Who Makes You Smile?!

TopDentists.com wants to know!

Enter a photo of the person who makes you smile for your chance to win!

The grand prize is a teeth whitening session in NYC with one of our Top Dentists plus all expense paid trip, $1,000 in spending money and photo session for you and your guest. There are also daily teeth whitening kits from Love That White Smile and chances to win teeth whitenings in Aventura FL, Austin TX, Beverly Hills CA, Philadelphia PA, and Troy MI from our Top Dentists in those ares!

All the details can be found HERE on Top Dentists.

Contest ends Feb 24th..Enter Now!

I wish Shae was a touch younger so we could still enjoy Sesame Street Live.  Last year’s show was a lot of fun but this year Sesame Street Live 1-2-3 IMAGINE! WITH ELMO AND FRIENDS is looking to be a whole new kind of fun. Join the excitement with Elmo’s friends Abby Cadaby, Oscar the Grouch, Ernie, Rosita, Count Von Count and more!

discount code "MOM"

Imagine singing and dancing with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all your favorite Sesame Street Live friends!  It’s as easy as counting “1-2-3 … Imagine!” This high-energy musical will transport audiences to far away places as Ernie captains the high seas, Elmo dances to the rhythm of the African rainforest and Bert meets an octopus who has the blues.  It’s a story of adventure and fun that teaches children they can be anyone, do anything and go anywhere with the power of imagination.

Purchase tickets now using discount code “MOM” for $5 off ticket prices. Additional service charges, processing and handling fees may apply.  Does not include the Venue Facility fee. Cannot be combined with any other offer and cannot be used towards previously purchased tickets. Valid for all shows except Friday, March 16 at 7 p.m.

Enter to win to see 1-2-3 Imagine with Elmo and Friends in the Philadelphia area.  We have (2) 4-packs of ticket vouchers to giveaway.

Liacouras Center at Temple University

Thursday, March 15 – Sunday, March 18

a Rafflecopter giveaway

target=”_blank”>contest rules page.

In our house crafts are done almost daily and it feels like our house is filled with tons of craft supplies for kids. I am always coming home to new things hanging on the wall or from the light over the kitchen table.

The other day Melinda was serching online for craft deals and luckly found Factory Direct Craft and took advantage of their great prices and stocked up on craft supplies for a few projects that she wants to work on with Shae. Their selection of craft supplies for kids is crazy and I am amazed that you can find just about anything you need for that special project.

I like when Melinda and Shae do crafts because she is so excited and proud of her work and she loves showing me her final product when I walk through the door. I love looking around the kitchen and seeing all of Shae’s art work displayed. I can remember when Shaun and Sabreena were younger and were always doing crafts.  They used to love doing crafts and were so proud of their work just like Shae is now.

Kids love crafts and I am glad Shae enjoys it because I enjoy seeing it around the house.

Do your kids love to do crafts? Mine do.

Wednesday night Shaun and I went to the men’s basketball game at the University of Delaware and had a great time but I heard one thing while we were at the game that really bothered me.

There was a lady next to me with her daughter who was about four and her son who was Shaun’s age so he was around eight. I saw the daughter eating some form of candy and sharing it with her brother. What was disturbing about this scene was the son asked his mother if she could buy another bag of candy for him and the mother was complaining about the $1.75 price and had the nerve to say that she wasn’t being fiscally responsible. The reason I say this is because in the next breath she told her kids buying a $1.99 happy meal from McDonald’s was fiscally responsible because they could get more food for their money where with the candy they only got a small portion.

Now I am from the school of getting the most bang for your buck. I get duped every time Melinda and I go to the movies because the different between a small, medium and large drink and popcorn is only about 50 cents so I always go for the large. So based on this I agree you should try to get the most bang for your buck but even though McDonald’s may be fiscally responsible is that being health responsible? I think NOT!!!!!!! I think we are in a bad place when we use McDonald’s as our example of being fiscally responsible. Why not something a little healthier like Sub Way or something along those lines.

Don’t get me wrong I am not the best eater at times but we don’t eat at place like McDonald’s or Burger King and I would never tell my kids we weren’t being fiscally responsible because we weren’t eating there.

To celebrate 4 years of fashion forward, long lasting, natural cosmetics that are actually good for your skin CATTIVA Cosmetics is treating one lucky winner to a $500 SHOPPING SPREE and two runner up winners to a $150 SHOPPING SPREE.

Entering is simple; Like CATTIVA Cosmetics on Facebook, join their VIP mailing list and follow on Twitter. This contest ends March 5th 2012. Winners will be chosen randomly.

If you want to shop now just use code LOOKMOM to get a FREE eyeliner ($20 value) with any purchase over $24. Can’t be used with any other code, and this code is good til 03/15/2012.

Being a Beauty Ambassador for CATTIVA Cosmetics gives me the opportunity to try out new products and share my experience with you. This month I received the Tutto Giorno Mineral Quad Eye Shadow is Capri. I was a bit nervous about this particular color combination. I don’t tend to wear such dark shades, I’m not your typical smokey eye kinda girl as it usually ends up being too heavy for my day to day adventures. But I went scouring YouTube for some tutorials and found out something, the trick is to blend the darks in with some lights.

Here is the daytime look I came up with eye using 3 of the colors from Capri (silver, taupe, black) and a brown/taupe shade that I already own. For a date night or girls night out I would add the silver for some added sparkle.

using Capri Mineral Eyeshadow Quad-Cattiva Cosmetics

I was impressed with the staying power it had too. I applied this look late morning and at bedtime it was still looking good. My only problem is I don’t have a way to store the shadows for now. The eyeshadows and foundations all fit into the glitzy crystal compact but they don’t come with one, not even a simple, smaller one for storage and transport.

So far I’ve really like my Cattiva Cosmetics reviews. The colors have all been very complementary for my skin and the packaging is luxurious. I look forward to see what next month has in store.

Over the Christmas holidays we visited my in-laws (Rob’s Parents) and his mother show me a gift that someone had given to my Father-in-Law, remember him, I wrote about his resemblance to the Elmer Fudd Hat model. Anyway, she showed me these Hillbilly Wine Glasses. Simply put they are mason or jelly jars glued to candle sticks. For a fancier touch these have beads added to them, look just under the glass, where the candle would go.

Functional and Fancy!

Men and women are different in so many ways and one of the biggest ways in my opinion is appearance.

Men typically put less than five minutes worth of thought into their daily outfits and typically don’t care what they look like when they go out in public. Now before men start emailing me in anger I know not all men are like this but if I had to guess I would say 70% if not more of men are like this. Women on the other hand are the complete opposite. Women need to have just the right outfit including shoes picked out to wear and that is just to run to the grocery store. On the weekends Melinda and I will have to run a few errands to places like Wal-Mart and the fish store and I see her putting on makeup and I also ask her why because we are only going to Wal-Mart. I on the other hand go out in sweatpants and a sweatshirt, LOL. This right here shows how different men and women are.

I do see products on the market that help prevent hair loss in women and men and that might be the one thing men and women do have in common when it comes to their appearance. No one wants to have bad hair or no hair for that matter if they are able to control it so men and women will do just about anything to prevent that from happening. I look at my grandfather at the age of 80 and he has a full head of hair so I am hoping I follow suit because I can deal with a lot of things when it comes to my appearance but not sure how I would feel if I had a problem with my hair.

I know that you are thinking that is a superficial way to think and you are 100% correct but that is just how I feel and I am sorry if you don’t agree.

What is one thing that matters most to you when it comes to your appearance?

It’s that time of year again, Disney on Ice Produced by Feld Entertainment is coming to your neighborhood. This time the Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC areas are celebrating 100 Years of Magic.

100 Years of Magic combines Disney’s most unforgettable stories and enthralling characters. The production features the largest cast ever assembled of lovable Disney stars on ice – from Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket to Stitch, Nemo and the Incredibles – plus exciting moments from Disney’s Mulan and The Lion King

Baltimore Mariner Arena, Baltimore, Md
Thursday, February 8- Sunday, February 12 2012

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, February 15 – Monday, February 20, 2012

Be sure to get your discounted $15 tickets by using code BLOG12. Redeem offer at Ticketmaster.com, Verizon Center or 1st Mariner Arena Box Offices, or call 1-800-551-SEAT.

When the weather is cold and the days are short, most of us prefer to stay indoors. And when most of us think of cozy nights at home, we crave comfort foods. If you’re looking for a tasty macaroni and cheese recipe, you’ve come to the right place. From creamy classics to cheesy twists, these homemade mac and cheese dishes give your taste buds what they want. Find your family’s favorite and make it on the nights that call for comfort foods… like tonight!

1) Red Pepper & Velveeta Mac and Cheese
Whether you’re stressed out from deadlines at work, rowdy kids at home, the holiday season or even Tax Day, cheese is a classic comfort food. What’s more, it’s the ultimate American comfort food. This delicious macaroni and cheese recipe includes Velveeta for extra creaminess and red pepper for a nice kick.
Servings: 6

Ingredients
1 can (5 oz.) evaporated milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/2 lb. (8 oz.) Velveeta, cut up
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (8 oz.) elbow macaroni, cooked, drained

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix milk and eggs in large bowl. Add butter, red pepper, Velveeta and cheddar cheese. Stir in macaroni; mix lightly.
Pour into 1-1/2-quart casserole.
Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.

2) South of the Border Macaroni and Cheese
Even comfort food deserves a (small) change every now and again, and this macaroni and cheese recipe includes a few adjustments to the traditional dish. From corn and onion to cilantro and zucchini, the flavors are complex and addictive. In fact, you’re likely to forget it’s mac and cheese!
Servings: 12

Ingredients
1 pkg. (16 oz.) elbow macaroni
1 can (14.5 oz.) tomato sauce
2 cups frozen corn
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small each green and red pepper, finely chopped
1 small zucchini, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
3 canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 American cheese singles

Directions
Heat oven to 350ºF.
Cook macaroni in large saucepan as directed on package. Meanwhile, combine tomato sauce, vegetables and cilantro. Blend evaporated milk and chipotle peppers in blender until smooth.
Drain macaroni; return to pan. Add chipotle mixture with mozzarella and 4 singles; cook and stir 5 minutes or until cheeses are completely melted. Spoon half into 13×9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with layers of half each of the vegetable mixture and remaining singles. Repeat layers of macaroni and vegetables; cover.
Bake 25 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining singles; bake, uncovered, 5 minutes or until melted.

3) Home Sweet Macaroni and Cheese
Nothing offers comfort on a cold night like mac and cheese, especially this macaroni and cheese recipe. The seasoned bread crumbs and flour provide additional bulk to keep you satisfied longer. Word to the wise: Make enough for your family to enjoy second and third helpings—they’re expected!
Servings: 6

Ingredients
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
2 Tbsp. seasoned dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups fat-free milk
1/4 lb. (4 oz.) Velveeta, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked, drained

Directions
Heat oven to 350ºF. Melt butter in large saucepan on low heat. Remove half of butter; mix with bread crumbs. Set aside. Stir flour and salt into remaining butter in saucepan; cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually stir in milk until well blended; cook and stir until thickened. Add Velveeta and 1-1/2 cups cheddar; cook until melted, stirring frequently. Stir in macaroni.
Spoon into 1-1/2-qt. casserole; top with remaining cheddar and buttered crumbs.
Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.

4) Bacon & Spinach Mac ‘n Cheese
While mac and cheese is a favorite amongst many individuals, it’s also very predictable. Why not surprise your loved ones’ taste buds by adding a touch of spinach and bacon to an ordinary macaroni and cheese recipe? The bacon enhances the flavor, and the spinach is a subtle way to sneak in a leafy green veggie for the little ones.
Servings: 6

Ingredients
3 cups medium shell macaroni, uncooked
1 pkg. (6 oz.) fresh baby spinach leaves
4 slices bacon, chopped
2 Tbsp. flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Cook macaroni as directed on package, adding spinach for the last min. Cook bacon in large saucepan. Remove bacon; save drippings in pan.
Add flour to drippings; cook and stir until bubbly. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened.
Stir in 1 cup cheddar and Parmesan; cook and stir until melted. Add bacon and macaroni mixture; mix well.
Spoon into 1-1/2-qt. casserole; top with remaining cheddar. Bake 20 minutes.

5) Oldtimer’s Favorite Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese conjures up warm and fuzzy feelings, including this macaroni and cheese recipe. Melt the hearts of many—both young and old—with cheesy pasta and baked goodness. Does it make your mouth water just thinking about it? If so, take that as a sign: make this delicious dish tonight!
Servings: 6

Ingredients
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
2 Tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 pkg. (7 oz.) elbow macaroni (1-3/4 cups), cooked, drained

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in large saucepan on low heat. Add flour and salt; mix well. Cook 2 minutes or until bubbly. Gradually add milk, stirring until well blended. Cook on medium heat until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; simmer 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened. Add 1-1/2 cups of the cheese; cook until melted, stirring constantly. Add macaroni; mix lightly.
Spoon into 1-1/2-quart casserole; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.