A Mommy's Musings

Let's Celebrate! Disney on Ice (Discount code for Philadelipha area)

2009-12-05T23:24:00.004-05:00

If you're in the Philadelphia area, it's time to celebrate! Celebrate with Mickey Mouse & his best pals, that is!

Feld Entertainment is once again presenting a magical show on ice with Mickey and the gang!

Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends! Enjoy a winter wonderland with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains, a Very Merry Unbirthday Party, a Royal Ball with the Disney Princesses and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe.

Hope to see you there!!

Discount Ticket Promo Code: Use coupon code MOM — four tickets for $44 for Monday-Friday matinee shows, and $4 off Friday night and weekend shows; any additional weekday tickets are still priced at $11. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.comcasttix.com/ for Philadelphia shows.

Philadelphia Show Dates

Opening Night Wed. Dec. 23, 2009 - 7:00 PM
Sat. Dec. 26, 2009 - 11:00 AM, 3:00PM, 7:00PM
Mon. Dec. 28, 2009 - 11:00 AM, 3:00PM, 7:00PM
Tue. Dec. 29, 2009 - 11:00 AM , 3:00PM, 7:00PM
Wed. Dec. 30, 2009 - 11:00 AM, 3:00PM, 7:00PM
Thu. Dec. 31, 2009 - 11:00 AM, 3:00PM, 7:00PM
Fri. Jan. 1, 2010 - 1:00 PM , 5:00PM,
Sat. Jan. 2, 2010 - 11:00 AM, 3:00PM, 7:00PM
Sun. Jan. 3, 2010 - 11:00 AM, 3:00PM

Disney on Ice - Special Offer for Philadelphia Shows!

2009-10-02T02:09:00.004-04:00

Magical moments and happy memories come to mind when I think about my trips to Disney on Ice when I was a child! It was a thrill like no other to experience my favorite Disney characters coming to life before my very eyes! That's why I am so excited that Disney on Ice is coming to my area this October. Now, my own children will get to experience the sensational show that made such a huge impression on me at a very early age...I cannot wait to make our own family memories and start the tradition of experiencing Disney on Ice together!

I am so happy to announce that Disney on Ice is coming to Philadelphia!

Over 65 characters from 18 of the most beloved Disney classics will come to life right before your eyes as they ice skate around at Disney on Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia this October!

Are you in or near the Philadelphia area and would love to experience the Disney magic with your own family?

Our friends at Feld Entertainment & Mom Central have a special offer for you!

You can purchase a 4‐pack of tickets for only $44 for weekday shows
or
receive $4 off weekend tickets by logging onto www.ComcastTix.com*

To take advantage of these savings when you check out,
ENTER the code word: MOM.

Philadelphia Show Dates:
Wednesday, October 14: 7:00pm - Opening Night
Thursday, October 15: 7:00pm
Friday, October 16: 10:30am, 7:00pm
Saturday, October 17: 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
Sunday, October 18: 1:00pm, 5:00pm

*Get 4 tickets for $44 Monday‐Friday matinee, or $4 off weekend tickets by entering the code “MOM” in the promotional box on ComcastTix.com.
Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Offer not valid on Front Row, VIP Gold, or VIP seats. Cannot be combined with other offers. Service Charges & handling fees will apply.

I HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

Halloween Treats!

2009-09-22T23:25:00.000-04:00

Well, Halloween is just around the corner! Ooooo....spooooooky!

I love this time of year...the weather is pleasantly brisk, the smell of hot apple cider is wafting from the kitchen...mmmmm...pure bliss! This is also about the time that I start thinking about what kind of treats I'm going to make for everyone - my children's classmates, my friends and family members - like I said...it's my favorite time of year - I hand goodies out to everyone! Plus, my daughter's birthday is the day before Halloween, so right about now is when we start planning for a fantastic costume birthday party - and of course, we have a table loaded with treats there too!

I'm always looking for some fun treats to make - something totally SpOoKtAcUlAr! During the next few weeks, I'll try to bring you some fun - and totally ghoulish - treats that you too can make for your Halloween festivities!

Enjoy!

"Dirty" Popcorn Balls

Perfect for a Halloween party, these dressed-up popcorn balls can be made in advance, or let the kids make them during the party. If using microwave popcorn, choose a low-salt or salt-free variety.

Ingredients:

12 cups popped corn (about one 6-oz. package microwave popcorn)

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

4 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

1/2 cup chocolate cookie crumbs

4 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder

16 gummi worms (about 6 oz.)

Directions:

Pour the popcorn into a large bowl. Set aside.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave the butter on High until melted, about 45 seconds. Add the marshmallows and stir to coat. Microwave on High until the marshmallows start to melt and look puffy, about 1 1/2 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a shallow bowl, combine the cookie crumbs and cocoa powder and toss to mix. Set aside.
Stir together the melted marshmallows and butter until smooth. Pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and stir to coat the popcorn evenly.
Using well-buttered hands, scoop up a handful of the popcorn and shape into a baseball-size ball, pressing firmly. Pull apart 2 openings in the ball and place a gummy worm inside each opening, letting the worms' heads and some parts of their bodies peek through. Close the ball and press firmly to seal the worms inside. Repeat with the remaining popcorn and worms. Roll the balls in the cookie-crumb mixture until roughly coated.

Eat immediately, or wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Makes 8 popcorn balls.

Preparation Tip: To mash the cookies for the dirt, place whole chocolate cookies in a sturdy sealable plastic bag and press them with the back of a spoon.

Candy Corn Variation: Skip the cookie crumbs and gummy worms. Tint the melted marshmallow mixture with orange food coloring. Mix a big handful of candy corn into the popcorn with the marshmallow mixture and form into balls as directed.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Kids Parties, by Lisa Atwood (Oxmoor House, 2008).

Kids in the Kitchen

2009-09-01T12:59:00.000-04:00

Fall is the perfect time to mix up some gobbly good eats! With the cooler air setting in and the Halloween holiday just around the corner...this delicious treat is sure to please! A yummy combination of cereal, fruit & candy make this goody perfect for your little witches and spooky goblins...they'll gobble it right up!

Trick or Treat!Halloween Chex Mix

What you'll need:

8 oz. white chocolate baking bars, coarsely chopped
4 cups Corn Chex or Rice Chex cereal
2 cups bite sized pretzel twists
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup candy corn
1/4 cup Betty Crocker orange & black candy decors (Halloween sprinkles)

Preparation:

In large microwavable bowl, microwave chopped baking bars uncovered on High 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth.

Gently stir in cereal, pretzels and raisins until evenly coated. Stir in candy corn and decors.

Spread on waxed paper or foil until cooled and chocolate is set, about 30 minutes. Break into chunks. Store loosely covered.

Recipe Yields: 18 servings (1/2 cup each)

For an extra special treat, fill little cellophane bags with this fun mix and tie with orange and black ribbons for Halloween party treats!

This recipe & many others can be found at Chex.

Free Food Offer!

2009-08-06T22:53:00.001-04:00

Schwan's - America's Largest Home Food Delivery Company - is giving away free food! That's right...absolutely FREE!For the first 500,000 customers* to sign up...they'll get $10 in FREE FOOD. Absolutely no strings attached! You can either cash in the $10 for free groceries equaling $10 or less or redeem it towards your purchase of over $10. It's up to you!

It's as easy as 1-2-3! All you have to do is enter your zip code to see if your area qualifies!

Click HERE to be directed to this amazing offer!

Oh, and just in case you're wondering...it really does work! I'm getting a free box of burgers delivered to my house on August 14...and I didn't pay a dime!

But remember it's only good for the first 500,000 people who sign up! The good news of free food travels fast - so HURRY!!

*No purchase necessary. Offer ends 9/30/09 and limited to the first 500,000 new residential/household customers (i.e., have not purchased any products from Schwan's Home Service, Inc. within the past 14 weeks) who are located in an existing route of Schwan's Home Service. Limited to one offer per residence/household and may not be combined with any other offer or promotion. Local and state sales taxes may apply. Other restrictions apply. For complete details, visit www.schwans.com/free. Void where taxed, limited, or restricted. For terms and conditions click here.

Kids in the Kitchen

2009-07-28T02:13:00.002-04:00

I'm always looking for fun snacks that I can serve my two little ones...just something that will hold them over in between meals. I'm sure it's something that all of us moms do from time to time!

When I was a preschool teacher, I had learned to turn food into many different things to fit the classroom theme of the week! Learning about the ocean this week? Well then whip some cream cheese with a few drops of blue food coloring and have the kids dip goldfish crackers in it! Yum. Easy!

Or how about making Aquarium Cups with blue jello?

Make the blue jello as directed, divide it up and pour the jello into clear plastic cups. Just as the jello starts to set (about 1 hour or so), put a Swedish fish in the middle of the jello cup...and poof! You have a instant ocean treat...fish and all! Click here for Kraft's yummy version of that treat!

Jello...Pudding...Crackers...Veggies...they all make yummy treats for kids! But...the fun part is creating a spectacular treat out of the ordinary, everyday ingredients. And it doesn't have to be hard. Look around your kitchen...what do you have already sitting in your cabinets that will help you create a fun & tasty treat that your kids will love & even brag about?!

In celebration of the summer sun and blasting heat...this week we made Sandy Beach Cups in our house. Take a peek at just how easy they are to make!

All you need is:
Pudding Snack Cups (or make your own instant pudding & put it in clear plastic cups)
Graham Crackers (or if you have a box of crushed graham cracker crumbs on hand, it'll save you a step)
Lifesaver Gummy Rings
Teddy Grahams
Paper Umbrella Picks

All you have to do is crush graham crackers (or use the already crushed ones) and sprinkle them on top of the pudding cups. Allow your kids to 'decorate' their sandy beach cups with Teddy Grahams and Gummy Lifesaver rings (representing the Teddy's lifesaver floaties). Embellish with a paper umbrella pick and you've got yourself...I mean, your kids have a tasty summer themed treat!

And the best part about this snack is...I set up a little assembly line on the table and my children helped to create their own snacks! It was a fun activity that filled the tummy and enlightened their creativity all at the same time!

Enjoy!

Recipes were inspired by Kraftfoods Sweet Treats for Kids.

Edible Fun for Your Little One

2009-07-21T14:49:00.002-04:00

In a previous post, I've shared all about making your own homemade play dough and now I'll show you how to cook up another goody inspired by our favorite childhood activity - although this time...it'll be edible & scrumptious!

Play Dough Cookies

These cookies - with their vibrant swirls of color - look just like play dough! But you can eat them...they are delicious! Children will go crazy for these cookies...and they'd love to help you make them!

Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter, softened
3 ounces cream cheese
1 cup white sugar & extra for 'dipping' the cookies into
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
assorted colors of paste food coloring
24 lollipop sticks (optional)

Directions:

In a bowl - cream butter, cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until smooth.
In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Stir till soft dough forms. Divide dough into thirds or fourths (depending on how many colors you'd like). Tint each with a different food color (you should have 3 or 4 different colors). Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Working with half of each color, shape dough into 3/4 inch balls and for each cookie place 1 ball of each color together to make 1 large ball. Shape into a 12 inch long roll (like a snake), starting at one end, coil roll to make a 2 3/4 inch round cookie, dip the tops of the cookies into sugar for a "glistening" affect. Place cookies 3 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheet. Carefully insert lollipop sticks into bottoms of cookies, if you'd like them to be lollipop cookies (See picture below).
Bake cookies for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool and store in an airtight container.

Enjoy!

These are great cookies to make for your child's classroom or preschool too...children LOVE them!

Recipe adapted from All Recipes.

Exciting News!

2009-07-20T15:08:00.000-04:00

I have some very exciting news to share! I've been bottling it up for a while and I've just been bursting at the seams trying to contain my excitement...and now it's official! I can share the news with you!

Many of you know the Etsy has a wonderful community of crafters, but not all of you know that under that HUGE umbrella of crafters, there are many more specific communities of crafters - communities and groups where crafters can come and join in with others and focus on a particular craft or location of where their craft takes place - these groups are called Etsy Street Teams. The groups are so special because crafters can work together to make their own craft and the crafts of other team members SO much better! I have been so thrilled to be a part of such a team...I'm a VERY proud member of the EtsyKids Team!

During this past 7 months or so - as I've begun to share my own handmade creations with everyone via my Etsy shop - I've had the incredible opportunity of having excellent mentors and other shop owners help me to refine and define my craft and skills...many of those have also been EtsyKids members - to which I'm SO grateful! We chat back and forth, offer positive and critical help to each other and even support each others shops by making purchases...all for the sake of making EtsyKids' shops THE BEST shops that Etsy has to offer! We take pride in knowing that EtsyKids' shops have a high standard to hold to - not just any crafter of children's items makes the cut - EtsyKids members have excellent customer service and feedback, quality items and custom creations unlike any other!

During the last several months, the members over at EtsyKids have been putting their heads together to try to come up with a method of sharing our shops with the masses - not just a means of "bragging" about our shops, but to truly share with customers all over the world, that if they're looking for items in the children's department - there's no need to look anywhere other than the EtsyKids' shops on Etsy! From clothing to hair accessories, art supplies to one of a kind crafts, bags, dolls, toys and books...and just about anything in between - you'll find it all in the EtsyKids' shops!

So, after much brainstorming and planning and doing, EtsyKids is SO thrilled to be able to announce the newest feature of the group - Modern Handmade Child, a {free} online magazine that showcases EtsyKids shops, tutorials, articles and more!

The premiere issue of Modern Handmade Child is set to go live in August...but until then, we'd love if you'd help us spread the word! Snag the button for your blog or send the link to others!

GRAB THE BUTTON:

Here's a sneak peek of Modern Handmade Child:

How to search for EtsyKids shops in Etsy:Go to Etsy.com...make sure the first search box reads "Handmade" then type in "etsykids team"and click "Search". That will pull up all the recently listed items in the EtsyKids' shops! Happy Shopping!

Some days...you just need a laugh...

2009-07-09T10:38:00.002-04:00

I don't have much time to sit and write....I've been very blessed with tons of business lately (yay!) but that doesn't leave a whole lot of time for anything else (a.k.a. - blog writin'). But I thought I'd leave a little something to make us all smile today...sometimes you just need a laugh....

Family Fun on the Cheap

2009-06-28T02:31:00.011-04:00

I'm always looking for fun things to do with my kids! Sometimes being on a tight budget makes that a little hard to do! With dance lessons, music lesson, swim lessons, and so on...many ask: where in the world in do I squeeze more "fun activities" into the budget? Also, with the economy as it is right now, many are cutting back on the luxurious family vacations this summer...many are keeping it close to home. I know we are! We're staying close to home...keeping our daily activity 'pool side' this summer! So, if you're doing the same...here are some great tips for some free (or cheap) local ideas to do with the kids...a little closer to home this summer.

A.C. Moore is having FREE 'Make & Take' Kids Art and Activity Classes every Wednesday in July and August from 3-5 p.m. Click HERE for more info about it and click HERE for the Make & Take Summer Schedule....print it out and put it on the fridge!

R egal Entertainment Group is having their FREE Family Film Festival going on again this summer! Each Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m., your local Regal Cinema will be playing family friendly movies...for FREE! It's a great way to get the little ones out of the house to see a fun movie on the big screen...bring some snacks (or a little extra money for some popcorn)...it's super family friendly! Click HERE to find out if your local Regal Cinema location is participating.

Visit or Call your local library to see if they have a summer reading program or class for kids! It's another spectacular way to get your kids reading...or listening to great books...even when school's out!

On another "reading" note...Barnes & Noble has a Summer Reading Program for kids (Grades 1-6) where they can earn a free book if they read 8 books this summer! Click HERE to find out more details about that program.

Look up your local Zoo, Aquarium or Museum - many times they slash prices on certain days or even have a free day or two in the summer! Or if you're lucky enough...you just may have a free zoo in your area! Also...another great way to get in 'on the cheap' is to have a group going together. Get a few of your fave mommy friends and their little kiddos together...many times groups of 10-20 get in at significantly discounted prices! And don't forget to carpool so the parking is cheap too!

If you're a Bank of America customer, you can get into local museums, zoos, science centers, botanical gardens and more for FREE this year! Each Bank of America customer can get free general admission to participating places on the first full weekend of each month...all you have to do is present your Bank of America card! Check out their 'Museums on Us' program HERE to see what places are participating in your area.

Also, make sure you check with local the Park and Recreation Department in your area! Many offer free or discounted community activities. Many Park and Rec Depts. also have resources to get you Theme Park and Water Park tickets at discounted rates. They are also the great "go to" people to find out what's going on in your area (such as where the best fireworks show is in your area on the 4th of July)!

And finally, if you just want to spend more quality time with your children at home and they love to craft (I know mine do!) - then check out these great websites & blogs...you'll be filled with plenty of ideas to spark the kiddies' imaginations!

Kaboose
The Crafty Crow
Kids Craft Weekly
Family Fun
Scrumdilly-do
Creative Kids Crafts
The Artful Parent
Amazing Moms
Make and Takes

Enjoy your summer 'on the cheap'!

Also...if you have any other great suggestions...feel free to leave a comment with your free or cheap activity and ideas!

Traveling With Kids

2009-06-23T04:16:00.002-04:00

Warning: Shameless Post Ahead.

Summer's here and vacation is inevitable...I hope! I mean, you've been working SO hard all year long...take a breather...get outta here! Go. Vacation. Be happy.

But, as a mom...I know that the word 'vacation' can stir up some unpleasant emotions as well. Two Words: ROAD TRIP. Another Two Words: WITH KIDS.

Ugh.

There's nothing worse than being in the car and your kids start the ol' "ARE WE THERE YET?" routine. I mean, my kids say that on the way to the grocery store for cryin' out loud! Just this week my four year old daughter lets out a huge sigh as we're all sitting in the car and says "I hate traffic." Whaaaaaaaa? Mind you...we were sitting at a stop light. No traffic in sight. Just stopped. For about 2 minutes. Am I the only mom in this entire universe with the most impatient little ones?

It's adventures like those that allowed my juices to flow and to help me create fun and practical traveling items in my shop! For my own sanity anyway. I've been blessed to be able to share these practical 'traveling-with-kids must haves' to numerous customers around the country! I hope - in some small way - moms all over the place are sighing a HUGE sigh of relief.

So...are you traveling this summer? Need some things to keep your kids busy in the car?
Check out a few things in my shop that might help you reduce your rise in blood pressure when you take your family road trip this summer!

Go ahead...click on the images to see what they're all about!

These are some of the highlighted best sellers from Lil Boo & Co. These items have also been flying out of the shop as party favors for my customer's kids' birthdays!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Remember...Lil Boo & Co. always welcomes custom requests! So...do you love the chalk mats, but want them in a color that not listed? Just ask! And that goes or anything in my shop! Chances are - 9.5 times out of 10 - I can totally accommodate your special requests! My customers are my best inspiration for new designs and shop items!

Picnicking with Kids

2009-06-23T03:17:00.002-04:00

With summer finally here...the warm sunshine and increased energy to be anywhere outdoors - picnicking with my kids is inevitable. Plus...hello...no messy kitchen to clean up! Just eat, shake the crumbs off the blanket and go! Ta da.

I'm pretty sure that every single child on the planet loves eating their meals outside! And now is the perfect time to pack a lunch and head outside for a little food and fun in the sun! Here are some helpful tips and healthy ideas for your picnic lunch with the kids!

PICNIC TIPS:

Pack your picnic basket with what you need 1st on top such as a tablecloth or silverware on top.
Keep cold food cold and warm food warm to prevent spoiling. Don't place warm food in your cooler. Wrap the dish in towels.
Store any uncooked food (if you are grilling) separately from cooked, prepared food.
Freeze a few juice boxes to help keep things cold and for a cool drink later in the day.
Place your food in zippered baggies and then on top of the ice in your cooler. This keeps food from getting wet once your ice starts melting.

PICNIC FOOD:

Picnics are all about fast, easy to handle & easy to store menus! That's why kabobs are so much fun to prepare and take along on picnics! Forget about the kabobs you toss on the grill...you can make fresh and healthy "mini-lunches" on kabobs any time...and kids will love them! All you need is simple wooden skewers (you can find them at your local grocery store) and an assortment of healthy foods easy for skewering!

Here are some great ideas for making delicious kabob skewers to take along on your next picnic:

Great Snack: Cheese and ham cubes
Fruit Salad on a Skewer: Cut fresh fruit into one inch cubes or chunks: watermelon, pineapple, grapes, strawberries, cantaloupe, honey dew melon, bananas, & apples - to keep the fruit from "browning"...toss the cut fruit in a small amount of lemon juice before skewering. Also...freeze the fruit kabobs for an extra special treat on a hot summery day!
Salad on a Skewer: Cut up chunks of fresh veggies for your children to use to create their own fresh salad kabobs - cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets & carrot chips. You can also pack small containers of hummus, ranch dressing or your child's favorite dipping sauce too!
For a fun dessert kabob: Go to your favorite local donut shop and get a variety of donut holes. Have your children skewer donut holes onto the wooden skewers for a yummy treat!

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Local Event, Great Cause

2009-06-23T03:06:00.003-04:00

Get Phanatic-al About Asthma Awareness

Teva Teams Up with the Phillies to Give a Breath of Fresh Air

WHAT: Asthma affects numerous people each year, and nearly half of those affected are children. The effects of asthma are highly correlated with poverty, urban air quality, indoor allergens, lack of patient education, and inadequate medical care. Teva Respiratory and Direct Relief International are on a mission to distribute asthma treating inhalers to those Philadelphians that need it most.

Stop by Philadelphia’s Haddington Health Center to receive important asthma information. While you’re there, check out the Phillies 2008 World Series Trophy and meet the Phillies Phanatic who will be giving away exciting Phillies goodies!

WHO: Teva Respiratory, Haddington Health Center, The Phillies Phanatic and Direct Relief International

WHEN: WHEN: June 23^rd 2:00p.m. – 3:00p.m.

WHERE: Haddington Health Center

5619 Vine St.

Philadelphia, 19139

(215) 471-2761 call for patient inquiries

I've been a little....

2009-06-16T09:19:00.003-04:00

Missing in Action!!

It's been so hectic around here! I've noticed that when life picks up and it get busy around the house and in my life...the first thing to suffer is usually my own blog! Ugh! Sure...I write for other blogs and craft my little heart out for other people, but my own things tend to lack in content during those times! Oh well...I'm back and ready to blog! Ha ha!

So...be on the look out this week for more to come from me...yes, I really do think that you just visit my blog and wait for me to post something and your life's just not complete until you read something penned from moi!

Let me dream...hee hee!

So...I'll show you what I've been up to...and for my family that actually visits this blog - I'll even include a picture or two of the kids (no, I'm not intentionally keeping them away from you)!

Swami Baby Boutique Review & Giveaway

2009-05-30T04:23:00.010-04:00

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

I just love when children are dressed to impress! You know what I mean? Chic, hip and stylish clothing with functional designs...as a mom of two little ones...I'm ALL over that!

That's why I love Swami Baby Boutique! Swami Baby is a clothing line for infants and toddlers designed to give voice to our wise little ones.

Katie Holley, a yoga teacher and mother of three, began to see that kids already possess much of what we as adults are striving to achieve; they have the innate ability to live in the present, to take time to enjoy life, to be aware of their surroundings, and to be direct.

That's why she created a line of babywear and gifts that reflects the natural teacher, or swami, that children can be if we just listen. Swami Baby not only strives to give this wisdom a voice, but also acts as a calming reminder for adults to relax, enjoy themselves and take life one baby step at a time.

Katie sent my little ones the most adorable tees with designs inspired by our natural surrounding elements to review. I was so impressed! Not only were the t-shirts soft & made from the finest quality organic cotton...but they made an adorable little statement when we were out and about! My kids loved them and so did everyone else! The moms at the park were ranting and raving! And on the "mom-side" of things - I was thrilled when they washed up to perfection when they went through the laundry! What more could a mama ask for?!

And guess what?

Swami Baby has donated a T-shirt to one lucky reader of A Mommy's Musings!

That's right...you can win any t-shirt of your choice!

How to enter:
Visit Swami Baby Boutique, then come back here and comment on which items you like or would get if you win!
Don't forget to leave your email address in each comment so I can contact you if you win!

Want a few extra entries???
(Main entry above must be completed first!)

1. Follow Swami Baby on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway! Leave me a comment with your tweet and Twitter username.
2. Sign up for Swami Baby's newsletter. Come back here and let me know you did.
3. Become a Fan of Swami Baby on Facebook! Come back here and let me know you're a fan!
4. Follow A Mommy's Musings (ummm...this blog). Let me know in a comment that you're a follower (if you already follow this blog, that counts too...just let me know).
5. Add A Mommy's Musings' button to your blog! Let me know where it's at...leave a comment with the location of the button.
6. Subscribe to A Mommy's Musings. Let me know...if you already subscribe...that counts too! Just let me know.
7. Blog about this giveaway! Come back here and let me know where I can find your blog post.

So...that's a lot of chances to win! Spread the word...tell your friends and family to enter too! Swami Baby Boutique clothing is a must-have!
Just remember to leave your email address in each comment so I can contact you if you win!

Contest ends June 8 at midnight (EST). One winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via email. Winner has 72 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

I Think My Laundry Breeds Itself

2009-05-24T17:13:00.005-04:00

Do you ever have that feeling? I mean, seriously...I do laundry constantly - like almost so much that I never EVER expect to see a pile of dirty laundry anywhere...and then...there it is - WHAM! It hits me in the face like a ton of bricks. There can only be one explanation - my laundry breeds itself. Right? Well....it's either that or my two mischievous children unfold their clean laundry and just dump it in the dirt laundry baskets for fun. Nooooo...they'd never do that. It must be the first conclusion.

My laundry today...after just doing all of it a day ago. Whaatttt?!?! I swear...that's a good 3-4 loads at least.

I mean, I know I shouldn't complain - it's job security, right?
A hard things to come by these days. The only thing is - I work for free. Ugh.

But, on a happier note - I did try out Purex's new Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets...and they are great! They are the perfect solution to any laundry dilemma. Each 3-in-1 laundry sheet contains the detergent, softener and an anti-static dryer sheet for one load of laundry! All you have to do is toss the sheet into the washing machine with the clothes - it dispenses the detergent and softener at proper times...then when you take your clothes out of the washing machine and toss them into the dryer...also transfer that same sheet in with the clothes and it also works like an anti-static dryer sheet! My laundry comes out clean and smelling great! Can it get any easier?! My first thought was...this stuff would be GREAT fo traveling too! Want to try it out for yourself? Purex has a money-saving coupon for you to try it out!
Click HERE to get your coupon.

Too Good Not To Share

2009-05-12T12:47:00.004-04:00

You know when you get those annoying forwarded emails in your inbox? Yep. 99.99% of the time I click the delete button before I even read the subject line...I know, I know...it's so bad of me. The only ones that I give a second glance to are the ones from family members and friends who rarely, if ever, send forwarded emails. Well...let me tell you...today...I hit the forwarded email jackpot! Seriously! The contents of the email were so good...I decided to share it with everyone!

So...what was in that email, you ask?

The recipe for this:It's a scrumptiously delicious and delectable S'mores Cupcake.

You're very welcome.

One of my friends found a version of this cupcake recipe, but tweaked it a little to fit the ingredients she had in her pantry...the picture above is her version...and here's the recipe for her version as well:

1 box Chocolate Cake Mix
1 container of Whipped White Frosting (*may need more if you make all 24 cupcakes...it all depends on what frosting tip you use...if you like lots of frosting, I'd use 1.5-2 containers)
24 Graham cracker sticks
24 jumbo marshmallows
2 Hershey candy bars

Make cupcakes as directed on the box. Let them cool and then frost them. Place a graham cracker stick into each one. Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet and line the with the 24 marshmallows. Broil them until the tops are just golden brown. Put a marshmallow on top of the cupcake and top it with a wedge of the Hershey chocolate bar. There you go!

*giving credit where credit is due...my mom suggested making the cupcakes out of brownies for a more chocolaty treat!

This recipe got me thinking though...are there some other S'mores Cupcake recipes out there? One with marshmallow frosting, perhaps? I know...I'm totally out of control. But, someone else must be too because I found another recipe...and yes, one with marshmallow frosting.

And here's the recipe for the one above:

For the cupcakes
From Nabsico Graham Crackers
1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs
½ cup of flour
2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
½ cup of butter, softened
¾ cup of sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla
¾ cup of milk

In a small bowl combine the crumbs, flour and baking powder; set aside. Beat the butter and the sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time. Beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture with milk, beating well after each addition. Divide the batter into two muffin tins lined with 16 cupcake liners total. Bake at 350F degrees for 22-25 minutes or until done. **You can fill the liners 3/4 full...which might make less cupcakes...but the batter doesn't rise very high. Cool in pans for 15 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.

Top cooled cupcakes with THIS marshmallow frosting. Sprinkle the frosted cupcakes with graham cracker crumbs.

Drizzle melted chocolate over the top. To do that...just melt a few Hershey bar pieces in a plastic Ziploc bag in the microwave...just a few seconds will do. Snip a tiny corner off the bag and squeeze the chocolate drizzle over the cupcakes.

The only thing I regret about clicking on this forwarded email is the 5 pounds I'm going to gain while I devour these.

Enjoy!

Hunger Busting Snacks for Kids

2009-05-12T00:30:00.002-04:00

Your kids are home from school and they're starved. Sound familiar?

It seems like each and every day there's someone hanging on my legs begging for a snack to hold them over until dinner time. But the big question is...what in the world should I feed them that will fill up their tummies just a bit and yet won't spoil their dinner? Ugh.

I want healthy snacks that I can whip up in a flash...and I want the kids to be able to help prepare them too! That's when I turned to Kraft Foods. They have an incredible slew of recipes for kids, safety tips for cooking with kids and even a few ideas on how to burst that lunch box monotony we so often find ourselves in.

Here's just a few recipes and ideas that you can add to your repertoire of after school snacks for your staaaaaaaarving children...

Fruit and Cheese BitesWhat you need:
18 Triscuit Crackers
1 packages (16 oz.) of Cheddar Cheese
3 fresh strawberries, each cut into 3 slices
1 kiwi, peeled and cut into 9 pieces

SLICE the cheese into small squares (to fit the cracker).

TOP the crackers with the cheese.

ADD the fresh fruit slices on top of the cheese.

Turtle Cracker CritterWhat you need:

1 Deli Style American Cheese Slice, quartered

2 Ritz Cheese Crackers

1 cherry tomato half

5 small carrot or celery pieces

1 stuffed green olive slice

STACK cheese pieces on 1 of the crackers; cover with remaining cracker to make sandwich.

TOP with tomato half, cut side down.

ARRANGE carrots around crackers to form 4 "legs" and a "tail." Add olive slice for the "head."

Berry Lemonade Slush

What you need:

Country Time Lemonade Flavor Drink Mix (dry)

1/2 cup water

3 cups ice cubes

1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

MEASURE drink mix into cap to 1-qt. line (1/2 cup). Empty into blender container.

ADD remaining ingredients; cover. Blend on high speed 10 sec. Turn off blender. Stir with spoon; cover. Blend an additional 5 sec. or until smooth, using pulsing action.

SERVE immediately. Store leftover slush in freezer.

Cookies 'n Creme Pudding Pops
What you need:
1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding
2 cups cold milk
6 Oreo Cookies
1⁄2 cup thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping

BEAT pudding mix and milk in large bowl with whisk 2 minutes.

PLACE cookies in resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Use rolling pin to crush cookies.

ADD cookies and Cool Whip to pudding; stir just until blended.

SPOON into 9 small paper or plastic cups.

INSERT wooden pop stick or plastic spoon into each for handle. Freeze 5 hours or until firm.

All of these recipes would be great all throughout the summer too!
For more delicious kid-friendly, hunger bursting snacks from Kraft, click HERE.

Do you have a favorite kid-friendly snack you like to share?
Just leave a comment or link to your recipe...I'd love to have more great ideas from moms!

Kraft is also kicking off the season with Delicious Summer Savings! They are offering over $50 in coupons for your favorite Kraft Foods. Hurry over HERE to print them off. Quantity of coupons is limited...so don't miss out!

Brain Development & Immunity from Juicy Juice

2009-05-11T12:47:00.009-04:00

Every mom knows that when it comes to food and nutrition for our children, we only want the best!

We want products that help encourage their growth and development so they can be healthy, smart and active children. As a mom myself, I've spent countless hours researching products that I want to have in my home - whether it's toys, books, or even snacks and foods - I only get one chance to make a positive, healthful impact while I raise my children.

That's why I love Juicy Juice!For a long time Juicy Juice has been the leader in helping parents everywhere supply their children with 100% All Natural Fruit Juice. And Juicy Juice even encourages you to know what's in your juice! You can be confident knowing that Juicy Juice never uses added sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, colors or preservatives...their juice is truly 100% All Natural Fruit Juice. Now, that's something to make all moms smile!

Juicy Juice already has a substantial line of 100% Fruit Juice and Harvest Surprise juices - which are 100% fruit and vegetable blended juices - but they have just launched a new line of products promoting brain development and immunity! Juicy Juice Brain Development and Immunity Fruit Juices not only pack the outstanding flavor and goodness that you've come to trust, but they are enhanced with added nutrients!

Juicy Juice Brain Development Fruit Juice comes in delicious apple and grape flavors and is enhanced with DHA - an essential building block for proper brain development. And since your little ones' brain will triple in size by the time they're two, every chance that a mom can get to enhance that growth is key!

And because kids are exposed to millions of germs each year, Juicy Juice has also developed Immunity Fruit Juice enhanced with Vitamin C and Zinc to help boost and support their immune systems! It also contains Prebiotic Fiber to aid in their digestive health as well. Immunity Fruit Juice comes in delicious apple and berry flavors.

As soon as I heard that Juicy Juice came out with these new Brain Development and Immunity juices, I had to let my kids try them out! They loved them so much that I just had to take a few sips too! And let me tell you...they are delicious! As a mom, I can feel completely confident knowing that these juices pack the flavor my kids love with the added nutrients they need.

But, just in case you still don't believe me...Juicy Juice wants you to try them out for yourself!

Click HERE to download your coupon to use on Juicy Juice products.

Calling All Sproutlets!

2009-05-11T10:53:00.006-04:00

Do you and your children like to watch safety tips on Sprout?

Then Firefighter Dayna and Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog need your help in sharing fire safety tips with all of our friends at Sprout!

They are looking for short videos to include in their Fire Safety presentation to Sprout in June. Your video can be very simple or you can be creative as you want! Show them how much you are a fan of the safety tips! The more creative your video is, the more the folks at Sprout will take notice!

Here are some examples of what you can include in your video:

Parent(s) / Grandparents(s) testimonials
Make a video of your child(ren) watching the safety tips and sharing how they like the safety tips
Dress up your child in their favorite fire gear and make a video
Examples of how the fire safety tips have impacted your child(ren) / family
Things that your child does to imitate the fire safety tips (for example, one child that we met has two stuffed dalmatians: one named Sparkles and the other one Spanner)

Your imagination is your only limitation!

Here are a few simple tips for your videos:

Keep your videos within a minute to a minute and half, being sure to leave space at the beginning and end for easy editing
Be sure your video is a .avi, .mov or .wmv file
Have fun!

Please send the videos to daynark@gmail.com by May 22nd and put "Sprout Video" in the subject line. They anticipate several videos coming in, so please send your video as soon as possible so that it may be included.

Should your child(ren) participate in this project, Sparkles and Firefighter Dayna have a special treat just for them! And, the Sproutlet that submits the most creative video will receive a personalized thank you video from Sparkles!

Also, check out Sparkles' website for helpful fire safety tips, crafts, games, activities and more!

Could You Use More "Me Time"?

2009-05-08T14:29:00.005-04:00

Well, if you're a mom...I think it goes without saying that we'd all love a little more "me time" in our lives. Between making meals, cleaning up meals, tackling the ever growing mound of laundry and then putting it all away..."me time" goes right out the window! That's why I love what Frigidaire is doing! They've created over 250 new appliances that are guaranteed to help you regain your "me time" back!

The NEW Frigidaire kitchen and laundry collections feature high-performing, easy-to-use appliances with style and design elements that don't just look great, but help the appliances perform better and give you better results. All products - with their functional design and uncomplicated technology - have been built to deliver one primary thing: more time for mom.
To learn more, visit www.frigidaire.com.
So...what would you do with your free time?
Frigidaire is dying to know what moms all over the place would do with an extra hour of time on their hands!

Take their "5 Things " survey and tell them the 5 things you'd love to do if you had an extra hour of time in the day...you'll be entered to win some new Frigidaire appliances!

You can also accept Frigidaire's Daily Dare for extra entries every day to win their time saving new appliances!

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to regain your "me time" back!

Mother's Day Giveaways Galore!

2009-05-07T23:59:00.003-04:00

With Mother's Day coming this weekend, there's nothing better than a bunch of moms getting FREE stuff!

5 Minutes for Mom is hosting A Mother's Day Giveaway!

Moms can enter to win fabulous prizes of all sorts!
Hurry and enter...giveaway party ends May 9.

Mother's Day Brunch

2009-05-05T10:33:00.002-04:00

Mother's Day Brunch

Since most of us are moms here, it crossed my mind to not even post recipes for a Mother's Day menu. But, let's face it, besides a "kid-cooked meal" consisting of a cold bowl of cereal brought to our bedside on Mother's Day morning, I think it's all safe to say - as moms, we do the cooking 365 days a year...Mother's Day included. That is...unless you've somehow managed to get the point across that on this ONE day of the year when Mothers are actually even acknowledged, you'd prefer not to be in the kitchen! Either way, scrumptious breakfast recipes come in handy all throughout the year...and these recipes are perfect for a Mother's Day Brunch or just a cozy family breakfast on a Saturday morning. And hey, even though you're a mom and hope to be treated this coming weekend with a lavish meal that is NOT prepared by you...maybe you want to treat your own mom to a wonderful home-cooked Mother's Day brunch!

Here are some great recipes to help you host a magnificent brunch - no matter what day of the year it is...

Nutty Pecan Waffles
Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Clone Recipe - Mmmmm!!
Sausage Gravy (for Biscuits and Gravy)
Eggs Benedict
For a list of different Crepe Recipes, click HERE.

So, whether you're the one preparing a Mother's Day spread or not...

I want to wish all of my mommy readers a very Happy Mother's Day ~ may it at least be filled with a little pampering!

And feel free to send your hubby's over here to check out these recipes...a subtle nudge and hint never hurt anyone!

Do you have a super breakfast recipe you'd like to share?
Leave me a comment or a link to your recipe.

Recipes above can be found at AllRecipes.

Sun & Earth Giveaway Winner!!

2009-05-01T08:48:00.005-04:00

The winner of the Sun & Earth Giveaway is...

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1 Max: 166
*Generate*
Result: 62
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

AngelFabs has won over $52.00 in Sun & Earth products! Congratulations!

But, if you didn't win...it's okay...not only are there more giveaways to come soon...but...

Sun & Earth wants everyone to have their products (and believe me, you won't regret it)!
So they have given my readers discount codes to order Sun & Earth products for themselves!

Go to Sun & Earth...order what you'd like and use the following codes:

If you go online to Sun & Earth and order less than $50.00 in products...you'll save $5 off your order (Use code: 5OFF)

If you order more than $50.00 in products, you'll save $10! (Use code: 10OF)

Hmmmm...

2009-04-30T13:57:00.003-04:00

Well, I'm not quite sure what rock I've been hiding under...but, it must have been a huge one! Ever get that feeling? Sure, I know that Swine Flu is the latest pandemic and I know what the weather's gonna be like all week...but seriously...how did I miss this one?!

What in the world am I talking about, you ask?

MomAdvice.com! Oh my goodness...I know you're probably all laughing and smirking and wondering how in the world I can be a mommy blogger without hearing about it...well, like I said...I was under a huge rock.

MomAdvice.com is run my Mommy Extraordinaire, Amy Clark. You know that mom that we all strive to be...yeah, that's her. Everything from being one of Walmart's 11 Moms to being a spokesperson for Cascade...she's been there, done that and now she blogs to tell us about it! MomAdvice is chocked full of great articles, resources, tips and downloads to make our lives as mommies happier, easier and just a tad more sane! MomAdvice is truly a community for moms to come blurp about their issues, concerns and dreams...while hoping there's someone else in their same boat!

What does Amy herself have to say about MomAdvice?

MomAdvice is all about...
"Well researched and in-depth articles on frugal living, saving money, work at home opportunities, inexpensive recipes, and tips for organizing your life. Find answers, opinions and a community who understands."
~Amy Clark

So...hop on over to MomAdvice and get ready to find your newest one-stop shop for all things mom-approved! I even found a yummy snack that I'm going to make with the kids as soon as they get up from their naps! Yum! ;)