Nickelodeon’s Floam and Gak

Completely reformulated to make playtime and clean-up a cinch for a new generation of families, new Nickelodeon Floam and Gak are two unique reusable compounds, each designed to encourage creative thinking and open-ended play.

New Nickelodeon Floam is an incredible, reusable molding compound. Mold, fold and roll new Nickelodeon Floam into any creation imaginable – the possibilities are endless!

 New formula that is less messy this texturized foam can be squeezed, squashed and flattened. create free form sculptures from scratch or mold onto common household items. After you're done, squish Floam back into its container and use it again and again or let your creation harden overnight and keep it forever!

 Shane really likes floam. He created a car with his daddy and then made his own sculpture. He was entertained for over an hour.

 Floam retails for 6.99 each and can be found at http://www.floam.com/

 

New Nickelodeon Gak is a stretchy, squishy collectible compound. Gak can be squeezed, stretched, bubbled and more – once kids pick up Gak, they won’t want to put it down!

 Gak can be squeezed, squashed, stretched, twisted, rolled and bubbled for hours of creative play. Put Gak back in its container after use to prevent drying out.

Shane really enjoyed bouncing Gak. If you tear off pieces of Gak around one inch in diameter, you can get them to bounce really well. He had a blast with Gak and I know he will be playing with it all the time.

Gak retails for 6.99 each and can be found at http://www.gak-is-back.com/

My favorite activeware ... MARIKA MIRACLES ACTIVEWEAR

Marika is a wellness brand that strives to promote health, happiness and success of busy women everywhere. The new Miracles line from Marika is all about flattering fashion. It utilizes a slimming ELASTA-TIGHT Dry-Wik fabric and incorporates patent approved and patent pending designs and technologies, which ultimately provide an enviable shape to a women’s body before she even hits the gym.

I was super excited to be sent the Marika Miracles Slimming Capri Legging. I can't wait to wear these while getting back in shape after the baby is born.

The Marika Miracles Slimming Capri Legging with Tummy Control contains inner PowerMesh on the side panel and inner waist band, creating the ultimate compression, core support and slimming. Contoured curved seams at the back help contribute to a more flattering figure, and breathable gusset lining ensures that the material stays dry before, during and after a workout. The Slimming Capri Legging with Tummy Control retails for $60 and are available in Sizes S,M,L,XL.


 I own several other pieces from Markia and can't tell you enough how great they are. The dry-wik fabric is amazing. I never get sweat stains or wet shirts when I wear Markia activeware.

Check out http://www.marika.com/ to find some quality activeware.
Take 20% off any full priced Marika Miracles purchase from Marika
Use Promo Code: MIRACLES

So Far So Good

Baby is looking Great so Far. I had my 19 week ultrasound April 16th and was excited to bring along my SIL. The baby measured right on date to the day and looked great. Baby had his/her head towards my right side and feet towards my left. Not uncommon at all! baby was laying on his/her stomach so his/her back was up towards my stomach. Because of this position they had to bring me back this past Monday to get the measurements for the Heart Chambers which look great.

So I got a bonus ultrasound and double confirmation of the sex of the baby. The ultrasound tech's at St John's are awesome. The tech that did my scan Monday offered to switch on the 4d imaging and got the most amazing picture of our babies face.

 I love this picture :)

Now that I know what I am having I have been busy making the baby a blanket/quilt and things for its first photoshoot as well as baby clothes shopping.

 Also this Saturday Shane is turning 4. I can't believe how fast he is growing up. He is top of his class (no surprise) and doing well as always. He is very excited to be a big brother.

 We are having a small family party this year. Shane is getting a swing set as soon as we move as his big present. we are excited that my husbands brother Robert and his wife Ana extended their visit an extra week in order to be here for his party.
This year his theme will be Cars. He loves the Cars movies and characters.

Catalogue by TheFind App

I want to introduce you to one of my new favorite apps for my Smart phone. The Catalogue app by TheFind is a free and new way to browse through all your favorite storecatalogs available for iPad, Kindle Fire and Android (large screen) phones.

At any time, there are roughly 95 catalog merchants featuring 175-200 issues inside the app including fashion, beauty, home, kids and more. Unlike traditional catalogs, Catalogue consumers can pull together their own personal favorites from various brands into one location, check local store availability, take a peek at the retailers sale emails and, “using Camera View”, can even see how an item would look in their own home.

 Here is a list of regularly featured merchants

 1-800-Flowers
Athleta
Barneys New York
Best Buy
Brooks Brothers
Brookstone
CB2
Coldwater Creek
Crate & Barrel
Crew Cuts
Crutchfield
Dean & Deluca
dELiA*s
Dillard's
Dooney & Bourke

eBags
Eddie Bauer
Fossil
Free People
Godiva
Golfsmith
Hammacher
Schlemmer
Hanna Andersson
Harry and David
Home Decorators
Collection
J.Crew
Jos A Bank
Kmart

Lamps Plus
Land's End
Lego
Macy's
Net-a-Porter
Nordstrom
Patagonia
Red Envelope
Ross Simons
Saks Fifth Avenue
Sears
Sephora
Serena & Lily
Sierra Trading
Post
SkyMall
Stella & Dot
Sur La Table
Tea Collection
The Land of Nod
Toys R Us
Travelsmith
UGG Australia
Urban Outfitters
Vera Bradley
Williams-Sonoma
Wine Enthusiast
Zappos



I love this app because it is a Versatile means of shopping that is quick and easy. With a 4 year old and a baby on the way one-stop-shopping is the way to go. I can find things for the entire family quickly and easily.


This post is part of a Blogger Ambassador program which I have received monetary compensation for participating.

My Niece Adele

On top of finding out the gender of my baby this week. Which will stay a surprise to everyone till he/she is born. Phil and I also got the opportunity to meet our niece Adele and hang out with my BIL and SIL.
 His brother is in the army and so we don't get to see them as much as we would like. I was so excited to take pictures of my Niece.
She is such a doll and everyone thinks she looks a lot like my husband. Funny because Shane looks a lot like my BIL.

 Shane just loves her

so cute

Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler Review and Giveaway

I love Rubbermaid products so when I was contacted to review the new Hidden Recycler, I of course said yes.

The Hidden Recycler attaches to the inside of a cabinet door to collect recyclables out of sight and keeps your counters clear. The bag is durable, machine washable, and made of recycled material.

Collect your recyclables and then easily lift the bag from the lid and cabinet by the handle to take them out to your recycle bin. Hinged lid attaches to cabinet door with over the door hooks or screws Bag is made from 65% post-consumer resin Bag is machine washable Comfortable handle for transport 5 gallon bag holds 36 uncrushed cans and is large enough to fit 1 gallon milk jugs

We love the new Hidden Recycler. It has come in handy for milk jugs and empty cans. Right now we don't have much counter space so this has really helped eliminate the pile of recyclables that sit near the sink waiting to make it to the garage for recycling. I love that it is machine washable and it fits great over our cabinet door.

Rubbermaid and I are very confident you will like the Hidden Recycler. Rubbermaid has been kind enough to offer one of my readers a Hidden Recycler.

Playtex Baby Facebook Contest

What did you least expect when you were pregnant or a new Mom? We all have great stories to share, and Playtex Baby wants to hear them! Starting April 16th Playtex Baby is holding a contest on their Facebook page, asking Moms to share candid, unexpected moments of pregnancy and motherhood. They will be selecting daily winners, as well as a grand prize winner who will be flown to LA for the premiere of What To Expect When You’re Expecting. The film will feature Playtex Baby products including the Playtex® Nurser with Drop-Ins® Liners and the Playtex® Diaper Genie® Disposal System! So what are you waiting for – log on and share your story today! https://www.facebook.com/PlaytexBaby/app_321062914616209 “I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Playtex Baby. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating”

Fraas stylish scarves for this Spring/Summer

Looking for a quality stylish scarf this spring/Summer? Fraas has the most beautiful scarfs. With Animal Print leading as a classic fashion look that is on trend for Spring-Summer 2012, Fraas has created an amazing scarves with animal print designs. I was sent this beautiful high quality scarf and I just love it!

About FRAAS This family business has always combined tradition with innovation – with great success. Today, V. Fraas is the market leader in the manufacture of textile accessories, which are appreciated for their premium quality by the most exclusive brands worldwide.


 YOU CAN FIND FRAAS AT SPECIALTY STORES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND MAY ORDER THESE STYLES DIRECTLY AT THE COMPANY BY CALLING 212-575-0191. SELECT STYLES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT fraas.com and amazon.com.

Coke with Meals through My Coke Rewards

I love to try new and fun recipes. So I was pretty excited when I was contacted by Coca-Cola and asked to try a featured recipe and how-to video from Chefs G. Garvin and Ingrid Hoffmann. You can find the new recipes on MyCokeRewards.com/meals, where you can also create a shareable cookbook of your family’s all-time favorites. You can also read and share tips on how to get kids, pre-teens and teens involved in the kitchen.

 After looking through all the great recipe options I decided to try the
PAN-SEARED CRISPY SALMON
INGREDIENTS
 4 6-ounce salmon filets, with skin
 Kosher salt
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic
 2 tbsp diced shallot
 1 large leek, white part only, washed well and diced
 1-1/2 cups shelled fresh cannellini beans, cooked
2 cups white wine
 1 tsp unsalted butter

DIRECTIONS
1. Season the fish on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a sauté pan. Place the salmon, skin-side down, in the pan and cook (without moving the fish) until the skin is crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce the heat, turn the salmon, and continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.
 2. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in another sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallots, and leek; sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the leak begins to soften.
 3. Add the cannellini beans and the wine; bring to a gentle simmer. Add the but- ter. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

I changed the recipe to suit our family as follows
I used Canned Cannellini beans ( didnt have time to soak and cook fresh ones)
We do not like onions so I left of the shallots and added a pinch of onion powder instead
 Left out the leeks all together

Here is my finished product

My thoughts
 This was a great recipe. I would give it an 8 out of 10. I will be adding it to my cookbook. The salmon turned out so good. everyone in the family loved it. I am looking forward to trying other recipes at MyCokeRewards.com/meals.

"Compensation was provided by Coca-Cola, but Coca-Cola is not a sponsor, administrator, or involved in any other way with this post. All opinions expressed are my own and not those of Coca-Cola."

They call him the BABY WHISPERER

Easter time means seeing the extended family and all the cousins. It started a couple of years ago when my family realized my husbands gift. He is amazing with babies/kids. Babies love him and he loves them. Many times when babies are crying, he is the only one that can calm them. Some of my cousins are very fussy when being picked up. They never have a problem letting Phil pick them up. They flock to Phil. So my family began to call him The BABY WHISPERER! Check out this picture of Phil and our 2 nieces Maddy and Faith from yesterday.

It's so cute. I cant wait to see him holding our second baby in August/September. I really am lucky to have such a great Husband. Oh and we had a great Easter. Shane had a blast playing with his cousins and collecting eggs on the Easter egg hunt.

Hope you all had a good Easter as well :)

JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES: PETER PAN RETURNS on DVD April 3rd

JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES: PETER PAN RETURNS was released on DVD April 3rd.

If you child is as big of a fan as mine I know you are very excited for this news.

Synopsis: Peter Pan is back––but his shadow is missing! When Peter loses his shadow while playing a game of Catch-Me-If-You-Can, he returns to Never Land to seek help from his kid pirate friend Jake. Embarking on one of his most daring and exciting adventures ever, Jake and his kid pirate pals, Izzy and Cubby, along with lookout parrot Skully, must use teamwork to find Peter’s shadow and return it to its rightful owner. However, their mission is nearly thwarted by the fiendish Captain Hook, and his bumbling first mate Mr. Smee. But bravery and justice win the day and Jake and his Never Land pirate crew once again reveal what it takes to become heroes, in Disney’s “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns.”

Episodes:
 1 – Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns
 2 – The Elephant Surprise!/Jake’s Jungle Groove
 3 – The Pirate Pup!/Pirate Rock!
 4 – The Sword and the Stone/Jake’s Home Run
 5 – The Pirate Princess/The Rainbow Wand
6 – Mama Hook Knows Best/Pixie Dust Away (Never-Before-Seen Episode) Bonus Materials: “Yo Ho, You Ready to Find Jake’s Shadow?” -
Taking a cue from Peter’s shadow, now Jake’s shadow has run off and disappeared. Help Izzy and Cubby find Jake’s shadow by discovering clues to where the shadow is hiding while learning about pirate lore along the way (just where did the name “doubloon” come from anyway?).

Suggested Retail Price: $19.99 (U.S.)/$24.99 (Canada)

 Shane loves this movie. He has asked to watch it every day we have owned it. Not only has he been enjoying the movie but we have been doing some fun Easter activities to go along with it. Shane had a blast coloring Jake and Cubby last night.

Here is the link to some awesome Jack and the Never Land Pirates Activities
 Grab a copy of the JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES: PETER PAN RETURNS DVD for your child. It would make a perfect addition to any Easter Basket this Easter.

Progressive Kitchen Tools Review and Giveaway

I own several Progressive Kitchen tools and love them. A couple of my favorites are their flour keeper and their fine grater. you can imagine how excited I was when I was contacted to review some of their great citrus tools. I was sent a Set of 4 Dip Clips, a Lemon/Lime Keeper and Lime/Lemon Squeezer. The Dip Clips

are a great way to separate your dip or pieces of fruit but still keep them on your plate. These clips are a great design that works with most plates even paper plates. They are 1/3 cup in size and dishwasher safe. The Lemon/Lime Keeper

is a great way to preserve fresh citrus. It has an Airtight domed lid that locks shut to retain fresh flavor and can be easily opened with just a twist. Sectioned bases store whole citrus, halves or wedges upright. The Lime/Lemon Squeezer

is a fantastic tool that makes squeezing lemons/limes so much easier. Press out fresh lime/lemon juice while leaving the seeds and pulp behind. Die cast aluminum and safe to use in the dishwasher. Check out their Facebook Page HERE to learn about all the great kitchen tools they offer. Progressive has been kind enough to offer one of you the same tools I received. Winner will get a Set of 4 Dip Clips, a Lemon/Lime Keeper and Lime/Lemon Squeezer.

GourmetGiftBaskets.com Baked Goods Review and Giveaway

I have had many Gourmet Gift Baskets and love them. Each one comes with quality items and wrapped so nicely. I would recommend them to anyone as they are a truly great gift basket company. Not to mention all the choices they offer.

I was surprised to learn recently that they also offer baked goods. I was super excited to try their Brownie Sampler. I was sent a brownie in each of these flavors
 · Belgian Chocolate Chunk
· White Chocolate Macadamia Blonde
 · Butterscotch Blonde
 · Cheesecake
 · Peanut Butter
 · Fudge Walnut

 Since I couldn't eat them all I shared with my family. My husband loved his peanut butter brownie and my favorite so far my favorite is the Butterscotch Blonde. They were fresh and very rich. exactly what should be expected from a gourmet brownie.

 On top of brownies Gourmet Gift Baskets also offers cookies and cake in their baked goods.

One of my lucky winners will win the same Brownie sampler I received with one of each of the following flavors Belgian Chocolate Chunk White Chocolate Macadamia Blonde Butterscotch Blonde Cheesecake Peanut Butter Fudge Walnut