Ella's Kitchen Stage 1 Baby Food and Smoothie Fruits Review and Giveaway

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If you've read some of my previous reviews and posts, you will know that I am a fan of whole foods and a fan of organic products. When Erika, from Ella's Kitchen, contacted me about a review and giveaway for Ella's Kitchen stage one baby food and smoothie fruits, I was very interested. I was interested in trying the smoothie fruits and little did my five-year-old know, he was going to be part of this review.

(A little about Ryan- his love of sugary junk food is cause for an intervention! I envisioned these no-sugar added smoothies as a fine place to start!)

From Ella's Kitchen: Ella's kitchen was created by Ella's Dad, Paul Lindley in the UK just a few years ago. Ella's Kitchen baby food is the fastest growing brand of baby food in the UK and is now available in the US. Ella's kitchen products are 100% organic fruits and vegetables. There is nothing else added, not even water. All products are gluten free, wheat free and egg free. Products are 100% pure organic goodness. The re-screwable pouches make them easy to use for babies 4 months and up at home or on the go. This is great for a busy mom who wants to feed their kids healthy food anyplace. Ella's Kitchen fruit smoothies are healthy and convenient snacks- great for kid's lunchboxes.

The Review: I received six pouches of stage 1 baby food (4 months and up):

carrot, apple, parsnip
broccoli, pears & peas
sweet potato, apple, pumpkin & blueberry
peaches & bananas
strawberries & apples
apples & bananas

and two pouches of smoothie fruits:

The Red One - strawberries, raspberries, apples and bananas
The Yellow One -bananas, mangoes, apricots and apples

Packaging

The stage one baby food comes in 3.5 oz. pouches and the smoothies are in 3 oz. pouches. These pouches are similar to juice bag pouches. I am sure it won't be long before these are recycled into juice bag totes! I must admit, I love the packaging - bright colors, fun fruit and veggie graphics and a comic sans like text (how appropriate!) The re-screwable caps are convenient for preserving unused portions.

The Red One Smoothie Fruit

I knew that once I showed Ryan the Red One Smoothie, he would be anxious to try it. He took a small sip and with a shudder said, "Mom, I don't like it." (Really, what did I expect when high-fructose corn syrup wasn't an ingredient?)

I was very disappointed, because I took a sip of the Red One and absolutely loved it. The smoothie fruit is a perfect blend of strawberries, raspberries, apples and banana. Without added sugar, I admit, I thought the smoothie might be bland and tart - not the case at all. This is a tasty, healthy treat. I thought, Wow! Forget about picky, sugar-loving kids like mine, this was a convenient, healthy product for mom. I could add this to Greek-style yogurt!

I contacted Erika and told her my sad story, that my little guy just didn't embrace the the Red One like I did. She was fine with that and remained very positive. She urged me to try the Yellow One for myself (yes they are great for moms too) and perhaps try to sneak the( stage one) sweet potato, apple, pumpkin & blueberry to their pancake batter. Great idea! We will be trying the stage one baby food after all! Ella's kitchen has several smoothie fruit and baby food recipe ideas.

The Yellow One Smoothie Fruit

A few days later, when I pulled out the Yellow One, guess who wanted to try it? Amazingly, Ryan requested a sip of the Yellow One smoothie. This time, I didn't expect much and gave him the smoothie. He took a sip. I studied his face, he smiled at me (without shuddering) and said that he liked it. Wow, I had to capture the moment in a photo - too bad his "thumbs-up" was cut out of the picture. (Yes, that is dirt on his mouth and marker between his nostrils. )



My theory as to why he liked the Yellow One is that of the fruits this smoothie contains- the bananas, mangoes and apricots-these are some very sweet fruits, but Naturally. Yes Naturally, no sugar added. Yeah! There is plenty of room in Ryan's lunch box for these smoothie fruits - a healthy, organic product I can feel good about.

I wish that these Ella's Kitchen products were available when these guys were 4 months old. With combinations like carrots, apples, parsnips and sweet potato, pumpkin, apples and blueberries, I think they would have loved eating their fruits and veggies and (perhaps) would eat more of a variety of healthy food today.

Buy It: Ella's kitchen stage one baby foods and fruit smoothies are available for purchase at several online locations and several stores like Toys R Us.

Win It: Ella's kitchen is offering one of my readers a sample pack of the eight stage one baby foods and smoothies that I received. Thank you Erika for this generous giveaway. To enter is easy! Just one mandatory entry:

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for stopping by.


1. Mandatory entry - Visit Ella's Kitchen and comment on the stage one baby food or smoothie fruit that your little one(s) would like best. (1 entry).

Extra entries -

2. Follow my blog. (2 entries)
3. Grab my button and put it on your site and add a link in your comment telling me where it is. (3 entries)
4. Tweet about this giveaway and leave the Tweet URL in a comment. (2 entries)
5. Subscribe via email. (3 entries)
6. Sign up for Networked Blogs (Facebook - located on the right side) (2 entries)
7. Sign up for my Women are Crazy Men are Stupid Book giveaway (2 entries)

This Giveaway is open to U.S. only and will end on Friday, 2/19/10 at 12:00 pm EST. Please include your email address in all comments. The winner will be selected using Random.org and I will post the winners names by 5:00 pm EST on Friday 2/19/10. Thank you to all who enter and good luck!

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for stopping by.


The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Up With Paper Pop Up Valentines Day Cards Winner

Thank you to all who entered the Up With Paper Pop Up Valentines Day Cards giveaway!
The winner of the three Pop Up Valentines Day Cards is # 24 Janette. I will be emailing you shortly!


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Birthday Party Favor Ideas

My five year old would love this treasure chest party favor for his next birthday party. Each child gets a treasure chest to paint. While the paint is drying, they are off to search for the treasure! This little favor just keeps on giving- giving the kids something to do, giving you something for the kids to do and finally, giving your wallet a break. These are available on Oriental Trading for $19.99 per dozen. The beads, fake gold coins and plastic jewels can't be that expensive! I am sure discount stores like Big Lots, Five Below and the Dollar Store have a big selection.

I have walked out of I-Party horrified having spent well over $50, and for what? - a bunch of junky stuff that all the kids' moms hope is left behind at my house! If the treasure chest and pirate themed party isn't what you had in mind, and you are in the market for some creative kid's party favors, you need to check out Real Simple's 8 Creative Children's Party Favors Article.

Note: One reviewer on Oriental Trader had the kids decorate with wood markers, jewel adhesives and pirate stickers, all from OT. She also suggests using the treasure chests to hold the candy/loot from the pinata.

The Law of Forgiveness Book Winners

Thank you to all who entered the Law of Forgiveness Book Giveaway. The lucky winners are #22 Linda and #28 daerOn. Congratulations, I will be emailing you both shortly!



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V. Tech V. Smile Video Game System and Games Winner

Thank you to all who entered the V. Tech V. Smile video game system and games giveaway. The lucky winner is #229, Lori. Congratulations, I will be emailing you shortly!



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8 reasons to add Walnuts for a Healthy Diet

Walnuts have been around forever, but it's only over the past year that I started to add a half ounce to an ounce of them to my daily diet. I heard about a few healthy benefits from different sources, but it was Dr. Mehmet Oz. (Dr. Oz) who made the strongest case for adding walnuts for a healthy diet. (I have learned more from Dr. Oz in five minutes, than I have from my own Dr. in over ten years, and his advice is free!) Here are eight reasons why I add walnuts to my daily, healthy diet.

1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Of all nuts, walnuts contain the most alphalinolenic omega-3 fatty acids which lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and may reduce inflammation in the arteries.

2. Antioxidants- Walnuts are a source of antioxidants, vitamin E, selenium, magnesium and zinc.

3. Filling- According to Dr. Oz, if you eat a little fat twenty minutes before your meal (70-100 or so calories in the form of six walnut halves, which is one half ounce) you'll stimulate the production of CCK (cholecystokinin). Dr. Oz suggests thinking of CKK as the "Crucial Craving Killer." Once CCK is produced, it communicates with your brain and slows your stomach from emptying and feeling full. (I find this holds true by eating the walnuts for mid-morning or mid-afternoon snacks.) I just started counting calories to (slowly) lose weight and even an ounce of walnuts (200 calories) fits into my healthy diet easily.

4. Shiny hair-The omega 3 fatty acids in walnuts help to condition hair, making it shiny. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding; a daily dose of walnuts (which contain zinc) may help.

5. All Natural- Walnuts are an all natural, whole food. For those of us not allergic to walnuts, our bodies know to digest a few walnuts much better than a processed food.

6. Convenient- Walnuts are a great snack for people on the go. About 6 walnut halves or a small handful is one half ounce (100 calories). It's a tiny snack that fits right in my hand-bag.

7. Inexpensive-Although walnuts are available everywhere, discount stores like Ocean State Job Lot sell a 16 ounce bag of Mariani Walnuts for $4.99. At an ounce a day, that's over a two week supply of walnuts, and at a half ounce a day, that's over a month's worth of walnuts for a mere $5 bucks.

8. Delicious-Walnuts are tasty and compliment many healthy foods like hot cereals, yogurt and fruits. I enjoy walnuts with a banana or apple. I have a tasty, easy crock-pot recipe for turkey breast over wild rice drizzled with real maple syrup and about 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. If I am taking the kids to McDonald's, I plan ahead and throw a half an ounce of walnuts and some dried cherries in a little baggie to add to my salad. I feel full and satisfied and haven't reached for one of their McNuggets yet! Just yesterday (as a treat) I had my walnuts with some semi-sweet chocolate chips. Delish.

Women Are Crazy Men Are Stupid Book Review and Giveaway

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"Which came first, the crazy or the stupid?" It's the million-dollar question we all want the answer to. Are women crazy because men are stupid? Or are men stupid because women are crazy?" - from Women Are Crazy Men Are Stupid.

In Women are Crazy Men Are Stupid, the authors humorously cite a host of reasons why men and women in relationships have problems understanding and simply relating to each other. What better way to prove their theory (that women are crazy and mean are stupid) than to share tales from their own (at times) dysfunctional relationship- and readers, just in time for Valentine's Day

Women Are Crazy, Men Are Stupid: The Simple Truth to a Complicated Relationship by Howard J. Morris & Jenny Lee (Simon Spotlight Entertainment; September 2009: 978-1-4165-9505-2; US $22.99; hardcover)

About the Authors: Howard J. Morris began his career in TV, writing for the HBO series Dream On, and Home Improvement. He created the series Holding the Baby and In Case of Emergency. He has written for the TV shows My Wife and Kids, According to Jim and the Starter Wife.

Jenny Lee wrote for the TV series Samantha Who? and the Nickelodeon show The Troop. She is the author of three books of humor essays: Skinny Bitching, What Wendell Wants, and I Do. I Did. Now What?! Life After the Wedding Dress. Howard and Jenny live together in Los Angeles.

About the Book: Using their own crazy/stupid romance as an example, Howard Morris and Jenny Lee have devised a relationship guide that is honest, humorous and practical. The authors explore the method to his dumbness and the valid reasons behind her insanity while providing real solutions to relationship problems. By teaching men how and why they're stupid around women and showing women how to "control the crazy" for everybody's sake, this book helps couples to reach the place where giving isn't giving in, needing isn't needy, and where the sexes can break the dysfunctional patterns and find a way to live lovingly, happily ever after.

The Review: The question of which came first, the stupid or the crazy is quickly answered by Morris in chapter 1. It all started on the playground when boys discovered girls. How did the author show his love for his first crush? He pushed her into the mud and laughed at her. "And here our stupidity begins." I found myself agreeing. Yes! this is where women's craziness begins because (we learn) that this is what boys do when they like you. (Sorry Eric, Rick and Steve.....I had no idea!)

I laughed at how the author examines "boobs". Seventh grade boys discover girls now have boobs, and (on the same day) boobs actually make men dumb. According to Morris, the word boob has evolved to mean stupid man. "To paraphrase the great Al Cap: I have seen the boobs. And they is us." Point well made! Now look up here when you talk to me!

I can certainly relate to how men do not listen-that started way back when with my own father. But the author humorously sums it up when he says, "Men don't listen to women for various reasons. Most often it's because we just don't want to. It's confusing. And loud. And it takes so much concentration. It's like listening to a different language." Ha. Ha. Ha. Yes, I could relate to that - I figured that one out a loooong time ago.

Co-author Jenny Lee, my fellow crazy lady, does make some strong cases for "crazy" with regards to her role in the relationship with Morris. She admits to wanting "Yoko love", that is the kind of love that John Lennon had for Yoko Ono. An argument ensues about how it was this love that actually broke up the Beatles.

"So you are saying you'd be happy if I started a band, became world-famous with our music inspiring millions of people, and then I gave it all up for you while losing some of my best friends from childhood?" Morris says.

"I'm saying I'd find it romantic." Lee says.

"You are one crazy broad." Morris says.

"I know." Lee says.

This seemed like a conversation that a crazy high-school girl might have with her stupid jock boyfriend, not two rational adults in an adult relationship!

When I thought that was crazy, chapter 5 made more of a case for crazy women. Lee actually gets mad at Morris for having an affair, in her dream. "...she made herself wake up from this nightmare in the middle of it, so she could be angry at me in person and we could Deal with it together." Yeah, I think we have all had that dream about our significant other, but to actually get mad at him?? Lee also gets upset when celebrity couples break up. "I'm upset that Kimmel and Silverman broke up....what does that mean for us?" she says. I am not sure what it means for them, but for her to even equate the two relationships, she must be crazy!

To redeem herself, Lee gives some funny (and in the case of stupid men) valid directions for men and what not to do when they find themselves in certain circumstances. For example, when she is feeling sad and depressed, she recommends not "shooting her with Silly String, do not plastic wrap the toilet seat....do not push up the sides of her mouth and say, "Someone needs to turn that frown upside down. "

Amongst the sarcasm and jokes, Lee does give men some simple, sound advice that they can use in most all situations. According to her, it really all comes down to figuring out what women need and doing it for them. She goes on to simplify it by saying: "SUSS and FUSS. First, you suss out her emotional state (i.e. is she feeling fat? Really fat? Cranky? Sulky? Pouty? Pissy?) and then make a fuss over her (flowers, pancakes, balloons, or jewelry)!" Men, it really is that simple!

When I picked up this book, I did not expect to gain any new, insightful relationship advice. After all, the book is written by two comedy writers. I did expect to laugh through the book and relate to some of the couple's stupid verses crazy challenges, which I did, and for that, the book does not disappoint.

Buy It: Women are Crazy Men are Stupid is available on Amazon.com for $15.63.



Giveaway: I have one copy of Women are Crazy Men Are Stupid to give away. Thank you to FSB Associates for my review copy and giveaway copy. To enter is easy!

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for stopping by!

1. Mandatory entry - Do you think the book's title Women are Crazy Men Are Stupid is generally a true statement? (At least in the case of men? ha ha) Why or why not? (1 entry).

Extra Entries:

2. Follow my blog. (2 entries)
3. Grab my button and put it on your site and add a link in your comment telling me where it is. (3 entries)
4. Tweet about this giveaway and leave the Tweet URL in a comment. (2 entries)
5. Subscribe via email. (3 entries)
6. Sign up for Networked Blogs (Facebook - located on the right side) (2 entries)
7. Enter my giveaway for Up With Paper Pop-Up Valentines Day Cards (1/29) (2 entries)

This Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada and will end on Monday, 2/08/10 at 12:00 pm EST. Please include your email address in all comments. The winners will be selected using Random.org and I will post the winners names by 5:00 pm EST on Monday 2/08/10. Thank you to all who enter and good luck!

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for stopping by!

The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Crazy Aaron's Putty World Thinking Putty Review

What is Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty? It is a multi-purpose toy for adults. (Not that kind of toy.) Crazy Putty is a desk toy designed for adults to relieve stress, strengthen hands and (hopefully) spark creativity by keeping hands busy and thoughts flowing.

When I saw Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty, I knew I wanted to check it out. The putty is available in over thirty different colors, including metallic and electric swirl. I was curious to see if it could do all that Crazy Aaron promises, or at least entertain me during breaks from the computer! Thank you to Elizabeth at "Puttyworld" for promptly sending me a sample of Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty.

From Crazy Aaron's Putty World: "Thinking Putty is Made in the USA which puts consumers' minds at ease. It makes a great stress ball. It is also excellent as a therapy putty for stiffness or as an exercise putty for hand strengthening. As a desk toy you'll find you aren't able to put it down. These are all reasons why Thinking Putty puts other marketing gifts and promotional toys to shame. When you use it as your next promotional gift, your customers will rave! I guarantee it!" - Crazy Aaron.

The Review: The thinking putty arrived in a 4" diameter tin with a colorful caricature of Crazy Aaron's face. The putty I received is the heat sensitive hypercolor called "Chameleon." Heat sensitive means that the putty changes colors from the warmth and cold from your hands. As you can see in the pictures, the putty does change to a lighter shade of green from the heat of my hand. Cool.



The putty reminds me of silly putty. It has the same consistency and feel.

Along with the putty, I received three cards: a card with several hand exercises, and two others with pictures and ideas showing me all the things that I can do with my new toy. I put the putty to the test according to each idea. With success, I was able to stretch it, pop it, bounce it, tear it, snap it and knead it. Popping it is quite fun. (I used to do that with silly putty, as a kid!)

Exercises are shown for fingers, thumbs and the full hand (full hand grip, shown above). I tried each of the exercises successfully and easily- my favorite is the full grip, which, to me, is the best putty exercise for stress relief.

The putty is also available in a magnetic color. In addition to relieving stress, the magnetic color will lift small metal objects.

I am glad that my kids have not discovered my thinking putty, and I intend to keep it that way! It will stay right on my desk for those times when I need to take a little break and relieve a little stress. Who knows, maybe it will keep my hands away from the cookie jar. (I can dream can't I?)

Whether you work at home or at an office, this little stress relief ball does all that Crazy Aaron promises, and it will make a fun addition to your desktop!

Buy It: Crazy Aaron's Putty (in Chameleon) is available for purchase at Puttyworld for $9.95.

The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

The Mayo Clinic Diet Book and Journal Winner

Thank you to all who entered the giveaway for the Mayo Clinic Diet Book and Journal!

The winner of the Mayo Clinic Diet Book and Journal is....#15 - Darcy O. Congrats, Darcy! I will be emailing you shortly!



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Up With Paper Pop-Up Valentine's Day Greeting Cards Review and Giveaway

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Valentine's Day is just around the corner and this year I wanted to put a little more thought into it. I am usually a last minute Walgreen's shopper and whatever cards are left, well that's what I end up picking from. I started browsing the Internet for some unique Valentine's Day cards and I found a company called Up With Paper. This greeting card company makes these out-of-the-ordinary, collectible pop-up greeting cards.

I contacted Up With Paper with a request to review one of their Valentine's Day pop-up cards. Thank you to George, from Up With Paper, who sent me four different cards for the review.

I am reviewing one card and offering the other three pop-up Valentine's Day Cards to one of my readers!

From Up With Paper: Now in our 32nd year of business amazing consumers with our pop-up products, Up With Paper creates pop-up greeting cards, gift enclosures, boxed notes, notepads, and books designed to wow senders and recipients alike. Card designs range from traditional to funky, including all varieties of art, characters, and sending occasions.

These Valentine's Day pop-up cards are from the Treasure's line. Collect the whole series of cards, including rare and retired designs by joining the Up With Paper Collector's Club. Club members receive four different pop-up greeting cards per month. The Up With Paper Collector's Club is available only through mail order. (Each card contains a sign-up insert and details about the Up with Paper Collector's Club.)

The Review: The pop-up card that I reviewed the Penguin card. Each card is packaged in cellophane and is easily opened and resealed (for storage). The cards measure 5 1/8" x 5 1/8". The penguins on the front of the cards have a soft fabric belly, which is a great detail. (My son loves soft things like this, its a sensory thing.)

Up with Paper is environmentally conscious- their pop-up greeting cards are "green". The card insert is printed on 50% recycled materials and the envelope is made with 60% post consumer waste.

This card has a "note" section on the back for the sender's inscription/signature. Once opened, the card "pops- up" with ten happy, shiny penguins. (Even these little guys have soft bellies.) The graphics are very appealing and the insert is firm yet flexible for easy open and close.

To keep the card open, there is a tab that you move to the left. Due to the weight of the insert, the card doesn't stand at a ninety degree angle, however it stays open nearly at 90 degrees and makes a great display! I know my youngest son will adore his pop-up penguin Valentine's Day card.

Buy It: Visit Up With Paper and the Jumping Jack Press to find a local retailer near you. Also, check out Amazon.com for Up With Paper Pop Up Valentine's Day Greeting Cards available for $5.95 each.

The Giveaway: Win these three Up with Paper Valentine's Day Pop-up Cards: the 918 Doggy Bouquet; the 960 Amore (heart); and the 958 Candy Shop Cat.






This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering and reading Moms Own Words.

To enter is easy- just one mandatory entry!

Mandatory entry:

1. Please visit Up With Paper (click on the cards to see the details) and comment on which Valentine's Day card you like best. (1 entry)

Extra entries:

2. Follow me using Google Friend Connect. (2 entries)

3. Grab my blog button and put it on your site. (3 entries – leave a separate comment for each entry)

4. Follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/kristiannm) and tweet about this giveaway, including a link to this post. You must do both! (1 entry)
**Please leave the URL to your tweet in the comments. You can do this once a day for an extra entry a day… just let me know with a comment each time.

5. Blog about this giveaway (including a link to this post) then come back and leave a comment with a link to your post. (3 entries – leave a separate comment for each entry)

6. Enter my Law of Forgiveness Book Giveaway (1/28). (1 entry)

7. Enter my V. Tech V. Smile Video Game System and Games Giveawaway. (1 entry)

Please make sure that you leave me a separate comment for each entry and include your email!

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada and will end on Friday 1/29/10 at 12:00 PM EST.

I will be using random.org to pick the winner and will post the name by 5 pm EST Friday 1/29/10. The winner will have 48 hours to email me, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering and reading Moms Own Words.

In the Presence of a Saint at the McDonald's Play Place

I took the boys to McDonald's Play Place today for something fun to do on their day off. It's the same old tunnel and slide, but it never gets boring for them. I still have to say, "5 more minutes guys," to prepare them before we have to leave. So I am enjoying these innocent moments now, because soon enough James will be "too old" for the Play Place both officially (age limit is 11) and mentally (Oh, Mom! That's for little kids!)




Here are James and Ryan enjoying a happy meal. Notice the mom in the red sweater in the background. Not that you can see them, but she is with three children under five (two in high chairs) and her mother (grandma). It was watching this mom that made me realize, Wow! I must be in the presence of a saint!

Grandma had arrived five minutes before mom with one child. She found a high chair, took off her grandson's jacket and waited. Next, mom in red sweater arrives with two more children, a girl about four and another toddler in need of a high chair. After another few minutes of removing coats and settling in, Mom in red sweater goes back to get the food. A few more minutes pass and mom in red sweater returns with the food. Mom places the tray on the table and happily announces that she will now go and get the drinks. A few more minutes pass and mom returns with drinks. Food is past out and drinks are past out and mom in red sweater finally sits down.

The next thing that happened made me think I was watching a sitcom. It is not kid number one, two, nor three, but grandma who knocks over a rather large soda, which lands on the four-year-old's coat and on the floor right at grandma's feet. Mom gets up and calmly wipes of the jacket, gives grandma some napkins and joyfully announces (are you kidding?) that she will go and get more napkins. As I watch all of this, I realize that probably twenty minutes have past and mom in red sweater has not had one bite of her food. Not even a food fight would have ruined this mom's mood. Amazingly though, the kids ate their food quietly while mom cleaned up the mess.

I'm not sure how many minutes have past now, but mom in red sweater finally sits down to take her first bite. Before she does, she thoughtfully asks, "Jackson, how are your apples?"

"Mom, I have to go to the bathroom!" says Justine. "Of course you do," replies mom. Grandma quickly gets up to take Justine to the bathroom before mom in red sweater has to get up for the fourth or fifth time (Sadly, I've lost count.) At this point, I was about to offer to take Justine to the bathroom!

And then finally, after what seemed like hours to me, mom in red sweater took her first bite. Thank God. I figure this is why she is so skinny- she has the patience of a saint (not a stress eater) and with this group she never gets a chance to eat anyway!

This Poinsettia Will Live With the Help of Plantcare.com

I received this poinsettia from my son's second grade teacher as a "thanks" for volunteering in the classroom. I have had it for about four weeks now and it is still alive! Which got me thinking, maybe I should do a quick Internet search and figure out just how to care for a poinsettia- and actually keep it alive! So far, indirect sunlight and watering about once a week has done the trick, but I'm afraid my luck will run out if I don't at least try to go about it the right way.

According to Plantcare.com, poinsettias should be placed in a draft-free location with indirect sunlight. I moved the plant to the windowsill for the picture. If keeping my plant alive is the goal, (and it is) I can't leave it there- it's drafty and in direct sunlight. Watering should be done when the soil feels dry (and just to keep things interesting) over-watering can cause wiliting and irreversible root damage!

No problem. I am up for the "challenge" of caring for my poinsettia. With two or three more months of a New England winter looming, I am actually searching for some new, low maintenance house plants to brighten up this place. (Knowing that this poinsetta and a small bamboo plant are the lone survivors among many plants that once lived here, house plants everywhere are shaking in their roots!:)

Not to worry. (Sorry orchid!) Things will be different. (Rest-in-peace, peace lily.) I'm starting over, with free resources like plantcare.com's plant encyclopedia and gardening tips and guides, it will be just like I am turning over a new....... expanded green organ growing laterally from the stem of a twig or a plant. (See what I mean?)

The Law of Forgiveness Book Review and Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for entering/stopping by.

Forgiveness is about letting go and freeing yourself from anger and resentment. It is one of the most positive things you can do for yourself as well as for others. (Don't worry, contacting someone to forgive them is not necessary.) If you are resistant to the idea of forgiveness, the Law of Forgiveness just might change your mind.

The Law of Forgiveness: Tap In To the Positive Power of Forgiveness-and Attract Good Things to Your Life by Connie Domino, MPH, RN (Berkley Trade: November 2009: ISBN-978-0425229958; US $12.00; paperback)

About the Author: Connie Domino, M.P.H., R.N., is a nationally-acclaimed life coach, trainer, registered nurse, support group facilitator, motivational speaker and clinical professor. She teaches public health nursing at the University of North Carolina and lives in Raleigh, NC, with her family.

About the Book: The Law of Forgiveness explores the concept of forgiveness as having a transformative power for those who forgive. Forgiveness is the fastest way of attracting what you really want in life and making your goals a reality. The author provides readers with affirmation-based techniques to forgive others, for others to forgive them, and for them to forgive themselves. The Law of Forgiveness is universal and one of the most life-changing strategies for well-being. With the author's techniques, anyone can apply the Law of Forgiveness to all aspects of their lives with tremendous results.

The Review: According to author Connie Domino, we can attract good things into our lives just by tapping into the power of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a universally accepted principle that is necessary and important in many world religions. The author explores the roll of forgiveness in Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. According to the book's introduction, "Most spiritual and religious leaders will agree that forgiveness of oneself and others is one way to clear the mind, heart and soul and may result in a feeling of increased peace and happiness. " This is the most important point of the book because it makes the strongest case for forgiveness. Forgiveness is not something that we do for other people, it is for ourselves. Forgiveness frees negative energy so that we can (according to the author) attract all that we desire. Domino says, "When you forgive, you are releasing yourself from this person and their actions on an energetic field."

During Domino's Law of Attraction workshops, she found that when people truly forgave others, they would start manifesting their goals very quickly. Domino claims that there is a law of forgiveness, just as there is a law of attraction.

Domino cites several testimonials in the book. Kelly, who attended her workshop in 2002, practiced the forgiveness technique and focused on her business goals. She was "blown away" when she received a check from a ten-year-old law suit for $25,000. Another woman was able to manifest a new building for her charter school only eight months after putting the law of forgiveness to work. Other workshop participants claimed the people that they forgave would call, e-mail or send them a check right out of the blue. While all these stories are fantastic to read, and I want to believe them, Domino doesn't provide any references to validate these accounts.

Domino does include interesting references on the individual and cultural practice of forgiveness. Colin Tipping, the author of Radical Forgiveness, believes that we create our experiences, good and bad for soul-development purposes. He recommends that when we forgive, we should express gratitude to those we forgive for showing us the lesson that our soul needs to learn. The Amish people have a unique understanding and practice of forgiveness. Domino references the 2006 shooting in an Amish schoolhouse. A gunman killed five school girls, injured five others and then killed himself. The world was more shocked by the response of the Amish community. Almost immediately, they forgave the killer and offered support to his family.

Additional chapters include using the forgiveness techniques for healing, for work, and relationships. Domino explores the idea of unblocking energy through forgiveness, as it allows for justice to be served. Reaching a higher state of consciousness through forgiveness is possible for everyone, according to Domino.

I recommend the Law of Forgiveness because it offers so much more than just the idea of forgiveness as a quick way to feel better about yourself and attract material possessions. Along with providing her workshop techniques to implement the Law of Forgiveness, Domino examines forgiveness from every angle, from scientific to religious, individual to cultural, which makes for an interesting and most inspiring read.

Read an excerpt from the Law of Forgiveness here.

Buy It: The Law of Forgiveness is available on Amazon.com for $8.42.



This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for entering/stopping by.

Thank you for reading and subscribing to Moms Own Words.
Giveaway: I have two copies of the Law of Forgiveness to give away. Thank you to FSB Associates for my review copy and two giveaway copies. To enter is easy!

1. Mandatory entry –Comment on an experience with forgiveness that led to a positive change in your life. If nothing comes to mind, just comment on why you would like to read this book. Please leave your email address in your comment. (1 entry)

Extra Entries:

2. Follow my blog. (2 entries)
3. Grab my button and put it on your site and add a link in your comment telling me where it is. (3 entries)
4. Tweet about this giveaway and leave the Tweet URL in a comment. (2 entries)
5. Subscribe via email. (3 entries)
6. Sign up for Networked Blogs (Facebook - located on the right side) (2 entries)

This Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada and will end on Wednesday, 1/27/10 at 12:00 pm EST. Please include your email address in all comments. The winners will be selected using Random.org and I will post the winners names by 5:00 pm EST on Wednesday 1/27/10. Thank you to all who enter and good luck!

Tips for Improved Google Search Results

It seems like no matter what I type into the Google search box, I come up with too much irrelevant stuff, like um....advertisements for starters! Not surprisingly, there are different ways to conduct Google searches that just may save some time spent on research. I just have to get into the habit of using them!

Did you know that using quotation marks around a phrase or person’s name can eliminate many of the irrelevant links that would otherwise turn up? To find an exact, verbatim phrase, simply use quotation marks. For example type “vegetarian recipe”.



According to Randolph Hock, author of The Extreme Searcher’s Internet Handbook (available on Amazon.com for $13.34) narrowing and filtering your Google searches by using quotation marks is just one of many simple tips for improving Google search results. Here are Randolph’s tips on the best way to Google for optimum results:

PDf’s Excel Spreadsheets, or Power Point Presentations

To find PDF’s, Excel spreadsheets or Power Point presentations simply type in filetype:pdf , filetype:xls, or filetype:ppt. For example, to find a pdf of healthy recipes type: healthy recipes filetype:pdf. Google will show relevant pdf files.

Narrowed Down Information

To find narrowed-down information use a hyphen (minus sign). For example, if you want to find information about Eagles, as in the animal, not the football team and not the band, type: eagles –football –band. Type a space before the hyphen, but not after.

Online Product without Web Address

To find a product that you saw online, but can’t remember where, use the word intitle in your search. For example type: intitle:“ugg boots”. Don’t put a space after the colon and use quotation marks around the phrase.

While you are here, try some of these tips in the Google search box on the right!

African Dwarf Frogs Mini EcoAquarium A Follow Up

If you read my original post about our African dwarf frogs, you may be wondering how they are doing and what they are up to in the New Year. Well, I am sorry to report, we did have one casualty, and Todd's tank-mate "Walt" met his untimely death back in late October of last year.

With Todd's energetic and independent nature, we decided to see how he would fare without a tank-mate. I am happy to report that Todd is doing fantastic. He is eating his four pellets a week and zipping all around the tank like he is on steroids.

Yes, I would still recommend the African Dwarf frog as a pet. They are low-cost, low-maintenance and entertaining!

Want to learn more about African Dwarf frogs? Check out Wild Creation's African Dwarf frog facts.

Wondering how to maintain your Eco Aquarium? Check out Wild Creation's How to Care for your mini-Ecotarium.

V. Tech V. Smile Video Game System and Games Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for entering/stopping by!

Thanks to Santa, the boys graduated from this V. Tech V. Smile game system to the Wii. There must be a few moms out there (hopefully following :)with little ones around 3 to 6 years that are in the market for a "new" game system, for a special birthday perhaps?

As you know, kids are asking to play video games at younger and younger ages. I was confident in allowing my kids to start off with the V. Smile system because it is, after all, a "learning system." The V. Smile was created for children 3 to 8 years old. The games are created with a kid-friendly design, with age-appropriate curriculum's, neat graphics and fun games to play.

Each "Smartridge" (their name for game cartridge) provides the learning content on the back. For example, the Alphabet Park Smartridge learning content is: letters, alphabet order, objects, shapes, phonics, vocabulary, colors, and shapes.

So, I am very happy to give away this game system to one of my readers. Here's what is included:

1. game console
2. joysticks (2)
3. microphone
4. adapter that my hubby hooked up (system did require 4 double A batteries)
5. five Smartridges - Alphabet Park, Go Diego Go, SpongeBob, Winnie the Pooh, and Ratatouille


This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for entering/stopping by!

Giveaway:

Mandatory - Follow my blog (1 entry). If you were a follower before this contest began on Thursday January 7, 2010, just comment and tell me you already follow! (1 entry)

Additional Entries -

1. Grab my blog button and put it on your site. (3 entries – leave a separate comment for each entry)

2. Follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/kristiannm) and tweet about this giveaway, including a link to this post. You must do both! (1 entry)
**Please leave the URL to your tweet in the comments. You can do this once a day for an extra entry a day… just let me know with a comment each time.

3. Blog about this giveaway (including a link to this post) then come back and leave a comment with a link to your post. (3 entries – leave a separate comment for each entry)

Please make sure that you leave me a separate comment for each entry and include your email!

This giveaway will end on Thursday 1/28/10 at 12:00 PM EST.

This giveaway is open to US only.

I will be using random.org to pick the winner and will post the name by 5 pm EST Thursday 1/28/10. The winner will have 48 hours to email me, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!


This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for entering/stopping by!

Moms Own Words Blog Disclosure Policy

This policy is valid from 05 January 2010

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by Kristi Maloney. For questions about this blog, please contact me at (maloney.kristi (at) gmail (Dot) com).

This blog may accept sample products for review, forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. I believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.

The owner of this blog may be compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Such compensated opinions may be classified as ‘blogvertorial,’ ’sponsored post,’ ‘public service announcement,’ or ‘press release.’ Even though the owner of this blog may receive compensation for my posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If I claim or appear to be an expert on a certain topic or product or service area, I will only endorse products or services that I believe, based on my expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

Please be aware that this site does contain affiliate links and makes use of cookies and/or web beacons to collect data in the ad serving process.

Any topic on this blog that includes any of the above content will be clearly marked in the footer of the post and will describe the nature of my relationship with the content. As always, opinions expressed are solely my own.

To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org

Cash for Appliances

We purchased our Maytag Washer and Dryer in 1998. Twelve years and just one replacement dryer belt later, and I still rely on these prehistoric machines to do one of the most distasteful jobs on the planet. I realize I am dealing with two ticking time bombs, so I am gearing up for this next, large purchase.

The good news is that I will be eligible to receive a (cash) rebate from MA for the purchase of new ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances. In my case, I am eligible to receive a rebate for the purchase of a new washing machine, but not a new dryer. However, I will check with our electric company, as they may offer a cash rebate for the purchase of an ENERGY STAR-qualified clothes dryer. (We did receive a $50 rebate for our refrigerator from our electric company.)

The rebates are being funded with $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Under this program, eligible consumers like you and me can receive rebates to purchase new energy-efficient appliances when we replace used appliances.

Each state and U.S. territory was allowed to design its own rebate program, and all 56 have submitted plans to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Some of those plans have now been approved.

Each state and territory may select its own set of ENERGY STAR qualified products to rebate. DOE has recommended that states select from among the following appliances:
· Boilers
· Central air conditioners
· Clothes washers
· Dishwashers
· Freezers
· Furnaces (oil and gas)
· Heat pumps (air source and geothermal)
· Refrigerators
· Room air conditioners

Links-

ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Projected program start dates according to state.

Memories Wow Photo Book Winner

Thank you to all who entered the giveaway for the Memories Wow Photo Book!

The winner of the Memories Wow Photo Book is ....#95 - Carol. Congrats, Carol!



Carol, I will be emailing you shortly! Thank you all for reading and subscribing to Moms Own Words!

Meatless Recipes on Recipezaar for the Mayo Clinic Diet

On any given week in 2009, my grocery cart was filled with things like sirloin steak tips, chicken breasts and sausages but today the second day of 2010, my cart was filled with black beans, red kidney beans, hot sauce, chili powder, canned stuff like low sodium tomatoes, corn and fresh stuff like jalapeno peppers, onions, zucchini, apples, pears, and so on.

I am changing my meat-eating ways by taking the advice of the Mayo Clinic Diet book and its healthy weight pyramid. By building meals and snacks around fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while reducing the upper pyramid items like meats, dairy, fats and sweets, I hope to lose some weight in 2010! (Enter to win your copy of the book here. )

Among my many bad habits, I was breaking the number 4 habit of eating too much meat. I was following the "eat more protein to feel full" advice. However, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you limit your total daily consumption of meat, poultry and fish to 3 oz. (which is about the size of a deck of cards!) Why? According to the book: Even lean cuts of meat and skinless poultry have some saturated fat and cholesterol and can be high in calories. A 1/2 cup serving of cooked beans, peas, lentils or tofu is about the same as a 2 ounce serving of meat, poultry or fish.

The Mayo Clinic diet contains a small variety of 10 recipes, but I was searching for more recipes, specifically of the meatless, Mexican variety. Boy did I luck out when I checked out recipezaar.com! I find that of all the great, mega recipe sites, I really do prefer recipezaar for several reasons: the site has over 450 categories of recipes, you can create your own cookbook and menu of recipes that you select, you can add recipes, you can also join in the community forums. I really appreciate that you can read all of the member reviews (which helps me make my selections) and easily print recipes that include nutritional information, and it is all free!

Here are five tasty, meatless (mostly) Mexican recipes that are compatible with the Mayo Clinic diet:

Fantastic Mexican Corn and Bean Salad (Vegetarian) - 217605 - Recipezaar

Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas - 292128 - Recipezaar

Meatless Mission Chili - 6854 - Recipezaar

Vegetarian Mexican Lasagna - 352980 - Recipezaar

Healthy Mexican Tortilla Pizza - 228349 - Recipezaar

I made the first recipe, the corn and bean salad and true to its name, IT IS FANTASTIC! In place of white sugar, I used the blue agave nectar, which is a low glycemic organic sweetener.
I also made the meatless chili, which was chock full of veggies like shredded carrot and zucchini and is delicious with just a pinch of Parmesan cheese. I look forward to trying them all and hope you like them too.

If you decide to visit recipezarr.com, enter to win the Recipezaar Sweepstakes. Five lucky winners will win a $100 Gift Certificate for Recipezaar !

Have a happy, healthy 2010!