Libby Vegetables Tailgating Giveaway

According to a recent USA Today/Gallup Poll, more than 80 percent of families are cutting back on dining out and reducing out-of-house entertainment altogether, demonstrating that families nationwide are resorting to ingenuity to stay connected and keep family time fun.

 

And that is why Kim Burton, wife of NASCAR driver, Jeff Burton has teamed up with Libby's  to encourage busy families to “Get Back to the Table” .  Kim’s life is hectic from being on the road with her husband to supporting her kids in their interest. She still finds time to have her family at the dinner table.

 

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just throw something in the slow cooker and go play with your kids. Have them join in the prep work of cooking dinner. You get more time with them, and they learn to cook. Which may prove to be a good thing when they get older.

 

Libby’s  has generously offered to giveaway to one of my readers 10 cans of  Libby’s products and a tailgating kit. This tailgate kit tucks away neatly in your trunk, yet opens up to a provide a world of on-the-go convenience and fun!

 

   This handy tote features a 15 can insulated cooler compartment for drinks and food and a compact grill with spacious grilling surface that can cook 12 hot dogs at a time. You also get a stainless steel tool set including a turning fork, easy-grip tongs and oversized spatula with a built-in bottle opener. Tote also has reinforced base, padded handle and shoulder strap for easy carrying.

 

Now for the fun part. To Enter leave me a comment telling me an easy two to three ingredient recipe. It can be anything. You can even link to the recipe if it’s online. That’s it. This contest is for US only and I will use the random generator to pick the winner on June 5th!

 

For extra entries:

 

Tweet about this

Blog about it

Read to your kids

Have Fun!! (this is most important)

 

Leave me a separate comment for each one completed!

 

 

Tiffanie

 

 

Technorati Tags: Libby's,Kim Burton,Tailgating Kit,Get back to the Table

I'm in a Slump

I know I know I have let my blog go a tad. I'm exhausted, have no energy and I'm a slacker. LOL I find myself taking a nap after my kids come home from school everyday. And before you go assuming anything. NO I AM NOT PREGNANT!!! LOL

I honestly do not know what the deal is. I know I'm anemic but I'm taking Iron, and vitamins. I'm just run down I guess. Even the house is suffering. I'm trying my darndest to get back into the groove of doing laundry and cooking and all the stuff mom's do.

So I apologize for not being around very much and not answering comments that you guys are so nice to leave me. I will do better. I'm in a slump I guess. Everyone goes through it. But still I can see all of my readers dropping me from there feed. Please don't! I'm begging you! I'm coming back I promise!

Hope everyone is doing well. I will post a giveaway later today and it's a good one so come back this afternoon!

Some Craftiness Going on

Instead of Craft Project Thursday today, I thought I would tell you of the May Giveaway Day over at Sew Mama Sew! Head on over and check out all the talented people in the blogosphere and enter to win some fabulous handmade products. Who knows, you may just meet a new best friend!!!

Wordless Wednesday

KIM BURTON TEAMS UP WITH LIBBY’S VEGETABLES

 

This spring, Kim Burton, wife of NASCAR driver Jeff Burton, is partnering with Libby’s Vegetables to encourage moms to connect with each other and share their winning solutions for getting back to the dinner table during these economic times.

 

“Family mealtime is an integral part of my family’s daily routine, but with horseback riding lessons, quarter midget racing and weekends at the track, it can be a challenge,” commented Burton. “My winning solution for making mealtime a reality is keeping meals simple - whether it’s letting the slow cooker do the work or patching together a recipe with ingredients from the pantry. I’m excited to

partner with Libby’s Vegetables to encourage moms across the country to help each other by sharing their winning solutions.”

 

I don’t know about you but dinner is an important part of our family. We love to cook. We have made a special effort to include them in the cooking process. Everyone is included, even our two year old. Not only do we get more time with our kids, they learn to cook and enjoy healthy foods. Do you have meals all together? How do you include your little ones in the dinner table conversations?

 

Over the next week I will share some tips from Kim Burton, recipes, and a contest or two. So keep coming back. You never know  you may learn something!

 

 

 

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: Kim Burton,Libby Vegatables,Dinner table,conversations

This Happens only in the Movies, Right???

So my brother mentions to me the other day that he didn’t realize how much gray I actually had. Yeah, it’s been a while since I have colored that skunk look on top of my noggin. So today I decided to break down and wash that gray right out of my hair!

 

So I get the concoction ready to put on my hair, Adding the hair protectant serum to my hair, then add the color. That’s when Tiger decided he needed to practice flushing the toilet. That’s when it happened. The water had been shut off!

 

Yes I admit, I forgot to pay the bill. What is it with the water system anyways? Why do we only pay every three months? I know I am not the only one that has forgotten to pay it. . .Am I right? (please say I’m right).

 

And I am not about to go to school to pick up Little Monkey with  dye still in my hair! I’d be the laughing stock of the school. Of course this post defeats the purpose of not letting them know about this incident. They read my blog. Yep they do! Right Amber and Katie? Feel free to share with the rest of the school . No harm done since the blogosphere knows of my “Incident”.

 

So what’s a girl to do? I paid the bill right then and there and of course after explaining that I had dye in my hair the girl laughed and said the water would be on sometime today. Some time today? Really? By then my hair may fall out after it’s turned so black it looks blue.

 

Instead of trying to figure this problem out without having to tell the whole world what I had done. . .I turned to Facebook. Oh yes I did. One of my friends suggested I go to my neighbors. I could but she’s not home. So she suggested I find a bottle of water around my house to rinse it out with.

 

I know there isn’t one in the house, so I traipse outside with my hair covered in dye and check the car. Found a half a bottle. Better than nothing. Didn’t accomplish much. Just made a bigger mess and allowed the dye to run down my face every few seconds. UGH!

 

So I got this bright idea that I will just go to my neighbors house and use her hose. But as I got ready to go her landscape guys show up. Now I’m not about to go over there and use the hose while they stand around and laugh at me. Uh huh!!

So I wait. . .by this time the dye has been in for an hour.

 

Every five minutes I go to the kitchen window to see if they have left yet. I’m sure they thought I am one of those nosey neighbors that gets involved in everyone’s life.  After another hour of pressing my nose to the window and receiving some glares from the yard guys they finally left.

 

And I in my overdone hair sneak next door and turn on the hose. I made sure that no one could see me from the road. I’m not giving anyone a means to harass me about this forever. Nope not me! I got the dye out and came back soaked to the bone. It’s not easy rinsing your hair with a hose. Whew!

It’s a tad red but it didn’t turn out so bad. At least my hair didn’t fall out or anything!

 

(please excuse the dirty mirror, I’m too lazy to clean it)

 

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: Color,water,Mishap

 

Wordless Wednesday

Baby Bella and her Mommy and Daddy! She came through the surgery well but has spiked a fever of 103.5 so keep praying for her and her mom and dad!

A Desperate Plea for Help

No it’s not for me. It’s for my brother and sister in law and there precious baby, Bella (not her real name). As most of you know, they had a precious baby girl on October 17th that was born with Penta X Syndrome (a very rare chromosomal disorder). Bella is one of 24 babies in the world with this and one of two in the US.

 

This particular syndrome has many complications. One of them being heart defects. Bella, was born with four holes in her heart and has been  suffering from congestive heart failure since her birth. In addition to the heart defects, she was also born with several of her bones fused in her arms and her feet which will eventually require surgery. Bella was also born with malrotation of the intestines which was repaired in February.

 

Bella, is on a feeding tube because she can not suck a bottle due to her severe  congestive heart failure. Although, this little angel has been making progress these last six months there is still a long way to go. She will require medical care all her life.

 

Today she was admitted to a children's hospital to prepare for her open heart surgery tomorrow. The doctors will close only two of the holes. The other two are difficult to get to and therefore will be left alone for now. The hope is that those holes will someday close on there own.

 

Adam and Cheryl are handling this as best they can. It’s hard to see your little one deal with all that life has dealt her. I know, I speak from experience. Not only are they suffering from heartache for their little girl they are struggling financially. My brother is in construction and because of the economy, he has not had any work since she was born. And no work, means no food on the table, no bills being paid, no mortgage being paid. Insurance is astronomical for them. Cheryl can’t work since Bella needs constant care.

 

They so desperately need help financially. Not only that but they need to know that there are people who do care about them and are praying for them. That means so much to them to receive cards of encouragement from my readers. You should have seen there faces during Christmas when I gave them packages and many many letters from all over the world encouraging them. The tears were genuine and they send all of you their heart felt thanks. We have had plans to video their family but my camera died. But one of these days you will get to hear their honest unedited thanks and appreciation to all of you.

 

I encourage you to keep them in your prayers especially tomorrow as she under goes open heart surgery. You are more than welcome to send them a card or even contribute to help them pay for her medical bills and formula. Feel free to email me if you would like the address.

 

 

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: Penta X Syndrome,Bella,Open Heart Surgery,Prayer,Fundraiser

I am a Convert!!!

 

I have succumbed to the other side. Yes dear readers, I am a Mac User ! My husband emailed me last week and said let’s use our tax return to get you a better computer. Of course I didn’t say no.

We won’t mention the fact that I hate Windows Vista with a passion or that PC’s are so freak’n slow. And I won’t mention that two PC’s and a laptop died on me in 4 month’s time. Nope not going to get up on my soapbox about that. Not me!

 

Now , I can’t say I have completely gone to the other side. You see that doo-dad to the left??? that allows me to toggle from PC to Mac when I need to.

 

I just haven’t found a blog application that I like or understand on the Mac yet. It’s going to take some time to figure out. So in the mean time, I’m using my PC to post on my blogs.

 

But it’s nice to have a faster computer that doesn’t slow down when you add applications. I love it! And apparently, my husband loves me more for becoming a Mac convert. You should have seen him when he brought it home. It was as if he was getting it for Christmas. Too funny!!

 

So all you Mac users . . .what blog applications do you use? Send me the links so I can check them out!

 

 

Tiffanie

Craft Project Thursday

Today I wanted to share with you some of the talented Momma’s out there and their Mother’s Day Gift Tutorials.

 

 

Midwest Mom has a tutorial on Making Garden Stepping Stones. Isn’t this cute???

 

 

 

Leigh Ann from The Object Project shows you how to make a fabric Corsage for your Mom. I’m a fabricholic. I think I’m going to make this one!

 

 

Marie Lebaron from Make and Takes shares how to make an etched vase in  a flash!

 

 

Learn how to make a Sugar Scrub to pamper your mom from Amy at Angry Chicken.

 

 

 

And  Jennifer of the  blog, Ramblings of a Crazy Woman shared how to make this picture frame from Jewel cases on Fave Crafts

 

 

Link Up!!!

Do you have a great idea for Mother’s Gifts or know of someone who does? Sign Mr. Linky and share the goodness!!

Wordless Wednesday

I'm a proud mama!!!

In Stitches

Yep that’s what I have been up to the last few days. Sewing to my hearts content. It’s taking me longer to finish these because I have a four year old and a two year old. Little Monkey likes to step on the foot pedal with me and Tiger is always stealing my tools. UGH!!!

 

It took some time on the notebook cover because I had to get the print to face the same way everywhere. But I figured it out! And the rice pillow was so fun and so easy to make. I put lavender in with the rice and it smells so good!

 

I’m working on the red rice pillow now (had to take a break to show you). The red set was done with only two fat quarters! That’s it. And they were on sale at Joann’s last week for .99!!!

 

Well my break is over. What are you up to today???

 

 

Tiffanie

Technorati Tags: sewing,fat quarters,notebook cover,rice pillow,tissue holder

Just the Facts

 

We had a scare at Baby Girl's school the other day. A child that had just been visiting family in Mexico became sick at school. The child was immediately tested and found not to have the dreaded Swine Flu. Thanks to the schools and the Medical professionals that acted quickly and informed parents about the situation and put our minds at ease. They did a wonderful job of keeping us informed and dealing with the bombardment of questions from parents. They should be commended.

 

I know I have jumped on the bandwagon despite all the info out there. But as a concerned parent of children with weaker immune systems I feel I need to stress the facts on prevention. It can't hurt to hear it again. Right????

 

"The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation's first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S."http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

 

Major health organizations, in particular the CDC, recommend hand washing with soap and water and when that is not available, hand sanitizing with an alcohol-based rub, as critical to minimize the spread of germs during illness outbreaks.

  According to the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene (IFH), the hands are one of the most frequent transmission routes for many types of infections as they come into direct contact with known portals of entry for pathogens (mouth, nose, conjunctiva of the eyes). Therefore, practicing proper hand hygiene is the easiest way to help reduce infections. Another way that some infections can spread is through the air, which is why it is important to cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze.

While no hand sanitizer is indicated to prevent Swine Flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the ways you can help protect yourself from Swine Flu is by practicing good hand hygiene. Specific CDC recommendations include keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water may not be available, such as when you're on the go.

 

➢    Using soap and water, wash hands for 15 to 20 second.

 

➢    When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

 

Apply enough product to thoroughly wet hands, then rub hands together briskly until dry.

 

·   PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitizer has a unique formulation of 65% alcohol with a special blend of moisturizers to kill germs on hands. The alcohol breaks down the germs' cell walls causing them to die. When applied to hands it evaporates within seconds. According to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Guidelines for Infection Control Practice, "alcohols applied to the skin are among the safest known antiseptics."

The CDC reports the following (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm):

 

➢   "What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans? The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea."

➢   "How does swine flu spread? Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose."

➢   "Can people catch swine flu from eating pork? No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

 

Do you have any tips on how to keep healthy during this pandemic? Feel free to have a discussion in my comments!

 

 

Tiffanie