AARP is giving away a Carribean Cruise!!

                 

I know that some of my readers are probably eligible for AARP and if you are, now is a great time to sign up because if you register with AARP you can be entered into Grand Prize Sweepstakes for a 7-Day Norwegian Cruise Line® vacation for two in a balcony stateroom aboard the Norwegian Epic plus $1,500 spending money. AARP is also giving away a $25 Visa® Gift Card EVERY DAY. 

So if you are eligible (and obviously, if you want to take             advantage of some of the other things they offer, which from      what I understand include some awesome discounts!) then click the beautiful beach picture above and sign up today.

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Took a couple of days off.

So, I haven't been posting much, and I'm noticing that I kind of make a habit out of not doing a whole lot for a couple of days every week.  I have also noticed, that I tend to lose "likes" on facebook on those days more than on days when I am posting stuff for you all here, so I just wanted to take a moment to explain why on some days, I am less active than others.

The reason for this, is because, with my husband's crazy schedule, while he is home, I make a lot of my time family time.  We go do things that we want to do, and the things that we need to do, and we all relax together in between.  It's when our daughter gets extra snuggles, and our evenings (after little bedtimes when I am usually posting the most on other days), is when my husband and I spend time together, or he's using the computer (leaving me out of luck for blogging!! haha)

That being said, tomorrow he is back to work, I am working on the catchup of housecleaning so that tomorrow I will be able to spend tons of time with all of you!

Free Custom Grocery Bag!

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Baked Peanut Butter Cups -- Recipe

Baked Peanut Butter Cups -- Recipe

 

I made these delicious things that I'm calling baked peanut butter cups, because, well, they're chocolate and peanut butter baked goodness!!  My husband loved them, and my daughter would have eaten all of them today if I had let her!  

I wanted to do some baking today, so I was looking through what I had.  I constantly get coupons for cookie and brownie mixes, so I happened to have peanut butter cookie mix and a box of brownie mix as well.  So I decided to combine them.  My husband's FAVORITE candy are peanut butter cups, so i figured this would be a nice baked version of those.

The thing that is great about them, is that they are SO easy!  They are a brownie and cookie at the same time (we made them in muffin pans so my daughter calls them "muffin cookies").  

Preset the oven to what your brownie recipe requires.

Grease muffin pans.

Mix your favorite brownie recipe or box mix.  

Fill the muffin pans about half way.

Bake for whatever your brownie recipe requires minus 10 minutes. (if the recipe says 40 minutes, set timer for 30)

While it is baking, mix your favorite peanut butter cookie recipe.

After the brownie time, reset your oven to whatever temperature the cookies require, roll your cookie dough into balls and then flatten and place on top of the brownies in your muffin pans.

 Bake for the allotted time plus 3-4 minutes.

Allow them to cool completely before removing from the muffin pans.

Enjoy!!

If you try this, I would love to hear what you think!  Please comment and let me know!

 

Neutrogena Lip Balm Giveaway!!!

It's GIVEAWAY TIME again!!
The prize: Neutrogena Lip Balm and $2.00 Neutrogena coupon.

To sign up --
*Like my Facebook Page
*Follow my blog
*Subscribe to receive my emails
*Comment on any NON GIVEAWAY post on my blog
*Comment on The Mom Show's Facebook page letting me know that you've done this all.
(If you have already subscribed and followed previously, and are still following, then you are still eligible)


For the rest of you, on your mark.. get set.. go!

Good Luck!

Recipe -- Chicken Pot Pie

I posted HERE earlier this morning, about a few of the things that you can do with a chicken or a turkey.
One of the things that I said was that i was going to share a recipe for pot pie.  I made this for my family once, and it was such a huge hit that now every time I make a chicken or turkey, this follows.

Here's what you need:

either two cups of leftover chicken, or two small cans of canned chicken
16 oz bag of frozen mixed vegetables
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of potato soup
(either of these cans may be replaced with cream of chicken soup, and then chop either 1 potato, or dice one celery stalk )
about 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp pepper
a little bit of milk, possibly divided.
refrigerated pie crust

Put the chicken, veggies, soups salt and pepper into a bowl and mix until everything is coated by the soup, if necessary, take a little bit of your milk, and mix that in also.

Set up the bottom pie crust, and place the filling inside

Place the top crust on top, and brush some of your remaining milk on to that crust. Cut air holes in the top of your crust

Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes or until your inner content of the pie is hot. (If the crust is looking done before the end of this time, cover with aluminum foil)

The Mom Show has 2001 Fans!!

We have hit 2001 fans!!! I want to tell you all how much I genuinely appreciate all of you.  I really honestly do.  I love coming here, writing, finding deals, sharing recipes and experiences.  I love posting things that spark conversations, and I just LOVE interacting with all of you. 

I really enjoy being able to do things like bring you special discounts on a supplement that many of you are interested in trying like I did HERE, or sharing a deal on something that some of you have told me you need, and telling you stories about my life that may somehow affect yours for just a second. 

I have really enjoyed being able to sit with you at your computer desk if even for just a few moments during the day.

As this site grows (and I promise you, that it will continue to do so.), there will be more opportunities to offer you all even more, and I am so excited to be able to do that!

I just wanted to take a minute to let you know, that I am happy to be able to do this with and for all of you, and that I really appreciate the time you take reading my site.

I will let you all know, that this all is a process that I am indeed still learning. 

Let me take a moment to welcome the newer people who haven't been reading me for very long.  Thank you for joining!!

I am going to be posting a recipe shortly, but I wanted to take a minute to thank you all for just being here first.

Wholesale Costume Club--Product Reveiw

 



When I was given the opportunity to do a review for a product from the Wholesale Costume club, I jumped at the opportunity, because my daughter LOVES to play dress up!  Upon looking at their website, I was amazed at their reasonable prices.  They have inexpensive costumes, and some that cost slightly more.  This is the one i chose:   
                                            

                                                 The Disney Ballerina Ariel Costume

Cute, right??  Would you believe that this cost less than $25?  Because it does!  They also sell accessories for their costumes, adult costumes and more!

My daughter LOVES this costume, and it looks adorable on her.  Pictures of it don't even do it justice. She has fun wearing it and dancing around.  The fabric is durable, and she says that she is comfortable wearing it (it even comes with a white slip for under the skirt so that the lacy fabric isn't brushing up against her.  She has decent mobility while wearing it also.

The customer service with this company is wonderful too.  I thoroughly enjoyed my experience dealing with this company.  The product was received fairly quickly (I received the product nine days after ordering).  They have been helpful with everything I've needed to do the review.

Overall, I had an enjoyable experience working with this company, and would love to do so again in the future, and their product and prices are both something that I can stand behind and gladly recommend to all of you!

If you want to check out their website, you can go to Costume Club  and you can find more costumes here.    You can also click here to check them out on facebook!

Disclaimer:  I received free product in order to do a product review for Wholesale Costume Club.  The opinions expressed above are my own, and I was offered no financial compensation for this review.

Buy a Chicken -- Save Some Money!....

Well... Kind of...

I know that so many of us (myself DEFINITELY included!!) are trying to shop and live on a tighter budget.  I just wanted to share one way that I do that when I'm grocery shopping.

But a whole chicken, a roaster.  Seriously.  I spend about $10-$15 on a 8-10 lb roaster chicken (or turkey, whichever is cheaper..) it seems expensive, right?  BUT I easily get 4-5 meals out of that one chicken (or turkey)..

Or, like I had yesterday, I bought the young turkey breasts.  They were about $5 each, so I bought two of them.  Yesterday, I roasted them both under the oven.  That was what we had for dinner last night.

Then, after we ate, I stuck everything that was left over (meat, bones, everything) into the crockpot, and covered it with water.  I had it on high for about 4 hours or so (keep in mind, that my family has our "family dinner at about 3 because my husband works overnight so our dinner is really a late lunch, your timing might be different) and then put it on low before I went to bed, and left it overnight.  This morning, when I woke up, i drained the liquid and separated the meat from the bones.  The liquid, which is a great smelling, beautiful broth at this point, went right back into the crock pot (this actually worked out perfectly today as it is a nasty, rainy day... a perfect for some soup day).  Added about half of the meat (you may add less than I did.  my husband likes his soups to be really thick.. I'll write a little more about that in a minute actually..), four carrots, two celery sticks, two potatoes and an onion.  I seasoned it with small amounts of salt and pepper, about half a tsp. of curry powder, and half a tsp. of thyme.  Then (because, as I said previously, my husband really likes a thick soup, so this next step is optional for you), I went to a sauce pan, and melted about 3 tbsp. butter, then added about two tbsp. of flour, once it was blended, I added a ladle of the broth, mixed it really well and added it to the crock pot to thicken up the broth.  I put it on low for about 6-7 hours, and by the time my husband wakes up, we'll have an awesome turkey soup (with PLENTY of leftovers that will make up for at least one additional meal.

After adding the chicken to the soup, I had PLENTY left over, this will make up one, maybe two turkey pot pies.  I will probably make one, and save the leftovers for another meal.  I will post an awesome chicken/turkey pot pie recipe that my family absolutely LOVES a little later today.

Now, $10 dollars worth of chicken breast will get our family one meal.. two tops.  Between yesterday's dinner, the soup that will get two meals, a turkey pot pie, and either another meal (maybe a stirfry, or sandwiches) that's FIVE meals that I am getting out of that one $10 investment.  Which comes to $2 a meal!!!!

Not only that, if time is more of a factor than (or an equal factor to) money, keep this in mind.  I put the roasters in the oven yesterday morning and left them there until afternoon without worrying about them.  I precut my veggies, so setting the soup in the crockpot was a fairly quick process.  And tonight, I will premake my pie and stick them in the fridge, so this will save me time tomorrow when I just have to put them in the oven.  Today, I just have to focus on spending time with my daughter, as I know that dinner is, essentially, already done!  Tomorrow I will just have to stick it in the oven!

A Letter to Moms -- Inspired by my own mom.

I just got off of the phone with my mom.  We spent some time talking about how fast children grow up.  Then the conversation veered toward the life of our children, and my mom's struggle with her "Empty Nest" once we grew and moved away.  (A little side information, back in 2005, I married my husband and the Army had us living 700 miles south of where I grew up, and both of our families still live.  We are still living here, and they are still living there.  In 2006, my younger sister moved a few hours away, and earlier in that year, my grandmother, her mother in law, who was living with us since 1995, passed away after a battle with cancer.  My mom was a nurse, and spent a great deal of time taking care of her. So her "Empty Nest" happened fairly quickly and suddenly.)  But we were talking about a lot of different things regarding raising children, being wives, and just... life in general.

I fully enjoy conversations like this with my mom.  We talk, and laugh, and she is able to be my friend in addition to my mother, instead of the rule maker and advice giver. I am not able to be her friend and daughter, instead of the unruly and probably rude teenager.  As an adult I have this new found respect, and a new kind of love, in addition to the love and respect I already had for her as I am able to see all of the things that we have in common.

The point that I am trying to make, is that sometimes, as moms, we don't feel as loved and appreciated as we ultimately deserve to.  After a long day with our children, husbands, homes, etc. When I was talking to my mother earlier, without her necessarily saying anything, I realized that my teenaged years were probably hard on my mom.  But not as hard as when I left the state shortly after.

But, I have ALWAYS and still love my mother so very dearly, and I have more respect for her than probably anyone else in the world.  So what I'm telling you, is that your children love you.  They respect you and they need you, even on days when that may be a little hard to believe.  There will be a day when they have children and families of their own, and they're going to understand you so much more than it seems like they do now.  None of us are perfect by any means.  Our parents weren't, we aren't, and as much as we love them, our children never will be either.  But all you need is love (and lots of patience).

Prilosec OTC sample!

I signed up for this sample figuring that I would get one, maybe two doses in the mail.  They sent TWO WEEKS worth!  Sign up for this while it's still available!!  Click HERE!

Meal on the Table -- FREE for LIFE!!

Food on the Table is an easy meal planning service that is based on sales at local grocery stores. With Food on the Table, you will be able to: find thousands of easy, healthy recipes, save money by knowing the items that are on sale  and simplify your shopping experience with a well organized grocery list.  If you use the code SPRINGFREE, you will be able to get this service FREE for LIFE!!!  This offer is only good through the month of April so it ends soon!!!  Take advantage of this while it's still free!!!  Click HERE!!

LeftLane Sports -- Up to 70% off retail!!

LeftLane Sports is an exclusive, members-only shopping community featuring the world's leading Outdoor, Fitness, and Action Sports brands at up to 70% OFF retail price. Their Prices are guaranteed lowest, and their  products are guaranteed premium quality.

Use them for all of your fitness and outdoor needs!!  I am about to check out what they have for fishing stuff!  Hopefully I can get our family some inexpensive equipment for some outdoor fun this summer!  Click HERE to do the same!

Living Social-Daily Deals

 

Living Social Get Daily Deals - Don’t miss out on daily deals!

Living Social--Get Daily Deals

I use Living Social, and they send some awesome deals for things to do, services and products.  

  I have gotten discounts from local restaurants, spas, and other fun experiences, as well as services for my home.  It's completely FREE.  If you're not getting emails from Living Social, I highly suggest you start.  Click HERE!

Pambras Review!

Pambra -- The Original Bra Liner!

Product Review!

I got the opportunity to receive  and review a product from Pambras.  I was intrigued because I personally hadn't seen a product like this before.  Let's face it, I think we all have at least one uncomfortable bra that is cute, or makes our chest look good, or for whatever reason, despite the discomfort, we still really REALLY REALLY want to continue wearing that bra.  

Some of us experience a few problems with perspiration in the area under our breasts.  Did you know that this can cause uncomfortable yeast infections as a worst case scenario, and  is just uncomfortable and gross in best case scenario.

I have found a product that really truly helps make both of these problems better. It's Pambras bra liner.




 


I was skeptical at first, only because, as I said above, I have never seen a product like this before, and I haven't had much of a perspiration problem in that area, so I really wasn't sure if it was a product that would be really useful to me, UNTIL I read that it can help with the discomfort that can come with underwire and other bras.  Here's a video below that will allow you to see how it works!










The one negative (and I mean the only one, this is a product that I really like) is that if you're going to wear a lower cut shirt, the white part in the middle may be visible.  HOWEVER I was actually really impressed at the fact that it is not at all visible in any way through a shirt.

So, this is a comfortable product that I would definitely recommend (with conservative shirts.)
You can check out what they're saying at Pambras' blog by clicking HERE.   Like Pambras on Facebook by clicking HERE.  Also Check Pambras3 out on Twitter.

Disclaimer:  I received free product for the purpose of reviewing it on this site.  There was no monetary compensation and these opinions are my own.

Personal Finance geared specifically toward Women!

                                     




Would you like to hear what DailyWorth has to say to you?  Learn a bit about finances from this company who specifically gears financial information to women like you and me!  Click HERE!

Find out how to get FREE contact lenses!

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40% Discount from Natural Vitality!!! Just for My Readers!!!

                                             




 Do you all remember the review and giveaway I did for Natural Vitality?

If not, you can find it by clicking HERE. (and you should, because the giveaway ends tomorrow at midnight!!! So if you haven't entered, please go do so!! You won't be disappointed!

After posting that review, I received a lot of feedback in comments, on my facebook page, and some private messages about how you all were able to learn about magnesium deficiency, and felt that a product like this might really help you.

Upon hearing all of this, my heart went out to you, and after seeing how well this particular product worked for me, I wanted to help all of you as well.  So I have been corresponding with the lady from Natural Vitality who offered the giveaway.  I asked her if there was any way that we could offer some sort of discount to those of you who wanted to try this product.

She is willing to offer each of you a 40% discount on the product!!  That's right... FORTY PERCENT!!  That's almost half off, an exclusive discount for my readers!  This offer ends on May 6th 2012, so take advantage now!!!

She has found that generating the coupon code has taken a little longer than she expected, but wanted to make sure that this was offered to you before the giveaway was over, so she has asked me to have anyone interested in this discount to email her at bjonsson@naturalvitality.com  and tell her that The Mom Show sent you, and she will instruct you on how to get your discount on this awesome product!

I really appreciate all of the feedback that I received on this particular review, and it led me to know of what I was able to do to help you.  Thank you all for your feedback!  I hope you will continue to give it!

Mother's Day Printable Games from Python Printables Review

Python Printables Mother's Day Printable Games Packet

Review

 

I was selected to do a product review on a packet of Mother's Day printable games.  

They are "games" that you download, and print to your computer. The price of the package is $19.95 and you receive 20 games that you can play with your family.  This is a really good product if you're looking for more things to do with your family.  The good thing about them, is that you are able to keep them in your computer and reprint and use them as often as you would like.  Their website: http://www.python-printable-games.com, has tons of different packages that you can get for different occasions.  

The Mother's Day package includes 20 games: 

Color of Music Trivia.

 Crazy Cookie Recipes Game.  

 Champagne Trivia.

Chocolate Trivia

Famous Mothers and Daughters.

Flowers Trivia.   

Hot Actors Trivia.

Keepsake. 

 Love In Any Language. 

Mother May I?. 

Mother's Day Trivia. 

Sexy Scavenger Hunt for Mom and Dad. 

Tidy Up Scavenger Hunt.

Mother's Day Poems Left-Right Game. 

Love Coupons for Mom and Dad

Nasty British Food Trivia. 

Pretty Pony Print-Out Paper Dolls. 

Survival of the Fittest Party Game. 

Tangled Tongue Twisters Tango

 

The games are cute, they have cute pictures, some of them have cards, some of them are trivia, and some of them, like Mother May I, that everyone knows how to play.  

I really liked that there were a few games just for mom and dad to play together.  I will say that I was a little let down by the "sexy scavenger hunt" as it doesn't require anything sexier than looking for a ticklish spot. (no, really.  This is the ABSOLUTE sexiest thing there, the rest of what they have you looking for are moles, bruises and birth marks..).  The coupons were really cute though.

They do have some good other packages, that would be good for a party , or quality family time! I would suggest checking out their Facebook page by clicking here,  and following them on Twitter by clicking here.

Now, you can save 25% off an order from python-printable-games.com using the coupon code THEMOMSHOW25.  This is good until May 8th, and it's an exclusive coupon just for my readers!

Disclaimer:  I was offered free product in exchange for this review.  There is no financial compensation and these opinions are solely my own.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Here are some of the rest of the Coupons.com coupons!!

Here are  some of  the rest of the Coupons.com coupons that I promised you!