Do people take your blogging for a joke?

A lot of times when I tell people I am related to or those I know very well that I am a blogger, they say they don't have time for the computer like I do. They brush off what I do as if it is strictly a hobby and act as if I must not have anything better to do with my time. I hear things like "I don't know how people can stay on Facebook all day" or "I don't have time to look at blogs and don't know how stuff like that even works". Well I have been doing this now for years and at first it was more of a personal journal/social thing. It has blossomed over time and I now have PR firms I work with that provide me with products to review, host giveaways and sometimes even pay me to write. Blogging has become a part-time business for me. It has allowed me the opportunity to contribute to my household no matter how small it is. I don't want to sit on a computer all day long. I don't want to Tweet or Facebook all day long. I do it throughout the day in between taking care of my homemaker/SAHM duties. I do it because it helps my family. I never set out to become a "Mommy Blogger". It just happened one day. It is a lot of work to put out good posts and reviews. Some are easier than others. I really wish I would get the respect I deserve for my contributions as a mom blogger.  After all, don't moms know best anyway?

I See Me! Book Review & Giveaway

*Contest Closed*- Winner is #18 JamericanSpice~ Congratulations!

I received the most adorable board book from I See Me! called "William's Very Merry Christmas". This book was made especially for my little guy because I See Me! books are personalized books. All you do is submit some basic information and your child's name gets incorporated throughout the story. What a neat way to make a child feel special! I love the fact that this book is so durable since my 3 year old is still pretty rough on books. I think this would make an excellent gift for little ones and you can choose from different titles for specific occasions. You can take a virtual tour of this book and others on the I See Me! website. You can also check them out on Facebook for exclusive offers and promotions for FB fans.

Little William is thrilled to have a book with his name in it and he loves to point it out each time he sees it! This book makes a wonderful keepsake and is truly a treasure. I enjoy seeing the look on his face each time he hears his name.

We are thrilled to be able to give away one of these cute books ($24.95 value) to one lucky Momfiles reader in the same title as I received. 

To enter: Mandatory- Let us know who you plan to give this book to if you win. What other titles would you love to see that child's name in? 

For additional entries: 

~ "like" I See Me! and Momfiles on Facebook

~ Mention this giveaway on Facebook

~ Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect

~ Follow I See Me! and  Momfiles on Twitter 

~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily) and leave a link to your Tweet 

Enter to win a personalized #Christmas children's book from @ISeeMe_Maia @momfiles http://www.momfiles.com/2011/11/i-see-me-book-review-giveaway.html #giveaway #gift 

Giveaway is open to US & Canada Residents only and will end at 9:00 pm EST on November 26, 2011. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Be sure to leave your email address if you do not have a Blogger profile. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes.

Disclosure: I received a book for review purposes and all opinions are 100% mine

Sock Ons for babies

I got to check out one of the neatest little baby items around. They are called Sock Ons. They are a unique way of keeping your little ones socks on! Now where on earth were these when all of my kids were babies? What a great idea these are. I remember very well how often I was having to put socks back on the kids' tiny little feet when they were babies.

Sock Ons come in so many wonderful colors including Red, Orange, Lemon, Lime, Turquoise, Blueberry, Grape, Chocolate and Charcoal (Sized 0-6m and 6-12m). I think these would make a cool baby shower gift. I received a sample and gave it to my good friend who is expecting twins next month. She had never seen anything like it before. Check out Sock Ons on the web, Facebook and you can find retailers  here.

Balsamic Cornish Hen & Roasted Potatoes | The Olive Tap Review

I received some samples of Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and Aceto Balsamico Di Modena (4 leaf quality) Balsamic vinegar from The Olive Tap. I can't even begin to tell you how amazing both products are. The olive oil is the best I have ever tried, hands down. I usually go with a plain olive oil and use herbs and garlic with it to take it to the next level. I am so glad I did not do that with the Tuscan Herb olive oil. I was amazed at all the rich flavors of herbs and garlic that you get hit with (in a good way of course). It went so well for dipping crusty bread. As a matter of fact, the entire family tried it and loved it.

I was stumped with what to cook for dinner one day and remembered I had purchased some Cornish hens and a bag of potatoes. This is where the balsamic vinegar came in...

I took the Cornish hens and split them down the middle of the breast side and seasoned them with a few of my favorite dry seasonings and drizzled them with the balsamic vinegar. I roasted the hens for about 40-45 minutes until I achieved a rich color and of course until they were cooked properly. While the hens were roasting I washed, cut and seasoned some potatoes with some sea salt, cracked pepper and the Tuscan herb olive oil. The potatoes roasted in the oven alongside the hens. The end result was the most flavorful and succulent poultry, as well as perfectly delicious potatoes. The family raved about this dish and the girls told me to add this recipe to the book I am making for both of them when they go off to college. 

You can check out The Olive Tap on the web, Facebook and Twitter. They offer beautiful gourmet gift baskets perfect for the foodies. You will not be disappointed in these products if you appreciate the very best quality. 

I received products samples for review and all opinions are completely my own.

Save BIG at Kroger | $25 gift card giveaway

**Contest Closed** Winner is #129 Mari~ Congratulations!!

I have been a loyal Kroger shopper for at least 10 years. I think I go in there at least 3-4 times a week! Kroger offers really great prices and help you stretch your family budget. I buy almost all of my groceries, cleaning and household items from Kroger. I love that I can double my coupons up to 50 cents as well as the coupons that sometimes print at the end of my transaction. Right now Kroger has their buy 10 participating items and get $5 off. This helped me to get a jump on buying my holiday staples.

My son loves getting his Kroger sticker at the check-out line!

From November 13th through November 26th, with the purchase of any four participating General Mills products, you will either receive free milk (up to $3; limit of 2) or to receive $3 off your shopping order** Look for some of your favorite participating General Mills products like Cheerios, Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookies, Nature Valley Bars and Fiber One Bars.

Promotion varies in different locations. Please be sure to check your local Kroger Co. Family of Stores for specific deals and offers which include Kroger, Ralphs, King Scoopers, City Market, Dillons, Smith’s, Fry’s, QFC, Baker’s, Owen’s, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Food4Less, Fred Meyer, Pay Less Supermarkets and Scott’s Food & Pharmacy *Excludes General Mills meal and baking products including; Betty Crocker, Old El Paso, Progresso, Hamburger Helper, Macaroni Grill, Wanchai Ferry, Yoplait **Promotion varies based on store location; check your local Kroger store for details (Cash Offer: Mid South, Delta, Mid Atlantic, SW Louisiana stores, Central Missouri stores and Dillons Missouri stores)

I know I will be taking advantage of this great deal especially since I use all of these brands and have coupons for most of them. Having a family of 5 means I have be extra mindful when shopping. We received $25 Kroger gift card and are giving away the same prize to one lucky Momfiles reader  (good at any of the Kroger. Co Family of Stores)

To Enter: *Mandatory- Let us know what items you plan to purchase with the gift card if you win.
For additional entries:
~ "like" Kroger and Momfiles on Facebook
~ Write on the Momfiles wall and let us know you entered
~ Follow Momfiles via Google Friend Connect
~ Follow Kroger and Momfiles on Twitter
~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily) and leave a link to your Tweet:

Enter the $25 @KrogerCo gift card #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/7xvvdrj from @momfiles and #myblogspark

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end at 9:00 pm EST on November 24, 2011. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Be sure to leave your email address if you do not have a Blogger profile. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes.

Disclosure: The Kroger gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by Kroger and General Mills through MyBlogSpark