How We Survived Our Angry Birds Birthday Party!

My now four-year old was very specific after his Thomas the Tank Engine 3^rd Birthday party (complete with a full-size train), that he now wanted an Angry Birds Birthday Party. Not really much of a fan of the online craze, the search was on to figure out what an “Angry Birds Birthday” was going to be.

Thank goodness, of course, for Pinterest and many other much-more creative momsthat had already “been there, done that” and the posted it online for the rest of us. While I wish I could take credit a lot of the great ideas included here, I was able to pull the best of the best Angry Birds Birthday ideas all into one, and with the help of some very creative and very generous family members, it all came together beautifully.

Disclaimer: I was provided samples of Red Jacket Juice and Sunridge Farms for purposes of a review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

Celebrate Summer Some Way with Ice Cream Sodas!

Today was the FIRST DAY of SUMMER. Can you believe it? And best of all, did you know today was also Ice Cream Soda Day? And there’s nothing more summer than the thought of popsicles, ice cream and even better, an ice cream soda to begin the summer the right way.

Since I’m a huge fan of anything with a little fizz and bubbles – like ginger ale, San Pellegrigio and champagne, it’s no doubt that when I ran across zero calorie Sparkling Ice, I was more than just a little excited. It was like my need to drink more water, not gain weight and not taste like artificial sweeteners all came together into one. Remember back in the day when they had Clearly Canadian? It reminds me of those good ole days (minus the glass bottle I’m thankful it’s not made of since I have two children!)

Anyhow, when my kiddo found my inventory of “mom’s drinks,” he certainly asked to taste one, especially since they come in bright colors that match their flavors. (Sparkling Ice’s collection includes delicious flavors including Coconut Pineapple, Lemon Lime, Kiwi Strawberry, Lemonade, Orange Mango, Pomegranate Berry, Pink Grapefruit, and Black Raspberry.) We’ll once he tasted them, he was on board the Sparkling Ice train, so we started to experiment.

For my four-year old, he helped to pour the Sparkling Ice to make popsicles. Mom made a margarita with the strawberry kiwi flavor. For the family, we decided to make Ice Cream Sodas with the remaining Sparkling Ice. You can try the recipe below for the Ice Cream Soda or there are several Sparking Ice recipes for cocktails online.

Sparkling ICE Cream Soda Recipe

Ingredients

·         Any flavor of Sparkling ICE

·         1/4 cup milk

·         1 cup vanilla ice cream (or 1 large scoop)

·         Can whipped cream (optional)

Directions

·         Pour the milk into one tall 16-ounce glass.

·         Add in ice cream and enough Sparkling Ice to fill almost to top of glass.

·         Top with whipped cream if desired.

·         Serve with a long spoon and a big straw.

What a great way to kick-off a great summer and to do it together as a family. 


***Disclaimer: I was provided Sparkling Ice for purposes of this review, but the opinions expressed here are all my own.

Mama Needs a New Pair of Shoes

Unlike most women, I don’t like shoes. (Pause for gasping.)

We’ll let me paraphrase…I don’t like to wear shoes.

I actually like to look at shoes and even take them out for a walk from time to time, but I’d just rather be barefooted all the time. Unfortunately, the only thing bad about an upcoming trip to Italy is that I have to get a few pair of shoes that are supremely comfortable to wear for several miles of exploring, but have a smidge of style since I only have room enough for two pairs of shoes for two weeks! What I found is that shoes can be a lot more than just footwear. They can have their own personality and even improve your health.

The Predictable: Black Crocs Capri IV Sandal, ($39)

I’m a big Crocs lover, not of their most familiar shoe design, but their sandal line. I’ve had four years to research all the pros and cons of these shoes. They’re versatile, far-beyond comfortable with Crocs technology, minimal design, and reasonably priced at approximately $40. The double-cushioned footbed feels amazing, the little “massage pods” feel nice all day long. I can tell you from experience the only downfall is that if you leave a pair in the sun for several hours, they will shrink, so I pay attention to the warning they give you! However, a few avid travelers told me that Crocs were not the way to do Italy and I needed something more “sturdy.”


However, from looking at some blogs, it seems you either think Crocs are the best or the worst option for traveling. I won’t know which of these camps I’ll be in, but I’ll let you know in August upon my return as I don’t go anywhere without my Crocs – at least not yet.

The Trendy: Tom’s Wedge, ($69) 

A recent birthday party with some moms all discussed their love or hate of Toms. Some of the ladies owned like ten pairs and my side still didn’t get it. I really want to like Tom’s…really. I looked at buying several pairs of them, although I think they are the cutest ugly shoe I’ve seen in a while. But after I yearned for a cute comfortable shoe that I could go to a party or the grocery store and not feel like I looked like “that” mom, I finally broke down and bought the Tom’s Wedge. I considered this style to be an upgrade from the original style and would be so stylish. Once they arrived on the doorstep, I put them on immediately and was pretty depressed. Not so comfortable and actually kind of tight, but thought I needed to break them in. While I got complimented EVERYWHERE I went, my feet hated me even more than they did all swollen at 9 months preggo…I still have hopes, but they just feel like a nice boyfriend that you just couldn’t get yourself to like no matter what.


The Wise One: Dr. Andrew Weil Spirit Sandal, ($90)

In the middle of my research on comfortable shoes, I ran into Dr. Andrew Weil…or at least his line of MOVE-ment sandals. Developed to not only make your feet look good, his podiatrist-designed, biomechanical Tri-planar Motion Control footbed has a deep heel cup that stabilizes, supports and naturally realigns the feet. And since this renowned doctor has focused his line on the mantra walking for life, I knew these shoes had to be comfortable and really great for my feet -- if anything my feet (and my posture) would better than it was before. So to be a little “out-of-the-norm,” I opted for a snake-skin look and put these puppies to work.

I definitely felt the difference. Immediately the way I stood changed in the sandals. The style was cute and certainly above my everyday sandal. Now while the sole was flexible and soft, I have yet to actually put this sandal and the straps to a real “wear-it-all-day” test on my toes. However, I think this shoe might make it a place in my suitcase…maybe not as my long haul option, but as my dressier number for dinners and a change of shoe. I am actually looking into the Restore Sandal for #1 spot, but at $90 I’ll have to save up a little.


The Wild Card: Marchez Vous Claudette ($395)

In my search to “Google” comfortable shoes, I have run across several probably comfortable but very ugly shoes. But that was not the case with Marchez Vous. French for the words “You Walk,” this Italian-made shoe line is designed not only with comfort in mind, but definitely with style and fine craftsmanship. Created by veteran actress-turned footwear entrepreneur Yeardley Smith (probably most-well known voice of Lisa Simpson), this new line of shoe have a personality all their own. Now while I won’t be galloping in these shoes in Italy, I might have to make some space in my case to at least take these babies out to at least frolic.


Not only were these tall platforms rather comfortable for a pair of 4 1/2-inch shoes, but they made me feel like a whole different woman. And apparently that’s exactly what self-professed shoe-aholic Smith wanted when you slip her shoes on. So much so that each shoe has a card inside the box that has a special name and personality for each shoe.
When I opened my box and unraveled the pretty autographed-inspired paper to find:

Once I buckled them across my ankle, I felt like a supermodel with those killer-to-die-for shoes you repin on Pinterest (and I was just walking from my bedroom to the kitchen!) While I may have to find the right dress to match these hot-mama shoes, it'll be worth it if I get the same head-turning looks I felt like they deserve. Time to take Claudette for a test drive (or at least another strut around the house!)
         

Do you have any suggestions for a fabulous shoe that is as comfortable as it is hot? Please let me know and soon since I leave for Italy in just a month!

Disclaimer: I was provided a pair of shoes from Dr. Weil and Marchez Vous for purposes of this review. However, all the opinions expressed here are all my own.

Last-Minute Daddy's Day Ideas + Giveaway!

Like Mother's Day this year, this Father's Day couldn't have come at a worse time. Really. Heavy planning is already underway for the four-year old's birthday bonanza (much more to come), family begins arriving Friday and then it's the big day. Since I'd already used the Pinterest Father's Day candy card idea for his birthday last month, I was going to have to expand my horizons. Luckily a few good emails came across that not only saved me some time, money and even made me look like a superstar.
 

FOODIE DAD: 
"Peanut-butter-and-chocolate-everything bouquet" from Edible Arrangements 
Actually called the Peanut Butter Chocolate Daisy®, this little-bit-of-heaven made everyone in the family happy - including Dad.  With a little bit of everything, this yummy treat featured fresh banana slices hand dipped in peanut butter and rich chocolate, crisp Granny Smith apple wedges, some dipped in smooth peanut butter and some in rich chocolate, grapes, juicy pineapple stars, fresh strawberries and chocolate dipped strawberries and retails for around $49 for the regular size. (If you've never had chocolate-covered bananas from Edible Arrangements, you don't know what you're missing.)

While one of my go-to baby arrival gifts, normally, I wouldn't think of dad + Edible Arrangements.  However, after digging online I found out there's a whole sports collection, perfect for those sports fans with a hankering for chocolate (and in our case PB, too!) And right now there's even a special on their NASCAR collection for 15% off, but only until the end of the month (or supplies last). Best of all, starting June 14 they are mobile, so you can make your delivery from your mobile phone! (While this may not be the ideal way to get my family to eat their fruit, it did make me feel better than a plate of chocolate chip cookies.) 


See below for a special giveaway from Edible Arrangements! 


TECHNO DAD:
Label Interactive's Game Table FREE App 
Probably already one of your favorite apps on your Iphone, Game Table is excited to announce that this Father's Day they will debut their free #1 ITunes downloadable app Game Table Free now for Ipad. If FREE didn't grab you, then the fact that for every 10,000 downloads, Label Interactive will donate $1,000 to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, up to $10,000 should. Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in combat or accident. So give dad a few hours to himself to play  the app in peace and quiet. That means this little gift doesn't cost you anything but a smile and few clicks on the Apple. 

ADVENTURE DAD: 
Flight Lessons by Let'sGoFlying.com
While time is not on our side for royal treatment this weekend, I'd still like to give Dad something special to remember. Since my hubby is a big historical nut, I've found all kinds of interactive battle experiences he could do...out of state. However, I know there has to be something he could do close to home and for only a few hours at a time...and there is! The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's Let'sGoFlying.com  is an online resource for learning how to fly and a database of flight schools. Best of all, they offer really affordable introductory flights for only $99. So Dad get's the equivalent of what it costs for me to get a massage and turns into Tom Cruise for an afternoon...Seems like a win-win for all of us (as long as I can find the flight suit and the Ray-Bans.) 

Hopefully this gives you a few ideas for Dad's Day without banging your head or breaking the bank. And to all you Dads out there, especially mine - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! 


And to make it even sweeter, we have a great giveaway from EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS ($69 value)!

a Rafflecopter giveawayDisclaimer: I was provided an Edible Arrangement for purposes of this review, however, all the views included here are my own.

How to Get Your H20

It’s free.


It’s readily available.


It’s fat free, calorie free and absolutely necessary for good health.


But no matter how many reasons and times I read it and hear it, I just can’t make myself drink the amount I should.


Yep, it’s water.

I’ve tried many ways including using a big jug (you know the one that looks like a Sparkletts’ jug, chugged water before each meal and my favorite method that worked for my grandmother – putting rubber bands around my water bottle to keep up with the number of times that I had filled it up throughout the day…but somehow I always end up at the end of the day counting up like 2 whole glasses of water – if that.


Since none of the personal tips were working for me, I decided to go to the source. Understand – I actually like the taste of water, but there’s just some issue with me drinking it. I love lemonade, tea and ironically I normally order water with lemon when I dine out , but for some reason I have to do a little something to the “home” supply to liven in up. Once I started to investigate, I realized there were actually a lot of options AND none of them required me to add sugar. Actually many of them added a lot of good stuff like vitamins and lose weight. 


So this mama was on to her next challenge, “what’s the best H20 Helper?”


Skinny Girl Daily Vitamin Power Packets

I already love me some Bethenny Frankel and my Skinny Girl Margaritas, so I figured that in the spirit of a little foul-mouthed love, I’d love me some Skinny Girl Daily water enhancers. Designed to fix the things that women want most like ENERGY, CALMNESS and healthy HAIR AND NAILS, it seemed like a marriage in heaven for me. I’ll admit, I didn’t consume so many of these that I started to look and feel like a Barbie, but the flavor tasted good and made water a little easier to take down. And maybe since it was well branded with a certain “Skinny Girl” it made me think I was doing something positive – which I was since its sweetened with agave and chock full of vitamins and nutrients (beyond your basics daily vitamins and the enhancers included in my roundup). Unfortunately, these aren’t sitting in my grocery store, so going online or a specialty drug store is necessary to get your dose of SG daily. However, you can get a multipack as well as a variety pack of all the Skinny Girl products…(more than you ever thought possible.)

Crystal Light Energy Packets

If I actually consumed the amount of coffee that I needed to really give me energy, I’m sure I’d be hooked up to a java IV. Since my body can’t take that much caffeine, I have to look for other ways to keep me going to get everything done that is necessary every day. With the words “energy” across the packaging and my favorite flavor of “wild strawberry,” I had to throw this one in the basket for a try. And it was good. Good enough I bought this was twice to keep in my bag in case I was out and needed a little “something.” Again, I don’t know how much energy it gave me or if my brain was just happy to make me thing so, but at only a few dollars for a box and only five calories – it’s a good keeper to have on hand when you want Kool-Aid, but need something that won’t make you look like the Kool-Aid Man.


Mio Liquid Enhancer

I was intrigued when I heard about the little “Mio,” so I looked for this one at the store and instantly brought it home to try. The thought of something that was not a powder, but a liquid that I could put it my drink only a squirt at a time was super. Especially since I always forget to take that first drink off my water bottle and make a mess when I used the powders. A MiO is sweetened with sucralose, a calorie-free, artificial sweetener that is 600 times sweeter than sugar. To maintain color and freshness, MiO does use certain preservatives and artificial colorings. While I’m a little leery of the artificially coloring in my white kitchen, the color of the “sweet tea” (which I have yet to try), does make it a little more believable that it could substitute my favorite southern beverage.


So what was the best? While I think the Skinny Girl Dailys were my favorite for getting lots of healthy benefits including drinking my water, the Crystal Lights are always on sale and readily available. I’ve got a cabinet full of them including my favorite drink option when I was pregnant their mocktail line. (It was the only way I got my mojito fix for nine months and coincidentally was the healthiest I’ve been in years.)


Hope one of these gives you a little H20 help.


Disclaimer: I received complimentary Skinny Girl Daily packets for purposes of this review. However, the opinions stated are all my own. 

Cake-off Faceoff: Kroger's Bringing Hope to the Table

 Everybody likes the idea of a cake competition – until of course you are the decorator and you have about as much talent as the size of one of those icing tip thingies. But all is fun and games when you are doing something good to help others. Last week Kroger hosted the sixth Annual “Bringing Hope to the Table” Cake-off with local media personalities (including yours truly!) The invited media personalities were paired with a Kroger pastry chef, supplies and one hour to compete against other outlets for the “Ace of Cakes” title and a $1,000 donation in their name to the North Texas Food Bank and Tarrant Area Food Bank.

While I  love watching my Food Network and all my experience eating cakes and cupcakes, I didn’t have much to work off of except the provided theme: “hope,” “family,” and “happiness.” And being matched up against some of the best reporters in DFW like Melissa Newton, Arnold Wayne Jones, CW33s EyeopenerTeam, Dallas Observer's drinks and eats diva and others wasn’t so easy either, but a little bit of love, courage and the opportunity to raise awareness for a very worthwhile campaign were enough to get me through the competition for my fourth time.

Kroger's Cake Off Kicks Off the Bringing Hope to the Table Campaign. You can help now until June 9 to fight hunger.

Interested to see who won? Take a look at some of these cakes and let me know if you agree in the judges’ decision!

Want to be a part of the fun? Then buy up those yellow tags! The “Bringing Hope to the Table” gives shoppers the opportunity to help raise money for the North Texas Food Bank and Tarrant Area Food Bank and their programs that support local food-insecure families, seniors and children. From now until June 9, 2012 customers can purchase a variety of tagged products and a percentage of the sale will benefit the food banks. This year, the “Bringing Hope to the Table” campaign is expected to raise more than $125,000 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. So do your part and buy your groceries at Kroger while you make a difference in DFW. 

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