* Adventures with Lori *

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Breasts With Cheddar Mustard Sauce

2012-01-13T15:46:00.004-05:00

Pretzels & Mustard...

What could be better???

Adding Cheese & Chicken!!!!

For a DELICIOUS, SCRUMPTIOUS meal!!

When I first read the blog question, this recipe from the Rachael Ray Show came to my mind, yes I know my hubby is a chef and he hates it when I use recipes, however sometimes I like to not re-invent the wheel you know!! So when I saw this recipe, I knew it was for me! It has all of my favorites.. chicken, cheese, mustard, && pretzels!!

That makes one delicious dish in my opinion!!! I feel in complete awe with it and have been hooked ever since!! Below is the recipe with pictures that I have found from the show, please enjoy.

While I always tweak things with I cook, adding a touch more of this, that is my hubby coming out in me! lol

Ingredients

4 plastic food storage bags

4 small, boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 5-ounce bag of salted pretzels

1 T fresh thyme leaves, chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 eggs

Vegetable oil

2 T butter

2 T flour

2 C milk

2 1/2 C sharp yellow cheddar cheese, shredded

2 heaping T spicy brown mustard

1/4 C flat leaf parsley leaves, a generous handful, chopped

1/4 small yellow onion, finely chopped

1 large sour dill pickle, finely chopped

1 lemon, cut into wedges

Yields: 4 servings

Preparation

Preheat a large non-stick skillet with a 1/4-inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle a little water into four medium food storage baggies. Place 1 chicken breast in each bag and seal it up, pushing out excess air. Use the bottom of a heavy pot or pan and pound each breast until flat, just shy of busting out of the bag. Repeat with the other 3 chicken breasts.

Place the pretzels in a food processor or blender and grind until fine. Transfer the ground pretzels to a shallow dish, add the thyme and some salt and pepper. Crack and beat 2 eggs in a second shallow dish with a splash of water. One at a time, coat each chicken breast in the egg and then the ground pretzels.

Add the pretzel-coated chicken breast to the hot oil. Cook in a single layer, in 2 batches if necessary, about 3 or 4 minutes on each side, until the juices run clear and breading is evenly browned.

While the chicken is frying, in a medium saucepot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the flour to it. Cook flour and butter for 1 minute and then whisk in the milk. When the milk comes to a bubble, stir in the cheese and mustard with a wooden spoon. Season with a little salt and pepper, and remove cheese sauce from the heat.

Transfer the fried pretzel-crusted chicken breast to a serving plate, drizzle with the mustard cheddar sauce, then sprinkle with a little parsley, finely chopped onion and sour dill pickle. Serve lemon wedges alongside.

Credit from Rachael Ray Show: http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/pretzel-crusted-chicken-breasts-with-cheddar-mustard-sauce/

So I know you all have took notes and have got up from your comfortable spot on the couch and have raided through the cabinets to see if you have all of the ingredients, I don't blame you, I would too!! I hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as I have!!

Please let me know if you try this, as I would love some feedback!! Also, what are your favorite recipes with Pretzels?

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I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Snyder’s of Hanover blogging program, for 6,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Spreading Holiday Cheer!

2011-11-16T16:23:00.001-05:00

The clanking of toys… the stepping on building blocks… the tripping over the baby dolls… But, wait... There is FABULOUS news! The Holiday season is near and you know what that means, MORE toys!!! So this year while you are stepping over… make sure you add KRE-O building sets to your lists for your children over 6 years! KRE-O is a part of the Hasbro Company and they are a new, value-filled toy line found in the construction aisle. It’s a standout gift for both Transformers and building fans.

Why KRE-O building sets, you may ask:

1. There is a set for everyone! And it also works with any budget. We all know that the economy is taking another hit so whenever we can find a good, within budget toy it HELPS! There price ranges from $7.99-$59.99

2. There are more than one set so it helps with any age or any skilled range, for instance there are basic sets for beginner builders to deluxe sets for the pros and each set allows kids to construct one of two models: a Transformers character in robot or vehicle mode offering two different builds in one! Most also come with a unique, collectible KREON figure that add another level of play to the sets! Wahoo!

3. The KRE-O bricks are compatible with other leading brick based sets so you don’t have to worry about mixing up bricks and blocks!

**I will wait for your return now**

After you have returned from your outing to the store because we all know you wanted to get out purchasing your KRE-O for your loved ones of every age, you now can start working on the Christmas Lists! J Just kidding, but seriously. Now you can start working on your other lists to make this Holiday season the best one ever. I know for me, even with my traditions, I still try to outdo the next Holiday season! Making each one just as special as the last!

We have many family traditions; to start I start planning Christmas gift giving and Santa back before the Summer begins to start my bargaining hunting and sales! Then comes Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving I do the Black Friday shopping and then that Saturday, we decorate! We decorate everything and listen to Christmas carols and watch Holiday movies!

Then tradition stands that we have a huge Christmas Eve dinner with my in-laws and open up presents with our immediate family. We come home if we ended up at the in-laws and open one present from under the tree and then the kiddies sit out milk & cookies for Santa and snuggle up and head to bed.

We then sit out the presents and wait for Christmas morning!

What are your traditions??

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About Hasbro, Inc.
Hasbro, Inc. is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, video games and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its customers through the strategic leveraging of well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY.   Come see how Hasbro inspires play through their brands at http://www.hasbro.com.

Enter to win one of over 1,000 KRE-O Construction Sets in the Great Brick Giveaway

More info: http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com

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Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Hasbro blogging program, for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points and a KRE-O gift. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and don’t necessarily reflect the opinions of SocialMoms or Hasbro. For more information on how you can participate, click here

Do You Smell That???

2011-11-12T10:03:00.000-05:00

My nose is one of the best working things on my body it seems at times! I love to smell; smelling is a part of my job! I love scents; I love to fill my house indoors with them. So whenever I take a step outdoors the smells I smell always take me back to somewhere or make me think of something.

I step out my back door and on to my deck and take a look outside and take a deep breath… Do you smell that? The festivities of the fall, the smell of the wonderfulness, the woodsy, almost dirty smell, it is a weird smell, but I love it! It is said that you smell with your eyes first, this is true, in a weird sort of way! I believe that! For me the smells of fall take me back to my childhood visiting my grandparents in Maine, the clean crisp smell of the falling leaves and trees sends me off to the time where I am standing at the back door of my grandmother’s house with the trees as our back yard neighbor. No matter which State you are in, the woods and leaves always seem to smell the same exact way!

Another favorite outdoorsy smell that I truly absolutely love is driving four hours to the east of where I live and stepping out into the sand and smelling the ocean. There is something radiating about the smell of the ocean, this takes me anywhere I want to go from the first vacation with my parents that I can remember to the first family vacations of taking both of my kids to the beach. The salty smell in the summertime reminds me of roller coasters, popcorn, and cotton candy, because when we visited the beach when I was younger we always went to the amusement park.

Spring has some of the most joyous smells of all. The smells alone from the blossoming flowers to the blossoming tress takes me away to some floral garden smelling all sorts of different flowers, loving life. It is hard to explain it but something about the smell of flowers takes me away to a calm state, like a massage without the massage, just purely relaxing.

Smells are everywhere and the outdoors has some of the best smells around; even the smell of a skunk takes me back to my childhood when my poor puppy was sprayed! Your nose is one of the best things on your body… Go out and take a sniff!

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About Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation is the nation’s leading brand of household and personal care products that help protect human health and the environment. Established in 1988, the Burlington, Vermont based company remains an independent, privately-held company distributing products to natural food stores, supermarkets, mass merchants, and online retailers across the United States and Canada.

More info on Seventh Generation: http://www.seventhgeneration.com/

Enter to win a trip to Italy, France or Vermont

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Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter

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Disclosure: “I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seventh Generation blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Have You Heard of Real Moms Love to Eat by Beth Aldrich and Food Affairiates??

2011-10-12T15:41:00.002-04:00

Well.... Have you???

Real Moms Love to Eat is offered in three sections, which include a fun and easy-to-follow 10-part plan for moms to implement to make gradual, life-long changes in their approach to food. RML2E also has a 21 day meal-suggestions, tips, recipes and lifestyle changes—all to help you continue your love affair with food to look fabulous. Beth’s approach to healthy eating is simple and realistic for busy moms. You’ll learn a lot about the food you eat and how it impacts your body and still have loads of fun experiencing new foods and enjoying your life.

Having kids I am always looking for new things to try, new things to cook and help make my meals for my family as simple and as easy and healthy as possible sometimes that is a task with all that goes on in my household! I mean with Big D, we have football practice at least three nights a week, then game day on the weekend. Then, on top of his football, we now have volleyball about to start and did I mention he now is on the yearbook staff?

I believe Beth had moms like me in mind when she wrote a book like this! I mean I for one have the worst love/hate relationship with food, because I am on the go a lot I do not always make the correct choices, I would love to be able to continue my love affair with food but in a healthier way!!

As you can see I am a very busy mom who needs some simplicity & realistic meal planning! And HELP! lol

I cannot wait to sit down while at practices or sitting outside of the school line to read and take notes and go on my food journey! I would love for you to join me! How? You may ask…

Beth has also taken a step forward and is aiming towards those bloggy moms like myself to help her out… Moms like me, moms like you, real moms, real blogs, real experiences… to earn REAL prizes!! How awesome is that. For more information you can visit the Food Affairiate program!

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FYI
Everyone that participates in the "virtual pre-order launch party" is eligible for randomly drawn prizes!! Simply enter the twice-a-month pre-order book giveaway hosted by the RealMomsLovetoEat.com site!!

*~*

About Beth Aldrich
Real Moms Love to Eat was created with you in mind. It will lead you on a food journey of excitement, fun and new surprises, without pigeon-holing you into one eating style or another. Instead, you are free to experiment, get crazy and become more open-minded about the food you will soon discover. It’s a love affair like no other–with huge rewards of looking fabulous.

Real Moms Love to Eat will be your ONE source for tasty, fresh, whole food meals, creative recipes and food facts that will keep you looking fabulous and feeling energized and fulfilled.

More info:
http://www.realmomslovetoeat.com/food-affairiate-tool-kit/
http://www.realmomslovetoeat.com/

Real Moms Love to Eat on Facebook
Follow @realmomsluv2eat on Twitter

*~*

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Beth Aldrich - Real Moms Love to Eat blogging program, for a chance to get 3,000 My SocialMoms Rewards points. For more information on how you can participate,click here.

My Tips on Keeping My Family Healthy!

2011-10-05T15:31:00.000-04:00

Goodbye sun, goodbye hot days…

Hello cool, crisp mornings and evenings

Hello sick kids… In my case… Hello sick hubby…

While the cool, crisp Fall days seeing the leaves change colors and the smell of pumpkins and thoughts of pumpkin pies are my all-time favorite season… I also think about the ‘other’ part of this weather, as a Mom of 2 and a Wife of 1, this season is an important one that I try to take all of the precautions that I can to defeat the flu/sick season before it enters the door at my home. Here are a few tips that I do:

1. Proper hygiene techniques. Make sure your children know how to hand wash. This is extremely important even when we are not entering the flu season.

2. Family Day at the doctor. Schedule everyone a flu shot. While you may still get sick or get the flu, it is better in my opinion to take that chance and get the shot, that way you do not end up in worse shape. The flu sucks, you know as a mom you cannot deal with that and your everyday house chores, just think about your child, do you really want that pain when you know there is a ‘chance’ to prevent it.

3. Teach the proper sneezing techniques. This is important for kids to learn even in school so they don’t spread so many germs.

4. Lots of hand sanitizer. My 5^th grader has a little pocket bottle that he takes to school that he is supposed to use after every contact use of whatever it may be, after the restroom, before lunch, after each sneeze, etc…

5. Lysol wipes, sprays… I am in love with Lysol (hence the reason I jumped on this opportunity!). It is my go-to spray, cleaner defeater of germs. When someone in the house is sick, I generally spray down their ‘area’ in the house with the spray and then of course I always use the wipes to clean the tables, dressers where those boogie wipes sit and pile up.

Keeping my family free from sneezing, achy, runny noses is extremely important to me. I do enjoy the time I share with my family, but to have one of them sick is no fun even when they do stay home from work or school. Plus I do like to have my mommy alone time when Baby B takes her nap!

Keep your family sick-free this flu season… Did I miss a tip? Please share so I can incorporate it!

*****

About Lysol
We do more not just because we can, but because we must. Health matters. To all of us. That's why we've started the Lysol Mission for Health. With new mom programs, healthy habits initiatives in schools and disaster relief efforts, we are dedicated to doing more for health. Our mission is fueled by passion and backed by our expertise in killing germs. So when you use Lysol at home, you'll know you're a part of something bigger.

More info on Lysol: http://www.lysol.com/mission-for-health

Lysol on Facebook

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Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Lysol blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Nursery: Preparing for Baby

2011-09-24T10:44:00.001-04:00

Are you expecting?

Are you a first-time mom? Or is this your 2^nd, 3^rd pregnancy?

Two years ago, I was preparing for the arrival of my 2^nd child, my little bundle of joy, Baby B! The good thing about being an experienced mother I felt like, I had the experience to know what to do with our nursery; because I felt I learned from my 1^st child. Honestly, I was just as scared to have my 2^nd as I was to have my 1^st!

I do have some tips for you as either a “New Mom” or an “Experienced Mom” to what worked best for me, the good thing is I now have baby experience in both sexes! :D

My TEN tips for preparing for your baby:

Most IMPORTANT tip is your CRIB! Make sure that your crib meets all of the safety regulations. You will want to make sure that your crib is not a drop rail crib, while yes that style was in long time ago and yes it does make getting baby out easier. They are just NOT safe. I recommend a Convertible bed, that way you spend one lump sum for a bed that can be used throughout the next few years!
One other extremely IMPORTANT tip is your CARSEAT! Make sure that your car seat makes all of the safety regulations as well, this is important! And yes I know that people love to buy consigned things but some things like carseats in my opinion you need to buy new. You know when you buy the carseat new that it has never been in a wreck! Also you really a 5-point harness in your carseat and a LATCH system works wonders!
Baby Proofing: This is another extremely important thing to do and it is truly best to it NOW rather than later; why? So you or your significant other is not running around trying to plug in outlets and put those lock things on the cabinet with baby pulling at your shirt trying to distract you!
Make the switch to a more natural, safe laundry detergent. I prefer a clear and free detergent for all clothes involved in the house hold, so that way if baby’s onesie gets thrown into the pile in brothers stinky gym shorts, you do not have to re-wash them, well after second thought you may want to, lol
While you are making switches, switch to a more all natural cleaning products, have you thought about every time you spray that disinfectant the residue that is left floating in the air? Those particles will go and go before they land, make sure that place they are going to land is baby’s nose or mouth!
Remove all small objects in baby’s reach, now you may ask yourself how do you know what to pick up and what I do not have to worry about. Get on your knees or have your friend who has a toddler come over, you will know what you need to move!
Prepare your diaper changing station. You will want to stock up on all natural diapers or in my case, cloth diapers. However even though we use cloth diapers we still use disposables at night, and while I have never cloth diapered a newborn, I would prepare with a ton of Seventh Generation diapers and wipes. You will want to get some alcohol prep wipes, Vaseline (in case you are having a boy), some lanolin or butt cream and have it all readily available at your station. When you put baby on the station you cannot leave baby to go find and collect all that you need.
Prepare a MOBILE diaper changing station. I use a little tote I have and have all the essentials listed above in it and it is placed in our living room area.
WASH all clothes before baby’s arrival and have your delivery bags packed, nothing like running around trying to get things together with you water broken!
Enjoy your last few weeks. I know it is hard to say that when you are 40 pounds over, in my case almost 60 with my daughter. Enjoy your time as a family of 2, 3, 4, before the arrival of baby; because no matter what anyone says, your life as you know it does change and shift into every direction until everyone gets used to the new baby!

Casing point, have fun, enjoy your new life as either a mommy of 1 or a mom of 3. You will find that tweaking a tip of mine to better suit your needs may be needed, just because I am a mother of two I surely do not claim to be an expert! There are things I would do different if I were to get pregnant again.

Do you have any tips to add? Please do so in the comments!!

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About Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation is the nation’s leading brand of household and personal care products that help protect human health and the environment. Established in 1988, the Burlington, Vermont based company remains an independent, privately-held company distributing products to natural food stores, supermarkets, mass merchants, and online retailers across the United States and Canada.

About Seventh Generation Diapers/Wipes

Good to know that Seventh Generation is tuned in to the needs of new moms and their babies. They offer Free & Clear baby-care products that include diapers, wipes and baby liquid laundry detergent. Seventh Generation Free & Clear diapers are free of chlorine, latex, fragrances and petroleum-based lotions and come in a range of sizes from newborn to stage 6. Moms who have used them on their babies report that the diapers are soft to the touch and have exceptional absorbency. And gentle as its diapers, Seventh Generation’s soft, cloth-like Free & Clear Baby Wipes are free of alcohol, synthetic dyes and fragrances and whitened without chemicals containing chlorine.

More info on Seventh Generation: http://www.seventhgeneration.com/

Seventh Generation on Facebook

Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter

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Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seventh Generation blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Do You Play Outside as a Family??

2011-09-21T19:25:00.002-04:00

Do you play outdoors with your kids?

Does your significant other play outdoors with your kids??

Of course, if you have kiddies you know about Nickelodeon, right? What parent does not, right?

Did you know that for the longest time even since my time as a kid myself that Nickelodeon orchestrates a Worldwide Day of Play? Well, they do and I think it is fabulous! Here is a little about the centerpiece behind Nickelodeon’s The Big Help: It is essentially a program to empower kids and families to make healthy lifestyle choices every day.

Not only is playing outside FUN with your kiddies it is also healthy and really easy to do! My daughter as you know is rearing the age of two and loves to play outside; the same goes for my upcoming rising football star my big old ten year old! Playing outside promotes many things: it builds them up physically, boosting their energy (yes, they do need boosts in energy even at two & ten!), it is proven to lower anxiety and stress levels.

Wow, really? Playing outside does all of that? Yes, it really does! I know sometimes it is not feasible to go outside and play, let’s face it, if you live in Maine in January it is not like you can just go outside with your two year old and let them run around and chase bubbles, but you can do some things inside your house or take them to a little gym or something; just turn the TV off!

For us, it is coming to the end of Summer in North Carolina so needless to say we did not play outside during the day too often, we would wait until the evening hours to let the kiddies go outside and run around!

Baby B’s favorite things outside is to run around and chase bubbles, she loves to be pushed in her stroller for outside walks and she loves to ride her trike, but at this age what two year old would not!

Big D’s favorite things outside is anything sports related! Right now we are at the beginning of football season so needless to say that takes up a lot of time OUTSIDE!

As a family of course, my hubby and I are outside with Baby B when she goes out; it is not like we can send her outside to play alone! I think this goes the same like eating dinner together every night as a family.

Some suggestions from OUR FAMILY to YOURS:

Play Hide & Seek
Hopscotch
Frisbee
Hit Golf Balls
Blow Bubbles
Play Catch
Teach your Child how to Throw a Ball (any ball!)
Fly a Kite

Have those kiddies PLAY, PLAY to their heart is content! Just think after a nice family dinner and a bath, they will sleep like BABIES no matter what their age!!

Those who eat together, stay together… Well, those who play together, stay together as well J I guess our family is destined to STAY HEALTHY & ACTIVE TOGETHER!!

So, I hope that you will join my FAMILY & MYSELF on September 24, 2011, kids and families are encouraged to participate in the Worldwide Day of Play to turn off the TV and play outside. Physical activity can improve health, self-esteem and the well-being of children. Teach kids a healthier lifestyle of limited TV time and encourage more physical activities. Clorox 2® is a proud sponsor of Nickelodeon's 8th Annual Worldwide Day of Play.

Visit Clorox2 Play 2Day Pledge hub and make YOUR Pledge!!

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About Clorox2® Stain Fighter & Color Booster:
Getting dirty is much more fun when it's easy to get clean. When the outdoor fun is finished, Clorox2® Stain Fighter & Color Booster gets out the tough stains, so your kids can take part in healthy fun and get dirty over and over again.

About Clorox:
The Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with 8,100 employees and fiscal year 2011 revenues of $5.2 billion. Clorox markets some of consumers' most trusted and recognized brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products, Green Works® naturally derived home care products, Pine-Sol® cleaners, Poett® home care products, Fresh Step® cat litter, Kingsford® charcoal, Hidden Valley® and K C Masterpiece® dressings and sauces, Brita® water-filtration products, Glad® bags, wraps and containers, and Burt’s Bees® natural personal care products. Nearly 90 percent of Clorox Company brands hold the No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in their categories. The company’s products are manufactured in more than two dozen countries and sold in more than 100 countries. Clorox is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where its employees work and live. Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has awarded cash grants totaling more than $84 million to nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges. In fiscal year 2011 alone, the foundation awarded $4 million in cash grants, and Clorox made product donations valued at $13 million. For more information about Clorox, visit www.TheCloroxCompany.com.

More info on Clorox Play2Day

Clorox on Facebook

Follow @clorox on Twitter

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Disclosure: “I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Clorox2® blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

C.G. Ward Photography: Regarding the facebook "Breast Cancer Awareness Ga...

2011-09-01T22:45:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine shared this article with me tonight and I just had to share. As a woman who has went through 4 pregnancies which should have yielded me a total of 5 kiddies, I only have 2. They of course are my WORLD! But this *new* game took me back and there was no way I knew I could not post such a status, knowing the pain I have been through let alone others!

C.G. Ward Photography: Regarding the facebook "Breast Cancer Awareness Ga...: Ok I'm going to be the party pooper. I know someone will get offended. I hope instead of being angry, if you participated in the latest face...

Boo-Boo & the Adventures of Changing Her Diaper

2011-08-10T21:09:00.001-04:00

We interrupt your reading pleasure do the sounds of a toddler running down the halls with a wet diaper!

In her midst she now has to take time out of her busy schedule for that dreaded butt change.

My Princess Boo-Boo is just that a Princess she does not want her butt change, no matter if it is just a pee diaper or a poop. She honestly could care less. So with that said, my sweet little girl who loves everything hates diaper changes.

What do I do? Of course I am not going to let her have her way and either go butt naked all day or wear the sagging diaper. I mean saggy is so last year, you know?!

I go over to our diaper station tote in the living room, grab out the diaper, the wipe, and the butt cream. Grab the Princesses favorite pillow and get it all lay out in the floor.

Then, I call out… "Princess BB it is time for your butt change!"

I hear the pitter pat of feet heading in the other direction with the squeal in her voice and says, "Ah, NO!"

Of course I have to chuckle, she is too darn cute, this whole growing up and becoming her own individual self is just something else so to hear her tell me like it is, well to me is just plain funny.

So on to the diaper change… I say, "Princess BB, get your butt change and you can watch Blue's Clues?"

Princess BB says, "Umm… " (Need I remind you she has to think about this like this is a very extremely difficult decision for her to make!). "NO!"

I then say, "Fresh Beat." BB replies, "NO!" Okay BB, "Get your butt change and watch Bubble, Bubble (Bubble Guppies)." The Princess replies, "Yeah."

Here she comes pitter patting back into the living room to watch her beloved Bubbles. I lay the Princess down on her pillow. I pick up her diaper and wipe and go to un-do her diaper, and she starts the squirm. This is always the fun part of the dreaded butt change. Why I have no idea. I would think getting a nice clean, fresh diaper on would be ideal and pampering for a Princess.

So, I swoop her legs up and do the quickest diapers change ever! And voila, the diaper is changed. I can say that this is the reason why Princess BB wears dresses, so much easier, so much simpler!!

Do you have to fight your toddler for the dreaded butt change? What are your secrets?? Please share!!

*~*

About Huggies
The Huggies® community brings parents together so that you and your babies fully enjoy every day, whatever the day presents. Enjoy the ride with Huggies®.

More info on Huggies: http://www.huggies.com

Like Huggies on Facebook

Follow @huggies on Twitter

*~*

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Huggies blogging program, for a gift card worth $35. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

My Top 10 Healthy Tips to Get Your Kids Ready for Back-2-School

2011-08-08T21:06:00.000-04:00

Are you ready?

Ready for the kiddies to go back to school?

I know I am!! Monday, August 15^th cannot come soon enough!

For the last couple of weeks we have been busy getting things together and getting Big D ready for school. There are many of things to get ready for, with the start of school, is the start of football so things are always hectic around here!

Here are some tips that we do make sure we get a healthy jump start for the school year!

1. Yearly Check-Up. A visit to the doctor is something we do yearly right before school. We do everything here at this appointment, update shot records, and have Big D’s yearly physical up to date.

2. Eye Check-Up. During our regular checkup we get an eye exam, we have had some eye issues in the past so this is really big for us! Did you know that 80 percent of what a child learns is through vision; it is never too early to begin getting regular, comprehensive eye examinations by an eye doctor. Studies show that 50 percent of vision loss can be prevented with an eye exam.

3. Read, Read, Read. Oh the joys of summer reading! Summer reading is highly recommended at our school and to make sure we are up and running ready for school, we get assigned a reading list, which I like to have my son finished a couple of weeks prior to the start of school.

4. Shop Around for the Good Deals on School Supplies. We get our shopping lists ready the last day of the previous school year that is when we get our supply list.

5. Try on Clothes. I recommend going through all of the previous year’s clothes, if they are still in nice shape and still fit add to the new school outfit! It is very cost effective to do that!

6. Tax Free Weekend. Here in North Carolina we have a designated tax free weekend the first weekend of August. It is fabulous, if there is anything left on my list by the time this weekend rolls around, we get everything! Shop Smart!

7. Staying Active. To make sure I do not have a couch potato, playing outside for at least an hour a day is required! lol

8. Getting Back on Schedule. Getting back on the sleeping schedule is the hardest for everyone involved! We start two weeks before school starts with the sleep schedule!

9. Visit the Dentist. Get those teeth cleaned and make sure if there is any dental work that needs to take place it happens prior to school starting so there is not any missing school for appointments!

10.Remind, Remind. Remind them how while sharing is what you should do. Sharing germs is not what you should do! :D Washing hands, sneezing in the inside of your arm!

Those are my 10 tips to get ready for school. What do you do? How do you get ready for school?

*~*

About Transitions Optical, Inc.
Transitions Optical is a joint venture of PPG Industries, Inc. and Essilor International. The first to successfully commercialize a plastic photochromic lens in 1990, today the company is a leading provider of photochromics to optical manufacturers worldwide. Transitions Optical offers the most advanced photochromic technology in the widest selection of lens designs, materials and brand names.

Transitions® lenses are the ideal everyday choice for healthy sight. They are clear indoors and at night. Outdoors, they automatically darken as light conditions change. Transitions lenses provide visual comfort, and enhance visual quality by reducing glare and enhancing contrast, helping you to see better today. Transitions lenses block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays – helping to protect the health and wellness of your eyes – so you can see better tomorrow as well. More info on Transitions Lenses: www.transitions.com

About Eye Didn’t Know That!
Transitions Optical created the Eye Didn’t Know That! program to help people of all ages learn more about healthy vision. The program was developed by a team that includes eyecare professionals, science and education experts, and Transitions Optical, Inc. The Eye Didn’t Know That! website offers materials for children, parents, teachers and eyecare professionals to use to teach and learn more about eyecare basics and the importance of eye health and regular comprehensive eye exams. The information includes fact sheets, games, quizzes, lesson plans and free downloadable materials. To learn more and to find out what makes your friends and family say “Eye Didn’t Know That!” visit www.eyedidntknowthat.com.

Transitions Lenses on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/transitionsslenses

Follow @transitions on Twitter

Transitions Lenses on YouTube

*~*

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Transitions Lenses blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here

10 tips and tricks to get your kids to eat more vegetables

2011-07-27T18:35:00.001-04:00

If you have kids, you probably have had this issue come up… Veggies…

Time after time there has been some stiff competition come dinner time in our family when it comes to veggies. It is that un wanted visitor that my son grew to love, why you may ask, because as the parent I needed him to eat them, in order for him to eat them, I needed to be creative.

Here are my ten tips on how I got my son to eat his veggies:

1. Snazzy veggies. Spice them up. With my son, just throwing some random veggies on his plate from either the produce dept. (washed of course) or opening a can, they needed that 'umph' to them, throw in some coarse sea salt or a pinch of garlic, and freshen them up!

2. Cut them up. Cut them in to shapes! Or better yet, shred the carrots, my son loved shredded cooked carrots verses regular old carrots!

3. More meat, please. I only will give more servings of mac & cheese or meat after all veggies have been ate! Do not give in! P.s. I tend to put less meat or mac & cheese in the beginning to interest the eating all of the veggies.

4. Try, try again. Just like when you started giving your child baby food. Just because your child hates the peas the first time, does not mean that they will hate peas forever! Try it again, but do something more!

5. Sneak it in. Sneak the veggies in when you can! I love making Banana Zucchini bread/muffins! My son absolutely loves them! Or carrot muffins, yummy!!

6. Add to other dishes. Maybe your child has a hard time eating the peas and carrots by themselves. Add it to some brown rice and make mixed veggie rice!

7. Dipping Sauce please. Yes, Ranch is the go – to sauce here at our house, but ranch can be healthy, use light ranch and keep it under the recommended amount, remember sometimes you have to give in for them to eat veggies and I think it is perfectly okay to do so!

8. Add some flare. At dinner time, add a nice creamy yogurt sauce seasoned with dill, sea salt and pepper to dip, you can also add some fresh cucumber to it as well!

9. Take them shopping. Show them the different veggies, purchase different veggies. Purchase one that you, yourself have not had in a while and try it together!

10. Have fun. I am a big advocate of letting your child help you cook. Nothing makes them prouder and more wanting to eat something knowing that they helped create it!

The funny thing is I went through this with my son, now I am going through it with my daughter! However, she is a lover of peas and other veggies! I hope some of my tips can help you fight the anti-veggie in your family!!

Until next time, Peas and Carrots!

*~*

About Peas and Thank You
Peas and Thank You is a collection of recipes and stories from a mainstream family eating a not-so-mainstream diet. It's filled with healthy and delicious versions of foods we've all grown up enjoying, but with a Mama Pea twist—no meat, lots of fresh ingredients and plenty of nutrition for growing Peas. From wholesome breakfasts to mouth-watering desserts, there's plenty here to satisfy the pickiest Peas in your life. It's easier than ever to whip up crowd-pleasing meals that will have the whole family asking for, "more, Peas." Sarah Matheny's delicious recipes and entertaining stories draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to her blog, peasandthankyou.com each month, where she makes raising a vegetarian family easy and fun. She is the author of "Peas and Thank You: Simple Meatless Meals the Whole Family Will Love."

More info: http://peasandthankyou.com

Peas and Thank You: Simple Meatless Meals the Whole Family Will Love [VIDEO]

Peas and Thank You on Facebook

Follow @Mama_Pea on Twitter

Buy the book: Peas and Thank You

*~*

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Peas and Thank You blogging program for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here

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10 tips and tricks to get your kids to eat more veggies

2011-07-27T18:18:00.000-04:00

2011-07-27T18:10:00.002-04:00

10 tips and tricks to get your kids to eat more vegetables

2011-07-27T18:01:00.007-04:00

Why Virginia Beach?? Why Not!!

2011-07-11T23:26:00.000-04:00

Virginia Beach is absolutely gorgeous if you have seen it in photos, it is even more gorgeous if you have seen it in person. Most of my readers do not realize that I live 25 miles south of the Virginia border in North Carolina. Vacationing at the beach, Virginia Beach is a must!!

I believe that everyone should visit Virginia Beach, I think the East coast has some of the most beautifulest beaches ever!

So why Virginia Beach? Well, why not? It has many of things to offer for the girls weekend getaway, to the couples retreat, to the family beach vacation, you name it! Here are some of my reasoning to vacation at Virginia Beach.

Locality~ For me, it is located in an ideal place for vacationing and or getaways. It is in driving distance, which for means if I am bringing my family I would prefer to drive then pack a ton of luggage and fly!
Beaches~ The sandy beaches with the gorgeous horizon first thing in the morning is absolute gorgeous! Take the buckets and the kids and start building those sand castles or better yet just take the kids and watch others do the sand castles and sculptures!
Catch the Waves~ The East coast has some awesome summertime waves, pull that boogie board out of the closet before you head to V.B. and catch some waves!
Dolphin Watching~ One of the best things that you can do at Virginia Beach, hop on a boat with the girls, with the lover, or with the loves of your life and see some dolphins, how awesome is that
Visit the Aquarium~ I love aquariums! And V.B. has one of the best ones! I love taking my kids and learning about the different species
Food, Seafood!! Local and fresh. There are many different types of restaurants and shacks readily available to serve you the food you want especially seafood!
Visit the King Neptune Statue~ It is awesome so why not! I love Greek mythology so this is one of my favorites! What is there not to love about a 34-foot statue! Plus, it is a perfect photo op.
Go to FunkFest~ Perfect for the girls weekend out or the couples weekend away. Lots of fun with live music and toes in the sand.
Family Great Adventures Series~ Perfect if you have older kiddies like me, who does not love a good mystery! I am from the Scooby Doo Mysteries era, I love solving mysteries and so does my son.
Pier Fishing~ Make sure to go fishing after all you are at the beach and pier fishing well is just fun! Even if you do not want to keep what you catch, it is the fun in the reel! It is all about the reel!!

So what are you waiting for pack that bag and head to Virginia Beach!!

So there are my reasonings in why I love vacationing in Virginia Beach. What are yours?

*~*

About Virgina Beach
Virginia Beach entices visitors to “Live the Life” year-round! Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Virginia Beach is four hours southeast of D.C. by car and within a day’s drive or less from two-thirds of the U.S. population. For visitor information, call 1-800-VA-BEACH (800/822-3224) or visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com for online trip planning. For media information and digital images, click on www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com/pressroom. Please
follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/vabeachcvb and on Facebook.

Virginia Beach Resources
More info on Virgina Beach: http://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/visitors/

Virgina Beach on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VirginiaBeachVA

Follow @VaBeachCVB on Twitter

Things to Do with Kids in Virginia Beach

ShoreLines Blog – “With the Kids”

First Landing State Park

A Couple’s Retreat

FLICKR

*~*

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Virginia Beach Tourism blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

My 10 Time-Saving Mom Tips!

2011-06-22T16:08:00.000-04:00

Life as a Mom, busy? Really? No way? I never received that memo!!

I am a wife of a chef and a mommy of two: one 10 year old son who plays sports and is extremely popular so tons of outings and one 19 month old daughter who is at the top of her game! I am also a mom who operates two direct sales businesses with recruits and all, as well as a helper on a friend’s facebook boutique page. With that said, no, of course I am not busy!

I have some tips, ten that is time saving tips for moms alike!

1. Grocery Shopping: I am sure that you are aware that grocery shopping is time consuming, very time consuming. Tips to save time to grocery shop is to make a list, go alone (that means do not take the kids!! Leave them home with Daddy) and go late evening or night time! So many people go around the same time, meaning go in the off times, just like off season!!

2. Running Errands Alone: This goes along with the grocery shopping topic, but if you can get out for an hour to run errands, pay bills, go to the post office; try to go alone, you are more able, you do not have to get the baby out of the carseat in and out or put them in the buggy in and out or stop them from crying or whatever the issue may be. Try to go alone! Remember they are Daddys kids too!!

3. Plan a Weekly Dinner Plan: This saves aptitudes of time. Planning also can save money too! When you take time to plan you take less time trying to figure out dinner plans! I do not know how many times, my husband and I are discussing what are we going to do for dinner and we talk about it for sometimes 20 minutes, that is 20 minutes we do not get back!

4. Set a Weekly Schedule: Weekly schedules can save time for moms and their families, if you know where you are suppose to be and you have a plan it takes less time to figure out what is next.

5. Have School Aged School Kids Get Clothes Ready the Night Before! Point simple and saves time for you in the morning!

6. Pack Lunches for the Next Day the Night Before! This saves time during those early mornings and allows you not to stress!

7. Start Your Laundry Early: When you are a stay at home mom like me, as soon as you wake up, start that washer. I hate sitting and waiting to finish laundry because I did not start it sooner!

8. DVR! Really, a DVR. Record those shows and watch them after they have recorded, a DVR is a life saver, I know for me in my house there is no way that I can sit down for an hour without interruptions, I am better to DVR a show and be able to fast forward through those commercials!

9. Shop Online: Nothing better than shopping online, plus you can get some really great deals online and it saves time going out to five different stores in one day with kids! Do you remember back when, when that is what we HAD to do! Ugh, thank you internet, oh how I love thee!

10. Last but certainly not least, the most important of my tips, Take Time for Yourself: Wait, you may ask, how is that time-saving? It helps the stress of the days and everyday life which ultimately when you take time for yourself you are more rejuvenated and can do your chores or errands, much faster and efficient.

If you do any of the following of my tips, I guarantee you will have some more time for other things. I just wonder why they cannot add just a few more hours to the day. It would make things much simpler!

*~*

About Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com. Download the Starbucks Card Mobile App Today!

More info on Starbucks: http://www.starbucks.com/

Starbucks on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Starbucks

*~*

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Starbucks blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

My 10 Tips for Keeping My Family Safe on the Road

2011-06-01T19:02:00.000-04:00

Lately, I have been doing a lot of blogging about Summer!!

Why you may ask, well here in my good ole State of North Carolina, we have skipped Spring and went straight into Summer here. This week alone the highs are in the mid 90s, today was 95!!

In the next few weeks, school will be out… So bring on summer vacations…

Okay so you have your bags packed, you are ready to go… but wait have you thought about your safety on the road?? Listed below I will give you ten of my own tips on how I keep my family and myself safe on the road!!

1.      Checking Your Tires Threads ~ Checking the threads of your tires is extremely important as well and this can and will keep your family safe. How many times have you heard of tires un-raveling on the road; I mean granted you cannot stop nature, but if your tires are bald, then why in the World would you leave on a vacation!!

2.      Another spin off on your tires is checking the Pressure ~ This will help your car run smooth as well as save you on gas!!

3.      Windshield, yes your windshield, the 3^rd most important aspect of your car! ~ Think you can ignore a chip in your windshield? Think again! The windshield provides up to 30% of your vehicles structural integrity, and a chip smaller than 6 inches (or the size of a dollar bill) can easily be repaired by filling it with a special resin. Scheduling a windshield chip repair is easy! Companies like Safelite AutoGlass provide mobile service – wherever your car is – often within 24 hours of your initial call.

4.      Tune-Up! Make sure that your car is tuned up; this includes having your oil change, spark plugs, as well as your brakes checked. I definitely recommend having any and all repairs major or minor repaired. Yours and your families’ safety should be the #1 thing besides Grama’s cookies!!

5.      Avoid Speeding in Extreme Weather Conditions; such as Rain ~ Simple adjustments such as lowering your speed and avoiding the sides of the road where the rain collects will keep your car from hydroplaning.

6.      Frequent stops at Rest Areas ~ This is very important, to make sure you the driver are not sleepy, long traveling distances can make you very tired!! Get out and stretch those legs!

7.      GPS or a good ole Map ~ Yes, I am serious!! These two things can keep your family safe! It keeps you from getting lost while on your way to Grama’s house, have you never heard of Little Red Riding Hood?

8.      Cell Phones ~ Make sure your cell phones are completely charged or that you have a cell phone car charger. You never know when you may need your phone!

9.      Headphones for those DVD players ~ This is another important tip for our family, the DVD player is a must have in our car, however it can get distracting, so have those kids plug in those headphones.

10. Sign up for Road-Side Assistance Program ~ This is simple and very useful if you come into the conclusion that you need assistance, anywhere from locking your keys in your car at the rest stop to needing your tire change or even when you ran out of gas!!

Just remember your safety and your families safety is something that is extremely important and Grama will forgive you if you are late, as long as you all arrive safely!! Another thing I want you all to think about is “a chip in your windshield could turn into a crack at any time, often when you are least expecting it. Windshield repair is often a safe and economical alternative to a full windshield replacement.”

Safe Travels!!!

*~*

About Safelite AutoGlass:
Safelite AutoGlass® was founded in 1947. Throughout our more than 60 years of service, our company has grown from a single store in Wichita, Kansas, to a national auto glass provider, serving nearly 4 million customers per year.

Through industry-leading 24-hour instant scheduling, convenient in-shop or mobile service, top-of-the-line materials and SafeTech™ certified technicians, you'll find that Safelite AutoGlass offers superior customer service, value and quality.

More info: http://www.safelite.com

Follow Safelite on Twitter: @safelite

Safelite on Facebook

*~*

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Safelite blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

My 5 Summer Getaways for Kids!!

2011-05-23T16:53:00.000-04:00

School is nearing the end!! Yay for your kids, but now they are going to be home with you all the time, oh no! Help!! So, are you like me and racking your brain of ideas, vacation ideas?

Right now, money is tight; I think it is for some, my list will reflect that! While I think every kid should experience Disney World and while I would love to take my children, it is just not feasible this year, maybe next (keeping a hopeful thoughts).

Visit Out-of-State Family. For me, this is a biggie!! I have family all over the United States, when I was a child, actually when I was my son’s age my grandparents would drive down to North Carolina and pick me up and take me to their house in Maine for two weeks! I believe that every child should be able to go back to their parents’ roots!
Visit Waterpark, for us Emerald Pointe Wet N’ Wild. This is the cheapest yet the most absolutist funfest thing ever to do! I love having a waterpark close by, this is one of the best day~cations that you can experience and generally for cheap. Since we go a lot, and we will this year, we get season passes because it saves us money in the long run! What is better than playing in a pool all day long… well I guess going down slides or playing in the wave pool would be!
Visit the Beach and Explore! We have one of the most beautifulest coast lines I believe and we have tons of light houses and ton of things to do on our coast line. The Outer Banks is beautiful here in North Carolina. I think that all children should experience the pure beauty of the beach along with beach ball fun as well as exploring light houses. How many kids do you know that would not enjoy visiting a light house or walking up the steps to look out one of those light houses!
Fourth of July Festival. I think this one is simple; it is nice for kids to celebrate the Fourth of July and learn! No matter where we go for the Fourth, we always talk about why we celebrate. The pure joy of hot dogs, heat, and fireworks make the Fourth fun and most memorable moments in their childhood! I can still tell you about how my family and I celebrated the Fourth, years ago!
Experiencing Boston, Massachusetts. Some of my most memorable summer days are the times I spent with my Aunt in Boston. I think every child should experience Boston from the Farmers Market to the museums. I believe you can make history fun and by visiting historic places it makes learning much more fun than sitting at home or in a classroom reading about it in a book!

I think that it is important to get out of your house during summer break. If not for your own sanity but for your children's and with that said you allow them to have some out-of-town adventures.

And the best thing?? You get to spend some quality time with your kids, what more could you ask for?

*~*

About Alamo

Founded in 1974, Alamo Rent A Car is a value-oriented, internationally recognized brand serving the rental needs of airport leisure travelers. Alamo offers low rental rates and a hassle-free customer experience at the most popular travel destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia. In addition, Alamo customers in the U.S. are able to conveniently choose their own vehicles, based upon their advance reservation and requested car class, and then simply drive away from the airport.

The Alamo membership club, Alamo Insiders, offers its members numerous perks including exclusive, member-only deals, quick and simple reservations, and frequent traveler miles with each rental.

Become an Alamo Insider

*~*

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Winner! Winner!

2011-05-02T23:20:00.001-04:00

A winner has been randomly drawn and has been confirmed for the "Mommy Whispers" by Jenny Lee Sulpizio!!

Random picked

Which was Ashley who said...

Follow you on Twitter! @thereynoldsmom

CONGRATS Ashley!!

Concussions...

2011-04-27T21:17:00.001-04:00

Football… Basketball… Baseball… Anything remotely boyish…

What am I talking about??

Every parents fear when their child wants to play sports or even go ride a bike, what am I talking about??

Getting hurt, receiving a concussion…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) efforts to promote concussion awareness and proper response, I want to encourage all of my readers that have children of any age to learn more about CDC’s Heads Up programs.

The CDC wants to remind us that traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussion, is a serious public health problem in the United States. Each year, traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. Data shows that, on average, approximately 1.7 million people die, are hospitalized, or are seen in an emergency department for a traumatic brain injury annually. Almost half a million emergency department visits for TBI that occur each year are among children aged 0 to 14 years.

This is my fear! It truly is, when my son came home last year from school with his permission form in hand… Football… Not only football, but tackle football… He was 9 years old, maybe it was time for me to let him play, he knows the game, my only thought, my only fear was him getting hurt.

Why is this important? Children and teens are more likely to get a concussion or TBI and take longer to recover than adults.

So what is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can literally cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging the brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain. What you might not know is that these chemical changes make the brain more vulnerable to further injury. During this window of vulnerability the brain is more sensitive to any increased stress or injury, until it fully recovers.

It’s important for parents, athletes, and coaches to know about concussion!!

So what should you do if you think your teen has a concussion?

CDC developed the following 4-step Heads Up Action Plan to help you protect your child or teen if you suspect they have a concussion:

1. Keep your teen out of play. If your child or teen has a concussion, her/his brain needs time to heal. Don’t let your child or teen return to play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says he or she is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first—usually within a short period of time (hours, days, or weeks)—can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of having long-term problems. In rare cases, repeat concussions can result in edema (brain swelling), permanent brain damage, and even death.

2. Seek medical attention right away. A health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child or teen to return to sports.

3. Teach your child or teen that it’s not smart to play with a concussion. Rest is key after a concussion. Sometimes athletes wrongly believe that it shows strength and courage to play injured. Discourage others from pressuring injured athletes to play. Don’t let your child or teen convince you that s/he’s “just fine.”

4. Tell all of your child or teen’s coaches and the school nurse about ANY concussion. Coaches, school nurses, and other school staff should know if your child or teen has ever had a concussion. Your child or teen may need to limit activities while s/he is recovering from a concussion. Things such as studying, driving, working on a computer, playing video games, or exercising may cause concussion symptoms to reappear or get worse. Talk to your health care professional, as well as your child or teen’s coaches, school nurse, and teachers. If needed, they can help adjust your child or teen’s school activities during her/his recovery.

Okay, so football season went well for my son, no concussions, no injuries. We survived football season, I may have lost a few years off of my life due to the stress, though! I will say that there were a few hits to other kids that made me think, made me wonder. There was twice on two different occasions that EMS was called and they back-boarded the child up and took them to the hospital. It was a paralyzing fear; fear that my child would be next, praying to God to keep him safe.

My fear has recently came back, why you may ask?

Because my now 10 year old has come home with that permission form in hand.

What can I do to keep him safe?

I’m not sure to be perfectly honest. I suppose with the correct training from his coach, words of advice from his parents, and protection from all of his equipment, is anyone ever really safe?

In addition to this, the Heads Up campaign includes tailored educational materials and messages developed for specific audiences, such as:

• Health Care Professionals:

o Heads Up: Brain Injury In Your Practice

o Heads Up to Clinicians, mild TBI guidelines

• Sports Coaches and Administrators:

o Heads Up: Concussion in High School Sports

o Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports

• School Professionals:

o Heads Up to Schools: Know Your Concussion ABCs

To learn more about the Heads Up initiatives and to order your own materials, visit http://www.cdc.gov/concussion.

Please share your stories with me! Are you a parent of a child who has received a concussion? Or are you a coach that has had a player receive a concussion? What are your thoughts? Your concerns?

*~*

Other resources:

*~*

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in a SocialMoms blogging program for which I may receive a thank you kit.” For more information on how you can participate, click here.

"Mommy Whispers" by Jenny Lee Sulpizio Review & Giveaway

2011-04-20T15:32:00.002-04:00

With Mother's Day approaching, I was excited to receive this book and be able to share it with you all!

"Mommy Whispers" is a keepsake children's book that depicts the special relationship between a mother and her daughter through each stage of their lives and ultimately, the power of prayer and faith in God throughout it all.

Mommy B's thoughts:

"Mommy Whispers" is about a mother and her daughter and the mother's love towards her daughter. The message I receive from this book is that no matter how old your daughter is, she will always be your gift, your gift from God.

I absolutely love this book! I love the message behind it as well and I find myself thinking about the particular quote throughout the day and have found myself saying it to my daughter as she is going to sleep at night, because truly she is my gift from God, our miracle baby girl.

"You are God's gift to me, forever you will be"

*~*

About Jenny Lee Sulpizio

-is a wife, business owner and mother of three residing in Boise, Idaho. She is an alumnus of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Kansas State University and enjoys tapping into her creative side whenever she gets the chance. She is actively involved at her church, her children's school, and in her community. "Mommy Whispers" is her first publication.

About Peg Lozier (Illustrator)

-is an award winning portrait painter and illustrator whose work is known for color, whimsy, and a sense of fun. Raised in Boulder, Colorado, she now lives with a plethora of pets in Las Vegas, Nevada. More of her work may be seen at www.peglozier.com.

*~*

You can find Jenny Lee Sulpizio here:

*~*

Buy it: You can purchase "Mommy Whispers" on Jenny's webpage, on amazon, or on B&N!

Win it: Jenny has graciously offered one lucky Mommy B reader a copy of their very own "Mommy Whispers"

*~*

Mandatory Entry:

Please visit Jenny Lee Sulpizio's website and follow her via GFC (Google Friend Connect)

Bonus Entries:

(+1 entry for each of the following)

*be a gfc follower of The Adventures of Mommy B*

*like Jenny Lee Sulpizio on Facebook*

*like TAoMB on Facebook*

*follow Jenny on Twitter*

*follow TAoMB on Twitter*

*Tweet this giveaway: 2x a day*

" #Win "Mommy Whispers" #book by @JennySulpizio on @SemiCrunchyMomB Blog http://tinyurl.com/3wwdjsj Ends 4/29 RT "

Giveaway Ends Friday, April 29th!!

Disclosure: I received a copy of "Mommy Whispers" to review, no monetary compensation was made. The opinions expressed our of those that our mine and yours may differ. Because I do not directly ship prizes, Mommy B cannot be held liable for lost or not received prizes, please allow 4-6 weeks

I'm Featured on The Adventures of Curly Tot!!

2011-04-15T09:44:00.000-04:00

I am a featured blogger over at The Adventures of Curly Tot,

Please head on over to her lovely blog to learn more about my experience with Cloth Diapers!!

Cooking with Coca-Cola

2011-04-13T14:34:00.002-04:00

Mmmm…. Coca-Cola… Oh how I love thee!

…Really I do…

Every morning I pop open a fresh can of Coca-Cola to start my day, it is my piece of Heaven first thing in the morning, my coffee. So now you are wondering, why in the world is she talking about drinking a Coca-Cola, because the next best thing to drinking a Coca-Cola is eating a nice passed down recipe that has Coca-Cola in it!

I have your attention now, huh? My great grandmother use to cook a Sunday meal for her entire family when I was younger, I remember this, it used to be my grandmother’s entire family, my mom & I along with my Aunt and her husband, then my grandmother’s two brothers, their wives, and their kids, every Sunday, your true southern Sunday family dinner at lunchtime!

My great grandmother then passed away and my grandmother took over tradition, granted things feel apart and my grandmother only now cooks just for her family and we do it every other Sunday! Which brings me to one of my most favoritest recipes: Coca-Cola Chicken. Coca-Cola and chicken are my most favoritest things!! But, together, yum!!

Coca-Cola Chicken

1 can Coke

1/4 cup Ketchup

Boneless Skinless Chicken

First you want to cut your chicken in strips. Next, pour the Coca-Cola and Ketchup over in a baking dish. You will want to cook at about 350 degrees for about 45-60 minutes. Serve with rice and veggies, yummy!!

My wonderful husband who is a fantastic cook loves to grill and I love for him to grill! He loves to cook and do his own recipes, so this next one does not have specifics as I am not sure, however I absolutely love it!!

Adam’s Coca-Cola Grilled Chicken

Herbs, spices

Salt, pepper

Butter

Full chicken

Can of coke

First you will want to start your grill, get it a going! Next, you will want to stuff the chicken with an opened can of Coke. Sounds yummy already huh? You will then rub the butter, semi melted or soft, basically room-temperature butter all over the chicken, and then rub the herbs, spices over the chicken. Wrap some tin-foil around chicken, put in the grill. Cook. Then take tin foil off and cook some more. You will want to use a thermometer and make sure your chicken is cooked thoroughly.

I love both of these recipes! If you try them, please let me know!

Do you have any Coca-Cola recipes you would like to share with us??

*~*
About Coca-Cola®
Created in Atlanta, Georgia, by Dr. John S. Pemberton, Coca-Cola was first offered as a fountain beverage by mixing Coca-Cola syrup with carbonated water. Coca-Cola was introduced in 1886, patented in 1887, registered as a trademark in 1893 and by 1895 it was being sold in every state and territory in the United States. In 1899, The Coca-Cola Company began franchised bottling operations in the United States.

More info: www.cookingwithcoke.com

Join Coca-Cola® on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cocacola

Join Coca-Cola® on Twitter: http://twitter.com/cocacola

*~*

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Coca-Cola® blogging program. If I am one of the first 100 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 gift card. For more information on the program, click here.

TheraBreath Review

2011-04-12T14:04:00.000-04:00

Do you have stinky breath? or been told that you have bad breath?

or maybe need something more than what you have...

What is TheraBreath?

TheraBreath, an oral hygiene product line, is a manufacturer of a wide range of toothpastes, toothbrushes, gum disease treatment, teeth whitening kits, and other oral care items. The product line was introduced in 1994 and currently has sales in 58 countries. The formula used in the TheraBreath product line is based on the research of Doctor Harold Katz, a medical professional with credentials in both dentistry and microbiology.

TheraBreath's Mission:

Effortlessly cleaning out that dirty mouth of yours,

so no one will ever know how bad your breath really was.

As Seen on TV!

TheraBreath has been featured on many shows including Good Morning America, CBS Early Show, The View, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet where Dr. Katz measures bad breath with a device and discusses how to deal with issues like halitosis, bad breath, dry mouth, and taste disorders.

Oh the Products:

(what TheraBreath offers)

Starter Kits

	Mouthwashes

	Toothpaste and Toothgels

	Sprays and Drops

	Gum, Mints, & Strips

	Money-Saving Bonus Paks

	Family Size Paks

	Aktiv-K12 ProBiotics

	Teeth Bleaching

	Oral Care Accessories

	Travel Size

	Tonsil Stones Solutions

	Pet Products

Other Breath Products

Mommy B's thoughts:

After using TheraBreath products for a few weeks, I can tell the difference in my old tooth paste and mouth rinse. I can noticed the difference instantly after using TheraBreath for the first time, morning breath gone and did not linger. Sometimes my morning breath would not be all gone after using some of the name brand tooth paste products. One thing that I love about TheraBreath is the lack of alcohol, so your mouth does not seem like it is going to detach from my face and run off!

Another thing I really enjoyed were the mouth lozenges, they were fantastic! They keep your mouth fresh & happy and help you maintain away from bad breath!! I can easily say that I love all of the products and that I highly recommend them! And especially to anyone who may suffer from bad breath and be too embarrassed to admit!

You can find TheraBreath here:

Twitter

Disclosure: I received some TheraBreath products for my reviewing pleasures, no monetary compensation was made for my post. These are my opinions and yours may differ!

BlogMania Winner is....

2011-04-12T12:26:00.003-04:00

...after going through each entry, there were a total of 500 valid entries!! 362 event entries, 138 early entries...

Thank you EVERYONE who visited TAoMB!! I hope you stick around for some more future goodies!!

without further adoo.. Random.org picked...

"Something for Everyone" Prize Package BlogMania Winner:

KAREN PROPES!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

I have emailed you! You have 72 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen!!

* Adventures with Lori *

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Breasts With Cheddar Mustard Sauce

Pretzels & Mustard...

Ingredients

4 plastic food storage bags

Preparation

Spreading Holiday Cheer!

Do You Smell That???

Have You Heard of Real Moms Love to Eat by Beth Aldrich and Food Affairiates??

My Tips on Keeping My Family Healthy!

Nursery: Preparing for Baby

Do You Play Outside as a Family??

C.G. Ward Photography: Regarding the facebook "Breast Cancer Awareness Ga...

Boo-Boo & the Adventures of Changing Her Diaper

My Top 10 Healthy Tips to Get Your Kids Ready for Back-2-School

10 tips and tricks to get your kids to eat more vegetables

10 tips and tricks to get your kids to eat more veggies

10 tips and tricks to get your kids to eat more vegetables

Why Virginia Beach?? Why Not!!

My 10 Time-Saving Mom Tips!

My 10 Tips for Keeping My Family Safe on the Road

My 5 Summer Getaways for Kids!!

Winner! Winner!

Concussions...

"Mommy Whispers" by Jenny Lee Sulpizio *Review & Giveaway*

I'm Featured on The Adventures of Curly Tot!!

Cooking with Coca-Cola

TheraBreath *Review*

BlogMania Winner is....

"Mommy Whispers" by Jenny Lee Sulpizio Review & Giveaway

TheraBreath Review