The customized "Mom Spark" blanket that Sweatshirt Blanket made for me.

Are you ready for round two of Sweatshirt Blanket giveaways? As I told you last week, Sweatshirt Blanket heads the “Spread the Warmth” campaign, where each month they ask readers to select a charitable cause or organization to win a dozen customized sweatshirt blankets free of charge (an approximate retail value of $360.00). The nominee of the winning organization also receives an extra Sweatshirt Blanket as a thank you for taking the time to nominate and support the campaign.

In honor of the “Spread the Warmth” campaign, Sweatshirt Blanket would like to give one winner four custom Sweartshirt Blanket with a logo of your choice*!! Wouldn’t it be cool to get your blog or website logo on a blanket? Sure it would.

*logo cannot violate trademark or copyright laws (no licensed sports team logos, etc.)

::HOW TO ENTER:: (REQUIRED)

• To enter this giveaway, please leave us a comment telling us what logo you would put on your Sweatshirt Blanket if you won. Earn even more entries below!

::EARN UP TO 12 EXTRA ENTRIES:: (OPTIONAL)

You can earn extra entries by doing the following. Please leave a comment for each:

• Nominate a charitable organization for the “Spread the Warmth” campaign and gain 3 extra entries! Please use the ‘Momspark’ referral source in the drop down box on the nomination to receive entry credit.
• Follow on @SweatShirtBlog on Twitter.
• Fan Sweatshirt Blanket on Facebook.
• Follow @MomSpark on Twitter.
• Fan Mom Spark on Facebook.
• Blog about this giveaway. (put link in comment)
• Become a subscriber of Mom Spark. Subscribe here. (mention in comment)
• Follow Mom Spark on Google Friend Connect. (see sidebar)
• Become a forum member. (mention in comment)
• Tweet about this giveaway:

I just entered to win 4 custom Sweatshirt Blankets on @MomSpark! Come enter, too: http://clicky.me/xw4 #giveaway #contest

Contest ends Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at midnight CST. USA & CA residents only, please. Good luck!

DISCLOSURE – Sweatshirt Blanket has partially sponsored my BlogHer 2010 costs. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

Stay tuned for my second mission later this week.  I wonder where the Malibu Chevy will take me next?  You can also follow my adventures (and the other 2 bloggers) by visiting the official website, Facebook page, Twitter page and the #ggok Twitter stream!

GIVEAWAYS! Do you live in OKC and need a getaway with the girls?  Win a Girlfriend Getaway Spa weekend at the Renaissance Hotel by clicking HERE.  There are also daily prizes Chevy is giving on the official Facebook page.

DISCLOSURE:  The Oklahoma City Chevy Girlfriend Getaway Program is sponsored by the Oklahoma Chevy Dealers who game the chosen bloggers a 2011 Chevy Malibu to test drive for 4 weeks and blog/video about our experiences using the vehicle.  Girlfriend Getaway has given us some fun projects to do and will be providing us with gift cards to allow us to do this. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true.  Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

PlanetFassa.com is calling all creative parents to submit their original kid’s activity ideas for a chance to win $250! Do you have a unique craft, game or activity that you invented with your kids? When you want to get your son or daughter off the couch, how do you get them moving? Did you and your siblings make up a great game worth sharing with other kids? Contribute your ideas & enter to win here: http://www.planetfassa.com/blog/contest Additional entries for the contest will also be awarded if you follow Planet Fassa on Facebook or Twitter.

Planet Fassa is building an interactive online resource that gives children and their families a safe, easy, and fun place to go to find stories, on- and off-line activities, and challenges. PlanetFassa was started by a stepmom of three when she realized that her stepkids weren’t playing outside or interacting with family as much as she’d like! (Read  her blog post about the whole ordeal.) F-A-S-S-A stands for Fun, Activities, Stories, Social, Awards. Fassa is also the main character in a series of original stories, the Fassa Tails, which are scheduled to launch this fall. Designed to be lots of fun, while cleverly wholesome, Fassa sees the world from a very unique perspective, finding the silver lining in everything and the beauty in everyone.

Feel free to grab a Planet Fassa badge for your blog or website and be the first to access new Planet Fassa content by signing up to be a Planet Fassa Beta-Tester.

DISCLOSURE – I was compensated for this promotional post.  My recommendations are always honest and true. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

Super easy to make, super easy to clean up, and super enjoyable!!

Cook up a batch of taco meat*. Bring along a container of sour cream, a bag of shredded cheese and cut up lettuce, onion and tomato if desired. Buy and bring desired # of one serving Fritos corn chips and some plastic spoons.  Follow the steps below and TADA, a super simple semi nutritious meal! I’ve used this for lunches this summer as well and the kids eat it with no problem. (and it is easy on mom!)

Step One: Open your bag of Fritos.

Step Two: Crush up the Fritos into crumbs.  The kids loved this part.

Step Three: Add a few spoonfuls of taco meat and then add desires topping, eat and enjoy!

*To make my taco meat go further and to add a bit more nutrition, I use a small can of tomato sauce instead of water when mixing in the taco seasoning and I also add black beans to the meat.

He went with me to take his his little brother Wade to the doctor. It was a long morning. David behaved really well, but started to get bored by the time we arrived at the drug store to pick up a prescription.

We had more stops to make, so when David asked for a pair of cheap, toy handcuffs I gave in. I figured they would keep him entertained while I finished up errands.

When we got out of the mini-van at the mall David asked if he could bring the handcuffs in. I said yes. How much damage could they do?

Inside the mall I pushed Wade in the stroller, and David walked along side it.

David was still behaving well. In fact he was staying unusually close to me. Normally I need to keep a tight reign on him in public.

I noticed that people passing by us were doing double-takes, and turning back around to look.

Then I saw something shiny catch the light on the side of the stroller.

David’s handcuffs.

He chained himself to the stroller.

I was pushing a stroller through the mall with a five year old handcuffed to it.

I looked around for Child Protective Services, because I was sure they were going to show up at any minute, handcuff me, and cart me off to jail.

I knew if I told David to take them off a battle would ensue.

What looks worse? Your kid handcuffed to a stroller, or you arguing and struggling with your kid who’s handcuffed to a stroller?

When we sat down for lunch David had to take them off so he could eat. When he wasn’t looking, I stuffed them in my purse.

The handcuffs were cheap. They broke before bedtime that night.

But not before David used them to chain Wade up to the Pack-N-Play.

So, what are some of my favorite summer moments?

BARBECUES

One of my favorite summer activities is hosting barbecue parties with friends and family.  Not only do we grill yummy food, but the kids can run around outside and play in a shallow pool or slip ‘n slide.  The kids get to exert that “cooped up in the house” steam and the adults get time to chat.  Win/win.

FOURTH OF JULY

The Fourth of July is a special holiday to me, not only because of the celebration of America’s independence, but I get to take my older son to see fireworks-just the two of us.  We have a tradition of stopping by a fast food joint, picking up some french fries and a soda, then camping out to watch the fireworks show.  The following is video from this year’s show.

COOL TREATS

Summers are fun, but they are HOT.  We’re always trying to find ways to stay cool while we play outside, so we have lots of Popsicles® and ice cream stocked in the freezer.  We recently reviewed the Popsicle® Jolly Rancher and Dora the Explorer™ Slow Melt ice pops (see full review HERE), and they are now our favs to eat on the back patio when it’s scorching outside.  A must, for sure.

You can learn more about Popsicle® products by visiting www.Popsicle.com.  Also, check out the awesome Anything is Possible with Popsicle® Sweepstakes where kids can win one of three great prizes — dig for dinosaurs, swim with dolphins or attend Space Camp®!

Now that I’ve shared my favorite summer moments, what are yours?  Please leave me a comment!

DISCLOSURE: I am a Popsicle Brand Ambassador through a compensated Mom Bloggers Club member program. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true.  Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

THE MISSION:

Use a $100 gift card to purchase groceries and see if the groceries easily fit into the cargo space of the Chevy Malibu.

Is it possible?  Can I do it?  Check out this not-so-top-secret video to see for yourself.

As you can see from the video, I had more than enough space in the trunk to hold my groceries.  I actually had plenty of extra space left that I could have filled it up even more.  Another great feature of the Chevy Malibu is the back seats that fold down flat, so you have EVEN MORE room to transport items.  Love it.  See more of the Chevy Malibu features HERE.

Stay tuned for my second mission next week.  I wonder where the Malibu Chevy will take me next?  You can also follow my adventures (and the other 2 bloggers) by visiting the official website, Facebook page, Twitter page and the #ggok Twitter stream!

GIVEAWAYS! Do you live in OKC and need a getaway with the girls?  Win a Girlfriend Getaway Spa weekend at the Renaissance Hotel by clicking HERE.  There are also daily prizes Chevy is giving on the official Facebook page.

DISCLOSURE:  The Oklahoma City Chevy Girlfriend Getaway Program is sponsored by the Oklahoma Chevy Dealers who game the chosen bloggers a 2011 Chevy Malibu to test drive for 4 weeks and blog/video about our experiences using the vehicle.  Girlfriend Getaway has given us some fun projects to do and will be providing us with gift cards to allow us to do this. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true.  Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

The customized "Mom Spark" blanket that Sweatshirt Blanket made for me.

I’m so excited to share a fun giveaway for you from my BlogHer 2010 sponsor, Sweatshirt Blanket.  As I told you last week, Sweatshirt Blanket heads the “Spread the Warmth” campaign, where each month they ask readers to select a charitable cause or organization to win a dozen customized sweatshirt blankets free of charge (an approximate retail value of $360.00).  The nominee of the winning organization also receives an extra Sweatshirt Blanket as a thank you for taking the time to nominate and support the campaign.

In honor of the “Spread the Warmth” campaign, Sweatshirt Blanket would like to give one winner four custom Sweartshirt Blanket with a logo of your choice*!! Wouldn’t it be cool to get your blog or website logo on a blanket?  Sure it would.

*logo cannot violate trademark or copyright laws (no licensed sports team logos, etc.)

::HOW TO ENTER:: (REQUIRED)

• To enter this giveaway, please leave us a comment telling us what logo you would put on your Sweatshirt Blanket if you won.  Earn even more entries below!

::EARN UP TO 12 EXTRA ENTRIES:: (OPTIONAL)

You can earn extra entries by doing the following.  Please leave a comment for each:

• Nominate a charitable organization for the “Spread the Warmth” campaign and gain 3 extra entries!  Please use the ‘Momspark’ referral source in the drop down box on the nomination to receive entry credit.
• Follow on @SweatShirtBlog on Twitter.
• Fan Sweatshirt Blanket on Facebook.
• Follow @MomSpark on Twitter.
• Fan Mom Spark on Facebook.
• Blog about this giveaway. (put link in comment)
• Become a subscriber of Mom Spark. Subscribe here. (mention in comment)
• Follow Mom Spark on Google Friend Connect. (see sidebar)
• Become a forum member. (mention in comment)
• Tweet about this giveaway:

I just entered to win 4 custom Sweatshirt Blankets on @MomSpark! Come enter, too: http://clicky.me/vJi #giveaway #contest

Contest ends Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at midnight CST.  USA & CA residents only, please.  Good luck!

DISCLOSURE – Sweatshirt Blanket has partially sponsored my BlogHer 2010 costs.  My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

It seems that Mom Blogging got red-flagged by The Department of Homeland Security. They don’t think it’s a legitimate profession. Didn’t they get the memo from the FTC?

I mean if the FTC can regulate you, and fine you, then you must be legitimate, right?

I guess we can take comfort in the fact that border officials were doing their jobs, watching out for all of us, and attempting to stop nefarious activity.

But are we Mom Bloggers really so dangerous that they’re profiling us now?

Well, there was that incident last year when someone in our community threatened extortion over a pair of free Crocs.

So, yeah, maybe some of us could make the jump to international terrorism more easily than others.

Perhaps this just means that collectively we’ve arrived. They know we number in the thousands. They’ve seen us take down large corporations with our keyboards. They are aware of the power we hold, and they fear it. If we were to ban together and mobilize…

I mean, we have stopped the world from rotating on it’s axis, shut down Twitter a time or two with our parties.

There are warning signs to look for if you suspect any of your fellow Mom Bloggers of being terrorists:

• She hosts a weekly carnival called Why Democracy Doesn’t Work for Me Wednesday.
• She has an E-book available for download entitled $5 Molotov Cocktails for Dummies.
• She asks all her readers to boycott companies that make American flags, and market them to children.
• She posts photos of her toddler cuddling an AK-47.
• She’s always tweeting with the hashtag #Death2Infidels.

I’m more than a little suspicious of Blissdom Canada now. And Bloggy Bootcamp? I mean it’s in the name. Bootcamp.

I’m sure they’re both fronts for terrorist training camps for Mom Bloggers.

Somebody get me The New York Times on Skype.

Photo used under Creative Commons License.

What does this mean?

It means I will be driving a 2011 Chevy Malibu for 4 weeks and documenting my experiences via blogs, video, Twitter and Facebook.  Each week, I will also have a special “mission” to complete using the Chevy Malibu and will be sharing those experiences as well.  Can you tell this is going to be a lot of fun?

I just picked up my Malibu last Wednesday and filmed my first impressions in the video below.

Stay tuned for my first “mission” later this week.  I wonder where the Malibu Chevy will take me? You can also follow my adventures (and the other 2 bloggers) by visiting the official website, Facebook page, Twitter page and the #ggok Twitter stream!

Do you live in OKC and need a getaway with the girls?  Win a Girlfriend Getaway Spa weekend at the Renaissance Hotel by clicking HERE.

DISCLOSURE:  The Oklahoma City Chevy Girlfriend Getaway Program is sponsored by the Oklahoma Chevy Dealers who game the chosen bloggers a 2011 Chevy Malibu to test drive for 4 weeks and blog/video about our experiences using the vehicle.  Girlfriend Getaway has given us some fun projects to do and will be providing us with gift cards to allow us to do this. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true.  Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

One of the drawbacks to owning an all-in-one printer is the amount of ink they require to perform all of the functions. The costs can add up quickly, especially if you’re using the printer frequently for business and school.  Kodak has just announced the new ESP Office 6150 All-in-One Printer that, like other Kodak printers, has the lowest ink replacement costs in the industry and can save $110 a year on ink costs.

With the Kodak ESP Office 6150 All-in-One Printer, you can easily fax, scan, copy and print from your home office.  Features include:

• Intuitive control panel and 2.4 in. color display give you quick and easy access to tasks you use the most
• Print documents up to 32/30 ppm in black/color
• Copy documents up to 27/26 cpm in black/color
• High-capacity paper tray holds up to 200 pages
• Scan multiple pictures simultaneously up to 1200 DPI—software creates separate files automatically
• Automatic two-sided printing saves time and money
• Fast, efficient faxing at 33.6 kbps with 30-page auto document feeder
• Shorter job-to-job wait times when printing, thanks to KODAK Technology

There is also a Kodak Pic Flick App available for this printer HERE, so you can print from iPhones and iTouch Smartphones!

Learn more about the Kodak ESP Office 6150 All-in-One Printer by visiting Kodak’s website HERE.

::GIVEAWAY::

I have a Kodak ESP Office 6150 All-in-One Printer to give to a lucky Mom Spark reader!  This printer is perfect for your home office and for back to school!  Valued at $229.99.

::HOW TO ENTER::  (REQUIRED)

• To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment telling us why the Kodak ESP Office 6150 All-in-One Printer could help your business or with back to school.

::EARN UP TO EIGHT EXTRA ENTRIES::  (OPTIONAL)

You can earn extra entries by doing the following.  Please leave a comment for each extra entry:

• Follow @MomSpark on Twitter.
• Like Mom Spark on Facebook.
• Blog about this giveaway. (put link in comment)
• Become a subscriber of Mom Spark. Subscribe here.
• Follow Mom Spark on Google Friend Connect. (see sidebar)
• Become a forum member. (register at top of forum)
• Subscribe to our newsletter. Subscribe here.
• Tweet about this giveaway.  You can use text below.

I just entered to win a Kodak All-in-One Printer on @momspark! Valued at $229.99! Want to enter, too? http://clicky.me/tvG #giveaway #sweeps

Contest ends Sunday, July 25, 2010 at midnight CST.  USA & CA residents only, please.  Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: I was not provided any compensation for this giveaway and promotion. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

STAR WALK

SOLAR WALK

MY THOUGHTS.

Both of these apps were perfect for my 10-year-old son who is obsessed with science and astronomy.  The apps make astronomy fun and beautiful, and the best part is they are educational, too!

::CONTEST::

Vito Technology is giving away an iPod Touch!  Click HERE for rules on how to enter the contest.  

::GIVEAWAY::

I have 3 promo codes for each app + one $20 iTunes Gift Card to give away!  That is 7 winners total!

::HOW TO ENTER::  (REQUIRED)

• To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment telling us how you teach astronomy to your children.  We look forward to hearing from you!  

::EARN UP TO TEN EXTRA ENTRIES::  (OPTIONAL)

You can earn extra entries by doing the following.  Please leave a comment for each extra entry:

• “Like” Star Walk on Facebook.
• Follow @StarWalk on Twitter.
• Follow @MomSpark on Twitter.
• Like Mom Spark on Facebook.
• Blog about this giveaway. (put link in comment)
• Become a subscriber of Mom Spark. Subscribe here.
• Follow Mom Spark on Google Friend Connect. (see sidebar)
• Become a forum member. (register at top of forum)
• Subscribe to our newsletter. Subscribe here.
• Tweet about this giveaway.  You can use text below.

I just entered to win iPhone apps & a $20 iTunes Gift Card on @momspark! Come enter! http://clicky.me/u1m #giveaway #sweeps

Contest ends Saturday, July 24, 2010 at midnight CST.  USA & CA residents only, please.  Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: I was compensated for this giveaway and promotion. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true.  Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

2. Use their hand prints as embellishments.
I was constantly receiving projects with Wesley’s hand prints when he was in preschool. I saved a few of my favorites, cut them out, and used them on different pages.

3. Use the silly things they say as a title or for journaling.
While on this boardwalk in Massachusetts Wesley stopped at EVERY hole and asked the same thing; “A monster in the hole, Mama?”. I definitely made sure to add that to the page. On the birthday page I asked him what it meant to be “4″ and journaled his answers.

4.Take a photo of them writing a list to Santa or making a special project.
I just love looking back on Wesley’s letters to Santa. Instead of keeping it folded up in a box I added it to my scrapbook.

5. Use something fun that your child made to prepare for a vacation or other important event.
When we were planning a trip to Florida we made a countdown calendar for Wesley. I made it on a 12×12 piece of card stock knowing that I would add it to our Disney scrapbook.

I am proud to officially announce my BlogHer ’10 sponsor, Sweatshirt Blanket!

Back in March, I reviewed the Shirtshirt Blanket and raved about how awesome the blankets were.  In addition to their amazing blankets, Sweatshirt Blanket also heads the “Spread the Warmth” campaign, where each month they ask readers to select a charitable cause or organization to win a dozen customized sweatshirt blankets free of charge (an approximate retail value of $360.00).  The nominee of the winning organization also receives an extra Sweatshirt Blanket as a thank you for taking the time to nominate and support the campaign.  There is still time to nominate your favorite charitable cause or organization for July-just CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE.

Sweatshirt Blanket created custom "Mom Spark" blankets for me!

Please take a moment to learn more about Sweatshirt Blanket at the follow websites and social networks:

• Sweatshirt Blanket Website
• Sweatshirt Blanket Blog
• “Spread the Warmth” Campaign Page
• Sweatshirt Blanket Facebook Page
• Sweatshirt Blanket Twitter Page

I am honored and proud to represent an outstanding company like Sweatshirt Blanket.  Stay tuned for Sweatshirt Blanket giveaways and promotions in the coming weeks on Mom Spark!

I have baby fever. I have it bad. Really bad.

I promised myself that before we could start trying for our third child, I would get in shape. I put on 40 lbs when I was pregnant with my 1st, M. I got pregnant with P, our 2nd, just 6 short months after M was born. Six months is not a lot of time to drop 40 lbs, even if you are not caring for a newborn.

P will be 2 in October. I have a lot of excuses as to why I am still carrying all the baby weight…. I will not bore you with them.

I will however share a secret with you.

My key to weight loss.

Yeah, diet and exercise works. Burn more calories than you take in and all that jazz. But for me, the key to weight loss is reward. The first jean size I dropped, I got a haircut. A real one. Not a 15 buck walk-in haircut, a real, make an appointment, get a scalp massage while you get your hair washed haircut.

My rewards lately have been scaled back a bit. We are on a budget and are doing some remodels (posts on that later) so money is tight. So now, I have a much more frugal reward. And let me tell you, it is almost as satisfying as a fancy haircut. My reward? You ask. I tell.

Homemade Heat Packs

This heat pack is a warm (obviously!), comforting, fragrant muscle relaxer and this is how you make one:

Shopping List:

Rice (not instant rice) I bought this bag of 25lbs of rice at Sams Club for under $20. You will not need this much for one… but if you plan on making lots, then this is the way to go!

1/4 yard flannel

• adjust the size to whatever you want. 1/4 yard is the biggest I have made. It fits me perfect, covering my entire lower back
• I have seen others use cotton, but I like flannel best. It is softer and holds the heat in longer.
• feel free to play with the shape a bit too. With the 1/4 yard of flannel, you would have enough to make a crescent shaped neck heat packet.

Peppermint tea bags

This is one of my favorite gifts to make for people. It is fast, cheap and people love it.

How To:

take your 1/4 yard of flannel fold it in half – right sides together.

• For all you beginner sewers, right sides together is sewer slang for folding the fabric so the pretty pattern side is facing in.

sew around the two long sides and half way down the short side, leaving just enough open on the short side so you can pour rice into the bag. Do this twice.

Turn it inside out.

Stitch two parallel lines down the middle. This is optional, but suggested. I like doing this because it helps keep the rice in place and from it shifting all over . The last thing you want when you finally get to put your feet up, turn your favorite guilty pleasure reality TV show on,  and get the heat pack in place is for the rice to slide all to one side. You want even heat people. Take the time. Make the two parallel lines.

Fill with rice.

Open tea bags.

Sprinkle in the peppermint tea leaves. I like 1-2 bags, depending on the size of the heat pack.

Sew the rice opening closed. Twice.

Admire your work.

Put the pack in the microwave…yes, I do a lot of microwaving.

Heat on high for 3 minutes to start. Heat it longer…if you can take it!

Put up feet, click on TV, position pack on sore muscles from your long workout. Breathe in the soothing peppermint. Feel your muscles relax and whisper a friendly thank you to, me, Meg of thoughtsnstuff.com

Oh and a side note. If you live someplace cold like I do, they make great hand warmers. Make two 4in X 4in squares. Stick them in your kiddos coat pockets, and they can have warm hands while they walk to school or wait for the bus!

Join us this Wednesday, July 14th, for Popsicle® “Slow the Melt” Twitter party from 6-8pm EST!  I’ll be co-hosting the party, along with the other Popsicle Mom Ambassadors.  We’ll be chatting about Popsicle’s and National Geographic’s partnership to help children Slow the Melt and for each #SlowtheMelt tweeted from July 12 through August 15, 2010, Popsicle will donate $1 up to $25,000, to the National Geographic™ Polar Fund. During the Twitter party we will also be giving out full-value coupons for Popsicle products as well as several copies of the Big Book of Fun, a “boredom-buster” that includes jokes, puzzles, mazes and more kid-friendly activities.  Please visit http://twtvite.com/slowthemelt to RSVP for the party!

So, I’ll see you Wednesday?  In the meantime, make sure you read my Popsicle® Jolly Rancher and “Dora the Explorer™” Slow Melt ice pops review HERE.

DISCLOSURE: I am a Popsicle Brand Ambassador through a compensated Mom Bloggers Club member program. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true.  Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

our winner was selected at random using the “And the Winner Is..” WP plugin

Guess what?  I just celebrated my first year anniversary as a Yummie Tummie Ambassador!  It’s amazing how far Yummie Tummie has come with their shapewear line in just a year’s time.  They recently added several new items, and I was able to test out the shaping legging for a review.

YUMMIE TUMMIE SHAPING LEGGING

Anyone that knows me well knows that I am obsessed with leggings.  In my opinion, there is nothing more stylish (or comfy) than a long top, tunic or dress with leggings.  Yummie Tummie takes it up a notch in their shaping legging by adding their shapewear element which smooths, slims and shapes the tummie, hips, thighs and behind.  They also offer two different materials to choose from, a traditional knit for everyday and a tricot for a more trendy, shiny look.

Most of the leggings I currently own do not rise above the middle of my abdomen, so I was happy that the Yummie Tummie leggings did.  The leggings fit true to size and were not too tight or constricting.  They are thicker than normal leggings because of the shapewear element, but I can only see this as a problem if I were out in the heat.  These leggings are perfect for when I wear more fitted dresses or tops because it smooths me out in all the right areas!

The shaping legging retails for $76.00 and is available in XS to XL.  Check out www.yummietummie.com for more Yummie Tummie shapewear, including “ready to wear” clothing like the shaping legging!

::GIVEAWAY::

I have one Yummie Tummie shaping legging to give away to a lucky Mom Spark reader!  Valued at $76 and winner chooses material/size.

::HOW TO ENTER::  (REQUIRED)

• To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment telling us why the Yummie Tummie shaping legging would help you with your problem areas.

::EARN UP TO TEN EXTRA ENTRIES::  (OPTIONAL)

You can earn extra entries by doing the following.  Please leave a comment for each extra entry:

• “Like” Yummie Tummie on Facebook.
• Follow @YummieTummie on Twitter.
• Follow @MomSpark on Twitter.
• Like Mom Spark on Facebook.
• Blog about this giveaway. (put link in comment)
• Become a subscriber of Mom Spark. Subscribe here.
• Follow Mom Spark on Google Friend Connect. (see sidebar)
• Become a forum member. (register at top of forum)
• Subscribe to our newsletter. Subscribe here.
• Tweet about this giveaway.  You can use text below.

I just entered to win @yummietummie shaping leggings on @momspark! Want to enter, too?  http://ht.ly/29ohd #giveaway #sweeps

Contest ends Saturday, July 17, 2010 at midnight CST.  USA & CA residents only, please.  Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: I was provided Yummie Tummie shaping leggings. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true.  Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

Having ice pops stocked in the refrigerator is a MUST during the hot, humid summers here in Oklahoma.  It is the only way to truly cool off when temperatures reach 100 degrees or higher.  The thing is, it can’t be just any ice pop, it must be Popsicle® brand!

My family was able to taste test some fun Popsicle® flavors this week that included Jolly Rancher™ ice pops and  Dora the Explorer™ Slow Melt ice pops.  The kids were just a little bit excited about this.  Okay, I was, too.

POPSICLE® JOLLY RANCHER™ ICE POPS

Can you really capture the flavor of a Jolly Rancher™ candy into a ice pop?  This was the question my 10-year-old son, who also happens to also be a candy expert. (according to him)  After his first taste he said, “Wow, I knew it was going to be good, but this is great!  It tastes exactly like a Jolly Rancher™!”  Need I say more?  I’ll just give you the facts.

• At 45 calories, each pop is made with 10% fruit juice, is fat free, and provides 10% of the daily value for vitamin C per serving.
• This 20-pack of refreshing treats includes four flavors in each pop: Blue Raspberry, Cherry, Grape and Sour Apple.

Kids love it, but would adults like the Popsicle® Jolly Rancher™ flavor, too?

Yes, definitely!

POPSICLE® DORA THE EXPLORER™ SLOW MELT ICE POPS

I was very curious and intrigued by the “Slow Melt” concept of these Dora the Explorer™ ice pops.  I figured the perfect test would be giving my 2-year-old son one because he takes longer to eat ice pops than my oldest.  I really liked that these were smaller than traditional ice pops (perfect for little hands) and that they came in five fun shapes.  My 2-year-old became very excited when he recognized Dora on the box cover!

I was pleased that he was able to enjoy his Popsicle® with no mess!  Score for the Slow Melt!  Some facts on the Dora the Explorer™ Slow Melt ice pops below.

• At 60 calories, each pop is made with 10% fruit juice, is fat free, has natural colors and flavors, and provides 100% of the daily value for vitamin C per serving (two ice pops).
• On-pack information is now communicated in both English and Spanish.
• A 20-pack includes Grape, Watermelon, Berry and Orange varieties.

No mess for the 2-year-old!

The Bellgardt Family gives the Popsicle® Jolly Rancher and Dora the Explorer™ Slow Melt ice pops a BIG thumbs up! A grateful thank you to Popsicle® and Mom Bloggers Club for letting us try these great flavors.  I think we have new Popsicle® favorites now!

You can learn more about Popsicle® products by visiting www.Popsicle.com.  Also, check out the awesome Anything is Possible with Popsicle® Sweepstakes where kids can win one of three great prizes — dig for dinosaurs, swim with dolphins or attend Space Camp®!

DISCLOSURE: I am a Popsicle Brand Ambassador through a compensated Mom Bloggers Club member program. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true.  Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

I went nuts over these cookies. They are a perfect balance of soft peanut butter cookie, a dab of jam and an amazing but simple peanut butter frosting. They are YUM-O and I don’t care who knows it.

PB and J Cookies
Makes 20-25 cookies

1/2 c. AP flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 c. creamy peanut butter
1/4 c. unsalted butter, room temp.
3/4 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 egg
Strawberry Jam
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. confectioners’ sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp. milk

1. Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.  In a small bowl, stir together flour and baking powder.  Set aside.

2. In the bowl of your mixer, blend 3/4 of the peanut butter with the room temperature butter on medium speed. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and beat till smooth,  approx. 5 minutes.  Beat in the egg until incorporated.  Stir in the flour mixture until just combined.

3. Using a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, drop the dough 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.  Using your thumb, gently dent the center of the cookies.  Spoon 1/2 tsp. of the strawberry jelly into each center.  Bake until lightly golden, about 12 minutes.  Remove to a cookie rack and cool.

4. In a small bowl, beat together the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter and the confectioners’ sugar.  With a fork or whisk, stir mixture while adding the milk, a little at a time, until the frosting reaches a good consistency for piping.  Using a resealable bag with a tiny corner cut off, pipe the frosting over the cookies.

Recipe courtesy of Everyday With Rachel Ray magazine.

Here are a few of my husband and my crowd control guidelines:

1. Teach your kids your name. You will always be Mom and Dad to your kiddos but make sure that your kids know your first and last name so if they get separated from you they can tell someone what your name is. Mass panic would happen in a theme park if the loud speakers announced, “Could MOM please report to customer service to pick up your lost child?”
2. Teach your kids their first and last name. Same concept as number one.
3. Before you join the crowd take a picture of your child. Make sure it is a full picture so you can see what they are wearing and there is a good clear picture of their face. In the chaos, shock and terror of losing a kid you may forget what your little one was wearing and not be able to effectively describe them. Having the picture will help authorities know what they are looking for.
4. Point out the authorities and/or who to go to when you need help. Introduce your little one to an employee in the park’s distinctive polo shirt or uniform so they know who to go to for help.
5. Dress your kids in distinctive clothing. They don’t need to be in reflective safety gear but it should be something that is easy to spot. At a recent trip to the zoo both my boys were wearing “explorer hats.”



6. If possible have two adults. One to keep an eye on kids and one to be in charge of all the stuff- stroller, diaper bags, tickets, sippy cups etc. When there are clear responsibilities there is no miscommunication or lost moments of who is in charge of what.
7. If you are traveling with more than one adult make sure you have a way to communicate if you are separated. Cell phones or walkie talkies are great for this.
8. Ask for help right away. Don’t feel self conscious about your kid running off… ask for help. Employees are trained to help find missing kids and they can alert other employees to keep an eye out too.
9. Bribe Bribe Bribe and remind them of the bribe through out the day. “If you are good and stay close to Mommy all day you can have an ice cream cone!”

Those are a few of our stand by rules for big crowd safety. Please share some of your tips and tricks because when it comes to little ones and big crowds you can never be too safe.