For the drink, it comes with a bottle of water and a Kool-aid fun fizz. I didn't catch this when I picked them up at the store but I certainly heard about it when Handsome got home.

"Mom. Did you think my Lunchable came with a packet of Kool-aid?"

"Yes. Didn't it?"

"No. It came with a tablet that you drop in and it fizzes while it dissolves. It was cool."

"Oh. That sounds fun. How did you like all the extras the new Lunchables come with?"

"I loved it. Did you get me more?"

"Yes. We have another for later in the week."

"Thanks. You're a great mom."

I'm so buying more of these. I feel comfortable sending them as lunch for my child with the new additions and hearing that my 7 year old thinks I'm Great is pretty awesome too.


I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Lunchables and received the products necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.