Thursday, April 28, 2011

You say Potato, I say STOVE TOP Stuffing (Giveaway)

Let's face it too much of any one thing including the beloved potato is boring. Why not surprise the family by going the “unpotato” route and try STOVE TOP Stuffing tonight?

I like to serve Stove Top stuffing with chicken and french style green beans.  It's also yummy paired with pork chops and a side of corn.  The kids love it.  In fact, when the kids here I am serving stuffing that night it tends to create a buzz of excitement around the table.

Did you know there are 8 original flavors of boxed stove top stuffing (chicken, lower sodium chicken, whole wheat chicken, pork, turkey, savory herbs, traditional sage, and corn bread) as well as 3 canister options ( 8 oz chicken, 12 oz. chicken, and 12 oz homestyle herb)?

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Kachooz! Pencil Toppers (Review + Giveaway)

Toymaker MGA Entertainment is at it again with what is certain to be another must have item for school age kids and tweens. Soon no pen or pencil will be complete without being topped with a Kachooz!™ What's a Kachooz! you ask? They are a collectible line of furry pencil toppers that come with different hair textures and colors. Kids can brush them, style them, or spin them on their writing utensils pencils to create the perfect look for this little furry friend.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Canceled Due to Rain

Rain, rain, go away!  I know there are some parents that practically do a rain dance in hopes their child's sporting event will be canceled on a particularly cold or rainy day, but I'm not one of those parents.  I loathe the words "canceled due to rain" and with the weather here in Chicago lately, we've heard them often.  Each drop outside falls into a puddle of disappointment I ultimately find myself trying to dry up.

I'll dress warmer and bring my rain gear, so my child can have the chance to do what they love to do.  Oh how I love to watch them put every last ounce of themselves into a race or game.  Such speed, such determination, if I could bottle that child's desire to be the best I'd be a wealthy mom.  The agony of defeat isn't so fabulous, but hey at least he got to play.

Giveaway Results

The winner of The Little Engine that Could DVD giveaway is #63, theyyyguy

The winner of the Tonka Chuck & Friends Big Air Dare DVD giveaway is #7, Jacquelyn C.

The winner of the Little Tikes 2-in-1 Garden Cart giveaway is # 139, Sarah C.

The winner of the Family Movie Night Giveaway is #4, Stephanie P.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Pampers Celebrates 50 Years of Miracles: I'm helping, will you?

Pampers is turning 50! Pampers honors these 50 years of parenting by unveiling its Little Miracle Missions program, which seeks to celebrate, support and protect babies everywhere through acts of kindness to little miracles (babies) and their families, while encouraging parents to “pay it forward” and support others. 

Saturday, April 23, 2011

William and Kate (TLC's Royal Wedding Week)


Do you love weddings, royalty, and British accents? Are you surfing the web and tv for coverage on the impending wedding of Prince William and Kate? If you are craving more, you can tune in to TLC for a week-long event of royal programming starting Sunday, April 24 and leading up to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday, April 29.

Friday, April 22, 2011

A Spring Classic: Exclusive Hummingbird Cupcakes Recipe

Hummingbird Cake was featured in Southern Living magazine in 1978 and is, according to their website, the most requested Southern Living recipe of all time. Where the recipe came from originally, however, is up for some debate. Mrs. L.H. Wiggins, a Jamaican émigré who had moved to the South, submitted it to the magazine, but where she got the recipe from is unclear. As is often the case with legends, though, facts are kind of beside the point. The popularity of this beloved spring celebration dessert speaks for itself.

Moist and flavorful and often compared to carrot cake in taste (but without carrots), Hummingbird Cake is filled with loads of yummy things, like canned pineapple and ripe bananas.

Egg Decorating with PAAS

Time is ticking ... better get those eggs ready before the bunny arrives!  Coloring and Decorating Easter Eggs proved to be a lot of fun and super easy with the help of a few provided PAAS Egg Decorating Kits.  This year you can find the following kits for just $2.99 at major grocery, drug store, and mass merchandiser chains nationwide.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

New Theatre set to open in Chicago Area and Upcoming Movie News

There are so many great movies coming out this Spring & Summer!  My email box is overflowing with movie news and I wanted to take a moment to list a few so you can make a mental note or mark your calendars. I think you'll agree something is bound to appeal to one of you family members.

But first some info for local Chicago-land area readers: 

Breaking News: EASTER CANCELED

A couple days ago the twins busted into my closet unearthed the apparently "not so secret" basket supplies and ate their chocolate bunnies. This morning they decided to eat some of the hard boiled decorated eggs without asking. Harmless enough, but they grew impatient with peeling them and put boots on to stomp them open "wine grape" style (all in a matter of 2 minutes of course).

Is anyone else struggling to keep the whole "bunny magic" element alive this Easter?  I'm failing miserably this year and I'm not exactly sure why.  Perhaps I'm getting careless in my old age?  Maybe I've become a bit laissez-faire about the whole thing after doing it for 16 years?  Anyone else found this whole process much harder when you are trying to pull it off for the 4th and 5th child?  It's definitely harder to keep it all mystical and amazing when you have older kids around who might inadvertently spill the "jelly" beans on the whole process. 

Winner of the Kraft Ultimate Sandwich Giveaway

... and the winner is #79, AltusBecky!

http://andtwinsmake5.blogspot.com/2011/04/whats-your-ultimate-sandwich-giveaway.html

Kick Back with the Girls @Outback (Giveaway)

It may be "Spring Break" around here for the kids, but breaks are but a youthful memory when you are a mommy of 5.

The last time I kicked back with the girls?  Hmm ... Does my baby shower for my soon to be 3 year old twins count?  No?  Ahh ... Nothing else even comes to mind.  I guess I am a wee bit overdue.   However, that's about to change since Outback is giving me TWO Kick Back with the Girls at Outback Dinner for 4 Experiences to get together with the girls!  One 4 person experience* ($90 total in gift cards) is for me to share with my girlfriends and the other is for ... one of you!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Little Tikes Cozy Truck (Review & Giveaway)

It's all about driving in our house lately, Mommy recently traded her car in for a new minivan and oldest brother, JC, just got his license yesterday.

Vroom Vroom!  Our 2.5 year old twins are getting in the act too with their new Little Tikes Cozy Truck provided for our review.  Mommy put the truck together all by herself and the twins headed out in the back patio in their pajamas for a quick test drive.  The truck is great!  It went together without issue in around 15-20 minutes and is very solidly built.  The only tools needed were a screw driver and hammer.  And with it's sturdy design, it will easily be in great enough shape to be passed along to a friend's kids once the twins out grow it in around 3 years (age 5ish and/or 50 lbs.)

The styling is similar to Little Tikes classic cozy coup, the differences being more rugged looking "truck like" wheels and the rear truck bed area with working tailgate for toting a few toys in back.

OREO Cookie Balls perfect for Easter and Spring

This year, our family's spring activities will include plenty of occasions perfect for a fresh batch of Oreo Cookie Ball recipes by Kraft.  We have Easter coming this Sunday, my aunt just moving here from across the country, my brother's wedding, Mother's Day, and my mom's birthday just to name a few.

Spring OREO Cookie Balls

What You Need
6 oz. (3/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 tsp. orange zest
1 pkg. (16.6 oz.) Spring OREO Cookies, finely crushed
2 pkg. (6 squares each) BAKER'S White Chocolate, melted, divided
2 drops each red, yellow and blue food coloring

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Peace of Mind in 160 Characters or less

This is my son's sophomore year of high school.  He's the oldest of five children and was my most needy in terms of my mommy chauffeuring services until today.  Today, JC passed his driving test and proceeded to drive himself to school.  No need for a ride from his minivan driving mom, no need to pack up the twins in the car, JC has his own ride now.  I'm confident he'll do a fine job and in fact, I'd go so far as to say that he's one of the most responsible teenage boys I've ever met.

However, I was beyond thrilled when I received his unrequested but MUCH appreciated text from him upon his safe arrival at school.

Oodles of Jell-o flavors

Being a member of the exclusive Kraft Delicious Byte Blogging Community has certainly had some fun little perks including first looks at special recipes, new product news, and even some terrific giveaways for readers. In fact, I had the chance a month or so back to request flavors of some Jell-o puddings and gelatins our family had never tried. Among the flavors we requested were gelatins in Strawberry Kiwi, Tropical Berry, and Strawberry Acai as well as puddings in Banana Fudge Supreme, Boston Crème Pie, French silk pie, Strawberry Cheesecake & Rice pudding. Yum!

Runny Noses

It's either late winter colds or spring allergies around our home this past week.  I'm not a 100% sure which, but it's likely been a banner week in sales for liquids, Benadryl, Boogie Wipes, and tissues.  The upside to the streams of nasal drippings proved to be the twins demonstrating the lengths one brother will go to for another.  This week true heartfelt sibling love is being measured in the tender wiping of a nose.

Announcing Giveaway Winners

The Puzzle Pod Giveaway closed recently and a winner has been selected, congrats to # 38 (Julie).
The P&G / Target Earth Month giveaway has also closed with # 17 (Carrie K) chosen as the winner.


Sunday, April 17, 2011

Easter: Dinosaur Train Style

Uncle Milton’s newest line for young science and nature fans features characters from the popular kid's tv show Dinosaur Train. We were sent samples from this line to check out firsthand and think the items would be perfect for spring time fun.

One of our favorite items was the Dinosaur Train Hatchers. My twin boys along with the rest of our family watched as Buddy and Tiny hatched from their eggs.  The twins helped me place their eggs in water and wait began for them to crack. Within 24 hours, I was met with "Mommy, the dinosaurs are getting out!" as the characters began to visibly hatch from eggs.  Such a cute idea!

New Olivia episodes today

This Sunday, April 17, you and your child can tune into “Olivia’s Kite Party” and “Olivia Builds a House” from 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Central Time Zone and then “Olivia’s Old West Treasure Hunt” and “Olivia Makes it Rain” from 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Central all on Nick Jr.

Whether Olivia is searching for the school bus key, trying to refill the park pond, creating wind for her kite or building a bigger house for her dad, your little one will definitely want to tune in to see what happens.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Friday

Unless you've been living in a cave, you've no doubt heard all about Rebecca Black and her YouTube rise to Insta-fame this March for what many have described as her rather monotoned repetitive tune titled "Friday". Clearly both worked like a charm for her, as the 13 year old's song has received over 101,729,558 hits as of this posting and sparked hundreds if not thousands of spoofs and parodies including one performed by Stephen Colbert on the Jimmy Fallon Show just the other night.

Needless to say, my older kids have played the original video along with several of the parodies enough (honestly it only takes like twice) that the song is now completely stuck in everyone's head.  Even our two year old twins can't stop singing it.  One need only declare it's "Friday" for the whole tune to start whirling around your head similar to the song that never ends.

It’s Friday, Friday
Gotta get down on Friday
Everybody’s lookin’ forward to the weekend, weekend
Friday, Friday
Gettin’ down on Friday
Everybody’s lookin’ forward to the weekend
Partyin’, partyin’ (Yeah)
Partyin’, partyin’ (Yeah)
Fun, fun, fun, fun
Lookin’ forward to the weekend ...




Happy Friday Everyone!  Sorry in advance for getting this stuck in your heads too.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Step2 Pin Pals Bowling Set (Giveaway)

The Step2 Company has some new products available this Spring and they provided us with one of these neat new items for a review.  The Step2 Pin Pals Bowling Set may look like the average kids bowling pin game at first glance, but the fun doesn't stop at traditional bowling with these pins.

The 10 Step2 pins are designed to also be stacked in various positions for additional fun. And while restacking the pins can become quickly tedious with most toy bowling, it became an intricate part of the fun for us with this one. Our family found that half the challenge was creating a new arrangement for everyone to bowl over.  As a mommy of 5 including twins, I'm also on the hunt for toys that allow for  cooperative multiple play and I found this to be a great one.  The boys easily took turns on who was bowling with the ball and who was setting up the pins.

The durable "Made in the USA" poly construction insures this game is durable enough for inside or outside play, and you'll be happy to note initial assembly is limited to just applying a few cute stickers to the pins.


Enter to Win:

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Must-Have Items for the Diaper Bag

The weather is getting better in most parts of the country which means outings are on the rise.  However, not being fully packed and ready to go at a moments notice can be a downfall of any planned or impromptu adventure.

Here's my checklist of must have items:

wallet (drivers license, credit cards, membership cards, & cash)
cell phone (& charger) preloaded with emergency contacts
diapers, wipes, diaper pad, & & plastic bags to dispose of dirties
snacks & drinks
camera
a few small toys & books
sunblock, hat, sunglasses & band-aids
extra clothing (such as jackets if the weather turns & socks for those no shoes zones)

Giveaway Winners

Hershey's Easter Candy Giveaway winner is #234 theyyyguy.
Schleich Animal Toy Figurines winner is #58 coriwestphal.

Family Movie Night April 16th - Truth Be Told (Giveaway)

Walmart and P&G bring another family movie night to Fox this Saturday with the world premiere of "Truth be Told" starring Candace Cameron Bure, Rony Cox, and David James Elliott.  I had a chance to view portions of this family movie the other day (I could have watched the entire movie but the twins had other plans for me) and I'm anxious to catch the rest of it on Saturday night to see how it ends.

"Truth Be Told" puts the old adage "honesty is the best policy" to the test as the two main characters are mistaken for a family and invited to join media mogul Terrance Bishop (Ronny Cox) at his new Mexico ranch with their children.  Annie (Candace Cameron Bure), Mark ( David James Elliott), and Mark's teenage two children agree to go and tell the truth after both have a quick chance to discuss their potential business ventures with the mogul.  However, telling the truth becomes harder and harder for everyone as they become emotionally connected.

Enter to Win:  In celebration of this latest Family Movie Night, we are giving away a fun little viewing kit along with a copy of the most recent P&G / Walmart Family Movie "Change of Plans" which is now available on DVD.  Leave a comment below to be entered.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure on DVD & Blu-Ray 4/19

From the Producers of High School Musical comes this new release, Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure. The all-new Disney comedy adventure stars the multi-talented Ashley Tisdale, as Sharpay Evans a character first introduced in the ultra popular High School Musical trilogy.

My 10 year old daughter Cordelia practically loaded this Disney provided title in the DVR the moment I removed it from the shipping envelope. She'd known all about this movie was being made for months and brought up numerous times how she couldn't wait to see it.

The movie begins with small town Diva, Sharpay, convincing her parents to let her (& her dog Boi) head off to New York City to pursue her dream of making it in the Big Apple. Sharpay arrives in NYC in head-to-toe pink sequins armed with a dozen or more very pink suitcases and her pink outfitted dog too. Sharpay quickly faces a set of obstacles including a housing issue and the need to adapt her plans for instant stardom around her dog.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Boysterous: New from Manhattan Toy

My daughter has been a huge Groovy Girls fan for years.  It was her go to Birthday gift to others for ages as well, as she wanted all her pals to have some too.  Over time she has collected numerous dolls, outfits, a bed, a scooter, and more.  So when I heard that Manhattan Toy (the makers of Groovy Girls) was releasing a new toy line aimed at boys, I was thrilled.

The new Boysterous soft action figure line from Manhattan Toy seems perfect for the 3-7 year old male age group.  Boysterous features a group of sports-minded figures based on average kids.  The current line-up includes Slap Shot Sam (a hockey player), Touchdown Dylan ( a football player), Shredding Sean ( a snowboarder), Goalie Gavin ( a soccer player), and Half Pipe Pete (a skateboarder). 

The clever inclusion of magnets in each figures feet and hand allow the toy to hold on to their gear themselves. In other words, Shredding Sean can perform a corkside 540 followed by an alley-oop with his board attached and Goalie Gavin can guard goal side or dribble his ball up the line.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Potty Books: A list of Potty Themed Books For Little Ones

I've recently been on the hunt for some books to introduce the concept of toilet training to my 2.5 year old twins.  I noted several titles come in both a boy or girl version for further personalization.  Below please find a list of titles currently available (or coming soon):











Little Tikes Joins Forces with the Sea Turtle Conservancy

To celebrate the 33rd Anniversary of Little Tikes’ beloved Sea Turtle Sandbox, Little Tikes is partnering with the Sea Turtle Conservancy, the world's oldest sea turtle research and conservation group.  Together they will raise awareness about worldwide threats to sea turtles and encourage positive stewardship of ocean and coastal habitats.

Nominate Your Favorite Charity: The Brew-lanthropy Project

Seattle’s Best Coffee, recently announced the Brew-lanthropy Project. They are bringing great coffee where it’s needed most by rewarding non-profit organizations with a coffee makeover and a $5,000 donation. The first award was given to Blackstone Bicycle Works, a community organization on the South side of Chicago, for their dedication to teaching neighborhood kids life lessons through bike mechanics and healthy living.

Is there an organization in your community that is committed to giving back? Wouldn’t it feel good to reward them for their dedication to doing good?  Become a Brew-lanthropist and tell Seattle's Best where to go next.  To learn more about the Brew-lanthropy Project and to nominate a local charity to win the next coffee makeover, visit the Seattle’s Best Coffee Facebook page

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

What’s Your Ultimate Sandwich? (Giveaway)

Ever notice how passionate a discussion about something as basic as a sandwich can become? To some, they are like edible works of art. And like art, everyone has their preference about the creation. Some sandwich enthusiasts would say how you layer individual ingredients has a big effect on the taste. Others are sticklers for nostalgia and comfort, using mom’s tried-and-true recipes. The possibilities are endless when it comes to making the perfect sandwich.

I think one's ultimate sandwich says a lot about a person.  Myself, I am a modern spin on the traditional Grilled Cheese Sandwich. (2 slices of whole wheat bread, 2 slices of Kraft American Cheese, 1 slice Kraft Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Slice, and a tablespoon of orange marmalade.)   So what's that say about me?

Enter to Win:  So what is your ultimate sandwich?  Share your recipe for your "Outstandwich" in a comment below for a chance to win a Breville Panini Duo Sandwich Press.  (One winner will be randomly selected.)

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Do as I say, not as I do / AKA The Twins did WHAT ?!?

"Stephanie?  Can you come down here?  You need to see what the twins have done."

Immediately that sounded bad. Hubby had been on the phone for the last 15-20 minutes with his chatty Grandmother and I'd been pricing tuxedos online for the twins who are going to be ringbearers in my brothers wedding mid-May.  The twins were in the basement playing Star Wars Guys.  We typically don't let them play down there very long alone because it is harder to hear them.  However, the main room has been toddler proofed as has the laundry room side minus a few boxes tossed in there from the recent kitchen remodel.  One box was craft items that all formally resided in a children's craft cabinet.  These craft items included around 6 squeeze bottles of kid's paints.

The twins have been really into arts and crafts lately.  Crayons, markers, chalk, stamping, stickers, gluing things, but we hadn't pulled out the paints in a while.  Clearly a mistake on my part as they've apparently watched Daddy and I painting the walls, cabinets, furniture, and trim of the kitchen with envy.  "Only on paper" has been the phrase of day as we do each art project and with the exception of occasionally going off the side of the paper on to the table or floor, I think they finally get it.  We haven't had a crayon scribble on the walls or table in months.  We never really covered the rules of paint though ...

I went to see what happened and observed what looked like a murder scene on my carpeted basement stairs.  There were large puddles of red paint and a few puddles of brown paint that at first glance looked more like wet blood vs dried.  I walked past that to see a rainbow of colors splattered Jackson Pollock style on removable panels of FLOR carpeting of the exercise portion of the divided room.  I also could clearly see paint spilled on the linoleum floor of the laundry room.  (Deep Breath)

Monday, April 4, 2011

Giveaway Winners

The Winner of the Children's Book Giveaway in honor of National reading Month is #15 Rita M.
The Winner of the Tangled DVD Set Giveaway is #219 Sugar Dipes.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Ultimate Blog Party 2011 at AndTwinsMake5.com

Ultimate Blog Party 2011They are at it again, 5minutesformom.com is hosting another Ultimate Blog Party and we are joining in once again on the fun.  This year's official post about the party can be found on their blog here.  If you are a fellow blogger, you'll want to check it out.  There are even some fun prizes to be won.