I want noooodles!
Every day right around lunch time William comes up to me with that sweet little face and says "Mommy cook the nooodles?" then he says "pleeeeeeeeease" Of course I say yes and he runs straight to the pantry to grab a pack. He gets so excited, it's the funniest thing. I guess I can't complain. He loves something that is super cheap and we always have it on hand. I still eat them occasionally to remind me how lucky we are to have all that we do. Ramen noodles will remain a pantry staple in the Ismail family kitchen :)
eBeanstalk makes toy shopping easy
Sometimes I feel like searching online for toys for my son can be a hassle. Do you go with digital toys, top selling toys for 3 year olds, or just stick to the classics? This is where I refer to eBeanstalk for help. We are really big on learning toys for our son and that is what makes eBeanstalk the perfect place online to shop. They offer so many toys for 3 year old boys as well as toys for 3 year old girls that match your child's developmental needs. You can choose items for specific age groups and gender. We have gotten several wooden toys for our son and he has enjoyed them. The quality is outstanding and I can feel good to hand them down to friends or family with little ones once he has outgrown them.
I was browsing through the eBeanstalk site and I really have my eye on this Band in a Box for my son. The first thing that attracted me was that it is a Melissa and Doug toy (my favorite brand) so I know it will be made to withstand the abuse from a 3 year old boy! If you are looking for toys for 3 year olds like I am (or any age up to 12) then I totally recommend you check out eBeanstalk. They make it so easy for busy parents :-)
Am I in the Twilight Zone?
Mother's Day card idea
Make a tax-deductible Gift from the Heart donation to Habitat for Humanity and a special Mother’s Day card will be delivered by e-mail or postal mail to the recipient you choose to let them know a donation has been made in their name. Donations made through Habitat’s Gifts from the Heart will help families achieve the dream of owning a home of their own.
“What better way to show our moms how much we love and appreciate them than to invest in the dreams of mothers around the world,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “A Mother’s Day Gift from the Heart is a beautiful way to say ‘I love you.’”
When you make your donation, you will be able to choose Mother’s Day or another occasion and the recipient the donation is honoring.
To give a Gift from the Heart, go to www.habitat.org/md2011
About Habitat for Humanity International: Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.
Pedigree Ambassador dog food trial
I took some time to check out the Pedigree site and was amazed at how many different formulas they offer according to your dog's specific needs. It costs a little bit less than what I am currently buying, which is a plus since I need to stretch my family dollars.Milo has never eaten the Pedigree brand of dog food before so we had to transition him slowly from his current food. He sniffed the mixture of both foods and dove right in! I don't think he came up for air. He has fully switched over to only Pedigree and I will say that he loves it since the food does not sit in the bowl for more than a minute! I was happy that the kibbles were small for Milo's little mouth. He had no problems crunching it up :)
Based on the four universal needs, here is where Milo stands:
Skin&Coat ~ He is about average.
Oral Care ~ He's 8 so his teeth can get a little icky but he is mostly average
Digestion ~ He is a great pooper and has not had any problem 'going' since trying the Pedigree food.
Immunity ~ Thankfully Milo does not ever get sick besides the occasional need to eat grass. He is very healthy overall.
I will be posting updates on Milo's progress with this new food. I also recommended Pedigree to my neighbors so they will be trying it our for their dogs as well. There is a $3 off coupon available here. Did you know Pedigree was on Facebook and Twitter? Be sure to follow them for great tips and advice for keeping your dogs healthy and happy.
I wrote this review while participating in an Ambassador campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Pedigree and received dog food to facilitate my reviews and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.
Brainetics Review
Here is what Briahnna had to say:
For more information on how this system works or to purchase Brainetics, check out the website here.
I received a Brainetics system for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine as always.
My tribute to working moms
Wordless Wednesday
No more squeezing! Thanks Tanyetta and Gracen! :)
Topricin saved my back [and butt]
It was completely greaseless which is usually never the case with pain relief creams. I sat down for a bit to see if the Topricin would work. I figured since it did not have a mentholated scent and was non-greasy that I should not expect much. Do you know that within 15 minutes I was not feeling the pain anymore? I am completely stunned! If the hubby only knew what I did and the kind of effect it could of had on me, he would be so upset with me. This is why I said that Topricin saved my back [and butt]. I really did not think a homeopathic product could really work as well as Topricin Pain Relief Cream did. I am thinking about purchasing some for my parents and my mother-in-law for their pain ailments. The beauty of using this type of pain therapy is simple- no drugs and no side effects. This makes it safe for everyone to use.
Topricin products can be purchased here and comes in different formulas including Topricin Junior and Topricin Foot Therapy Cream, as well as different sizes.
I received product samples for review and all opinions are 100% mine as always.
Getting ready for the Spring/Summer sports season
Volleyball season is nearing and my daughters have started conditioning already. I always make sure that they have a drink (usually a water bottle) and a snack tucked in their gym bags. Thanks to HINT water and Smart for Life, your players can stay fueled and focused during their games with refreshing drinks and healthy, good-for-you snacks.
HINT flavored water has no calories, sweeteners or preservatives and is a great alternative to juice and soda. HINT was launched in April 2005 by current CEO Kara Goldin and is now available in all Whole Foods and Starbucks. It is available in Blackberry, Mango-Grapefruit, Pomegranate-Tangerine, Raspberry-Lime, and Strawberry Kiwi and sells for $1.79. My girls really liked them and this surprises me since they are not sugary! I tried the mango-grapefruit flavor and it is so refreshing. You can "like" HINT on Facebook.
Smart for Life has a range of protein filled Chocolate Chip cookies, Cranberry Granola Squares, and Protein Bars that are sure to help your players stay energized and on their game. I personally enjoyed sampling the Cranberry Granola Squares. It has a nice chewy texture to it and I love the cranberries.
I received product samples for review. All opinions are 100% mine as always.
Swimsuit season is coming
I also actually liked this swim dress. It doesn't look like an old lady one. It would be great to cover my buns but I really think I might go with one of the 2 first ones.
Are you ready for swimsuit season?
FYI Email issues
April is Autism Awareness Month
Autism Spectrum Disorders affect nearly 1.5 million Americans. This April, expand your knowledge with four unique and innovative Autism titles from Sourcebooks.
Take advantage of our amazing promotion- ALL titles listed below for $2.99! (04/19/2011 – 05/02/2011)
A powerful, groundbreaking book for anyone touched by autism
· Autism and the God Connection views autism through a spiritual prism, unlocking its hidden meaning.
· Through countless interviews William Stillman documents extraordinary examples of spiritual giftedness.
The Autism & ADHD Diet by Barry Silberberg:
The first step-by-step guide to one of the most exciting new tools in the fight against autism
"Huge changes"| "A different child"| "A miracle" | "Vast improvements"
This is what parents are saying about an amazing diet that is showing extraordinary results in helping children eliminate many traits and symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, celiac disease, and other conditions. The Gluten-Free, Casein-Free (GFCF) Diet, as well as removing all artificial dyes and preservatives, is hugely effective for thousands of families.
A Child’s Journey Out of Autism by Leann Whiffen:
Told with the intensity of a medical thriller, the extraordinary story of how Clay Whiffen and his family conquered autism.
· Profound message of hope for parents dealing with this issue
· Controversial cure angle is sure to spark discussion
Coloring Outside Autism’s Lines by Susan Walton:
A new kind of hope for families living with autism
· A new and much-needed angle on autism. Opportunities to let loose and reconnect for exhausted families immersed in a stressful situation.
· Unlike other autism activity books, these are specially designed for families with the pure and simple goal of being together and having fun.
The April eBook Promotion also includes: The Asperger’s Answer Book, Autism Encyclopedia, Autism Handbook for Parents, Children with High-Functioning Autism, School Success for Kids with Asperger’s Syndrome, and Teaching Children with Autism in the General Classroom.
AMC & OLTL cancelled? :-(
Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products| Saving you $
This is a compensated post written by me on behalf of Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.
I recently received a bottle of Walgreens Brand Mouth Rinse in Spring Mint flavor to try out. I do generally purchase Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products but this is my first time using the mouth rinse. I really liked the overall taste and feel of the mouth rinse and quite honestly could not tell that it was the Walgreens brand and not a traditional name brand product. I noticed that is is priced a lot lower than the other brands and also comes in different sizes and varieties. I feel like you are truly getting more for your money going with the Walgreens brand. I would completely recommend giving the Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products a try.
Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products are a great value, allowing families and individuals to save money without sacrificing quality or trust. With the rising cost of health care, saving money on over-the-counter medications can really benefit a family’s budget. In addition to being an exceptional value, Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products:
a. Are Walgreens pharmacist recommended.
b. Most contain the same active ingredients as other national brands.
c. Have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
d. Visit www.walgreens.com/walgreensbra… to learn more about Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products
Purchase of every Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Product supports bringing preventive wellness services to local communities through the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™
Walgreens will contribute up to $3 million annually to the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™. The Walgreens Way to Well Fund™ will provide free preventive health tests as well as other health and wellness services and education to local communities. Some of those services will include preventive health tests through the National Urban League Health & Wellness Tour and vouchers redeemable in select stores. For details, visit walgreens.com/waytowell .
Cooking with Coke- Share your recipes & memories {Giveaway}
Winner is #61 Julie~ Congratulations!
Hey friends! I am so excited to be working with Coca-Cola on the launch of their new website called Cooking with Coke- a site dedicated to Coke-loving moms and families. Celebrity chefs Ingrid Hoffman and G. Garvin are featured on the site and they both share their memories of Coca-Cola along with some great recipes. I am sure Coca-Cola has been a part of your family gatherings, barbecues, parties and just everyday life since you were a kid. I know it has been that way for me! I have passed along my love for Coke with my kiddos and they always insist on the Coca-Cola brand every time we shop.
Cooking with Coke is intended for moms and families to share their recipes and stories with others. I think most of you will agree that food and Coke are a great combination! Here is my recipe. I loved browsing through the recipes of other fellow Coke lovers.
One of my Coke memories~ Check out these Coke bottles we have had since 1999 (still with 12+ year old Coke in them). They were given to us by my mother-in-law as a souvenir from when the Super Bowl came to Miami, January 31, 1999. We had moved up north but Miami was always in our hearts so it was a big deal when they had the big game in our hometown. We also have some Florida Marlins Coke bottles (when they won the World Series in 1997) in our storage room. Hmm, maybe I should re-do my kitchen with a Coca-Cola theme?!
For the giveaway: In an effort to help promote the Cooking with Coke site, Coca-Cola is providing an Ingrid Hoffmann 12qt Tamale Pot and Steamer with Lid by T-fal® {$59 value} to give away to one lucky Momfiles reader! Nice huh? Imagine all the new food memories you can create with this beauty...
To enter *Mandatory: You must go to the Cooking with Coke site and submit your favorite recipe. It does not have to contain Coke as an ingredient. It's really easy (I promise)- You connect through Facebook and it brings up a simple form to add your recipe with an option to add a photo and to share a memory. It can be as simple as a drink or a dessert. You can refer to my recipe as an example. You must then leave the link to your recipe. If you do not leave your link then your entry will not be valid and it will be deleted. This will count as 5 entries (just leave the link and #1, #2 etc... as an individual comment)
You can gain additional entries by any of the following:
~ "like" Momfiles and Coca-Cola on Facebook and leave your name you are liking from
~ Follow Momfiles and Coca-Cola on Twitter (leave your Twitter name)
~ Tweet this (once a day):
~ Sport the Momfiles badge on your blog/site
This giveaway is open to US Residents and will end at 9:00 PM EST on April 29, 2011. One winner will be selected via random.org and will be contacted via email. Be sure to leave your email address if you do not have a Blogger profile. Good luck!
This giveaway prize was provided by The Coca-Cola Company. The Coca-Cola Company is not a sponsor, administrator or connected in any other way with this giveaway. T-fal® had zero involvement with this contest. I will receive the same prize as a thank you gift for spreading the word about the new site.
WTH Wednesday | Walmart edition
Random family updates
Now I am back to my usual getting up at the crack and driving kids everywhere. I would not have it any other way. Chardie has been getting some driving practice in although she will not be getting a car until she graduates high school. There's no need for it if I am available to drive them anywhere they need to go. I don't mind waiting either. I will let her drive herself to school once she gets her license. I'll just have to scoot myself back in the driver's seat and go home.
I have been working with William on his "school" work and he is doing an amazing job! He knows the entire alphabet phonetically and recognizes a lot of words. He has been saying a lot of bigger words as well as speaking in complete sentences. It's amazing how much he adds to his vocabulary daily. We are very proud. We have also been working on potty training. He is getting good at going pee pee and staying dry all day and overnight. Poo poo is a whole other beast. He still hided when he has to go. I don't really know what to do about that one. I guess I have put it in my head that he will get it eventually and thankfully since he is not in daycare/preschool it won't be as big a deal to be fully trained. I'm not stressing.
Dwayne and I have been talking about getting a treadmill. I am willing to buy one that is used but we have not been able to find what we want within our spending limit. I can't believe people think they can sell their USED treadmill for $800! If I was spending money like that I would buy it brand new. We are hoping the right deal will come along.
We have been getting some home improvements done. We are doing a little at a time since we don't use credit cards. Cash goes FAST! I feel like our bank account is a recycling center. All in all everything is going well for the Ismail family. How is everything going with you?
Purex® Complete with Zout® | Review & Giveaway
Winners are #118 Jim & #57 Kittenish~ Congratulations!
As a member of the Purex Insiders, I was happy to receive a bottle of the new Purex® Complete with Zout®. I was even happier that is was the Free & Clear version since my 16 year old is allergic to most scented laundry detergents. It comes in both Free & Clear and also Fresh Morning Burst scent. Purex® Complete with Zout® combines the proven performance of Purex detergent with the triple-enzyme stain-fighting power of Zout® pretreater. This powerful combination works to get stains out the first time, even tough stains like grass, chocolate, and tomato sauce. The best part is that you can't beat the price!
A cool thing about Purex® Complete with Zout® is that it can be used in both traditional and HE machines. It does not suds up as much in my old washing machine but it still cleaned my clothes like I expected it would. If you are not sure if the product works you can prove it to yourself by signing up for a FREE sample (while supplies last)
The great folks from Purex® have provided me with coupons for 1 FREE Purex® Complete with Zout® detergent to give away to 2 lucky Momfiles readers.
To enter *Mandatory- Leave a comment telling us which scent of Purex® Complete with Zout® you would choose and if you are already a Purex® user.
For additional entries:
~ You can "like" Momfiles and Purex on Facebook
~ Write on the Momfiles wall and let me know you entered this giveaway
~ Follow Momfiles and Purex on Twitter
~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily) and leave a link to your Tweet:
Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end at 9:00 PM EST on April 28, 2011. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will be notified by email. Please leave your email address if you do not have a Blogger profile. Good luck!
Disclosure: I was provided with a product sample to review and all opinions are 100% mine as always.
FRESCHETTA® By The Slice {Giveaway} CLOSED
It comes in 4 varieties~ BBQ Recipe Chicken~ Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom~ Six Cheese Medley~ Vegetable Medley. I tried the Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom variety and it was delicious. Oh man, it tasted like you pulled it straight out the oven!
The great folks from the Freschetta® Pizza have provided me with a coupon for one FREE Freschetta® By The Slice product as well as a 6 piece container set sporting the Freschetta® logo on the lid to give away to one lucky Momfiles reader.
To enter: *Mandatory- Let us know what variety of FRESCHETTA® By The Slice variety you would like to try.
For additional entries (be sure to leave a separate comment per entry method to count):
~ Follow Momfiles and Freschetta® on Twitter
~ Tweet this giveaway (twice daily) Example:
~ Comment on the Momfiles wall letting me know you entered the Freschetta® By The Slice Giveaway
~ Sport the Momfiles button on your blog
~ Follow Momfiles via Google Friend Connect
This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on April 26, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST. Winner will be chose via random.org and will be contacted by email. If you do not have a Blogger profile then be sure to leave your email address. Good luck!
Disclosure: Freschetta® Pizza contacted me and provided products for me to review. All opinions are 100% mine as always.