CSN Store Winner -

Thanks to everyone who entered my CSN store giveaway!


There were 41 entries - using Random.org to select the winner -

The winner was 27 -

Mami2jcn said...
tweet:

http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/11200569915

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

CONGRATS!!! I'll be emailing you. You have 48 hours to respond.

I have another great giveaway starting tomorrow!!!

FRIDAY FOLLOW WITH SPECIAL CASH GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to a SPECIAL edition of Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! This is a great way to find some awesome blogs and followers!

This week's Friday Follow Sponsor and a GIVEAWAY exclusively for our Friday Followers!

Here is a little information about the Friday Follow Sponsor -

No need to fear the dentist anymore. You can reduce the visits and make your dentist happy too. Brush with Tooth Soap®. Non-toxic, sustainable, organic and no need for a warning label. Created by a mom who has kids with no cavities. Get more information at: http://www.toothsoap.com/special-offers.

Toothsoap.com " I LOVE TOOTH SOAP®" CASH Giveaway!

THREE one hundred dollar cash prizes up for grabs from Toothsoap.com as a thank you for your Friday Follow participation!



Contest Requirement: To be entered into the contest for three 100 dollar cash prizes please do the following:

-Please place the Toothsoap.com button on your blog post today for Friday Follow and also on your blog sidebar.
-During the week of March 26 - April 2, 2010 THREE winners will be chosen AT RANDOM to win a 100 dollar cash prize from TOOTHSOAP.COM
-Winners are selected by random.org using the Friday Follow Link System
-Winners selected MUST have the Toothsoap.com button on displayed prominently on both their Friday Follow post and blog sidebar to be eligible to win said prize.
-Winners will be notified by email and by blog comment by team@toothsoap.com.
-Winners have 24 hours from notification date to claim 100 dollar cash prize via email.
-Cash prize is payable by Paypal.com or check from Vitality Products to winners (winners choice).
-Contest ends Friday, April 2, 2010 at the stroke of midnight.
-Open to US & Canada Residents

Here's how YOU can join the Friday Follow celebration:

--Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.

--Grab the Friday Follow and Sponsor buttons and include both on your Friday Follow blog post.

--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.

--Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like.

--Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.

--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.

This list is new each week. The links do not carry over. Please link up each week for new participants to find your blogs. The list is only open to add your blog links on Fridays. It will be visible all week to visit the blogs listed.

Winner Dick's Sporting Goods Giveaway!

Awesome Giveaway! Thanks to all of my participants! There were 84 entries......

random.org states that the winner is:

min: 1
max: 84

7. Lucky number 7! Congrats to PIXIE:

This is her entry:
pixie13 said...
March 8, 2010 12:16 PM
Following you on twitter & tweeted
http://twitter.com/pixie13sweeps/status/10181660867

I'm sending you an email now! She has 48 hours to respond - otherwise there will be a redraw.

QUICK CSN Stores $25 Giveaway

Remember when I posted the review of kids furniture? That is just one of 240 CSN Stores. CSN Stores has generously offered to give one of my readers a $25 credit to CSN stores. I think that I made it apparent where I would be spending the money?!??! How about you?

Mandatory Entry - Go to CSN Stores and tell me how you plan to spend the $25.00 - which store and what you will get.


For additional entries:
~ Follow me (join this site with Google Friend Connect)
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
~ Follow @misadventmomof3 on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (RT 1x per day) - $25 CSN Store giveaway @misadventmomof3 http://www.misadventuresofmomof3.me/2010/03/quick-cns-stores-25-giveaway.html


This is a quick one friends. This contest will end on March 29th @ 11:59pm CST. This giveaway is for both US/ Canadian Readers. Please make sure that your profile is public or that you leave a valid email address. Winners will be chosen using random.org and notified via email and posted here. They will have 48 hours to respond. I received no compensation to write this post.

Spring Break - literally!

It has been a hectic few days around here hence my adsence. It all started with the Conference USA tourney. Which fed into the Flogging Molly concert and Spring Break. The chaos ended with the Black Eyed Peas concert, WHOO what a week! Thank goodness the weather cooperated until yesterday. SNOW - it was sunny and 70 on Friday - then snowing on Saturday and today. The kids are going stir crazy! Even the baby is acting a little pent up.


So, I have a couple cool things coming including a CNS giveaway that starts tomorrow - it will be quick friends only 1 week. Then I have a nifty Red Gold Tomato review and giveaway that has a cute little prize pack! That is just the beginning!

I hope it is warm and sunny where you are!

Friday Follow

Here's how YOU can join the Friday Follow celebration:

--Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.

--Grab the Friday Follow and Sponsor buttons and include both on your Friday Follow blog post.

--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.

--Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like.

--Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.

--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.

Conference USA Men's Bball

This is my personal rant. I was so excited that Tulsa scored the Conference USA and then the NCAA tourney next year. I am so disappointed at the lack of turnout. The fans are letting me down. The city and downtown could be profiting so much from the tournament - but no one is going.

I have been to the games yesterday and today. I had tickets but they hardly mattered, I was able to sit wherever I wanted. As did everyone else. The worst part - the University of Tulsa is playing. Tonight, I'm not at the game - I'm watching at home. Once again, I'm so sad that I'm not there because no one else is and you can see the empty seats on the tv screen.

I am used to watching these games in Mpls where there were always sold out crowds and the tournament was awesome. Not because of the games we watched but the atmosphere that the crowd created. Not everyone attending the tournament had a team to cheer we just cheered for a good game. I miss that, I was hoping that it would happen here - but not so much.

The Conference USA women's tourney has resorted to giving away free tickets. I can't decide if it is the bad economy or lack of interest in Tulsa......


any thoughts?

Oh ps - my mother in law just happened to fly in this week. I lucked out on this one this has given me the opportunity to attend the games with no kiddies! WHOOT! Tomorrow the hubs and I are going to the first game then he is going home and his cousin will watch the second game with me. Then we ( my husband, his cousin, and our oldest) will go to the Championship!

Raw Energy Book Review

I have the pleasure of working with a woman who had just embarked on a raw food diet. I was fascinated by this diet, nothing is cooked above 120 degrees. I would watch her eat these meals that looked and smelled delicious (as I was eating something nasty from the cafeteria). Of course, being a mom of 3, there is NO WAY I could afford to purchase meals from a restaurant to feed us for 2 months. Lucky for me, I was contacted by Storey Publishing to a review a book by Stephanie Tourles entitled, "Raw Energy".






The book explains what a raw food diet entails. It is much easier than I thought. The first chapter of the book is what I would call, "Raw Food for Dummies". I learned so much by reading this section of the book. For instance, why is a raw food diet so healthy? Raw food is simply a way of having your body and your diet work for you to provide energy. The foods are nutritious, dense (meaning they will get you full with less), easy to prepare, portable, etc. The second chapter is raw food pantry 101. What foods are included in a raw food diet? There are so many - for the basics - nuts, grains, fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, and sweeteners (honey, maple syrup, etc). There are some specialty ingredients, but I was amazed to read them and notice that I have seen some at my regular grocery store and a few that I would need to get from a grocer like Whole Foods.

After the raw food primer, Tourles begins with the recipes which are YUM! She opens with shakes and smoothies. On a busy morning, there is nothing better for the kiddies than a nice homemade smoothie. Tourles has some great ideas, like "Strawberry-Citrus Frozen Fruit Cream". There is a whole range of recipes in this book from breakfast to dessert to snacks and everything in between.

Some of these snack ideas are great for kids. Part of my problem with my eldest right now with his diminished appetite is putting snacks in his hand that are high protein (energy). Well this book has given me numerous ideas.

I learned from the girl at work that embarking on a raw food diet doesn't mean a diet of carrot sticks and celery. Instead, it is a diet that incorporates flavor, taste, and goodness. The possibilities are endless with a raw food diet. As someone who also has to lose a few pounds this give me great snack ideas for myself. I know that these snacks are nutrient rich and filling.

If you have a chance, if you are the least bit interested in a new way of thinking about food, preparing food, how to snack, or have a few pounds to lose. I urge you to pick this book up and have a great read and get some fabulous new ideas!!!

I know you are asking yourself, where can I buy this? I have the answer! Raw Energy by Stephanie Tourles retails for $16.95 and includes more than 125 recipes. It can purchased at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.




I want to thank Storey publishing again for the allowing me the opportunity to review Raw Energy. The opinions expressed here are my own and other than receiving a copy of the book, I was not compensated. I also want to thank MamaBuzz for making this review possible.

Bunny Pics and Birthday Parties.

WHEW what a weekend! It was a busy one. I had a way fun Bachelorette Party on Friday night. Then it was a typcial Saturday - ballet. I had to run a few errands. I worked Saturday night (blech), but it ended up being a nice night. I was exhausted as my Saturday plans didn't include a nap. I'm just too busy!!! On Sunday, we had one of my most favorite things ever. WE HAD BUNNY PICS (including real, live bunnies!). Those poor bunnies....oh even the baby got his grubby, sweet hands on them. They tolerated it all really well. At one point of the bunnies nipped my eldest and I had to laugh, the bunnies name was Charlie - I just kept saying, "Charlie bit me, that really hurt Charlie...". I was laughing. My son - not so much.

Then it was my Dad's bday party. My mom is such a fantastic cook - the diet was out the door between the salad, the roast beef (which melted like butter in your mouth) to the 3, yes 3 desserts! Ahhhhhh, it was good. It was nice to catch up and laugh.....good times.

Then it was back to Monday - sigh. If only bdays and bunnies were every weekend.

$50.00 Dick's Sporting Goods Giveaway

Dick's Sporting Goods has an amazing promotion in the works! With all the sports equipment that we buy for our kids (and ourselves) - this $50 gift card will definitely come in handy! I don't know about your kiddos, but for mine spring sports are about to start and of course they need new EVERYTHING!!!!


Enter on Twitter (http://twitter.com/dickssportcmo) for a chance to become a member of Dick’s Sporting Goods “Starting Lineup." The 10 nominees with the most votes by March 31, 2010 win.

What does it mean to be on the “Starting Lineup”?
• A chance to try out and preview new products
• A spot on an online panel of experts for one season (for approximately 3 months)
• Access to exclusive online surveys
• A chance to sound off on all things sports

How does someone try for a chance to be on the “Starting Lineup”?
• Follow @dickssportcmo, if you’re not doing so already.
• Recruit people to follow @dickssportcmo on Twitter and have them vote for you by Tweeting @dickssportcmo, your Twitter ID and stating why you should be nominated.
• Vote for yourself by Tweeting @dickssportcmo with your Twitter ID and stating why you should be on the “Starting Lineup.”
• You can only vote for the same person once per day, but you can vote for multiple people in the same day.

Sample Tweet: “@dickssportcmo I nominate @TwitterID for the #startinglineup because...”
If any of my readers decide to enter, please make sure to let me know via twitter (@misadventmomof3) so I can vote for you!

WIN IT!!!!

One of my readers (US only - sorry to my sweet Canadian friends) is going to win a $50.00 gift card!!! How you ask? Just by sharing the information about this contest on Twitter! To enter, nominate yourself or vote for someone else already in the running (check http://twitter.com/dickssportcmo@dickssportcmo). Please leave the link to your tweet here (make sure that you have @dickssportcmo in your tweet so they can track it as well).

For additional entries:
~ Follow me (join this site with Google Friend Connect)
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
~ Follow @misadventmomof3 onTwitter and Tweet this giveaway (RT 1x per day) - Spread the word about Dick's Sporting Goods Starting Lineup + win a $50 gift card @misadventmomof3 @dickssportcmo
~ Vote for me in the Dick's Sporting Goods giveaway (once per day - leave the link here!)
- reasons to vote for me -
1. I LOVE SPORTS - any and all....
2. I LOVE TO TRY NEW THINGS!!!
3. I LOVE EXPRESSING MY OPINIONS (and I have a lot of them)




Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. This giveaway will end on March 22th at 9:00pm CT. I will use Random.org to choose the winners, email the winners, and post the win here. Giveaway is open to US addresses only. I received no compensation to write this post.

I found the Toy Solution

I am sure many of you have the same problem I do, buying toys at a store that has a great selection and superb quality. With 3 kiddos, I HATE going to the toy store. Solution, meet kids furniture. I know by the name you are not convinced. Yes, Allchildrensfurniture.com sells a wide variety of awesome kid's furniture, but the hidden gem, the toys they sell. They have toys for every age group and better yet there is something for every budget. I was so excited by the products that I found. I found something for each of my babies that I know that each would love:



When you go to kids furniture, take a look at the fabulous selection. I know that I was floored - you will be too!

Watch for a giveaway from Allchildrensfurniture.com coming soon! So, ladies and gentlemen start your browsing!!!!





I received no compensation for writing this post.

Flowerz in Her Hair

First of all I want to thank Amy from Flowerz In Her Hair. She is fabulous to work with. If you have a little girl, these bows are great!!!

The Flowerz in Her Hair website is full bows, headbands, bracelets, hair clips and so much more! The Beanies are so cute. My daughter saw one and I will be buying a beanie in the near future. LOL! The best part is that her existing bows will attach to the beanie.

I scoured the website for hours and had a difficult time narrowing down what I thought would work (because it ALL would work for her hair). My daughter has this thin, fine hair (impossible to work with). When the package promptly arrived, I was so excited. Here is what Amy included in the package:



I had asked for the alligator clips (but they have other kinds of clips - you customize that). The alligator clips have these awesome no skid thing (I don't know a word to describe it). But let me tell you for the first time EVER, her bows didn't move an inch.



Peanut looked really cute:



I have to say that we didn't do a lot of bows prior to Flowers in Her Hair because they never stayed in and they would inevitably get lost. My daughter's preschool teacher remarked that she has been wearing bows all week long. I've had other moms asking me where I got the adorable bows and I have to tell them about Flowerz in Her Hair. I have recommended these bows to them and to you.









This review was made possible by Mom Made That!. I did receive sample products to test and review, the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Meatless Friday Night.....

It’s Lent at my house – which means meatless Fridays. Some of my vegetarian Vegan friends would laugh, but my husband and kids are real meat and potatoes types. I could take it or leave it. My husband is also picky (not my children, my husband).

That being said, my dear friend Kaysha, asked if I had any Lenten recipes up my sleeve. I do! So, here go – ENJOY!

Overnight Crab Casserole

( if you are tired of the ole Tuna Casserole). My Father-in-law loves this recipe. He gobbles it up. I usually serve it with a really nice salad.

I can crab (6 oz)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/3 cup milk
½ cup miracle whip/ mayo (I only make it with mayo – not a miracle whip girl)
2 cups extra fine noodles, uncooked
1 ½ tsp. onion flakes
2 hard boiled eggs – blech I don’t add the eggs
1 cup grated cheddar – divided

Drain the crab. Discard the juice. Empty the crab meat into a mixing bow and break up slightly with a fork.

Stir in undiluted soup, milk, mayo, and onion flakes. Stir in noodles and yes, they will break.

(If adding eggs – chop them up and add them now). Add ½ cup cheese. Empty into a buttered casserole dish. Top with Cheese. Refrigerate overnight.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes – serves 4.


Now this recipe is amazing! It comes from hubbie’s aunt. So yummy!

Baked Shrimp

oh but eat this one if you are on a diet (see 1st ingredient!). Excellent if you have company

1 cup (2 sticks) butter melted
¼ cup dry white wine
¼ cup minced parsley
2 tblsp fresh lemon juice
3 lrge cloves garlic, minced
2 tblsp Basil
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
¾ - 1 tsp hot pepper sauce
½ tsp salt
2 lbs. large shrimp – shelled and deveined tails on
½ cup dry unseasoned breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 450. Combine first 9 ingredients in a shallow 2 qt. baking dish and mix well. Remove ¼ of the mixture and set aside.

Add the shrimp to the baking dish and mix thoroughly. Combine the breadcrumbs with reserved sauce and sprinkle over shrimp. Bake 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately.


Enjoy! I’ll have to look and find the other Lenten Standbys…

Date Night

We had a date!!! Last night - it was awesome!

We went for dinner at a nice Mexican restaurant downtown. It was yummy. Of course we were running late and the restaurant was packed (because everyone else had the same idea). I bet those other people go out all the time. LOL!

It was nice. I don't think we talked about the kids once during dinner. Ahhhhh, grown up speak. It was delightful.

Then it was off to the show - ERIC CLAPTON. It was phenomenal. Great show. His guitar rifts were amazing. We have seen Clapton before in St. Paul. We were so excited to see him again. We met my brother and his wife at the show. The 4 of us just had a nice time.

The most exciting part, we have another date - next week!!!!!! YES! I likey, likey these dates! Next week it is a Flogging Molly concert. It seems to be concert season in our house - we have Clapton, Flogging Molly, and then I am going to the Blackeyed Peas all in 3 weeks.


Okay friends - tell me about your most recent awesome dates! I want to hear what my friends do with their special someones for a night out!

Kielbasa with Noodles

This one was yummy - I need to start remembering to take pictures...anyways, my husband called this a variation of scalloped ham and potatoes. I didn't think so - but whatever. The kiddos gobbled this up!

8 oz egg noodles, uncooked
1 lb Kielbasa cut up
1 onion sliced
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 soup can of milk
1 cup frozen peas or green beans
1/8 tsp. pepper

Cook Noodles according to package directions. In a large skillet, cook kielbasa and onion. If it gets fatty - spoon off the fat. Add the soup, stir. When incorporated, add the milk. Add pepper and peas. Heat to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain noodles and add to skillet. Heat for another 2 minutes and BAM! Dinner. I think it took about 20 minutes and it was really tasty! Enjoy friends!