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

I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday weekend! I just wanted to pop in and let you know about some amazing sales that Totsy is running for Christmas...

 

How about leather sandals for boys starting at $3.50???

 

 

Or, gorgeous dresses for under $10...

 

 

Women's flats for $7...

 

 

Mini booties for women priced at $9...

 

 

Sunscreen and sandal gift sets for $6.50...

 

Some additional sales going on right now...

• Rasolli Womens Boots
• Under 6 Dollars Fashion Sandals- womens shoes
• Girls Sandals at 3.50 - childrens shoes
• Angels NY Footwear- childrens shoes
• Rain and Cold Weather Boots- childrens shoes/accessories
• Under $10 PJs Underwear More - kids accessories
• Socks Starting at $1 - kids accessories
• Under $10 Disney Characters - kids accessories
• Simply Basic - Beauty
• Newborn Playwear Blowout- newborn apparel
• Nannette Baby Blowout - newborn apparel
• Baby Blowout- layette
• Girls Sets from $8 Blowout - girls apparel
• Boys Sets from $5 Blowout- girls apparel
• Junior Jacket Blowout - womens
• Blowout Mom Shoes Starting at $3.50
• Blowout Mom Boots Starting at $5.50
• Branded Shoes Starting at $3.50
• Girls Fashion Boots at $6.00
• Newborn Layette Blowout
• Wall Decor Blowout
• Home Blowout
• Kids Outerwear Blowout
• Infant Outerwear Blowout
• Beauty Blowout
• Sweater Blowout Event
• Book Blowout
• Accessories Blowout

 

For more information or to sign up for your FREE Totsy account, visit 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.

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!

Can you believe that Christmas is this weekend already? We are so excited! I am looking forward to spending time with our family and friends, the food, getting to see everyone open their gifts, and I'm also looking forward to the quiet. I love how the house feels in the days leading up to and right after Christmas. Everything feels quieter, calmer, more at peace. We stay in our PJs a lot and cuddle up by the fire to eat yummy snacks, watch movies, and just spend time together. What are you most looking forward to? Join us for #KmartChat on Wednesday at 8pm ET and share your home for the holidays stories.







PARTY DETAILS:


WHO TO FOLLOW:
Brand: @Kmart and @KmartDeals
Hosts:@StacieinAtlanta @crissy @jollymom @mommyinsider
WHAT: Kmart Home for the Holidays Twitter Party
WHEN: Wednesday, December 21 from 8-9:30pm ET
WHERE: Twitter with the hashtag #kmartchat
PRIZES:

• Grand Prize: Keurig B40 Single Serve Coffeemaker: http://kmrt.us/tB6q6L
• TheGreatFind 22 piece Flameless LED Candle Set: http://kmrt.us/twyXJu
• Cannon Microplush Heated Blanket, Twin Denim: http://kmrt.us/tNFC7F
• Cannon Microplush Heated Blanket, Twin Garnet: http://kmrt.us/tNFC7F
• 2 Forever Lazys: http://kmrt.us/vkFADZ

RSVP: Leave a comment on the Official Party post on the Kmart website with a link to your Tweet to let us know you are coming. Make sure to read the Official Rules and entry requirements to be eligible to win prizes.

Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored campaign with Sears and Kmart.

From my first cell phone when I was a teenager to now being our wireless, cable (U-Verse), internet, and telephone provider; we have been loyal AT&T customers for years. The past 13 years, actually. They have excellent customer service and have always been reliable for us. Their wireless network is expanding from 3G to 4G which offers a wider bandwidth, which basically means you can do things faster and clearer. I recently had the opportunity to test the Impulse 4G, a new smartphone by AT&T. With AT&T offering one of the best 4G networks out there, the Impulse 4G is the perfect phone to break into that.



The Impulse 4G is powered by the ANDROID platform, which of course has its own marketplace filled with apps, music, videos, movies, and more. However, the Impulse 4G also comes loaded with a lot of useful apps, including eight great AT&T apps. One of our favorites is the U-Verse app, which allows you to control your DVR and watch TV shows right from your phone.

Setting the phone up is simple and very user friendly. All you basically have to do is select the language and enter your Google account info (or create one if you don't have one) and voila--you're phone is ready to go. It's so intuitive that we didn't even have to read directions to get the phone set up. Easy peasy!
The Impulse 4G also allows you to quickly transition between your most used features of the phone and a rolling scroll of your apps (looks really neat).



The phone is designed with features that make communicating through Facebook & Twitter a breeze. One touch will take you from the home screen to the Facebook and Twitter screen where you are able to see both accounts on the same screen. One thing I really liked about it was a typing feature that brought up word choices as you typed, so texting and email, etc… is that much faster. The phone also comes equipped with a 5MP camera with flash, video camera, 3.8” touchscreen display, and even allows you to set up a song as the ringing your callers hear. Very cool.

The only thing that I wish it had is a front facing camera so you can take pictures of yourself without having to contort your body and arms LOL. It's a small gripe though. Overall, the Impulse 4G really impressed both Mike and I (he's a tougher electronics critic than me so that's saying something LOL). It is a fast and smooth operating phone that seems perfect for anyone from business pros keeping a tab on their day to teenagers who want to stay in touch with friends to busy work at home moms like myself just trying to stay ahead. Two thumbs up from me!




The AT&T Impulse 4G retails for $379.99 (No Commitment Pricing) or for as little as $29.99 with a 2-yr contract. Visit AT&T Wireless for more information.

We host a Christmas brunch for mine and Mike's family every year on the weekend before Christmas. This year's was actually this past Saturday. I always look for easy, but elegant dishes to cook. Casseroles and stratas that can be put together the night before and then popped into the oven on the morning of brunch. Pair that with some fresh fruit, oven baked bacon, pumpkin buttermilk biscuits (made the evening before but baked the morning of brunch), orange juice and coffee and you have a stress free brunch. A brunch in which YOU the host can actually relax and enjoy yourself. This year we made a Rosemary Strata and Emeril Lagasse's Breakfast Casserole with Broccoli, Ham Cheese.



I've already shared the Rosemary and Cheese Strata recipe with you before so today I want to share Emeril Lagasse's Breakfast Casserole, which is now our new favorite. Everyone raved. Really. My 18 year old nephew went back for seconds and came back disappointed because in his words "it was cleaned out" LOL.

BREAKFAST CASSEROLE WITH BROCCOLI, HAM AND CHEESE
Serves 6-8

Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/4 teaspoons salt, plus more to season
6 cups broccoli florets (from about 2 pounds broccoli heads)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1⁄2 cups finely chopped onions
1 1/4 cups (about 8 ounces) finely chopped ham
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
8 cups cubed crusty bread such as French or Italian (1-inch cubes)
8 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups half-and-half
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives or scallions (white and tender green parts)
1 1/4 teaspoons sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

First, the prep work:




To assemble the casserole:
Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Fill a large pot three-fourths full of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, prepare an ice bath.Season the water with salt, add the broccoli florets, and blanch until bright green and barely tender, about 1 minute.Using a skimmer, transfer the broccoli to the ice bath to halt the cooking. When the broccoli is fully chilled, drain well, pat dry with paper towels, and set aside.

In a small saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and a couple of pinches of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cooled onions, ham, Cheddar cheese, and bread cubes. Toss gently to combine, then transfer to the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture in an even layer.





Using the same bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, chives, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper until thoroughly mixed. Pour over the broccoli mixture.



Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for atleast 4 hours or up to overnight. About 30 minutes before baking, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature.

To bake the casserole:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole, uncovered, to the oven and continue baking until the top is golden brown and puffed and the casserole is cooked through when tested with a knife, about 15 minutes longer.

Transfer the casserole to a rack and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Cut into squares to serve.
Recipe compliments of Emeril Lagasse.




Emeril Lagasse's Breakfast Casserole with Broccoli, Ham Cheese recipe actually comes from an awesome new cookbook called, The Macy's Culinary Council Thanksgiving and Holiday Cookbook.



The cookbook features recipes from Macy’s Culinary Council chefs, which include Rick Bayless, Michelle Bernstein, Cat Cora, Tom Douglas, Todd English, Marc Forgione, Emeril Lagasse, Marcus Samuelsson, Tim Scott, Nancy Silverton, Ming Tsai, Wolfgang Puck and Takashi Yagihashi. The best of the best.



The cookbook is brimming with beautiful glossy photos and over 80 holiday recipes. You'll find everything from classic Thanksgiving dishes to Hanukkah recipes to holiday cookies to a New Year's Eve party. It is a lovely cookbook that deserves a spot in every home cook's kitchen and would make a wonderful gift this holiday season. Click HERE for more information about cookbook and to purchase.

Just wanted to give you a head's up that Totsy has Stride Rite shoes for sale right now through Wednesday. There are lots of great styles to choose from and prices start at $19.75, which is a wonderful deal for Stride Rite shoes!

 

About Stride Rite:
No one knows kids’ feet quite like Stride Rite. Understanding the significance of every step, each shoe in this renowned footwear line is created from an in-depth knowledge and understanding of how children walk and grow. Boasting lightweight outsoles and self-molding footbeds, this is one company moms have come to trust. You’ll find Mary Janes, sneakers and even Sesame Street and Star Wars themed shoes in this sale, with medium, wide and extra-wide sizes all available for boys and girls. Fits infants and kid sizes 5 – 8.

 

For more information or to sign up for your FREE Totsy account, visit 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.

Last Thursday, Mike, Lucas and I headed to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for their first annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights light display. Every light display we've ever visited is always seen by car or another type of vehicle, but at this light display; you walk through the gardens. There are almost 1 million lights (they are energy efficient bulbs, by the way) featuring whimsical and modern scenes.

 

 

 

Beautiful.

As you walk through the 30 acre gardens, you are treated to live carolers, fire pits with all the fixings for s'mores, hot cocoa, and more. We also stopped by the cafe and had chili and sandwiches.

 

 

But Lucas' favorite part of the night was the toy train model. It was awesome!

 

 

 

Destined to become an in-town holiday tradition, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, open nightly from November 19 through January 7. For more information, please visit AtlantaBotanicalGarden.org.

Christmas is less thank a week away! Even though I am done with most of my Christmas shopping, there are still a few gifts I have to pick up this week. I know, I know...so last minute. I can't be the only one though, right? If you have some last minute shopping to do too, then you should join us for a Sears Twitter party on Monday night. We'll be offering advice on how to make last minute shopping a little bit easier and less stressful.












Follow @Sears and @SearsDeals and tweet with us from 7pm-8:30pm CT using the hashtag #SearsChat to participate. We will be giving away the following prizes:

• 2 Forever Lazys: http://bit.ly/u52Egj
• Remington Foil Shaver
• 2 Smart Planet Mini Cupcake Makers: http://bit.ly/vbNHxz
• 4 $50 gift cards

PARTY DETAILS:

As a mom, one of my favorite types of toys are the ones that encourage imaginative play. That's why I love playsets like The Littlest Pet Shop Blythe Loves to Fly. It will provide little girls with hours of play by themselves or with their friends.


Plus, the Blythe dolls are gorgeous and check out the little bulldog she's pet-sitting... So cute, right??



Blythe and the bulldog are about to jet set to their next adventure so they have to get their luggage loaded and then enjoy the flight. There are in-flight movies to watch...




and, yummy snacks to eat...check out the snack cart...ADORABLE!!



Blythe Littlest Pet Shop Pet Jet comes with the jet, Blythe doll, pet, collector's pamphlet, promotional sticker mail-in Pet Sitters Club Collector Handbook offer , and other accessories. Purchase at major toy retailers across the country. Retail price $34.99-$39.99

One of things that I love the most about the holidays is getting to see my family and friends more than I do throughout the year. Whether it's at a festive party or small get-together, it's nice to have something to do with your friends and family. That's where a fun board game, like Say Anything comes in!






About the Game (from the website):
From the makers of the award-winning Wits and Wagers comes the next great party game - Say Anything. Say Anything is a light-hearted game about what you and your friends think. It gives you the chance to settle questions that have been hotly debated for centuries. For instance, “What’s the best movie of all time?” or “If I could have a BIG anything, what would it be?” So dig deep into your heart or just come up with something witty – this is your chance to Say Anything. Say Anything combines the best elements of Wits and Wagers and Apples to Apples. 1) Ask any question from the card you draw, such as “What’s the best movie of all time?” or “If I could have a BIG anything, what would it be?” 2) Everyone else writes an answer and turns it face-up. 3) Secretly choose your favorite of these answers. Then everyone tries to guess which one you picked. Play Say Anything - and find out what your friends really think. Ages: teens and adults. Players: 3 – 8.

Playing is simple. Just draw a card and ask one of the questions. Everyone else (not you) writes down their answer and puts it face-up on the table for all to see. You choose YOUR favorite answer from the group and then everyone tried to guess which one you chose. It's a fun and funny way to get to know the people in your group.





Say Anything is fun and would make a great holiday gift for anyone! It would be cute to give as a hostess gift as well. There's also a Say Anything Family Edition that is more appropriate for kids.




Say Anything can be found at Target and Toys R Us. Retails for approximately $20. For more information, please visit NorthStarGames.com.

Paying it forward. It's something we should all be doing year round and especially at this time of year. Last Christmas, we donated a lot of toys to different organizations in Atlanta.



In 2011, we were also fortunate to work with Pampers on the Little Miracles Mission, which allowed us to help parents of babies at Egleston's NICU and we were also able to help the NICU itself.





I have loved every second of being able to give back. It is one of the best blessings that my blog has given me. Providing me with the resources and connections to be able to help others.

This holiday season we are doing several things to help children in our local community. We will be taking Lucas to shop for a handful of toys to donate to Toys for Tots. We will let him choose the gifts, which I believe is an important part of the process so that he can fully realize and experience the act of giving. We also have a stash of new, unopened toys that we will be donating to one of our local children's hospitals.

There are so many ways to give back and so many great organizations to help. For instance, did you know that the polar bears are losing their home? The sea ice is melting at an unprecedented rate. That's why Coca-Cola and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have joined forces for the "Arctic Home" initiative, which aims to raise awareness and money to protect the polar bear’s home.



Through the Arctic Home website, you can get information and stats about polar bears and you can even track polar bears. If you're looking for an easy way to give back this holiday season, how about helping the polar bears? For every dollar you donate, you may select one virtual parcel of Arctic Home that you can use as a base for exploring and tracking real polar bears. Your virtual parcel represents your involvement in Arctic Home and your commitment to the polar bear and its future. And, don't forget that Coca-Cola will match every $1 donation--up to $1 million! Visit ArcticHome.com to make your donation.

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!