2.28.2012

MilkBite Bars from Kraft

"KRAFT MILKBITE Bars are a new, unique innovation in snacking made with real milk and calcium to provide the same calcium as an 8 oz glass of milk. A wholesome alternative to existing bars, KRAFT MilkBite Bars are a deliciously different snacking experience the entire family can enjoy! 

Found in the refrigerated dairy aisle, each KRAFT MILKBITE Milk & Granola Bar combines real milk with whole grain granola and other tasty and nutritious ingredients like fruit or roasted nuts, while offering 30% of your daily recommended value of calcium."


We received a box of the chocolate and a box of the strawberry MilkBites to try and review.  I couldn't eat a whole bar because of Hayleigh's sensitivity to milk.  I did try a bite of one of Madelynn's bars.  It was an interesting texture.  Somehow Kraft managed to make a solid bar that feels like granola that you just poured milk into when eating it.  I enjoy that these are cold unlike other cereal bars.  It proves that there is REAL milk in it rather than that fake shelf stable stuff.
Our box arrived on a busy weekend.  The perfect time to test the transportablity of these bars.  When we had  to leave early I grabbed one of these bars for Madelynn and a banana.  The bar didn't make a mess and she was full until it was time for lunch.  Which is awesome because usually with quick breakfasts she needs a snack before lunch time.
My husband also loved these bars as a quick healthier snack.  Between him and Madelynn they went through both boxes that weekend.
I will definitely be buying these in the future.  I'll just have to hide them in the bottom drawer of the fridge where no one can find them until I intend for them to be eaten.

You can find Kraft MilkBite bars in the refrigerated section of your grocery store close to the milk.  Walmart here had them on sale for somewhere around $2.79 a box.  The suggested price is $3.49.

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2.19.2012

My Goals: Week 6 and 7 update

I have been BUSY.  I think last week I was online 5 hours total.  Seems like I could have written a post in that time huh?  I had emails to answer and kids to take care of between short bouts of online time.  There wasn't time to get a whole post written.  So you get weeks 6 and 7 together.

Week 6
There was really nothing fantastic about the week.  We were home most of the week.  We played, cleaned, watched movies, did crafts, and that's about it.
On the weight loss front I lost 4.8 pounds that week.  Which is really kinda funny because I didn't exercise at all that week.  I did however at the end of the week decide that I am going to run a 5K at the end of April.  But more on that in a bit.

Week 7
We weren't at home hardly at all this week.  But there was good one on one time with Madelynn.  Monday we had a craft day to make Valentine mailboxes for our Valentine party.  Madelynn and I made a Valentine robot together.  It's super cute.
Tuesday we had a lazy at home day.  Daddy was home because of snow.  We dropped off Valentine's to family.  Baked corndog muffins.  Napped and then watched a movie.  Madelynn made yummy chocolate covered strawberries for dessert.
Wednesday was our Valentine's party at church.  It was alot of fun.  Then Wednesday night we had church.
Thursday I don't really remember what we did.  That day was pretty much a blur.  I know we were at home all day.  It was mostly recovery from the busy week.  I know we had an afternoon dance party.  I found out I can not spin in circles very long or I feel like I'm going to pass out.
Friday was FULL.  The girls went to Aunt Amy's while I went and did my c25k run/walk.  Then we went grocery shopping to 4 different stores.  Instead of grocery day breakfast Madelynn got to choose lunch.  She picked a lunchable at the second store.  When we go grocery shopping we have to take the car from my husband who has to be at work at 6am.  So we start shopping after we drop him off.  Because we shop so early I let Madelynn pick out whatever she wants from the store for breakfast.  It's a special treat that makes the day fun.  Since we didn't get an early start this time she got to pick lunch.  After we finally finished grocery shopping at close to 3 we came home to Daddy and put away the groceries.  After that we left again to go to Best Buy.  Madelynn loves going to Best Buy with her dad.  Once we made it home for the night we had ham and turkey sandwiches and went to bed.
The rest of the weekend wasn't very eventful.  Madelynn still doesn't have her toys back.  She doesn't ask for them.  I cleaned all day yesterday so this week I plan to get organized.  I have come up with a new system for her toys.  Madelynn and I actually talked about it yesterday.  She told me she just wants to keep Doll House, Strawberry Shortcakes Stuff, Rapunzel stuff, dress-up, kitchen, and babies.  She said herself, I didn't even give her the idea, that she wants to sell the rest of her toys.  I don't know what she's wanting to get with the money.  She hasn't told me yet.  I guess we'll find out.  When I'm organizing stuff I'm going to ask her more about it.

Guess what!  I have made it one fourth of the way to my goal!  I have lost 25 pounds.  That means I only have 75 more to go!  I'm way excited.
As I mentioned earlier I have decided to run a 5k on April 28th.  I have started training using the C25Kfree app on the iPhone along with the Runkeeper.com app on the iPhone.  I did 2 days this week.  You're supposed to do 3.  I need to figure something out.  I REALLY want to do this.  But my husband doesn't like to watch both girls at one time.  So my options are to take the girls with me(really hard when you don't have a double jogging stroller or even a double stroller) or run when the girls are sleeping at night.  It's been SO COLD at night that that option is out until it starts getting warmer.  So I don't know what to do.  Any ideas?
I've still just been watching my calories.  Not really changing what I'm eating.  Just eating proper amounts.  I'm also trying not to eat after 8pm.  Some nights it's really hard and I feel like I'm starving at 10pm.  So I'll eat a small high protein snack.  For breakfast I'm experimenting with protein bars.  I bought some from Aldi.  They're not that great and they don't stay with me until lunch like I hoped they would.  The next ones I buy will be the special K ones.  I've heard good things about those.  I was eating 2 eggs and a piece of bread for breakfast.  But that it way high in cholesterol.  I don't think I should eat alot of cholesterol considering my father had a 5 way bypass at 46 and heart problems run in my family.  I need good high protein breakfast options that aren't alot of eggs.
OH! On February 4th the local hospital had a Heart Heath fair.  I went with my dad because he insisted that I get my levels checked just to have an idea of where I am since Heart Disease runs in the family.  Everything was perfect!  My cholesterol(both of them), my triglycerides, blood glucose, and something else that they checked that I can't remember.  The nurse said I am healthy.  She said all I need to do to be in perfect health as far as the Heart stuff is concerned is loose weight.  Which I'm obviously already working on!

I would say I'm doing great with my goals and I am enjoying the person that I am much better.
How are your goals going?  Need someone to nudge you?  I'll do it!  I know what it's like to need that nudge now and then.
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2.08.2012

The Secret World of Arrietty - Coloring Sheets and Trailer

Have you heard of The Secret World of Arrietty yet?  If not you MUST watch the trailer.
Doesn't it look like a wonderfully fun adventure?  I can't wait to see it.
Synopsis:
"Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered, where the smallest may stand tallest of all. From the legendary Studio Ghibli (“Spirited Away,” “Ponyo”) comes “The Secret World of Arrietty,” an animated adventure based on Mary Norton’s acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers.”
Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty (AIR-ee-ett-ee) remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts. But when 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger."

I have never read the borrowers.  But I plan to with Madelynn when she gets a bit older.  I always liked the idea of the books.

If you or your kids are excited about The Secret World of Arrietty here are some activity and coloring sheets to hold you over until February 17 when it is released in theaters.  Just click the images to enlarge and print them.


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"Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: I Heart Minnie" Review


Just in time for Valentine's Day Disney Junior has released Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: I Heart Minnie.
I Heart Minnie is a compilation of 5 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episodes with the themes of friendship, teamwork, sharing and problem solving.  There's also a fun feature called, "You're Invited to Minnie's Birthday Party".
My girls loved it.  4 of the episodes were ones we had already seen on Disney Junior.  But they just so happened to be Madelynn's favorite episodes.  Then there is an All-New Never-Before-Seen episode titled "Minnie & Daisy's Flower Shower".  I enjoy letting the girls watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse because it is so interactive.  Madelynn at three now confidently calls out the answers to the character's questions and counts with them.
We are planning to have a Minnie Mouse birthday party for Hayleigh's first birthday so the "You're Invited to Minnie's Birthday Party" feature was fun.  There were several times where Madelynn said, "Mom! We have to do that for Hayleigh."  The main thing being making our own party hats.
It's a fun DVD that is girly yet will be enjoyed by boys.  It's perfect for your young Valentines.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: I Heart Minnie was released on February 7, 2012 to DVD.
You don't have to wait until Valentine's Day for all the fun. Download this Valentine's Day Fun Pack!
Download Printable Activities!



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I received a copy of "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: I Heart Minnie to review.  I was in no other way compensated.  Opinions are 100% mine.

Lady and the Tramp : Diamond Edition


Synopsis: "A classic love story unfolds in the best Disney tradition as a lovely young pedigreed cocker spaniel named Lady, who lives a pampered life, finds herself falling romantically for Tramp, an amorous street-smart pooch without prospects. Although they have fun together on several dates, including a sentimental spaghetti dinner by moonlight at Tony’s restaurant, their relationship is strained not only by Lady’s loyalty to her human family and their newborn baby, but by Tramp’s devil-may-care attitude that eventually gets Lady in trouble and tossed into the dog pound. However, good-hearted Tramp redeems himself by saving the baby from potential harm and thus wins Lady’s love and the affection of her human family."

We all know the movie Lady and the Tramp.  It's a cute love story with puppies.  I know I watched it a million times as a kid but only a few parts stuck in my memory.
The obvious spaghetti scene,
"the Siamese Cat Song",
"He's a Tramp",
and the rat scene that still terrifies me to this day!
Disney released Lady and the Tramp Diamond Edition on Blu-ray for the first time.  I got to enjoy it with Madelynn this weekend.  Blu-ray changes a movie.  It makes it so much more vibrant and real.  Also makes it really hard to ever go back to the well loved VHS copy of movies.
Madelynn loved it.  She wanted to watch it again.  I love watching my children watch movies that I loved as a child.  It's like I get to watch the movie with a whole new set of eyes.  Madelynn now goes around the house sweetly singing "La La Lu" to her baby dolls or her sister.  I love it!
Lady and the Tramp Diamond Edition on Blu-ray has all sorts of special features.  I can't wait to get to try the Disney Second Screen: Inside Walt's story Meetings.  I love getting to see what creators of movies were thinking as they made it.  I'm also excited about "Lady's Pedigree: The Making of Lady and the Tramp" and "Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad".  Wouldn't that be something to have Walt Disney as a father?
Madelynn did allow me to watch the three never-before-seen deleted scenes.  I loved them but I can see why they were left out.
Lady and the Tramp Diamond Edition was released on Blu-ray and DVD, February 7, 2012.
You can check out some fun Lady and the Tramp activities below.


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I was provided a copy of Lady and the Tramp Diamond Edition on Blu-ray and DVD to review.  I was in no other way compensated.  Opinions are 100% my own.

2.07.2012

New Feature on Wednesdays.

Hello!  I have been receiveing alot of press releases and reviews for movies and tv shows.  I don't want to bore you all with just posting movie and tv reviews.  I want to keep posting my other stuff as well.  So I have decided to make Wednesdays, "What to Watch Wednesday".  I will post press releases, reviews, and giveaways of movies and tv shows on Wednesdays.  So if that's what interests you the most be sure to check back every Wednesday for the lastest.

This week I will be posting about,
"Lady and the Tramp : Diamond Edition"
"I Love Minnie"
"Chuck & Friends"
and
"The Secret Life of Arrietty"
There will be a giveaway!  So be sure to check back through the day!

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2.06.2012

My Goals: Week 5 update

It's Monday! I'm taking this week head on!  I can't believe it's already been 5 weeks.  I'm doing pretty good with my goals.

This last week it was BEAUTIFUL outside.  You would have never known it was late January/early February in Missouri.  Normally this time of year we have to wear layers upon layers of clothes if we want to battle the cold and snow to go somewhere.  Not this week!  The temps were in the 60s and it was sunny.  We played outside every day but 1 last week.  We went to the park, the track, a different park, and my sister in law's house.  
Madelynn doesn't have her toys back yet.  We were out so much last week that she didn't miss them.  She is getting to watch movies again.  I'm letting her watch things like Strawberry Shortcake and Blues Clues that have episodes so I can say 1 or 2 episodes and that's it.  It's been going pretty well.
On the toy front we've decided that we're going to do a toy rotation.  I'm going to get totes to keep all of the girl's toys in.  They will be placed in the girl's closet.  Each morning I will let Madelynn pick 1-2 things to have out for the day.  Like doll house and babies, or kitchen and dress up.  I actually might leave dress up out all the time.  I miss Madelynn being a princess all day.  Each night we will clean up the toys and put them back in the closet to pick new ones for the next day.  It should keep the toys from getting old and keep the messes to a minimum.

I am proud to announce I have lost 18.2 pounds!  
I almost gave up this week.  I was angry, discouraged, and done.  I was ready to bake a pan of brownies and go buy a 2 liter of Dr. Pepper.  No joke.  Thursday I had gained 2.4 pounds.  I didn't eat any more calories.  I didn't eat or drink anything before I weighed.  I even exercised the day before.  My husband and people he worked with all said it was normal.  They said my body was adjusting to the calorie cut I had made.  Apparently originally all of the weight I lost was water weight or something.  Apparently they paid attention in health class.  I didn't believe them.  I was just really upset.  I didn't eat brownies or drink a Dr. Pepper though.  I stuck to my diet.  I'm so glad I did!  The next morning when I woke up I had lost 2.6 pounds!  I've kept loosing alittle each morning since.  I guess my body has finally adjusted and no longer things I'm starving it.  Which is awesome!  I'm almost 1/4 of the way there!  And it's not even 1/4 of the way though the year yet!
Now that I'm trying to loose weight and be healthier my husband has decided that he's going to too.  He bought himself some weights.  He also decided to run to his friend's house yesterday.  That was a silly idea.  Especially since he almost never does anything like that.  He was definitely sore.  I think it's awesome that he's decided to be healthier too.  
OH! I also stepped out of my comfort zone yesterday.  I don't wear white or really light colored shirts because they can make you look bigger and show off any rolls, lumps, or anything like that.  Well yesterday I wore a white shirt.  I have to say I don't know if it was the white or people can really notice now that I'm loosing weight but I got alot of compliments yesterday.  People said they could tell I've lost weight and that I look good in white.  My sister in law actually said I look happier in white.  So I guess I'm gonna get some more bright colored shirts.

Are you still stickin to your goals?  Did you fall off the band wagon?  Do you need some encouragement and help getting back to it?  Let me know!  I have an awesome group of friends that are very supportive.  I'm sure they'd love to help support you too!
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2.04.2012

Super Bowl Snacks made with Red Gold

Are you having a Super Bowl Party tomorrow?  Have you thought about snacks yet?  
Even if you're not having a party it's still fun to have snacks for just you and your family.

My favorite snack would have to be Red Gold Queso Dip.  It's super simple and EVERYONE loves it.
World
It's 1 can of Red Gold Tomatoes with Green Chilis and 1 pound pasteurized prepared cheese product cubed.
I like to put it in a crock pot.  Turn it on high and stir every 5-10 minutes until all the cheese is melted.  Once it's melted then turn it to low or warm and you have warm cheesy dip all day.

The next time I have to have snacks I want to try Red Gold Chipotle Wraps.  They sound yummy.
1/2 cup whipped cream cheese, softened
4 8in flour tortillas.
Spread 2 Tbs cream cheese on each tortilla.
Roll tightly.
Refrigerate 30 minutes.
Slice 1/2 inch thick.
Serve immediately.

Don't those just sound yummy?
You can find a $.75 off coupon for Red Gold Products HERE.

What is your favorite Game Time snack?

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2.01.2012

Pin Me! Pinterest Hop: Valentine's Day Crafts


I'm participating in the "Pin Me!" Pinterest Hop hosted by Matter of Cents and Shopping for savings.  This week the theme is Valentine's Day Crafts.

Pinterest is FULL to the brim of so many cute Valentine's Day ideas.  I'm sure you've seen most if not all of this if you've been on Pinterest lately.  These are my favorites.

Add a little love to your food. 
I consider making food like this a craft.






Add a little love to your school work.



Add a little love to your crafts.







Hope you enjoyed my pins.  Please head over to Matter of Cents and Shopping for Savings to check out more great Valentine's pins.

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