Overwhelmed With Joy!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Winner of the Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Wubbzy’s Big Movie!

It's time to randomly select a winner for the Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Wubbzy’s Big Movie! from those of you who left comments.

And the winner is...

#11 GiBee with Kisses of Sunshine

Congrats! Please email me your mailing addresses so I can have your movie sent out!

Labels: giveaways

6:20 AM

Friday, May 29, 2009

Favorite Ingredients Friday (Greatest Hits)

Happy Friday! It's time for my Favorite Ingredients Friday Greatest Hits Edition! I'd like you to share one of your favorite FIF recipes that you've posted in the past. If you're brand new to FIF, just post one of your favorite family recipes.

So, one of my favorite past FIF recipe has to be this one that I found on joyofbaking.com:

Ingredients

1 cup (115 grams)pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped (could also use walnuts or hazelnuts)

1/2 cup (56 grams) flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 pound (450 grams)bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted

1 3/4 cups (350 grams) granulated white sugar

4 large eggs, room temperature

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup (170 grams) semisweet dark chocolate chips
1 cup (170 grams) white chocolate chips

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Place the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly brown and fragrant. Let nuts cool and then chop coarsely. Set aside.

Sift or whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, into small bowl. Set aside.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.

In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the sugar and eggs until pale yellow and thick, about 5 minutes. When you slowly raise the beaters the batter will fall back into the bowl in slow ribbons. Beat in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract. Fold in the dry ingredients to the chocolate batter and mix only until incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter until firm, about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto prepared cookie sheets, spacing evenly. With moist fingers, press batter to form 3 1/2 (9 cm) to 4 inch (10 cm) rounds. Bake cookies about 12 - 14 minutes or until the tops of the cookies become dry and cracked, but are still shiny. Do not overbake these cookies.

Remove from oven and place baking pan on a wire rack to cool. When cookies are firm, remove from baking pan and let completely cool on rack.

These cookies are best the day they are baked but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Makes about 24 large cookies.

Now I look forward to seeing your Favorite Ingredients Greatest Hits Edition recipe!

Don't forget to link your specific recipe post link on Mr. Linky so I can see what's cooking at your house!

Oh, and be sure to put the title of your recipe in parenthesis! It makes it so much quicker for me to go back and search for recipes as I build my weekly menu.

For guidelines and my past Favorite Ingredients Friday recipes, click here.

Thanks so much for your participation. I do appreciate it!

Labels: baked goodies, Favorite Ingredients Friday, recipe exchange

6:00 AM
3 comments

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Wubbzy’s Big Movie! giveaway

Last month Jamie with Sayles & Winnikoff Communications offered to send me a copy of the newly released Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Wubbzy’s Big Movie! for preschoolers.

He's also willing to send an extra copy to one of my readers!

Snuggle Bug sure enjoyed watching this movie. He's never seen any of the Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! that airs 40 times a week on Nick Jr.^® and Noggin but since it's considered the No. 1 Nick Jr. ® Pre-School Series I suspected he'd like it, and he did!

Here's a bit about the movie:

Everyone’s favorite resident of Wuzzleburg is ready for his close up in Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Wubbzy’s Big Movie!, the newest Wubbzy DVD release from Anchor Bay Entertainment. Packed with 82 feature-length minutes of laughs and adventures, the new title spotlights seven episodes, stitched together with original footage produced exclusively for Wubbzy’s Big Movie!

Wubbzy is a fun, lovable, curious little guy who just likes to play, play, play with his friends in the wild and wacky town of Wuzzleburg . Now, kids can watch Wubbzy and his pals in this Emmy^® Award-winning series that provides essential, wholesome life lessons while keeping the kids laughing.

In Wubbzy’s Big Movie!, Wubbzy loses his memory and his friends help him to recall who he is by reminding him of all the good times they have had together. Wubbzy’s memory is tweaked thanks to a look back at seven special episodes that aired during the first season of Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! on Nick Jr. ® and Noggin.

DVD extras on the new release include:

· Bonus Season Two Music Video

· DVD-Rom Game

· Coloring Pages

· Printable Activities

Check out the movie trailer below. If you're interested in winning a copy of this movie, just leave me a comment. I'll choose a winner this Saturday, 30 May!

WUBBZY'S BIG MOVIE: Movie Trailer

Labels: children's movies, giveaways, product review

5:18 AM
11 comments

Friday, May 22, 2009

Favorite Ingredients Friday (Barb's Ghoulash)

June 26- Lunchbox Meals Edition

July 3- 4th of July Edition

Quite some time ago, Barb over at A Chelsea Morning sent me a stack of some of her family recipes. A ghoulash recipe was included. It's so yummy that I thought I'd share it with you. I hope you don't mind, Barb!

Click on the image to enlarge!

Now, I look forward to seeing your Favorite Ingredients Friday recipe!

Don't forget to link your specific recipe post link on Mr. Linky so I can see what's cooking at your house!

Oh, and be sure to put the title of your recipe in parenthesis! It makes it so much quicker for me to go back and search for recipes as I build my weekly menu.

For guidelines and my past Favorite Ingredients Friday recipes, click here.

Thanks so much for your participation. I do appreciate it!

Labels: cooking, Favorite Ingredients Friday, recipe exchange

5:51 AM
4 comments

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Loosing touch with Baby Bug

There's something that's been weighing heavily on my heart lately and I'd like to share.

It's been over a month now since I've last seen Baby Bug. In early April, I met her at the mall with her mom and baby brother. We spent time shopping together at Gymboree and then I chased her around the mall play area. She laughed, and laughed as I caught her in my arms, swooped her upside down and then set her back down to chase her all over again. I took some pictures of her that day, not realizing it might be my last time seeing her.

Baby Bug's parents have separated. Baby Bug's mom moved out of the townhouse they were renting and moved in with her father (Baby Bug's grandfather). She took the two kids with her. I'm not sure what kind of visitation schedule will be arranged between the kids and their father.

During our visit in early April, Baby Bug's mom mentioned that her dad did not approve of her keeping in touch with us after Baby Bug was returned home. For some reason he didn't think it was a good idea. She kept in touch with us despite his disapproval.

Now that she's living with him, perhaps she's feeling pressured to cut off contact with us. Or, maybe her life seems so out of control right now that she just doesn't have the energy to maintain contact with us. I don't really know the reason why she's stopped taking my phone calls. I've left a couple of messages with her and I've gotten no response. I no longer know where she's physically living. She never told me the location of her dad's house.

I just don't know what to do. Do I track down Baby Bug's dad (I know where he works) and see how they're doing? That might upset Baby Bug's mom. If I thought Baby Bug was in danger, I could contact CPS and ask them to track her down, but I honestly don't think she's in danger. Her little live is being turned upside down, but I still believe she's being well cared for. Do I continue to call Baby Bug's mom periodically (like a month from now) and hope that one days she answers my call?

Do I just let go and let God? It pains me to think that I may have to do this. Baby Bug is not our daughter, as much as we love her still. She has a mother and a father. It's really up to them what kind of contact they wish to allow us, if any.

I had hoped to have at least some minimal on-going contact with Baby Bug and her family. I wanted to watch her grow and be like an honorary aunt to her. I thought that was possible, but now I'm realizing that maybe it isn't.

I'm saddened at this break in contact.

Labels: Baby Bug, foster children, fostering

6:00 AM
10 comments

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Energizer® Family Charger product review

Kate with Weber Shandwick recently asked me if I'd be interested in reviewing the new Energizer® Family Charger product. Of course, I told her, "I'd love to!"

Here's a little bit of information on the Energizer_® Family Charger.

Ideal for families that own a wide variety of battery-charged devices, the Energizer_® Family Charger delivers the convenience of being able to charge any commonly used battery (AA, AAA, C, D or 9V) all at once. Paired with long- lasting Energizer_®Rechargeable_® batteries, this 2008 CES innovation award winner is the perfect solution for every family's power needs.

Features & Benefits:

The ultimate family battery power station
Charges up to 8 AA, 8 AAA, 4C, 4D or 2 9V NiMH rechargeable batteries
Super safe – will only begin charging when the lid is closed
Easy-to-read LCD screen shows the charging status of the batteries inside
ENERGY STAR® certified

Our family LOVES this family charger! We have so many things in our house that use batteries: games (we used some C batteries in our Operation game the other night), our T.V. remote controls, toys, one of our digital cameras, and so much more.

We used to buy batteries in bulk at Costco, but since receiving this Energizer_® Family Charger we have been using the Energizer_®Rechargeable_® batteries that Kate sent us and we went out and purchased a few more sets. But it's nice to know that we'll be contributing less used up batteries to the land fills going forward.

This Energizer® Family Charger is such a useful product to have in your home! It retails for approximately $29.99. Take a look for one the next time you're in the store.

Labels: product review

7:24 AM

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Food co-op

A friend recently clued me in to a food co-op going on in our state. Fruit and veggies are purchased from local farmers and then sold to families throughout the state. It helps support our local economy and encourages us to eat healthier!

Yesterday I participated for the first time and it's great!

Here's how it works.

I went online to their website and created an account. Then I placed my order.

For $15 you get two baskets (1 fruit filled, 1 veggie filled). You can order extras like bread, cheese, milk, or various "packs". This week was an Asian pack. Last week was a Mexican pack. I believe these packs have additional herbs and veggies but I'm not certain because I didn't order those this first time.

After making my selections, I paid by credit card online and printed out my receipt. The instructions told me where and when to pick up my baskets. They were very specific about the fact that I must be on time or my produce would be donated to a local food pantry!

When Snuggle Bug and I got there, there was a long line of others waiting to pick up their baskets.

We waited patiently in line and then our turn arrived. We were given our baskets and we transfered our produce into 2 canvas bags and then lugged it back to the car.

Here's what we got for $15:

Veggies:

1 spaghetti squash
2 large heads of Romaine lettuce
2 bushels of broccoli
2 large red bell peppers
2 cucumbers
5 large tomatoes
10 potatoes

Fruit:

5 pears
3 mangos
2 cantaloups
7 oranges
9 Granny Smith apples
16 bananas

I'd say we got our money's worth! We'll be eating this for a good 2 weeks!

I cut up a big portion of our fruit yesterday into a big fruit salad and we're sure enjoying that!

Do you participate in any type of food/farmers co-op?

Labels: healthy eating

6:04 AM
3 comments

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Chicken Soup for the Soul giveaway #1- Winner!

Earlier this week I posted a Chicken Soup for the Soul book giveaway! It's time to randomly select a winner from those of you who left comments.

And the winner is...

#1 Jen with A Good Cup of Coffee

Congrats, Jen! Please email me your mailing addresses so I can send out your book!

Labels: books/reading, giveaways

7:00 AM
2 comments

Friday, May 15, 2009

Favorite Ingredients Friday (Spreads & Dips Edition)

Happy Friday! It's time for my Favorite Ingredients Friday Spreads & Dips Edition!

We attend family-oriented gatherings quite often and I'd love to have some tried and true spread and/or dip recipes to make. I can't wait to see what you all come up with.

The recipe I'm about to share is something I found on Kraftfoods.com. It's quick, simple, and yummy. Enjoy!

Caramallow Dip

Ingredients:
4 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
25 KRAFT Caramels (about 1/2 of 14-oz. bag)
1/4 cup evaporated milk

Directions:
Place marshmallows, caramels and evaporated milk in medium saucepan; cook on low heat until marshmallows are completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently. Pour into serving bowl. Cool slightly.

SERVE warm as a dip with assorted cookies and fresh fruit dippers.

SUBSTITUTE Use 1/4 cup milk in place of evaporated milk when preparing this sweet dip.

Now I look forward to seeing your Favorite Ingredients Spreads & Dips Edition recipe!

Don't forget to link your specific recipe post link on Mr. Linky so I can see what's cooking at your house!

Oh, and be sure to put the title of your recipe in parenthesis! It makes it so much quicker for me to go back and search for recipes as I build my weekly menu.

For guidelines and my past Favorite Ingredients Friday recipes, click here.

Thanks so much for your participation. I do appreciate it!

Labels: Favorite Ingredients Friday, recipe exchange

6:52 AM
2 comments

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Chicken Soup for the Soul giveaway #1

Last month Merritt with Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists offered to send me a couple of new Chicken Soup for the Soul books to review. He sent some extras for me to give away to my readers too! :)

This week, I'm going to review is the newly released, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Like Mother, Like Daughter book.

Stories about the Special Bond between Mothers and Daughters

How often have you seen a teenage girl pretend to be perturbed, but secretly smile, when she is told that she acts or looks just like her mother? Fathers, brothers, and friends shake their head in wonder as girls “turn into their mothers.” This book contains the 101 best stories from Chicken Soup’s library on the mother-daughter bond. Mothers and daughters will laugh, cry, and find inspiration in these stories that remind them of their mutual appreciation.

My review: This book is fantastic! Now that I'm a mother of a little girl, I read these short stories and found myself praying that my daughter and I will have the kind of close relationship throughout the years that will stand the test of time and the teenage years! Thankfully, right now my 2 year old thinks the world revolves around me, but I know that won't last forever. She's already quite the independent little miss.

These mother/daughter stories were very touching and uplifting! I savored this book little-by-little, reading a story here and there when I had some quiet time. I'd highly recommend this book as a gift to yourself, your mom, or someone you love!

Now for the giveaway.

If you'd like to win a copy of this book for your very own, just leave me a comment. I'll choose a winner this Saturday morning.

All I ask is, if you're a blogger yourself, that you post your own review of the book after you've had the chance to read it!

Good luck!

And stop back next week when I'll be reviewing the Chicken Soup for the Soul: Mother's & Sons book and offering one copy in another giveaway!

Labels: book review, books/reading, giveaways, product review

8:40 PM
4 comments

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

I hope you have a wonderful day. We have fun plans in our household which I'll come back and share at the end of the day!

Labels: holiday

8:26 AM
1 comments

Saturday, May 09, 2009

Birthday crowns

For those of you who participate in my Favorite Ingredients Friday, I'm so sorry for not getting a post up yesterday. This entire week has gotten away from me! I'll be sure to have one up next Friday!

I wanted to show you my recent sewing order that I've been working on. Although this is for a little girl, I do make them for little boys yet. As soon as I finish the order I have for a 5 year old boy, I'll show you pictures.

Now then, for my recent birthday crown!

Got a little girl with an upcoming birthday? You can order one of my crowns right here!

Have a great weekend!

Labels: gifts, just for fun, Sparkle and Charm Boutique

8:22 AM
4 comments

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

May Pay It Forward Book Exchange- 3 books up for grabs!

It's time for another one of my free Pay It Forward book giveaways! I'm a day late posting this but I hope you'll all join me this month!

For those who may have missed out, please read about the guidelines right here.

So, I have one book to give away this month:

1) If You Give a Mom a Martini: 100 Ways to Find 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself by Julie Klappas & Lyss Stern, in hardcover!

This was sent to me by Ava with Crown Publishing.

I have to say, this is such a delightful book! It made me laugh out loud in several places. :) I've already tried a couple of fun suggestions from the book! I tell you, this book would make a wonderful gift...for you or for someone you love! Thankfully Ava sent me two copies, one for me and one for one of you!

Okay, so here's what the author's have to say about the book!

What’s a woman to do with her very own “Mommy time-out”? The new book, IF YOU GIVE A MOM A MARTINI . . . 100 Ways to Find 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself (Clarkson Potter; Publication date: April 14, 2009) has all the answers. In it, New York City moms Julie Klappas and Lyss Stern (with the help of some celebrity friends) have come up with the very best ways for their stressed-out counterparts to bask in a little “me” time. Smartly written and stylishly illustrated by fashion illustrator Izak Zenou, the book contains great ideas for women who relish their role as Mom but also long for a few minutes to recharge.

Running the gamut from sweet to satiric, most of the ideas are recession-proof, costing little or no money at all. For instance:

Getting Your Kicks
While playing soccer with your child, punt the ball really, really far, then race over to a lawn chair and sip iced tea until he or she returns. Instant quiet time!

Judge for Yourself
Kelly Ripa recommends watching Judge Judy and reveling in someone else having all of the answers for a change. Ten minutes is just long enough to get through one juicy case.

Find a Bloom for Your Room
Treat yourself to a single, beautiful flower for your bedside table. It will fill your bedroom with a gorgeous fragrance and make you feel special all week long.

Working It at the Car Wash
Order “the works” and experience instant gratification. Where else can you hand over something utterly gross and, ten minutes later, see it sparkle like new ?

Other celebrity contributors include: Keisha Whitaker, Lara Spencer, fashion designers Catherine Malandrino and Cynthia Rowley, and actress Jill Hennessy, who spends her ten minutes strumming her six-string guitar and eating cookies.

Smart, sexy, fun, and inspirational, IF YOU GIVE A MOM A MARTINI . . . is a reminder for moms everywhere that it only takes ten minutes to regain some sanity and find the energy to go back to the playroom and face the music—even if it is “The Wheels on the Bus.”

About the Authors
JULIE KLAPPAS is the mother of two and was most recently a Creative Director at Lifetime Television before starting her own production company, Clementine Entertainment (clementinetv.com).

LYSS STERN is the mother of two young boys and the creator of Divalysscious Moms (divalyssciousmoms.com), New York City’s premier luxury lifestyle company for fabulous moms and tots, with more than 85,000 active members.

If you'd like to win this book, here is what you must do:

1. On your blog, write a post about this giveaway, using my "Pay It Forward" button, and then link back to my post. I am sure your readers would appreciate learning about the chance to win a book. You must complete this step to be put in the drawing, unless of course you don't have a blog!

2. Sign the Mr. Linky (the Mr. Linky is that list of names at the end of this post - just type your name in the box) with your name and the specific URL of your PIF post. Note: If you are not a blogger, you may still enter to win. Just sign your name on the Mr. Linky without a URL and then email me your contact information. Please note on your email that it is for the PIF book giveaway.

I'll announce the winners on Saturday morning, 30 May, so be sure to check back.

Best of luck!

If you have any books you'd like to Pay It Forward yourself this month, please leave me a comment and I'll link you in this post!

Additional Pay It Forward Giveaways:

1) Jubilee at Notes of Jubilee is giving away the book Red, White and Blue by Laura Hayden on 19 May. Stop by her blog to enter win. Thanks, Jubilee!

2) Tamy at 3 Sides of Crazy is giving away the book Southwest Slow Cookers by Tammy Biber on 30 May. Stop by her blog to enter to win. Thanks, Tamy!

Labels: book review, books/reading, giveaways, Pay It Forward, product review

9:13 PM
3 comments

Sunday, May 03, 2009

A sweet little addition to our family.

Look what we found wandering around in our back yard recently.

Yes, we have a new little baby turtle. Oronzo has had a male turtle for years and just last year he got a female turtle. Apparently they "hooked up" quickly and this baby turtle was the result of that union. We found the turtle egg shell remnants buried in a shallow hole under the shade of a tree in our back yard.

It's too soon to tell if this baby is a boy or a girl, but Snuggle Bug refers to it as a boy. When asked what Snuggle Bug wants to name "him" he comes up with a different name nearly every day. So, for now, we're just calling him "baby turtle".

He's the cutest!

Labels: expanding our family, turtles

6:09 AM
8 comments

Saturday, May 02, 2009

Children's book giveaway winners!

Earlier this week I posted a Children's book giveaway! It's time to randomly select two winners from those of you who left comments.

And the winners are...

#10 Brimful with Brimful Curiosities

# 7-Dawnelle with Joie

Congrats, ladies! Please email me your mailing addresses so I can send out your book!

And for those of you who didn't enter to win my giveaway, I'll be posting my May Pay It Forward Book Exchange on Monday so check back.

Labels: book review, giveaways

8:52 AM
1 comments

Friday, May 01, 2009

Favorite Ingredients Friday (Fish Fillets with Lemon Crumb Topping))

Good Friday to you all! It's time for another Favorite Ingredients Friday recipe exchange! I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Check out my upcoming themed schedule below:

Upcoming 2009 "Themed" Schedule
May 15- Spreads & Dips
May 29- Greatest Hits (your past favorite)
June 12- Weight Watcher's Edition

As many of you know, I'm trying really hard to eat healthier and exercise to get my high cholesterol levels down. I have a follow-up appointment with my doctor in July.

Recently the American Heart Association sent me a small paperback cookbook called, Light & Easy Recipes. I love it! The recipe I'm sharing with you today is from this cookbook and it's yummy!

Fish Fillets with Lemon Crumb Topping

Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 medium lemons
4 flounder, snapper, or tilapia fillets (about 4 oz each)
2 slices reduced-calorie whole wheat bread
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp cayenne (optional)
1/4 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425*F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly spray with cooking spray.

2. Quarter 1 lemon and set aside. Grate enough zest from the remaining lemon to measure 1/2 tsp. Set the zest aside. Cut the lemon crosswise into 8 slices.

3. Place 2 lemon slices side by side on the baking sheet. Place a fish fillet on the lemon slices. Repeat with the remaining lemon slices and fish, spacing the portions at least 2" apart.

4. In a food processor, pulse the bread to make coarse crumbs. Transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in the reserved lemon zest, garlic powder, cayenne, and paprika. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp olive oil. Stir gently to blend. Spoon over each fillet.

5. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and the topping is browned. Transfer to four plates.

6. Drizzle the remaining 2 tsp olive oil over the fish. Serve with the reserved lemon wedges to squeeze over the fish.

Now, I look forward to seeing your Favorite Ingredients Friday recipe!

Don't forget to link your specific recipe post link on Mr. Linky so I can see what's cooking at your house!

Oh, and be sure to put the title of your recipe in parenthesis! It makes it so much quicker for me to go back and search for recipes as I build my weekly menu.

For guidelines and my past Favorite Ingredients Friday recipes, click here.

Thanks so much for your participation. I do appreciate it!

Labels: Favorite Ingredients Friday, healthy eating, recipe exchange

5:15 AM
2 comments