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

I hope that you guys will join me for another Totsy party tomorrow night at 9 PM EST. I will be the host this time so I am very excited! Party details below...hope to see you there!

Party Details

Follow:

• @TotsyMom
• @JollyMom
• @TotsyFan
• @MyTotsy

When: Wednesday, April 6th
Time: 9-10 PM EST
Where: Twitter
Hashtag: #totsyparty

As you guys know, I recently worked with Bush's on hosting a cookout featuring their new Grillin' Beans on the menu. The Black Bean Fiesta Grillin' Beans are DELISH and very different than any other Bush's Beans I've tried in the past. I highly recommend them! Thanks to Bush's, I also got the opportunity to host a fabulous giveaway for you guys. The prize--a Bush's Cookout Kit--includes a GORGEOUS Emile Henry Dutch Oven, Bush's grilling tools, and a $50 Visa gift card. Just about everything you need to host your own Grillin' Beans cookout this Summer! The giveaway ended last night and I just drew the winner a few minutes ago. Drum roll please...the winner is Cindy! Winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to claim her prize. Thanks to everyone that entered!



This is part of a series of posts compensated by Bush Brothers & Company. However, all opinions expressed in this article are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Something we can never get enough of at my house are books. Lucas has a cabinet that is literally bursting at the seams with books, but...I wouldn't have it any other way. It's literally music to my ears when he begs for me to read him "just one more book". To be honest, because books are expensive...I try to only buy Lucas books that are classics though. Books that will last the test of time. That's why we visit our local library often and when we find a book that we just can't get enough of...then we buy it. Right now, Totsy is selling classic children's books galore at excellent prices so I thought I'd pass along the news. I purchased Lucas three new books...

The Story of Ferdinand. A beloved classic that has truly endured through generations.


The Little Engine that Could. Another classic loved by all kids.


There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. Do you guys remember this book from when you were a child? I LOVED this book and am hoping that Lucas will too!


There are tons of great books available right now though. The Llama Mama series. Eric Carle classics. Madeline. And more! Check it out at Totsy.com.





I am a compensated member of the Totsy Mom Committee. Affiliate links are used in the above post. All opinions expressed in this article 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!

Playmobil is without a doubt one of our favorite toy brands. Their play sets are AMAZING. They are intricate and detailed and encourage kids to use their imagination and creativity. Every play set that Lucas owns is truly one of his "go-to" toys. He LOVES them! Playmobil just recently launched a new toy to their lineup--an outdoor toy. Let me introduce you to the Hand-Launch Glider. This toy is SO COOL!



It is a rather large glider as you can see from the pictures and video. However, it is extremely light. It is very easy to throw and it flies through the air perfectly. It even comes with a pilot. Actually the pilot must be sitting in the glider or it will throw the glider off balance. Lucas has fallen in love with his new glider. We even play catch with it! This is a very fun toy that will bring kids hours and hours of enjoyment this Spring and Summer!




Hand-Launch Glider comes in two styles and retails for about $20 at major toy stores across the country and online. For more information, please visit PlaymobilUSA.com.



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.

I always intuitively knew that Moms and dads play a vital role in shaping a child's life. I mean, my own mother had a huge hand in shaping the woman that I am today.



She taught me so much. To be independent. To value education. To cook. To be a good mother. To love.



However, it was made crystal clear to me throughout Lucas' past three years in this world. He is a clean slate. A book waiting to be written. And, Mike and I--we help him fill up those pages. We affect what he learns. His views. What he eats. His thoughts on food and nutrition. How he feels about himself. His self-confidence and self-worth. A parent's job is truly the ultimate job. That's why it is so important that we be the best role models that we can be for our children.

In an effort to help arm Moms with tools and resources for teaching kids important life lessons, the National Milk Mustache got milk? Campaign recently launched a new interactive section on their Facebook page designed to share information on the importance of role models in a child's life. While you're there, make sure to watch the video about moms, which is so sweet and includes several bloggers that you'll recognize! Oh, and you can even create a and send a personal e-card to someone you love. Their Facebook page is also a great resource for recipes that include milk, and easy ways to add more dairy to your family's daily diet.





I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the National Milk Mustache got milk? Campaign and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate. All opinions expressed in this article are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

As you guys know, I have been working with ConAgra to raise awareness about child hunger in the US through their Child Hunger Ends Here campaign. The statistics are overwhelming. Over 17 million kids are at risk for going hungry. The numbers have nearly doubled in the last few years and I'm sure that is directly related to the economy. So many of us are suffering financially. In my own community, I've seen people lose their jobs...careers that they worked hard to attain through years of college and climbing the corporate ladder. My own brother is an architect who had to look in another state to finally find a job in his field. The economy is affecting everyone, but most importantly it's affecting our kids. That's what this initiative is about. Helping kids in the United States. Feeding our children.

Thanks to ConAgra, I was able to host a luncheon this week for Atlanta bloggers where I got the opportunity to fill them in on the statistics and provide them with information on how they and others can make a difference.


I want to thank all of the lovely bloggers and their children who came out in support of this great cause. We had a full house--about 20+ people, including bloggers and kids!



Stacie from The Divine Miss Mommy
Meghan from Atlanta Moms on the Move
Alicia from The Mommy Insider and Atlanta Moms
Desiree from Mommy Reporter
Desiree from Wee Share Blog
Sue from Field Trips with Sue
Shelly from See Go Do It
Julie from 3 Moms in 1: A Balancing Act


Thanks to Jackie from The Little Nook who gave us free roam of her gorgeous kids play space {which I highly, HIGHLY recommend you visit if you are an Atlanta parent}.



The kids got to play the afternoon away...




then, it was time for a homemade lunch...potato frittata, pasta salad, and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for the moms and sandwiches, chips, and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for the kiddos. All wrapped up in cute bags...



The kids enjoyed their lunches...




and the moms got to eat lunch and talk about the Child Hunger Ends Here initiative and the easy ways that they can help.. There was a lot of #childhungerendshere Tweeting going on too--thanks, ladies! 



It was a great day! So great...that several of the kids were in tears because they did not want to leave LOL. Thank you ConAgra, The Little Nook, and the wonderful bloggers who made this a perfect afternoon for a great cause!


So, what are the ways that you can help hungry kids in the US?

Simply go grocery shopping! Look for the Red Push Pin on participating ConAgra brands {Banquet, Chef Boyardee, Healthy Choice, Fresh Mixers, Kid Cuisine, Marie Callender’s and Peter Pan}. Buy these products and then enter the eight-digit purchase code at www.childhungerendshere.com. Each code you enter equals one meal donated to hungry kids in the US. Simple as that! Codes on specially marked packages can be redeemed through August 2011.

Use your phone to text in a donation! Simply text “FEEDKIDS” to 50555 to make a $10 donation directly to Feeding America through June 30, 2011.

Tell people! Tell your neighbors, friends, schools, co-workers...anyone who will listen. Use your social media influence to tell your online friends! Make sure to follow ConAgra too! Become a fan at facebook.com/ConAgraFoods to see how your donations are making a difference and share your own photos and stories. You can also follow the issue and get the latest information at twitter.com/ConAgraFoods.

Contact your local food bank and find out ways that you can get involved.






This post is part of a compensated campaign. All opinions expressed in this article are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

If you're looking for an affordable, adventure-filled vacation that everyone in the family--both young and old--can enjoy, then you have to check out Callaway Garden's annual Summer Family Adventure. Callaway Gardens, located in Pine Mountain, Georgia has actually been hosting their Summer Family Adventure since 1960. It is tradition for families to go back year after year--throughout generations.

Summer Family Adventure is a 7-day summer vacation reconnecting your family in a natural, wholesome, authentic environment. It is the joy of escaping life's daily stresses, letting children be children while adults rejuvenate their spirit!

Summer Family Adventure is partnered with The FSU Flying High Circus to provide a family camp experience that captivates all ages, interests and skills with expert-led programs the whole family will love.

Younger guests, age 3-18, are whisked away daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to participate in our children's center and day camp activities, while our adults can spend the day as active or leisurely as they please. Sample activities available for children and adults include. (Activities vary based on age groups)

Circus skills including acrobats, juggling and more
Teen Activities
Tennis clinics
Water skiing & tubing
Camp crafts
Golf instruction
Nature and wildlife adventures
Fishing
Archery
Beach fun
Kayaking or canoeing
Jewelry & pottery
Astronomy and Ecology
Evenings reunite families to enjoy an All American Cookout, beach party, marshmallow roasts, fun camp competitions, hanging out at the teen center, astronomy, bingo, bike rides, hiking and more!

7-day package includes:

Neighborhood style accommodations in a private two-bedroom Cottage or Villa with living and dining areas, equipped kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, Summer Family Adventure camp and evening activities. Unlimited admission to Callaway Gardens.

Thanks to Callaway Gardens, Mike, Lucas, and I will be heading on a Summer Family Adventure during the first week of June! There will be other bloggers and their families as well so this should be lots of fun! I'll be sure to report back our experience and thoughts on the vacation and our stay at Callaway Gardens. You can also follow us on Twitter with the hashtag #CallawaySFA.

For more information on Callaway Garden's Summer Family Adventure, please click HERE.



Callaway Gardens is providing my family and me with a complimentary 7-day stay at their resort for the Summer Family Adventure. All opinions expressed in this article are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Link up your giveaways!

Please make sure to link directly to the giveaway and list the name of the giveaway along with the expiration date. Don't forget to stop by Go Graham Go to link up over there as well!

One of my good friends and local blogger extraordinaire, Sue Rodman of Field Trips with Sue just published a book that every Atlanta parent should own! 100+ Free and Cheap Things to do in Atlanta with Kids is brimming with fantastic activity ideas for kids and the the whole family to enjoy this Summer. What's great is that the book focuses on FREE and/or very affordable places to visit in Atlanta. Keep reading below as Sue provides more information about her new book and also gives you a sneak peek of the book and a few great activity ideas for Atlanta families!

One of the best things you can do for your children is take them new places and let them experience the world around them. Summer vacation is the perfect time to explore, but heading out each day can get expensive. Here are some free and inexpensive things you can do with kids this summer. The ideas are taken from a new book called 100+ Free and Cheap Things to do in Atlanta with Kids which includes the who, what, where and when, with costs up front for easy viewing. Web links guide readers to specific information on the attraction; addresses make it easy to plug into the GPS on the go.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll find:

• Visit a Museum or Attraction – Several Atlanta area attractions including the Georgia Aquarium, Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta and The Atlanta Braves offer opportunities to visit for free. For instance, all Georgia Public Libraries have a Family Pass to Zoo Atlanta that can be checked out with a library card.
• See a Movie – Southern Outdoor Cinemas host free movies at parks, and shopping centers all summer long. For indoor movies, Regal Cinemas hosts the Regal Summer Movie Express. The theater shows G and PG rated films at 10 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and admission is only $1. Plus a portion of the proceeds benefits the Will Rogers Institute.
• Get Back to Nature – For low cost and big fun, check out Georgia State Parks or any of the National Parks. There are also several nature preserves around Atlanta that offer free admission including Dauset Trail. Dauset Trail is a 1200 acre preserve with trails, creeks, wildlife and an extensive calendar of events throughout the year.
• Play Sports – From watching professional sports teams to playing them on your own, the book gives you ideas on active fun including bowling. Several national bowling centers offer free bowling to students during the summer. Check out www.kidsbowlfree.com or sign up for Brunswick Zone’s Bonus Zone for emailed coupons. AMF also has a free bowling program.
• Build a Craft – Learn what stores offer kids activities for a bit of indoor (and cooler) fun. For example, Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement offer monthly kid’s workshops where children make and take a wooden craft. Both programs also include a kid sized apron.

The book is available at www.fieldtripswithsue.com/100free in e-book format for the iPad, iPhone, Kindle and Nook for $4.99 and $9.99 for the printed version. You’ll pay for it with your first outing! So pack a picnic lunch and head out for a frugal afternoon of fun.




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.

I am always searching for fun crafts and activities that Lucas and I can do together. I especially like to find seasonal projects. Things that reinforce what Lucas is learning or activities that will teach him something about the current time of the year. One of my go-to online places for all things kids and crafts is of course, Disney's FamilyFun website, which is always loaded with tons of great ideas! I also love their FamilyFun magazine! They recently released a special edition of their magazine, which is on newsstands now through the end of May, titled “Easy Crafts for Kids”.


“Easy Crafts for Kids” is brimming with cute and fun Spring-themed projects. 171 projects to be exact! What's great is that all of the crafts and activities can be made in 30 minutes or less! Check out some of the fun things you and your kids can make...



Buy Easy Crafts for Kids for $9.99 at newsstands across the country and online.









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.

I was recently introduced to an awesome shoe company called, Ahnu. They are highly committed to providing the best performance shoes around while never forgetting their core values. Their philosophy is: The Greater Good. And, they mean it. Ahnu has their hand in helping out various organizations--Conservation Alliance, Soles4Souls, Plus3Network, The Luna Chix, Team Farsight, and the Breast Cancer Fund. In fact, right now through the end of May, every pair of women’s Numentum performance shoes sold equals a $5 donation to the Breast Cancer Fund by Ahnu. The initiative takes place in more than 150 doors nationwide, and online at www.onlineshoes.com


Ahnu has already contributed more than $20,000 to the Breast Cancer Fund through the Plus 3 Network, social network that connects people with corporate sponsors and worthwhile causes on a lasting journey of personal fitness and charitable giving. Ahnu chose the Breast Cancer Fund as one of its causes the past two years, and expects to donate a total of $30,000 through Plus 3 Network before the end of 2011. Way to go, Ahnu!


Visit Ahnu.com to find out more information and to check out their awesome shoes!



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.

Are you guilty of being a laundry over-doser? If so, you’re not alone. A recent survey found that one in four adults say they use more than the recommended dose of detergent because it makes their laundry cleaner. One third of adults guess how much laundry detergent to use and one in four say they always fill the scoop/cap to the top, regardless of the dosage instructions. I actually don't do this, but I used to. I probably learned it from my mom who will sometimes DOUBLE the amount of detergent she uses in the wash because she wants her clothes to smell good LOL. Not only is this not good for your clothing and skin, but it's also bad for the environment.


That's why P&G has come up with a great alternative--full conversion to compacted powder laundry detergents across the following brands: Tide, Gain, Cheer and Dreft! P&G’s compacted powder laundry detergents have been designed to reduce waste, save energy and save water without a trade-off in value or performance.


P&G’s powder compaction detergents deliver meaningful benefits, including:

• P&G’s compaction of its carton powder laundry detergents can help save up to 22 million pounds of total packaging annually
• Saves up to four million GJs of energy each year, or the equivalent of the energy needed to provide 34 thousand average homes with electricity annually
• Saves up to three billion liters of water during production and disposal of the detergent each year, or enough to fill up to 1,224 Olympic-sized swimming pools
• Less packaging means the box is smaller and easier to store.
• Enhanced stain removal with Tide and additional freshness via perfume microcapsule technology with Gain

P&G’s compacted powder laundry detergents are available online via various eRetailers, including the P&G eStore. And, from now until May 31, eStore is offering a savings of $4.00 when you purchase four or more P&G Future Friendly products.



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.

This past Saturday, I hosted a cookout party for Bush's Grillin' Beans. It was wonderful getting to include my family in a blog-related event. Saturday turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day. It wasn't too hot...just right. My parents, brothers, their girlfriends and wives, nieces and nephews all came over.


The kids had a blast playing with toys and running around the yard. Lucas and Blanca and my brother even played baseball for a while.


Since it was a cookout, I kept the decor relaxed and casual...


Then, it was time for the food. We grilled short ribs. All these need is salt and they are ready for the grill...


Of course, we made Grillin' Beans...the Black Bean Fiesta...


We just set the Grillin'Beans in a pot on the grill's side burner. These were so easy to make and a huge hit with everyone. They were so good!



We served the short ribs with chimichurri sauce over it.


along with the Black Bean Fiesta Grillin' Beans and a crisp salad. Seriously delicious!



I think the Black Bean Fiesta Grillin' Beans paired with the chimichurri sauce was perfect. They both have Spanish roots--the beans are Mexican inspired and the chimichurri is Argentinian and Uruguayan {where I was born}. Making chimichurri is very, very simple to make and can be used on top of any type of beef, chicken, or pork...

Chimichurri Recipe

1 1/2 cups firmly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley, make sure to trim the thick stems
1 medium onion
4-6 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp Adobo seasoning
3 Tbsp red or white wine vinegar
3/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
good squeeze of lemon

Directions:

Finely chop the parsley, garlic, and onion. You can do this is in a food processor or by hand. Place in a bowl and stir in the vinegar, oil, lemon juice, salt, and adobo.

The entire day was perfection. It was great getting to spend time with our family enjoying the outdoors and some yummy food. The Grillin' Beans were an easy side dish to prepare, which made our work easier. I highly recommend that you try them at your next cookout! Oh, and don't forget to enter the awesome Bush's Grillin' Beans giveaway, which ends May 30th!




This is part of a series of posts compensated by Bush Brothers & Company. However, all opinions expressed in this article are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.