Start a Tradition with Hickory Farms!

I talked about Hickory Farms this time last year and it's time to do that again. When I was growing up, my mom would have these spectacular Christmas Parties. On her list was always Hickory Farms cheese, crackers, and sausage. It just wasn't a party without those things. Still to this day I look forward to going to her house for a party to sample all the fun food that Hickory Farms has to offer.

Even now when my Mr. Right and I receive a Hickory Farms package in the mail it brings me back to those memories of growing up and the Holiday Season. With some of my family so far away, it's the perfect gift to send them to let them know we are thinking of them to.

The second the package was opened my son rushed to take all the candy out of the box and the picnic basket. I think those were his favorite part about receiving the gifts. My favorite part are the different types of spreads. I loved the Pineapple Mustard and Mr. Right just loved the whole thing! 

Visit Hickory Farms via the Internet or stop by a kiosk or store at your local mall to send a gift to someone special or to dress up your holiday table!

*Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Hickory Farms and received a signature gift box from Hickory Farms to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Merry Christmas!!

Little Drops of Happiness Giveaway

Who likes chocolate??? 

 Stupid question . 

Are you the kind that will just eat about anything covered in it or are you the casual chocoholic that eats just  enough to satisfy 

your cravings? I don't normally keep any in the house because it's a HUGE temptation. But every once in a while I give in. 

OK I give in A LOT

Hershey’s has a new kind of chocolate which will be available across the country in the next few weeks. They are called Hershey’s Drops and they are so YUMMY!

They will be available in Milk Chocolate and Cookies & Cream. I won’t be surprised if they add more flavors in the next few months.  You can't just offer this chocolaty goodness in just two flavors can you?

Hershey's Drops do not have a candy shell and so there is no mess.  They are perfect for snacking and sharing. 

 Who are we kidding.

I'm not sharing mine.

What I love about the Hershey’s Drops are that they are the ideal size for a “chocolate fix”. Each re-sealable bag contains approximately 90 pieces. A serving size is 15 pieces but for me just two or three are satisfying. They are about the size of a quarter!

My favorite is the Cookies N Cream. My children and Mr. Right love the milk chocolate ones. The Cookies & Cream is made with crunchy cookie pieces in a creamy, white chocolate base. I love white chocolate!!

My kids love having a little treat when they have accomplished something awesome or just because I love them.

Look for these delightful little chocolate drops of happiness in a store near you!

For more information about Hershey’s products please visit www.Hersheys.com.

Hershey’s has generously offered to give THIRTY of my readers

Yes I did say 30!! 

of my fabulous readers a bag of Hershey's Drops

How awesome is this?

This is a 24-hour ONLY giveaway which will start at 12:01 AM (EST) on Saturday, November 27, 2010 and will end at 11:59 PM (EST) on the same day.  

To enter please comment on what little things bring you happiness. I love my boys' contagious giggles, the smell of rain, and . . . . 

CHOCOLATE!

For extra entries you can do any or all of the following. Please be sure to leave a separate comment for each that you have done. 

For Extra entries you can do the following:

•  Connect with Three Peas in a Pod on Google Friend Connect

•   Subscribe to Three Peas in a Pod

•  Like Hershey’s on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/HERSHEYS.

•  Like Three Peas on Facebook

•  Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this awesome giveaway. Please be sure to include me in the tweet so I may see it too. This is limited to 3 tweets per day.

•  Promote this giveaway on any of the following by posting about it on your blog and/or Facebook.

This giveaway is open to US residents only and will run from 12:01 AM on November 27, 2010 to 11:59 PM on November 27, 2010 (24 hours). The winners will all be selected at random using a random number generator . The winners will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to reply with a name and mailing address (no PO Box) or a new winner will be chosen.

"I received free samples in order to facilitate my review. I was not compensated. The opinions expressed are my own. Hershey’s will be providing the prizes."

 

How do you Fill Your Cup?

It's so easy to sing the whoa is me song when things are just not going well. Don't you love it when you ask "How's it going" and you regret saying it? It's the negative thinking that makes us all forget that "Things are always better than they seem" (Thanks to Jonathan Robbins the Pastor at Summit Church for reminding me).

Things weren't going well for us when our son was born. We had one car, not much money and a little boy with some serious medical issues. I moved to a new town where I didn't know anyone. At that time in my life I started feeling sorry for me and our situation. But I was always reminded that God is always with me. I'm not going through this alone.

Life was slowly getting better for us and now we have been blessed with three special needs kids. There are times that I lock myself in the bathroom and cry, I lose my temper and my patience runs thin. The last few months have been emotionaly hard and I find my self complaining  A LOT!!

But last weekend, I had an AHA! moment. If you want to watch to the message you can do so , here. The last few days I made it a point to see my frustrations and challenges in our lives in a different light. I'm more calm, and happy this week than I have in a long time. Granted I'm not perfect but my attitude has been much better.

Have you ever read the book "It could be Worse" by James Stevenson? Such a great story of viewing your cup as half full instead of half empty. How do you fill your cup? I hope that all of you  view your life as better than it seems not just on Thanksgiving, but everyday. You will be surprised how your outlook on life will change.

I hope that you all have safe trips and have a blessed time with your family and friends. Keep looking up! Life is always better than it seems.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a Date Night With Macaroni Grill and Wanchai Ferry

I met Mr. Right online back in 2003 in an AOL chat room of all places.  On our first date he drove an hour and a half to be with me. He took me to Macaroni Grill which has become a favorite date night restaurant for us. I remember enjoying a fabulous dinner and sharing a Tiramisu with him. 

Mr. Right and I on our honeymoon in 2004

Now 6 years and three kiddos later we don't have the luxury of going out often ALONE much anymore. But we do love to feed the kids an early dinner, put them to bed and enjoy a nice meal and a great movie just the two of us once the noise has died down. 

Now we can enjoy the classic restaurant entrees in the convenient comfort of home without spending hours in the kitchen. Your favorite table is always ready, so Stay In and Go All Out!^® With Wanchai Ferry and Macaroni Grill Dry Dinner kits you can have still have your date night without spending a lot of money. 

We enjoyed the Creamy Basil Dinner Kit from Macaroni Grill and the Orange Chicken from Wanchai Ferry. Both were easy to make and all we needed to add was the meat. It was quick and easy. Perfect for when we have both been on our feet all day.  I loved both dinners and am looking forward to buying a few other dinner kits. The other kits include: Cashew Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Spicy Chicken , Chicken Piccata, Chicken Marsala, Chicken Alfredo, Garlic and Herb Chicken as well as the other two kits I mentioned. 

 How would you like your own date night at home?

Sounds awesome right? 

I thought so too. 

Which is why I'm giving away a Date Night Prize Pack which includes one Wanchai Ferry dry dinner kit, one Macaroni Grill dry dinner kit, and a $25 Visa gift card so you can create a romantic date night at home. 

To enter all you need to do is tell me about your first date with your other half. 

For extra entries you can do the following:

• Follow Three Peas in a Pod on twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway including @3pspod and a link to this post (daily)

       Win a Macaroni Grill & Wanchai Ferry Dinner Kit & a $25 Visa Card @3pspod http://bit.ly/aFjOtd Ends 11/28 #giveaway #myblogspark

• Follow Three Peas in a Pod via Google Friends Connect
• Subscribe to Three Peas in a Pod
• Like Three Peas on Facebook
• Add my button to your blog you can find it by clicking on the "Link to Me Button" under the header (leave me a link were I can find it)

I will pick a winner using random.org at 5 pm on November 28th and is open to US residents only.

Disclosure: The products, prize pack, information and additional prize pack to give away were all given to you from Wanchai Ferry and Macaroni Grill through MyBlogSpark.  All views expressed are my own opinions.

SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ MP3 Player

When I was asked to review the Sansa  Fuze+ I jumped at the chance. It's light weight, dare I say it's lighter than the iPod (*gasp*).  It's sleek, thin and easy to use. Although I found the navigation touch pad a tad too sensitive but I'm sure I will get used to it. 

Similar to the iPod you charge it through your computer.  You can get a handcrafted playlist with one 1000 songs by getting a preloaded card. By purchasing a slotRadio card you can listen to your playlist or listen to your favorite radio station. Which I love! The only issue I have is that the card is super tiny and can be very easily lost. But on the other hand the card case is small and doesn't take up much room in your purse. 

Not only can you play music, listen to the radio but you can download videos, store photos, even record your favorite radio shows and play them back whenever you want. How cool is that? The slotRadio cards come in several categories: Classical, Health and Fitness, Hip Hop,  Rock, 80's and 90's etc. Right now I only see eleven cards available but I'm sure they will be offering more soon. 

 

The Sansa Fuze+ comes in a variety of colors and start at $79.99  depending on the  capacity you choose. They come in 4, 8, and 16 GB. Visit the SanDisk site for information on where to buy them!

These would make perfect Christmas gifts this Holiday season. So I recommend you check them out!

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of SanDisk and received the SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ and VH1 slotRadio Card to facilitate my review.”

Car Toons: Mater's Tall Tales for the Wii

As a family we have enjoyed playing all kinds of games on the Wii. But my boys were a little younger when we first got it. Now that they have started getting the hang of the remotes and asking to play we have been looking for games that are kid friendly and easy for them to understand.  Here enters,  Cars Toon: Mater’s Tall Tales for Wii . This particular game is part of the Mania!  video game franchise, featuring fast-paced, multiplayer, family fun.

Basically, up to 4 players can play 30+ games, which include all the cartoon shorts found in the Mater’s Tall Tales movie.  You can choose to play together as a team or compete against one another.  And (one of Little Monkey's favorite parts), you can customize your car, using money that you earn by playing the game.

My boys are into cars, . . BIG TIME! So this game was right up their alley. My oldest son loved racing around and putting out fires. This game was based on the Tall Tale where Mater became a Fire Truck. Just watching there faces light up while playing is good enough for me. And I also love the fact that we can all play as a family. No one gets left out because it's great for all ages.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Disney Interactive Studios and received the Cars Toon: Mater’s Tall Tales Wii game to facilitate my review.

Win a Pair of Ugg Boots!!!

It's cooler already . . . ok not so much here  but it's getting there. What better way to keep your feet warm than with a pair of ugg boots by Whooga Europe! These boots are made with thicker and denser merino Thermofleece than traditional Ugg boots. Which makes for some toasty toes. You can wear these without socks because the inside is so soft and thick!

I'd love to own a pair of these wouldn't you? I don't even own a pair of boots.  * Gasp!* But these are high on my shopping list. You may get to own a pair! How cool is that? 

Whoogo Europe is giving away one pair of ugg boots at the end of every month! All you have to do is sign up for their newsletter. So easy!  Best thing about it for you, It's open to all!


So head on over to Whooga Europe and sign up for their news letter. The folks at Whooga Europe have been kind enough to offer you 10% off for the next week. Use the coupon Code: 922PEAS

An Organized Diaper Bag is Just a "Clic" Away!!

Tired of endlessly rummaging though your diaper bag in search of that much needed pacifier or changing pad? On the go parents can now keep everything they need organized and accessible, thanks to new Clic-it, the first Smart Diaper Bag System that adapts with a single "click" to meet the changing needs of moms, dads and little ones. Unique and versatile, Clic-it allows you to customize your diaper bag to perfectly suit  your baby's different ages of activities. The patented system allows parents to conveniently add, remove or rearrange a variety of accessory totes such as bottle holders, key rings and pacifier cases so your bag holds what you want, where you want it. With Clic- it, parents can find whatever it is they are looking for in a snap!

 My boys are older but I still carry around a ton of "stuff" with me. Changes of clothes, coloring books, paper and crayons, snacks, iPad etc. This was perfect! Rather than carrying a purse and a bag for them which can be interesting when your chasing a child in the doctor's office parking lot. I find myself always having to put the stuff down then go after my kids. I can keep my keys, phone , the contents of my own purse, plus there things.

I know where everything is and can find it in a flash rather than fishing around in the bag trying to find an extra pair of socks. or the crayon box. I know which compartment I put it in. My boys love the bottle holder. Although they don't use bottles anymore but we store cold bottles of water for them. Perfect for when we are at the park.

 Clic-It accessories include: Bottle Holder, Insulated tote, Pacifier Case, Diapers and Wipes Case, Organizer Pouch, Key Ring and Gadget Case. All you need is one had to attach or detach your baby's travel accessories with one simple "click". The bag has a sophisticated look and doesn't that is great for both moms and dads. I don't know a dad who wants to carry a "baby" looking diaper bag. Do you?

Another great feature is how easy is it is to clean. Just wipe it off and your done!

 Clic-It is kicking off the “Gearing Up for Baby” contest from November 15 – December 24. Log onto www.clicitbag.com for details on how to enter for a chance to win a prize pack including a new Clic-It diaper bag and accessory assortment (retail value: $117.00). 

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Team Mom on behalf of Clic-It and received the Clic-it Diaper Bag System to facilitate my review."

In Case you Were Wonder'n

This is the correct way to play with your iPhone. 

 

 

 

I'm just say'n . . . 

Gap Give and Get Coupon

Hey Readers! I just wanted to let you know about this great coupon! From November 11 - 14, enjoy holiday savings with the Gap Give & Get Coupon while helping to provide a quality education for students across our nation. With this coupon, you will receive 30% off all in-store purchases at Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Gap (outlets included) while sending 5% of what you spend to maximize Teach For America’s impact in our nation’s most impoverished school districts. Please find the unique link to the coupon here.

And while you save, spread the holiday spirit! After you complete your purchase, pass the printed coupon to the shopper behind you in line and ask her to do the same.

Did you Survive the Sugar Highs????

Halloween was a whirlwind of activity. With parties, illnesses, pumpkin carving, sleep overs, and everything in between. But I did manage to put together costumes for my three kids for not a whole lot of money.

Baby Girl was a Pirate / Gypsy. We used a puffy shirt  from Walmart that was $12.00 and can be used again. She already had the black boots. They were perfect since they had a vintage buckle on each side. The skirt I made with a tutorial by Tracy at Mad Quilter. Hers was a toddler size and she helped me out with figuring out the measurements for a teen. Thanks for your help Tracy!!

The skull cap was bought at the Spirit Store along with the sword which she kept in her boot for safe keeping. Don't all pirates do that? The skull cap kept falling off so I took what was left of the skull and crossbones fabric and made a bandanna.  All in all this costume cost about 17.00 compared to $30.00 at a retail store.

 Little Monkey was Super Mario. His was super simple. I just used a red shirt and overalls which he will wear over and over again. I made the hat using Helen from Groovy Kids Stuff tutorial.  I didn't have anymore white felt so I used some of my fusible fleece and ironed a circle to his hat and wrote an "M" on it with a sharpie. It was super easy to make and LM was so excited to see it finished. Mr. Right made the mustache out of black felt and double stick tape. It stayed on there very well. All in all this costume cost me $2.00  for the remnant of fleece I found at Joanns.

Tiger insisted on being a black cat like the one who lives outside in our backyard. He wore black fleece sweatpants and a black long sleeved shirt. We bought the tail, the ears, the nose and the collar at the spirit store for around $6.00. I sewed a large black button to the rear end of his sweat pants to hold the tail on.  Seeing himself in the mirror made him giddy with excitement. He was so ready to go trick or treating that he was having no more pictures taken of him.

I did manage to capture this one before he got impatient

I love the picture of Baby Girl

Baby Girl, Princess Music, and Little Monkey

So did you survive all the sugars highs? How much of your kid's candy did you eat?