Like Scooter Traffic on Facebook

Like ScooterTraffic on Facebook.  Today they are giving away products from Dapple Baby.  Non-Toxic cleaning products are great for around the house.  We all know little ones love exploring, especially with their mouths.  This contest ends on April 1st.  

Leftover Yarn Scraps

Don't throw away your leftover yarn from your big projects.  You can make cute little hearts, butterflies, or flowers.  I found this really neat blog called Little Birdie Secrets.  There is a tutorial for a lot of fun projects.  I had some grey yarn left from a scarf I made my hubby this winter.  I was never really good at reading patterns but I finally get it.  The YouTube video helped me a lot.  

Like Skip Hop on Facebook

Like Skip Hop on Facebook today.  They are doing a giveaway for a lovely diaper tote designed by Jonathan Adler.  All you have to do is answer a question they ask for a chance to win.  It looks like they will be doing this for the next three Thursdays.

The Importance of Leftovers

I've always been bad at saving leftovers at dinner time.  Lately, they have been turning out to be my lunch.  This saves money and time. 

My hot veggies and noodles turned into a great cold salad with the help of some Italian dressing.  With a little shake in the tupperware everything was evenly coated and yummy. 
What foods do you love as leftovers?

Like Crayola on Facebook

Like Crayola on Facebook for a chance to win prizes until March 31, 2013.  They have a brief form for you to fill out and then you pick 6 items to put in a basket.  It will tell you that day if you win or not.  You can enter once a day until March 31.  

Like Cloud B on Facebook

Like Cloud B on Facebook.  Right now there is a sweepstakes for a My Turtle and Me prize pack.  All you have to do is like their Facebook page and fill out a short form.

Baklava Experiment

This weekend I was feeling a little lazy but still wanted to try and make a new treat that I haven't attempted before.  Baklava is something I always really enjoyed.  I would either get it from a family friend who is Turkish or I would go to my local Greek Restaurant. 

I looked up different recipes and read the reviews on them.  Its always interesting to read other peoples tips on what they tweaked in a recipe.

Overall I was happy with the outcome.  I might use less honey mixture next time but my husband seemed to enjoy it.  Baking sweet treats is always fun.

Quick Tip Number One

Buying rice in bulk really cuts down on costs for meals.  I used to buy Uncle Ben's Jasmine rice that you could throw in the microwave.  Those pouches were about $2.67 each at Stop and Shop.  I bought this 10 lb. bag of rice at our local Asian grocery store for $11.20.  We usually only need a cup of rice for our family of four.  Saving money is always exciting when you find new ways to do it.  Plus, we bought a rice cooker at Target that has made my life easier.  Cooking at dinner time while watching the kids can be a challenge.  I sometimes forget I have something in the oven, so this purchase was perfect for me.  

The Stuffed Shells Experiment

Stuffed and ready to go

This weekend I decided to invoke my inner Martha Stewart.  I tried making stuffed shells with ground beef on Saturday.  I call this an experiment because I did not use a recipe.  That could be my first mistake.  I used cooked ground beef, ricotta, salt, pepper, and an egg.  Mixed it all up in a bowl and stuffed my cooked shells.  So far, so good.  Placed it in the oven at 350 for 45 minutes.

Baked and ready to eat

My end result wasn't too bad.  What did I learn from this experience?  The stuffing could have used an extra egg and maybe some more seasoning.  Overall I'd say it gets a 7.  I've been a stay at home mom for over 4 years now, but I'm still no Betty Crocker.  Everyday I try to better myself as a cook, mom, wife, and person.  I think next time I will use a recipe from Everyday Italian.  

Short Term Goal

Two crocheted scarves

Recently, I have been a little obsessed with yarn.  I really enjoy crocheting.  It's relaxing and therapeutic.  Seriously, put me in a room with a nice cup of coffee and some yarn and I'll be a happy lady.  

One of my short term goals is to learn a new stitch.  I can make a scarf or a granny square baby blanket.  I think it's time to add some more stitches to my memory bank.  I'd like to try the bobble stitch next.  My challenge is which child or cat is going to attack my yarn.  

Oh Baby, It's Cold Outside

Two weekends this month we went to West Meadow Beach.  The first time we bundled my daughter up and used the Baby Bjorn to carry her around.  It was very cold out.  My son loves going to the beach despite what the weather is like.  Getting him to leave can become quite a difficult task.  The second time we went the temperature was warmer but still not quite "beach" weather.  I've bought new flip flops and am ready for the sunshine.

Diaper Reward Programs

There are two diaper reward programs that I signed up for.  Pampers is my  preferred diaper brand for my daughter but I have bought Huggies wipes and Pull Ups also.  All you have to do is sign up for the programs and start entering the codes you get from certain products.  

Go here for the Huggies Reward program.  They offer all different types of prizes.  I recently used some of my points for Amazon.com credit.  

Go here for the Pampers Gifts to Grow Program.  I have received a lot of different prizes over the years, which include a bottle of Dreft and some coupons that I used at Diapers.com.  

VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker

Today on Amazon.com there is a sale on the VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning walker.  Usually this item can go for $34.99 at Target.com or $29.96 at Walmart.com.  If you have a little cruiser at home or a little one who is ready to get up and explore, this would be a great toy for them.  

Lego Tornado

My son is really into Lego toys these days.  We've got Ninjago, Star Wars, and Hero Factory all over the living room.  If you have ever stepped on one of these while bare foot, you know it hurts.  As one line comes out another is not too far behind.  They have a different Lego line for every child...or adult.  I consider them to be fun for all.  As a family we can all sit and enjoy each others company and build together.  Always get them when they are on sale.  I have learned not to purchase them through Toys R Us because the prices are too high.  Amazon.com, Target, and Walmart usually have good prices on Lego products.  At 4 years old my son has such a great imagination.  

Get Your Swagbucks On

My referral link

Swagbucks is a website that I joined over a year ago.  It has been very helpful to me and my family.  It is also something you can choose to do for a few minutes a day or longer, depending upon how many swagbucks you would like to earn.  I use my swagbucks for Amazon.com credit.  For every 450 points I earn, I then trade it in for $5.00 in Amazon.com credit.  If you search, do the daily poll, and NOSO, you can earn over 10 swagbucks in the matter of a few minutes.  There are some people who like to watch the swagbucks tv which shows videos and earn points at the same time.  It is fun and easy to use.  I have saved up for Birthday gifts and household items with the help of Swagbucks.

Love Your Veggies

Recently I was able to try Morning Star Veggie Burgers through being a Bzzagent.  I was very excited to try this brand.  If you are looking for new and healthy products to try I would recommend these veggie burgers.  I haven't tried their other products yet, but will soon do so.  I love to mimic the way Burger King's Junior Whopper with cheese tastes but with a veggie burger it is healthier.  I used some fry sauce on mine.  To make your own fry sauce just mix some mayo and ketchup together.

I want to try the Caprese Burger Recipe. Recipe by MorningStar Farms.

INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 MorningStar Farms® Garden Veggie Patties™
1/2 ounce fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
1 Italian roll or hamburger bun, split (about 1 1/2 oz.)
1 thin tomato slice
Coarsely ground black pepper (optional)

DIRECTIONS
1. In small bowl toss together basil leaves and vinegar. Set aside. 2. Micro-cook MORNINGSTAR FARMS veggie patty according to package directions, except after turning patty place mozzarella slices on top. Continue micro-cooking according to package directions. 3. Top roll bottom with veggie patty, basil leaves and tomato. Lightly sprinkle with pepper (if desired). Add roll top.

Spring Ahead

I am looking forward to spring so much.  My family and I enjoy going to the beach and nature parks.  I don't think any of us are too fond of the cold and frigid weather though.  This picture was from last year and just reminds me of how nice it will be to go for a walk without hats, mittens, and red noses.