Girls Like to build @MegaBloks #Barbie #MommyParties

February 28, 2013 superexhausted 18 Comments

My daughter and her friends got to experience Barbies Mega Bloks. The girls spent about 2 hours building the Barbie Mega Bloks house and the pool. They love also they decorated the house and pool with the stickers and all the accessories. They read and followed all the easy to understand instructions no parental help required.. which was a real bonus for me. Team work is what it took to build this dream house. The girls built it there way as team and dividing the process, there was complete cooperation from all involved int he Barbie Mega Bloks building process. A truly lovely afternoon.

The Mega Bloks® Barbie® collection line-up will allow fans to be in control of their dreams in a buildable world of fashion and fantasy. Girls can feel empowered to build ‘n style their very own Mega Bloks Barbie world, with over 300 specially-designed pieces and tons of detailed accessories. Collect up to 19 mini fashion dolls — including Barbie, Teresa, Nikki and of course Ken — with changeable hair, accessories and clothing styles! There’s lots of great places to shop, like the Fashion Boutique and the Pet Shop. Hang out at home in the personalized Luxury Mansion, relax at the pool or hop in your convertible and head to the beach house!

The girls loved the Mega Bloks sets. I think they were prefect for the 7+ girls we had at our party. They like the building and the play. The mega block also has an online world so the children can continue they play virtually. The online Barbie Mega Bloks site has games and videos. My daughter loved checking it out. Here is a video so you can get a closer look.

I love that Mega Block has other smaller sets in the $10 range so they make great birthday gifts.

I can recommend the Barbie Mega bloks my daughter loves it she has been run late to school every morning because she is playing with them. Great gift. Also I wanted to mention the blogs fit with other building systems. She has been building furniture and accessory for other full size Barbies.. so every toy in her room is in on the Barbie Mega Blok party.

Check out the Mega Bloks Facebook page and the Mega Block Barbie website

Disclosure:  I received a MommyParty kit from via the promotional program with MomSelect.  No other compensation was received, and all opinions are mine alone.

Parenting

International Night Word Wednesday

February 27, 2013 superexhausted 5 Comments

Tonight was International Night at school. My daughter identifies with the Irish side of my family .. (My Irish grandmother thinks she is a hoot) My daughter was born near St. Patricks day, so every thing is irish to her. I am not really sure what it was about international night but my daughter talked about it all week. She wanted to wear a “Irish” costume? I don’t have any Irish costumes laying around. I guess I could have give her a shamrock cape? So I dressed her very last minute as a peasant, green tee with a shamrock quick embellishment I found on Pintrest, apron, and a shawl.

It was very reminiscent of when my mother dressed me as a Polish peasant in 1979- were are the same age in the photo.

I am 1/3 Irish, 1/3 German/Scottish, 1/3 Polish but so we are a typical American mutt. As a kid I was always Polish.. no one could every say my name.. it has a “ski” on the end. Every year at the beggining of school tired of people not being able to say it Ry….ski. So I did change my when I got married, and I did not hyphenate (it is 9 letters..way too long to write.) It took my kids till they were 4 before they could say my maiden name. To this day I still identify my inner Pollock.

On St. Patricks day when my son was 2. I told him he was Irish, lets wear Green. He started to cry saying ” I don’t want to be “Irelish” he thought it was like an illiness.. it took him 2 years before he accepted it.

Tonight my daughter told me I was polish and she was Irish.. Love Kid Logic.. She saw the picture

I love my Irish/Polish child- she is still Polish

Did you get dressed up for international night?

Check out my pinterest for great Ideas as we head towards St. Patricks day.

Cooking

Beginners Baked Chicken legs and Menu Planning

February 25, 2013 superexhausted 1 Comment

When My husband I 1st met. His parents came to visit NJ, they were from PA. My mother decided to host a dinner for my husbands parents (they were not inlaws yet). My parents just moved in there new house days earlier and decided to host this last minute dinner. My Mom made her baked chicken, which was a standard in my family’s house growing up. My Mother in law asked repeatedly for the recipe. Directions are rub with oil put seasoning and toss in the oven till the skin is crispy about 40 minutes. So here is a picture of how to make baked chicken. For me it is a beginners cook winning recipe.

So my meal Plan for this week.

Monday: Rice with beef, mushrooms, and gravy

Tuesday: Split pea soup starting with Mirepoix

Wednesday: Baked chicken, potatoes

Thurs: Linguini and clam sauce

Friday: Tacos

Saturday: Meatball Hoagies

I am linking this post up to I am a Organizing Junkie Menu Planning Monday Link Up

Have a great week.

Crafting, Giveaways, Parenting

Box Tops Rock and Stockup Pantry Giveaway

February 22, 2013 superexhausted 51 Comments

So my kids school has earned in the past years several thousands of dollars in what the school called “Free Money”? How Box Tops for Education . Just by parents looking purchasing for General Mills product and then saving the tops they kids have benefited in the form of new books and tech. The schools is not only the only place in my life my church also collect the tops for education programs so the whole community can contribute.

The General Mills program began as an experiment on boxes of Cheerios in California with first year earnings of only $1 million. It has grown to include more than 240 participating brands providing needed cash for 90,000 enrolled K-8 schools. At the heart of the program is more than 75,000 volunteer Box Tops for Education coordinators who motivate local school communities to collect the 10-cent coupons which are redeemed for cash schools use for whatever they need most.

To celebrate this milestone, this winter, the program is offering a variety of bonus Box Tops on more than 50 million packages at grocery stores and at btfe.com, allowing shoppers to double their earnings with select products. School budget cuts have made the program more and more important over the years as it provides unrestricted cash to help schools with their basic operating needs and programs that would not be possible otherwise, such as field trips, textbooks, musical instruments, playground equipment, classroom technology and arts and cultural programming.

Here are some Ideas to start saving Box Tops for education:

My children’s schools also give the kids inventive. The class with most box tops every month gets a pizza party of ice cream party. Since we save the tops all year my kids love when I give them a big Ziplock of box tops to take to school.
The church leaves a large jug for all the parishioners to leave the box tops, it is left right in the hall where people spill out after church.. so family’s and couples of any age can contribute.
Both my church and schools notify there community in of the box top program in News letters and signs.
It is also fun for the kids to add them up prior to bringing them to school a good math lesson.
The Box Tops For education has a section of all creative ideas of seasonal themed craft projects to get the kids involved
Have a Place to store your box tops at home. This is a great project for your kids to help make. We used a left over Tea Box and decoupage it. We also put the kid who got them last and the date on an Avery Label so we know who get them next. We have kids going to 2 different schools.

General Mills Box Tops are In celebration of reaching more than $500 million to schools since the program started in 1996, Box Tops for Education® and its popular brand partners are offering one of my readers one lucky reader a chance to share in the news while stocking their shelves with some of the most trusted household brands.

The Giveaway to a lucky Superexhausted Reader is Pantry Stock Up gift pack which includes:

New Peanut Butter Toast Crunch® cereal
Nature Valley® Chewy Trail Mix Dark Chocolate Cherry and Protein Salted Caramel
Fiber One® Protein Bars
Progresso® Recipe Starters
Food Should Taste Good® Chips
Green Giant Fresh® Box Tops for Education pencil pouch
Hamburger Helper® Sweet & Sour Chicken and Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Betty Crocker® Mac & Cheese and Au Gratin potatoes
Kleenex® wallet pack and 184 count box
Scott® toilet paper (4 roll) and paper towel roll
Avery® dry erase weekly calendar
Ziploc® bowls and bags

So how can you win this Awesome Pantry Stock Up Prize? Enter using the Rafflecopter form.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Information, products and promotional items have been provided by General Mills and Box Tops for Education and its program partners.

LIfe, Parenting, Photography

A letter to my 12 year old

February 20, 2013 superexhausted 6 Comments

Dear 12 year old son

You are amazing.. you made me who I am today. 12 years ago you came in to this world.. you were not ready to come 43+ hours of induced labor you were not ready to arrive then. My blond haired blued boy.. I was almost 30 and still was not sure I was ready .. but there you were. All 21 inches 6.8 lb tall and skinny. You are mine and no one else will be your mom.. you are always my boy.

Everyone said you were a Toe Head .. it means blond hair blue eyes. I had to look it up. (random thought)

I love everything about you. You may look like your Dad but I get you. I know who you are, you like me. You can get frustrated at yourself. Remember it always works out. Your life is limitless you can accomplish anything.. continue to think differently and outside the box. It is much more fun and fulling life.

Your compassion.. you have show compassion and empathy for others from an early age. Please continue to do some it is one of your greatest gifts. Please find time to give to others.. you will never regret it.

I love that fact that you are kind and even to your sister.

When you can travel see the world and experience new things. You will not regret it.

2 things:

Learn to cook a man who cooks can always feed himself.

Learn to dance a man who can dance is never alone

When you walked away today .. I felt it you are getting older, bigger, and growing into a man.. It makes me sad but also grateful that I was blessed with such a amazing son.

Happy Birthday!

Love Mom

Product Reviews

Cucumber cups and Weekly Menu Plan

February 18, 2013 superexhausted 6 Comments

Cucumber cups make for a great healthy way to contain you little dips and snack. It is very easy to make and gives you a big bang with little effort. Prefect for entertaining, each guest can have there own dip. They are so great to hold dips and salsa or to hold your lunch. You need a pairing knife melon baller and peeler.

Cut 1 1/2-2″ slice of Cucumber (I got 5 cups out of one cucumber)
Score the top of the slice 1/8″ down
Using a carrot peeler peel from the bottom up to the score line. leaving the lip of the cucumber skin.
Then Ball out the center of the cucumber leaving the sides and bottom intack.

Here are some Dip ideas:

Homemade Guacamole
cottage cheese with grapes
tuna with cheese,
chicken salad
hummus
blue cheese,mayo, pepper and hot sauce
salsa
ranch dressing

My husband will be out of the house during the day this week which means I have to do easier meals since I will not have a second set of hands. So this week Menu plan is as follows:

Monday: Baked Chicken with slow cooker mash potatoes and veg
Tuesday : Using Sunday night left over pulled pork, in tortilla wraps
Wednesdays: Fish with asparagus and rice
Thursday: Chicken pasty
Friday: Meat Loaf Muffins left over mash potatoes

I am linking this post up to Organizing Junkie Menu Plan Monday , Motivation Monday , Centsible life meal Planning

What are you planning for this week?

Philadelphia

The British are comming To the Philadelphia Flower Show

February 17, 2013 superexhausted 4 Comments

The British are coming To the Philadelphia Flower Show. This past week I attended the Philadelphia Flower shows press conference. It was such experience to hear what he show theme is this year Brilliance everything British. Such a fun Idea coming off the Olympics and in anticipation of the Princess Katies new baby.

So Pull out your Fasitnators, eat some tea sandwiches and head to the flower show.

Here are some Packages the Flower show told us about this year.

“Brilliant!” Flower Show Ticket Packages & Experiences

The 2013 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, “Brilliant!” is just weeks away, making today a perfect time to discover fabulous new ticket packages and experiences.

Winning in Bloom Package with SugarHouse Casino and STARR Restaurants. For just $99, receive two (2) Flower Show tickets, a $50 STARR Restaurant Gift Card, $25 in free play and a FREE gift from SugarHouse Casino. Purchase your Winning in Bloom packages through February 18, by visiting SugarHouse Casino, 1001 North Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, PA.

PHS Pre-Show Sneak Peek. For the first time, PHS offers special guests an exclusive view of the creation of the Philadelphia Flower Show prior to the official opening. All Pre-Show Sneak Peek packages come with one Flower Show ticket to be used during regular show hours. Guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate. Pre-Show Sneak Peek is available Monday, February 25 -Thursday, February 28, 2013 between the hours of 2- 6 pm. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.

DIY at the Flower Show. Check out the Flower Show’s new Make & Take Room, the perfect place to get crafty. In 2013 you’re invited to take home a piece of “Brilliant!” handiwork, such as a fabulous fascinator, fashionable floral wristlet, or magic wand. All the supplies you can imagine will be provided, and a DIY expert will be on-hand to help you design your creation. Looking for early inspiration? Check out the PHS Pinterest board on fascinators. Click here to learn more and gain access inside the all-new Make & Take Room. Please note, a Flower Show ticket is required for entry.

Back by Popular Demand: Flower Show Theme Nights!

LGBT Party – Sponsored by G Philly Sunday, March 3, 4 – 6 pm. PHS and G Philly invite members and friends of the LGBT Community for an afternoon of creative British-inspired cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Mingle with friends before taking in the sights and scents of the world’s most celebrated indoor Flower Show.

Wedding Wednesday – Sponsored by Philadelphia Wedding Magazine and Simply Naked Wine. Wednesday, March 6, 6 – 8 pm PHS and Philadelphia Wedding Magazine invite brides-to-be for an evening of royal treatment at “Wedding Wednesday.” Bring your bridesmaids and get advice (and take-aways!) from more than 50 local experts on fashion, music, catering, honeymoon planning, and much more. Meet celebrated wedding photographers and learn dazzling decor ideas while sampling creative British-inspired cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with your friends and family.

Girls Night Out – Presented by Philadelphia Style Magazine and Macy’s Center City. Thursday, March 7, 6 – 8 pm. Enjoy a special evening tailored just for the ladies, featuring exclusive food samplings, health & beauty tutorials, shopping with Philadelphia’s most coveted retailers, raffle prizes, takeaways and more!

Click here to learn more and purchase your Theme Night ticket package.

Arrive in Style with Amtrak’s PA Trips by Train and save! (for Pennsylvania riders only)

PA Trips by Train is reinventing the road trip! Get away on Amtrak’s Keystone Service® line for a day, night or weekend. When you book a Trip by Train, you’ll enjoy one of the most relaxing ways to travel – all while saving money along the way. Visit PaTripsbyTrain.com to learn more about the special Flower Show package.

Buy one Amtrak Ticket, get one 40% off
Take 50% off Amtrak Ticket for Kids ages 2 through 15
Free transportation via SEPTA to Suburban Station

Hope to see you there!

LIfe, Photography

My Valentines Week and Link Up

February 14, 2013 superexhausted 7 Comments

My valentines week.. pictures of of the last week

Snow storm from my shop Babypop superhero cape
From Toy Fair 2013..Madame Alexander Dolls

My boy at the science fair, he got in to the finals judging. It was on fracting Marcellus shale.

I made 9 loaves of Bread in a bag for Ash Wednesday at church. The Recipe for easy Bread in a Bag.

I made a valentines box .. See the post how to make Valentines Mod Podge trunk and giveaway

What has your week been like?

Add Your Valentines Related Post!

Crafting, Giveaways, Product Reviews

Valentines Keepsake Trunk and AC Moore Giveaway

February 11, 2013 superexhausted 13 Comments

Wooden Trunk covered using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge. This idea was given to me by AC Moore. The asked me to make a wooden trunk using the directions AC Moore provided. It has been years since I worked with Mod Podge and AC Moore had everything I need to make the task fun. I loved the idea of the trunk and the more I read the instructions I could not wait to try it. The inside had little cards decoupage inside.

The idea of this craft was from AC Moores designer Robin Beam.. Click here for Robins instructions Valentines Keepsake Trunk. Note: (the trunk size listed is a M the patterns and sku is for a small trunk) . I made the medium size which was larger so I adjust the templates. Robins Templates where for the small trunk.

Robin @ AC Moore did her trunk with different paper than I did. I choose 7 sheets of 12×12 scrapbooking paper open stock. (The apparel designers in me loved all the prints). But the instructions are the same.

Remove hardwear, I painted the inside and outside corners/edges.
I cut the templates, cut the scrapbook paper to size
Follow instructions added the mod podge, place paper, and smoothed out all the bubbles.
The tip Robin said about sanding the edges, the excess paper will just sand away.. seriously really rocks takes the trunk from a simple project to a quality piece. Make sure to remove all the dust from sanding, before applying next coat…..
Be sure to read AC Moores full instructions.. Valentines Keepsake Trunk

By the time I finished I coated the Trunk with 5 different coats of Mod Podge .. I really love doing this project. I loke the medium size box it allows me to put a full 8 1/2″ X 11 Paper in it flat. My daughter keeps eyeing the box up.

Ac Moore want you to create so they are providing a 50% coupon for this week to all my readers. AC Moore Coupon 2/10-2/16

Also Ac Moore wants one of my readers to create something so they are Giving away $20 gift certificate to one of my readers. Ends 2/24. US residents Only Please use the rafflecopter form.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Ac Moore provided a Gift Certificate for me to purchase the supplies. The opinions in this post are all mine own.

Cooking

Skinny Fake Fry Mushrooms and Meal Plan Monday

February 11, 2013 superexhausted

Meal Plan Monday and Skinny Fake Fry Mushrooms. I love mushrooms and anything fried. By my waist could stand to not eat the grease. so I can up with a skinny fried (baked) mushrooms. The not as golden or pretty as fried.. But my husband said I did good and I can defiantly make the skinny Mushrooms.

Skinny Fake Fried Mushrooms

1 pound of White Button Mushrooms
1 egg
½ cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons of pepper (you can use less, but yummy)
4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan
1 tea spoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1/8 cup Hot sauce

Preheat oven to 425
Mix flour will all dry ingredients
Crack and beat raw egg
Clean mushroom with paper towel (don’t wash with water), trim bottom of stems leaving attached
Dip mushroom in egg wash (if you want hot sauce – dip in hot sauce then egg)
Dredge in flour mixture
Place on baking tray
Cook for 15-20 minutes
Check increasing heat to 450 watch careful to make golden brown
Remove and eat ( you can dip ranch or blue cheese)

Easy Print recipe for the Skinny Fake Fried Mushrooms

Meal Plan Monday This weeks meals:

Monday: Sausage and Onions over egg noddles

Tuesday : Pizza – I will be at toy Fair .. the husband is on his own

Wednesday : Ash Wednesday Meager meal at church ( I am baking 6-10 loaves of bread using this bread in a bag method) Guess what? I am doing all day Wednesday

Thursday: Valentines Pick Shrimp and Scallops over pasta, skinny mushrooms

Friday- tilapia fish with rice and veggies (I will head to the market and see what is up)

What are you planning? I want to hear it it great getting ideas.

Have a Great Week.