Monday, July 25, 2011

Gardein Party Meatless Monday!

As I have mentioned in a previous post about joining Gardein Party to take one meal a week and go meatless!


I have to say I have been enjoying their products! I have used Morning Star before and liked them as well. But with Gardein products you get different variety to chose from.


Well, tonight I took the Mandarin Orange Crispy Chick'n with steamed broccoli,  green onions, and bean sprouts with rice.

It was delicious and a big success with the kids!


To top it all off my kids still can't get over the fact that it's meatless.

I think next week we are going to try the meatless burgers!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Why I have been MIA!

I have to say I am sorry I haven't posted all week nothing. I have been staying at my mom's being spoiled while my loving husband and boys are on a Mission Trip with the church to Honduras!


I have got to talk to him a few times while they have been gone and they got everything they went over there for done! I miss him terribly and can't wait for him to get home. Thank God he will be home tomorrow night late!

So, while they where away I was told to take it easy and rest. Hubby was really scared I would have this baby without him. I did have a scare Monday. I started hurting really bad and spotting. Called the doctor and they wanted me to take Tylenol and lay down for a hour and to call back. Anyways the pain went away and the spotting stopped. Then later that evening the horrible pain came back and was worse. Called the doctor back again and he wanted me to come to Labor and Delivery. The doctor then came in later and said that my urine was interesting. I was like great! He said I had blood in my urine but no bacteria and called it something. Anyways I am on antibiotics which had to be changed as the first set was making me have migraines and tingling of the hands.


But other then that things have been uneventful. I came home last night and brought my younger brother back with me. My 2 yr old has really clung to him since we went over to my mom's. She now calls him Bubba also. She really misses her daddy and bubbas. Poor baby and my 3 yr old has been really upset too. Little ones just don't take stuff like this easy. I know they will be all over him when they see him Tuesday morning and not wanting to let him go.



Thursday, July 14, 2011

Pregnancy Update!

As you know I am nearing the end of my pregnancy! Boy has this pregnancy really flown by for me. I have been getting more excited as I got 4 weeks to go. But I am still enjoying as much sleep as I can get before this one disrupts the whole house.

I had my 36 week check up today and I have actually lost 2 lbs! I am happy and the doctor didn't say much about it just that he noticed. I am not sure how much that plays but I know they say once you start loosing weight at the end of your pregnancy usually within 2 weeks you will have a baby.

Because of these bad thunder storms we have been getting here lately and the full moon coming up tomorrow night. I have been having contractions like crazy. I really thought I was going to die last night I was cramping like crazy. I woke up this morning feeling some relief but like someone had beat me up. The doctor even said I looked tired. I told him I have had a rough couple days. He did check me and said I was not dialted yet. Such a relief as I don't need to have this baby when my loving husband is going to be out of the country.

I remember 2 weeks before I had my 3 1/2 yr old their was bad thunder storms and a full moon and I had the same thing bad cramps and contrations. So we shall see if in 2 weeks we have a new little one or if she decides to wait.

I will post a new picture soon. I got to take one. I have been bad and only have 1 picture of me this pregnancy.

So, what do you think? I will have her early or on time? My due date is actually a full moon.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Gardein Party Meatless Wednesday!

Have you ever thought about going meatless? I know sounds yucky right? But that's where you are wrong!
Did you know that one day a week without meat can reduce your consumption of saturated fat by 15% and reduce your chances of heart disease.

Well I decided to join the Gardein Party! It's where you take one meal a week and go meatless!

Well I decided to use seven grain crispy tenders.
This is what I made:
 
I took Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Homestyle Creamy Parmesan Alfredo Dinner and made it like the package said. I then took the seven grain crispy tenders and cut them up and add it on top. It was delicious. I also made my little ones the seven grain crispy tenders and fries for them. They aren't big on Macaroni & Cheese.
 
I have to say supper was a big success! Thanks Gardein for making supper delicious!

Why don't you join me in going meatless for one meal a week and join the Gardein Party! For peldging to give up meat one day a week Gardein will donate one entree to a local non profit!

And on top of that one lucky challenger will win their very own Gardein Party with Chef Tai Ronnen and 9 of your best friends!


*This product was provided to me free of charge for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this product and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion*

Wordless Wednesday!

Redneck slip and slide!


  Of course when you do this you must ad lots of soap!


This is what happens after you are done! I couldn't get her to take a nap so she wore herself out that she put herself to sleep. I for one couldn't sleep like that.


Monday, July 11, 2011

Walmart Confusion?


I don't know if anyone else is dealing with this but I went to Walmart and had to pick up a few things. So, while I was their to save gas I was going to do some ad matches.

Here is where the confusion sets in. I was told they don't honor preferred shopping card prices for specific items that are in a printed ad. When their policy simply states they do. I was also told by another cashier that you couldn't use coupons on ad matches? What in the world?

Why in the world all the confusion? It really aggravates me and you would think Walmart would be better organized in this. Come on! So, I walked out with out getting the items I was going to match. I then called their nice 1-800 customer service number and sent a email to cooperate office. Let's see if that helps them get things straight.

Maybe I should take a copy of their ad match policy in their store next time. But I really shouldn't have to as this is rediculous. Oh and whenever I use coupons now the cashier always has to run off and ask a CSM if they can use them. Come on they are manufactured coupons that come out of the paper. Please!

Walmart obivously needs some major help. If they keep this up they are going to lose a lot of business. Mostly because in our town you have to have the shopper loyalty card for almost all our grocery stores around.

The Elevate The Everyday™ Summer Dining Sweepstakes, Hormel Foods and a Giveaway!

Are you hitting the grill this summer? I know I am as it gets so hot to cook inside. I love to grill hamburgers, hot dogs, fish, steak, you name it I pretty much grill it!



Now through August 5th you can enter The Elevate The Everyday™ Summer Dining Sweepstakes by Hormel Foods to win one of 3 great prizes!

13 winners will be selected and you could be the Grand Prize winner, enjoying a $500 value outdoor grill for your backyard dining this summer! Other prizes include:

First Prize: Two Grills ($200 value each)
Second Prize: Ten Summer Grilling Coupon Prize Packs ($45 value each)

To enter, head over to http://www.Facebook.com/HFRecipes and LIKE the page. Click the Summer Dining tab and complete the entry form! You can access the official rules from there!

Stick around Facebook.com/HFRecipes for loads of summertime recipes and more!

Since it is summer time and our schedules do get very busy tell me how you make mealtime easier for a chance to win a Hormel reader sample pack which includes:

A reusable Hormel Foods Grocery Bag.
Hormel chili with beans
CHI-CHI salsa
Hormel turkey peperoni packs
Hormel Always Tender coupon


This giveaway will end July 27th at 11:59 pm CST. Winner will be chosen at random via random.org.

Navagating the Grocer's Meat Case Tips!

Do you feel over whelmed with the choices today? I know I do. As Today's meat case is full of exciting choices. Did you know that there are more than 100 different meat cuts in the crocer's meat case at any given time? I know I didn't that is very overwhelming! On top of that more than 1,000 names for those cuts across the United States. Consumers tend to purchase the same items over and over, especially when it comes to the meat case. Familiarity is likely the root behind most meat purchasing decisions, but buying cuts because they are on sale is also a popular shopping habit. I know I do both! How are you suppose to select the best cuts of meat and what do you do when you get home and you're not sure how to prepare it?
Here are a few Smart Tips for Shopping the Meat Case

It's a good idea to make the refrigerated meat case your last stop to ensure meat stays cold as long as possible until you get home. Be sure to choose packages that are cold, tightly and completely wrapped with no tears or punctures. Packages should not contain excessive liquid as this can be an indication of problems with temperature or storage. For vacuum-packaged meat, make sure the seal has not been broken and that the package is not leaking.

You can also get one of those nifty cold or hot bags that keep your food cold or hot for up to 3 hours. I also put all my meat in those produce bags just to make sure it don't get on my other food or my hands in case it accidently leaks in my bag.
Shopping for Pork
Modern-day production has reduced pork's fat content. Despite popular belief, pork is a major contender in the lean meat category and many cuts of pork are as lean or leaner than chicken.

For the leanest cuts of pork, look for the word "loin" on the label.

When you don't have much time for cooking, select a smaller cut, like pork chops that cook quickly.

If you'e entertaining, choose a roast that can be put in the oven and requires very little attention while cooking. Flavored and pre-marinated pork products take the mess out of the kitchen and are a convenient way to deliver a delicious meal.


Shopping for Beef

Calorie-for-calorie, beef is one of the most nutrient-rich foods to fuel an active and healthy lifestyle. A 3-ounce serving of lean beef contributes less than 10 percent of calories to a 2,000 calorie diet.


Choose beef with a bright cherry-red color, without any gray or brown blotches. A dark purple-red color is typical for vacuum-packaged beef. Once exposed to oxygen, beef will turn from a dark red to bright red.
Choose steaks and roasts that are firm to the touch, not soft.
 
 Always check the "sell by" date on the package label. If you can't read it or it's not there, don't purchase the package.


 Meat Cooking Tips

  •  For better browning, pat dry beef steaks, pork chops, cubes, and roasts with a paper towel.
  •  When roasting or broiling, place beef or pork on the rack in the broiler or roasting pan to allow fat to drip off during cooking.
  •  Salt beef or pork after cooking or browning. Salt draws out moisture and inhibits browning.
  •  Turn steaks, roasts, or chops with tongs. Do not use a fork. This pierces the meat and allows juices to escape.
  • Turn ground beef and pork with a spatula. Do not flatten patties when cooking. This allows juices to escape.
  •  Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, not resting in fat or touching bone.
  •  The secret to moist meatloaf and meatballs is to mix lightly. Over-mixing will result in a firm, compact texture.
  •  Roasts become firmer and easier to carve when they are allowed to stand 15 to 20 minutes before carving.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

39 Dollar Glasses Review and Giveaway!

Have you heard of 39dollarglasses? I haven't till just here recently. I have to say I am truly impressed!
Here is a little info about them:
* The company is owned and operated by 2 eye doctors
        * They are totally AMERICAN made (all others get their glasses made in china) so their quality control is superior to all others
        * Fast turn around time and (if you have an emergency) they do offer next day glasses for a little extra
        * They ship FREE to all of our active service men and women no matter where they are serving!
    And as for their kid's glasses:
    * They have poly carbonate lenses with UV protection and scratch resistant coverings STANDARD on ALL kids glasses
        * Poly Carbonate lenses are the #1 doctor recommended lens by ALL eye doctors
        * Since the owners are both eye doctors (and fathers themselves) they know the importance of protecting children's eyes.
        * All other eyeglass companies make you pay for this protection and if you don't think of asking for it you are putting your child's eyes at risk
        * 39DG is NOT willing to allow any child have anything less than shatter proof glasses
        * EVERYTHING we make (kids and adults) is made here in the USA. Their quality and durability standards are superior
        * They also understand that children can be finicky when wanting a style of glasses. That is why we have a huge selection of stylish frames to make most kids happy!
 
I had order their Frisco glasses in brown to begin with. When I received them their was just a little gap at the top where the glasses didn't touch the frame. But I decided to wear them to see how they felt. Good thing I did as they started to pinch my temples some. I had ordered them based off the measurements of my old glasses. So, I contacted 39dollarglasses and since they have a great 100% Worry Free Guarantee they sent me a shipping label to send them back. I decided to go with a different pair of glasses that was just a bit wider in the temple. I have to say I am totally happy! I did get me some transitions this time!

Not only do they have great customer service but shopping is easy! They have where you can pick glasses based off your temple length and frame width. Not only that but their frames are thicker. I have order glasses from other places and the frames are more flimsy. These glasses have spring loaded hinges. I love that fact!

They came in a nice hard case with a cleaning cloth and tool. I have to say I will be ordering from 39dollarglasses again!

39dollarglasses is offering one of my lucky readers their very own pair of glasses up to $75 value! Open to US and Canada only!

Mandatory Entry: "Like" 39dollarglasses on facebook. This must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted. Please leave a valid email address in your comment as this is how I will contact you should you win.

Extra Entries: Leave a separate comment for each entry. Make sure you leave the appropriate amount of comments as this is your entry.
1. Become a public follower of my blog. (2 entries)
2. Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway. (2 entries This can be done once per day. Leave your status link.)
"PLS RT! Win a pair of glasses from 39dollarglasses @momof_many http://bit.ly/nS0zLx ends 7/27 #giveaway"
3. Grab my button and leave a link where I can find it. (3 entries)
4. Blog about this giveaway leave a link back to me. (5 entries Make sure you leave a link where I can find it and not to your homepage.)
5. Subscribe to Adventures of the Domesticated Mama by email. (3 entries)
6. Vote for us at TopMommyBlogs.com (1 entry per vote per day)
7. Enter one of my other giveaways. (1 entry per giveaway and let me know what giveaway)
8. Leave a relevant comment on a nongiveaway post during the duration of this giveaway. ( 1 entry make sure you tell me where to find it)
9. Subscribe to Adventures of the Domesticated Mama in a reader. (2 entries)



This giveaway will end July 27th at 11:59 pm CST. Winner will be chosen at random via random.org.



*This product was provided to me free of charge for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this product and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion*