Cooking question

Please don't judge me for asking this question...
Do you reuse cooking oil that you fried food with? I don't know what it is and I get talked about all the time but I am repulsed at the idea of reusing oil! This is the reason I only fry maybe 3-5 times total per year. There is just no way you can get me to use the oil that I fried 3 pounds of fish in next time for chicken. Nope, not happening. I know that when you order something friend in a restaurant that they are using the same oil over and over. I guess as long as I don't see it then I'm okay. I usually let my oil cool all the way down when I finish frying and I fill it in a bottle and throw it in the trash. What about you? What do you do with your used oil?

He'll sleep anywhere!

Poor guy was sitting in his high chair when the sleepiness hit! I just had to snap a photo :)

Super quick post

My internet is having problems and will be fixed tomorrow so I am sneaking a quick post while there is an actual connection. My AOL account was hacked and I am not happy about it. If you get some link from me please delete it!~ I guess I am encountering a few of life's invconveniences

Deals of the week!

I just had to share some astonishingly good deals I got this week....
First up I got 3 bottles of Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce. Regular price $2.29 each and sale price was $1 and I had 3 $1 off coupons) Final price was FREE!
Next up, 5 packages of Oscar Mayer hot dogs regular price $3.29 each. Sale price 4 for $5 (if you buy 4 packs get the 5th pack for free) bringing it to 5 for $5. Then I had two $1 off coupons for a final price of $3 for all 5 packs!!

Last deal was a few varieties of seasoning were regular price $2.39 on sale for $1.25 each. I had four $1 off coupons resulting in a final cost of $1 for all 4 bottles of seasoning all together!


Most of you ask how I obtain the coupons in multiples. It's simple, not only do I purchase the Sunday paper but my neighbors do too. They give me their paper and I take the coupons out of it. If the savings are extra amazing, I will run to the store and buy 2 more papers. My newspaper subscriptions pays for itself off in as little as one shopping trip! I also use e-coupons as well as printable coupons. I also strictly buy things we will actually use and if I get things for free that we don't then I donate it to our local food bank.

Really, really happy

I know I just posted a week ago about William's speech update but I just had to share that he has skyrocketed with his language in the past few days! He wants to point out everything he knows and tell me about it. He is recognizing and saying the names of objects in his books. He is also playing around with some of the letters of the alphabet. I am really happy about it and decided I will not look into a speech therapist for him. I guess it was about being patient and working diligently. He is really getting so much better. YES!!!

I am going all the way gray

I am one of those women who started going gray since I was in high school. Actually, some of my hair is a sparkling silver to be exact. I used to freak out and pull a strand here and there that I felt was visible. Being that my hair is jet black, the silver really shines through. I have never colored my hair before and quite frankly can't see myself with any color other than what's natural. I was at a political fundraiser recently when I had the pleasure of meeting this lovely lady Mrs. Francis Finney (One of her sons is running for Solicitor in 4 surrounding counties). She was there to support her son and had such poise and grace about herself. I had an instant connection with her the minute we started chatting and I fell in love with her silver locks! Then it hit me. I figured it out... I am not going to ever color my hair. I will let it go gray and embrace what I think is natural beauty.

Mrs. Finney's husband, Chief Justice Ernest Finney was just as lovely a person. I was chatting with him and apologizing for my husband AKA the paparazzi! He was as sweet as can be and told me he did not mind being photographed. They are the epitome of how I view myself to be when I am in my golden years!

My first opinion of Neutrogena UltraSheer® Liquid Daily Sunblock

I received two bottles of Neutrogena UltraSheer® Liquid Daily Sunblock a couple days ago. I am a person that tends to smell everything before trying it so I just had to sniff the product. I was pleasantly surprised that it did not smell like typical sunblock. I applied some to my clean face and neck and then onto my arms. The true test was what it felt like after I applied it. Shockingly, it was almost power-like instead of the traditional greasy or thick feeling I get from other products. I went outside today to work in the yard and it was HOT. My skin remained smooth and I did notice that the scent of sunblock came through as I was exposed to the sun. Gladly it was not an offensive scent. So far so good. I will continue to use the product daily and report my thoughts. Until next time...

Linens 'N Things deal (and my wish list, hint to the hubby)

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Linens 'N Things. All opinions are 100% mine.

I wanted to share a great online exclusive coupon offer from Linens 'N Things that will give you free shipping on any order that is over $26 (through June 1, 2010) when you use the coupon code : MOMBLOG . This code is just for bloggers and readers! It actually came in on time for me since I have a wedding gift I need to purchase and the recipient is registered with them. Our local store actually closed down several months ago so this gives me more flexibility to send a gift without breaking the bank on the shipping. I just love the vast selection of items they offer for bed, bath, kitchen, home and outdoor furniture and decor. Seriously, I could go nuts over the kitchen gadgets alone. I have my eyes set on the Rachel Ray Lazy Spoon and Ladle Set. Hmm, I really want the cookware set too! I think it will be something to add to my wish list :) I am going to have to check out their clearance tab on the site to see what bargains I can find. Have you ever purchased anything from LNT.com? If you could pick any item or items what would you want?

William's speech update

Many of you who either know me personally or follow the blog regularly know that William is a late bloomer in the speech department. He has been making some great strides lately and has become quite fond of a handful of words. We are encouraging his speech development as much as possible and are finding that he comes up with at least 2 new words each day. Here is a list of words he currently uses and his version of them.

• apple- apple
• bird- buud
• Brie- Beee
• Chardie- Shawdee
• tall dog- taw dog
• the end- dee end
• Head- hett
• Teeth- teef
• ears- eeezz
  
• sissy- seesee
• trees- tees
• up- up
• cup-tup
• water- watuw
• ball- bawll
  

Diaper points programs

I just wanted to know if any of you collect the rewards points for Huggies or Pampers brand diapers? I am not exclusive to any particular brand but I do collect the points and finally made it to over 1000 with Pampers. I had my eye and a Go Diego Go! soft potty seat. I was at TJ Maxx yesterday and saw the same seat for $6.99. So you mean to tell me I have been saving like a fool for 2 years all for an item that is under $10?? Oh, plus I have to pay for the shipping!? Pure nonsense. Does anyone else save the points and have you redeemed them for "gifts"? I want to know what the shipping cost was. They are real slick by making you surrender your points before they give you that information. What the hell is the point of the whole rewards program when it truly is not in your favor?

I want my toddler to stop taking naps

Sounds crazy doesn't it? I really want William to stop taking a nap each day. This kid tends to take his nap between about 2:00-3:15 (during afternoon school pick-up). Don't get me wrong, it is probably the most peaceful part of the day but the problem begins at night. The boy thinks that 10:30 and 11:00 are acceptable bedtimes. He in turn stays down late the next morning and repeats the process. I would much prefer that he wakes up at the crack (I love getting up early) and goes to bed by 8 or 9. He really does not act any differently without the nap. I guess I will just have to see how things go over the summer since the girls will be around more. He changes when others are home in the daytime so I guess time will tell!

Question: At what age did your child stop taking afternoon naps?

And why??

Please tell me that someone else out there has a husband that likes to dress like a fool while working out in the yard... Dwayne bought this plaid shirt from a thrift store for $1. He loves this shirt. He's proud to wear it. He says he is doing good for our earth by reusing an article of clothing. Okay, I will give him the shirt.
Now this stack of pants is where I take real issue. Why does one man (a very busy one at that) need to have a minimum of 7 pairs of yard pants? You would think our yard looked like we live in the White House with how many pants and shirts he has that are supposed to be dedicated to yard work. Oh my husband...

Summer is near

It dawned on me that school will be over in just two weeks! I have been in planning mode for the past couple weeks. My girls have a pretty busy summer coming up. They have trips, camps, pre-season volleyball training, summer reading and a long list of teenage-related things to do including some family day-trips. I am sure that the time will breeze on by. I am not looking forward so much to the heat of the summer but I will be happy to have my girls around. Does anyone have any big plans for when school is out?

Just me and my kiddos

I was hanging out with the kids and we decided to take a few random photos.

No matter how many times you try, it is virtually impossible to get the boy to smile.

I love the shots when nobody is ready. Funny. Notice I was not in it ;)

Chardie and Will. Brie was too busy talking to her BFF on the cellphone.

This would have been perfect if Willie did not look like he was about to sneeze!

Flashback Friday- The "big hair" days

My BF from High School posted this a few weeks back from the high school days. I kept the beauty supply shop in business with my cans and cans of stiff holding hair spray!

Review opportunity

I just wanted to pass along some information to those who might be interested/qualify to do a review for Neutrogena Ultrasheer Liquid Daily Sunblock. I applied and was selected and should receive the product kit in about a week. I will then try it out and write a couple reviews. If you are interested then you can take this survey. *Note- you must be a blogger and also have a Facebook and Twitter account.

Energizer Kids Take Charge Contest and Giveaway

**Contest Closed**

Energizer launched a video campaign asking families across the country to post a video of their child explaining the mischief they can get into when the toys that keep them occupied run out of battery power – www.energizer.com/recharge. The first 250 to enter will receive a brand NEW Energizer Smart Charger. Ten video finalists will be chosen and then they will pick a charity of their choice to have a portion of $10,000 that Energizer will be donating to the charities. The more views the finalist’s video gets, the bigger the percentage of the donation the finalist’s charity will receive.

Here is how to enter:

1. Film a video – 60 seconds or less – of your child explaining what happens when their toy runs out of battery power (have fun with it!)
2. Include why the Smart Charger is a good way to keep batteries charged and toys working, or show a “Take Charge or Else” sign like the one in the video (download it here or get creative and make one yourself)
3. Upload your video to www.youtube.com and include #recharge in the title
4. Click on the ENTER HERE on www.energizer.com/recharge and enter the required information

I would have loved to enter but the two year old can only say so much. He is best at getting into mischief in any way he can!
_________________________________________
Giveaway: Energizer have provided me with one free Smart Charger (including one charger and 4 AA rechargeable batteries valued at $19.99) for us to give away to one lucky Momfiles reader. Here's how to enter:
Mandatory: Check out the Energizer website and tell us what cool fact you learned about the rechargeable batteries or tell us what items you would most use these batteries in. Comments saying "thanks" or "count me in" will be deleted.(You must complete the above method to qualify for extra entries)

--You can Twitter this giveaway (one per day) and leave me a link to your Tweet.
Example: Win an Energizer Smart Charger to #recharge "or else" @momfiles http://bit.ly/cXQmOA

-- Facebook this giveaway, and please leave a separate comment/link for each entry to count. (one per day)

--Follow me on Twitter (@momfiles) or "friend me" on Facebook (leave a comment with a link) If you already follow let me know.

--You can also place our button on your blog or follow us (please leave a blog link in your comment or specify if you are a new or current follower).

*Be sure to have a visible email address in your comment if you do not have a Blogger profile. Giveaway is open to US residents only. Deadline to enter is May 17, 2010 at 09:00 pm EST. Good luck!
Disclosure: Energizer have provided me with one free Smart Charger (including one charger and 4 AA rechargeable batteries valued at $19.99) to review and keep as a thank you for spreading the word about this fun campaign.

Random thoughts...

• Do you ever want to blog about something but you are afraid that the day you say what you want to say, the person/people who never give a crap about reading your blog actually reads it that day and might take things the wrong way?
• I sometimes hate people for no reason. All people. No reason.
  
• I am so tired of LOL, OMG, SMH and anything of the like. So annoying.
• I am on a scented candle kick. I go through my phases.
• Sour Patch Watermelons are incredible.
  
• I'm really glad I'm not a smoker. Not sure how people can afford to keep that habit up.
• I am a freebie whore. A double-dipping one at that.
• I am still extremely annoyed with the bathroom mirror self-portraits. Especially when the toilet gets in the shot. Why the hell is that cute again?
• I love blogging because I can use run-on sentences and as many commas,,, as I feel like.
• I buy generic medication.
  
• I am one of those when I want it done I want it done right away kind of people.
• Random is fun.
  

I am an official $exyGirl

I was the lucky winner of a giveaway that Atasha from I am Mama hosted. The grand prize was this deliciously sexy full apron. I fell in love with these aprons long before she did the giveaway. Can you believe she makes these things by hand? I can't even hem a pant leg much less sew and entire high quality garment! This apron if reversible and so pretty you might not want to cook with it on. Actually, I have told Atasha that these aprons are so sexy that you can "just add heels" if you get my drift ;-) Dwayne is loving this apron and since this blog is rated PG, I will refrain from posting his comments.

I am so impressed the detail of the pleats/ruffles on the edges. Atasha is so talented and she makes an array of patterns and colors. I think these aprons are a great gift idea for almost any occasion and she ships quickly and packages everything so nicely. She also makes a lot of other sexy items that are very girlie and pretty. Thanks Atasha, I LOVE my new apron!

You can also check out $exyGirl on Facebook!

Happy Mother's Day!

I will be taking the weekend off to relax but I did not want to forget to wish all you amazing moms out there in the blogosphere a very Happy Mother's Day! Enjoy your special day and I hope you get spoiled!!

This video makes we want to make Jell-O

I just got to see this new video by Sade called "Babyfather" that just came out today. This is a feel good kind of video and this lady is smokin'! Check it out and let me know what you think.

Wordless Wednesday

He was focused on the TV, not the camera. He shows me daily what a "man" he is ;)

Real showers

My 13 year old is home from school sick with a cold. I was able to take an actual real shower in the daytime without paranoia of what the boy could be getting into. This is a rare treat. There are those days I try to take a shower when it's just the two of us and it is always the day I missed the UPS/FedEx/USPS guy to sign for something important or a call comes through that I have been waiting on all day and I miss it. It was great to get to take my time and relax. Okay, I'm done. Just thought I would share. I know most of you stay-at-home mommas know exactly what I am talking about.

Freschetta FlatBread Pizza Review and Giveaway

**Contest Closed**

*This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Freschetta. All opinions are 100% mine.I was contacted by the folks at Freschetta to try out their awesome Freschetta FlatBread. The fact that my family is already a huge fan of Freschetta products made this review all the better. If you are a fan of thinner crust pizza with tons of yummy flavor then this is for you! The crispy crust has the perfect texture and the toppings are really excellent quality. You would swear you are eating from a restaurant or pizzeria. We tried the Zesty Italian and Five Cheese varieties and they are amazing! I will have to give the Roasted Garlic and Spinach a try next time. The husband says that is a "girly" pizza. No problem, I will have it all for myself!! Oh yeah and be sure to go here to get a coupon for $1.00 off!.
Now for the fun part... I have 3 coupons for a FREE Freschetta FlatBread to give away to 3 lucky Momfiles readers. (one coupon per winner) Here's how to enter:

Mandatory: Check out the Freschetta site and tell us which variety of the FlatBread pizzas you would like to try. Comments saying "thanks" or "count me in" will be deleted.
(You must complete the above method to qualify for extra entries)

--You can Twitter this giveaway (one per day) and leave me a link to your Tweet.
Example: Win a coupon for FREE #Freschetta FlatBread Pizza @momfiles http://blog.momfiles.com/2010/05/freschetta-flatbread-pizza-review-and.html

-- Facebook this giveaway, and please leave a separate comment/link for each entry to count. (one per day)

--Follow me on Twitter (@momfiles) or "friend me" on Facebook (leave a comment with a link) If you already follow let me know.

--You can also place our button on your blog or follow us (please leave a blog link in your comment or specify if you are a new or current follower).

*Be sure to have a visible email address in your comment if you do not have a Blogger profile. Giveaway is open to US residents only. Deadline to enter is May 14, 2010 at 09:00 pm EST. Good luck!