Mom Moments - T.G.I.After9PM

I used to be a believer in TGIF (Thank God It's Friday). But since my weekends are becoming ever-more hectic, I now just say "Thank God It's After 9 p.m." Because no matter how zonked I am at this time of night, all the babies are in bed, and I can zoom through 3 rooms in my house, de-cluttering, sweeping, and sometimes (like tonight) I can scrub. I work up quite a sweat, and then I'm ready to crash for the night.

Today I was looking through all the digital pics I took throughout the day, and aside from a few unflattering ones that my hubby snuck in when I wasn't looking (was it really necessary to get a photo of my bum as I was bending over to pick up the baby?) I really did get some adorable shots.

And, like all days, I learned some really useful things too. Like, did you know:

1) Doing the sprinkler (yeah, that really lame pseudo-dance from the 90's) really works your underarms

2) You can make the best play swords and spears from cardboard and duct tape



3) Leftover deer steak (yech) makes a rather tasty burrito

4) A toddler's fist will fit perfectly into an 18 oz. jar of peanut butter



5) You can never, I mean NEVER, give a kid too many fruit snacks

After 9pm is the best few hours of my day. What do you like to do after everything has wound down for the evening?

Making Life Better with Unilever

Most of you are probably familiar with Unilever (especially if you get Sunday coupon inserts.) In addition to making soap, it is also the company behind brands that families use every day including Ragu, Skippy, Wishbone, Ben & Jerry's, Caress, Breyers, Dove, Country Crock, and on and on and on. *chuckle*

At their website MakingLifeBetter.com, Unilever goes to great lengths to give families tools and tips to truly make life better. What kind of things do they offer? Here are a few of my faves:

• Recipe of the Week - I know, there are so many sites that offer thousands of recipes, but I love the focus of having one recipe on the home page that really inspires. This week they give you Chicken Fajita Grilled Pizzas. Can you say "YUM?"
• Monthly Sweepstakes - Like to win stuff? I thought you would. This month they are giving away a $500 Gift Card and daily prizes of an eco-friendly tote bag!
• Well-researched and quick-read articles on a variety of important topics: health, beauty, family, food, and fun!

Did you know that there is also a MakingLifeBetter YouTube channel? It features tips from the cooking coach - so you have no excuse not to get crackin' in the kitchen!

Thanks to Mom Central for allowing me to try some great Unilever brands while learning about Making Life Better's website!

Step2 Play Up Gyms Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

The hangars on the swing can break, causing children to fall. Please see the official press release for all the details!

Bunk Bed and Sweatshirt Recalls

Gothic Cabinet Craft Bunkbeds pose a fall, entrapment, and strangulation hazard. Read more about them at the CPSC website. (The bed pictures above is just one of the many styles being recalled.)

While you're there, check to see that you don't own one of these recalled sweatshirts!

Review of Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches

Yeah! It's summer time! More yard work, more laundry, and more exhaustion than the rest of the year. If you have little ones and are already starting to feel the "pain" of summer, I suggest you chill out with a treat (like ice cream?).

I've always indulged in ice cream. Even when "dieting," it's something I haven't denied myself. The problem with this thinking, however, is that I can't really limit myself to one small bowl or one popsicle (you get the picture.) When I was asked to try Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches, I was curious (I've heard a lot about them, but never had them personally.) Since I love me my ice cream, I took my two free coupons to the store and loadedtwo boxes of the ice cream sandwiches into my cart.

Here was my experience:

Awesome... melty... good. Since it was over an hour drive to get home from the one store that carried them near me.. they were pretty much a soupy mess when they hit the freezer. Pay no mind.. two hours later, they firmed up pretty well, and I was in HEAVEN! I especially like the ice cream sandwiches. They just look classy. Even the melty ones on the ends tasted good, crushed up in a bowl and eaten with a spoon.

I'm a big believer that if you're going to do something, do it right -- not light. But Skinny Cow tasted like regular ice cream. I wouldn't have known the difference!

You can check out all the treats offered by Skinny Cow at their website www.skinnycow.com. Thanks to MomCentral.com for this delicious opportunity, I can now eat my ice cream with less caloric consequences (or just have more than I normally would.. LOL)

Trampolines Recalled

There have been over 250 reports of the straps in the enclosure breaking on this Skywalker trampoline with enclosure. No injuries at this time, however, please see the CPSC website for more details.

Review of Caress Evenly Gorgeous Bodywash

Hello ladies! Are you as big a bodywash junkie as I am? I recently got to sample a bottle of the new Evenly Gorgeous Bodywash from Caress. I loved it!

First of all, when they sent me this sample to try, I was a bit taken back by the design of the bottle. When I looked at it, I mistakenly thought it was made for darker skin. After closer inspection, however, I learned that it was for ALL skin types, and I gave it a go on my next shower.

What did I like about it? The smell. The perfect aroma of tropical, sexy, and yummy. I couldn't get over the scent. (I actually use it once or twice at every shower... it is the highlight of my routine.) I also liked the gentle exfoliation of the product. It wasn't too rough, but worked really well. It was great that it dissolved so well and didn't leave little sand piles at the bottom of my shower (like other exfoliating products.)

I can't say that I saw a remarkable difference in the overall appearance of my skin. It was a little less ashy looking (especially on my knees and elbows.) I did have a nice fresh scent that lasted all day, and my husband was a fan.

You can get a $1 off coupon to try the product for yourself. Just visit the Caress website to get started. It is just one of a few new products offered by Caress, including Daily Silk and Glowing Touch bodywashes and beauty bars.

Oh, and one last really fabulous thing! You can enter to win a trip to Fashion Week in NYC by visiting their contest page. (Weekly winners will get a $100 Caress gift card!) Enter until Nov. 30th.

Tyson Shares Easy Recipes and Gives Readers a Chance to Win!

I was introduced to Tyson's Heat ‘N Eat Dinner Meats when I traveled to SXSW with the Walmart 11Moms. I was taken aback by the tenderness of the meats, the savory sauces, and how easy it was to pop them in the microwave and have dinner on the table in minutes! Tyson thought you'd like to see just how simple meal prep can be, with these videos for making a few favorite recipes:

Angel Hair Pesto with Beef Steak Tips in Burgundy Sauce (BTW - the Burgundy Beef Steak Tips are my favorite of the Tyson Heat 'N Eat line.)

Brisket Caprise Salad (Perfect for hot summer days!)

Don't they look simple? We want to give you a head start on your summer meal plan by giving a few readers the chance to try the Heat 'N Eat line for FREE! Just comment on this post with your favorite of the two videos we shared. You have until June 8th, 2009 to enter, and we'll randomly choose from all the comments. 2 Winners will each receive 2 free product coupons (valued at $6.99 each) to redeem for product.

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

3M Filtrete Clean Air Club

My little guy gets indoor allergies... and outdoor allergies.. and allergies just because. I can't hardly blame him, though. We live in a very dusty rural area, and we rely heavily on air-cleaning products to keep him breathing well.

Filtrete by 3M is a leading brand in air cleaning. That's probably because they have so many products to work in so many kinds of homes (and the right filter for each need.) Right now, they have a special offering for those interested in learning more about clean air and home health: The Clean Air Club!

If you head over to their website, you can sign up to become a member. It's free, and you'll get all sort of cool stuff, including:

A Homeowner’s Guide to Better Indoor Air Quality.
Learn the basics in this booklet from the American Lung Association® of the Upper Midwest Health House® program.

Indoor Air Quality Journal.
Schedule and track easy steps to help improve indoor air quality.

“My Size” filter wallet reminder card.
Never forget your filter size again.

Don't forget to check the box to be entered to win a bamboo plant!

There are lots of cool home health offerings at the Filtrete site, but many of them are only for a limited time. You can enter your dirty filter photo and get a free filter! There's a Clean Air Fact or Fiction sweepstakes that could get you $10,000 and a Home Consultation. Or just check out the tips for creating a healthier home environment with Larry the Lab Guy!

Check out Filtrete's website for all the buzz.

This post was done in conjunction with Mom Central.

Today's Freebies (May 21st)!

Cool freebies today!

Check out samples of Garnier Nutritioniste and Playtex at Walmart.com!

Free full-size ice cream samples at select Walmart stores on May 30th.

Get free music downloads from Mercedes this week!

Join the Quiznos Q Club and get Quiznos updated and access to coupons. Click Here

Win 2 Tickets to Yanni Voices in Omaha, NE!

Hey all you Omaha, NE readers! (Or those relatively close by...) I am so pleased to be able to see the May 31st performance of Yanni Voices, and I have 2 extra tickets to share!

It's going to be super easy to enter. All you have to do is comment on this post with "Enter me!" Yep... no long drawn-out or crazy entry methods. Just let me know that you want to be considered by this Friday, May 22nd at 4pm CST. You will need to have a valid email address for me to reach you if you win, and you will also need to respond to my email confirmation within 48 hours of sending it to you. (Please note that these tickets are ONLY good for the May 31st 7pm show in Omaha, Nebraska. If you cannot provide your own transportation to the show, please do not enter.)

For more information on Yanni Voices, see my earlier post. Also, you can find out about the show venue and ticket info at Yanni's tour page.

Good luck!

Bicycle Recalls

There are three separate recalls involving bicycles. In each of them, there is a crash hazard associated with faulty frames or forks. Please see them in detail at the CPSC website:

Norco Bikes

Trek Bikes

Cannondale Bikes

If you own one of these brands, please be sure that your bicycle is safe!

ZulaWorld.com Exclusive Sneak Peek!

We've already told you how much my little ones love Zula Patrol. It's about space, science, and fun (so it's a home run at our house!) There's now an online environment designed just for kids, and it is inspired by the Zula Patrol's characters and theme.

To access all the features of ZulaWorld.com, you'd need to be a paying member (premium packages start at $5.99 a month.) For a limited time, however, Lille Punkin' readers can try it out for absolutely FREE! They even supply you with a mock credit card number -- so you don't have to give them anything more than your name and email to get started.

Here are some of the features that we loved about ZulaWorld.com:

• Kids can design their own alien avatar (based on characteristics that appeal to them the most!)
• Flying a spaceship is just one of the cool activities that promote learning and fun!
• Games are challenging, but not too difficult. (My 5-year-old loves it!)

Designed in conjunction with IBM, kids ages 5+ can explore space with their parents (adult activation is required to register.) It's safe and educational. We just loved it!

Here's how to preview all the features of ZulaWorld.com:

• Click on become VIP member (unlocks many more levels of exciting activities)
• Go through the process as if you were going to pay and use one of the “prototype” credit card numbers posted (note: they aren’t real numbers but will work on the site)

Have fun -- and remember, free access is valid until June 1st!

Check out My New Book! (and Win a Flip Mino Cam!)

OK, so I've been holding back some of the excitement of a recent project I've been working on. Some of you already know that I've been blogging about personal finance and frugality over at Wise Bread for around 2 years. It has been a fantastic experience, and and now, I am pleased to announce that our new book 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget is released!

You can check out all the book details at Wise Bread's site, or just pop over to Amazon, where you can get it for a little over $10.

With all the books being released just in time for the economic slump, you may be thinking "Why another book on frugality?" Well, I can vouch for the stuff in this book. Here's why:

• This is a collection of tips acquired over the past few years. They aren't just there to help you get through the downturn. They've worked for our authors for years... and when this country gets back on its feet, the tips will STILL be relevant.
• The book is a quick, easy read. You may not find all of the tips to be useful for you in your stage in life. But I guarantee you'll get at least a handful of tips you can use right away -- easily earning your book purchase price back in savings.

To help celebrate the awesome news, Wise Bread is giving away a handful of Flip Mino Video cams to people who purchase the book (there are also alternate means of entries, as well.) You will also be eligible to get a $15 bonus in Ebates -- valid for first time customers, only. Read the full details here.

I'll also be throwing a signed copy of the book into this month's newsletter prize pack, so if you're not signed up - do it! You can get started by entering your email in the sign up box on the right-hand side of each page on Lille Punkin (look for the book.)

BUT HURRY! While the Ebates offer is valid for awhile, the Flip Mino giveaway ends tonight!!!

Review of American Heart Association's CPR Anytime Kit

My daughter is almost 11 -- going on 30. She's super responsible, loves helping with the younger kids, and can be trusted for short periods of time with her siblings. One thing that has kept me from totally relying on her to sit with the kids (even though I did at that age) is that she wasn't CPR trained.

CPR training can be expensive and time consuming for many families. I was thrilled to learn about the CPR Anytime kit. The kit, which is endorsed by the American Heart Association, contains everything families need to train in life-saving skills. I couldn't believe that we had the chance to try it out!

Here's what's contained in the kit:

• Mini Anne CPR Learning Manikin
• CPR Skills Practice DVD
• Adult CPR & AED reminder card
• Choking & Child CPR Reminder card
• Mini Anne Spare Lung
• Manikin wipes

The kit is latex-free, easy to use in less than 20 minutes, and perfect for all of your friends and family to use. We were impressed with how easily everything fit into the small box, and how it was ready to go for the next "class" we would have.

I recommend this kit to homeschool families who don't have access to classroom CPR training, kids who are looking to watch after younger siblings, or anyone in the family would wants to be prepared to help save a life in a medical emergency (that means YOU!)

The kits are affordable, too!

For more information on the American Heart Association's initiatives, visit americanheart.org/CPR&AEDWeek

(This has been a blog tour review, provided by www.momcentral.com)

Today's Freebies (May 15th)!

Here are some freebies for the weekend!

Walmart is offering a free sample of Kotex products.

25 FREE Music Downloads from eMusic. Click Here

Get free samples of Sun Crystals via easy registration form.

TODAY ONLY! Get a coupon for a free M&M Mars candy bar. Click here. 250,000 coupons will be given away each Friday so log in at 9am EDT.



Click the banner above and register with Betty Crocker to get exclusive Members-only coupons and savings offers!

Build-A-Bear Toy Beach Chair Recalled

These chairs were recalled, as fingers can get pinched in them. As of this post, 8 injuries have been reported. Please see the full press release for info on how to get your $10 store coupon for returning the chair.

Eddie Bauer Play Yards with Rocking Bassinets Recalled by Dorel Juvenile Group Due to Suffocation Hazard

Please check your play yards, and if you own a similar one, read the full details at the CPSC website.

Kids Craft Kits Recalled Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

The above craft kits (Abalone and Venetian Carnevale) have been recalled. See the full release at the CPSC website.

Jackets Recalled Due to Strangulation Hazard

These kids' hoodies were recalled. Please see the CPSC website for all the details.

What Would You Do With an Extra Hour Each Day?

An extra hour? That almost seems like a joke, right? (Many of us long for just a few extra minutes...) The new line of appliances by Frigidaire claim to give Moms just that -- an extra hour each day! While we can't speak for them personally, we would love to be given the chance to find out. That's why I entered to win an entire suite of appliances by telling Frigidaire the 5 Things I would do with an extra hour each day.

And you can enter, too! Just register and fill out the easy-peasy survey on the Frigidaire website. So many Moms are doing it... and I've loved reading their answers! Get a chance a getting some time back in your day by taking 5 minutes to answer -- If you win, you'll be on your way to easier days!

Review of Me4Kidz Medibag First Aid Kit

Raise your hand if summer time means more accidents in your home? Even if it's just a little sliver, scratch, or scraped knee, your chances of administering basic first aid goes up a trillion percent when the kids get out of school (and no, that's not a scientifically researched fact.. but I'm a Mom, so I know that it's true.)

We've always liked keeping all of our bandaids, creams, rubs, and whatnot in the same place, and essentially, a first aid kit can do all of this. But... rarely do I find one first aid kit that comes with all the basics for my kids (without a bunch of extra weird stuff.) We got a chance to try the Me4Kidz Medibag for Kids First Aid Kit, and right off the bat, I loved how convenient it was. It contained:

Bandages, wipes, gauze pads, stickers (for motivation), ointments, eye wash, first aid guide, cold pack, gloves, tweezers, swabs, and tape -- ALL inside a very cool, doctor's bag-inspired kit.

The Medibag is proudly made in the U.S., and it securely closes to keep everything in its place. (Although we recommend that you store it up high and away from little ones -- we found that it was a bit tricky to open and shut on the first few tries. Once it was shut, however, it was very secure.) The products were inspired to treat kids' owies, but all the supplies are perfect for adults -- it's truly a kit for the whole family!

There are other clever and cool products offered by Me4Kidz, including the Diaper Bag Buddy (which has natural and organic first aid and diaper care basics included) and the Medibag for Pets (cool products you pup or kitten would like to have around to ensure timely first aid.)

We love the style and safety that Me4Kidz promotes. For information on their products, visit their website at www.me4kidz.com

Wanna win? We have one Medibag to give away to a lucky Lille Punkin' reader! To be eligible, please visit the me4kidz website and let us know what your favorite product is! You have until May 19th, 2009 to get your entries in (one per person, please.) Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

Win with Joyce Meyer's Battlefield of the Mind

Mother's Day has come and gone, but the job of mothering continues. Whether you're a positive example of raising a family, or fear that you've failed beyond repair, there is a wonderful resource in Joyce Meyer's ministries. Her newest DVD Battlefield of the Mind presents practical tips for overcoming those negative thoughts that can take over our lives, and encourages women and men to begin a process of healing and empowerment through Christ-centered principles.

I'm a big fan of what Joyce Meyers has done for people all over the world, and encourage those who are struggling with negative self-doubt to begin healing with a mentor like Joyce. By being signed up for our newsletter at Lille Punkin' Reviews, you are automatically entered to win this DVD, valued at $24.97!

For a nifty preview of the DVD, see Amazon's trailer. You can also learn more about Joyce's many books, DVD's, and speaking tours at www.joycemeyer.org