Jolly Mom: Recipes | Crafts | Atlanta Mom Blogger | Brand Ambassador | Product Reviews

I have announced winners for the following giveaways {click on the links to see who won}:

Nanny McPhee Prize Pack 3 Winners
OrganWise Guys Summer Fun Kit
Ice Cream Challenge Kit
Wee Ride Bike Carrier
Personal Microderm Microdermabrasion
Breyers Coupons
Music, Music Everywhere DVD



Congratulations to all of the winners! As always, all of the winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to contact me to claim their prize.

We only recently became avocado fans, but I am so glad that we did. Not only are they uber healthy, but they are seriously good eats! Avocados have only 50 calories per ounce (around three slices) and they are sodium and cholesterol free. Better yet, they contain nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Most people eat avocados in a savory dishes like guacamole or sandwiches and salads, but I like to eat them in sweet dishes too. I came up with a dessert quesadilla that features the creamy, luscious texture of avocados and one of Georgia's namesakes--the peach. Mike dubbed it "Piera's Peachy Avocado Delight" so that's what I'm sticking with LOL! Anyhow, this is a sweet little treat that is truly delicious, easy to make and the bonus? You can feel good about you and your kids eating it.



Ingredients:
2 large whole wheat tortillas
1 avocado, peel removed
1 peach diced into small cubes
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2 tbsp sugar plus a little more for sprinkling
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tbsp butter
powdered sugar

Directions:
Using a hand mixer, cream together avocado, ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Spread the avocado mixture onto the tortillas and add the diced peaches to one half of the tortilla {will make it easier to fold later}. Sprinkle a pinch of sugar over the peaches and fold tortilla in half. Spread top side of tortilla with butter and place buttered side down on preheated griddle over a medium-high heat and grill until the tortilla starts to brown and crisp. Butter the other side while it is in the pan. Flip and continue grilling until other side is done. Remove from griddle and dust with powdered sugar. Makes 2 quesadillas..


For more recipe ideas visit Beauty and Bedlam, A Beautiful Mess, and 5 Dollar Dinners!




I wrote this post while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

One of the most impressive amenities aboard the Carnival Fantasy and all Carnival cruise ships is the attention they pay to kids and families--from fun, family friendly activities throughout the ship to their youth programs. Today, I want to specifically talk about Camp Carnival--an award-winning children's program for children 2 to 11.

The kids are split into three age groups: 2-5 year olds, 6-8 year olds, and 9-11 year olds.

Safety is a huge concern for Carnival. For the young kids {2-5 years old} parents are given a complimentary cell phone. If anything happens to your child while at Camp Carnival {i.e. child gets sick, misses parents, etc} then they call you. You can also call them to check on your child. Parents must also check their children in and out of Camp Carnival. I think the 9-11 year olds have the option of signing themselves out IF PARENTS give permission. Camp Carnival is open from 10 am to 10 PM. Parents are free to bring their kids anytime during those hours and there is no charge. You can leave your kids for any amount of time--from 30 minutes to hours. After 10 PM, they also offer paid baby sitting services at the center.

You could call Camp Carnival a "daycare", but it is really so much more. Camp Carnival is an activity based program.

It is not a place where kids are just baby sat. No. Camp Carnival is a place where kids are provided fun and educational activities throughout the time they are there. They provide you with a daily itinerary, which lets you know exactly what they will be doing and at what time. In Lucas' age group {2-5}, they did crafts, face painting, Bear Cuddly {like Build-a-Bear} Workshops, children's parties, scavenger hunts, talent shows, and so much more.




For the older kids, Camp Carnival offers a computer room, video games, crafts, parties, and more. The 9-11 age group is also taken to the pool to swim, to play mini-golf, and to other areas of the ship for fun activities.

Camp Carnival offers parents an opportunity to spend some alone time on the ship while their kids also have a great time with their new cruise friends. Now, unfortunately for me...Lucas did not want to stay at Camp Carnival. Well, let me rephrase...he wanted to stay, but he did not want me to leave. This is not Camp Carnival's fault though. Lucas has never been in any daycare/preschool program before. Both Mike and I work from home so there is no need. Anyhow, he stayed at Camp Carnival twice for about 45 minutes, but then he would miss us and ask for the camp counselors to call us to pick him up. Hopefully, next time we go on a cruise he will be more accustomed to preschool and we'll be able to take more advantage of Camp Carnival because it truly is a great program. The camp counselors are amazing. They are all so welcoming to the kids and parents and they are just FUN. They tried over and over to help Lucas feel comfortable--they were awesome. They also made both Mike and I feel comfortable leaving Lucas. That's saying a lot coming from two parents who have never left their child in a daycare/preschool program.

The fire fighting Dalmatian isn’t the only working dog in town – there are many other types of heroic doggies, from the Seeing Eye dog to the St. Bernard Mountain Rescue ranger. In Marmaduke, the Great Dane tries to so save his friend from drowning, just like Newfoundlands do with people in real life.

Leaping out of the doghouse and onto the big screen, the hilarious hijinks of the good-natured Great Dane Marmaduke barks its way onto Blu-ray Disc/DVD Combo Pack and DVD Single Disc August 31.

An all-star cast of voice talents, including Owen Wilson (Marley & Me), George Lopez (“The George Lopez Show”), Kiefer Sutherland (“24”), and Fergie (The Black Eyed Peas) lend their voices to the dog-out-of-water tale about what happens when the lovable oversized pooch is unleashed in an idyllic seaside town. When Marmaduke (Wilson) moves to a new neighborhood with his family, the super-sized teenage dog soon discovers he just doesn’t fit in—literally! Marmaduke can’t help being a one-dog wrecking crew, causing fur-flying chaos wherever he roams. But, with the help of his friend, Carlos the Cat (Lopez), Marmaduke may just get out of the doghouse, fall in love, and surf off into the sunset.

Just in time for some end of summer fun, Marmaduke Blu-ray Combo Pack (a two-disc set of Blu-ray and DVD versions of the film) comes packed with laugh-out-loud special features including more surf dog fun in Cowabarka!, canine casting, the Marmaduke Mayhem gag reel, deleted scenes, and more. The Marmaduke standard DVD will also include deleted scenes and featurettes.

Now, take a look at some well known pet professions and pick up Marmaduke out on Blu-ray Disc and DVD August 31st!

Border Collies – Border Collies are often used for herding sheep and other livestock on farms because of their natural pack instinct. They take direction well even from a distance which makes them ideal for working. They will also protect their charges from predators like wolves and coyotes.

St. Bernards – St. Bernards have a long history serving as rescue dogs, especially in the mountains. They are known for their size and strength which helps them rescue people who have been trapped. St. Bernards are comfortable in the cold and have a keen sense of direction so it is no wonder they were often used in avalanche territory.

Newfoundlands – These dogs are also often used for rescue but are more suitable for doing so in the water. Newfoundlands are excellent swimmers because of their webbed feet and their water-resistant coats make them likely lifeguards. This makes them particularly common aboard lifeguard boats and out at sea.

Dalmatians – Dalmatians are often associated with and were used in iconic imagery of the firehouse. They were originally engaged by firemen to clear the path for fire trucks that were pulled by horses because of the congenial nature of both animals. Even though horses are no longer employed the canines have stuck around to guard the house and the firemen.

Bloodhounds – As their name might suggest, these dogs have an excellent sense of smell, not just for blood. While in the past this skill may have been used for hunting, bloodhounds are often used as tracking and search dogs for missing people, drugs, etc.

Beagles – These intelligent dogs may be small but don’t let their size mislead you. Because people aren’t automatically wary of them, beagles can be used in places like airports and train stations as detection dogs. Their sense of smell is excellent for uncovering drugs, explosives and other forms of contraband.

German Shepherds – German shepherds are loyal and smart and can be trained to do a number of tasks. They often serve as guard or enforcement dogs for the police. So even though their size can intimidate this can be useful for cops and the military that need to instill fear in suspects.

Labrador Retrievers – Labs are athletic and usually friendly creatures which make them great for working as guide dogs. They have are a known to be intelligent and mature at a young age so they can trained to assist the visually and hearing impaired.




The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Thank you to Lori from Moms by Heart for compiling the best deals at CVS this week! For the full list, please make sure you stop by Moms By Heart!


Dawn dish liquid $.97
-$.25 from 8/29 PG
Final Price: $.74

Pampers diapers or Easy Ups jumbo pk $8.88
-$1.50 from 8/1 PG (exp 8/31)
-FREE wipes with diaper purchase from 8/1 PG (exp 8/31)
Final Price: $7.38 for diapers and wipes

Covergirl cosmetics from $2.99, B1G1 50% off = 2/$4.49
-$1 from 8/29 PG, use two
Final Price: as low as 2/$2.49*
*qualifies for $10 rebate

Pepperidge Farms cookies 2/$5
-$1 printable HERE
Final Price: $1.50

Kraft Miracle Whip or Mayo 22-30 oz 2/$3
-$1/2 printable HERE
Final Price: $1 each

Nabisco Wheat Thins or Oreos $1 each
-$1/2 printable HERE or $.75/2 from 8/8 SS
Final Price: as low as $.50

Kraft salad dressing 2/$4
-$.55 from 8/29 SS
Final Price: $1.45

Pop Tarts or Rice Krispies Treats 2/$4
-$1/2 from 7/11 RP - Pop Tarts
-$1/2 from 8/15 RP - Rice Krispies Treats
Final Price: $1.50

M&Ms 9.9-12.6 oz 2/$5
-$1 from 7/25 RP - Pretzel M&Ms
-$.50 from 8/29 RP - good on 12.6 oz+
Final Price: as low as $1.50*
*spend $10 and get a free NASCAR Die Cast car set - see pg 4

Purex 29-38 loads $3.99
-$2 ECB
-$.35 from 8/15 RP
Final Price: $1.64

Spend $15 in beauty products and get a free charm
ECB Deal: Spend $10 on any Maybelline eye or lip and get $3 ECB
Great Lash mascara $5
-$1 from 8/8 RP or printable HERE
-$3 ECB on two
Final Price: 2/$5

Revlon cosmetics, beauty tools or fragrance from $1.99, B1G1 50% off = 2/$2.99
-$1 from 8/15 SS, use two
Final Price: as low as 2/$.99

Conair Hair Appliances from $7.99
-$5 ECB
Final Price: as low as $2.99

Schick Hydro razor $8.99, B1G1 free
-$5 from 8/8 SS, use two
Final Price: two for FREE

Venus Embrace or Breeze razor $9.49
-$5 ECB
-$2 from 8/29 or 8/1PG
Final Price: $2.49*
*qualifies for $10 rebate

Crest or Oral B Pro Health products $3.97
-$2.50 ECB
-$2 from 8/1 PG - good on rinse
Final Price: FREE with $.50 profit!

Oral B ECB deal: spend $10, get $5 ECB
(4) Oral B Indicator toothbrushes @ $2.99 = $11.96
-B1G1 free from 8/15 RP subtracts $5.98
-$5 ECB
Final Price: 4/$.98

Nature Made Cholest Off 60-ct $7.99
-$4 ECB
-$3 printable HERE
Final Price: $.99

Tylenol Precise $5.99
-$2 CVS printable HERE
-$2 printable HERE
Final Price: $1.99

Philip's In-Ear headphones $6.99
-$6.99 ECB
Final Price: FREE

Kleenex $.99
-$.50/3 from 8/15 SS
Final Price: $.82 each

Babies, one of the most talked about movies of the year will be available for purchase starting tomorrow, August 29th exclusively at Target. Plus, it is already available for rent on Video On Demand! I don't know about you, but I cannot wait to see this movie! Not only does it look adorable...I mean...it's babies...but it is also such an interesting movie. Seeing babies from all around the world...growing up in their cultures. It's just fascinating.

Just in case you've never heard of the movie Babies. Here's a synopsis for you:

Babies travels the globe following 4 children from vastly different corners of the world in their first year of life, featuring babies from Namibia, Japan, Mongolia and the U.S. The documentary is a life-affirming and universal celebration of the innocence and magic of babies, proving that that if you surround a baby with love it doesn’t matter what culture you’re from or what child-rearing practices you follow.

Another must-see movie that came out last week is $5 a Day. I'd never heard of this movie before I was offered a chance to review it, which is surprising since it has an awesome cast. It stars Sharon Stone, Amanda Peet, Peter Coyote, Christopher Walken, and Dean Cain. Awesome, huh?!

Synopsis: Nat (Christopher Walken, Oscar® winner, The Deer Hunter) is an eccentric conman – a hustler content with a life of schemes and underhanded deals. He lacks one thing: a reconciliation with his son, Flynn (Alessandro Nivola, Jurassic Park III), who has ceased trusting his father long ago. But Nat’s time is growing short: he has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. True to form, Nat cons Flynn into joining him in a cross country journey to an experimental medical facility. Short on money, but not on imagination, the two realize that to reach their destination they can spend no more than $5 A Day. They come up with increasingly ridiculous schemes to keep within their budget - but there is a distance of emotion as well as miles to cover. Are they on the path towards a father-son reunion?

Christopher Walken is true to form in $5 a Day. He is superb. Funny. Poignant. Amazing, as always. Both Mike and I really enjoyed $5 a Day. It was funny and touching...a feel good movie. I highly recommend it!

Available wherever DVDs are sold and at Amazon.com $19.99for the DVD and $21.99 for the Blu-ray, the film is available via digital download.

And, for the kids {and parents too}--Tom and Jerry are back in an original movie called Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes! This is such a cute movie and it is the perfect movie for the entire family to enjoy together! Parents will love seeing their favorite childhood duo--Tom and Jerry--and kids will fall in love with the dynamic duo as well!

SYNOPSIS: Tom and Jerry set out on one of their biggest adventures yet when they visit London to help solve a series of jewelry heists that leave Scotland Yard completely befuddled and a beautiful singer named Red framed for the crimes. However, it’s going to take one of history’s greatest fictional detectives, Sherlock Holmes along with his loyal assistant Dr. Watson, to find the real thief.

The renowned crime-fighting team is joined by another world-famous duo, the lovable, ever-squabbling Tom and Jerry. Little do they know that finding clues and cracking the case will be elementary compared to keeping the peace between the raucous cat and mouse as they scamper, scurry, scoot and speed along the streets, alleys and rooftops in the name of justice.

Tom and Jerry’s favorite pals, including Tuffy the mouse, Butch the dog, Droopy and others, round out the motley crew of characters and possible suspects in this brilliant fusion of classic detection and energetic animation.

DVD bonus material includes How to Draw Tom and Jerry – Your favorite cat and mouse made easy through a Professional Illustrator’s step-by-step instructions.

Available wherever DVDs are sold and at Amazon.com for $14.99.





The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Years ago, I used to be a big fan of those mops with the disposable cleaning cloths and built-in floor cleaning solution {i.e. the Swiffer}. They were easy to use and extremely convenient. Then, I became aware of other issues that are more important than convenience like using earth friendly products. So, I started making my own household cleaners and as a family we started to adopt less wasteful ways. That was the end of the Swiffer Mop in my house. That's why I was ecstatic when I was introduced to new ProMist Mop!


The best feature of the ProMist is that it comes with a refillable bottle that allows YOU to choose your own cleaning solution! You can use whatever cleaner you want--store bought, homemade, or even just water.

* Wet clean the floor without a bucket. No more cleaning the floor with dirty bucket water!
* Choose your own cleaning solution
* Or use water only for a chemical-free clean
* Use an eco-friendly mixture of vinegar and water {this is what I do}




For a list of retailers that sell the ProMist, please click HERE. Before you buy, make sure to print out your $5 rebate HERE!



The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

One of my favorite ways to spend quality time with Lucas is by doing a quiet activity together. Whether it's a craft, a preschool aged project or playing a board game--it's always fun and relaxing to spend that time with one another--focused on the activity and on each other. That's why I have fallen in love with a company called Peaceable Kingdom Press. They sell the cutest original games, stickers, and craft kits for kids. From mermaids and dinosaurs, princesses and pirates--Peaceable Kingdom Press offers something for every child.

Peaceable Kingdom Press sent me four products to try out and they have all been a hit!

We received the Race Car Sticker Pack, which comes with 100+ reusable stickers and two scenes {a racetrack and garage}.

The cool thing about this sticker pack and ALL Peaceable Kingdom Sticker Packs is that the stickers are actually reusable cling stickers. These are activity kits that can and will be used over and over again. Lucas just loves this sticker pack! We actually took it with us on our cruise vacation recently--that's how much he loves it. Plus, it is a perfect travel toy--or even to have on hand anytime you need to keep a preschooler engaged like at a restaurant. It even comes packaged in a handy little tote!

The Sticker Kits come in a ton of various themes and are priced at only $9.99!

Lucas loves to play memory games and all these construction so I knew he would love the Construction Zone Match Up Game & Puzzle! This set comes with 24 extremely durable and large game pieces. One one side of the cards are illustrations of various construction vehicles--dump trucks, bulldozers, etc. The other side of the card is actually a puzzle piece so it is really two activities in one! Youngest players can play by matching the cards face up and of course older kids can play the traditional {and always fun} memory concentration game with the cards facing down. When your done playing match or memory, turn the cards over and try to figure out the puzzle!

These also come in a variety of themes and are priced at $14.99.

Peaceable Kingdom Press is also known for their original board games for kids--several have even won awards. They sent us the Milk & Cookies Spin & Go Board Game and it has been a hit with Lucas since the day it arrived. He literally wants to play this game all.the.time. This is a great board game for preschoolers because it doesn't require any reading skills so they are able to play along.

Includes:

* 48 tiles
* 1 game board
* 1 spinner
* 4 cookie jar markers

How to Play:
To start, players open the board and lay out the tiles in any random way, leaving the center space open. Players each choose a cookie jar marker and place it in the center of the board. Spin the spinner, move your marker and collect a tile. Get a milk carton, go again! Collect and replace tiles until one player wins! For a more challenging game, set up the board the same way, only each player chooses 1 or 2 types of cookies to collect. It’s a more complex version for kids 6+ who are ready for a bit of a challenge and don’t mind if their cookie crumbles!

Not only is this just a cute game...I mean who doesn't love milk and cookies...but it is also educational. It teaches kids about counting, colors, strategic thinking, and a lot more.

Peaceable Kingdom Press also sells craft kits--we got to try out the Glow-in-the-Dark Light Switch Covers. This kit comes with 3 covers that fit standard single light switch plates, 48 glow-in-the-dark stickers, and double-stick adhesive tape. Basically, kids decorate the switch plate covers with the adorable stickers and then attach the covers to switch plates around the house. This is such a cute and rewarding little craft perfect for both younger and older kids! Priced at only $4.99, these kits are also a true bargain!

Peaceable Kingdom Press has truly become one of my new favorite companies. Not only do they offer games and activity kits that encourage kids to be imaginative, but they are also educational and affordable. Plus, Peaceable Kingdom Press puts so much thought into every aspect of their products--down to sturdy storage boxes their products come in. They truly think of everything.




The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

School is officially back in session and surely if you have a school-aged child--you have begun or will soon begin shopping for school supplies. The thing is...where to shop? Just one look at the ads from last weekend's major office supply stores and it is obvious that everyone is having some big sale.


The problem is that I don't want to have to drive to all over town to several different stores to get the best deals. The answer? Walmart. Right now, Walmart is basically guaranteeing that you'll find a better price at their store. If someone else does have a better price, Walmart will actually adjust the price at the register {make sure to bring the ad with you though}. Walmart sent me a $50 gift card to take their Walmart Savings Challenge and comparison shop among my local stores. These are some of the back-to-school promotions Walmart is running right now:

· Avery Durable View Binder - 1 inch - $2.50
· Pink Eraser by Peachtree Playthings - 2 Pack - $1
· 2-Pocket Folder with Prongs (Brads) - $0.20
· Bic Brite Liner Highlighters - 5 Pack - $1.50
· Bic Mechanical Pencil (7mm) - 10 Pack - $1.50
· Black & White Composition Book- 100 sheets - $0.25
· Crayola Colored Pencils - 12 Count - $1
· Crayola Crayons - 24 Count - $0.25
· Crayola Marker Classic Broad - 10 Count - $1
· Crayola Marker Washable Broad - 8 Count - $2
· Dixon #2 Pencils - 24 Count - $1
· Elmer’s School Glue - 4 Oz - $0.25
· Elmer’s School Glue Stick Twin Pack - $0.25
· Index Card 3x5 Ruled - 100 Count - $0.44
· Sharpie Fine Black Markers - 2 Count - $1
· Spiral Notebook Wide Ruled - 70 Sheet - $0.15
· Texas Instruments 84 Plus Silver Edition Graphing Calculator - $90
· Mead Reinforced Wide Ruled Filler Paper - 150 Sheet - $2.50

First, I took the Walmart list and compared the prices to this past Sunday's ads and then I went shopping. I wasn't able to find all of the products in the various ads, but what I did find...Walmart pretty much blew everyone out of the water!

Check it out!

Crayola Marker Classic Broad - 10 Count - $1 at Walmart


Crayola Colored Pencils - 12 Count - $1 at Walmart


Crayola Crayons - 24 Count - $0.25 at Walmart



3 for $5 at Office Max



Elmer’s School Glue - 4 Oz - $0.25 at Walmart
Elmer’s School Glue Stick Twin Pack - $0.25 at Walmart





$0.39 at Walgreens



Spiral Notebook Wide or College Ruled - 70 Sheet - $0.15 at Walmart



$0.39 at Walgreens


These three weren't in stock at my local Walmart so I couldn't get a picture in store, but I did find the prices at other retailers. Again, Walmart's prices were better!

Mead Reinforced Wide Ruled Filler Paper - 150 Sheet - $2.50 at Walmart
$3 at Office Depot


Black & White Composition Book- 100 sheets - $0.25 at Walmart
$0.50 at Office Max


Index Card 3x5 Ruled - 100 Count - $0.44 at Walmart
$0.49 at Office Max



I bought a bunch of school supplies and barely even made a dent into my $50 gift card LOL. So, I bought Fall/Winter clothing for Lucas as well! I got him 4 pairs of pants, 5 t-shirts, and two pairs of pajamas. All for under $50. Walmart pretty much rocks.




Walmart provided me with a gift card to take their Savings Challenge. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.