A Memorable Thanksgiving Meal For All

Here we are, just days from Thanksgiving and it feels like we've only just stepped out of summer. Its hard to believe the holiday season is already here, but it is all the same and there are meals to be planned, mountains of delicious food to be eaten, belts to be loosened, you know how it goes. We are planning our Thanksgiving meal with enthusiasm; there will be no calorie counting in this house come Thursday! (Who am I kidding? There is never calorie counting in this house . . .)

We'll have the usual favorites: my husband's signature spinach and cream cheese dish, candied yams, green beans with toasted almonds, a mountain of 'smashed' potato, as my daughter likes to call it, homemade gravy, stuffing (you can never have too much of this), cranberry sauce, pecan pie, pumpkin pie and, hopefully, the most succulent, tasty turkey we have ever cooked!

I also plan on going the extra mile this year and making my famous 'from scratch' pumpkin soup, complete with toasted pumpkin seeds. It is a glorious soup, inexpensive to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Problem is, I don't make it too often because it is labor-intensive to say the least. Indeed, hacking my way through a couple of pumpkins to make a giant batch of this soup is a time-consuming, strenous - and messy - business, but the end result is well worth it.

With food prices on the rise, all of this feast preparation can can challenge even the most budget-savvy moms. This November, Walmart wants to make sure all Americans have the opportunity to create lasting memories with their families by offering a Thanksgiving Meal for Eight for as low as $20, featuring all of the fixings for an unforgettable Thanksgiving meal. The meal includes one 12-pound Grade-A turkey, three cans of vegetables, three boxes of stuffing mix, one 5-pound bag of red potatoes, two cans of cranberry sauce, one package of dinner rolls, and a pumpkin roll cake for dessert. And for those less confident in the kitchen, Food Network star Melissa d'Arabian has created tasty twists on traditional holiday dishes using the ingredients found in the Thanksgiving basket.

Visit the Walmart Holiday Meals website to learn more about the Thanksgiving Dinner for Eight for as low as $20 and find some great recipes from the Food Network’s Melissa d’Arabians.

What are some of your own favorite memories or money-saving tips for the holiday season? Leave a comment and let me know. I'll be giving away a $30 Walmart gift card to two lucky readers!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Walmart. In addition, I received a Walmart gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate and two to offer as a giveaway.

Christmas Giveaway 2009 at 5 Minutes For Mom

Christmas is just around the corner - yikes! Luckily, 5 Minutes For Mom is here for us with lots of prizes up for grabs, as well as their Under The Tree 2009 program, and heaps of neat shopping ideas for this holiday season. Click over and join the fun!

Text for a Cause in Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and, on September 9, Electrolux and Kelly Ripa kicked off a unique “Text-a-Thon for a Cause” to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). Ovarian cancer affects thousands of women each year and it is essential that we raise awareness about this disease.

"Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women. The American Cancer Society estimates that 21,650 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the U.S. in 2008 and about 15,520 women will die from the disease. It is an insidious disease that can strike without warning or cause.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and subtle, making it difficult to diagnose. There is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer but there are tests which can detect ovarian cancer when patients are at high risk or have early symptoms. In spite of this patients are usually diagnosed in advanced stages and only 45% survive longer than five years. Only 19% of cases are caught before the cancer has spread beyond the ovary to the pelvic region. However, when ovarian cancer is detected and treated early on, the five-year survival rate is greater than 92%." - http://www.ocrf.org/


To help the OCRF fund research and promote early detection of Ovarian cancer, moms can donate $5 to the cause by texting “KELLY” to 85944 from their mobile phones (standard text messaging rates apply) – or by logging on to http://www.kelly-confidential.com/.

Also, each day you log on to the web site, you are entered for a chance to win a luxury frontload washer and dryer from Electrolux in Turquoise Sky, the color of ovarian cancer awareness. There's more: Mom Central is also giving away an Electrolux washer and dryer in Turquoise Sky! Click over and enter for your chance to win your very own set!

During September, visitors to Kelly Confidential can also help spread awareness for this important cause by sending a virtual T-shirt to a friend. For every virtual T-shirt sent, Electrolux will donate $1 to the OCRF.

You can also purchase a limited edition T-shirt designed by Ripa; Electrolux will donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these T-shirts to OCRF. You can purchase these limited edition T-shirts online at http://www.kelly-confidential.com/. Electrolux will also donate $200 to OCRF for every Turquoise Sky washer and dryer pair purchased.

Visit www.kelly-confidential.com to hear Kelly's video message on Ovarian cancer awareness.

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Electrolux and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate."

Disney On Ice is Sure toThrill The Whole Family!

We live in a place where summer is the dominant season and our glimpse of winter each year is all too short. I've always thought it must be fun to take part in all the winter activities that go along with colder weather. My sweet Pudding Pie must be of the same mind because she is forever asking if I'll take her skating or on a sleigh ride. I'm not sure where she picked this up, but it's pretty cute and some day I will take her skating and/or on a sleigh ride!

For now though, I am planning to seize the chance to travel to a neighboring city later this fall so that we can catch the excitement of Disney On Ice! Pudding Pie will get to see skating like she has never envisioned it and, if her response to a trip to the circus is anything to go on, Disney On Ice is going to blow her away!

Feld Entertainment's Disney On Ice live spectaculars feature iconic Disney stories, characters, music, and world-class skating; providing families with a unique entertainment experience to which they can look forward to this fall and winter.

Pudding Pie will get to experience her favorite Disney characters live, right before her eyes! And, with spectacular ice shows featuring the magical Disney characters: such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Cinderella and Tinker Bell to favorites from Disney's Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, and the new film, The Princess and The Frog; I know there is a performance to delight our whole family — young and not-so-young! I feel sure this will be a family treat to remember and treasure.

The exciting news is that Mom Central is extending the following special family offers; look for the box marked "MC Promotion" when purchasing tickets:

Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels. Offer good on all weekday performances, which includes all weekday evening and Friday matinee performances; minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each.
Offer #2: All weekend performance tickets will be $4 off the original price
Offer #3: Get the best Front Row and VIP seats available – We have reserved seats in the Front Row and VIP sections just for you! No discounts available on these seats. Use the code MOM.

*Not valid on Front Row or VIP seats or in combination with other offers including opening night offers. Other fees may apply.

The above offers are good in the following cities:

St. Louis: September 3-6, 2009
Chicago: September 8-13, 2009
Sunrise: September 17-20, 2009
Dayton/Cincinnati: September 17-27, 2009
Miami: September 23-27, 2009
Auburn Hills: September 30 – October 4, 2009
Charlotte: October 8-11, 2009
Philadelphia: October 14-18, 2009
Atlanta: October 14-18, 2009
Oakland/San Jose: October 14-25, 2009
Fairfax: October 21-25, 2009
Sacramento: October 28 – November 1, 2009
Baltimore: October 28 – November 1, 2009
Uniondale: November 10-15, 2009
Houston: November 11-15, 2009
NYC: November 17-22, 2009
East Rutherford: November 24-29, 2009
Denver/Broomfield: December 3-13, 2009 *available for purchase on 9/12/09
St. Paul: December 9-13, 2009
Los Angeles: December 17-20, 2009
Toronto: December 18-27, 2009
Anaheim: December 22-27, 2009
Philadelphia: December 23 – January 3, 2010 *available for purchase on 10/12/09
Boston: December 26-29, 2009 *available for purchase on 9/3/09
Ontario: December 30 – January 3, 2010
Cleveland: January 8 -18, 2009 *available for presale on 10/2/09

Shows coming this fall and winter:

Disney On Ice presents Celebrations! It's one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends! Enjoy a winter wonderland with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains, a Very Merry Unbirthday Party, a Royal Ball with the Disney Princesses and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe.

Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy: Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favorite Disney stories at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy. Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney/Pixar's CARS race across the ice. Dive into The Little Mermaid's enchanting undersea kingdom and experience the 'Circle of Life' with The Lion King. Then enter the mystical world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies as they reveal the magic that lies within! From wheels to waves, Pride Lands to pixie dust, your family's favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating, special effects and beloved characters certain to create a lifetime of memories.

Special Bonus! Come see a Disney princess and a dazzling display of gorgeous gowns at the Disney Princess Pre-Show starting one hour before show time! Complimentary to all ticket holders.

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic: Join the celebration as 65 of Disney's unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! You'll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and all the Disney Princesses. Be thrilled by exciting moments from The Lion King; Mulan; and Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films; in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you'll remember forever as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!

Disney On Ice presents Princess Classics: Dreams really do come true! Disney On Ice is proud to bring you a dazzling tale of hope, heart, heroism and hilarity as Disney On Ice presents Princess Classics. This stunning spectacle is an awe-inspiring and fun-filled journey to the magical lands of Disney's classic fairy tales. Travel to a kingdom under the sea, an enchanted palace in France, an Arabian castle and more! Enter the fantasy worlds of your favorite Disney princesses – Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and Snow White – as they bring magic to your city in this royal skating extravaganza.

To learn more about Disney On Ice shows touring the country this year and to find shows in your area, visit the Disney On Ice site. And don't forget to use the special discount code when purchasing tickets online!

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Feld Entertainment. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

The Timeless Magic of the Circus - Fun for Every Age

Pudding Pie is hitting the age when taking her to kid-friendly events is so much fun. Lately, we've taken her to some local music shows, we took her to see the fabulous Dora The Explorer, we've made several pilgrimages to Sea World and, for next month, we have tickets lined up for the Biscuit Brothers and Little Mermaid - fun, fun, fun!

By far our favorite outing was just a couple of weeks ago, when we took Pudding Pie to the circus. Feld Entertainment's Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey® was in town with their Over The Top show, and it was awesome! Pudding Pie was riveted for the duration of the approximately two-and-a-half hour performance. She applauded every chance she got and I snapped innumerable photos of the rapt expression she wore throughout the show. She still talks about the circus in awed tones and we've promised her we'll be back next year!

She loved the Asian elephants, was amazed by the tigers, and fascinated by the clowns. Before the circus began, we were already being entertained by the The live All Access Pre-Show, which began an hour before show time. The Pre-Show gives kids a chance to interact with performers, try on costumes, and get up close and personal at The Greatest Show On Earth - it's free for all ticketholders and not to be missed. Our seats were directly in front of an elephant who was painting a picture by holding his paintbrush in his trunk - Pudding Pie was fascinated!

I'm delighted to say that Feld Entertainment has created savings offers available by using customer codes for the Mom Central community. Mom Central has the following special family offers for the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey® circus: look for the box marked "MC Promotion" when purchasing tickets:
Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels. Offer good on all weekday performances, which includes all weekday evening and Friday matinee performances; minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each.
Offer #2: All weekend performance tickets will be $4 off the original price.
Offer #3: Get the best Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP seats available – We have reserved seats in these sections just for you! Enter the code MOM. No discounts available on these sections.* Not valid on Circus CelebritySM, Front Row or VIP seats and may not be combined with other offers including special Opening Night pricing. Other fees may apply.

The above offers are good in the following cities:
Denver: September 30 – October 11, 2009
Boston: October 14-18, 2009
St. Louis: October 15-18, 2009
Cleveland: October 21-26, 2009
Rosemont/Chicago: November 5 – 29, 2009 *available for purchase on Sept. 8. 2009
Auburn Hills: November 18-22, 2009
Charlotte: January 27-31, 2010 *available for purchase on Sept. 12, 2009
Atlanta: February 12-21, 2010 *available for purchase on Sept. 12, 2009
Cincinnati: March 10-14, 2010 *available for purchase on Sept. 21, 2009
Dayton: April 29 – May 2, 2010 *available for purchase on Sept. 21, 2009

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey® shows coming this fall & winter:
Over The Top: an all-new live entertainment extravaganza featuring a tug of war between Ringmaster Chuck Wagner and clown eccentric Tom Dougherty over a magical top hat that controls the circus. When the Ringmaster dons the hat he conjures stupendous spectacles for his circus, like the stunt riding Royal Cossack Cavalry while the clown uses the hat to summon whimsical acts for his circus, such as a cavalry of goats riding on ponies in a Barnyard Bonanza. They continue to top one another until the Ringmaster and clown realize that the magic of the circus is not in the hat but in the hearts of everyone.

ZING ZANG ZOOM®: A thrill-filled, mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion. Magical Zingmaster Alex and his assistant, the alluring Levitytia, lead audiences through a kaleidoscope of color and imagery revealing extraordinary worlds of fantasy, flight and phenomena that celebrates the uplifting spirit of the circus and wards off a cynical Mr. Gravity and his team of "heavies" who try to bring everyone down. Fun-filled magic merges with traditional circus arts to create a world of infinite possibilities where apprentice illusionists levitate their parents with a wave of a wand, and audience spirits keep rising as the high flying circus is (literally) turned upside down.

To learn more about Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey® shows touring the country this year and to find shows in your area, visit the Ringling site. And don't forget to use the special discount code when purchasing tickets online!

*Please note that these offers are also valid for Disney On Ice shows in select cities - visit http://www.disney.go.com/disneyonice/to find a show near you.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Feld Entertainment. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Making Low-Carb Living a Little Easier

Life is busy these days, too busy. The days are blurring into weeks and the weeks into months. Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner and I'm still coming to terms with summer being over. It feels like everything needs to be done on the run and, while I have quick and healthy meal planning for Pudding Pie down to an art, I never seem to have the time or the inclination to do the same for myself. I should be positively waif-like with all the running around that we do, but I am not. Instead, I am twenty pounds over my ideal weight - and I am sporting the dreaded 'muffin top'!


I long to shed my unwanted pounds, so I'm thrilled about the Cuisine line from Atkins. They have launched two new fiber-filled, low in sugar products to help make cooking and baking easy.The new All Purpose Baking Mix and Penne Pasta fit perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle and, when you try them with one of Atkins' cool recipes like Penne with Fresh Tomatoes, Lemon and Feta or Rich Chocolate Brownies, you won't have to temper your enjoyment with the usual guilt about indulging.

To celebrate the launch of these new products, Atkins has announced an online recipe contest where you can share your own recipe featuring the All Purpose Baking Mix or Penne Pasta and win great prizes. I'm working on a delicious, yet low-carb pancake recipe myself. Think strawberries . . .
Recipes can be submitted to atkins.com by September 30, 2009.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Atkins and received samples to facilitate my candid review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Delicious and Nutritious Combos for Kids

Every weekday morning there is a frenzy of activity in our home as we ready themselves and our sleepy little Pudding Pie for the day. Clothes have to be picked out and rejected several times over; teeth must be brushed; hair must be detangled and combed; breakfast must be made and then coaxed into a small but strong-willed little person, and the biggest task of the morning must also be tackled: preparing Pudding Pie's daily fare. Each weekday morning I make and pack a morning snack, a lunch, an afternoon snack and an early supper for

Pudding Pie. And each weekday morning I wrack my brain for new and fun ways to deliver Pudding Pie her daily servings of protein, carbs, calcium and everything else she needs to keep on growing at the fantastic rate that she is!

I cannot pretend that the weekday morning frenzy is my favorite time of day, but life has become much easier on these mornings and I have Oscar Mayer's new Lunchables Lunch Combinations to thank. The Lunchables Lunch Combinations are tasty and nutritious - just what I strive for each morning - and they require zero preparation! I can send Pudding Pie off with instant well-rounded meals and she loves them! Actually, she thinks her Lunchables packs are special treats and she happily devours them - I am delighted because I know she's getting what she needs, it's a win-win situation!

The new line of Oscar Mayer Lunchables Lunch Combinations includes spring water and other firsts for Oscar Meyer, including sub sandwiches and applesauce. The product line also offers the following enhancements: turkey made with 100% turkey breast, bread made with whole grain, Kraft 2% cheddar, and dessert like Chewy Chips Ahoy! Cookies and Mini Nilla Wafers.

The six new varieties include: Turkey + Cheddar Sub Sandwich, Ham + American Sub Sandwich, Turkey + Cheddar Cracker Combos, Ham +American Cracker Combos, Deep Dish Cheese Pizza and Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza. Both the Turkey + Cheddar Sub Sandwich and Deep Dish Cheese Pizza meet the Kraft Foods Sensible Solution criteria for nutritional value.

Lunchables Lunch Combinations are available at all major grocery stores.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central on behalf of Oscar Mayer Lunchables and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

A Yummy Way to Keep Hunger at Bay

I recently had the chance to sample one of the new Special K™ weight-management Protein Shakes and I have to say it was a deliciously creamy way to stave off those late afternoon hunger pangs. Featuring not only great taste, but also 10 grams of protein and five grams of fiber, it was a far better alternative to my usual candy bar from the vending machine.

The shakes come in three flavors: Milk Chocolate, Strawberry and French Vanilla. I haven't tried the latter two, but I can vouch for the Milk Chocolate flavor - very yummy! The shake comes in a recloseable plastic bottle, making it easy to grab and go.

Why not try these tasty shakes yourself? You'll find them in the diet and nutrition aisle of your grocery store. And remember to visit http://www.specialkcoupon.com/ to get a $1 off coupon on your purchase!

Mom Central's Father's Day Gift Guide

Just in time for Father's Day (this Sunday, June 21), Mom Central has compiled their favorite gifts for Dad in their Father's Day Gift Guide. From DVDs and custom steak brands to a seven-person domed tent, a digital camera and imported beer steins, there is something here for every Dad. Plus, they have organized the gift ideas by price, so there's no reason to break the bank!

Also, each day, Mom Central will post giveaways for Dads. Click over to Mom Central for your chance to win something neat for the special Dad in your life!

A Worthy Cause

Here's a cause worth supporting. Look Good. . . .Feel Better is a free, national public service program that helps women cope with the appearance-related changes of cancer treatment through workshops across the country, self-help materials, and other free information. The program is a collaboration of the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Inc. and the National Cosmetology Association.

With about one in three American women expected to receive a cancer diagnosis in her lifetime, cancer will likely touch all of our lives in some way, whether through a family member, a friend, or even ourselves. Along with the confusion and fear of a cancer diagnosis comes a number of adjustments, not the least of which, for many women, involves hair loss and other appearance-related changes that result from cancer treatment.

In honor of its 20th anniversary, Look Good…Feel Better is asking women cancer survivors to submit their stories of how the program helped them cope with cancer as a way to inspire others who may currently be undergoing cancer treatment. Entries will be featured on the Women of Hope is Beautiful blog to help educate others. Anyone can visit the site to view entries, make comments and show their support. In August, Look Good…Feel Better will choose five women with the most-compelling stories to receive a trip to New York City for a makeover and a trip to the DreamBall, a black-tie gala and the program's largest annual fundraiser, held each year in New York City.

So spread the word to all women about Look Good…Feel Better and the Women of Hope is Beautiful contest, and encourage them to inspire others by submitting their own stories of hope, determination, and courage.

This post courtesy of Mom Central