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Meal Planning got easier with @eMeals plus #Giveaway

April 11, 2012 by Melissa

I don’t look forward to meal planning. I’m stuck in a rut again with dinner plans and looking at this pile of cookbooks isn’t very inspiring. I deciding to so something about it. I contacted eMeals and asked if they wanted to give me a hand getting my family’s meals in order. They agreed and I’ve been cooking more over the last few weeks.

Each week eMeals comes up with a meal plan and shopping list for my family. In fact there are several options to choose from within the eMeals database; healthy family meals, portion control, low-carb, low-fat, gluten-free, or vegetarian dishes; and people who shop at Wal-Mart, Kroger, Publix, Whole Foods or any other store and more.

I started off using the WalMart Meal Plan for a Family 3-6. I was able to incorporate a couple options into our dinner plans but realized that there were too many ingredients listed that we wouldn’t eat. I switched the subscription to a Lower Fat version, still shopping at Walmart. The plan was more our style, incorporating fresh food, chicken and soups. I’ve even downloaded and printed the sample menus for all their other options just to get a little inspiration for different ideas, sometimes a recipe title is all I need to whip up something good. While I have been using eMeals as a base starting point for my meal plan I often change ingredients or switch dinners from another week or pull in an old favorite like turkey tacos. I’m not a recipe follower unless its for baked goods. Meals are adjusted based on my family’s likes, ingredients purchased that week and often technical difficulty. I do not like to fuss over meals and side dishes are usually steamed veggies or simply rice and pasta dishes.

One meal I have tried and really enjoyed is eMeals Balsamic Chicken and Mushrooms. This is a simple sautéed chicken breast meal cooked down with balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic and thyme. The remaining cooking liquid is simmered down with some chicken stock and is really tasty with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.

Whatever your method is for preparing a meal plan you can only benefit from using eMeals subscription service. Each week you get a 7 day dinner menu and grocery list based on your eating and shopping habits. Simple cooking instructions are included as well as side dish options. I do wish there were some lunch or leftover makeovers so that I was likely to feed my kids something other than sandwiches and mac and cheese.

I think something else that would be a really great addition to the eMeals menu plan is a party planner. Dinner parties, kid’s birthdays, Thanksgiving and even summer bbqs are all centered around food and fun. I’d pay a few dollars to take the guesswork out of what to serve 20 people coming over this weekend.

$35 for a 6 month subscription isn’t a bad deal considering we spend way more than that on one meal out for the family on the nights I haven’t cooked. $35 for a gift subscription to a new mom or mom that just went back to work is something that would be so appreciated you might even get an invitation to dinner.

Dave Ramsey insists eMeals will save you a ton of time and money, it’s a no-brainer. Enter to win your own 3-month subscription to eMeals. Visit eMeals and tell me which meal plan you would choose.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

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Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Wednesday, May 2, 2012. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.

Motorola Elite Sliver

April 10, 2012 by Melissa

Life is busy and regardless if I’m in the car or at home being able to answer and make hands free calls is essential and thankfully I am a Motorola Insider because I recently had the chance to analyse the Motorola Elite Sliver.

The Motorola Elite Sliver seems to last forever which is good because I am terrible at charging my Bluetooth and typically my old Bluetooth would die the second I get into the car. That isn’t the case anymore because the Sliver has a standby time of up to 35 hours with the charging case and up to 15 hours of talk time with the charging case. Another good thing about the Sliver is its range which is up to 100 meters/333 feet. I love the range and on numerous occasions have tested it without even noticing how far I was from my phone. The overall call quality and clarity of the Motorola Elite Sliver is awesome and that is due to its HD Audio Plus as well as echo cancellation. It also comes with noise reduction and automatic volume adjustment. I also love that the Sliver is super easy to connect to my phone and after about a month of use hasn’t disconnected for no reason unlike my old bluetooth headset.

My MotoSpeak which sends texts without touching your phone with the My MotoSpeak app on Android phones is available with The Motorola Elite Sliver and let me tell you this is an totally AWESOME feature. This is an extremely useful and helpful feature for me when I am in the car on my way to and from work. I am now able to send text messages without ever having to look at my phone which is good because in Delaware it is illegal to text and drive plus it is dangerous regardless.

For additional specs that I may have left out click HERE.

All in all the Sliver is one of the best bluetooth headsets that I have ever owned and I am happy to use it daily as it make my commute to and from work so much easier.

We are a #WiiFamilia

April 8, 2012 by Melissa

To say we are a gaming family is an understatement. We have 3 different gaming platforms, along with 3 different handhelds systems, smarthphones loaded with games, an iPad with games, an iPhone with games and numerous child friendly educational systems. Don’t get me wrong we love a good board game or afternoon at the park but technology is king in this house.

The Wii is the number one played system in this house. Each and everyday several games are rotated our by almost everyone that lives here or visiting for the day. Just Dance 3 has been number one for a while; we’ve been playing it since Christmas as family time, exercise and plain fun. Wii Fit and the original Wii Sports get plenty of use too.

4 years ago we got our first Wii. It was Black Friday right in the middle of the craze and we payed a premium but it was so worth it. I was never a big game player. In fact I thought making this purchase was going to be waste of time and money. I was quickly proven wrong. The entire family, even Shae as a baby was addicted to Mario Kart; she wasn’t really playing but loved to have a steering wheel in hand. We battled each night laughing the entire time. The interactive aspect makes it great for families.

Now that all the kids are of ages to play independently they each have their own collection of games. The Wii stays top on our list because the games are fun, the controllers are easy to work and the price can’t be beat for something the entire family can utilize. We are a #WiiFamilia

This post was created as part of a Stiletto Media campaign. I received the above product, free of charge, to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are those of reviewer only. 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.”

Hop Movie Party

March 28, 2012 by Melissa

Just in time for Easter on April 8th, Hop has been released on Blu-ray and DVD. Last year’s Easter kid’s flick (from the makers of Despicable Me) about a bunny that poops candy and likes to rock out on the drums is out for your viewing pleasure.

He was destined to be the Easter Bunny, but all he wanted to do was rock! When teenage E.B. (voiced by Russell Brand) leaves for Hollywood in pursuit of his dream to become a rockstar drummer, he meets Fred (James Marsden), an out-of-work slacker with his own lofty goals. Together the two encounter a series of hilarious mishaps and misadventures and in the end help each other recognize the importance of family.

I got the chance to host a Hop movie viewing party and decided to take it a step beyond with sweet treats and fun. After lunch the kids settled into their blankets and pillows to watch HOP. They love the over the top, sometimes slapstick humor and wacky adventures that E.B. and Fred got themselves into.

After the movie was watched and the popcorn was eaten we decided it was time to indulge in some sweet treats. We purchased an Easter Cookie decorating kit and the kids enjoyed slathering on icing and adorning them with sprinkles. Eating them was even better.

This Easter don’t forget to add Hop to your child’s basket along with some other fun goodies.

**LIMITED TIME SPECIAL OFFERS**

Best Buy – Get a free 7” Bunny Minion Plush when you buy HOP on Blu-ray Combo Pack
Target – Receive free wearable bunny ears & printable Easter party kit when you Buy HOP on Blu-ray Combo Pack

Find more deals and special promotions at IWantCandy.com

I was provided with EVERYTHING we needed to have “The best Hop party ever”. This is a direct quote from the kids as I got them sugared up on treats and cookies.

Cattiva Cosmetics Precisione Eye Liner

March 20, 2012 by Melissa

*Update-I stopped using concealer and foundation on my eyes and am just sticking with Eyelid Primer and I’m having success with staying power of the eyeliner.

Cattiva Cosmetics is quickly becoming one of my favorite make-up brands. I’m thankful that I was introduced as a Beauty Blog Ambassador. My most recent review is their Precisione Eye Liner.

For the last few weeks I’ve been trying to master eyeliner application. I have a bumpy lash line, maybe everyone does but eyeliners tend to skip and drag as I apply. This one didn’t; the Precisione Eye Liner glided on like butter. No voids in color at all. I was able to take the pencil all the way to the outside corners in one easy stroke. The color was intense and bold. I went on with my day.

This video shows you perfectly what I’m talking about. (video courtesy of kSquaredGlamour)

In general I don’t wear pencil eyeliners, they just don’t work well for me. I was hopeful that I was going to finally find something that worked. Maybe it’s my eye prep but within 2 hours it smudged; raccoon eyes. This happens with ALL pencil eyeliners. For the last 20+ years of wearing make-up I’ve very rarely found eyeliner that wasn’t liquid that had staying power. I did invest in some primer so I’m going to test this out. Maybe it’s my routine, maybe I have too much product. I do use concealers, maybe it’s too moist of an environment but I need to wear concealer to cover up my dark circles.

CATTIVA Cosmetics is a luxury line of cosmetics found online and in high end boutiques and department stores. The Precisione Eye Liner is paraben-free, waterproof and fortified with hyaluronic acid and vitamins to help fight signs of aging. Everything else I’ve received from Cattiva has worked very well for me, I’ve really enjoying everything else so far.

P-Touch Tough Test-It Challenge – FOLLOW UP!

March 19, 2012 by Melissa

Some of you may know that I was selected to be a part of the P-Touch Tough Test-It Challenge back in August 2011 where I was asked to show how tough and durable Brother P-Touch labels were in the bedroom and playroom. If you want to check out my two original posts click HERE and HERE.

Seven months have past and the labels are still holding tough with zero problems at all. Melinda and I labeled ALL of her craft items so that they were easier for her and the kids to find. Everything is still in place and the labels haven’t faded or peeled at all which is totally awesome.

After I realized how durable the labels were I actually labeled a lot of my garage items so that I could be more organized which has been a huge help. I figured if these labels could withstand my abuse in the garage they could withstand abuse anywhere.

Overall I am extremelly happy that I had a chance to review the Brother P-Touch Label Maker and am a little more organized because of it.

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Brother P-Touch and received a product and gift card to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Vicks #BehindEar Thermometer

March 14, 2012 by Melissa

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to a #BehindEar luncheon in Philadelphia to discuss kid’s health, flu season and to see some new Vick’s products in action.

The discussion was led by Dr Meg Meeker, M.D., author of “The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers”. As moms we are told to listen to the doctor, but honestly I take all doctor’s advice with a grain of salt. As a mom I’m more inclined to follow my gut. Things like washing hands, taking vitamins, drinking plenty of water and getting outside for exercise and fresh air are tops on our list for staying healthy and strong. Medications are a last resort for my family.

Things like adding humidity in the air has always been a part of our lives. When Shaun was little he suffered with breathing problems and extreme eczema. We quickly learned that increasing the humidity in his room would allow for a more restful sleep. Six years ago our choices for powerful humidifiers were limited; we ended up purchasing a Venta Sonic for over $100. Today Vicks has figured out how to get the same powerful mist for a much more reasonable price.

Shae came down with a cough/cold last week so we put the Vicks Germ Free Humidifier to work. Along with applying good old fashioned Vicks Vapo Rub and using the Vicks Plug In Waterless Vaporizer and using a trusted, age appropriate cough medicine Shae was sleeping better through the night and the cough lasted on a couple nights. While we stopped the medicine, Plug-in and Vicks Vapo Rub, the humidifier is still running.

The luncheon was primarily based around the new Vicks Behind Ear Thermometer. I’m not fan. Shae came into the room I instantly knew she had a fever. I ripped open the packaging of the new thermometer, read the simple directions and took her temperature. It was registering below her normal temperature. I then took my own temperature, normal. I took Shaun’s temperature, normal. I took Shae’s again and was getting readings of 99.3-100.7. I took out my trusty oral thermometer and got a reading of 102.4 that kept rising. For the next couple of hours I tested the Behind Ear Thermometer on the family, thinking I just needed to get the right angle or get it in the right spot. I never mastered it. I’ll stick with what works for me.

Vicks is a trusted brand in our home and I’m not going to stop using our staple of Vapo Rub. The humidifier has found a new home in Shae’s room and I’m stocking up on plug-in refills for those stuffy noses that will happen.

Find a possible Target Promotional Code for more Vicks products and other home health care items.

Finding True Love through Social Media

March 12, 2012 by Melissa

How else does one find true love, through Social Media of course. Watch at the Evil Queen works her way through status updates, invites, online dating and more to find a suitor. Someone gets in the way, of course. See the Evil Queen click her way through to becoming the Social Queen.

About the film
The upcoming family-friendly film, Mirror Mirror (rated PG) is a whimsical re-telling of the Snow White fairy tale that will capture the hearts and imaginations of young audiences around the world.Mirror Mirror comes to theaters March 30th.

Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins (The Blind Side) as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Oscar®-winner Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical adventure comedy filled with whimsy, romance, and magic. The film also stars Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as the Prince, and Nathan Lane (The Birdcage) as the hapless and bungling servant to the Queen.

Does the InkJoy Bring Me Joy?

March 8, 2012 by Melissa

I’m a bit of a hoarder. No you won’t find boxes of old receipts and magazines in the corners or empty margarine tubs piling up in kitchen cupboard or rotting food in the fridge. You WILL find 2 cabinets full of craft and office supplies. I love having a variety of things at my fingertips to craft, organize, list or whatever. Pens and other writing utensils are my real downfall. I have oodles of them all over the house, in each handbag, in my bedside table in the kitchen junk drawer and of course in my precious cabinets.

kitchen stash

PaperMate is attempting to add to my addiction with their introduction of Inkjoy pens.

InkJoy has developed a revolutionary ink to give you a smooth and smudge free finish; the look of a gel with the feel of a ball point. This newest release of pens seems to have brought out the worst in people. Did you know 100% of office workers admit to stealing pens.

Source

I’m a sharer of my pens so I put my whole collection out for everyone to use and even gave one to my sister. Sadly the orange arrived already disfigured so I never had a chance with that one. I’ve been using 700RT for writing in my notebook and the colorful 300RT for quick notes like shopping lists or calendar additions. I prefer the 700RT but still find a little fit of smudging. I notice the occasional dot of ink left on the page. But it writes well, doesn’t need a heavy hand and doesn’t leave blank spaces within my words like some ball points do.

While the InkJoy 700RT has taken residence in my handbag it hasn’t replaced my favorite pen with my notebook. Like PaperMate on Facebook and enter to win $2500 in their World’s Most Stolen Pen contest.

A SuperHero and Her Sidekick #WW

March 7, 2012 by Melissa

Shae is Supergirl (spiderman’s daughter NOT girlfriend) and Madi is the jammie girl. Madi was wearing a tutu minutes before this but decided it was interfering with her rescue missions.

Dress up is a huge part of our daily play routine. Rob had to build a special cabinet just to hold all of the boys and girls Halloween costumes from years past. We often stock up on accessories and costumes throughout the year just to add to the fun. Yesterday Shae received a SuperGirl costume from Anytime Costumes. It arrived around 2pm and the only time it spent OFF her body was for bath and bedtime. Shae’s been running a fever off and on for a couple days and it stayed on even during the fever spikes.

a sick superhero

I love that she chose something different than her typical princess uniform. Shae and her cousin Madi have been playing superhero non-stop. It’s been fun to watch them “save” each other from things like spiders, alligators and enemies. Not sure if they really know what enemies are but that’s ok, they are playing nicely.

Anytime Costumes has a great selections of costumes for Halloween and beyond. The selection isn’t limited to just kids either. Adult and Plus sized costumes in many themes are available too. Shop with confidence too because returns and exchanges are shipped for free within the continental US.

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