sponsored posts, Uncategorized

Child Hunger Ends Here #ChildHunger

disclosureplateKids every kid in the world deserves to have in their  food belly,  but in our land of the free and the home of the brave there are many children who go without.  I think about when times are lean in our home and how my kids are upset about not having the flavor cereal they want.   There  are times I think  at least  they have cereal in the pantry.  These Facts about US Childhood hunger blow me away:

  • More than one in five children in the U.S., including more than one in four Latino children, may not know where their next meal is coming from. That’s nearly 16 million children, a number that could fill 8,000 playgrounds.
  • Children who experience even intermittent struggles with hunger may suffer serious, long-term consequences to their health, well-being and educational achievement. What’s more, being hungry robs kids of the promise of childhood – the ability to play, grow and learn.

ConAgra Foods is partnering with P&G to build a community of people to make a difference and help donate up to 7 million meals through the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign.  I am working as an Ambassador on the Con Angra Child Hunger Ends here.. you might have noticed the little pop up window that showed up when you entered my blog.  That is a place where you too can help those children who go to bed hungry or have empty bellies at school.  How can you help?

  • It’s easy to make a difference! Look for the red pushpin and locate the code found on specially marked ConAgra Foods and P&G products. For each 8-digit code entered at www.ChildHungerEndsHere.com from March-August 2014, ConAgra Foods or P&G, respectively, will donate the monetary equivalent of one meal to Feeding America.
  • Child Hunger Ends Here is proud to work with Grammy-nominated country music artist Hunter Hayes and be the presenting sponsor of his “We’re Not Invisible” tour. For every download of Hunter’s new single, “Invisible,” on iTunes, Child Hunger Ends Here will donate the monetary equivalent of one meal to the nation’s leading hunger-relief charity, Feeding America, up to 1 million meals.
  • One of the easiest ways to learn how to get involved is to join the Child Hunger Ends Here Facebook community at Facebook.com/ChildHungerEndsHere or follow the news on Twitter and Instagram at @ChildHungerEnds.
More ways to help! You Tube star Kid President Hunter Hays is helping out and you too can and ask Hunter a question and he might pick you question to answer.

  • •Just enter a code on www.childhungerendshere.com for the chance to ask Hunter Hayes a question. Each month through August 2014, Hunter will personally answer one question (using the winner’s name!) and post the video to the Child Hunger Ends Here Facebook page.
  • •Child Hunger Ends Here will share some suggestions for great questions for Hunter. In July, be thinking about what you want to hear from Hunter about being a role model. Perhaps you want to know the best thing about being a role model? Or the hardest thing? Or maybe how Hunter hopes to leave a mark on the world? Use your imagination!

Rules :

•Please take a moment to fill out this quick reader survey to help ConAgra Foods and the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign gauge awareness.
Thank for taking a moment to read this post and a moment to support this great cause!
Product Reviews

Bling Goggle review

Bling_bling_goggles_013_001-11My summer is all about being the pool with the kids.  I spend many many hours watching my kids swim.  I also send many hours looking for goggles.  My daughter is the queen of loosing goggles,  she also can swim with out them.  Being all about the girly she loves the sparkle.  So I was thrilled to learn about BlingBling Goggles,  when I asked to review these goggles we were thrilled.

Being goggles are perfect for getting you kids in the water and there face in the water.  If you recall from my post What to expect from kids at what age fro swimming,  goggles are imperative for getting your kids swimming.

Being Goggles are really goggles not just for looks.  My daughter is a competitive swimmer and she need goggles that really work and hold the water out and allow for clear vision.

So I say your daughter will love them.girl with goggles on

My daughter loves these blue ones The are similar colors to a certain popular Ice Queen.

Result- She has been wearing them for the entire competitive swim season.  Love them and no leaks top notch.

Check them out also they are coming out with a Ski Goggle as well.  How cool!

Disclosure I was provided the goggles for review purposes but the opinions in this post are my own.

 

 

Cooking

Mac and Cheese Fried Onions and Bacon Toppers

mac and cheeseMac and Cheese Toppers : I love mac and cheese and put something special on top. Yummy My husband got a night with out the kids so I made a special dinner with a treat of individual Mac and Cheese sides.  I love this I made it in about 30 minutes and it was an easy side.  That was portion controlled and yummy

Homemade Mac and Cheese with Onion toppers

Makes 4

  • 1/2 lb of pasta (precooked and drained)
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 8oz  block of Velveeta cheese  or your favorite cheese
  • 3 tablespoon butter
  • 3 tablespoon of flour
  • salt pepper
  • Hormel Apple-wood Bacon Bits
  • Frenches Fried Onions
  • Shredded cheese
  1. Make your rue add the butter and flour to bottom of pot creating an equal amount of both keep moving till it becomes a paste and move till it get dark nutty color.
  2. Add slight warm milk, no ice cold, stir into the rue slowly allowing the sauce to thicken
  3. Add the Velveeta of your favorite cheese still till smooth
  4. Add noodles and mix cheese
  5. Put mac and cheese in ramekins
  6. Top with onions bacon and cheese cook for 15-20 minutes 375.

mac and cheese

This weeks Menu Planning:
Monday : Pizza Biscuit pool night
Tuesday : Fried Rice My husband specialty
Wednesday : Crock pot Meatball Hoagies
Thursday: Bake chicken
Friday: Barbeque Happy 4th

I am linking up to Organizing Junkies Menu Plan Monday

Cooking, Product Reviews

Seeing Isn’t Believing:USDA Food Safety &Twitter Party

disclosureburger4th of July is almost here so let the barbeques rule.  Many people assume that if a hamburger is brown in the middle, it is done. However, looking at the color and texture of food is not enough— you have to use a food thermometer to be sure!  According to USDA research, 1 out of every 4 hamburgers turns brown before it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Meat and poultry should be cooked to a safe temperature to destroy harmful bacteria that may be present. Color of meat and poultry is not a good indicator of safety. Use a food thermometer to make sure meats have reached a safe minimum internal temperature.

When a hamburger is cooked to 160 F, it is both safe and delicious! Check out Safe Cooking Temperature Chart:  “Is It Done Yet?” Brochure:

Top Tips for Healthy Summer Picnics and Camping Trips:

  • Bring water for cleaning if none will be available at the picnic or camping site. Pack clean, wet, disposable cloths or moist towelettes and paper towels for cleaning hands and surfaces.
  • Carry cold perishable food like raw hamburger patties, sausages, and chicken in an insulated cooler packed with several inches of ice, frozen gel packs, or containers of ice.
  • Be sure raw meat and poultry are wrapped securely to prevent their juices from cross-contaminating ready-to-eat food. If possible, store these foods near the bottom of the cooler, so that juices don’t contaminate other foods in the cooler.
  • If you can’t keep hot food hot during the drive to your location, plan and chill the food in the refrigerator before packing it in a cooler. Reheat the food to 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer.
  • A general rule of thumb for entertaining: keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Keep cold foods chilled to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below and hot foods heated to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
  • The two-hour rule is also in effect: food should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours. If bringing hot take-out food (like chicken fingers, wings etc.), eat it within 2 hours of purchase (1 hour if the temperature is above 90 °F).
  • Instead of using large serving bowls, serve dips and items with dairy in smaller containers. Make several in advance and keep them chilled in the refrigerator or coolers until you need them.
  • Offer serving spoons and small plates to reduce opportunity for guests to eat items like dip and guacamole directly from the serving container (double-dipping is a no-no and can increase the chances for food contamination).

Visit FoodSafety.gov to learn about best food safety practices, utilize “Ask Karen,” an online database with nearly 1,500 answers to specific questions related to preventing foodborne illnesses, in both English and Spanish, or to call the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline.

Join our Twitter Party on June 30th at 1 PM EST

 

 hashtag #FoodSafe4th. 

 

Hosts include: @martieparty @buzzmommy @usdafoodsafety


Happy 4th of July

Philadelphia, Product Reviews, Travel

Field Station Dinosaurs Review, Secaucus NJ what to expect & #giveaway

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field sation dino

Field Station Dinosaurs Review, Secaucus NJ Kid Review what to expect This past weekend we Travel to North New Jersey to enjoy the Field Station Dinosaurs.   Imagine steping back in time and seeing the dinosaurs as they one were large and roaming the earth.  We did experience  what it must have been like at Field Station  kind of a Dinosaurs Amusement park .    The landscape is perfect grown and wild then desert and vast.  It is a fun day to see your kids light up and enjoy the time with these magnificent creatures,  The detail of the Dino s are accurate and the staff knows Dinosaurs.  The trip took  about 1 ½ from my home which is north of Philadelphia.  Check out my video for a full review and giveaway at the end of this post.

Driving to Field Station Dinosaur : The Field Station Dinosaur was very easy to get to from the Turnpike/95.  Parking was easy $10 per car you pay when you purchase tikes then provide the receipt when you leave.  From NYC in Minutes

Lunch/food at Field Station Dinosaur   : They have usually park food, The Pizza looked good.   You can also Bring your food in a cooler bag,  the have a large tent area with picnic tables.  

Shade at Field Station Dinosaur :  Down below look out there is trees so the paths are shaded,  Look Point no shade on the Plateau,  they did have a Shade Pop up need the concession .  and the Commanders Tent

Walking at Field Station Dinosaur :  It is a walking park so Comfortable shoes the paths are gravel or dirt for the most part, adds to the feel of the park.   Mostly flat walking except whe n you go up to the Lookout point and head to exit.    There are benches to relax.

dinosaurs Souvenirs at Field Station Dinosaur :  You do have to walk through the gift shop to exit the park.  you have been warned.

Hours of Field Station Dinosaur: Only open Saturday and Sundays April -October

2014 Tickets for Field Station Dinosaur purchased a head on line are $17.50 for kids and $20 for adults.  If purchased at Box office are $20 kids $25 adults.

Commander Tent is a Pass to get you in a large tent that has Fans and is out of the shade,  they have special activities for members (season pass holders or anyone who upgrades for it)

commanders passDinos after Dark which has Dinosaur Dance Party, make s’mores and sing around the campfire

Dozin’ with Dinos is an outdoor overnight adventure that starts at 8:00 p.m. and ends at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. Activities are scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. Guests sleep in large army-style tents on cots that are provided.  Ages  5+

3d movie Field Station Dinosaur: Cost extra $5 more and is located close to the exit.  I did not see the movie.

Review of Field Station Dinosaur:  I would strongly recommend showing the video in this post to your little ones so they know what to expect,  because I saw a few little ones that were a little taken back but the scale of these Dinos, which are to scale to a real dinosaurs.   I think you kids will love it if they are little if they know what to expect.

I think this is a great place for little ones 3-9.  My 9 year old liked it,  My 13 year old was about 9 years too late.  If he was 4 -6 the Field  Station Dinosaurs would have been his dream.   He was a huge dino kid.

Field Station Dinosaur Giveaway  They have offered one of my readers a 4 pack of tickets to visit.   Please use the Rafflecopter form to apply for the drawing.

This giveaway is open to US residents only and can only be redeemed at  Field Station Dinosaur.  These tickets can not be redeemed for cash.   The ticket will be sent direct to winner from Brand Representative and Superexhausted or babypop is not responsible for the tickets.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer Family Fun Series  add you link for Family fun or check out the other great ideas for this summer!

We have some great bloggers linking ups check them out:

http://writtenreality.com

http://www.alifeinbalance.net

http://www.thecentsiblelife.com/

http://lifeinahouseoftestosterone.com

http://www.nepamom.com

http://apronstringsotherthings.com/

http://www.mommalewsblog.blogspot.com

http://www.funfindsforfamilies.com

http://coconutheadsurvivalguide.com/blog/

http://going-green-mama.blogspot.com

http://oboyorganic.com/blog/

https://superexhausted.com/

http://blog.HomeroomAtHome.com

http://www.supermommyclub.com

http://www.thevintagemom.com

Link up you blog post:


Giveaways, Product Reviews, sponsored posts

Myths and Facts about Battery Energizer #NoLeaksGuaranteed

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energizer disclosure

In my house I have a battery monster.  He once was small and now he is tall.  This  monster was once obsessed with watches that flashed and cars that went beeb beeb.  But as the Monster has grown his tastes have changed now he loves orange and blue guns that shoot foam darts,  aim his friends when they___.

This Monster He says” but Mom and I need C’s” as he stomps like a giant up a stairs to grab what every makes him glare.

The Little one who also lives in the house  She too is a battery monster with many handheld game and furry friends who are not tame, who exhausted the batteries with every cuddle and coo. The little monster is always a fright without out a flashing toy at night.

The noises come from the toy box, at any given point,  the bark of a battery dog or croak of a electric frog.  As the Mommy Monster questions the lovely toy maker who does not understand he concept of a quieting the band.  The batteries monsters friends  need an on or off button for the end.

And yet I provide batteries to help the light saber yielding boy and an furry friend loving girl.  Because every mom wants to keep their battery monsters happy and safe.

As a Mom I want my monsters to be safe.  That include there toys.  I expect the batteries we use not to leak. Of consumers who have experienced battery leakage, 53% found corrosion in a toy or game.   I am very please we have not had a leakage and that is because we use Energizer MAX with Power Seal Technology is an enhancement to better meet moms’ expectations for battery performance.

Tips for your batteries arsenal:

  • To recycle old batteries, check Earth911: . Or dispose of them in the trash.
  • Storing batteries in the refrigerator will not make them last longer.
  • Protect your devices from damaging battery leaks with Energizer Max.
  • the best place for battery storage is in a cool, dry place at normal room temperature. Avoid storing in warm places.
  • It’s also important to not mix different types or makes of batteries. This can cause leakage or rupture

Fact about Energizer:

  • Energizer® MAX® AA and AAA alkaline batteries hold power for up to 10 years in storage, providing long life for the devices you use most.  What’s more, Energizer® MAX® protects devices from leakage of fully-used batteries for up to 2 years.
  • In an industry where performance has long been defined by the long-lasting power of its products, Energizer is innovating against evolving consumer expectations, which now include quality and reliability.
  • While many consumers believe battery leakage is an issue of the past, some batteries can still leak after they have been fully used, causing damage to devices and creating a mess.
  • Leakage is an industry-wide issue among alkaline batteries. Research shows Energizer® MAX® with Power Seal technology outperforms leading competitors when it comes to in-device leakage*.
  • Alkaline batteries only start to leak after they’ve been left in a device and are fully used.
  • Energizer is known for many “firsts” in battery technology, including the world’s first alkaline battery, the first commercially-available zero-mercury AA and AAA alkaline battery, and the world’s first AA and AAA lithium battery

Giveaway

Energizers has provided me with a giveaway for you .. and Energizer bunny and Battery Pack.energizer bunny

Please enter on the rafflecopter form if you wish to win!

Contest ends June 23rd.  Prize will be sent from the brand.  Please leave a comment and mark on raffle copter form you did so.  I will contact winner and you have 24 hours to respond with address.  Open to US residents in the lower 48 only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keep Going!

Cooking

The Best Venison Marinade

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venison steaksThe best venison marinade :  I grew up in a family where venison(deer meat) was a regular staple.  My father was a amazing hunter and cook.   So venison in all forms had a regular place a our table.  From Roast to chilli to steaks.   In college my roommates and I lived on a steady stream of deer meat that my father would provide us,  it was meat we could always afford because it was well free.   My son actually gets excited when Pa provides Venison

For my entire life I never understood why people tell me they don’t like the taste of deer meat.  It is  a lean cut of meat deer do not have the fat of a cow.   From what I have been told that deer can be tough if not cooks properly.  After watching my father for years I have learned his trick for making the  best venison marinade  you will ever make and eat. This simple venison steak recipes and time will make the most tender venison steaks you will every bite amazing.

The best venison marinade:

  • 2 lb of Venison steaks
  • 1 cup of Orange Juice
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  1. Put ingredients in a gallon zip lock bag.
  2. Marinade for 24 hours – or overnight
  3. Gook on grill or frying pan , med rare
  4. Discard marinade
  5. let the steaks rest 5-10 min prior to eating

Printable version of  The best venison marinade

venison steaksMy Meal Planning for this week:

Monday Venison Stew

Tuesday : Ham Quiche

Wednesday: Spaghetti  with vegetables

Thursday: Baked chicken, potatoes, and asparagus

Friday: Tacos with rice

I am linking up to Organizing Junkies Menu Plan Monday

 

Parenting, Product Reviews

The Fault in Ours Stars Movie Review #FIOS

movie pictureThe Fault in Ours Stars Movie Review:   So Tonight I had the privilege to drive 6- 15 year old girl to the opening night of Fault In Our Stars.  Which if you are not a teenage girl : is a love store, with a terminal twist.   The theater had 6 movie theater dedicated to the movie.. and everyone was pack with girls.  We arrived 20 minute before the movie and the girls sat 2 rows from the front. My girlfriend and I sat about 10 rows from the front. So arrive early.

Shailene Woodley Of Divergent Fame is Hazel a terminal ill from cancer 16 year old that is some what of a recluse.  While being forced by her mother to go to a youth cancer suport group she meets Augustus Waters played by Ansel Elgort (from Divergent) who is a cancer survivor age 18. They become friends and sole-mates.   The story proceeds and the struggle Hazel allowing this boy to be by herside as she travels down this dark road of illness.

The couple  goes on an adventure, and learns about each other and themselves.

The Fault in Ours Stars story does with deal with death, mature relationships sex and more.  Their is a sceen where the couple does have intercourse,  where is it is not full frontal nudy or show the actually act the inference is made.  So be wearing of kids not over 13.

The picture was excellent,  I did cry.  Shailene Woodley was wonderful and made you love her reserved sensibility.   She brought a real related able that connect with every girl/women in the audience.  Ansel Elgot  was charming and adorable as Gus.  The entire theater swooned over him. He was endearing, and thoughtful, the chemistry was spot on between the characters.

The Fault in Ours Stars is a touching love story that will make you laugh and cry.  So bring the tissues.   It is the Ghost of this generation of girls.

You have been warned

 Check out my other post :

Surviving Jack : Teach you how to Talk to your teenage boy

Teenager Blog Take over

Hunger Games

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Parenting, Travel

My Boy In a Bubble

Yea Things you never said you would let you kids  do.  Like don’t put a plastic bag over your head.  Fast forward 10 years … let in  plastic bag.. and I video taped it So I had a bubble boy!

See my son does walk on water .. sorta of ?

As they get older you let them do things.   As they grow they will find there way and walk on water.

Filmed in Rehobeth Beach

Have a great weekend.

Product Reviews

Life and Menu Planinng

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mushroomsSo we have been having a fun start of summer.  I know that is it not really summer yet but I am loving the weather.  This weekend we went to the Field station dinosaur.  An thanks to a great deal on Amazon Deals my daughter took her 1st Horse Back Riding lesson.  It was 1/2 away from my home.  She would love to do a summer program with the horses but 2 hours round trip for me everyday is a little much.  Once a week or every other week is good,  because it is an  45 minute session.   But all day I would need to work with another parent.   What would you do?

horse back ridingLater this week My daughter and I have plans to see the Wizard of Oz,  which, means the  boys will have to fend for themselves.

 

Monday: Oven crispy wings , tator tots and celery

Tuesday:  Venison (my favorite recipe , coming next week) rice and broccoli

Wednesday: Perogies and Smoked Sausage int he Ninja

Thursday: Boys fend for themselves

Friday: Pizza on the Grill

Have a great week!

Liking up with Organizing junkie Menu Plan Monday 

Check out some my other Recipes

Easy Taco Lasagna

Left Over Chicken Ideas