Gunning It

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

2009-10-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

My favorite candy and ice cream flavor is chocolate & peanut butter, so when I came across this easy recipe...I was so excited. So here's the recipe just in time for Halloween and the upcoming Holidays...

Ingredients:
1 pound milk chocolate
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2⁄3 cup confectioners' sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions:
Finely chop the chocolate. Melt slowly over a double boiler until smooth.

Use a small spoon or pastry brush to coat small peanut butter molds or mini muffin cups with chocolate.

Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate set.

Combine peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, and salt in a bowl. Spoon the mixture into the cups, filling to just below the top of the cups. Cover the peanut butter mixture with the remaining tempered chocolate. Use an offset spatula to smooth the tops.

Refrigerate peanut-butter cups until set (about 1 hour) before removing them from molds.

Enjoy!

*Taken from Parents Connect Newsletter

Congratulations!

2009-10-09T14:13:00.002-04:00

I had to end the Disney on Ice a little early so I picked a winner and the free tickets go to Patrice Y. - Congrats and enjoy the show!

And for all of you that did not win this prize pack, here's a great deal you can use:

Purchase a 4‐pack of tickets for only $44 for weekday shows,
or receive $4 off weekend tickets by logging onto www.ComcastTix.com and
entering the coupon code: MOM.

Philadelphia Show Dates:
Wednesday, October 14: 7:00pm
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.

Beyond the Rack...

2009-10-08T14:49:00.004-04:00

As I continue to workout and train for next year's triathlons, I am finally starting to lose some, much needed, baby weight. I am slowly starting to feel good about how I look. Now I need to get out of this "mom funk" I am in....I need a makeover. So I scheduled an appointment at a local salon for a cut and style. I have begun shopping little by little each week, looking for new trendy clothes that flatter my figure vs. wearing the "comfy clothes" that are just plain easy to throw on. Through this search, I have found a website called Beyond the Rack. Have you ever heard of it?

Beyond the Rack, is a private online shopping club that allows its members to access luxury brand name fashion and accessories at up to 70% off retail prices.

Sales events typically run between two and four days long. Inventory is limited and is on a first-come first-served basis.

The prices are amazing and definitely work with all kinds of budgets. I cannot wait to start making some purchases for myself so I can once again feel like a woman & not a "mommy" all the time.

So are you tempted to check out this site? Well you're in luck because I have a private invitation exclusively for you! Just visit this link to accept the invite and start receiving email notifications inviting you to sales events. It's worth a try :-)

Disney on Ice is coming to Philly....

2009-10-01T15:30:00.004-04:00

It's that time of year...Come experience 'Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic' playing at the Wachovia Center, with your family!

I have A SPECIAL OFFER FOR YOU! Feld Entertainment and Mom Central have given me the chance to give one reader a FREE 4-pack of tickets for opening night (10/14 at 7 pm).

To enter this giveaway, give me a 'follow' and then leave a comment below (include your email). The contest will run now until Thursday, Oct. 8th @ midnight, ET. The winner of this contest will pick up the tickets at the Wachovia Center 'will call' the night of the show. Valid ID is required to claim your tickets.

And if you do not win this prize pack, no worries...I have this awesome coupon code to share with you:
Purchase a 4‐pack of tickets for only $44 for weekday shows,
or receive $4 off weekend tickets by logging onto www.ComcastTix.com and
entering the coupon code: MOM.

Philadelphia Show Dates:
Wednesday, October 14: 7:00pm
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.

Marshman Triathlon 9/20/2009

2009-09-29T07:58:00.003-04:00

I did it!

2009-09-21T13:34:00.002-04:00

Woohoo!!! I completed the Marshman Sprint Triathlon yesterday and had so much fun! I still don't have my pictures yet but will definitely be posting very soon.

The race started at 7:30 am, 50 degrees temp. & only a little bit of sun. We began with a 1/4 mile swim in the lake (69 degrees water temp.) followed by a 12.5 mile bike ride (which had 3 huge hills but very scenic) and then a 2 mile run. Overall not so bad but I only started training 8 weeks prior so it was quite an accomplishment for me. It took me 1 hour and 50 mins. to complete, which is kind of slow, but my goals were to complete the tri and not be last.....so I succeeded, haha.

I look forward to participating next year and making some good times. It should be a breeze if train all year!?!

Wanchai Ferry Giveaway

2009-09-21T12:50:00.007-04:00

I love Chinese food and have been craving it a lot lately. So when I received the opportunity from MyBlogSpark to review and host a giveaway for a Wanchai Ferry gift set, I jumped on it!

I received a free pack of the Orange Chicken meal along with this cute set of bowls, chopsticks, and bamboo mats. Not to mention a coupon for another free dinner (which I have already used for the Shrimp Lo Mein - awesome!). The meal was easy to make and done in only 14 minutes. I loved the shrimp lo-mein but wasn't much of a fan of the Orange Chicken.

So if you would like to win this set & coupon for a free dinner, leave a comment below by Sunday at 10 pm, ET.

Don't forget to leave your email address in the comment as well.

In the meantime, if you want to print a coupon for $1.50 off one of their 5 meals , click here.

It's almost time...

2009-09-18T14:14:00.003-04:00

Well after 8 weeks of training roughly 1 hour 5 days a week, the Marshman Sprint Triathlon is almost here. I think I am ready, although the more I think about it, the more I psyche myself out.

It's like studying for a test. You think you know all the material but when you start talking with a group, you begin to 2nd guess yourself and psyche yourself out for the actual test. This is how I feel with the race. I just entered to push myself to workout, have fun, and accomplish something I never thought possible. Now I am a little concerned, the more I talk to friends and others in passing, maybe I go it in over my head? (sigh)

So then I try to calm myself down. Remind myself that if I can't complete the run then I can walk....no big deal. If I am getting tired during the biking portion, I can slow my speed down. And the swimming....well I like to swim, it's the 1st part & the lake will probably be cold enough so that I swim faster!

Well...I hope to get some pictures and post next week, but in the meantime, say a prayer for me and feel free to leave a comment with any last minute advice.

Bag O Books Sale

2009-09-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

For those of you living in Chester County, PA...Did you know that the Third Weekend of Each Month at the Henrietta Hankin Library , there is Bag O Books Sale!? Bring a standard size paper grocery bag and fill it full of books for only $10. Bring (or buy) a blue Henrietta Hankin Library Book Bag and fill it full of books for only $5. The sale runs from 9:30 am - 5:00 pm and begins this month on Friday, 9/18 - Sunday, 9/20. So cool, cannot wait to take the kids and stock on some new books!

All purchases must be made at the circulation desk. This sale applies to books only. The library reserves the right to disqualify oversized and non-standard bags.

This special sale is held the third weekend of each month, Friday through Sunday.

If you have any questions, contact the Branch Manager @ 610-321-1707 or aberstler@ccls.org

I've gone a little crazy I think....

2009-08-31T13:47:00.004-04:00

So just in case anyone is wondering where I have been lately, I thought I would share....crazy me decided to start training for a sprint triathlon! Yes, I decided no more excuses, I need to get my butt in shape and start exercising. By signing up for a triathlon I could not make any more excuses for myself. If I want to cross over the finish line than I have to work-out at least 4 to 5 days a week.

I am doing a sprint triathlon, which is a mini-triathlon: .25 mile swim in an open lake, 12 mile bike ride, and then a 2 mile run. The one I am preparing for is called the Marshman...held at the Marsh Creek State Park, PA. Fortunately my wonderful husband has agreed to do it with me ;-) We started our "training" about a month ago, luckily we already were members of the 'Y' so I am able to swim, bike, and run there. And the added bonus is I get some time to myself with my ipod while the kids are in babysitting at the gym. I have to admit, I find myself feeling way more stressed now on the days I take "off" from exercising....it's amazing!?

Anyway, the event takes place on 9/20 (only 3 more weeks)....I will make sure to post some more updates but please keep me in your prayers (ha-ha) & wish me luck!

Kidzsack Giveaway

2009-08-21T15:34:00.006-04:00

In celebration of the last few weeks of summer and weeBgreen's newest product, Kidzsack, they're giving one away!

Awarded "Best Vacation Toy" for 2009 from both Dr. Toy and Creative Child Magazine, this multi-use, multi-purpose, earth-friendlier bag is just right for your growing wee one!

So if you'd like this Sea Life Kidzsack for your wee one, leave a comment over at weeBgreen's blog. Let them know what you like about the weeBgreen concept and if you have any suggestions for future products.

Goodluck!

This giveaway ends 8/30 at 10 pm, ET. (Make sure to leave your email address in the comment too) ENTER HERE

Sorry for the delay...

2009-08-19T21:12:00.001-04:00

The winner for the Old Bay gift pack is.....Shananigans!

Congrats and enjoy.

OLD BAY celebrates 70th with New Twists on Classic Recipes Perfect for Summer

2009-07-30T07:23:00.003-04:00

I recently received this great gift pack compliments of Old Bay. Having been born & raised in Baltimore, and just 15 minutes north of Hunt Valley, MD (Old Bay's home), Old Bay is my favorite spice! I use it on chicken, scrambled eggs, corn on the cob, broccoli, french fries, popcorn, and of course hard-shelled crabs.

Old Bay is spicing things up by introducing new twists on classic dishes that offer great new ways to enjoy the bold seasoning. To check out some of these new recipes just click on this link. You can also become a fan of Old Bay on facebook....where they send out new recipes all the time& I think is how they found me to send me this fun gift pack.

I was given this gift pack as part of Old Bay's 70th anniversary celebration. The set included, great new recipes, a duffle bag (which we are using for sand toys), Old Bay beach towel, seafood steamers (which I have yet to try but can't wait), and a new can of Old Bay. So awesome!

Would you like this gift pack for yourself!? Old Bay has generously offered to send one lucky reader this same set. Leave a comment below (with your email) and tell me how you use your Old Bay? The contest will end next Friday (8/7) at 10 pm, ET.

Goodluck!

(If you look closely, you can see our duffle bag behind Anna. The bottom of the bag is netted so the sand falls out).

Did you know?....

2009-07-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

Have you stopped by Chesapeake Ribbons lately? If not, than you might not know they have started selling dog collars...Yeah!! Their selection is just starting, so if you have a style and color you've always been wanting for your pooch, than just email Chesapeake Ribbons to get started on designing your own dog collar. They welcome custom orders!

And while we're talking about Chesapeake Ribbons (Classic handmade ribbon accessories for your entire crabby clan...with a cause), they have also added several new adult-sized ribbon belts and children's ribbon belts. So be sure to go over and take a look...

And here's an exclusive offer for our readers:

$5 off all order $25 or more! Just enter this code 'special5' during checkout. Can be used mutiple times as well!

Keep Chesapeake Ribbons in mind next time you need to purchase a birthday or baby shower gift. Even coordinate your wedding party with their belts and/or hairbows. Give your little crab a 'Back to school' gift this fall and put a smile on his/her face.

Happy Shopping!

NEW Giveaway

2009-07-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories

Did you know that over the past seven years, Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories has given away more than 35 million children's books by distributing them free inside cereal boxes and has donated nearly $3 million to First Book, their non-profit partner, which provides books to children from low-income families?

In addition to encouraging children to read, Cheerios is looking for anyone interested in writing children's books.

Now in its third year, the Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories New Author Contest is a way to encourage previously unpublished, up-and-coming children's book authors and to continue to nurture a love of reading. Entries are being accepted March 16 through July 15, 2009 and will be judged on appropriate story and content for children ages 3-8, emotional connection, writing quality, uniqueness, and read-aloud potential. More details on the contest can be found at www.spoonfulsofstoriescontest.com.

Shellie Braeuner, the first year's winner, won for her book "The Great Dog Wash". This nanny from Nashville won a $5,000 cash prize and the opportunity to have her book reviewed by Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing. Simon & Schuster offered Shellie a book deal - and will publish her book, illustrated by Robert Neubecker, in hardcover this summer. In addition, Cheerios will be featuring "The Great Dog Wash" free inside 1.5 million boxes of Cheerios. The book has been specially printed in paperback in both English and Spanish and will be available free inside boxes of Cheerios this spring.

Cheerios is also announcing the winners of the second New Author Contest:
Lori Degman, of Vernon Hills, Ill., won the top prize for her story, "1 Zany Zoo." In addition to winning a $5,000 cash prize from Cheerios, Degman earned the opportunity to have her book reviewed by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. Simon & Schuster has since offered Degman a book deal; her book is expected to be released in 2010, initially in paperback distributed inside Cheerios boxes, and later in hardcover sold in the market.

Now for the giveaway....Cheerios is sending someone one of these cute book sets to a lucky winner! If you are interested in entering this giveaway, leave a comment below answering this question for me:

What is your favorite children's book?

Contest ends this Sunday, July 12th at 10 pm, ET. Please be sure to include your email address in the comment so I may forward it to myblogspark, the blogging network that is hosting this awesome giveaway.

Teresa's Tuesday Tip

2009-07-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Are you looking for a new beach bag to carry all those toys? Or maybe an activity to keep the kiddos occupied in the car while driving to your vacation destination? Look no more....Teresa over at weeBgreen has discovered these awesome Kidzsacks!

These bags are made and distributed on the east coast, specifically Massachusetts. They are made from 100% recycled fabric & the straps are made of natural fiber too! Kidzsack is a great, fun on-the-go bag that your kids can take with them, color on, and stash their toys, sports stuff or whatever in. The 8 included washable markers are non-toxic. And they're available in 4 different designs - castle, jungle, sports and sea life.

Not only will these make great bags for your kiddos like I've mentioned, but Kidzsacks also make fun, affordable, & unique birthday gifts!

Margie's monday mommy confession

2009-07-06T09:19:00.002-04:00

As you can see from my photos, I have 2 children with extremely fair and sensitive skin so it is VERY important that I sunscreen them beyond the call of duty. I have to confess...there are times that I skip applying sunblock because I think, "oh it's later in the day and we won't be outside too long..."

Well today I am vowing to no longer take this approach! In an effort to protect my kids as best I can, I have done a little research. I came across this article "How Safe and Effective Are Sunscreens?" so I thought I would share....the findings are a little scary.

Here is an excerpt from the article listing the sunscreens NOT recommended:

Coppertone NutraShield, Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 30
Huggies Little Swimmers Sunscreen, Moisturizing Blue Melon Splash
Jason Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas: Complete Block Spray, SPF 26
CVS Sport Sunblock Lotion, SPF 30

Don't forget to check out....

2009-06-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

Moms on the Move airing in Philly on NBC this Sunday, June 28th at 12:30 PM. Set those DVR's!

Finally a show giving moms the credit for what they do!

“Moms on the Move” is an entertaining and informative show that brings to light the power and importance of mothers.

Driven by the idea to give moms a platform to share their success stories and advice, Linda Swain, mother of six, has advanced an idea to an action packed program, taped in front of a live audience of 150 members, that will begin airing in June on over 115 stations around the country.
A true example of the moms she features, Linda, found a way onto a local major network show in Philadelphia without television experience. She soon earned Emmy Awards as a producer and host. Linda then convinced the executives at QVC studios, who have done no programming before or since, to allow her to use their audience theater to realize the vision of producing an “Oprah/Ellen” type show for moms, complete with 150 audience members, a house band, and finishing with an energizing audience sing-a-long to the “Moms on the Move” theme song composed and performed by Linda.

“Moms on the Move” features real life stories of women who have accomplished great things and can offer new ideas and options to viewers who want greater success in raising children, dealing with health issues, nurturing relationships, growing businesses and even living a purposeful life.

Linda includes compelling stories of celebrities and gives equal attention to moms who triumph after the loss of a child or have raised children while battling cancer. Linda thrills them and the audience by presenting a complete “Moms on the Move” makeover with celebrity designers stopping by to add advice and their personal touch.

And it doesn’t end when the show is over, moms have many opportunities to make an impact by nominating a great mom they know, promoting themselves and connecting with others in many ways on http://www.momsonthemove.com/.

You don’t want to miss this! Check out the trailer for the show series here: www.momsonthemove.com/video/MOTMDEMO5.29.09.wmv

To watch Moms on the Move in your area, click here.

Where have I been these days?

2009-06-22T14:52:00.006-04:00

I have not been so great about blogging lately because there's been a lot going on in our family. Hopefully things are dying down a little bit but we'll see!? So rather than write volumes....here are some pictures:

First we had my cousin's graduation party from HS down in Baltimore but I didn't take pictures (no little kids were there). Sorry! But here are some pictures from my nephew's HS graduation party the following weekend.

Birthday party at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, NJ for my neice and nephew...

And finally...Anna's big 1st birthday party!

Whiny Wednesday...

2009-06-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

These days I have little to no patience with fake and superficial people. Especially with what is going on in the world today, why can't people just get real?! Wah, wah, wah...I know, but this is my whiny wednesday ;-)

My eyes have recently been opened wider to see that behind some always cheerleader happy, everything is going great! people....things are not at all what they seem. It is amazing to me that sometimes these people tend to be hiding the most baggage.

Therefore I have been listening to this song a lot lately...

"...Give me time and give me space

Give me real don't give me fake

Give me strength, reserve control

Give me heart and give me soul

Give me time, give us a kiss

Tell me your own politik

And open up your eyes, open up your eyes...."

~Coldplay

Teresa's Tuesday Tip

2009-06-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

PA Earth Friendlier Resources

Here's some quick & cool links we stumbled on recently for living earth friendlier in PA:

PA Recycling Markets Center -- their mission as printed on their website, "...to expand and develop more secure and robust markets for recovered (recycled) materials by helping to overcome market barriers and inefficiencies."

Greater Philadelphia Sustainable Business Network -- "a nonprofit network of local triple-bottom-line businesses and social entrepreneurs. We are local business people, professionals, social entrepreneurs, investors, not-for-profit leaders, and government representatives who are committed to building a more socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable local economy."

PA Horticultural Society -- check out their calendar!
Have others you'd like us to spread the word about? Let us know...we're all about Green in Philly and beyond.

~Teresa

Margie's Monday Mommy confession

2009-06-08T08:10:00.002-04:00

Ok, so my confession today....I am really bad about having milestone photos of my children taken professionally, scrap booking, or even writing things down in the baby book.

I recently had pictures taken at Picture People for Anna's first time, and she was 11 months old!? And honestly, the only reason I had the photos down was for my mom for a Mother's Day present. I can't even say I was good about it with my first child. It's not like I was on top of things with my first and just slacked with my second which seems to the be case with most moms I talk with. I had a few taken when Nick was a baby but then just never went back. I do feel especially guilty when I walk into friend's houses and they have large framed pictures of their kids all around the house....

And the scrapbooks!? Well that's just not my cup of tea so I simply don't do it. I tried to at least start a baby book with each child but once again, there are a lot of blank pages. So basically the re-occurring theme here seems to be procrastinator! I am a mommy procrastinator....there, I've said it! Now tell me I am not the only one!?....

A new show just for Moms!

2009-06-04T14:17:00.002-04:00

Moms, our time is NOW!

Finally a show giving moms the credit for what they do!

“Moms on the Move” is an entertaining and informative show that brings to light the power and importance of mothers.

Driven by the idea to give moms a platform to share their success stories and advice, Linda Swain, mother of six, has advanced an idea to an action packed program, taped in front of a live audience of 150 members, that will begin airing in June on over 115 stations around the country.

A true example of the moms she features, Linda, found a way onto a local major network show in Philadelphia without television experience. She soon earned Emmy Awards as a producer and host. Linda then convinced the executives at QVC studios, who have done no programming before or since, to allow her to use their audience theater to realize the vision of producing an “Oprah/Ellen” type show for moms, complete with 150 audience members, a house band, and finishing with an energizing audience sing-a-long to the “Moms on the Move” theme song composed and performed by Linda.

“Moms on the Move” features real life stories of women who have accomplished great things and can offer new ideas and options to viewers who want greater success in raising children, dealing with health issues, nurturing relationships, growing businesses and even living a purposeful life.

Linda includes compelling stories of celebrities and gives equal attention to moms who triumph after the loss of a child or have raised children while battling cancer. Linda thrills them and the audience by presenting a complete “Moms on the Move” makeover with celebrity designers stopping by to add advice and their personal touch.

And it doesn’t end when the show is over, moms have many opportunities to make an impact by nominating a great mom they know, promoting themselves and connecting with others in many ways on www.momsonthemove.com.

You don’t want to miss this! Check out the trailer for the show series here: www.momsonthemove.com/video/MOTMDEMO5.29.09.wmv

To watch Moms on the Move in your area, click here. And for all you Philly Moms...Moms on the Move will be airing in our area on NBC, June 28th at 12:30 PM. Set those DVR's!

Teresa's Tuesday Tip

2009-06-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

Tuesday Tip - Recycling Shoes

We're cleaning out a bit here and have some shoes we need to get rid of. Rather than toss em in the trash where they'll likely end up in some heap, we'd like to take the better route and donate or recycle them. The plan is to donate the ones that seem decent enough to do so. We have a great Thrift store nearby where we typically donate all of our used clothing items. But in my search for recycling options for sneakers I found Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program. It works this way...

You take your old sneaks to a Reuse-A-Shoe center (looks like they have several in the US).
They accept any brand of sneaker but not dress shoes. And make sure they're not riddled with dirt or mud.Locations in the Philly area include:
City Sports
Rittenhouse Sports Specialties

Other options for getting rid of old shoes:
Salvation Army
Goodwill
Planet Aid

If you have other sources for recycling shoes, please let us know. We'd love to share them and get the word out!

wee tested. mommy approved.

Margie's Monday Mommy confession

2009-06-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Ok...so my confession for today: Sometimes I shut myself in the bathroom to use the phone when my son is having a tantrum.

We all have different opinions and styles as to how we parent our children. For me, I feel that when my son is having a hissy fit, he needs to get it all out completely. I don't want to negatively reinforce his tantrums by giving him attention...so I leave him alone, go into the bathroom, shut the door, and make phone call to get my mind off of him.*

Now I do not do this often I admit. Usually I tell Nick that he needs to go upstairs to his bedroom (shut the door) and get all the yuckies out up there. When he is done....he can come downstairs :-) This has really worked for us. Sometimes he comes down the stairs calling out to me, "Mommy - I am all done crying now." Ha-ha! Kids are just so darn cute aren't they?

*I do make sure the environment is safe when I shut the door, so that he doesn't harm himself during these crying fits.