Recipe for Cowboy Caviar

I had a few requests to post this recipe. My dear friend made it for a me a few months ago and I LOVED it! It goes great over salads, with chips, in a wrap with some protein, or on the side with enchiladas. And it is healthy for you - kind of hard to resist when you put it that way?

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Just Unsure of my Favorite Part of Today...

It really is a tough choice...

Option 1: Our son having a meltdown before school as he pinched his finger in the drawer

Option 2: Our daughter having a meltdown because our son pinched her finger in the deacon bench

Option 3: The grocery bag that busted as I was carrying groceries in the house

Option 4: The bottle of La Crema Pinot Noir that broke on the garage floor because of option 3.

Option 5: The raw chicken juice that is in the drawer of my refrigerator because the air tight bag the chicken  came in was not so air tight after all.

Option 6: The fact that it is only 9:30 and I have this many options

Tough call...which one gets your vote?

Who Wants to Win some Amazing Ritter Sport Chocolates?

Ritter Sport makes delicious chocolate that is sure to bring some happiness to your life!  After all, they are Bringing you Happiness Squared, right? Ritter Sport uses all natural ingredients in their chocolates and with so many flavors, everyone will be sure to find a favorite.  

I recently reviewed Ritter Sport Chocolates and am thrilled to say that Ritter Sport will be doing another GIVEAWAY on From One Mommy to Another!

There will be TWO winners for this giveaway and EACH person will receive a sample pack of 84 mini chocolate bars.  These chocolates are simply amazing!  And in case you are already finding the reasons why winning this could be hard for your health efforts, keep this in mind...the bars are perfect sizes for little treats for your little ones lunches, you could assemble a variety in a small basket or tin for co-workers or your children's teachers to let them know they are appreciated, and you can still save a few for yourself.  These would make great end of the year treats for my son's teachers; that I am for sure on! (Probably can't enter my own giveaway, huh? :) )
There are plenty of ways to enter:

1. Post a comment on this post sharing what you like about Ritter Sport Chocolates. (ONE ENTRY). 

2. Follow MommyMentor on Twitter (ONE ENTRY). Post a comment on this post letting me know you did this.

3.  Follow Ritter Sport on Twitter (ONE ENTRY). Post a comment on this post letting me know you did this.

4.  Become a fan of Mommy Mentor on Facebook (ONE ENTRY). Post a comment on this post letting me know you did this.

 

5.  Become a fan of Ritter Sport Chocolates on Facebook (ONE ENTRY). Post a comment on this post letting me know you did this.

6. Become a follower of this blog, From One Mommy to Another (ONE ENTRY). Post a comment on this post letting me know you did this.

7.  Subscribe to From One Mommy To Another's Posts via RSS Feed (ONE ENTRY) (Top right column).  Post a comment on this post letting me know you did this.

8.  Subscribe to Your Child Sleep Coach's posts via RSS Feed (ONE ENTRY)(Top right column).   Post a comment on this post letting me know you did this.

9.  Tweet about this giveaway: include @MommyMentor and @Ritter_Sport and a link back to this giveaway. (TWO ENTRIES!)  Post two comments on this post letting me know you did this.

 

10.  Refer a friend to this giveaway: for every way that they enter, you get the corresponding amount of extra entries that they get.  For example, if they tweet, you both get two entries.  Post the appropriate number of comments on this post letting me know you did this. (TWO ENTRIES!)

 

11.  Post or blog about this giveaway on any online forum, group, blog, chat room, facebook, etc. with a link back to this contest. (THREE ENTRIES!) Post three comments on this post letting me know you did this. 

 

The Ritter Sport giveaway will end on Wednesday, March 31st at 1:00pm mountain time. You can enter an unlimited amount of times - GOOD LUCK! 

 

(Disclosure: Ritter Sport sent me free samples of their chocolates for me to review.  My thoughts are just that...mine, and are not influenced by Ritter Sport.  They are also sponsoring giveaways for four winners on From One Mommy to Another.)

The Winner of the Easy Lunch Box is...

The Easy Lunch Box contest has come to an end.  The lucky winner is comment number 42!

Here are your random numbers:

42

Timestamp: 2010-03-10 03:53:08 UTC

Comment 42 belongs to...Seanskuuipo!  Congrats Nicole!  Please contact me with your shipping information within 36 hours or a new winner will be chosen.  (Something tells me, this will not be an issue.... ;) 

Thank you to everyone for entering!  Stay tuned...a new contest will be starting tomorrow!

Tickler Tag Giveaway: Backpack Tags to Help your Child Stay Organized

Tickler Tags are backpack tags that remind your child of their daily activities and transportation arrangements. They are easy to use - simply clip on your child's backpack with the included carabiner clip. The designs are fun and they are great for children who are too young for cell phones, but still have a busy schedule! And honestly, they provide me with a good overview of my day when I attach them to our son's backpack each morning. Tickler Tags help your child and their teacher or caregiver remember that they may have after school activities or sports, appointments, early release, or changing daycare arrangements.


You can read my full review of Tickler Tags here because the great news today is that Tickler Tags is giving one FOMTA reader a set of 5 pre-designed tags and a carabiner clip!  How can you enter?  Simple!

1. Post a comment on this blog sharing what you like about Tickler Tags. (ONE ENTRY)

2. Follow MommyMentor on Twitter (ONE ENTRY)

3.  Become a fan of Mommy Mentor on Facebook (ONE ENTRY)

 

4.  Become a fan of Ticker Tags on Facebook (ONE ENTRY)

5. Become a follower of this blog, From One Mommy to Another (ONE ENTRY)

6.  Subscribe to From One Mommy To Another's Posts via RSS Feed (ONE ENTRY) (Top right column).  

7.  Subscribe to Your Child Sleep Coach's posts via RSS Feed (ONE ENTRY) (Top right column).  

8.  Tweet about this giveaway: include @MommyMentor and @TicklerTags and a link back to this giveaway. (TWO ENTRIES!) 

 

9.  Refer a friend to this giveaway: for every way that they enter, you get the corresponding amount of extra entries that they get.  For example, if they tweet, you both get two entries.  (TWO ENTRIES!)

 

10.  Post or blog about this giveaway on any online forum, group, blog, chat room, facebook, etc. with a link back to this contest. (THREE ENTRIES!)

 

The Tickler Tag giveaway will end on Tuesday, March 23rd at 1:30pm mountain time. You can enter an unlimited amount of times - GOOD LUCK! 

 

Disclosure: Tickler Tags is providing one reader with 5 tags and a carabiner clip.  Thank you!

A Closer Look at the Belen Echandia Make Me Smile Handbag

The Belen Echandia Make Me Smile in Wine sheen leather is the latest addition to my collection.  Why I waited so long to try this bag is beyond me!  The Make Me Smile is currently a top favorite with my Rock Me.  And the wine sheen leather is gorgeous.  It has a rich tone to it...think raspberries instead of strawberries. 

 

Here is a close up shot of the sheen leather.  All of Belen Echandia's leathers have their own unique traits and the sheen is no exception.  It is incredibly soft, literally smooshes into a puddle, and I love that the 'sheen' adds just a bit of class to it.  It wears incredibly well and makes me feel like I can dress it up a bit more - if I want - because of the glossy finish.   

Here is a side shot of the Make Me Smile when held by the handles.  This reflects its true shape and dimensions.  According to the Belen Echandia site, the Make Me Smile measures 16.5" wide, 11" high, and 4.7" deep.   As you can see in the next picture, the shape can flex to meet many needs because of the wonderful yummy Italian leather. 

This picture shows the Make Me Smile sitting on its own.  It is packed with my goodies and the buttery soft leather just forms nicely around them.  

  The front zippered pocket of the Make Me Smile is wider than other BE styles I have tried thus far.  I really like it because I can carry my iPhone while still having room for lists, keys, or an additional random item or two.  The extra size also makes it so I can get my hand in without scratching on the zipper.

There are two things that stand out to me as favorites with the Make Me Smile.  First, when I can carry it on my shoulde, I can have one strap on my shoulder and let the other fall off while digging in it.  I LOVE not having to remove it from my shoulder to access items...very handy when I have one or two children in tow.

  What's my second fave?  The Make Me Smile has an amazing opening!  When it just sits, it is open for me to access what I want.  I love that when driving!  The opening is perfection for the horizontal layout of this handbag.  Everything is right there for you.  The Make Me Smile can fit a ton but you can see it all because of the horizontal layout.

I carry a Belen Echandia Zipper Wallet and Protect Me, carryall with random essentials, a medium Ju-Ju-Be Be Set with snacks and wipes for the kids, my sunglasses, keys, and a pouch with tea bags daily.  Most times I carry a water bottle as well...which fits with complete ease.

One side of the Make Me Smile has a long zippered pocket.  I keep my hand lotion an small toys for the kids in there.  Two slip pockets carry my Protect Me and mail keys... 

The other interior side has a hidden pocket with magnetic closure.  I usually keep receipts and paperwork in this pocket.  It is a great size and keeps items secure in your handbag.  

Here is a modeling picture of the Make Me Smile worn on the shoulder.  The drop is around 8 inches when new, but once the leather breaks in, you get an extra 2-2.5 inches.  I am pretty picky about strap drop and prefer a drop of 10 inches or more...the Make Me Smile is perfect! 

Front shot of how the Make Me Smile looks when carried on the shoulder...what do you think? 

  Modeling shot of the MMS worn messenger.  While this bag is not as flat as other BE bags, I find it comfy worn messenger.  The MMS is not too deep and thus, you can easily access what you need with ease.  Note that my messenger strap is not adjusted as long as it could go so the bag could actually sit lower on you if you prefer that.  For reference, I am 5'7" and size 6. 

Front shot of the MMS worn messenger...

I truly love all of my Belen Echandia handbags and love hearing from you about which brands you enjoy and which BE bags you love.  I enjoy your emails asking for my thoughts on how one bag compares to another so keep them coming! 

What is the latest addition to your handbag collection? 

Winner of the Ju-Ju-Be Fuel Cell in Perky Perennials

What a fun giveaway this was!  And how great to see all of the love for Ju-Ju-Be products out there. 

The lucky winner of the Ju-Ju-Be Fuel Cell in Perky Perennials is comment number...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

22

Timestamp: 2010-03-02 04:39:52 UTC

...which belongs to Makaela!  Congratulation Makaela!  She will have 48 hours to claim your prize or I will pick a new winner. 

Don't forget to check the Ju-Ju-Be Blog for news on their new spring line and FABULOUS new Legacy Collection!

Rainbow Bright Winner

Rainbow Brite is celebrating her 25th anniversary!  It was so fun to read all of your comments; I especially loved the stories from when readers were children and loved playing with Rainbow Brite. 

And now, the lucky winner of the Rainbow Brite giveaway, as determined by random.org...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

28

Timestamp: 2010-02-25 12:53:59 UTC



Comment 28 belongs to....Ashley!  Sorry - had to pick again since I could not find Ashley... The new winner is James or @WhoAmI2Day on Twitter. 

Here are your random numbers:

10

Timestamp: 2010-02-26 20:53:44 UTC



Congratulations, Jamie!  Ashley Jaimie will have 24 hours to claim her prize or another winner will be chosen.  Again, my many thanks to Mom Select, BSM Media, and Hallmark for the adorable Rainbow Brite doll and for the giveaway!  And my deepest thank you to you for your readership...XO!

Easy Lunch Boxes Review & a Giveaway too!

Parenting is an ever changing learning process; you grow and learn with your children.  As they approach a new phase, you too have to learn to adjust.  

This year our family started a new and exciting chapter in our lives when our first born started kindergarten.  After being home with him all of these years, I suddenly found myself packing lunches...trying to think of new ideas and healthy, yet "fun" things for him to eat.  That is why I was so excited when I found Easy Lunch Boxes! 

Easy Lunch boxes are a two piece container that consists of a bottom with three compartments and a snap on lid.  The largest compartment is big enough to hold an entree or sandwich and the two smaller compartments fit nice sized side dishes.  Any lid will fit on any bottom, which is very nice.  After all, those precious minutes in the morning before shuffling everyone out the door are prized.  No need to waste them digging around to match pieces!  The Easy Lunch Box container fits inside an Easy Lunch Box custom carrying bag, which are offered in a variety of colors.  You still have plenty of room to toss in an ice pack, drink, napkin, utensils, and any other extras you may need.  If needed, you can also fit two containers in a carrying bag with a few extras as well.

The EasyLunchbox system allows parents to pack healthy lunches quickly that have proper portions while still offering a healthy variety of foods. Let's face it...variety is essential for anyone, but especially children.  Additionally, families will save money because you will reduce the number of plastic and paper bags you use.  You will save even more because you will cut back on pre-packaged container meals.  And at the end of the day, you only have one container to wash!

One of my favorite things about the Easy Lunch Box is that it is eco-friendly.  It

is reusable, which always helps the environment.  It is also FDA approved and BPA FREE!  Yes, that is right. Easy Lunch Boxes are made with polypropylene (PP) so are free of BPA, phthalates, lead, vinyl, and PVC. They are safe for use in both the dishwasher and microwave.

The Easy Lunch Box system is also easy to care for.  I have enough to do in my day, so anything that makes life even a tad easier gets a thumbs up in my book.  If I am already washing some dishes, I wash it by hand.  Otherwise, I toss it in the top rack of the dishwasher and am done.  Easy Lunch Box containers come in a four pack so I have plenty to get me through the rest of the week right now. 

 

Are you loving it?  Great!  The fantastic news is that you have a chance to win your very own Easy Lunch Box system(OPEN TO US residents only)!  There are many fun ways to enter:

1.  Post a comment on this blog sharing what you like about Easy Lunch Boxes. (ONE ENTRY)

2.  Follow MommyMentor on Twitter (ONE ENTRY)

   

3.  Follow Easy Lunch Boxes on Twitter (ONE ENTRY)

4.  Become a fan of Mommy Mentor on Facebook (ONE ENTRY)

5.  Become a fan of Easy Lunch Boxes on Facebook (ONE ENTRY)


6.  Become a follower of this blog, From One Mommy to Another (ONE ENTRY)


7.  Subscribe to From One Mommy To Another's Posts via RSS Feed (ONE ENTRY) (Top right column).  

8.  Subscribe to Your Child Sleep Coach's posts via RSS Feed (ONE ENTRY) (Top right column).  

9.  Tweet about this giveaway and include @MommyMentor, @EasyLunchboxes, and a link back to this giveaway. (TWO ENTRIES!) 

10.  Post or blog about this giveaway on any online forum, group, blog, chat room, etc. with a link back to this contest. (THREE ENTRIES!)

The Easy Lunch Box giveaway will end on Tuesday, March 9th at 6pm mountain time. You can enter an unlimited amount of times - GOOD LUCK!   This contest is now closed.  Thank you to everyone who entered. 

Disclosure: Easy Lunch Boxes sent me a set of containers and a bag to test out and review.  My reviews are always my honest thoughts and feedback on products and are not influenced by companies.  Easy Lunch Boxes is also sponsoring a giveaway for one reader. 

One Mommy's Review of Scentsy Warmers: A Safer Alternative to Candles

My Dad is always reminding me of the danger of candles.  His career in the home insurance industry taught him well; honestly, it is hard to disagree with him.  A fire of any size is dangerous - no way around it.  Then when you factor in small children and a busy family life where you have more potential to forget about it - well, the risk is exponentially increased.

Enter Scentsy Warmers: They started in 2003 with the goal of creating a scented warmer that used the heat of a light bulb to melt wax instead of a wick.  I have to admit that when I first learned about Scentsy warmers, I had a few questions:

1.  Would a light bulb really melt all of the wax and quickly enough?

2.  Would the scent be as strong?

and...

3.  Would I still get the same peaceful feeling that having candles lit in a room creates?

Scentsy warmers are beautifully made.  The designs are gorgeous and are a wonderful decoration as opposed to your every day candle.  The light bulb, which is provided, simply screws into the base.  The top portion of the warmer rests on the base, but has a nice ridge that keeps it securely attached to the base.  The Scentsy bars break apart and you can place your preferred amount in the top bowl.

The bars melt very quickly and yes, every bit of the brick pieces melt!  The smell began drifting through the house within fifteen minutes.  I leave ours on for hours at a time; the entire lower level of our home smelled like a bakery the other afternoon.  Delicious!  And with all of the amazing Scents to choose from, everyone is sure to find something they like. 

Do I still get the same peaceful feeling I get when I have candles lit?  Why yes, I do.  The only candles that can compare for me are WoodWick candles because they make the sound of a crackling fire.  However, while their scent is strong, it is not as strong as the Scentsy warmer.  In the end, my desire for the house to smell good wins out, which brings Scentsy out on top. 
 
All of these wonderful traits aside, the clear winner for me is how safe Scentsy warmers are to have in your home.  We have one in the corner of our living room - an area that has never had a candle because it gets too much traffic, especially by our small children.  The Scentsy warmer has a wide solid base so it would not tip, even if the table was knocked.  The warmer is also heavier adding to my confidence in it not tipping.  The ridge around the top warmer secures it on top so it will not be knocked as well.  And most importantly, in the rare even that it would get knocked...what is the worst that will happen?  I will have some melted wax to clean up.  Much better than putting out a small fire in our living room or heaven forbid, our children being burned. 

Jennifer Hodgkiss is a Lead Consultant with Scentsy that is great to work with!  For the month of February, all Scentsy products are marked down 10%.  Jennifer also has a few open Scentsy parties going on right now.  Any customer who orders $40.00 or more from an open party until the end of February will receive one scent bar of their choice from her stock for free.  As an extra fun bonus - anyone who places an order in February will be entered into a grand prize drawing to win a large Scentsy warmer of their choice.   The winner will be drawn on the last day of February...

We have the full size Apollo warmer, but will be getting another one for the summer months - and I would also like one for our guest room.  There are so many neat styles...which Scentsy warmer is your favorite?