This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Subaru. The opinions and text are all mine.

We’ve all been on long road trips, and I know they can sometimes be monotonous. I think that my favorite parts of those road trips have always been the special moments that happen in the back seat, especially if you have kids. Sometimes you don’t always see them, but rest assured there’s always something silly going on back there, unless they’re asleep!

I’m sure you’ve all had moments like the ones portrayed in this video, and Subaru wants to make sure that you have many more just like those. I can remember many times that Baybah would (and still does) dance his heart out all while still being buckled in, and we would laugh and laugh. We’ve had karaoke contests, shared our best (worst?) dance moves, and always the best belly laughs you’ve ever heard. Those times are the best, moments that I’ll remember forever, even after he’s all grown up and started a family of his own.

Life in the Back Seat is a great way to jump into summer with the Subaru Forester new to all of the Subaru dealerships right now. Subaru wants you to share with them: If your backseat could tell a story, what would it say? If you enter, and answer that question, you could win $1000 from Subaru! Talk about a fun way to win free money! I know we all have stories of life in the backseats now and I’m sure you all even have memories from when you were children.

The new Subaru Forester has been built from the backseat up, to make sure that your precious cargo is as safe as they can be. Subaru has always embodied the right size power control and versatility that their owners love. Today, it now also represents a green minded, fuel efficient 2.5i model is a partial zero Emissions vehicle.

Have you told Subaru your backseat story yet?

 

Have you told Subaru your backseat story yet?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Subaru. The opinions and text are all mine.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Disclaimer: I received the product below for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

If you have a little girl than you are already familiar with the Littlest Pet Shop toys. These big-eyes pets are just adorable and my little girl loves to spend time playing with her toys, creating stories for each one. We’ve seen one or two of the TV episodes so it is nice to be able to enjoy these cuties even more watching their new DVD Littlest Pet Shop: Sweetest Pets.

When Blythe Baxter moved into the city with her father, she never expected to move into the apartment above the Littlest Pet Shop. But an even bigger surprise awaited her. Blythe can talk to the pets…and they can talk back! Join Blythe as she embarks on five more wild adventures with her newest friends: Pepper, the hilarious skunk; Sunil, the magic mongoose; Penny, the adorable panda; Russel, the highly organized hedgehog; Zoe, the diva Spaniel; and, of course, Minka, the artistic monkey.

When I asked my 6 year-old what she liked best about the Littlest Pet Shop: Sweetest PetsDVD, this is the answer I got: “It was good. I liked Zoe the best. She is purple and I like purple. And she wears a cool hat.”

Sweetest Pets is the perfect cartoon for those girls who have outgrown the preschool shows but have yet to start watching the programming for the older set. The stories and fun and are family-friendly so I don’t have to worry about what she is watching when she pops this DVD in. And I love that she can take her toys and can now relate each one to those on the show.

This Littlest Pet Shop: Sweetest Pets DVD includes five episodes:

• Topped with Buttercream
• Trading Places
• Sweet (Truck) Ride
• What’s in the Batter?
• Bakers and Fakers

Bonus features include a coloring sheet.

Littlest Pet Shop currently airs on The Hub TV Network in the US. Check your local listings for days and times in your area.

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We were recently given the opportunity to review Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Quest for Crystal Mickey.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Quest for Crystal Mickey is a thrilling adventure for children featuring the classic Disney characters we have come to know and love. 

When the legendary Crystal Mickey goes missing, Mickey and friends go on an adventure to save the Clubhouse from losing its magic. Grab your hat, buckle your seatbelt, and get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Quest for the Crystal Mickey!” 
There’s no time to lose after greedy Plunderin’ Pete snatches the legendary Crystal Mickey statue from the Clubhouse. Without this sparkly statue’s magic, the Clubhouse will disappear forever!  Can the world’s most extraordinary hero “Kansas City Mickey,” get the magical statue back in time?  With your child’s help and the right Mouseketools, there is no doubt it can be done!

The Quest for Crystal Mickey is just one episode on this 120 minute DVD, along with four others.  Your child will enjoy all 5 episodes included in this film:
1 – Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Quest for the Crystal Mickey
2 – Donald of the Desert
3 – Donald the Genie
4 – Goofy’s Coconutty Monkey
5 – Goofy’s Giant Adventure

B enjoys interacting and engaging with The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse through all of the episodes on the DVD.  This title made a great addition to our Disney DVD collection.   I like how children are involved in the adventure through problem solving.

The Quest for Crystal Mickey DVD was released on May 21, and is available online and at select retail locations near you.  It currently retails for $19.99.

Do you know a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fan?  Which character is their favorite?

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

I’m attending an expense paid trip by Disney to the Monsters University Premiere, all opinions are 100% my own.

Wondered what your Monsters University alter ego looks like?  Well Disney/ Pixar has made it easy to find out!  Create your own monster using the app on Disney.Go.com!

Just choose your monster, color, and then have fun customizing it by adding fun accessories like horns, hair, and wings!  They will even generate a name for your monster using your first name and last initial!  Are your ready to see mine?!  I have to admit, I am kind of in love with her!

Introducing, Lolo McNaughton, my Monsters University Alter Ego!

She even has her very own badge!  Will it be me at the Premiere next week or Lolo McNaughton? Follow the hashtag #MonstersUPremiere on twitter to find out!   Create-A-Monster

Monsters University releases in theaters on June 21!

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

I’m attending an expense paid trip by Disney to the Monsters University Premiere, all opinions are 100% my own.

Give me an M! Give me an O! Give me an N! Give me an S! Give me an T! Give me an E! Give me an R! Give me an S! Give me an U! What’s that spell? MonstersU!  MonstersU! 

I am so excited I just have to cheer!! I am headed to Cali for the Monsters U Premiere!  I got my student ID, my bags packed, and will be headed to Hollywood next week!  Before the premiere at the El Capitan Theatre there is a super fun Tailgate Party right on Hollywood Boulevard!  We will be dressed in our school colors Monsters U Blue and White and are hoping to party with Billy Crystal, Sean P. Hayes, Joel Murray, Pete Sohn, Charlie Day, Bobby Moynihan, Bonnie Hunt, John Ratzenberger, Noah Johnston, director Dan Scanlon, producer Kori Rae, and executive producer John Lasseter!  Some special guests that will also be there are Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, Alison Sweeney, Wayne Brady, Brian Chirigos, Tom Dumont, Kate Flannery, Seth Green, Melissa Joan Hart, Boris Kodjoe & Nicole Ari, Oscar Nunez, Tito Ortiz, Adrian & Natalie Pasdar, Scottie Pippen, Troy Polamalu, and more!  I have a feeling it is going to be some party!!

While I am in California I will also be learning about another fun Disney project that I cannot reveal just yet, but you as soon as I can, you know I will share it with you!  Make sure to follow along my  journey June 17 to June 19!

Follow My Monsters University Journey #MonstersUPremiere

 
Crazy About My Baybah Facebook,  Twitter, Instagram

Watch Mike & Sulley head to college in Monsters University on June 21!

Stay connected with Monsters University

 
Monsters University Facebook, Twitter, MonstersU Online

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Oz the Great and Powerful Costume Sketches

Click on the slideshow below to see more sketches of the costumes from the movie, and what the actors had to say about wearing them!

Disney’s Oz The Great And Powerful releases on Blu-ray Combo Pack on Tuesday June 11th!

Read our full review of the film Oz the Great and Powerful to find out why we think it transports you to another yet familiar place!

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

It is summertime, that means it is time to get in shape for those family picnics and pool days. Walking on the treadmill or doing the same workout DVD’s that you have had for the past 5 years can get kind of boring and monotonous.   If you are like me,  you just need a change and some inspiration.  That is why I was so excited to write this review and sponsored post for FitnessGlo online video classes.

FitnessGlo is a website FOR women made BY women! It was made with the working woman in mind who needs to get a quick workout in during their busy day.  The classes are designed shorter to give every woman the chance to get a great workout in, in just a small frame of time. Each online class can be combined with other classes for the times when you can take the time to workout for longer periods of time.

The workouts allows you to help you to obtain a balance across strength, cardio, and stretch each week. An important reminder to make sure you are maintaining that balance, rather than focusing only on strength or on cardio. The goal of the website is to help women find balance in their lives by finding a workout, doing the workout, and then enjoy living!

I love that depending on my mood and or time I have to workout, I could easily select a workout and get started.  From Hip Hop Basics to Super Sculpt, and Tabata Full Body Blast to Recharge Your Batteries, I could always find a workout that worked for me.   The instructors kept me moving every step of the way.

New members are given a free 15 day trial to try out FitnessGlo and find out if it’s right for you.

They have links to Ask a Trainer, so that you can make sure that you’re doing everything right, or to find out anything that you’re just not sure about. They also have a Class of the Day that you can select if you are having trouble deciding on what workout to select for the day.

You can also kick start your year with an 8 week class if you choose to purchase a membership. It guides you through everything so that all you have to do is move without ever leaving the house. I know that sometimes we as women don’t workout nearly as much as we should because of kids, our busy schedules, and sometimes even because we think we do not have the time. With FitnessGlo, you can get that workout in!  Just find the workout you want to do, and do it!

FitnessGlo 90 Day Membership Giveaway! (US, 18+, Ends: 6/16)

To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment below telling me what FitnessGlo workout you look forward to trying!

This post was sponsored by FitnessGlo via Fitluential. All opinions are my own.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

We live near a wonderful family farm that opens their fields to the community twice a year. Fields are open in the fall to pick pumpkins and then again in early summer to pick strawberries. It’s a special little gem that focuses on family. They have corn mazes, face painting, chickens, hay rides and the best jam and ciders! I was thrilled to take Sweet Pea there this week to see how she felt about being back on the farm. I was pleasantly surprised that my purse wearing girly girl got right in there and helped us pick and carry the berries. We picked 5lbs of berries most of which were smaller than your store bought variety. But let me tell you good things do come in small packages. These virtually purple strawberries are so delicious and sweet! With them being button- sized I decided in lieu of making an entire regular sized pie to make these minis.

Mini Strawberry Pie Recipe

4.8 from 8 reviews

Mini Strawberry Pie Recipe

 

Print

Author: Chickie

Recipe type: Dessert

Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1 box of 12 Sweet tart shells*
• 2 cups fresh strawberries; cut tops leaving flat
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 drops food coloring
• * I used Clearbrook Farms large dessert-sized sweet tart shells 3.15″ shells

Instructions

1. Lay tart shells on tray and arrange as many strawberries as needed to fill each shell. About ½c. Set aside. Using remaining strawberries purée in food processor or blender. In a medium saucepan boil the purée with sugar, cornstarch and red food coloring. Continue to boil until clear and thick. Cool slightly. Carefully remove strawberries from each tart shell and fill bottom of shell with purée mix. Readd strawberries and cool thoroughly. Serve with a dollop or 2 of whipped cream!

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Find a Pick-Your-Own farm near you at pickyourown.org.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Before Sweet Pea was born I spoke with anyone & everyone about what I needed in the nursery, hospital bag and diaper bag. Which high chair, car seat, stroller… It was all overwhelming but fun because what else did I have to do before my first but research and prepare. But now that Sweet Pea is a toddler she is one BUSY little bee meaning time to research seems to be the last thing I have the pleasure of enjoying. With some trial and error I’ve put together (IMO) a rock solid diaper bag list. Gone away are the breast pads and bottles see what your toddler and you need now. This post contains affiliate links.

So what is in my diaper bag you ask?- Well that’s a bit of a trick question I carry two. A little diaper bag for errands and play dates. Then my beautiful Petunia Pickle Bottom for a day out. I will warn you both bags are packed with a mix of Mary Poppins magic and Girl Scout precision.

Small Diaper Bag:

I received my Infantino Savvy Diaper Bag from LoLo and honestly I thought it would just be my quick bag for errands. Little did I know this would be my primary bag. I highly recommend this bag!
Pros: change pad & it detaches for individual cleaning, machine washable, light weight, shoulder strap, small and easy to carry
Cons: I don’t have even one complaint.

• Extra outfit

• Sweater

• Hand sanitizer

• 4 diapers

• Wipes

• Band aids

• Ziplock bag

• 10 handy garbage bags

• Assorted snacks

• Zone bar

• Tampon

Large Diaper Bag:

I have a love affair with my Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack Diaper Bag. It was one of my major splurges and must haves before Sweet Pea arrived. I was very lucky to get it and highly recommend this bag to anyone!
Pros: lots of pockets, fold out change pad that separates for individual cleaning, machine washable, functions as a backpack and shoulder bag
Cons: the Velcro on the change pad is “sticky” side down which means if I put it down in my SUV trunk or any floor it pulls up carpet, hair and fuzz. It drives my OCDish mind bananas. If I remember I stick a towel or even a couple diapers right where the Velcro would touch the floor.

• Hand sanitizer

• Boogie wipes

• Burp cloth

• Wipes

• Diapers

• Desitin samples

• Sunscreen

Just incase of accidents or spills:

• 1 large Ziplock bag

• 2 small Ziplock bags

• 10 handy garbage bags

• Extra outfit

• Sweater or jacket

• Band-Aids

• Hand/facial wipes

Mom needs:

• Chapstick

• Compact

• Tampons

• Hard candy

• Tissues

• Snack/water

Food & Miscellaneous:

• Plastic container for leftover snacks

• Assorted Snacks

• Sticky placemats or plate

• Bib

• Empty sippy for milk

• Sippy of water

• Pacifier

• Toys

• Books

*Not pictured- A Ziploc bag with bubbles and Sidewalk chalk (Sweet Pea stole it off the table and I forgot to take a picture with it)

Why so much stuff you ask? Well because I’m a packer. I come from a line of packers. My mother can pack a bag putting Mary Poppins to shame. I’m pretty sure my grandmother was the same way in her day too. It’s a problem and a blessing. I’m the mom at the park that has the band aide, the towel to dry the wet slide but also the butt of a good joke. But I get the last laugh knowing I have everyone covered!

What are your diaper bag must haves? Please tell me I’m not forgetting something, am I?!

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Dad loves handmade gifts just as much as mom does! Why not make him one of these  adorable Father’s Day Crafts that will definitely make him smile?    These are the prefect time capsule that he will be able to look back  on for years to come.

Father’s Day Crafts

Dad Collage – This makes the perfect card and can be filled with photos of your little ones and hubs! I made this for my husband several years ago, and we still have it on display!

Love You to Pieces! Father’s Day Craft - This easy and inexpensive craft is perfect to show Dad or Grandpa just how much you love them!

Monkey Toes Footprint Craft- This footprint craft will make the perfect addition to Dad or Grandpa’s office or desk!

DIY “Daddy Cam” Frame- A picture is worth a thousand words and so is this adorable diy frame with your little one in main focus!

Father’s Day Fingerpaint Gifts-  These adorable inexpensive gifts require fingerpaint, paper, and cute little fingers!

And because Dad has to have a sweet treat on his special day, here are a couple of ideas that his taste buds will love!

Mud Pie-  This super easy no bake mud pie will have dad asking for more!

Ice Cream Delight- This super yummy ice cream goodness is sure to make dad smile!

Do you plan on making anything special this Father’s Day?  I would love to hear your ideas!

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

If you have young children, I’m sure you’ve heard of Doc McStuffins. It’s a really cute cartoon on the Disney channel.

We recently had the opportunity to review Doc McStuffins: Time For Your Checkup. It’s a DVD of the television show that came out on May 7th. This was the second DVD compilation that Disney has made so far for this cute cartoon series. The DVD also comes with a growth chart, so that your child can see how much they’ve grown, as well as have a poster of their favorite cartoon!

Doc McStuffins has been 2012′s favorite series for kids ages 2-5. Doc McStuffins tells the story of a six year old girl who “heals” stuffed animals and broken toys in her backyard playhouse clinic. The Doc also has 2 assistants, Stuffy, her overly proud dragon, Lambie, her cuddly best friend, Hallie, a caring hippo “nurse, and Chilly, a snowman who spends most of his time getting checkups at the clinic.

No matter how small a problem: low batteries, broken stitching, or anything in between, Doc McStuffins and her friends are always there to lend a hand! They teach little ones to care of oneself, and each other.

The Episodes on this DVD include:
1 – Gulpy, Gulpy Gators! / One Note Wonder
2 – Tea Party Tantrum / Blast Off!
3 – Arcade Escapade / Starry, Starry Night
4 – Bronto Boo-Boos / Brontosaurus Breath
5 – Doctoring The Doc / Hot Pursuit

Baybah loves having one of his favorite shows on DVD! It is so cute to hear him sing the theme song every time he watches it.

Do you have any Doc McStuffins fans in your house? If so, let me know which character is their favorite, or your favorite. We know you have one!

We received the product above for the purpose of review. Opinions are my own.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Father’s Day is approaching and many of us are left wondering what can we do or where can we go that dad will enjoy? Father’s Day is a lot like Mother’s Day; however, I don’t think dad will want flowers, chocolate or perfume. I also don’t think dad would enjoy a trip to IHop or the Cheesecake Factory much either, so what should you do?

First, stop and think what does dad like to do? What can the children do for dad, what can you do for your dad or for your father-in-law? I have some ideas to help make these decisions a little bit easier.

Father’s Day Activities:

Take Dad to a Sporting Event. If you have children you can purchase tickets for your children and their dad to enjoy the day together. Don’t think he will make it, join them. Spend the day together, let dad soak up the sun, scream for his team and enjoy his time relaxing with the kids. Even if you are an adult wanting to do this for your Father you will still enjoy the time reminiscing and spending the quality time together that you once did as a child.

Take Dad out to Dinner at HIS Favorite Place. Sounds simple doesn’t it? The catch is… You are not allowed to ask him what his favorite place is. Dads and even moms tend to be repetitive in their favorite dining places, pick his favorite (from your memory) and make it special. To make it fun, blindfold dad in the passenger seat so he has no idea where he is going.

Create/Play Father’s Day Trivia. Have your family get together, this includes your Father, your partners Father, your grandfathers or whoever, make it a family ordeal. Have each Father write down fun facts, talents or anything about themselves on small pieces of paper, once they are done have them fold the pieces of paper up and put them in a hat, jar or a container of your choice. Mix them all together. Sit down as a family at the table, have the dads draw out the papers one by one. After each paper is drawn “vote” by raising hands which Dad did/said what’s on the paper then have the Dad who wrote that particular thing announce it was them. Continue until each paper has been completed. This is a fun activity and will be a fun learning experience.

Create a Candy Bar Poster. Make Dad a poster telling him what you think about him using candy bars as some of your words. For example: I think my dad is GRAND you can use a 100 Grand candy bar and cross out the 100.

What Father’s Day activities or traditions do you have planned?

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Summer is so close we can taste it!!  This past weekend we enjoyed lots of pool time and fun with family and friends.  Bring on summer, we are ready!

What was one of your favorite moments from the past week?

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Welcome to the second monthly installment of Reading Corner.  Each month I will share Sweet Pea’s favorite book ATM (at the moment) and some activities or ideas that I do with her to bring the pages to life. I hope that you will follow along our reading journey and that you are able to learn a thing or two and perhaps even share an idea or two with me! Without further ado here is our second book selection.

Some links are affiliate links.

Pop-up Peekaboo! Farm

This month’s reading toddler tip: Saturate your young reader. I’ve been working on animal sounds with Sweet Pea so I’ve been making sure she sees and hears these sounds in several different ways. Books about animals, wooden farm puzzle, songs, puppets and the Little People farm have all been my tools in saturating her little mind with animals. We also plan on visiting a farm in a few weeks. I can’t wait to see her reaction to the real deal. Whatever the skill find ways to incorporate it in as many different ways as possible. Seeing a particular subject matter like farm animals in different contexts will help make the skill more concrete.

Example questions while reading and playing:

What sound does the __cow__ make?
Can you _Moo_ with me? (We will sing moo in different tones too or even voices. Make it silly and fun. After all learning is fun!)
Point to the _hen_.
Where is the _pig_?
Can you find the _horse_?
Does a _horse_ say moo? No, what sound does a _horse_ sound like?
Will you bring/show me your _sheep_?

Some of the questions are asking the exact same thing (like finding something) but saying it in different ways is a great skill to start incorporating now. When your reader is of school age these types of questions will be asked so why not start hearing them now. These questions will get those wheels turning and help your child on the path to becoming a critical thinker.
Does Sweet Pea always answer these questions? No. Does she even understand when I try to trick her by asking if an animal makes a sound it doesn’t really make? I don’t think so. But I ask anyway and I answer my own questions. Hearing your words and conversation with yourself is also a terrific way for your child to learn. She’ll get there; your child will get there. When they do I’m willing to bet every penny they will get there much sooner than a child who isn’t read to and questioned. I also know that your child will become a more confident and willing reader.

Happy Reading!

Although I have a degree as an elementary teacher I do not have a specialization in reading. All of my recommendations come from years in the classroom, workshops, research and tutoring students with reading difficulties.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

It is not summer until somebody fires up the grill.  That somebody could be you with Fresh & Easy’s grill packs which makes it perfect for families on the go like mine.  The perfect bbq can take all day to prepare but my family wanted to play this holiday weekend instead.   Fresh & Easy allowed us to have the best of both worlds we could play and have our fun family BBQ thanks to their grill packs.    Fresh & Easy takes that time and effort out by selling prepackaged food that is ready for the grill.  They sell amazing vegetables and meat that is already marinated and can go directly on the grill or cooked in its grill ready container.

For the grill we chose their Mixed Grill Pack because it has something for everyone, 4 quarter pounder beef paddies, 4 mild italian beef sausages, and chili citrus and cilantro chicken.  We also got 4 ears of sweet corn and Ready to Cook Jalapeno Poppers and Mediterranean Vegetables.  Just put everything on the grill for the time on the directions, and you are ready to eat!  And a BBQ would not be a BBQ without my favorite pasta salad, Fresh & Easy’s Italian Deli Pasta Salad.  Everything was delicious, and what is best yet, there was no prep time, leaving more time for backyard fun.

To top off this quick and easy bbq we got their fabulously delicious Dutch Apple Pie and added a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  Yum!

Fresh and Easy is a convient option with loads of fresh yummy food with lots of flavor.

Baybah loves helping us shop at Fresh & Easy

Get $5 off $20 with this Fresh & Easy Coupon until June 6, 2013.

You can also join their Friends Rewards to earn points that revert to cash!  Find out more at FreshandEasy.com.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective.  The content and opinions expressed are my own.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

It is hard to believe that just 4 years ago today our son came into our world and made our lives whole.  I remember holding him and looking down into his big brown eyes and thanking God that he was ours.  He has brought us so much happiness and joy, and we cannot wait to see what each day holds!  Here is just a glimpse of fun memories from the past year!

Happy 4th Birthday Baybah! Mommy and Daddy love you!

Join us by linking up your Wordless Wednesday pics!

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

This one pot stop will leave you and your family grinning and well… stuffed. The best part, no hot oven and no hours of waiting on your crockpot. Cook time is between 30-45mins depending on how al dente you like your peppers.

When I decided I was going to do this post it was of course late in the day to be running to the store so I cut some corners. I bought baby carrots and celery sticks to cut down on my chopping time. I even used one of those 90 second microwave rice packets; I think I’ll do that more often. Super easy and just as good!

Quick and Easy Stuffed Peppers Recipe

5.0 from 2 reviews

Quick and Easy Stuffed Peppers Recipe

 

Print

Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

30 mins

Total time

35 mins

 

Author: Chickie

Recipe type: Dinner

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup cooked rice of choice (I used long grain brown rice)
• 1 onion sliced into rings
• 1 tomato quartered
• 4 medium/large peppers
• ⅓cup Baby Carrots
• ⅓cup Potatoes quartered
• ⅓cup Celery chopped
• ⅓ cup Ketchup (Heinz)
• ⅓ cup BBQ Sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s)
• 2 cups beef broth
• Seasoning: salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder

Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in skillet while chopping vegetables as noted above. I leave the skin on my potatoes but cut off any damaged skin. Cut tops off green peppers and clean out seeds. Set aside pepper tops and peppers. Line bottom of large soup pot with onion rings and add 2 cups of beef broth. Next layer quartered potatoes evenly and begin cooking on medium heat. This will keep your peppers from burning or getting soggy from the broth.
2. Once meat is browned, drain and season. I don’t measure these but I’d guess ¼tsp of each and just a light sprinkle of salt. Add cooked rice, ketchup and BBQ sauce and mix well. Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture. Add stuffed peppers to soup pot and arrange carrots, celery, tomatoes, and pepper tops within the pot- Finagle is more like it. I always end up cutting a bit too much of something or everything. Which is okay with me! We love our veggies in this house so I just rearrange until everything fits within. Cook on medium heat for 30 minutes with lid. Add additional time if potatoes aren’t cooked thoroughly.

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Enjoy!

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

PBS Kids provided me with an all expense paid press trip to cover the PBS Annual Meeting. All opinions are my own.

Sunny days swept my clouds away as I met a new neighbor in Miami this past week at the PBS Annual Meeting thanks to PBS Kids.   Mando, Sesame Street’s newest unique voice will capture your child’s heart while helping to deliver a new and exciting curriculum for the shows 44th season. Ismael Cruz Cordova who was born in Puerto Rico and immigrated to the U.S. via New York City as a child plays Mando.  The transition was a difficult one and to help him learn the language, Ismael’s mom did what any mother would do she had him watch Sesame Street.  He said one of the things he has always admired about the show is that it “talks to kids on eye level.”  He hopes to continue this by “giving kids the feeling of being accounted for.”  He went on to say that, “kids want to be global citizens.” That is one of the things that is unique in the character of Mando he is a writer who happens to be Latino.  This was most evident when in the audition Ismael proposed a Spanish language version of the famous Sesame Street song I Love My Hair. According to executive producer Carol-Lynne Parente this was one of the things that stood out about Ismael in the role.  He showed that he was an “innovator and willing to take risks.”  Overall he just had that “sparkle” that you only recognize when you see it.  Master puppeteer Carmen Osbahr a Mexico City native, accompanied Mando to the conference and they were so natural together whether it was a song and dance at the Sesame Workshop breakfast or entertaining a room full of bloggers for an hour it was clear that they both share that “sparkle” and it was an honor to spend some time with these amazing performers.

The credit line is: ©2013 Sesame Workshop. All rights reserved.

They seem to be happy but never satisfied at PBS and Sesame Street when it comes to educating our children.  Something they feel is the core of their mission and as a parent I am eternally grateful for.  Baybah is at that age (3-4) where he often becomes frustrated when he doesn’t get his way or if he can’t get the pieces of his Legos to fit together the way he wants them.    This then manifests itself in a variety of different and increasingly elaborate tantrums.  Sesame streets new curriculum will help support us while Lolo and I try to teach him how to manage these feelings.  These skills will be invaluable as we prepare to send him off to preschool in the fall, which happily coincides with the beginning of the new season (September 16th). Cookie, not known for embodying these qualities will help viewers master these feelings in a series of blockbuster adventures that parody today’s pop culture.  But the show is not just for preschoolers.  According to their internal research as well as the statistics taken by the people at Nielsen Sesame Street has the highest co viewing audience of any other preschool program.  What that means to parents like you and me is that our children learn these skills when they are 3 or 4 and continue to have them reinforced as they turn 5, 6, 7, 8, and beyond.  Admit it you often find yourself watching the program and singing along to the amazing musical numbers.  Like the previous 43 seasons this one will include a bunch of A-list celebrity guests like Charlize Theron, Dave Mathews, my personal favorites Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage, and Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu.  The latter I think would be awesome in a scene where his and Mando’s awesome locks could share the screen.

Mando, Executive Producer RositaCarol-Lynne Parente, and Master puppeteer Carmen Osbahr with Rosita!

Executive Producer Carol-Lynn Parente from Sesame Street talks about identifying diversity in the new season on Sesame Street.

Last week I shared my interview with Mando and Rosita. If you missed it, you can find it here! Chat with Rosita and Mando

Connect with Sesame Street for all the latest news about their new season!

Sesame Street Facebook, Sesame Street Twitter

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Hand sewn, handmade trendy toys sounds pretty exceptional to me, you?! If you and your little one are into the classics with a hip and cutting edge touch look no further. HABA Toys has exclusively collaborated (yet again) with an amazing company. Lilliputiens, comes to the US from Belgium and is comprised of moms that are fashioning stylish and adorable toys. Each toy within the line is 100% their own creation and is 100% adorable! These little wonders will aid in telling the stories that have been passed down for generations.

Sweet Pea had a chance to review the Wolf Puppet and 3 Little Pigs from HABA. When I opened the box I just knew we would have so much fun with this product! Within the box was a perfectly sealed zippered bag that held all 7 pieces. Including a wolf, 3 pigs and 3 homes. Each piece is truly spectacular in quality. The amount of detail that went into creating each piece is very special.

The pigs: Love! Each little pig’s outfit matches their respected home and is a finger puppet.

The wolf: Darling!! He is anything but scary with that sheepskin vest, corduroy pants, half smile, non-jagged but jagged enough teeth. He is a hand puppet with movable jaw and arms.

The wolf is also your carrying case. Come time to cleanup just flip him over and the remaining pieces fit in his back, Velcro shut and your ready to go. The little handle makes it easy to carry even for my little Sweet Pea.

If you haven’t heard of HABA Toys do take some time to like them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Google+ as well as their HABAUSA.com. I promise you won’t be disappointed if you are looking for something unique, well made and positively special for your child.

We received the product above for the purpose of review.  No form of compensation was provided to me.  Thoughts and opinons are my own.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

In the coming days you will be learning more about the new cast member Mando on Sesame Street and their 44th season airing this fall. Hubs had a chance to speak with him and his friend Rosita at this weeks PBS Annual Meeting in Miami. Mando will make his debut on September, 16th on PBS Kids!

Mando and his amazing talent will bring greater diversity to this most unique street.

Connect with Sesame Street for all the latest news about their new season!

 
Sesame Street Facebook, Sesame Street Twitter

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

This past weekend Babe got a much needed hair cut.  Not long after he sat in the chair he started giggling after the stylist combed his hair.  He said, “Look at me mommy, my hair looks silly!”  I could only see the back of him so I got up closer for a good look and started giggling too.  We never comb his hair like that because of his curls so it was silly to see.

Then my husband started laughing and said that he looks like Charlie Bucket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  The stylist sprayed Baybah’s hair with water and started working her magic.  Then we got our Baybah back!

What is your favorite moment from the week?

Link up your posts below!

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

This week Baybah had his first dentist appointment so he knows how important it is to brush his teeth. While we were there the dentist told him that it is real important for him to brush his teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day, and to make sure to floss. Now that he is getting bigger, and his teeth are growing closer together, this is very important to make sure he does not get any cavities. Making sure he brushes his teeth for 2 minutes is easier said then done. That is why I was happy to be able to review the Arm & Hammer Tooth Tunes Toothbrush.    This special toothbrush plays two minutes of music to encourage longer brushing, perfect to help ensure that Baybah achieves the dentist’s recommended brushing time.

How does the toothbrush work?  Arm & Hammer Tooth Tunes features one of a kind Music in Your Mouth technology.  The music streams sound vibrations from the bristles of the brush to your child’s teeth, allowing them to hear the music while they brush.  Tooth Tunes first launched in July of 2012 with songs by artists like The Black Eyed Peas, Queen, and Cody Simpson.  Now they have two new Tooth Tunes brushes that feature music by the chart toppers One Direction.  Baybah’s brush plays their fun song “One Thing.”   The first time he used the toothbrush was the first time he heard the song and he started dancing in the bathroom to the music. So cute!  He sure loves using his Arm & Hammer Tooth Tunes toothbrush.

Brush with Tooth Tunes, Rock with One Direction Sweepstakes!

• Enter for a chance to win the Grand Prize, four tickets to a One Direction concert in August 2013.

• 100 First Prize Winners will receive One Direction prize packs, with One Direction merchandise.

Visit toothtunes.com for sweepstakes rules and for a chance to win!  Enter up to once per week from now unit 6/30/13.  

Connect with Tooth Tunes:

Tooth Tunes Website, Tooth Tunes Facebook

Disclaimer: I am part of the Mom It Forward blogger network. Mom It Forward and ARM & HAMMER™ Tooth Tunes™ partnered in support of this campaign. ARM & HAMMER™ Tooth Tunes™ compensated me for participation in this campaign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Happy Mother’s Day from Monsters University!

A little Monsters University surprise for all the moms out there! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.

Connect with Monsters University

Monsters University, Facebook, Twitter

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

This past weekend I attended Mom2.0 Summit in beautiful Laguna Niguel, California.  The conference was amazing but I would have to say my favorite part was the view.  Simply stunning!

What was your favorite moment from the week?

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Cafe Zupas specializes in homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches, and they are coming to Las Vegas!  A couple of weeks ago my family and I were invited to a special VIP event to check out their new restaurant and amazing food.  The entire family loved it!  Cafe Zupas uses the freshest ingredients possible and the food is served fast in a casual setting making it perfect for families.

Cafe Zupas first opened its doors in 2004 and has restaurants in Utah, Arizona, and now Nevada!  They offer ten homemade soups, salads, six panini’s, and seven gourmet sandwiches.  They also have a drink bar that has sixteen different types of fountain drinks and free italian soda flavorings!  Those things combined with their soup mix-ins and hot sauces, and 58 ingredients for the “Create Your Own Salad” and weekly specials make their options practically limitless. Best of all, each meal is finished with their signature Belgian chocolate-dipped strawberry. That was Baybah’s favorite part!  They also have have an amazing dessert menu featuring Créme Brûleés, Dessert Bars, Cakes, and seasonal specialties.

When you first enter Cafe Zupas, grab a menu and decide what you would like.  Salads and sandwiches are ordered first.  The soups are ordered next.  Then they save the best for last, the desserts!

I ordered the Nuts About Berries Salad and Pulled Pork Sandwich and my husband ordered the New England Clam Chowder Soup and Italian Club.  Both of us were impressed with our meals.  It was obvious the ingredients were fresh, and care was taken in making each meal.  They were delicious!  Baybah had the kids chicken fingers and gobbled them up before I could even take a photo.  I would say that he was impressed with his meal as well!

The desserts were AMAZING! My husband and I shared the Mixed Berry and  Salted Caramel Brulees, while Baybah enjoyed his chocolate covered strawberry.  The perfect ending to a perfect night out with family!

Cafe Zupas is a family friendly restaurant that serves amazingly fresh meals fast and delicious!

Don’t Miss Cafe Zupas Grand Opening Saturday, May 18th!!

They are conveniently located off of the 215 and Eastern at 9460 South Eastern Ave, Henderson, NV 89123.  A Summerlin location is coming soon! (Cafe Zupas locations)

• Come in and get 50% off your entire order!
• WIN FREE FOOD FOR A YEAR!  Yes- you read that right! Every customer that comes through our line will be entered to win free food for an entire year (a $520 Cafe Zupas gift certificate)! That’s enough to eat at Cafe Zupas every week for a year!
• $25 GIFT CARD EVERY 15 MINUTES! In addition to our drawing for for a year, we’ll also be giving away a $25 gift card every 15 minutes! When you order your food, you will become part of a drawing that will take place every 15-minutes. While you sit back, relax, and enjoy your food, we’ll announce the winners for your group!
• The first 50 people in line get their food free!! 

 Connect with Cafe Zupas:

Facebook and  Twitter

We attended a vip event for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Children’s animated series, Arthur, kicks off its new season with a week long of all-new episodes on PBSKids, including two devoted to the issue of bullying.  The first anti-bullying episode, “The Last Tough Customer”  airs on Monday, May 6. In this episode, the Tough Customers realize it’s time to quit bullying and set out to find a new hobby – but can Molly ever truly change her ways?

Watch a sneak peak of the new Arthur below!

“While we have seen a renewed focus on anti-bullying efforts over the last couple of years, most resources are targeted towards older children,” says Executive Producer Carol Greenwald. “ARTHUR provides us with a unique opportunity to reach children at a young age and positively impact future attitudes and behaviors. In these episodes, kids will see that everyone makes mistakes, even Arthur, but it’s how you learn and grow from those experiences that matters.”

Since Arthur premiered in 1996, it has tackled a wide range of childhood issues ranging from from asthma and bedwetting, to coping with the loss of a pet. These episodes on bullying further ARTHUR’s commitment to encouraging conversations around tough topics and fostering positive social skills in children.

The week continues with brand-new, fun, and heartfelt stories that ARTHUR fans have come to grow and love.

Watch these new episodes on PBS Kids(Check your local listing)

Monday, May 6

“The Last Tough Customer            “                                 

The Tough Customers realize it’s time to quit bullying and set out to find a new hobby – but can Molly ever truly change her ways?

“Brain’s Chess Mess”                                                                                

Brain starts a chess club at school to improve his game and beat Los Dedos, the local chess master. Who knew the best player in the club would be…Rattles?!?

Tuesday, May 7

“Baseball Blues”                                                                             

It’s Grebelings season and George can’t wait to play! After all, no one knows more about baseball than George. But when he realizes knowledge of sinkers doesn’t guarantee success in the field, will he throw in the towel?

“Brain’s Biggest Blunder”                                                             

When Brain gets teamed with Buster and Binky in the annual Arithmattack competition, he immediately enrolls Buster in binomial boot camp. Can Brain transform Buster into a mathematic marvel? Or will he be forced to eat humble pi?

Wednesday, May 8

“Buster’s Book Battle”                                                                               

Lakewood Elementary has just instituted IRP; a program where kids can earn points (and prizes!) for reading. Buster’s thrilled and gets to work straight away! But will he earn enough points for a skateboard?

“On the Buster Scale”                                                                               

Buster and Brain never agree on movies. Buster rates every film a 10+, while Brain doesn’t seem to like anything…Only one of them can be right…or so they think. 

Thursday, May 9

“Fern and the Case of the Stolen Story”                                                 

The unthinkable has happened! Fern has writer’s block! Fortunately, Ladonna’s full of stories. Faced with a tight deadline, Fern decides to “borrow” the tales and simply change the names. Has Fern confused write and wrong?

“Sue Ellen Vegges Out”                                                                  

When Sue Ellen decides to stop eating meat, Muffy and Francine compete to be the best vegetarian. Can they successfully resist meat? Or was this a missed steak?

Friday, May 10

“So Funny I Forgot to Laugh”                                                                   

Arthur thinks his jokes about Sue Ellen’s new sweater are all in good fun but Sue Ellen’s feelings are hurt. Has Arthur become…a bully?

“Best Day Ever”                                                                                           

It’s a beautiful afternoon and everyone is reminiscing about their “best days.” Everyone, that is, except Arthur. Is it possible he doesn’t have one?

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

HABA provided this product for the purpose of review and giveaway.  HABA Toys has collaborated with German doll maker Götz to bring the US a phenomenal line of dolls. Götz like HABA is rich in history and in creating that truly something special. These my friends are not your average dolls.

Sweet Pea is a proud owner of the Maxy Aquini Doll. This charming doll is 16.5 inches in length and has the sweetest face that reflects such personality. Within the description on HABA’s website they write ‘Let yourself be captured by the world of Götz dolls.’ And let me say I’m wowed! This doll is so special and I know Sweet Pea will enjoy Maxy for years and years to come.
Maxy is outfitted in her beach gear- flowing polka dot/floral tank and coordinating shorts while her feet are wearing hot pink kicks.  The feature that stands out the most to me is her beautiful thick brunette piggies. A Götz doll’s hair is something very unique. Their hair can be washed with real shampoo and is even capable of having a blow out and can be styled with a curling iron (low setting)! The creators of Götz have formulated each dolls hair to be able to withstand these tools by rooting the hair deep in the scalp. Any other doll’s hair would melt and/or kink. You can even check out: HABA’s YouTube channel to see style tutorials. Yes, you read that correctly. How adorable and fun to teach your little girl how to style like the pros. From styles as simple as a braid to something as complex as cornrows!

The other feature that stands out tremendously to me is that if your doll is soiled it can be tossed in the washing machine. Just place in a pillowcase and wash in cold water on delicate. Lay flat on the dolls belly to dry. I love that Maxy can withstand more than the average spot cleaning. Sweet Pea’s doll is also of the Aquini line which means she is waterproof. Her vinyl and soft body allows her to splish splash and play in the tub and we’ve even played with Maxy in our water table!

Purchase:

Haba Götz Line on Haba.com

Connect with HABA:

Like HABA on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to the HABA/Götz YouTube channel.

Now is your chance to make that little one (ages 3+) in your life one happy little miss or mister. HABA is offering our readers a giveaway to win any Götz doll of your choosing. Excluding standing dolls.

Enter below to win your favorite doll of choice from the Götz line. (Excluding standing dolls)

US, 18+, Ends 5/16
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The product above was provided to me for the purpose of review. Opinions are my own.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

This weeks favorite moments was during our family hike at Red Rock Canyon.  It is one of our favorite spots here in Vegas and a must see for anyone visiting!

Baybah loved our hike so much that he said he wanted to be a “world famous mountain climber.”  Reach for the stars Baybah and keep climbing!

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

My Little Pony provided their product to me for the purpose of review.  You might remember my last review about a childhood favorite (Barbie in the Pink Shoes DVD). I was delighted when I was asked to review the latest  My Little Pony DVD with my daughter which allowed me to shared yet another part of my childhood with her.

As soon as we got it in the mail, my daughter squealed with delight.  The movie was so cute and she loved it.  We had a wonderful movie date, complete with popcorn and a ton of cuddles.

Since arriving in Ponyville, Twilight has learned Princess Celestia’s most valuable lesson — the meaning of true friendship. But with every new adventure comes a new lesson and if anyone is up for more learning, it’s the studious Twilight Sparkle!

Now, after completing an important challenge, Twilight has earned her princess wings and has all new adventures and responsibilities as a princess! The 5 episodes on My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic – Princess Twilight Sparkle include Princess Twilight Sparkle’s royal coronation. For everyone who loves ponies and princesses, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic – Princess Twilight Sparkle is a tale not to be missed!

 

This My Little Pony DVD includes 5 episodes:

• Games Ponies Play
• Magical Mystery Cure
• MMMystery of the Friendship Express
• Magic Duel
• Lesson Zero

Bonus features are a sing-along and a coloring sheet, which all kids are going to love. If you have ever loved My Little Pony, you will love this DVD. It brings back wonderful memories while allowing you to create new ones with the little girls in your life.

The My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series is currently airing on The HUB TV Network. Check your local listings for the time and channel in your area.

 Disclaimer: I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

I am writing this review and sponsored post as a Diet-To-Go Ambassador.   I have been using the Diet to Go meal plan for the past 3 weeks and have had great results.  This week I lost 2.8 pounds giving me a weight loss total of  9.1 pounds!!   For the past six months I have been struggling to try and lose weight and this has been the only plan I have been able to stick with.  I think because Diet To Go makes it easy by taking the prepping and planning out of dieting, and it is great food too!

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Monsters University is heading to the big screen on June 21st, and Disney/Pixar wants to take you back to where it all began, college.  Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer,  and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University. But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer.  The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.

Monsters University Trailer

Watch Mike & Sulley head to college in Monsters University on June 21!

Connect with Monsters University

Monsters University, Facebook, Twitter

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

The second annual Spring As They Grow Consignment Sale is coming to Henderson this week and you are not going to want to miss it!  Their Summerlin Spring Sale (in March) had more than 70,000 items from more than 690 consignors! Each sale gets bigger and better so you know this one is going to be awesome!

Spring As They Grow Consignment Sale Hours and Location:

The Spring sale is located in Henderson, NV at 9850 S. Maryland Parkway.  It is at the corner of Silverado Ranch Boulevard in the Smith’s shopping center.

The sale opens to the public this Friday, May 3rd at 10am to 8pm.  It is open again Saturday, May 4th from 10am – 8pm and Sunday, May 5th from 10am – 3pm.  At this time, select items will be 50% off!

Photo courtesy of As They Grow…Kids’ Consignment Sale of Las Vegas

Shop and Support Your Local School!

Local schools have the opportunity to pre-register with As They Grow and earn 10% back on the sale of referred consignors.  Such an easy money for your school!

As They Grow prides themselves in having great quality kids consignment sale so that when you come it is a good shopping experience.  They make sure the items being sold do not have any rips, tears, and are in working condition, so you do not have to!

Will this be your first time shopping at a kids consignment sale?  Check out my sisters tips and trips to find the best deals!

Children’s Consignment Sale Shopping Tips Part 1

Children’s Consignment Sale Shopping Tips Part 2

Connect with As They Grow to stay up to date on all the latest news!

AsTheyGrowLV.com, As They Grow Facebook, As They Grow Twitter

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Radz candy provided their product to me for the purpose of review. Kids love candy, toys, and technology. Why not combine them to create a fun candy dispenser with a modern twist? Well, Radz has! Radz are the world’s first interactive toy candy dispenser that’s become an online entertainment phenomenon.

Fill these cute lovable characters with candy, pull the hair back, and out pops one of four citrusy flavors, Orange Burst, Apple Smash, Strawberry Splash and Radzberry Crush, on your Radz characters tongue. Each Radz collectible features a pack of candy, a backpack buddy clip and interchangeable hair. Baybah got Scorch and Antic and loved pushing back their hair to get the surprise inside.

How is it interactive?  Each character comes with a special code that kids can use to log into RadzWorld.com and unlock special apps, games, videos and more!  Kids can also download exclusive iphone and ipad apps like Radz: ZapTap or Radz: ZigZag for free.  This fun candy dispenser turns instantly into interactive creative play!

“Here at Radz, we’re dedicated to providing our fans with a full entertainment experience in conjunction with our candy dispensers,” gleefully explains Todd Elliott, president of Radz Brands. “Now, in addition to going online to RadzWorld.com to watch our original animations and play games, fans can also download Apps for free and continue to engage with the Radz brand in a new and exciting way.”

Radz Mystery Glasses and Candy Refill  are for ages Ages 3+ and cost $1.49.  Kids can dress up their Radz dispenser with this cool add-on while refilling the citrus flavored candy.  Each refill pack includes glasses and a .7oz bag of candy.  The Radz Everyday Series 1 pictured above are also for Ages 3+ are $4.99 and available in specialty stores and online.  Also be on the lookout for Radz Gone Wild animal characters and Radz Sports Crazy sport characters at a store near you!

Radz blend technology and candy into a fun collectable toy!

Purchase:

Find Radz at a retailer near you  or online.

Already available in specialty stores, Hallmark franchises, Hudson News, Cracker Barrel and other coast-to-coast outlets are the Everyday Series 1 collectibles, including Antic, Bubbs, Critter, Max, Scorch and Twig.

Connect:

Radz Facebook, Radz YouTube

The items provided were for the purpose of review.  Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

My favorite moments from the week!

The proud new kite owner!

It was my pleasure to see him run back and forth with the most gigantic smile as he worked to keep the kite in the air.

Pure joy!

What were your favorite moments from the week?

Join us by linking up your Wordless Wednesday post!

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

As a Diet-To-Go Ambassador I am writing this review and sponsored post.    Last week I shared with you my awesome results using Diet to Go!  This week I am just as excited to share with you that I am down another 2.5 pounds!  That is a total of 6.3 pounds in two weeks!!   This diet delivery  meal plan could not make weight loss any easier!

As you know from last week, my Diet to Go meal plan is 1200 calories a day and includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  The meals are packed up and ready for me to eat each day.   This is perfect especially for work, because I can grab my lunch and go.  No more temptation of unhealthy work food.  My work friends are always impressed by my meals and cannot believe that I am eating “diet” food.

My favorite breakfast this week was the blueberry pancakes and turkey sausage.  They even gave me syrup to use! The pancakes were so yummy with the blueberries inside!

My favorite lunch this week was the turkey ham salad on pretzel bread. Yes, I said pretzel bread!  How did they know that pretzel bread is my absolute favorite bread?!!

And my favorite dinner this week had to be the fettucini!  It had a giant meatball and amazing veggies!   I love that I can eat carbs on this plan!

Diet-to-Go is a great option for busy on the go moms like me that need help prepping and planning their meals.   So far, I have loved the meals, that it takes the time and guesswork out of dieting, and especially my results!!

Stay tuned next week for my week 3 review using Diet to Go!

Purchase:

For a limited time, new customers can save 20% off a Diet-to-Go meal plan!  Purchase your plan at Diettogo.com.

Connect:

I wrote this review and sponsored post as a Diet to Go Ambassador.  As always, thoughts and opinions are my own.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Pie filling review provided by Grandma Hoerner’s.  It is picnic season! Time to shed the shakels of your winter coats and head to an event with friends and family.  It is so simple to say, “I’m bringing dessert!”  So why not let me suggest an idea that makes bringing a dessert even simpler.   Hubs was able to whip up a declicious peach pie in no time with Grandma’s Hoerner’s Peach Pie Filling and store bought crusts.  The results were as delicious as when he works hours on a pie crust and pie filling from scratch.

5.0 from 8 reviews

Peach Pie made with Grandma Hoerner’s Peach Pie Filling

 

Print

Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

40 mins

Total time

45 mins

 

Author: Lolo

Recipe type: Dessert

Serves: 12

Ingredients

• Grandma Hoerner’s Peach Pie Filling
• Pie Crust Found in the Refrigerator section

Instructions

1. First you take the store bought crust from the refrigerator section and bring it up to room temperature. Set your oven to preheat on 400 degrees.
2. Gently lift the bottom crust into the pie plate.
3. Unscrew the lid of Granma Hoerner’s delicious pie filling and pour it into the crust. Use a spatula to get all of the extra peaches out.
4. Fit the top crust over the pie, cut away any extra crust, and crimp the edges around the rim of the pie plate.
5. Cut four holes to vent. Then sprinkle with sugar and put in a hot oven for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Let it cool and serve with your favorite ice cream.

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3.2.1596

It truly was as easy as pie to make!

And the result was fantastic!

Peach is a perfect flavor for Spring! My family loved every slice!

Grandma Hoerner’s has four delicious All Natural pie filling flavors:

Pecan, Spiced Peach, Apple, and Cherry.  And best of all, they are:

• Gluten Free
• Have No Corn Syrup
• No Preservatives
• And are ALL NATURAL

Grandma Hoerner’s has high quality natural and organic food to add that special touch to your meals.  From cranberry sauce to salsa, to dark fudge dessert sauce to meat seasoning.  Grandma Hoerner’s will enhance the dishes your family enjoys!  And with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day coming up, their specialty baskets would also make the perfect gift! I know my husband would love the McCoy’s BBQ & Munchies Set!!

Purchase:

Grandmahoerners.com

Connect:

Grandma Hoerner’s Facebook and Grandma Hoerner’s Twitter

The products above were provided for the purpose of review.  No form of compensation was provided to me.  As always, opinions are my own.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Celebrate Earth Day with Curious George! We recently got a screener from PBS Kids of Curious George Swings Into Spring and thought is was the prefect way to celebrate Earth Day!  Curious George, every preschooler’s favorite monkey, has spring fever and will make you have spring fever too!

On Earth Day, April 22nd, PBS Kids will air the world premier hour-long movie of Curious George Swings Into Spring! Explore the great outdoors with George as he and The Man with the Yellow Hat head to the park to experience everything that spring has to offer.  They run and play in the sunshine as fun upbeat music plays to get your preschooler even more excited about spring!  When they arrive home, George is so excited about spring that he wants Hundley, his dachshund friend, to experience spring, too, but Hundley wants nothing to do with it.

In an unexpected twist of events,  Hundley has to head to the country with The Man with the Yellow Hat and George.  But even the beautiful flowers, baby animals and canoe rides cannot make Hundley love Spring. Even worse, Hundley gets lost in the country.  Does Hundley find his way home?  Did Curious George help Hundley see the beauty of Spring?  You will have to watch Monday on PBS Kids to find out! (Check your local listing)

Curious George Swings Into Spring airs Earth Day, Monday, April 22 on PBS Kids!

Curious George Earth Day Activities:

“Let’s Build a Bird Feeder” instructions

“Make a Pinwheel” instructions

“Curious George’s Recycling Challenge”

Clips from CURIOUS GEORGE SWINGS INTO SPRING will be available on the PBS KIDS Video Player at PBSKIDS.org/video and on the PBS KIDS Video App beginning April 22.  It is also available for Instant Download and DVD at Amazon.com. Affiliate links below.

A promotional screener was provided for this review.  Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

The Lone Ranger gallops into theaters on July 3rd and there is not a Johnny Depp or Armie Hammer fan out there that is not waiting with excitement for this one!  Want to get even more excited about the film?  Check out the trailer debut! It looks like it is going to be an action packed fun ride!

So without further ado, here is The Lone Ranger trailer debut!

At The Lone Ranger Fan Event here in Vegas a couple of days ago, Armie Hammer said that he had to try on 100 different type of masks.  Out of all of them, there was that one mask that hit the bridge of his nose just perfectly.  Everyone knew that was the one.

In the same interview, Johnny Depp said that it would take at least an hour and a half for them to put his make-up on, and that some nights he even slept in it.  Armie Hammer joked that it smelled just as bad as it looks like it smells. lol  Check out the full interview HERE to find out more about the movie!

Helena Bonham Carter as Red

Ruth Wilson as Rebecca Reid

Tom Wilkinson as Latham Cole

William Fichtner as Butch Cavendish

The Lone Ranger comes to theaters July 3, 2013!

The Lone Ranger Facebook

The Lone Ranger Twitter

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Cottonelle sponsored this post.  When you wash your dishes or car, you wouldn’t use a dry cloth, would you?  The Cottonelle brand is out to prove that nothing can be properly cleaned without the combination of a cloth and water, and is asking people to bring that logic to the bathroom.

Cottonelle has introduced a silly hidden camera video series that put people in a variety of real-life situations from washing a car to washing a restaurant table, to demonstrate what it’s like to try and clean without water.  These videos are intended to inspire people to  apply this cleaning logic to their bathroom routine, too.  Cottonelle Fresh Care flushable wipes and Cottonelle Clean Care toilet paper can help you do just that.

My family and I have changed our bathroom routine and have been feeling squeaky clean since.  Um, yes, I did just say that. lol.  Try it and see for yourself.

Win a $10,000 Bathroom Makeover from Cottonelle!

Go to Cottonelle.com now through June 30, 2013 and enter daily for a chance one of four grand prizes of $10,000 bathroom makeover.  Watch the Cottonelle Wash Test videos and submit your entry for a chance to win .

Connect with Cottonelle:

Twitter and Facebook

 This was a sponsored post.  Opinions are my own.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

As a Diet-To-Go Ambassador I am writing this review and sponsored post.    You might recall that I tried this diet delivery for a couple of days and absolutely loved it.  I am excited to tell you that I will be sharing my experience using Diet to Go for the next three weeks!

My Diet to Go meal plan is 1200 calories a day and includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  There is also an option to purchase just lunch and dinner if you chose.  Unlike other diet delivery programs that I have tried, my meals were overnighted in a cooler with dry ice and filled with perfectly portioned meals including fruit and vegetables!   Everything you need to eat for the week is prepared and ready for you, so all you have to do is heat it up and eat it.   It could not be any easier.  Plus, the food is fantastic!

My mornings started with meals like whole grain french toast with mango cranberry syrup and orange juice.  Even the orange juice wass included!

Lunch was quick and easy with meals like a turkey cutlet sandwich with pepper relish and applesauce.  I would probably have never tried pepper relish on a sandwich, but I really loved it.  It really gave the sandwich a yummy pop!

Dinner was just as good including comfort food like chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans.  Mashed potatoes are one of my favorites, so I was excited to see it in my meal plan!

The only meal from the week that I was not really into was the curried shrimp, but that is because I am not really a fan of curry.

So how did I do?  After my first week using Diet to Go I am excited to share that I lost 3.8 pounds!!  My weight loss has been stuck for some time, but this program has given me the boost and jump start that I really needed! Diet-to-Go is a great option for busy on the go moms like me that need help prepping and planning their meals.  It takes the time and guesswork out of dieting. I loved not having to stress or worry about what I was going to eat making it really easy to follow!

Stay tuned next week for my next Diet to Go post.

Diet to Go Facts:

• It is the most inexpensive fresh diet delivery service on the market.
• There are no cancellation fees or gimmick pricing.  There is no commitment or contract, and we have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
• 3 unique menus(low-fat, vegetarian & low-carb) and 20 plans to choose from.
• Everything you need is included. No shopping, no complicated recipes, and no messy clean-up – It’s like having your own personal chef.

Purchase:

For a limited time, new customers can save 20% off a Diet-to-Go meal plan!  Purchase your plan at Diettogo.com.

Connect:

I wrote this review and sponsored post as a Diet to Go Ambassador.  As always, thoughts and opinions are my own.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Disney Lone Ranger fans, will you be in the Las Vegas area on 4/17? Want a chance to attend The Lone Ranger fan event with Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp?!!! The first 50 fans in line will gain entry inside the VIP event, and be among the first to see exclusive footage of the movie!

Lone Ranger Fan Event in Las Vegas:

Who: Lone Ranger Fans!  Must be at least 13 years or older or, if you are a minor, a parent must also attend.  Bring your proof of age.

What:  Attend The Lone Ranger fan event with Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp and be the first to see exclusive footage of the movie!

When:  Come to this address on 4/17 prior to 11am

Where:  AMC Town Square 18, 6587 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 98119

Please arrive early.  Seating is first come, first seated.  No one will be admitted late.  The event may be overbooked and admittance is not guaranteed.  WDSMP, theatre and promoter are not responsible for overbooking.  We may refuse, revoke or limit admission in our sole discretion at any time.  Seating will begin at11am.  Only the first 50 fans to arrive will receive admittance. Fans not part of the first 50 are encouraged to stick around in a stand-by line for a chance to get a seat in the theatre. Except for admittance to the event, you are responsible for your own transportation to this event, accommodations, gas, food, gratuities, beverages, taxes and any other expenses in connection with this event.

The Lone Ranger comes to theaters July 3, 2013!

The Lone Ranger Facebook

The Lone Ranger Twitter

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Day Out With Thomas tickets were provided to us for the purpose of review, and we had a blast.  When we arrived in Boulder City just outside of Las Vegas, there were signs for free parking that  led us exactly where we needed to go.  Once we parked, a mini charter bus took us on a short ride to the event.  The entire time Baybah was on the bus he sang, “The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round.”  You could tell he was already getting excited  to see Thomas the Train.

As soon as we got there you could see Thomas docked at the station and ready to take us for a ride.  Everyone waved to Thomas the Train as we left the station.  Baybah and all the other kids loved waving back at them.  The parents did too!  The conductor came around and gave each child a very special Day Out with Thomas certificate.  It made the ride even more special!

After our train ride we checked out some of the trains that were part of the Southern Nevada Railroad Museum, and went to the food tent and purchased lunch from  John Mull’s Road Kill Grill.  (Make sure to bring cash!)  After our yummy lunch we visited the other tents filled with more fun activities for the kiddos.

Baybah got to play with trains, build blocks, get a Thomas the Train Tattoo, make art, play games and so much more!

One of the coolest parts of our day, other than riding Thomas the Train of course, was being able to ride one of the coal fired steam locomotives.  Such a blast! The perfect ending to the perfect day!

Day Out with Thomas is a fun event for the entire family!

Local Las Vegas friends still have time to see Day Out with Thomas this weekend before he leaves the station!  See information about how to purchase tickets below.  If you live outside of Las Vegas find out if he is coming to your town HERE!

Purchase:

Tickets for Day Out with Thomas™: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013 are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb toll-free (866)468-7630, or by visitingwww.ticketweb.com/thomas.html or www.nevadasouthern.com.  Ticket prices are $16 for ages 2 and older (service charges and fee may apply).

The proceeds to Day Out with Thomas in Boulder City go to improve and add infrastructure of the Nevada State Railroad Museum, and maintain and restore railroad equipment.

WHEN:                    April  13 & 14

TIME:                       9 a.m. thru 3:45 p.m.

WHERE:                  601 Yucca Street, Boulder City , NV

Connect:

Follow Thomas & Friends on Facebook  and Twitter @TrueBlueEngine.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Taking photos of Baybah is my favorite thing to do.  He has definitely brought out the shutterbug in me.  I thought I would share with you some tips that I have learned along the way that have really helped improve my photography.

Here are some of my favorite vintage pictures of Babe to help me demonstrate.  Do you remember when he was bald with no curls?!

8 Tips to Take Better Photos:

1.  Shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot!- Do not be afraid to take bunch of pictures.  Out of 50 shots, there has to be at least one great shot right?! You can always delete the ones you do not want later.  Although I keep them all, they are fun blooppers!

2.  Take a camera with you everywhere-  Whether it is your point and shoot, phone, or dslr, make sure to take a camera with you where ever you go.  You never know when that magical moment or milestone is going to happen.

3. Different Point of View- Be creative and take pictures of your little one from different points of view.  Lay on the floor, stand on the couch, or go down to your child’s eye level. The key to great photography is making the ordinary extraordinary.

4. Up Close and Personal- Use that zoom and focus on their tootsies, that cute little single curl in their hair or their beautiful face.  It’s okay to crop out the sides or top for a better composition.

5. Let Them Move- Do not worry about not getting a posed picture.  Those little stinkers move around so much, how could you?  Often times the best shots are the ones that just capture a moment not a pose.

6. Use props- Give your little one a toy to play with, a book to read, a blanket to snuggle, your kid will take care of the rest. Just let them play and shoot away.

7. Turn that Flash Off- Whenever  possible, turn off the flash on your camera. The light often washes out whatever it is you are taking a picture of, and leaves harsh shadows.  Natural light is the best!

8.  Most of all, have fun!- Whether you are just taking pictures of your little one in your living room, or trying to get that perfect shot for your Valentines card, relax and have fun.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

HGTV contacted me to share information about their #LoveHome photo tag and giveaway.

The word home can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people.  As leaders in home improvement, and one of my favorite channels, HGTV wants to find out exactly what that phrase means to you! Is home your city, family, friends, neighborhood, kitchen?  It is more than just an address, it is the place that makes you most happy.  Home is where the heart is! It is the place you make memories!

Capture and share your special moments and you might even see them on HGTV!

Take a phote, hashtag it with #LoveHome #HGTV and share it on Twitter and Instagram! You never know, your photo might even be seen on HGTV!   You can also check out the gallery of photos at HGTV.com/LoveHome.

Here is a collage of what home means to me!

Giveaway: (US, 18+, Ends: 4/25)

One lucky Crazy About My Baybah reader will win a prize pack including 1 iPhone Case, 1 4GB Flash Drive, and 1 Headphone set.   Enter using the form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

With the hit of Disney’s Cars everyone is waiting eagerly with excitement for the release of Disney’s Planes!  I already hoping there is going to be a Planes Land at Disneyland!  To get you even more excited, here is a special Disney Planes sneak peek!

From above the world of “Cars” comes “Disney’s Planes,” an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. “Disney’s Planes” takes off in theaters on Aug. 9, 2013.

Who is the voice cast for Disney Planes?

We already know that the voice for Dusty is Dane Cook!

Stacy Keach provides the voice of Skipper, a reclusive old Navy Corsair who takes Dusty’s training to new heights.

Brad Garrett lends his voice to fuel truck Chug, Dusty’s buddy, coach and biggest fan.

Teri Hatcher brings life and charm to the say-it-like-it-is mechanic Dottie.

Cedric the Entertainer as Leadbottom, a puttering old biplane who has no time for Dusty’s far-fetched flights of fancy.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus lends her voice to Rochelle, a tough and confident racer who is the pride of the Great White North.

John Cleese  is the voice of Bulldog, the oldest and arguably wisest racer on the circuit.

Carlos Alazraqui brings to life the intensely charming El Chupacabra, a racer with more dramatic flair than is recommended at high altitudes.

 Priyanka Chopra voices the exotic, mysterious and ruthless Ishani, the reigning Pan-Asian champion from India.

Roger Craig Smith voices world champion racer Ripslinger—wings down, the biggest name in air racing—and he knows it.

Gabriel Iglesias provides the voices of both Ned and Zed, two not-so-sharp saboteurs who work for Ripslinger.

Val Kilmer provides the voice of Bravo, a member of the Jolly Wrenches and a fan of air racing.

Anthony Edwards  is the voice of Echo, a member of the Jolly Wrenches and a fan of air racing.

Colin Cowherd  gives play-by-play coverage as Colin Cowling, an affable blimp and an eye-in-the-sky reporter for the Racing Sports Network.

Sinbad  brings to life Roper, an irascible race official pitty full of sly remarks and colorful commentary.

Oliver Kalkofe provides the voice of meek German minicar Franz and his brazen airborne alter ego Fliegenhosen.

Brent Musburger  brings Brent Mustangburger, the excitable 1964½ Ford Mustang sports broadcasting icon, back to the big screen.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

This weeks favorite moments went along with our trip with Uncle J to Day Out with Thomas in Boulder City.  Babe was in seventh heaven from the moment he saw the life size Thomas the Train!  Later this week I will share more about the event, but today I wanted to share some of the special moments.

What was your favorite moment from the week?

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

My Little Sweet Pea is such a reader and I hope that her love of reading continues to grow with age. Reading to her since she was just a little peanut kicking from within my belly and continuing from the time she arrived in my arms. From a very early age Sweet Pea has brought books to me to read to her or I would catch her “reading” books on her own. Some of my fondest and most special moments are sharing the magic of a good book with my Lovey. Books open up the world to your little learner. Being able to see and experience things that may not be a tangible experience otherwise. So crack open some books with your child. There is a dinosaur growling, a sunshine smiling or even some turtles waiting to play peek-a-boo just with you.

I thought I would create a monthly post to share Sweet Pea’s favorite book ATM (at the moment). I’ll feature a book that she is enjoying and some activities or ideas that I do with her to bring the pages alive. I hope that you will follow along our reading journey and that you are able to learn a thing or two and perhaps even share an idea or two with me! Without further ado our first book selection.

Some links are affiliate links.

From Head to Toe by Eric Carle

Ever wonder if your little one can imitate a zoo animal? For example, a seal clapping its hands or a camel bending its knees. For about a month Sweet Pea brought this book to me after changing her morning diaper. We would read it together and I would show her how to clap, bend, turn her head… and I would do the motions as well. We would read another book or head downstairs for breakfast and I didn’t think much of this special little book. (Sorry, Eric Carle but I preferred some of your other books.) Until… One day she virtually did every motion without my direction. I was stunned! I had no idea her mind at this age was capable of learning so many animal movements and sounds. She isn’t much of talker yet so seeing her take in all of my words and responding to the text and pictures is just so amazing to me.

My tip for you regarding this book is: Improvise. In the book the cat is supposed to arch its back. At 14 months Sweet Pea doesn’t get onto all fours and arch so I changed the words. I changed them to say I’m a cat and I can say, Meow. Can you meow? I’m so glad I did because listening to her say something that is a mix of no and meow just fills my heart to the brim! Don’t be afraid to make books your own and tailor it to fit your child’s developmental age. Eric Carle won’t be upset and neither will your little one when they are finally able to follow the written word.

Happy Reading!

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Our review of the  Mohawk SmartStrand  Bound Rug lead to some fun activities right on our carpet!  We enjoyed snacks and drinks while playing Duplos, cars, Knights and Pirates, and more and I did not have to worry one bit about those accidental spills that always seem to happen.   Usually a new carpet is handled with kid gloves by having no food, drinks, or shoes on the carpet.  But with the SmartStrand carpet rug is different.  It has stain protection built right in,  it is super easy to clean, and durable.    So we all got down to play on the carpet without having to worry.  One less stress for me!  Here are a couple of pictures of us in action on our new rug!

SmartStrand has permanent stain and soil resistance that will never wear off.

For as long as you have the carpet, it will have stain protection because it is built into the carpet fiber itself.

SmartStrand is extremely easy to clean.

Say goodbye to carpet cleaners!  All you need is a dishrag, some warm water, and mild detergent, like dish soap. Even tough stains, like ketchup, mustard, red Kool-Aid, even red wine will clean easily out of SmartStrand carpet.

SmartStrand is very durable.

SmartStrand carpet is super durable. Strong enough for actual wildlife… and strong enough for YOUR wild life, too! Check out the SmartStrand Zoo Challenge and African elephants challenge to see for yourself!

SmartStrand carpet is rated #1 in consumer satisfaction… Experience it for yourself!

Giveaway:

One lucky Crazy About My Baybah reader can win their very own 6’ X 9’ SmartStrand bound carpet rug. Go to the contest page to enter.

Enter HERE and make sure to tell them Crazy About My Baybah sent you!  Winner will be announced 4/9.  Please see the registration page for legal rules.

Congratulations goes out to Melissa M.!  Mohawk randomly selected your name from the Crazy About My Baybah entries! Congrats!

This article and giveaway is sponsored by Mohawk Flooring.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

Yesterdays Children’s Consignment Sale Shopping Tips Part 1 post I shared how to prepare for a consignment sale. Today I am sharing with you some tips on how how to find the best products when you get there, and what to do with them when you get home!

At the sale there’s only one rule:

1. If you think you want it, take it-
Before you purchase you’ll have time to decide if you want the item or not. Especially if there’s only one of that item. Chances are by the time you decide you want it it’s already found a happy home with someone else. So snag it up while you have a chance.

A jogging stroller was my main goal for my last consignment sale. I got this for less than $55 and it looks just like new!

1 1/2. Because there is only one or only a few of certain items: MOVE IT!!!

Move quickly and hit the big items first. The clothes, books, videos will be there for a while. But the strollers, tables, slides and bikes move very quickly! This is all part of knowing the lay of the land but I wanted to reiterate the importance. MOVE IT!!!

Before you pay it’s time to look closely at your items:

1. Dirty vs. Disgusting-
Pay attention to condition. Is the item soiled or is it built in dirt that will never be clean again?

I even found 2 brand new pairs of sandals for Sweet Pea!

2. Inspect-
There’s no returning these items so get out your magnifying glass and check for missing buttons, broken pieces, damaged and/or missing parts. Are these fixable or not? Also is the price still okay for needing the additional changes that need to be made?

3. Be kind-
If you’ve had a change of heart put the items you decided against back in its proper section. If you did come across a broken item notify an employee or volunteer so someone else doesn’t get a raw deal.

Once your home:

1. Clean, sterilize and enjoy your new to you treasures!

I got everything here for only $102!!

My last trip to a consignment sale I got a Baby Trend Jogging Stroller, Safety 1st Baby gate, white sweater, 2 pairs of NEVER worn sandals, a magna doodle, and toy shelf all for $102 with tax!  The stroller alone retails at $110!

What has been your experience with consignment shopping? Do you have any other tips for a successful trip? I’d love to hear from you! …Especially if this post encouraged you to check out a sale for the first time.

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!

This past Fall I was invited to my first children’s consignment sale and it opened my eyes to an entirely new (well used) world! Sure I’ve frequented independent and franchise shops before but never a real deal consignment show. I’d like to share some tips I’ve learned as a newbie and I’d love to hear what other ideas you have to make shopping a better experience.

Photo courtesy of As They Grow…Kids’ Consignment Sale of Las Vegas

Before you go to the children’s consignment sale:

Learn the 411-

When are the consignment sales held in your area? Use your favorite search engine and look up dates! Most sales happen in the Fall and Spring. Local papers and word of mouth are also great resources.

Consider is the sale right for you-

• is there an admissions fee to attend or is it free
• are there deals to get in early if you pay, give nonperishables, volunteer or sell your own goods
• what ages does the sale include

Make a game plan-

I always have a list of items I want. I don’t go perusing the aisles. I’m focused on finding that specific product. After all there may only be one at the show.

Know the rules-

• The sale I prefer to attend has a few rules/guidelines.
• They allow you to hold your items on a table so your hands are free to continue shopping. When holding an item you must write your name on a sticky note as well as the time. This is because you may only hold any item for one hour. To save time I bring my own sticky pad and marker that already have my name on the top 10 sheets. Clever right?!
• They do not give you a bag to carry your items home so I bring an oversized reusable bag. I use it while I’m “picking” and then use it as my take home bag. Others use baskets with belts attached and then drag them around the sale, which is also surprisingly efficient.
• Are you allowed to bring children and if so are you allowed strollers? Mine allows strollers but I prefer to baby wear so I’m free to get around quickly.

Learn the lay of the land-

The sale I attend has the same set-up every time. This makes it easy when you know what you’re looking for and where to find it. I mentally prepare (yup, that’s right folks I do) what sections I’m going to hit first. I’ve not yet run into the sale but I have made a mad dash. Knowing where things are kept helps to get around as quickly as I can to the items I am looking to score.

Tune in tomorrow for Children’s Consignment Shopping Tips Part 2  for tips at the sale, before you pay for your items, and what to do with the items once you are home!

Photo courtesy of As They Grow…Kids’ Consignment Sale of Las Vegas

Thank you to As They Grow…Kids’ Consignment Sale of Las Vegas for the photos!  Connect with As They Grow on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest news!

Crazy About My Baybah - Tidbits and snapshots about family, life, and more!