Kid Things

School’s Out for Summer

Crystal — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:44:41 +0000

Today was Jedi’s last day of school, yesterday was for Buzz. If you can even call today a day since they only went for 90 minutes.

I can’t believe it’s the end of the school year already. It still seems like they should have to go for another couple of weeks, at least. Maybe that’s just wishful thinking on my part, but it definitely snuck up on me.

They’re ready for it, though. And I now officially have a 3rd grader and a 1st grader. Crazy.

Cook’n Recipe Organizer Giveaway

Crystal — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:27:14 +0000

Can you find Grandma’s green bean casserole recipe exactly when you need it, or do you have to hunt everywhere until you find that piece of tattered paper you’ve scribbled it on? Do you search online for the best way to make a Philly Cheesesteak, find the perfect recipe, then lose the webpage it was on, never to be seen again?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done the latter.

Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen, like me, or a pro, Cook’n is the answer to both of these problems. It’s the only software for recipe organizing you’ll ever need. But it also does so much more, you can watch the video here for a taste.

Plan daily, weekly, or monthly menus
Auto-generate shopping lists by grocery store aisles
Enter what ingredients you have on hand to get recipe ideas
Sync with your iPhone & Android
Capture recipes from your favorite websites
Calculate the nutritional value of your recipes
Print a family cookbook
Scale recipes to adjust serving sizes
E-Mail recipes to family & friends

There are recipe exchanges and fun giveaways each month on their Facebook page, as well.

Cook’n is regularly sold for $79.95, but you can win a copy now!

Enter with rafflecopter
Open Internationally!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules
All contest entries must be submitted through Rafflecopter to be considered. Contest runs from 05/24/12 until 06/02/12 at 12:01 a.m. Open Internationally, to those age 18 or older. I will notify the winner of the giveaway by email, after verification of entries. At which point winner has 24 hours to respond, or a new winner will be drawn. Terms of Use.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Down on the Farm

Crystal — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:31:26 +0000

I had so much fun on the field trip with Jedi and his 2nd grade class 2 weeks ago that I thought I’d do it again with Buzz and kindergarten. We went to a farm this time. An actual in the middle of nowhere, down some small winding roads, out in the country farm. With stinky cows and 5 year old kids making ew sounds and a turkey looking for a fight. There were a few frustrating moments this time around, but we made it out alive.

This is the pig from Charlotte’s Web, Buzz insisted. We went on a tractor-pulled hayride, he found his way through a hay maze, fed goats, petted horses and baby chickens, but this pig was the highlight of his trip. It’s all I heard about on the bus ride home.

Buzz is a completely different child than Jedi. There was a lot more chasing him around and trying to keep him contained, let alone cooperative. But he’s a great kid, with a face that just lights up with excitement. I’m really glad I went and had that time with him.

UPrinting Rolled Canvas Giveaway

Crystal — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:00:26 +0000

There are many family snapshots lining my hallway walls in all kinds of frames. They’re a wonderful reminder to glimpse at as I’m passing by. Though for those extra special photographs of a memorable time or place, I like something a bit more remarkable to really show them off. And canvas printing is a great option.

That’s why I’m thrilled to team with UPrinting to offer one (1) of you a rolled canvas print of the photograph of your choosing!

The details on what you’ll receive:

One (1) 16” x 20” rolled canvas print from your choice of photograph for one (1) winner. With a 2-inch border or without. 1 business day turnaround. No shipping costs.

Enter with Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules
All contest entries must be submitted through Rafflecopter to be considered. Contest runs from 05/18/12 until 05/27/12 at 12:01 a.m. Open to legal residents of the United States only, age 18 or older. No prize substitutions allowed. Winners are allowed to win once over a six-month period. I will notify the winner of the giveaway by email, after verification of entries. At which point winner has 24 hours to respond, or a new winner will be drawn. Terms of Use.

You should assume that I will receive free print products in exchange for this post. Any and all reviews posted are based solely on my own experience and may be atypical. Please practice due diligence in making any related purchase decisions. Interested to hold a giveaway like this? Please sign up here.

The Secret Ingredient

Crystal — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:11:34 +0000

There’s a secret that we’ve found. It’s the one ingredient that turns a simple stack of pancakes into a devoured breakfast treat.

While maple syrup is also an obvious must, even it doesn’t have the same enchanting effect. Just leave it to Grandma to find out what it is.

What is this magic ingredient? Whipped cream!

A turn, or two or three, around the plate opens her mouth without complaint. Preferably in a happy face pattern, though any will do.

It’s not the healthiest of ways to start the day, but that’s what makes it so good. You can see by the look on her face.