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.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Wish

I've been MIA.  Computer virus took me out of the game for awhile and then a real live virus attacked our house.  Fevers well into the 100's and nasty coughs have made for sleepless nights and lots of daytime cuddling to help with the aches and pains.  The kids are now on break so I can't promise it will get better soon but the New Year will definitely bring new things and more time,

My wish is for everyone to have a safe and Merry Christmas.  To make the most of every moment and to not sweat the small stuff.

Cheers
~Rachele

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Party at Joes?

This is the first year that I can remember actually being prepared for Christmas ahead of time.  I'm usually scrambling for last minute gifts or feel I need to get more for someone (Hubster, the kids, MIL).  I ordered the kids stuff online on Cyber Monday and then a few more things a couple days later.  Hubster bought his own presents (as did I) and I'm thinking Hubster can do the scrambling for his so-hard-to-buy-for parents.  I've bought a few things for each but will not stress doing more.  I sent my parents a beautiful gift basket (and that's all I'm saying in case they happen upon this post). 

That's it. 

Nothing is wrapped.  Nothing ever gets wrapped until Christmas Eve.  I still need to do some baking for our neighborhood treat swap, but I've been down with the flu (or some nasty virus that causes high fever and chest clenching coughs) for the past three days and figure the neighbors would prefer nothing over treats infested with this crap.  So technically I'm done. 

Oh Wait. 

Crap.

I totally forgot the Teachers.  Puddin Pop's last day of school was yesterday and she was home sick.  Handsome's last day is tomorrow so, If I can muster up enough energy to drag myself out today, I could send something tomorrow.  Or...

I could use eGift Social and send gifts through Facebook and/or email.

 

What?  You didn't know?

I have a feeling this is going to get big.  With companies like Sears and Kmart already on board.  Virtual giving is headed to the next level.  Instead of giving the virtual treat of Ice Cream for a friend's Birthday, you can send an actual Cold Stone Treat.  No.  It doesn't get delivered to their door, but it is good for an actual ice cream treat on their next visit.  Or, you could send a Perfect Paton Margarita from Joe's Crab Shack to make some new best friends. 

I like that the gifts can be personalized.  Rather than just sending a $10 gift card, you can send a specific drink, appetizer, or even a Double Deluxe Cheeseburger from Culver's.  You can also send gift cards is specific dollar amounts, but I like the idea of sending drinks.  Haven't we all sent virtual drinks through several different FB apps?  Now we can send real ones.  I think we should have a party.  We could all show up at our local Joe's Crab Shack with our smart phones or laptops and send each other drinks.  Who's up for that?  Just leave a comment and we'll set something up. 

I'm off to pick out the perfect gift for the three Teachers in our lives.

Happy Holidays!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of First Data and received an eGift gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Monday, December 20, 2010

How to Choose Free Online Learning Games

(Guest Post)

There are many free online learning games available on the web if you are looking for an interactive way to further encourage your child’s educational development. In order to find these games, usually all it takes is a simple Internet search and you’ll be provided with a number of different options from which to choose.
Due to the fact that you will likely come across an extensive selection of free online learning games, you may be wondering which activities would be best suited to your child. There are different ways you can make this determination. The following are two important factors to consider:
  • Age – Look for games that are geared toward the age of your child. This will help weed out any games that are not suitable for their skill level. Keep in mind, even if your child is a preschooler, you will still be able to find many programs created with their learning needs in mind.
  • Subject matter – Games are generally specific to the development of a certain skill, such as reading, math, music, language, etc. Focus on the topic you want your child to learn.
By make these two determinations, when you search for free online learning games, you will have an easier time narrowing down your choices.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

She was Cute, and now she's gone



This post was supposed to go a little differently.  It was supposed to conclude that my suspicions were right.  It won't.  It will prove me all wrong.

Since we've moved into this house in 2003 we can count on two yearly pesty events.  We get ants in the early spring (everyone in the cul de sac does) and we get a mouse in the winter (there's my assumption, A mouse).   We've found that, if at the first sign of winter thaw, we spray the perimeter of the house, we can avoid the ants that take over.  If we miss that first ,or do it too early, it takes more than a week to get rid of them all.  The mouse comes when it's cold, is very comfortable visiting and often comes out from under the couch to visit me after everyone has gone to bed.  She looks at me, I look at her, and she travels across the room to hide under the entertainment center.  I'm okay with that.  Getting caught off guard sucks but, up until now, the alternatives, for me, have been worse.

Snap Traps won't work because if they catch the mouse anywhere other than on the head, which they always do, then I have to listen to the squeaking while they try to free themselves.

Glue traps have the same effect.  Mouse gets paw stuck in trap, tries to bite off paw, gets head stuck in glue and squeaks until it is removed.

D-con~ We have small kids and pets.  Enough said.

I'm not a feminist or a girly girl.  I believe women can do anything men can do.  I also believe they get to choose which of those tasks they want to take on.  Rodent removal is NOT a job I feel I have to tackle to prove myself.

I'm up before everyone else.  I'm home most of the day while everyone else is at work and school.  I'm up several hours after everyone else goes to bed.  Listening to a trapped, undead, squeaky mouse and waiting for someone else to take care of it is not my idea of enjoyable.  Other than let the little critter come out to visit me every once in a while, what is the solution? 


 Nooski Moouse Trap.

Product Description

The Nooski Mouse Trap works every time. It's the first truly new design for a mouse trap in over a century. Its patented system uses latex rubber rings that kill the mice every time, and it can be used over and over again. It really is the 'better mouse trap'.


With the Nooski Mouse Trap you need no more fiddly springs and snap traps that catch your fingers and maim mice. No more cruel glue traps. No more dangerous poisons that cause mice to die painful slow deaths. The Nooski Mouse Trap is safe, clean and easy.

How does the Nooski Mouse trap work?


* The trap is set by rolling on a latex rubber ring
* The mouse is attracted by the bait, we use a little peanut butter
* The mouse works its way into the trap
* The latex ring is triggered
* The mouse dies swiftly inside or next to the trap
* Set the trap again with another ring


The mouse cannot run off and die in its nest causing bad odors and it is impossible for them to steal the bait without being caught. Other traps often fail or maim. The Nooski Mouse Trap works swiftly and humanely and works every time, guaranteed.


Whereas snap traps are often thrown out with a dead and bloody mouse, the Nooski Mouse Trap can be used again and again. Ten latex rings are included to catch ten mice, and Nooski Refill Packs give you unlimited use.


Designed and made in New Zealand. The Nooski Mouse Trap pack includes one clear trap, black safety tunnel and ten latex rubber rings to catch ten mice.


Trigger Housing
Simply roll the ring into position, no separate loading cone required. Built from tough ABS plastic, the NOOSKI Mouse Trap is guaranteed to give 100% success, every time.


Safety Tunnel
Acting as the bait container as well as the safety tunnel. The safety tunnel allows you to set the trap inside without worry of pets or children setting it off.


Dimensions
Length: 150mm, Width: 56mm, Height: 33mm, Weight: 50 grams.


"THE WORLD'S FIRST SPRINGLESS KILL TRAP"
 
This is, quite simply put, the best mouse trap. EVER...even if it did prove me wrong.  It came in the mail yesterday and I immediately turned the package over to Hubster.  He set it, and placed it behind the couch, while the kids and I were at a birthday party.  When he came home last night (from a late night DJ gig), the trap had already caught my little friend.  She was peacefully dead beside the trap.  He removed her, reset the trap and put it back.  He told me all of this this morning when we got up.  I was sure there was nothing else to catch.  Deluded that there was only one friendly little critter.  He moved the couch.  There it was.  The second little critter.  No noise.  No blood.  I now will find out how seriously delusional I have been.  It's set for the third time.

Easy to use. Takes seconds to set.  We used peanut butter as bait and apparently they LOVE it.  It's quick and noiseless.  It's humane.  It's a solution to my winter-time dilemma.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Skillet Bacon Jam...No lie



















While hoping around the Internet I came across a review for Skillet Bacon Jam. I immediately knew I had to get my hands on some of that stuff...and I did.  It was originally made for putting on a burger...so I did.  I didn't love it.  I didn't scrape it off or anything, but I didn't put it on the other half.  Yes.  I cut my burgers in half. Always.  So, thinking that this Skillet Jam may be a bust, I racked my brain to think of how else it could be used.  Since it's bacon mixed with spices and love (It's the balsamic that made it too twangy for a burger, for me) I thought of using it on this...


Now.  I heated the Bacon Jam and added a little EVOO and threw it on this salad (spinach, red onion, tomato and Feta).  That was amazing.  You can see the big chunks of bacon.  I loved the flavor it added to the salad and the fact that I didn't have to cook up the bacon.  I'm thinking it will also be good with my sauteed vegetables (zucchini, squash, red onion and yellow pepper) and will add some in the next time I make those.

If you are interested in getting some of your own, you can find some at http://www.skilletbaconjam.com/.  It's really fun to say "bacon jam" and you'll impress your friends when they see it in your fridge. It would also make a great gift for the bacon lover in your family.  Very unique.  Questions?  You can contact the creative makers of bacon jam at eat@skilletstreetfood.com.  Don't wait.  Go check them out now.  You may love it on your burger.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Wordless Wednesday~ Cookie Swap or How I gained 10 pounds on a Sunday Afternoon









Monday, December 6, 2010

The Christmas Proposal

TribalBlogs Carnival

A long, long time ago I was dating this guy.  We had been dating for just over two years and had never even so much as had a minor argument.  We broke up.  Feeling that the relationship needed a little spice (or space to see other people) it ended.  The break-up lasted for 5 months before the guy realized how awesome I was and came back....and I let him.

A couple months later we were spending Christmas at his parents house.  He kept hinting at this awesome gift he had gotten me.  It was just before my 29th birthday and, more than anything, I wanted the one sparkling thing that all girls in a serious relationship want.  Talks of rings had been made (by him to others) even before we broke up.  I'm guessing he just scared the shit out of himself.

We woke up, had breakfast with his parents and started in on the gift opening.  His parents go overboard, every year, so opening gifts takes hours.  When we appeared to be done I noticed that I hadn't received that got the attention on would think an "awesome" gift would receive.  I was asked to step outside so my final gift could be brought in.  What?  How hard could it be to hide a ring?  I obliged and went outside.  A few minutes later I was welcomed back in and in the middle of the living room I saw  this...


Yep.  He had bought me my very first, very own, computer. 

He then proceeded to stand up and give some speech about how much he loved me, wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, and, if I wanted, would return the computer and buy the ring I REALLY wanted.  How does one respond to that?  In front of his parents?  AWKWARD.  I requested that we take a walk.  I explained that while I appreciated the fact that he would take the computer back and get me a ring, the fact that he had wanted to get me a computer told me that that is what I should accept.  He seemed a little upset that I didn't accept his "proposal".  Really?  I LOVED that computer.

For the record.  It only took another 2.5 years to get the actual ring.

This post is part of a Tribal Blogs Blog Carnival.  To read more either click the button at the top or you can read Dufus' post here

The Worst Christmas Present Ever by Nonamedufus

If you like what you're reading, I strongly suggest you join Tribal Blogs so you don't miss out on any of the forum fun.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Super Easy Cake Balls

My neighbor has an annual cookie swap.  This year I decided to take cake balls and made them in a variety of colors.  They are always a hit and great for kids because they are (mostly) bite size so the chocolate doesn't melt on their hands.

You will need:
Any boxed cake mix (and ingredients to make it, (eggs, oil)
1 container of frosting
Melted Chocolate (or your preferred chocolate for coating)

*Make cake as directed in a 9x13 pan (you can make them in round cake pans but your just going to dump them out)

*Let cake cool for 2-5 minutes and dump into large mixing bowl.  Add container of frosting and mix together to make (almost) a dough.

*Put in refrigerator to chill (I usually leave mine overnight)

*Once chilled, form into 1 inch balls
.
*Melt chocolate and roll cake balls to evenly coat.  put on was paper or foil to set.  Enjoy!

I used white chocolate (Food Lion brand CandiQuik) and dyed some green.  I used Wilton candy melts for the red ones and chocolate (CandiQuik).  You can also add solid shortening to thin the chocolate.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Grilled Chicken Salad


There are many varieties and endless possibilities when it comes to salad.  This I whipped up with some leftover grilled chicken and other ingredients on hand.

Spinach, tomato, egg, red onion, grilled chicken and I sliced up a mozzarella cheese stick.  Sprinkled with pepper and drizzled on a Greek Vinaigrette.  Yum!

What's your favorite salad ingredient?  One that HAS to go in every salad you make?

Friends are for Sharing Secrets...and Showers

Good friends are those that share their best secrets with you.

I have a vision of one of my bestest friends, getting out of the shower.  I can't for the life of me figure out why I was in the bathroom while she was in the shower.  We never lived together.  It may have been that week we spent in Florida together but most of that is a blur as well.  It was more than 20 years ago.  She shared with me a moisturizing tip that I've never forgotten.  One I practice, especially in the winter months,  all year long.  What is it?

It's Johnson's Baby oil!  Right out of the shower, before drying off.  You cover your body in the baby oil and then pat dry with a towel.  I swear it works.  Locking in the moisture it leaves your skin feeling baby smooth and the scents are subtle and fresh.  Who doesn't love that new baby smell?  I've been using the Baby Oil Gel with Shea and Cocoa Butter. Not only is my skin baby smooth but while snuggling with my 4 year old the other night she asked "Mommy, why do you smell like a delicious candle?" I had to smile.

Johnson's has been making products for babies for over 100 years and are always trying to improve on their already great products as well as develop new ones for babies sensitive skin.

The secret is out.

It's not just for babies. 

Try it. 

I'm now going to call my friend and see if she remembers why I was in the bathroom with her while she was in the shower.  Even though it was more than 20 years, it was one of the best "secrets" ever shared.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Johnson’s 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.”

Wednesday, December 1, 2010