Remembering My Grandmas and Their Holiday Treats

My maternal grandmother, who I affectionately referred to as "Ma," always made tons of candy at the holidays - peanut butter balls, Martha Washington balls, dream bars, peanut brittle, and fudge.

While she baked and canned year round, she particularly enjoyed candy-making during the holidays; always making sure her children and 23 grandchildren, and great-grandchildren had plenty of goodies between Thanksgiving and New Years.

My paternal grandmother, on the other hand, while a great cook - preparing a large Sunday feast each week for us to enjoy after church - never did much candy-making.  But what I do remember, however, is that during the holidays she always had a never-ending supply of orange slice candy. 

The other day as I was out shopping, I came across large packages of "homemade" candy and couldn't help but to think of my grandmothers and how they spoiled me on sweet treats during the holidays.

So I a grabbed a couple of packages to enjoy.  While these goodies were absolutely wonderful, I just don't think they can compare to what my grandmother's had. 

Which is odd, considering that my Grandma didn't make the orange slices.

It must that secret ingredient of Love.  Whether it's baked in or bought with, either way it just seems to make sweets that much sweeter.

Wouldn't you agree? ;)

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Little Caesars Pizza Buy One Get One Free Deal (Ends December 28)

Little Caesars Pizza has a GREAT Buy One, Get One Free Deal on their
Hot-N-Ready Pizzas. 

Just visit their website at http://www.littlecaesars.com/ to print your coupon (or visit littlecaesars.mobi for a digitally delivered coupon).

But HURRY! this offer expires TODAY!

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Charter Wants to Know What Moms Are Thinking

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.

  Now that the kids are out of school and it's too cold to play outside, it seems like our television runs almost nonstop with cartoons and a variety of tween'er shows.

Of course, that's about all they can have on since I use Charter's awesome parental controls to keep undesirable programming out of my home.

Any other Moms tired of adult-themed sitcoms posing as cartoons?  Or how about the redundant reality shows? There's a reality show for every known job and mental disorder known to man and every single size, race, combination, and height of families on the planet.

Yuck!  I'm ready to return to the days of REAL television.

And finally there is a cable company who cares what we, as Moms, think about television programing.

The Charter Moms Panel on Facebook wants to know what we like and what we hate, so they can bring their customers the best services possible.

Also, by liking Charter moms on Facebook, you'll be the first to know about new services and programming.

I personally enjoy having input into my television services, so I've already joined so that I don't miss any more opportunities. 

What are you waiting for?
 

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Project You Magazine, Holiday Issue (December 2010)

Open publication - Free publishing - More shopping

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Are You Americas Most Amazingly Energized Woman?

This holiday season, the makers of Centrum® multivitamins and Molly Shannon are in search of “America’s Most Amazingly Energized Woman” and they want your help!

In celebration of women who live life and love to the fullest by staying healthy and energized, even during the busiest time of the year, Centrum® is kicking off a new contest.

Visit http://www.lovefeelinghealthy.com/ to nominate yourself or someone special in your life. Tell them your secret to maintaining healthy energy levels so you can enjoy the great things the holiday season brings – including friends and family time, giving gifts, hosting parties, and so much more!

Participants are asked to submit 300 words or less that explains how you (or who you nominate) does it all. Nominations are being accepted until January 3, 2011 (12pm EST). Contest open to US residents only.

Five finalists will be selected and then, from January 17-31, 2011, the public can cast their votes for who should be coined “America’s Most Amazingly Energized Woman.”

PRIZES:

• Grand Prize: $3,000 XPERIENCE DAYS Gift Certificate.
• Four (4) Runner-Up Prizes: $400 XPERIENCE DAYS Gift Certificate

XPERIENCE DAYS offers thousands of unique gift experiences nationwide.  You can find the Sweepstakes Rules & Regulations Here.

Achieve better health during the holiday season by downloading a $3 coupon for Centrum® Women’s or Centrum® Men’s.

"I am a member of One2One Network and this post is part of a member project where I am eligible to win prizing.
I make no claims about Centrum as a product or it's effectiveness."

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Cinch! by Cynthia Sass: Will this new weight loss method work? An Invite to Follow Along

If you're a regular reader here, you know I'm adament about keeping my weight down to avoid Type 2 diabetes following gestational diabetes I had in my last pregnancy.

And I'll admit that it feels good in a vain sort of way.  But did I mention that I literally, physically feel better too?

Well, recently discovered a new diet I want to try, in Cynthia Sass's book Cinch! that's releasing on December 28, 2010.

According to promotions, if you follow the steps faithfully, participants can see significant changes in their eating habits and watch the pounds fall off.

Here is the synopsis of the book:

Cynthia Sass, the creator and co-author of the New York Times Bestselling Flat Belly Diet presents her new break-through, 30-day weight loss program Cinch! targeted to end overeating, leaving dieters feeling full and satisfied while enjoying the best food combinations to burn fat and boost metabolism.

The program starts with the 5-day Fast Forward plan that ends erratic eating by focusing on five simple foods—spinach, almonds, raspberries, eggs, and yogurt (or vegan-friendly alternatives)—eaten in a variety of combinations. These first 5 days promise up to 8 pounds of weight loss. Each of the five foods is low in calories yet loaded with nutrients and natural satiety-boosters, which allows you to “detox” from junk foods without feeling deprived.

The remaining 25 days of the program are packed with foods that offer maximum fat-burning, improving metabolism while unlocking the secret to the body’s satiety center with foods that the latest research shows turn on the body’s “I’m full” signal. As in Flat Belly Diet, all of the meals for the full 30-day program are created for you and are fully interchangeable. As an added feature, vegan and vegetarian options are covered so the plan can be adapted to fit any lifestyle.

I hope you'll follow along with me as I give this 30 days program a try and see if these claims hold true:

• Weight loss—up to eight pounds in the first five days and drop a size in the first thirty days
• Increased self-confidence
• Mastery of the tactics proven to keep weight off
• An understanding of the powerful emotions that drive you to eat when you’re not hungry
• Better health, including a surge in energy

Will I stick with it?  Will it work?  I don't know, but I guess we'll see.

Hey, here's an idea - if you've been looking to lose weight and free yourself of crappy foods, then why don't you pre-order Cinch! and try it along with me.  Each day we can check in with our results.

Sound like fun?  Okay!  Then let's do it!

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Expensive Formula Does Not Equal Better Formula

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

I recently read an article at MoneyWatch.com about the Similac formula recall.

It was just another reminder that although all baby formulas, including store brand formula, has to meet FDA requirements, parents are still in the mindset that higher price equals better quality.

Not so. The Infant Formula Act of 1980 applies to ALL brands of formula.  What does this mean exactly?  No one formula is better than the other.

Being a Mom of four children, I've used my fair share of pricey formulas.  My personal experience has been that my children with whom I had made a switch to generic formula were just as healthy and energetic as those with whom I had used brand name products.

I also know there's a lot of hype about brain development in formulas, making sure babies have the best opportunity to be as smart as they can be.  On that issue, all I can say is that all of my children are intelligent; formula choice does not appear to have had any bearing.

The one thing I can promise when it comes to choosing a formula is that you will get equal quality with generic formulas but will save A LOT of money that's better put toward a future college education.

 

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SaleCamel.com is giving away $100 in Amazon Gift Cards every Monday!

Salecamel.com isn't just a place to find the best deals on some of the hottest items, it's now where you can win an Amazon gift card on Mondays!

Just visit Salecamel.com's Deal of the Day for details on how to enter.

It's fast, easy, and no purchase necessary!

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Got Cows? Amazing Cows by Sandra Boynton (Review and Giveaway)

Sandra Boynton claims to have been six years old since 1959.

I believe her. 

Recently I was provided with a copy of her new book Amazing Cows and since then it has become my six-year-old's favorite book; we have to read several segments every day, several times each day.

You're probably asking yourself exactly what Amazing Cows is.

It's okay, I did too.

As Sandra Boynton herself describes it, "It is perhaps a 96-page, lavishly-illustrated, exuberant, miscellany of bovinely-inspired stories, jokes, poems, a song, a myth and even a vintage Amazing Cow comic book entitled Trouble on Zebblor 7"

Still not getting it?  Okay, let me put this way:  it's a book about funny cow stuff!  With a few pigs and chickens tossed so as not to be discriminatory, of course.

As I said, Big Brother is loving Amazing Cows and has to have his cow fill every day; at which time he belly laughs.  His favorite part is the three knock-knock jokes, that he repeats over and over and over...

Okay, so it's making me a little crazy.  But he loves it, so I love it.

Check out the free preview below and then head out and grab Amazing Cows for your kid or the adult child in your family - because it would make one a-MOO-zing stocking stuffer! (Or you can be cheap and shoot for the giveaway that follows the preview!)


GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! Sandra Boyton and Workman Publishing is generously offering a free copy of Amazing Cows to one lucky reader of The Mom Trap.
Here's how to enter: Leave a comment below telling me what is your favorite farm animal. (Be sure to include an email address or have one available on your profile in case you win!)

Want to increase your chances of winning with extra entries? (Leave a comment for each additional entry; i.e. 2 extra entries = 2 comments)

• Visit Workman Publishing at http://www.workman.com/ and tell me the name of another Workman title you like.
• Like Sandra Boynton on Facebook for 1 extra entry (already like it? That counts!).
• Become a Facebook Fan of The Mom Trap at www.facebook.com/themomtrap (1 extra entry. Current followers also receive extra entry.)
• Follow The Mom Trap with Google Friend Connect, Twitter, or Yahoo Account. (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Follow The Mom Trap on Twitter (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Tweet this giveaway for 2 extra entries, including @kdcantrell in your tweet. (Include the Tweet status URL in your comment.)
• Blog about this giveaway for 5 extra entries. (Be sure to include the URL of your post in your comment)

The Fine Print: Contest ends at 11:59:59 PM Central Time on Sunday, December 12, 2010. Winner will be chosen by random number generator. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Open to U.S. and territories residents only. Winner will be announced on Facebook and notified via email no later than Monday, December 13, 2010, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or an alternate winner will be chosen.

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Megyn Price talks about Infertility, Surrogacy, and being a Hollywood Mom

The hit CBS sitcom Rules of Engagement is going to be tackling a difficult subject in upcoming episodes:  infertility and surrogacy.

Price's character, Audrey, and husband Jeff have danced around the issue of having a baby in previous episodes without much commitment one way or another.

In upcoming episodes, however, that will will change.

"Our writers, a couple of whom had went through fertility issues with their own wives, managed to find all of the humor that was possible - if that is possible in the sort of the fertility shots and the processes that you go through, and the heartbreak with the absurdity of it," Megyn said.    

And when fertility treatments fail, many couples consider surrogacy.

"They just took it to the next level with the surrogacy which again is again a sort of extreme method I think for having a child. Because it really shows how much a couple wants a child," said Megyn.

So how does Megyn Price feel about taking on this difficult, often-touchy issue?  "It scares me, frankly.  It scares me," she said.

While Rules of Engagement will attempt to lighten the emotional burdens of infertility, it's never far from anyone's mind that it's no laughing matter. Megyn said, "[While] they've managed to find the funny, I will say there are moments I have to take a step back and say, 'Hold on a minute, this is a bigger deal than we're making it!'"

I'm anxious to see where writers will take Audrey and Jeff as they embark on the adventure of having a baby.

Be sure to tune in to CBS on Monday nights at 8:30/7:30 p.m. central to watch new episodes of Rules of Engagement.

I couldn't walk away with from an interview on this subject, however, without asking Megyn her real-life role of being a Mom in Hollywood.

Megyn was born and raised in Oklahoma where she met her high school sweetheart, Eddie, who is now her husband.  I wanted to know if their Midwest upbringing would play a stronger role in the rearing of the daughter, Grace, than the influences of Hollywood. 

Megyn says she has met many people raised in Los Angeles who were part of entertainment families that are wonderful people, but in response to my question she says, "Oh good Lord I hope so!"

She adheres to this by remembering what her father told her when she first started acting, "Sweetheart, you can be in Hollywood but not of Hollywood."

Sounds like Megyn's dad is a very wise man.

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Tasty New Varieties Makes Progresso Soups Worth Talking About (Giveaway too!)

Have you noticed it's almost Winter yet? I don't know about where you are, but here in Tennessee it didn't start really feeling like late Fall, almost Winter until earlier this week.

But it is now, and there's nothing better that I love during these cold months than soup.

One of favorite brands of soups if Progresso.  With so many choices, it's hard not to love them.

Recently Progresso and My Blog Spark offered to me free samples of two flavors to which I had not yet been introduced:  New England Clam Chowder Light and Chicken Tortilla.

While both were delicious, I've got to say my family has now fallen in love with the New England Clam Chowder.   Although lighter on calories - only 1 Weight Watchers Point - Progresso has not sacrificed the rich, creamy seasoning and hearty chunks of meat that makes their soups so tasty!

Giving you a taste worth talking about with new varieties, Progresso continues to provide convenient options made to taste great and encourage good food choices, too. It’s important to make food choices for yourself and for your family that are both satisfying to your taste buds and nutritious.

• Progresso® New World Recipes™ – Inspired by Mexican recipes, explore one of the fastest growing ethnic cuisines by giving the Progresso New World Recipes line a try. Made with authentic Mexican ingredients and seasonings, four new Progresso soups will be hitting grocery shelves near you - Chicken Tortilla, Meatball & Rice, Black Bean Jalapeno and Chicken & Vegetable.
• Progresso Light - America’s number one Light soup just got better, as all 13 existing Progresso Light varieties are now packed with bigger pieces of white meat chicken, more tender pieces of beef or added vegetables.
• Progresso Reduced Sodium – With 49 percent of shoppers concerned about high cholesterol1, Progresso understands the importance of soluble fiber and reduced sodium diets. New Reduced Sodium Tomato Parmesan soup is one more tasty option that has a delicious blend of flavors and carries the “May Help Lower Cholesterol”2 benefit. In addition, five additional Reduced Sodium soups also carry the “May Help Lower Cholesterol”2 benefit.
• Progresso High Fiber – With 9 out of 10 Americans not getting the recommended Daily Value of fiber, Progresso High Fiber line of soups are packed with 7 grams per serving.

For more information about the new and improved varieties of Progresso soups as well as great recipe ideas, visit http://www.progressosoup.com/ today! Also, check out Progresso on Facebook to “Like” the brand and keep up with the latest news on your favorite Progresso products, both new and old!

GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  Progresso and My Blog Spark is generously offering one lucky reader of The Mom Trap to chance to win a Progresso Prize Pack that includes VIPS coupons for two free cans of Progresso soup, a spoon rest, a soup can rack, and a soup mug with matching spoon.  

Here's how to enter:  Leave a comment below telling me the name of your favorite soup. (Be sure to include an email address or have one available on your profile in case you win!)



Want to increase your chances of winning with extra entries? (Leave a comment for each additional entry; i.e. 2 extra entries = 2 comments)

• Like Progress on Facebook for 1 extra entry (already like it? That counts!).
• Become a Facebook Fan of The Mom Trap at www.facebook.com/themomtrap (1 extra entry. Current followers also receive extra entry.)
• Follow The Mom Trap with Google Friend Connect, Twitter, or Yahoo Account. (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Follow The Mom Trap on Twitter (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Tweet this giveaway for 2 extra entries, including #myblogspark in your tweet. (Include the Tweet status URL in your comment.)
• Blog about this giveaway for 5 extra entries. (Be sure to include the URL of your post in your comment)

The Fine Print: Contest ends at 11:59:59 PM Central Time on Saturday, December 10, 2010. Winner will be chosen by random number generator. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Open to U.S. and territories residents only. Winner will be announced on Facebook and notified via email no later than Saturday, December 11, 2010, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or an alternate winner will be chosen.

1Health Focus Int., 2009
2Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in fruits, vegetables, and grain products that contain some types of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, may reduce the risk of heart disease, a disease associated with many factors.
WEIGHT WATCHERS for services and POINTS are the registered trademarks of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and are used with permission by General Mills.

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Train Your Tot with EZ SOX (Product Review and Giveaway!)

Whew, that was quite a Thanksgiving! It's was wonderful to spend time with family and friends.

I enjoyed a nice break before heading into the busy Christmas season, but I'm back in the game with a great product that you Moms are going to love!

I don't know about you, but as a mom of 4, one of my favorite moments (most liberating!) was when my children learn to dress themselves.  And what's one of the most frustrating pieces of clothing?

SOCKS!

Well, not anymore.  Sporting a unique design of double reinforced loops, EZ SOX are the only socks making a way for tiny fingers to get a good, strong grip for pulling up and over their itty bitty feet - and walk away feeling like a champ!

Created by parents who watched their son struggle with his own socks, these adorable training socks come in ten designs:  Jazz the Dog, Fred the Frog, Bo the Bear, Priscilla the Pig, Pat the Cat, and Roni the Rabbit; the new members Red Ladybug, Black Penguin, Olive T-Rex, and Purple Kitty.  Also available in solid colors too! (Although the character designs are a perfect guide for littles ones in knowing which side is up and which side is down.)   

Moms and Dads ready to conquer the daunting socks-on task will find EZ Sox available in two sizes:  4-6 (2-3 years) and 7-12 (3-5 years).

When I was offered a pair of EZ Sox to try, I couldn't say yes fast enough.  Princess A is learning to dress herself and, of course, the sock part is a major headache.  She actually gives up and just puts them on her hands. :)

Now, intially, the cute design automatically made her think of a sock puppet so they went straight to the hands.  But all it took was a couple of demonstrations and she was took right to it like a duck to water!

Here's something, Mom, you'll also be interested in knowing:  they don't shrink and hold their shape after washing!   Since they're the only socks Princess A wants to wear now, we've put this to the test several times over a couple of weeks.

At only $4.99 per pair, these socks are idea for stocking stuffers!

GIVEAWAY!  EZ SOX has been generous enough to offer one lucky reader of The Mom Trap a pair of their socks in the design (if available) and size of their choice!!

Here's how to enter:  Visit the EZ SOX website at http://www.ezsox.com/ and tell me which design you would choose if you won this giveaway.  (Be sure to include an email address or have one available on your profile in case you win!)

Want to increase your chances of winning with extra entries? (Leave a comment for each additional entry; i.e. 2 extra entries = 2 comments)

• Like EZ SOX on Facebook for 1 extra entry (already like it? That counts!).
• Follow EZ SOX on Twitter for 1 extra entry (already follow?  That counts too!)
• Become a Facebook Fan of The Mom Trap at www.facebook.com/themomtrap (1 extra entry. Current followers also receive extra entry.)
• Follow EZ SOX Blog with Google Friend Connect, Twitter, or Yahoo Account. (1 extra entry.  Current followers included)
• Follow The Mom Trap with Google Friend Connect, Twitter, or Yahoo Account. (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Follow The Mom Trap on Twitter (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Tweet this giveaway for 2 extra entries, including @kdcantrell in your tweet. (Include the Tweet status URL in your comment.)
• Blog about this giveaway for 5 extra entries. (Be sure to include the URL of your post in your comment)

The Fine Print: Contest ends at 11:59:59 PM Central Time on Wednesday, December 8, 2010. Winner will be chosen by random number generator. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Open to U.S. and territories residents only. Winner will be announced on Facebook and notified via email no later than Saturday, December 11, 2010, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or an alternate winner will be chosen.

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