Friday, December 30, 2011

The Best of "I Love Lucy" 2 Disc DVD Review!



"I Love Lucy" began in 1951 and 60 years later it is still one of the most popular sitcoms ever to air on television. Lucy is one of the Queens of Comedy and it's been said that her face has been seen more times by more people than any other person that ever lived. Quite hard to believe, but there aren't many people that don't know her face and the fact that the name Lucy conjures up her image speaks for itself. 


The Best of "I Love Lucy" showcases 14 beautifully restored episodes, some of the greatest through it's airing. Lucy Does a TV Commercial (Vitameatavegamin), Job Switching (The Chocolate Factory) and even Lucy Is Enceinte - which means Lucy is Expecting. At the time of its airing they didn't feel using the word "pregnant" on screen was appropriate, so they used Expecting. Although Lucy was not exactly the first woman on-screen to be pregnant, she was the first to air an episode that coincided with her child's birth in Lucy Goes to the Hospital which was watched by more people than any other television program up to that time. Unlike other TV Shows that showed an advancing aged child through a short period of time, they allowed Little Ricky to grow up in real-time which gave a whole new feel to "I Love Lucy". 


I was introduced to "I Love Lucy" through my Aunt in the late 80s. She was clearly obsessed with Lucy and had so much memorabilia that you could have made a museum in her living room. My Aunt was an actress in NYC though and I suppose for some women Lucy was an Idol. Lucy has never failed to make me laugh, even 20+ years later and I was very grateful for the chance to review The Best of "I Love Lucy" DVD. It is a DVD that you will enjoy with great humor and love and most certainly should get a copy for those days that you feel dumpy and want to smile. Lucy has been through it all and came out laughing and she is certain to brighten the cold winter days ahead.





Connect: You can connect with I Love Lucy on the Facebook Page and/or CBS Home Entertainment on Facebook!

Purchase: You can purchase The Best of "I Love Lucy" 2 Disc DVD on Amazon for $23.73 or pick it up at Target!



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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches - A Quick Dinner Option to Save Some Sanity! #CBias #TysonGoodness

In my last post, I promised you more about Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches and here it is! This time, my family tried a quick dinner with them. I just wasn't feeling up to cooking a big ole dinner last night, so we had Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches, french fries and cucumber sandwiches. Dinner was quick, simple and quite delish to boot!

Simple meals are sometimes needed for my large family and these Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches are a great option for me. Not only because they're quick and easy, but because everyone really likes them too! It's a win/win situation all around and some days I couldn't ask for anything else. With a family as large as mine, some days cooking dinner just doesn't sound like fun to me! Finding a simple option like the Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches tends to save my sanity on occasion.


I started out by throwing two at a time in the microwave. I've found that they cook more evenly if I do them two at a time, instead of trying to make a bunch in one crack. It does take a bit longer, but there's no cold spots, so it works out.


Once I had four of them done, I quickly took my photo and let everyone start digging in. Within minutes, the rest would be done and I was a happy camper since all that would be left for me to do is clean up the mess.


I garnished my Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwich with some lettuce and a little bit on mayo, then added some fries and cucumber sandwiches to my plate and I was ready to eat!


But before I began, I had to take some shots of people eating. I almost forgot because I was so ready to dig in! Oh look, the begging dog is back... with creepy glowing eyes!


So dinner was a success and super simple for me. The kids gave their seal of approval and said I can make these a couple of times a week. I'd be happy with one time a week for simple meals, so I'm cool with that!

Don't forget about the great deal that's going on. You can get a $5 Walmart Gift Card when you buy 2 boxes of Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches. This offer is good while supplies last and there are only 2,000 offers available. The Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches are priced at around $5 a box, so that's like getting a whole box for free!

These may not be available at all Walmarts. Check the store locator to find a Walmart near you that carries Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches.

Connect: You can connect with Tyson Goodness through their site and follow the buzz through the #TysonGoodness hashtag on Twitter. There's a Twitter party coming up soon that you won't want to miss!

When: Tuesday, January 3rd at 1:00-2:00pm EST

Where: Twitter! (custom Tweet Grid will be set up prior to the party)

Hosts: @momhatescooking and @mailenavo

Prizes:
  • $50 Walmart Gift Card
  • $75 Walmart Gift Card
  • $100 Walmart Gift Card
  • $150 Walmart Gift Card
Just don't forget to RSVP to the #TysonGoodness Twitter Party.

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions are my own. #CBias

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Give a Gift that Gives Back! SoapHope Review & Giveaway! {CLOSED}


Thank you for joining us this year for our "Winter Wishes" Gift Guide! We have some great gift ideas to share with you and some awesome prizes to give away! Make sure to check back often because this event will run through the New Year! Looking for gift ideas for a specific recipient? You can easily search for categorized gift ideas by clicking the image above and checking out our "Winter Wishes" page.


We believe that every woman in the world who wants an opportunity to support herself and her family should have that opportunity. That's why we created the GOOD RETURNS business model on which Soap Hope was founded. It's simple: every dollar of profit earned by a Good Returns company goes first to an institution that uses it to solve world problems. After those profits have spent a year in service, the money is returned to Soap Hope. It's like the Peace Corps for money: we volunteer every dollar for a year of service.

I often talk about and promote companies that give back because I feel it's important. Knowing that my consumerism is also going towards the greater good matters to me. SoapHope is one of those companies that does something amazing with their profits, every dollar earned goes first to an institution that uses those profits to help solve many of our worlds problems; and there are many sadly. It works like a volunteer and after a year it is returned to SoapHope. In a way they are loaning your dollars to help support our world before taking anything for themselves. That is a very strong message. And not to downgrade our men, but it is a fact that women and their education in many countries is the turning key to ending poverty. They save more, they invest more and they use that money for the education of their children. SoapHope has this ideal of us as successful women helping those in poverty by purchasing their goods. We purchase their products and those women struggling use our dollars to help uplift them and their families.


I should have introduced you to their products before the main Holiday was over, but I lost my connection during a last minute move. Thankfully I know that many of you are still shopping for gifts and the Holidays aren't finished yet! So let me tell you about some of their products that I was given the chance to review and whether you are looking for yourself or for friends and family, perhaps you will stop a moment and take a peek at their store.


All of SoapHope soaps are 100% all-natural, no artificial preservatives, fragrances, colors, parabens or other harmful chemicals. Also, all products are cruelty free.

Their soaps remind me of the smell of a spa, sitting with a small cup of tea in a warm robe - resting near the window in the sunshine. They're dreamy and relaxing. I was given a chance to review the Lemongrass, Citrus Mint and Cinnamon Zum Bar Soaps, all of which are tantalizing, but Lemongrass is my favorite. It's bright and fresh, very good for oily skin and reminds me of morning. They all leave your skin feeling soft and the scent carries very lightly with you all day, which I love. There is nothing better than carrying with you that feeling of a relaxing spa day through to the evening.

They also have Liquid Soaps and Body Washes available if you are more into using your loofah sponge. Their Frankincense & Myrrh Liquid Soap gives that same refreshing feeling of the bar soaps. It's also very much into the Holiday spirit!


They also offer many Anti-Aging products, Facial Cleansers and All-Natural Cosmetics which are all made from the purest of ingredients. I find this a huge plus because as I get older it's starting to matter what I put on my skin more; over time our complexions and tones change. Chemicals aren't doing me many favors.


Hands-down, the greatest product that I've gotten to review from SoapHope (and probably the best mineral concealer I've ever tried) is their Mahya Cosmetics Concealer. Through all the stress of the Holidays my face isn't very happy and THIS... this was my miracle. Just a small touch on the red areas of and voila! Good as new. I am awed by this so much I am honestly going to try their mineral selection, which until now I've refused them only based on the fact that I have redness due to faded birthmarks and mineral make-ups never worked for me before. This stayed all day and ... I am just in love. New Years is coming up and whether you are in or out on the town, if you are wanting to look your best - this would be your greatest asset. 

Pangea Organics Facial Scrub and Acure Cleansing Gel's are also very nice. I paired these with the soaps and had a little me evening when I was without internet in my new home. Grab a nice robe and pamper yourself! Your skin will love you for it. 

There are so many, many, products that SoapHope offers it's really hard to run the gambit with them. There is Liquid Laundry Soap that I was given to try (Unscented which is perfect for our sensitive skinned Tot.) and Bronzer, Lotions... they offer All-Natural Baby Products, Natural Pet Care and even Tea and Food! For an affordable price you could re-create a luncheon spa-day with your best friend, your Mom or your Sisters. You could have a little 'girl-day' with your daughter(s) or a Mom day for yourself. And the best gift is knowing that by gifting or pampering with SoapHope you are also giving the gift of Hope to another woman and her family out there. The best gifts are those that give back. It's coming to be a New Year and you could have a New You.

Connect: You can connect with SoapHope on Facebook and/or @SoapHope on Twitter!

Gift It! There are also many Gift Packs on SoapHope and they also offer Gift Wrapping as well!

The Giveaway: How would you like to win a $50 GC to SoapHope? Just follow The Link to the Giveaway and thank you to SoapHope for sponsoring and holding the giveaway for us!





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Join in the #TysonGoodness Twitter Party & Win 1 of 4 Walmart Gift Cards!

I'm sure you've noticed a few posts that I've done for Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches lately. I was one of the lucky ones to be chosen as a showcase blogger and I couldn't be more excited. I love to be able to share products with all of you, but I especially love to share products that my family loves! This is definitely one of them and Lil Man once said they are the best thing ever!

I'd love for you to get to know these great snack size sandwiches too. They are perfect for a quick snack or meal anytime of day and they're quite delicious too! Well what better way to get to know something than through a Twitter party! I will be joining in on this one and hope to see many of you there. There are some great prizes to be won during this hour long event! I will include all of the details below, but you must not forget to RSVP to the #TysonGoodness Twitter Party to be eligible for prizes!

When: Tuesday, January 3rd at 1:00-2:00pm EST

Where: Twitter! (custom Tweet Grid will be set up prior to the party)

Hosts: @momhatescooking and @mailenavo

Prizes:
  • $50 Walmart Gift Card
  • $75 Walmart Gift Card
  • $100 Walmart Gift Card
  • $150 Walmart Gift Card
Just don't forget to RSVP to the #TysonGoodness Twitter Party. You can follow me on Twitter too if you'd like @OutnumberedMama!

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions are my own. #CBias
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Monday, December 26, 2011

Contest Tuesday Blog Giveaway Linky 12/27


Thanks for stopping by and linking up! Although it's not a requirement, it would be great if you could help spread the word about this contest linky by posting my button, tweeting, etc.

Don't forget to let me know if you have a contest linky too. Tell me the day you host it or if it's ongoing, as well as the url to your blog and I will post your button or link in this listing of places to list your contests. There's quite a list compiled already, you might want to check it out!

Here are some of our giveaways that you might want to enter!

Please enter your contest like this on the linky:

Blog Name - Giveaway Title - End Date

Quick Lunch Idea with Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches

This weekend was completely chaotic. It seems like that every year when Christmas falls on a weekend. I've been frantically running like a mad woman for 3 {just about 4} days trying to get everything in order for our gatherings. The first of which I hosted on Saturday and had a ton of cooking to do, which means shopping of course. Definitely not my idea of fun on Christmas Eve! We spent Christmas day at my aunt's house an hour away, then finally came home to relax. I tried to go to the bank this morning and what do you know, it was closed! I couldn't believe it.

In all of that craziness, another of my aunts stopped by with gifts early this afternoon. Since everyone slept in a little bit, nobody had even eaten breakfast by the time she left, so I needed a quick lunch for all of us. I looked in the freezer and a box of Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches was right in front of my face. I couldn't think of an easier, quicker lunch! So I grabbed the box of Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches and two boxes of macaroni and cheese and started our lunch.


Within minutes, lunch was ready! I used all of the lettuce for my taco dip yesterday, so I just served the Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches with mayonnaise on the side {for those who don't like mayo} and Macaroni and cheese.


Everyone was outside checking out the kids' new bb gun when lunch as ready, so I called them in to eat. I was pretty hungry, so I dug in first while I waited for them all to come inside from the backyard.

Of course, that gave me time to capture them in photos while they ate! I'm sure they just love when I do that! Embarrassing my family = the perks of being a blogger!


See look, The Man started eating his sandwich before he even sat down. And of course, the dog is right there begging for his own as always.


I actually got  Big Bro to look for a picture, which is surprising since he doesn't like to eat in front of people!


Then there's my shy little brother dipping his in ketchup. Where he ever got that idea from, I don't know. He says it's really good though!

Everyone enjoyed lunch and after we were all done eating, clean up was a breeze. I'm going to start keeping a few boxes of the Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches in the deep freezer in our garage. They definitely came in handy for a quick lunch, which is perfect for when the kids have off of school. I don't usually eat during the day, so lunch isn't often on my mind and they kind of fend for themselves. These sandwiches are perfect because they can just pop them in the microwave! They also make great after school snack {check my post here}, quick dinner and breakfast options too. Be sure to check back soon as I'll be sharing dinner and breakfast ideas with you too!You can also share my Walmart shopping trip as well!

There's a great deal going on that I'd love to share with you too. I'll include all of the details below, but basically you can get a $5 Walmart gift card when you buy 2 boxes of Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches.

Also, be sure to check out the Tyson Goodness home page. My picture is on there!

Deal: You can get a $5 Walmart Gift Card when you buy 2 boxes of Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches. This offer is good while supplies last and there are only 2,000 offers available.

These may not be available at all Walmarts. Check the store locator to find a Walmart near you that carries Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches.

Connect: You can follow the buzz through the #TysonGoodness hashtag on Twitter.

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions are my own. #CBias

Switched At Birth: Volume 1 DVD Review



 "Bay Kennish grew up in a wealthy family with her happily married parents and older brother. Daphne Vasquez lost her hearing as a child, and grew up with a single mother in a working class neighborhood. Life as they know it is turned upside down when Bay's school project about blood types reveals she is not genetically related to her parents, and a series of tests confirms she and Daphne were accidentally switched at birth. Together with their families, Bay and Daphne struggle with their own identities and prejudices against one another, all while facing everyday teenage girl drama dating, friendships, and family."



Switched at Birth: Volume 1 was released on December 13th.  Switched at Birth  stars Lea Thompson (Back To The Future, “Caroline In The City”), Vanessa Marano< ("Gilmore Girls"), Lucas Grabeel (Disney Channels "High School Musical"), and Katie Leclerc ("Veronica Mars"). Oh and there are special guest appearances.......Giles Marini (HOTTIE!!) and Marlee Matlin (Loved her on Celebrity Apprentice.)

This is a MUST watch show. I didn't know anything about it until I was asked to review Switched at Birth: Volume 1. I watched all 10 episodes in 2 days.  I want more! The winter premium is January 3rd (Tuesday) 8/7c. I already have my DVR set. Before the 3rd, I recommend that you go out and buy Switched at Birth: Volume 1 so you are all up to speed with the story line.

Did I tell you I love Switched at Birth? I do, so much so, I had to go to ABC Family's website to check out more. You can met the cast, check out the blog, view recaps and webisodes and so much more!

Connect: You can connect with Switched at Birth on Facebook, Twitter and/or ABC Family's website.

Buy It: You can purchase Switched at Birth on Amazon for $20.99.

Comment: Let me know if a post below if you have watched Switched at Birth, or if you plan to....it is so great!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Winter Wishes - National Geographic Challenge Wii Review



Thank you for joining us this year for our "Winter Wishes" Gift Guide! We have some great gift ideas to share with you and some awesome prizes to give away! Make sure to check back often because this event will run through the New Year! Looking for gift ideas for a specific recipient? You can easily search for categorized gift ideas by clicking the image above and checking out our "Winter Wishes" page.

"National Geographic Challenge! will allow the players to explore our planet through its history and geography, starting a journey through the world's different ages and all its continents witnessing the extraordinary extent of mankind's achievements. The secrets of humanity, geographic curiosities, the history of the world and of the civilizations are but few of the themes which will keep all the players on the edge until the correct answer!"
National Geographic Challenge! for Wii has been so much for my family (okay, and myself)! My husband and son are obsessed with the game Risk and the girls and I just don't care for it. The girls and I end up playing other games while "the boys" play Risk. National Geographic Challenge! for the Wii is just what my family needed for game night. It is a game we all like to play together! We play in teams and for the record my husband's team ALWAYS wins. Did I mention he is a Social Studies teacher?


National Georgraphic Challenge! can be played individually or with other players (up to four). Players compete in the quest to claim territories on the in-game globe by answering questions correctly while using various tactics to foil their opponents (this is why my kids always want to be on my husband's team and not mine!!).You can play in English, Spanish or French. The objective of each Challenge! is to conquer the greatest number of territories possible, defeating your opponents by delivering the correct answers in order to progress towards world domination!



National Geographic Challenge! is able to use its amazing archive of images and content, players explore the earth through geography and history, and begin a journey through the ages. For example, "discover the works of Michelangelo, the secrets of the emperor Nero, the adventures of the great Caesar, the mysteries on the history of Charlemagne, the oddities of animal lives and the most bizarre geographical curiosities through five different play modes or just enjoy the unique puzzles in the mini-games."



National Geographic Challenge! for Wii includes:
  • 60 minutes of high definition videos, 
  • 4,000 in-game questions,
  • 1,000 DLC (Downloaded Content) questions,
  • Various types of questions (anagrams, standard questions, fast focus)
  • Competitive mini-games (puzzles and riddles),
  • National Geogrpahic original contents.
We have been having a blast playing National Geographic Challenge! on our Wii. I think you all know I love educational games. You know the kind, fun to play for the whole family and the kids don't even know they are learning! I took the National Geographic Challenge! in to our office party, since another co-working was bringing his Wii in for the party. You should have seen how serious the teams took the Challenge!  I was surprised at the level of competitiveness from my co-workers!
I think this would be a great gift to pick and play it with family and friends for the holidays!


Gift It! You can purchase National Geographic Challenge! on Amazon for $19.96.

Winter Wishes - Scala Hat Review


Thank you for joining us this year for our "Winter Wishes" Gift Guide! We have some great gift ideas to share with you and some awesome prizes to give away! Make sure to check back often because this event will run through the New Year! Looking for gift ideas for a specific recipient? You can easily search for categorized gift ideas by clicking the image above and checking out our "Winter Wishes" page.

Dorfman Pacific has been around since 1921 and is the largest wholesaler of hats and accessories in the nation. Scala Pronto is a very popular Dorfman Pacific Brand and offers a beautiful collection of diversified hats for every season. I was given the chance to review the Scala Pronto Wool Cloche Hat, a beautiful and warm hat with a relaxed feel. 



The Scala Pronto Wool Cloche Hat comes in many different shades and also is absolutely wonderful during this cold season. You can wear it up with a favorite dress or down and casual!



This is my favorite style of hat, it's very fun and comfortable. I love that it is soft and can take a beating, as most hats do when you have toddlers around. It's very cute and chic and can be worn with just about anything!

Womens-Hats.com is currently offering a great promotion. With the Promo Code: ScalaPronto you can receive 20% Off AND Free Ground Shipping until 12/31/11! As this is my favorite accessory to wear, I highly suggest that if you are looking for winter clothing accessories that you take a peek, this would be the perfect hat for your New Years Eve night out!

Connect: You can connect with Womens-Hats on Facebook and/or @WomensHatsCaps on Twitter!

Gift It! You can buy the Scala Pronto Cloche Hat for $24.00 and receive 20% off and Free Ground Shipping in the U.S. with the Promo Code: ScalaPronto!


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