Category Archives: Product Reviews

Product review of family, living, cooking, fashion,kids,toys, healthy including Photography and honest reviews.

Easy linguini and clam sauce w/ Progresso® Recipe Starters

linguini and clam sauceEasy linguini and clam sauce great for a quick meal.  General Mills sent me a Box Top pantry stock up and with the food that was provided was Progresso® Recipe Starters Roasted Garlic.    I normally make my Linguini and clam sauce from scratch.   I decided to try the Recipe Starter, because I want a quick meal with less oil.

Ingredients

  • Progresso® Recipe Starters Roasted Garlic
  • 2 Cans of clams minced – Drained
  • 1lb of Linguini or Pasta
  • 1/4 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1/4 teaspoon Oregano

Make pasta following instructions

  1. To make clam sauce Add the Progresso® Recipe Starters,  drained Clams, and cheese to a pot heat till warm
  2. Drain pasta once cooked .. do not rinse (it wash away the starch that holds the sauce)
  3. Pour the  Sauce over pasta.. sprinkle cheese

Eat and enjoy!

Less oil then a traditional linguini and clam sauce.  Great with a salad and bread.

I really thought it was yummy  and quick,  not all the oil and butter as a normal clam sauce.

Other ideas:  use the Progresso® Recipe Starters,  would be good as a base for a Mushroom soup or mushroom pasta.  Using a variety of mushrooms oyster, buttons and portables. Just a thought for a vegetarian option.Progresso Recipe Starters

Check out to see if there is a coupon for it on there site..  Progresso Coupons Save the Box Top on the can to give to a Local School for education.

If you want to Win a Box Top Pantry stock up?  Head on over to my my Box Top Pantry giveaway ends 3/8/13.

What are you making for dinner?

Disclosure:  I did receive this product from General mills,  all the opinions in this post are my own.

Meal Planning

mushroomsSo I was going to write this brilliant recipe and show great planning.. yea that is not happening this week. I am a late today on my post and I only planned for tonight’s meal. When it came to me spuds..this is the week I have been celebrate all things Irish..
I have some great Irish  posts this week crafts and fun.

Monday: pork chops, green beans and mash potatoes
Tuesday: Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup (from Copy KatRecipes Soup) and fresh bread (make and Take)
Wednesday; Shepard’s pie with leftover mash potatoes from Monday
Thursday: Gnocchi pasta and salad (I might try to make my own)
Friday: Tacos, rice , re-fried beans

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

Have a great week.

Saving our Teeth – LISTERINE 21 day challenge Part 2

boy brushingListerine 21 day challenge.  So if you recall my family took on the Listerine 21 day challenge.  The Listerine challenge has been great for our family. Everyone sign on and committed to using the Listerine for the full 21 days (we are still doing it). My daughter and son used Reach tooth brushes and Listerine’s Smart Rinse.  My daughter loved the pink Barbie rinse.  We visited the Listerine web site and learned about proper dental care.

girl brushing

My husband I brushed with the Reach Tarter control  tooth brush.  We used Listerine whitening tooth paste  which I loved.  Then we rinsed after every brushing with Listerine Total Care. I also use the great Reach floss and Reach Access flosser which helps reach my back teeth.  From my observation  my teeth are actually cleaner and with less tarter. Feeling like my teeth are whiter and I find I am smiling more.women with listerine

Dentist:  We actually had a dentist appointment this past week,  The dentist said the kids teeth look clean and healthy.   The dentist did say that regular adult Listerine should not be use in a child mouth, because it is too strong. .  She said the Listerine Kids Smart Rinse is a great choice.

Tip from the dentist: She also recommend to my son who does not like minty toothpaste to dip his Reach tooth brush in the Listerine Rinse and brush.

Thanks Listerine for a great check up at the Dentist.

Did you know brushing alone misses 75% of your mouth? That’s right—and believe it or not, even if you brush twice a day, you’re likely missing a majority of your mouth, leaving plenty of room for germs to grow.

By using a LISTERINE® Antiseptic mouthwash twice a day for 30 seconds, you can clean virtually 100 percent of your mouth. In fact, you can get:

  • Up to 5 times healthier gums in 2 weeks
  • Up to 9 times healthier gums in 4 weeks*

That’s not just lip service, either! The makers of LISTERINE® know that users will feel a difference—or their money back**.listerine

Participating in this challenge offers the added benefit of joining the makers of LISTERINE® ULTRACLEAN® in helping Oral Health America impact the lives of children nationwide this year through the Smiles Across America® program. Shockingly, oral disease is now the most chronic childhood illness in the U.S.[1] It impacts kids of all backgrounds, but especially the millions who are unable to afford, or otherwise get access to, regular professional care.

Here is our video reviews  so you can see the clean :

Want to join me in the 21 day  head over to Listerine Facebook page and sign up for the LISTERINE 21day Challenge

also check out the Listerine kids website they have are coupons to save on Listerine and Reach Products.

For every person who signs up for the challenge, the LISTERINE® Brand will make a contribution to help Oral Health America’s Smiles Across America® program toward their goal of connecting 210,000 children with needed oral health services in 2013***.


Disclosure: “I received products from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the LISTERINE® 21 Day Challenge. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.”

Girls Like to build @MegaBloks #Barbie #MommyParties

barbie mega blocks house

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.

megabloks barbieThe 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.

Cucumber cups and Weekly Menu Plan

cucumber cupsCucumber 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. cucumber cups

  1. Cut 1 1/2-2″ slice of Cucumber (I got 5 cups out of one cucumber)
  2. Score the top of the slice 1/8″ down
  3. Using a carrot peeler peel from the bottom up to the score line. leaving the lip of the cucumber skin.
  4. 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 MondayMotivation Monday , Centsible life meal Planning

What are you planning for this week?

Valentines Keepsake Trunk and AC Moore Giveaway

wooden box covered with paper

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.inside the keepsake trunk

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.keepsake box by Robin Beams

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…..sanding the mod podge box
  • 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.picture of a trunk

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.

Saving our Teeth – LISTERINE 21 day challenge Part 1

girl holding listerineLISTERINE® 21 Day Challenge We are signed up.  Are you ? Use LISTERINE products for the next 21 days and see the difference in your mouth.  Oral care is always a challenge in my house.  Having 2 kids I am constantly nagging to brush there teeth before school and at bed time.    Everyone in my household is faced with different challenges when it comes to dental health.

My daughter is easier I think it is because she is 8 and loosing her teeth.  She cant wait to loose a tooth and have the tooth fairy to come. I always tell her you have to take care of your new teeth .. she seems to go for it.

My son  age 11 he is more challenging he fights me due to lack of time. I remind min often to clean his teeth.  The flavor of tooth paste was a major issue since he did not like the flavor of minted products.  He is really excited to take party in the challenge.

My husband has been blessed with good genetics in his teeth.  At one point there was a gap in his professional dental care.. I expected the dentist to say he need a ton of work. The dentist gave him a all clear.. I even followed up and he said not he is good.  Very frustrating, since brushing and floss is so important.. he does not spend the time as I do on dental health.

My dental health,  I come from family of oral health major issues. I had a root canal the same week I had a c section. I suffer from bleeding gums and serious tartar.  I do brush regularly, and should floss more.   Since I am also a type 2 diabetic oral care is important because the tartar can effect your sugar numbers.

The largest Dental challenge in our home is.. Due to job loss we don’t go to the dentist as much as we should.  My children have an appointment at the end of the month,  so I am excited to see how much the LISTERINE® 21 Day Challenge improves their check up.girl with toothbrush

Did you know brushing alone misses 75% of your mouth? That’s right—and believe it or not, even if you brush twice a day, you’re likely missing a majority of your mouth, leaving plenty of room for germs to grow.

By using a LISTERINE® Antiseptic mouthwash twice a day for 30 seconds, you can clean virtually 100 percent of your mouth. In fact, you can get:

  • Up to 5 times healthier gums in 2 weeks
  • Up to 9 times healthier gums in 4 weeks*

That’s not just lip service, either! The makers of LISTERINE® know that users will feel a difference—or their money back**.

Participating in this challenge offers the added benefit of joining the makers of LISTERINE® ULTRACLEAN® in helping Oral Health America impact the lives of children nationwide this year through the Smiles Across America® program. Shockingly, oral disease is now the most chronic childhood illness in the U.S.[1] It impacts kids of all backgrounds, but especially the millions who are unable to afford, or otherwise get access to, regular professional care.

Want to join me in the 21 day  head over to Listerine Facebook page and sign up for the LISTERINE 21day Challenge

For every person who signs up for the challenge, the LISTERINE® Brand will make a contribution to help Oral Health America’s Smiles Across America® program toward their goal of connecting 210,000 children with needed oral health services in 2013***.


Disclosure: “I received products from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the LISTERINE® 21 Day Challenge. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.”

Adora Forever Friends 18″ Doll Review & Giveaway

dollReview of Adora Forever Friends  18″ Doll by Charisma.   I received this 18″ doll and was impress by the quality of Adoras Forever Friend doll.  Abigail is top notch 18″ doll.  My daughter could not wait to play with her.  When she arrived she was ready to meet her new best friend.

Forever Friend Doll Construction: The head, arms, legs and upper torso is made of a heavy weight quality plastic.  The lower body is stuffed.  Legs, arms and head are movable.   The head pivots not only from side to side but up an down which is a plus since one of other well know 18″ do not it allows for the child to direct the head to look up but still able to stand the doll.  The eyes also close when you lay the doll down.girl playing with dollForever Friends Dolls Hair :  Hair is brush-able, thick,  and of quality woven doll hair allowing my daughter to brush for hours.   Result the hair and stays nice. Forever Friends Clothing:  I was really impress with the quality of the clothes.  after being in the apparel industry   I know great sewing when I see it.  The pants were full lined. Easy of dressing my daughter is 7 and changing the outfit on her dolls is a big thing.  The little sneakers were great event the tips of the laces were done.  So my daughter loves tying them. The attention to detail was amazing.   She had a little difficulty with the hoodie that came with the doll,  with a little help from me she was able to succeed all the other clothes we no problem with her solo.A variety  of  Forever Friends outfits are available for the dolls.  They also fit into other 18” doll outfits. They even have girls scout outfits, high fashion type furs,  rock star and more very in tune with todays styles.  All  the styles  that your little girl wants to dress and play with.  All the outfit come with accessory which is really nice they do not have to be purchased separate  like to do with other brands.

The dolls cost $59.00doll clothes

Additional clothing starts at $19.95

My Age Recommendation is age 7  for self play and  due to the dexterity required to change the clothes.

Check out my daughters  video Review:

I think the Forever Friend doll is a great choice for a little girl.  It has brought many hours of dreaming and creative imaginary play to my daughters life.   I know my daughter will have her Adora Forever Friends Abigail 18″ doll for a long time.

Dolls and clothing can be purchased at charismabrands.com search 18” dolls

Want to Win a Forever Friends 18″ Doll off your choice?

US residents only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

girl with dollDisclosure:  Received this doll for the purpose of a review.  The opinions in this post are honest and are my own words about this product.

Berkshire Blanket Review

picture of a fuzzy blanketSo I got a great Christmas gift from my mother in law.  Berkshire throws,  I know who needs another throw.  I didn’t think I did either till I received these.  Berkshire Blanket fluffie Throw   They are super light and very soft  also large enough for 2 of us to fit under.  Love them.

In the few days we have had these blankets my family has fought over who is getting them.  The kids love them.   I love that they are warm but light.  The softness just makes you smile and be comfy.  I have watched a few movies with them as I decompress after the holiday ciaos.

What is also cool for laundry care,  you wash them then dry tumble dry no heat and they come out super soft.picture of a fuzzy blanket

I was most impress with the customer service we had a slight problem with one.  So I called the company the phone number was on the packaging.  A real person answered..   Debbie.  She was great since I called New Years eve I did not expect any thing to be down til after the New Year.  Debbie sent out the new blanket the same day.  My new one arrive Jan 2nd.   That was extremely impressed.

Berkshire Blankets have a WOW Guarantee ,, The Guarantee the Product will make you say Wow I am totally satisfied”  If it doesn’t  simply return it for a full refund or exchange.

We got the 2 pack for $35 (limited time) but they also sell the single pack for $24.   You can also sign up to receive coupons to get further discounts.picture of a fuzzy blanket

Berkshire Blankets Great Product , Great Quality and Great customer service now that is a company I can buy from.

 

Review: Disney On Ice with Hallmark

disney on ice finaleSo we got to attend a preformance of  Rockin Ever After  Disney on Ice sponsored by Hallmark this past weekend,  It was trip to get there because we were in Northern PA visiting the inlaws and left at 9am to make sure we arrived for the 3pm show.  It was  no easy feat we drove through the snow arriving right on time.  Were we glad we did.  The Disney On Ice show was super fun.

The Disney skaters performed the Little Mermaid.  It was a great adaptation version with Ariel, Prince, Flounder, Sebastian and even Ursala,  But it was kept light for the kids to enjoy. The skaters flowed across the ice like they were in water.disney on ice  Little mermaid

Then Rapunzel danced and twirled.  The 2 person skating Horse was a super fun addition to the ice.   I loved Rapunzel finale  the village coming in with lanterns.Disney On Ice Rapunzle

Then Brave.. I have not seen the movie yet the kids got it for Christmas. It was a great shorten version.  Even my husband said since he has had the time to sit down and watch it with the kids.

The Lovely Bell and Beast made a showing,  My daughter loved it she has watched the movie alot lately.. over and over again .  Even Gaston, chip and the host of characters were present.  It was really neat how they transitioned the set to a castle complete with a chandelier . Disney on ice beauty and the beast

During the show Micky, Minnie, Goof, and Donald made appearances so it was great seeing them.  We took my daughter age 7 and my son age 11.  My daughter of course was thrilled,  my son enjoyed the show they had some pyrotechnics.  It was really pretty show and lively music. Very  well done.

The parking was $15 at the Wells Fargo

Souvenir run from $10 up, small plush for $12 and  light spin things were $22.  (so you might want to bring a glow stick)  After the show they were selling Disney Show  souvenir packs for $10 which had 5 items in them (not necessarily related to the ice show but Disney)

Food:  Determined by venue:  Chicken Fingers and Fries (enough to feed 2) was $9.50.  Hot Pretzel was $4.50,  Large fry was $8.50  I cream cone $5.50.  Snow cone in collector cup was $10.  We did bring in bottles of water in.  FYI always make sure they are unopened.  If they are opened sometime they will not let you bring them in.

We did love the show and I would recommend taking your kids.. they will love Disney on ice. (we went a few years ago and sat in the nose bleed seats I do recommend if you can afford it going to a lower level.)

Rock in Disney on Ice is at the Wells Fargo Center till Jan 6th. Tickets range from $22.50-$90

Disclosure:  I did receive tickets from Hallmark for this post.  The opinions represented in this post are mine.hallmark sign at disney on ice