Old El Paso “Family Taco Night” Review and Giveaway

So due to some travel, I have spent some time away from my home and haven't been able to do an entry.  Well now that we are back at home I am thrilled to share with you my next giveaway.  My Blog Spark had given me my inspiration for tonight's dinner.  There is one dinner that the whole family enjoys.   Taco night!  Well tonight was our night and again it was a hit.  The best part about Old El Paso products is they have a little something for everything.  At my house, we can never agree on what type of shells for the tacos.  Some want hard shell, others like soft tacos.  Old El Paso actually has a box of six hard shells and six soft.  It ends up perfect for my children who never agree on anything. 

Before I discovered these products from Old El Paso, I would have to purchase a box of hard shells and a box of tortillas.  For some reason I would never use the leftover shells in time and they would go bad. I was throwing away money and I hate wasting anything.  Now I don't have to.  I also used their taco seasoning for my entree this evening and everyone thought my taco meat was delicious.  

For a fun twist on Taco Night, be sure to try one of the delicious recipes below.

• Double Layer Tacos
• Old El Paso Favorite Recipe! Layered taco shells and tortillas create the "double" in beef- and bean-stuffed tacos.
• Chicken Ranch Tacos
• Need a new idea for a 30-minute dinner? Here's a twist on ta cos using precooked chicken.

My Blog Spark has provided me with an Old El Paso “Family Taco Night” prize pack which includes a packet of original Old El Paso Taco Seasoning, a Cactus Chip & Dip Serving dish, a set of 3 Fiesta Chili Pepper serving dishes and a $10 gift card to purchase my taco fixings.  So basically they bought my family dinner and they can do the same for you.  My Blog Spark and Old El Paso has provided me with a "Family Taco Night' prize pack to give away to one of my readers.  

They have also provided me with a coupon link that you can print to purchase your own taco goodies. You visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/b069/to download a printable coupon for $0.60 off any two Old El Paso products today!

Mandatory Entry:

Tell me which of the featured recipes on the General Mills site would you like to try?

Additional Entries

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect
• Follow me on twitter
• Follow me on Networked Blogs
• "Like" Homemaker in Progress
  
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Tweet about this giveaway using the tweet below.   (Max 3 entries per day at least one hour apart.) 

 "I entered the Old El Paso Family Taco Night Giveaway on Homemaker in Progress and you should too! http://tinyurl.com/2emz8a9 #Myblogspark"

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends December 14, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents, age 18+.

Been gone all week....

Unfortunately I haven't really been able to post, thank you for following and I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  More to come this week so stay tuned....

Mr. Potato Head - Woody's Tater Round-up

Now that it is the holiday season, I know I have been on the hunt for all kinds of goodies to put under my tree for our children.  Well Hasbro had given me the opportunity to review their Toy Story 3 Tater Round Up Mr. Potatoe Head.

When he arrived, my daughter was so excited she started shaking!  She gets so excited she could barely stand it.  I couldn't help but laugh as she is trying to get into the box to take him out.  There was quite a bit of tape on the box and finally she looks up and says "need help!"  so I opened the box for her.

We had the original Mr. Potato head but this one comes up dressed in western wear and Sammie instantly knew it was from Toy Story 3.  She had fun putting his vest on and off.  He also has a cute cowboy had and a hook on holster.  We have been working on body parts words, so she proudly could point out the arms, nose, feet, eyes and mouth.  Mr. Potato head is great for learning body parts and since it is a part of Toy Story 3, the kids will recognize it instantly.

If you would like to get your own Mr Potato Head Toy Story 3, Woody's Tater Round Up, they are available   online at Amazon or  I have also seen them at Walmart.

They shouldn't be too difficult to find, but I love online shopping rather than hunting.

Carmex Moisture Plus Tint Lip Balms Review & Giveaway

I was given opportunity to review another exciting product and I just have to share it with you.  I was contacted by the makers of Carmex to try out their new product.  They sent me a set of Carmex Moisture Plus Sheer Pink and Sheer Peach Tint Lip Balms.

I had to admit that I was unaware that Carmex made anything other than what my mom uses in those little yellow pots so I was really excited to receive such a fun new product.  At first glance, I was rather surprised at how classy the packaging looked.  I really liked the shiny silver tube. So I opened both packages and looked at the pink one first.  I was a bit concerned that it was too pinky for me.  Once I put it on I realized that actually it was quite sheer and did give just a 'hint' of color.  Same goes for the peach.  Not too much, just a hint.

I also noticed not only how instantly my lips felt moisturized, but how long it lasted.  I didn't have to reapply for a few hours and that was probably just out of habit.  I found that this product was really effective overall.  The best part is that Carmex also sent me an additional set to giveaway to one of my followers!

Now if you want to purchase this product, you can only buy it at Walgreens Stores or here at Walgreens.com

Now if you would like to win  one of these sets, here is how you to it!

Mandatory Entry:

Publicly follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries

• Follow me on twitter  
• Follow me on Networked Blogs
• "Like"  Homemaker in Progress on Facebook
• "Like" Carmex Lip Balm on Facebook
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Tweet about this giveaway and post the permalink in your post.  Feel free to use the twitter link below this post.

Disclosure Statement

Carmex did not compensate me to write this blog or to say particular things in it other than providing me with the product to review. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely mine.

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends November 30, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents, age 18+.

Early Thanksgiving

So my two step children will be with their mom in Florida for Thanksgiving so I decided to celebrate Thanksgiving on Sunday.  It was pretty close to the real thing.  Only difference there were no parades and better football games than watching the Detroit Lions every year.  I made preparations for a huge spread only to wake up with a stuffed up nose, a severe headache and very little energy.  I got up early and started my feast by making my pumpkin pie and cookies for desert.  By the time those were over, my energy was almost drained.  I have to give props to my DH.  He actually got the turkey ready and put it in the oven and helped make my mashed potatoes!  Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have such an amazing husband.  He even went grocery shopping and picked up the odds and ends that I missed.  We ended up having an lovely dinner, have PLENTY of turkey left over and enjoyed the day as a family.  Since the children will be away...we may be going away for an "unconventional" Thanksgiving.  I will keep you all updated when I know more!!!

TGIF!

Happy Friday everyone!

I hope you all have a great weekend.  Looks like I am going share a fun night out with the hubby, however tomorrow will be working with Mom's Like Me Houston at the Woodlands Children's Festival for a day of fun and crafts.  We plan on having a really great time and hopefully will have time to enjoy the festival while we are there!  If you all are local and have children, I highly recommend checking it out.  Should be lots of fun.  Hope you all have a great weekend!  Don't forget, I have a great giveaway going on right here.  Check it out and enter!

What a Crock!

Today has been a struggle to get going.  My allergies are tearing me up but I was dying to share with you a great find today.  Last month I had posted about an apple crisp that I had tried in my crock pot.  It was delicious and you can find the recipe in one of the earlier posts in October.  Later on that week Samantha dropped my crock pot on the tile and broke it.  I was heartbroken...well maybe a little dramatic...but I love my crock pots.

Well I went into CVS today because my hubby needed some superglue.  When I was walking around, I found my exact crock pot sitting on a pile of random dog items.  I picked it up and wanted to go and check the scanner to see how much it was.  Well the bottom was torn off so I brought it to the front.  It actually rung up at 4.89!  I couldn't believe my luck.  It is the perfect size at an amazing price.  If you don't have a medium sized crock pot, this is my favorite!  It is actually a good price on Amazon too!
I hope you all have a wonderful evening!  More giveaways to come soon.

Big G Cereal Movie Cash Review and Giveaway

To tack on to my great mail day today, I wanted to get started on getting another giveaway on my site.  Today I received a "Family Flick Night" gift pack, courtesy of General Mills through Blog Spark.  I am so excited about this promotion that I just need to share it with you!  

Starting in November, you can receive a free movie ticket when you purchase two specially marked packages of Big G cereals including Honey Nut Cheerios® (17 oz.), Cinnamon Toast Crunch® (17 oz.), Lucky Charms® (16 oz.), Trix® (14.8 oz) and Reese’s Puffs® cereal (18 oz.).

After purchasing two participating cereals, visit generalmills.com/moviecash to enter the unique code found inside each box of cereal and print your free Movie Cash certificate (good for one admission of up to a $12 value at participating theatres). To find a participating theater in your area, log onto http://emoviecash.com/dis_locator/.

So you must be wondering what exactly is in the "Family Flick Night" gift pack?  Well you are going to want to know because General Mills and Blog Spark gave me an extra gift pack to giveaway to one of my fellow followers.  So here is what I was sent:

The  “Family Flick Night” gift pack will include two boxes of the participating Big G cereals and four Movie Cash certificates.  Doesn't that sound awesome? Here is how you enter:

**** Please post a separate comment for each entry, otherwise they will only be counted as one.****


Mandatory Entry:


Tell me which cereals are you looking forward to purchasing to earn e-movie cash?

Additional Entries

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect
• Follow me on twitter
• Follow me on Networked Blogs
• "Like" Homemaker in Progress
  
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
• Tweet about this giveaway using the tweet below.   (Max 3 entries per day at least one hour apart.) 

 "I entered the General Mills Giveaway on Homemaker in Progress and you should too! http://tiny.cc/imx31 #Myblogspark"

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends November 17, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents , age 18+.

Result: 26 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

 

Congrats to Amy!  She was the 26th Comment!  She won the prize pack!

Disclosure Statement
General Mills did not compensate me to write this blog or to say particular things in it other than providing me with information and the products to give away through My BlogSpark. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely mine.

Happy Day!!!

     So this morning I was struggling coming up with a topic to write about when a bunch of material ended up on my front door!  Literally!  I am so excited to have received some of the products that I can offer for you to you all for giveaways.  I was discussing my blog today with a friend and realized that the best part of reviewing products is the ability "pay it forward" so to speak.  I have only done two giveaways so far and they have both been successful.  The biggest one that I had so far I did primarily for my readers.  I offered up a 75.00 Gift Card to Sears without them essentially giving me anything for my work.  I loved the fact that I could help someone out with their holiday spending this year.

     I realized that I love winning freebies and love coming home to boxes on my porch. By hosting giveaways, I not only get some goodies myself (usually), but I get to give something fun to someone who reads my blog.  It is totally a win-win.  So today I am stoked because I should be having some fun product reviews and giveaways rolling out soon. I went from struggling for material, to having a whole lot to work on!  So I say happy day to everyone!  Hope all of you sweepers out there are winning, and if you aren't a sweeper yet, stay on my blog and win some fun stuff!

One month anniversary

Today marks my one month anniversary of my blog and I am thrilled with the path that this has taken.  It has given me a focus for my days which is really exciting.  I have been getting some really great reviews set up and am thrilled to let you know that along with those reviews, I will have giveaways to go along with it.  I can't wait until I hit my one year anniversary and realize that blogging has become a permanent part of my lift.  The next month and a half is going to be filled with travel and shopping and searching for the best deals.  I will let you all know what I come up with.  Thank you to all of my wonderful followers and sponsors.  I hope you all have a wonderful evening.  Soon I will be leaving to meet my hubby for dinner!

A quiet house...

So I have exactly 16 minutes until my son comes home from school.  My daughter finally fell asleep after going to the park today and well the only sound i hear is the gentle hum of the fan in my laptop.  No TV, music, dog barking, cat meowing...nothing.  I almost feel like I should be sitting crosslegged in my living room meditating.  I funny about quiet, but did you ever notice how LOUD it gets?  Very strange when you can "hear" the quite.  So i am going to take the next 5 minutes and just listen to the quiet....



Back now and feeling refreshed.  Weird really but true.  If you have five minutes in your busy day, take it to just do nothing!  You would be shocked at how well you feel after-wards.  Have a great day everyone!

Preferences

So last night I just learned that my two year old has preferences on what pajamas she wears.  We were at Kohls yesturday and bought a two pack of pajamas.  They both had Elmo on them because she just hearts Elmo.  So while making dinner, Samantha needs to have her diaper changed.  I figured I would change her diaper and put on a pair of her new pajamas.  So I grab the blue pair that had a big Elmo on the front.  A few minutets later, Samantha comes up to me with the pink pair of Elmo pajamas in one hand and the pj's she was wearing half unzipped.  I couldn't believe it but she was insisting on wearing the pink ones.  I went ahead changed her thinking that my daughter is no longer a baby.  She is starting to make her own decisions and really showing her personality.  I can't believe she has gotten so big so quick. 

Halloween 2010

We really did have a very nice Halloween this year complete with plenty of candy, pumpkins and costumes.  We got up early and Kevin drove a whole 26 miles down the road to go and get us Dunkin Donuts and coffee for me.  The kids eventually got up and everyone carved a pumpkin.   Unfortunately one of the big ones had begun to get soft, but luckily we had a little pumpkin for sammie to "make".  I did try to convince her to use the Mr. Potatoe Head pieces to decorate her pumpkin, but she wasn't having it.  So I gutted it and all three kids made their own. 

Later the boys went over to their mom's house for a hayride and Daddy, Sammie and I headed out into the neighborhood.  For some reason, Sammie wasn't having it.  We went around the block and opted to just hand out candy from the drive way and keep a cooler close by.  This was definitely Sammie's domain.  She loved the kids coming up for candy and had fun "trick or treating" from our own candy bin.  In fact, here is a shot of Sammie giving Mommy a kiss, but then also snaking some candy at the same time.  My little sneaky butterfly! 

I hope you and your families all had a wonderful Halloween, and well...here comes the holiday season!!!