Follow Me Back Tuesday!

It's that time again. Time to find some great new blogs and gain some followers at the same time.
This weekly event is hosted by Survey Junkie, Little Yaya's, Review Retreat & Boobies,BabiesAndABlog..

So, welcome! I hope you enjoy your visit and enter a few giveaways. I currently have 3 going on, with more waiting to be posted. Check out a recipe or catch up on what my kiddos are up to. I love comments, so let me know what you think.

If you want to join in on this blog hop, you can find the Linky on any of the host sites above. Have fun!

What is Better Than 2 Twix?

Well, a whole batch of home made twix! I was so excited to find this recipe over at taste buds. This is a truly inspirational food blog. I warn you, it is not healthy for any dieters to venture there.


Okay, so this is a lovely recipe that I will be making again very soon. On another blog I heard they freeze well too. I do want to play around with it for next time. The crust needed to be a little browner. I let it go for the full time, but I will try longer. Also I think it needs a little larger baking dish. There was a bit too much cookie for me... and I wouldn't mind spreading out the caramel. So, maybe a bit more chocolate on top as well. I hope it doesn't sound like I didn't enjoy these. My DH snarfed up a bunch for breakfast! ...and they will not last long. I am just working for perfection. :)

This recipe is great because it is so simple! (and fast!) I modified the chocolate & suggest a 8x11 baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

You will Need:

(For the crust)
1 1/4 c. flour
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter softened (not melted)

(For the caramel)
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp corn syrup
1/2 c. sweetened condensed milk

& 1 c. semi sweet chocolate chips (or milk if you prefer)
1 Tbsp shortening

Cut your butter into the sugar & flour for the crust. I think I might try a touch of vanilla in here next time. (..if you try it, let me know) Spray then line and respray your baking dish. This is so you can lift the whole thing out to cut it easily. This also gives you lovely looking bars! Press the crust down as evenly as you can. Really pack it down. I use the bottom of a glass to help. Then bake this 15 to 20 minutes or till they just start to turn golden. Take them out and cool.

Now start on the caramel. Dump all the ingredients into a heavy bottomed saucepan. Now this is the most difficult step. You need to stir constantly so it doesn't burn. Bring it up to a gentle boil on medium heat. Then boil it for 5 minutes. Remember, don't stop stirring! Take it off the heat and continue to stir till it thickens & cools slightly. Then pour it on top of your crust. Even it out with your spoon. I let this layer cool down till it set up before I went onto the next step.

Now the chocolate! A double boiler would work nicely, but the microwave also works out fine. Heat up the chocolate & shortening in a glass bowl. Keep an eye on it. You don't want it to scorch. When the chips seem softened, give it a stir. Then place it back to heat it till it is smooth. It only takes a few minutes, but I check it every 30 seconds. Then pop it on top and smooth it out. Let it cool & then pop it into the fridge for an hour or so till hard.

Then slice & enjoy! Use the foil or parchment to lift out the whole sheet and then cut it flat. Store these in your fridge or freezer. But, I promise they won't last long!

Feeling Creative?

I love memes! Yes, I try to keep it to one or two a day as to not drive people batty, but I still think they are a fun social aspect to blogging.

Well, I love crafting and as you know, cooking & baking! So, this Linky over at The Girl Creative really is dear to my heart!



Stop by for links to a bunch of great tutorials! Everything from food to sewing and too much to accomplish in one mere week! I still have a bunch book marked from past weeks. I only pray for the time to get them all done. Why don't you join in? Link up your crafty self or enjoy what is posted.

Giveaways Going On Other Blogs - 5

So hard to keep up with all the great giveaways! Here is a couple more that I am entering.
Most of my current entries are for Annie's Home


First there is an Energizer Giveaway going on. I don't know about you, we try to buy toys for our children that are natural, simple or wooden... but, everything they are given (or I win?) seems to require multiple batteries! Yeah, we go through a ton of batteries. From our Sleep Sheep with soothing sounds for nap time to Hokey Pokey Elmo & the Cars Racetrack, they all devour batteries by the bucket load! So I will be crossing my fingers that I can alleviate some of the wallet aches through this battery giveaway. ENTER HERE. This giveaway ends 6/11.


Then check out the Salada tea Giveaway. Everyone who knows me knows that I love tea! I love all kinds, flavors and forms. From Earl Grey cookies to Green tea powder used in the tea ceremony, I love it! I have even been looking at getting my own bush for the backyard so I can grow my own. No sugar for me please, just brew it right and I will drink it. So a year's supply of tea sounds amazing! ENTER HERE. This giveaway ends 6/2.

Then head over to the Experimental Mommy



She has a great giveaway going on for one of my favorite chefs, Jamie Oliver! I would love this cookbook to add to my collection. He fueled my passion for home made pasta & really makes food fun. For a prize pack from DisneyFamily.com & Jamie Oliver ENTER HERE. This giveaway ends 6/10.

Wishing Everyone...

A Great Memorial Day!

Whether you celebrate with a local parade, a BBQ or with a family get-together, I hope you take a moment to think about the men and women who made the freedom and choices we have possible.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day as grave sites were decorated for those who had died in service to our nation during the Civil War. It was then officially proclaimed on May 5, 1858... though the tradition had been going strong in several cities before that time. After WWI it broadened to honor all of our fallen for any war or conflict.

Our family does not have any graves to decorate, but when my children are older I hope to take them to see the true meaning of the day. I really enjoy seeing our local Veteran's Cemetery decorated with flowers and rows of flags. though we may celebrate with a BBQ or go camping, the day is a in honor of others who sacrificed for us.

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

I would love to hear how your family celebrates. I always enjoy reading your comments.

Giveaways Going On Other Blogs - 4

There are some really fabulous giveaways going on other blogs. Of course, check out the three great giveaways I currently have posted... (at right).




There are a few goodies right now on A Mom's Balancing Act... including the Little Tike's Fire truck. Isn't it adorable?



ENTER HERE and it will be ending 6/21.

There is also a great giveaway for a $50 Chili's Gift Card! Lil Bit Of Us is giving away a gift card that she won on another blog. Talk about sharing the wealth.

Go enter the Chili's Gift Card Giveaway today! This giveaway ends 6/1.

Then head over to Ashley's Allowance for a Wanchai Ferry Giveaway

Mmmm... one of my favorites! I know, I don't eat frozen food, but this isn't bad at all. Every girl needs a stash of instant meals in the fridge. My DH read the labels and was impressed with these. ENTER HERE. This giveaway ends 6/4.

Then if you want to find a great balance bike for you toddler, check out the giveaway at Abut Life



I think my son is ready to learn how to ride one of these. ENTER HERE. This giveaway ends 6/23.

What's for Breakfast? Salmon Hash

I fully intended to follow my meal plan this week... but, it was derailed by a big salmon. A big, yummy salmon. Ever have that happen to you? So, dinner last night was at the in-laws with that lovely fillet of fish. The problem was, it was a well-fed salmon. A big 'ole sucker. So there was lots of left overs to be had. This will further derail my planning since I hate to have things go to waste. I would rather they go to my waist. :)

What do you do with left over salmon? Why you make salmon hash with dill cream sauce. Of course!

You Will Need:Left over cold salmon
2 russet potatoes1/2 medium onion
2 Tbsp half & half
1 Tbsp dijon mustard1/2 c. sour cream
1 tsp dried dill
fresh lemon halved & ready to squeeze
a handful of chives to snip small
capers (optional)salt & pepper to taste

I put my potatoes in the microwave the night before. I cook them till they are almost done, but not overcooked. Cube those and throw in with some olive oil & butter. I dice my onions small and add then once the potatoes have started browning.


You will need 2 sauces. Doesn't that sound decadent? First make a sauce with the half & half, dijon mustard & pepper. Whisk up. Then in another bowl mix the sour cream, a splash of lemon & chives.
Flake the salmon and set aside. When the potatoes have started to brown & form a nice crust, add the fish & dijon sauce. Make sure the heat is a low-medium & make sure everything gets coated with the sauce. You just need to warm up your left-over salmon.


Serve this with a sunny-side-up egg and with the sour cream/dill sauce drizzled over the top. Then top with a couple of capers (if you have any lurking in your pantry or fridge) Enjoy!

No Hassle for Hasselback Potatoes!

So, here is the down and dirty on the Hasselback Potatoes. This recipe has been haunting my thoughts lately... I saw these in a magazine...or two, and then saw the recipe on Food Network. So that clinched it. I had to try it.

Super easy. Just grab some red potatoes. I made 8 for the 4 of us. Slice these on a wooden spoon so you don't cut all the way through. Slice your garlic nice & thin.... then shove some into the slits. I used 2-3 slices per potato. I also put a small piece of butter in the middle.
See how stuffed they look? Okay, now melt 2 Tbsp. of butter to drizzle over the top. Give them a little salt & pepper. Then pop them into a 400 degree oven for about an hour. You want to get a cooked potato that is a little crunchy around the edges.

They are topped with a simple sour cream, parsley, chive and garlic powder sauce. Just make it to taste. I used fresh herbs from my garden.


So, this was our holiday weekend dinner... that will go far with left-overs. We enjoyed BBQ Baked Chicken, those Hasselback Potatoes, Hawaiian Mac Salad and Sweet Potato Biscuits.

Aloha Friday - #16

Aloha Everyone! In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. Can you believe we made it to Friday? We survived the week, so to celebrate let's sit back and relax. No heavy mental lifting today... just one simple little question...

Do You Make a Special Treat for Memorial Day?

Farming is in full swing, and this weekend is supposed to be the nicest we have had for quite a while, so we are staying close to home. I decided today will be my big cooking and baking day. I am hoping to get my BBQ baked chicken, Hawaiian style mac salad & Hasselback potatoes made. Then we can eat on these over the weekend. As for my sweet tooth? Well, I was going to make Rice Krispie treats & Like Hostess Cupcakes... but, my wandering eye found a really yummy looking brownie recipe last night as well as a Home made Twix! Oh, be still my heart!

Okay, enough about me... What about you? I love to hear what you are fixing.

If you are looking for more Aloha Friday fun, go to An Island Life and check out the other posts on the Linky. Have a great weekend!

Want to Follow?

Welcome to the 2nd Friendly Friday! A big hearty thank you to Christi at Frugal Novice, Charla at Healthy Home Blog , and Xenia at Thanks, Mail Carrier. for putting this together.

And thanks to Toddler Awesome for another follow opportunity!

And yes, there are more! But, the more follows the better right? I commend all these ladies for taking on this great Friday staple.



And I just can't resist this adorable friendly frog! ...frogs are my absolute favorite!



And welcome to the very first NEW Friday Follow hosted by Tami at Hearts Make Families, Harriet at Harriet and Friends, and Ian at The Daily Dose of Reality!

If you are new to my blog be sure to check out the 3 current giveaways up on the right hand column. I will have some more posted the weekend, including some fluff! I also have some delicious recipes just waiting to be posted. With strawberry season just starting, you won't want to miss a single bite! And thanks for reading. I can't wait to read your comments.

Giveaway - Proactiv Medicated Blemish Stick

I really loathe hormones! Well, hormones, stress and dirt are my enemies.. and really wreak havoc on my face. I have battled blemishes since I was 11 and now I don't always give my face the attention and care that it deserves. So this really is a topic after my own heart, and I am excited to be able to bring you a giveaway for a Proactiv Medicated Blemish Stick.

Proactiv Solution, the world’s best selling acne system, is a leader in acne prevention and treatment specifically formulated to offer consumers a lifetime of smooth, clear, healthy-looking skin. Developed by leading dermatologists, Drs. Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields, Proactiv utilizes Combination Therapy^® to directly target the root causes of acne – bacteria, oil production, and dead skin cell build up – allowing Proactiv to heal and sooth acne-prone skin. Proactiv clears existing blemishes, addresses inflammation and redness, and prevents new breakouts from occurring. Proactiv Solution has a complete line of products, beyond the 3-Step System, including moisturizers, sunscreens, spot treatments and body washes formulated for acne-prone skin.

In addition to being successfully used by millions of women, men and teens for nearly 15 years, Proactiv's 3-Step System and many products in the brand's extensive skin care line have been recognized with 27 coveted awards and honors from the beauty and health industry. Proactiv Solution is distributed by Guthy-Renker and can be purchased by calling (888) 819-2019 or online at www.proactiv.com.

I am a big fan of concealer sticks, easy to apply and easy to pop in my bag for touch-ups later. It contains 2% salicylic acid to help unclog your pores while covering up those pesky blackheads, whiteheads and red blemishes. You can choose from 4 shades: light, medium, tan and dark. Something for each skin type. So, would you like your own? Well, I am jealous, but you can win your own medicated blemish stick here.

Can't wait? Well, It retails for $18, but the Proactiv Preferred Customer Price is only $14.95. Order it online at www.proactiv.com or call (888) 819--2019

GIVEAWAY
One lucky reader will be able to choose their shade of Proactiv Medicated Blemish Stick

• Mandatory Entry Subscribe by email via Feedburner (right hand side) be sure to activate your subscription.
  
  For extra entries, do any or all of the following and leave a comment letting me know after you do the mandatory entry mentioned above:
  
  
• Follow my Blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
• Enter my Tropical Traditions Giveaway (1 entry)
  
• "Like" Proactive on Facebook (www.facebook.com/proactiv) Post on their wall that I sent you. (1 entry)
  
• Blog about this giveaway with a link to my site (5 entries)
• Enter this on a Giveaway Linky & leave a link (5 entries for each Linky!)
• Follow me on Twitter (@notimeMom) & tweet about this giveaway. (2x per day at least 2 hrs apart) Feel free to use: " Win a Proactiv Medicated Blemish Stick @notimeMom http://bit.ly/bZ6FTp :: ends 6/6 #giveaway Pls RT!" Please include the URL (1 entry per tweet)
• Comment on any of my other blog posts. Just let me know where you commented (1 entry per comment, 5 entries max.)

Open to the US and Canada. Please leave a separate comment for each entry to get full credit. Giveaway ends on June 6th at 11:59 pm PST. A winner will be chosen on the 7th via Random.org. and will be emailed. They will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

* I was not compensated for this blog post and did not receive a sample product. I was given the opportunity to offer this giveaway to my readers.

Giveaways Going On Other Blogs -3

There is so much going on right now, I just have to share! I currently have 2 giveaways posted, and should have at least 2 more posted tonight. I have some great things coming after that, too! But, let's get back to what is going on around the blogosphere....

First, check out My Silly Monkeys

They are giving away the fabulous Guidecraft's Puppet Theater I have had my eye on. Enter Here. This giveaway will end 6/11.

Then head on over to A Bittersweet Existence

There is currently a fabulous giveaway going on from Doghouses.com.
I think any pooch would be very comfortable in one of these fabulous deluxe homes. ENTER HERE. This giveaway ends 6/29.

Welcome Wednesday - 5/26

Welcome to the "Welcome Wednesday" blog hop, hosted by Take It From Me! Welcome Wednesday is a great way to meet new people and learn new things as well as increase your blog followers! So let's have some fun!!

Be sure to check out my current giveaways on the right side bar.

If you want to be a part of Welcome Wednesday, just follow these 5 simple steps:
1. Follow the Welcome Wednesday Host (Take It From Me) as well as the 2 Spotlighted Blogs of the Week. (These will make up the top three slots on the Linky)

2. Link up your blog name and URL with our Linky. (You only need to add your info once for it to be seen on all the blog hops)

3. Grab our Welcome Wednesday button and include it in a post about the event on your blog.

4. Go to as many blogs on the MckLinky as you want and Follow them. Be sure to tell them you are from Welcome Wednesday!

5. Be sure to Follow back any followers you have gained from our Welcome Wednesday event!

Giveaway! CSN $50 Gift Certificate

Because I am a SAHM to two small kiddos I don't always have the time or patience to make a shopping trip. No worries! CSN Stores have over 200 online stores where you can find something for everyone and every room from toys to LED lighting. I love shopping without ever having to put on my shoes or pack the kids up in their carseats!

Recently I won a $40 gift certificate over at Mommy Mischief . So, what did I choose? Truly a difficult decision. I finally decided on the Little Tikes Role Play Shopping Cart in Pink for my daughter's first birthday. I know she will love it.
But, CSN has so many other fabulous items! Some of my favorite sites are http://www.allchildrensfurniture.com, http://www.cookware.com, and http://www.csnbaby.com . I have several items on my ever-growing wishlist. Here is one item:


I am looking for a tv stand right now.... this would be really nice!
So, what would you choose?

GIVEAWAY
I have a one-time-use $50 gift certificate for one lucky reader to use on any of CSN's 200+ websites.

• Mandatory Entry Subscribe by email via Feedburner (right hand side)
  
  For extra entries, do any or all of the following and leave a comment letting me know after you do the mandatory entry mentioned above:
  
  
• Follow my Blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
• Enter my Tropical Traditions Giveaway (1 entry)
  
• "Like" CSN Stores on Facebook. Post on their wall that I sent you. (1 entry)
  
• Blog about this giveaway with a link to my site (5 entries)
• Enter this on a Giveaway Linky & leave a link (5 entries for each Linky!)
• Follow me on Twitter (@notimeMom) & tweet about this giveaway. (2x per day at least 2 hrs apart) Feel free to use: " Win a $50 Gift Certificate to CSN @notimeMom http://bit.ly/9oH7S3 :: ends 6/5 #giveaway Pls RT!" Please include the URL (1 entry per tweet)
• Let me know how you would spend your GC. http://www.csnstores.com/
• Comment on any of my other blog posts. Just let me know where you commented (1 entry per comment, 5 entries max.)

Open to the US and Canada. Please leave a separate comment for each entry to get full credit. Giveaway ends on June 5th at 11:59 pm PST. A winner will be chosen on the 6th via Random.org. and will be emailed. They will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

* I was not compensated for this blog post but was given the chance to offer my readers this giveaway. I won a gift certificate on another site and it did not influence the opinions expressed here.

Giveaway! Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil

I was given the chance to review a Gold Label 32 oz. bottle of Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil. Yum. I had never used coconut oil in my cooking before, so this was a fabulous new adventure. I had read about its benefits but this was my first chance to really put it to the test.

I first started out by visiting http://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/index.htm for a list of many recipes using coconut oil and other products. I settled on the wheat waffles. Yummy! Both my DH & I loved them. They were flavorful with just a subtle hint of coconut oil. My DH said the flavor enhanced our pure maple syrup. (I think he is hooked!) And they were so easy to make! I warmed the oil up a bit by placing the jar in some warm water. Then it went in just like any other oil.


Then I decided to get a little adventurous. I first used the coconut oil in my banana bread recipe instead of the normal vegetable oil. The outcome was very moist. I couldn't have been happier. Then I used it instead of the softened butter in my peanut butter kisses. Again, they turned out great.

I was very happy with the flavor, and also happy with how easy it was to use.

So, why use coconut oil in your cooking? "It has been a staple cooking oil for thousands of years in tropical climates. As a cooking oil, its chemical structure is kept in tact and therefore is resistant to mutations of fatty acid chains even when used in higher cooking temperatures, unlike most vegetable oils."

To learn more about the product you can watch, “How We Discovered Virgin Coconut Oil - An Interview with Brian Shilhavy, CEO Tropical Traditions” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h6eycjf29M

Would you like to win your own bottle of Gold Label Coconut Oil, just like the one I reviewed? Of course you do!

GIVEAWAY!

• Mandatory Entry Subscribe by email via Feedburner (right hand side)
  
  For extra entries, do any or all of the following and leave a comment letting me know after you do the mandatory entry mentioned above:
  
  
• Follow my Blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
• Subscribe to Tropical Traditions' Sales Newsletter (1 entry)
  
• Follow Tropical Traditions on twitter (@Troptraditions) (1 entry)
• "Like" Tropical Traditions on Facebook (1 entry)
  
• Blog about this giveaway with a link to my site (5 entries)
• Enter this on a Giveaway Linky & leave a link (5 entries for each Linky!)
• Follow me on Twitter (@notimeMom) & tweet about this giveaway. (2x per day at least 2 hrs apart) Feel free to use: " Win Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil @notimeMom http://bit.ly/bA36IF :: ends 6/5 #giveaway Pls RT!" Please include the URL (1 entry per tweet)
• Which recipe would you make? http://www.freecoconutrecipes.
• Comment on any of my other blog posts. Just let me know where you commented (1 entry per comment, 5 entries max.)

Open to the US and Canada. Please leave a separate comment for each entry to get full credit. Giveaway ends on June 5th at 11:59 pm PST. A winner will be chosen on the 6th via Random.org. and will be emailed. They will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

*Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Foster Farms West Coast Chicken Cooking Contest

I love Foster Farms' Chicken. It is always the my first choice when I buy chicken, and I think their commercials on tv are very funny. So I was very excited when I was contacted to help spread the word about this upcoming contest:

CALLING ALL CHICKEN CHEFS: FOSTER FARMS ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER WEST COAST CHICKEN COOKING CONTEST

Contest features Grand Prize of $10,000 and one-year supply of fresh Foster Farms chicken

Now, doesn't that sound good? I know I am thinking about what recipe I will submit. Maybe I should post a few possibilities here. I am impressed with Foster Farms for putting on this contest.

“As a longstanding West Coast brand devoted to the fresh, natural foods of our region, we want to encourage consumers in our area to celebrate local tastes and flavors with chicken as the centerpiece,” said Ira Brill, Director of Marketing and Advertising Services for Foster Farms. “Fresh chicken continues to be a nutritious, affordable mealtime staple on which consumers rely and they’re always looking for new ways to enjoy it. With the Foster Farms West Coast Chicken Cooking Contest, we’re hoping to inspire new ways to prepare locally-grown chicken.”

So, get cooking. Maybe you have the chicken recipe worth $10,000 dollars. This contest is open to residents 18 years and older of Oregon, Washington & California. The Oregon semifinals will be at the end of this summer.

For complete contest rules, please visit www.fosterfarms.com/cookingcontest. Entries can be submitted online at www.fosterfarms.com/cookingcontest, by e-mail at cookingcontest@fosterfarms.com or by mail to Foster Farms, Cooking Contest, P.O. Box 306, Livingston, CA 95334.

*I was not compensated in any way for this post. I am only posting information sent to me in a PR request.

Wordless Wednesday - Baby's First...

Strawberries!!!

5 Must-have Fashionable Pieces to Pack for Every Weekend Trip

Weekend Trips, we do a lot of them in this house. Nothing too far, nothing too fancy. My oldest is smack dab in the "terrible twos" and my daughter is only 8 months. So we try to keep it enjoyable for the whole family. But, with those two kiddos comes quite an army of must-haves... everything from the booster, potty chair, favorite toys to enough cloth diapers & changes of clothes to cover a small army. Do you relate?

The last person I pack for is myself. By then I am pooped, frazzled and well, out of space! So I try to keep it as simple as possible. With the Memorial Weekend coming up it is time to get packing! TwitterMoms and Gap Outlet have posed this timely little question, "What are your 5 must have?". As always you can jump over to the TwitterMoms' discussion board to catch all the fabulous posts and get in on the action yourself.

Here is my down & dirty list:

1. Either black or khaki capri pants. I think you can do just about anything with these. Cool enough for day, warm enough for night time. You can dress them up or down.


2. A fun pair of sandals. I think all ladies should have a favorite pair of sandals. Something that looks good, but also is comfortable enough to walk around in. I currently am searching for mine... I used to have an adorable pair of slip-ons with good cushion & just a little heel. Paired with a cute top and my capri pants, I would be set to look "Mom Chic".

3. A great pair of sunglasses. A little over-sized, but with good UV protection. My favorite pair are red and compliment the shape of my face.

4. Sunscreen. Oh, yes! An essential part of every woman's wardrobe. Nothing is more fashionable than not having skin cancer later on in life... and while you are at it, keeping those wrinkles at bay. I think sunscreen should be mandatory as putting on underwear... yeah, I am a stickler about that around here!

5. A hat. Simple, but ready to throw on at a moments notice. I never know when the Oregon Coast weather will whip my hair around, or if my daughter will smear some food on the back of my head. A hat can save you in almost any situation.

Gap Outlet is offering a doorbuster sale with up to 40% off all adult items and 30% off all kids items from May 25-31, 2010! THEN, Gap Outlet extends the sale with up to 50% off select styles! Also, Gap Outlet is offering an exclusive coupon code to the TwitterMoms community for an additional 15% discount on all purchases, with a minimum spend of $75. This exclusive additional discount is available to all TwitterMoms friends and family from May 25 - June 7, 2010!

Get your coupons today at http://gap.twittermoms.com

Okay, that is my list and I'm sticking to it! For me the shirts, jackets or sweaters can all come and go, but I need those 5 things to make my weekend get away go smoothly. So, what are your top 5? What would you add or take off my list?

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Gap Outlet blogging program to be eligible to win a $20 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here. http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/share-5-musthave-fashionable

Free Samples - Crystal Light Pure Fitness from Vocal Point

I haven't tried these, but I signed up for my free samples, have you? Taste for yourself how easy it is to turn plain water into a naturally sweetened, low-calorie drink with these FREE samples exclusively from Vocalpoint.

www.vocalpoint.com/purefitness

While Supplies Last. Grab your sample NOW !!

Ride Away with Proactiv!

I am excited to share this contest with you from Proactiv. I didn't receive any type of compensation for this post. I am just getting the word out since I bet you would all love to win this stylish bike. This is straight from their PR posted on the Product Review Place. Let us know if you are the lucky winner!

Win the Bike Featured in Katy Perry’s Proactiv Commercial

Enter for a Chance to Win on Proactiv’s Facebook Page

Palm Desert, CA -- May 17, 2010 – Show your love (or like!) for Proactiv on Facebook for a chance to win the retro-chic beach cruiser featured in the Katy Perry Proactiv commercial. Starting on May 5, those who “like” the Proactiv Facebook page and register for the contest will be entered to win the white bike with aqua blue trim with a very special California license plate signed by Katy. Four other winners will receive a Proactiv product assortment package valued at $400.00. The contest will run through June 1. For contest details, visit http://www.facebook.com/Proactiv.

Joining the Proactiv Facebook community will not only put you in the running for a chance to win the bike, but it will keep you in the know about Proactiv news and announcements, behind-the-scenes videos, fan stories, tips and special offers.

Toddler Tuesdays - U-Pick For Fun

Welcome to yet another Toddler Tuesday. We have some berries to share with you. They are still a little dirty, but we picked them with care.


A big thank you to Minnesota Mama's Must Haves for the great Linky (just click to be directed there). I just love reading all the posts of everyone enjoying their toddler. Some days can be a struggle, so it is wonderful to share all those great moments we have.


Even with our lack of sun here in Oregon, the strawberries are trying hard to get ripe. One of our favorite family friendly activities is with U-pick strawberries on the farm. Granted, most people can't just take a wagon across the road to pick, but I bet there are self pick fruit opportunities in your neck of the woods. We hope that some actually make it into your bucket.


This year Owen was excited to see the strawberries getting red. It was his baby sister's first time eating them and I don't know which of the kids was more excited to bite into their big, juicy strawberry.

Butternut Squash Risotto

Tonight's dinner was Butternut Squash Risotto... a delicious and filling comfort food. The best part is.... it is so simple to make.

You will need:
2 c. Butternut Squash (evenly cubed)
2 Tbsp. butter4 c. Vegetable or Chicken Stock1 Medium Yellow Onion1/2 c. Pumpkin Puree
1 1/2 c. Arborio Rice
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. Parmesan Cheese (grated)
Salt & Pepper to taste
Fresh Chives (optional garnish)

I like to cube up and freeze several butternut squashes each fall. I use these for my risotto as well as soups or other casseroles. The butternut squash in your grocers freezer will work well too. Take your squash and simmer it in a 1/2 or so of your stock till tender. Then set it aside for later.
I like to dice up my onion small and then saute it in the 2 Tbsp. of butter. Once it is tender and translucent add the rice. The original recipe I used did not call for onions, so this pic was taken making that recipe. I enjoy the onions. It adds a little something extra. Let it get all coated in the butter for about 2 minutes. Then add 1/2 cup of the stock at a time. Keep stirring and wait to add more stock till the rice has absorbed all the previous liquid.


When you only have 1 cup of stock left, add the squash back in. I like chunks, but I like some of it to be smooshed up. Then I add the puree. When this heats back up and starts to reduce, add the final cup of stock a 1/2 cup at a time. Once the liquid is absorbed, stir in the vanilla & parmesan cheese. Give it a little taste before you season it. It is often on the salty side already from the stock. Garnish with the chives. I just snip them with my kitchen shears over the top. Now, enjoy!

Tonight I paired the risotto up with salad & steamed cauliflower to balance out the richness. I will be saving the collard greens for another night.