 I have some WINNERS to announce! I would have yesterday, but it was my 1st Anniversary of turning 29, so I took a tiny blogging break to enjoy the day with my family.
So without further ado, here are the winners of my giveaways that have ended over the last few days! Zoobies: Kathy P.! Alight: Oksana! UPrinting: Made By Melissa! **Due to the time sensitive nature of the sponsor requirements, I will need this prize to be claimed within 24 hours.** Congrats, ladies! I am e-mailing you now! Please reply within 48 hours to claim your prizes!(Unless otherwise indicated.) Thanks to all who entered, and remember, you have until MIDNIGHT tonight to enter my Birthday Bash Giveaways!!
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  One thing I hate hearing as a parent, especially during summer break, is the incessant whine of "But Moo-oom...I'm Boo-oored!" If you're a parent of an older-than-toddler child, you know exactly what I mean! My 11 year old is constantly telling me how "boring" summer is....Not because there is nothing to do, but because here in Virginia, it gets far too hot to do things outdoors. Who wants to ride their bike when the heat index makes it feel well over 100 degrees outside? Not my child, that's for sure! So I am always on the lookout for fun, indoor activities that we can partake in when the days are just too steamy to be outside for any length of time. My son has recently taken up a huge interest in cooking. He always wants to help me out while I prepare our meals, and he always asks a ton of questions about ingredients, technique, and just food in general. Part of his interest lays in fresh herbs used for cooking. Sure, I have tons of dried herbs in my spice rack, but I try and use fresh herbs as often as possible, as the flavors are fresher, cleaner, and much more intense than with their dried counterparts. Plus, fresh herbs bring an element of beauty to a dish. They are colorful and bright, and the aroma of fresh herbs simply cannot be reproduced using jarred herbs. My son has been learning the differences in herbs, and was quite excited when he learned about Growums, a line of at-home gardening kits what allow families to easily and interactively grow their own herbs and vegetables! Growums are not your average garden kits, either! There are 6 different garden kits available that can be customized to the particular tastes of your family! Love Mexican? Try the Growums Taco Garden Kit, where you'll find everything you need to grow Jalapeno Peppers, Iceburg Lettuce, Tomatoes, and Cilantro! (I LOVE fresh cilantro!) Or maybe, like most families with children, you eat a lot of pizza...Well, instead of keeping your local delivery service on speed-dial, why not make your own freshly made pizzas with the help of the Growums Pizza Garden? In the Pizza Garden Kit, you'll find Roma Tomato seeds, Basil, Oregano, and even Bell Pepper seeds! Just think of the amazing, fresh sauce you'll be able to make from scratch in the comfort of your own kitchen! Growing up, I had homemade pizzas often, and I can definitely say that fresh is SO much better! Plus, while making your own pizza, you are in complete control of your ingredients. What does this mean to your family? Less chemical additives and preservatives, and more great flavors! Along with the Taco and Pizza Gardens, Growums also offers an Herb Garden, a Stir-Fry Garden, A Ratatouille Garden, and a Salad Garden! So with Growums, the culinary adventures are endless! Another feature that makes Growums so cool is that once you receive your kit, you can register it online on the Growums website. Once you've registered, Fun-loving Growums characters come to life in a series of animated videos that show you how to properly care for your plants, from planting the seeds to harvesting your food. (You’ll even learn tips on what to do with your garden once it’s finished for the season.) Your Growums friends will help you keep track of each stage of your garden’s progress, so you won’t get lost along the way. The more you log onto Growums.com, the more points you can earn to use later on the site. It’s a fun and educational online experience like no other, and it’s a wonderful way to grow a successful garden – one character at a time! Not only are Growums an awesome summertime activity that can be shared with children suffering from the summer boredom syndrome, they are also available for school and other fundraisers! I think this product line would be a big hit during fundraisers because of the nature of the product, (who doesn't love fresh herbs and veggies?!) as well as the kid-friendly design and ability to interact while growing these awesome gardens! I personally would much rather buy Growums kits than some sad little peanuts, sugar-laden candies, or wrapping paper during my child's school fundraisers!  I received the Growums Herb Garden for my review.This was awesome, since I am a fairly diverse chef and enjoy preparing many different kinds of meals...From spicy Mexican and Indian food to savory Italian meals or traditional Comfort Foods, I can do it all. The Growums Herb Garden is perfect for me, since it contains Oregano, Parsley, Cilantro, and Basil! I use fresh Cilantro often when cooking Mexican foods, and it's especially good in my home made guacamole and my pork carnitas! I use fresh Parsley when making my "famous" Chicken Piccata, as it lends a beautifully delicate flavor that compliments the lemon and wine I use in this dish. I often use Oregano in fresh tomato sauces, as well as in my own Taco Meat recipe. (Did you know that Authentic Mexican foods often call for Oregano?) I also LOVE fresh Basil...I use it a lot in sauces, Pestos, Margherita Pizza, and even in desserts! Yep, fresh Basil is extremely versatile! For Organic gardeners, Basil is a wonderful companion plant for your tomatoes, and grows well right alongside them! Here is everything that is included in the Growums Herb Garden Kit:  Everything you need to plant a successful herb garden is found right inside the cute Growums container! My son was very, very excited to get the opportunity to work with me on his very own herb garden! There are very simple instructions in plain English, which is a BIG plus for me, and this makes for the perfect family activity. Growing your own herbs is not only more health-conscious than buying prepackaged, dried herbs, it is also a wonderful way to inspire your children to form a lasting love for the culinary arts. In the age of frozen meals and drive-through windows, this is something many children sadly miss out on. I am thrilled that my pre-teen has a love for cooking, and I am happy to help nurture that interest with the help of our Growums Herb Garden Kit! So if you're looking for the perfect green family activity or wonderful addition to your upcoming fundraisers, Growums is the way to go! These kits are fun, educational, and let's face it: Yummy! HOW TO CONNECT: You can learn more about Growums and purchase these garden kits on their website. For more info on Fundraising Opportunities, please visit the Growums Fundraising Page. You can also follow Growums on Facebook and on twitter for their latest news and promotions! Want to see Growums in action and meet the Growums characters? Check out their YouTube Channel! WIN IT:
One very lucky follower will receive a Growums kit of their own! What a perfect way to spend time with your kids this summer! Please complete the mandatory entry FIRST. Also include a valid e-mail address in each comment so I can contact you if you win! Feel free to use the following format to prevent spammers from bugging you! yourname(at)aol(dot)com. MANDATORY ENTRY:
#GIVEAWAY Win a @Growums garden kit for your kids this summer @oopsimpregnant Ends 7/14 http://alturl.com/hz94h
***Disclosure: I received a complimentary product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***   As a self-proclaimed "Foodie", I am always eager to try gourmet quality products and incorporate them into my cooking. Sure, I like to make most things from scratch, but I also love the convenience that pre-packaged foods of a higher quality can offer during meal time. One thing I love is a good pasta sauce. I love making my own, but my husband doesn't like tomato-based sauces, so I rarely get the opportunity to do so. I make HUGE batches of sauce, and I hate to let so much sauce go to waste since my hubby won't eat it. That's when I rely on premium jarred sauces, like those from La Famiglia DelGrosso. Using jarred sauces for the dishes I make that require a tomato based sauce is a HUGE time saver, and prevents me from having to make a sauce from scratch, which can be an all-day affair. And if you have a good quality sauce as a base, no one would ever know it wasn't home made! I wish I had the chance to make hearty pastas and lasagnas more often, but my husband truly does have an odd aversion to tomato sauces. If he could get away with ordering even pizza sauce-free, he would! This is unfortunate, since the rest of my family really enjoys tomato sauces. So I will occasionally make these dishes anyway and just make the hubby deal with it. I can usually doctor them enough that he will eat them in spite of their tomato content. I just can't totally abandon my favorite dishes altogether! One line of sauces I recently had the pleasure of sampling are made by La Famiglia DelGrosso. These wonderful sauces are backed by a rich Italian family heritage, and an authentic sauce recipe that dates back to 1911, when Marianna Pulcino immigrated to America. The family opened up some wonderful Cafes in Pennsylvania over the years, and became the most loved authentic Italian restaurants around! Many patrons were so enamored by the sauces found here, they began offering extra money to take home portions of the sauce alone! Well, the DelGrosso family knew potential when they saw it, and decided to branch out and offer their locally famous sauces to consumers near and far. Their sauces were such a hit, they are now regarded as the oldest major family owned manufacturers of pasta sauce in the United States! They are even rumored to have "The Finest Sauce Made..." La Famiglia DelGrosso offers 8 wonderful varieties of authentic Italian pasta sauces. They are all adapted from family recipes, and I was pleasantly surprised that they all contain only ingredients you can pronounce. That's right! If you look at the ingredients of their many different sauces, you won't find a single ingredient that screams "preservative" or "chemical additive". These sauces are all completely natural and gluten-free, and many of them are also vegan and Kosher. La Famiglia DelGrosso also uses sea salt rather than iodized table salts in their sauces. Trust me, this makes a HUGE difference in taste! This makes for a MUCH higher quality sauce, and you can taste the difference with every bite. The flavors are clean, bold, and unmasked. You can actually taste the individual flavors that marry together to make these gourmet sauces. In each bite, you will distinctly taste the mild flavor of the Imported Olive Oil, the ripeness of the plum tomatoes, and every spice used in these sauces can be clearly noted. Each individual ingredient can stand on its own in these sauces, but they are expertly blended together to create a literal flavor explosion. The supreme quality and freshness of these ingredients make all of the difference. Once you try these sauces, you will never want another jar of pasta sauce again. These sauces truly taste home made.  I received Uncle Bo's Roasted Red Pepper Tour and Aunt Mary Ann's Sunday Marinara for my review. I cannot say enough good things about these sauces! I used the Uncle Bo's sauce in a dish my tomato-hating husband actually requested: My Stuffed Chicken Parmesan. This is one of the few tomato-ey dishes he actually enjoys. What can I say, this chicken recipe rocks. It's so cheesy and flavorful, you'd have to be dead not to love it! I usually make my own spicy meat sauce for this dish, but was eager to substitute Uncle Bo's Roasted Red Pepper Tour for review purposes. When I cracked open this jar of sauce, I was immediately struck by the aroma of the sauce. It smelled fresh. VERY fresh. I could distinctly smell the sweet acidity of the tomatoes, the pungent aroma of the garlic, and the unmistakable smoky scent of the red peppers. I was in Heaven! I tasted a little of the sauce and was thrilled to see the the flavors were just as rich and bold as the aroma! I especially love the freshness of the tomatoes and the flavor of the roasted red peppers. This sauce tastes like it has been slowly simmered all day long, ensuring just the proper balance if flavors. This sauce was the perfect addition to my Stuffed Chicken Parmesan. Even my husband enjoyed it and was a member of the Clean Plate Club that night! I don't know WHO Uncle Bo is, but I wish he were MY Uncle...I would eat at his house all the time! I give this sauce an A+++.  Stuffed Chicken Parmesan. Yummy! I have not yet tried Aunt Mary Ann's Sunday Marinara sauce, as I am waiting for my husband to request the rare tomato-sauced dish to use it. I will definitely let you know my opinions of this sauce in another review once I use it, too! If it is anywhere near as tasty as Uncle Bo's, I know we're in for an absolute treat! I am thoroughly impressed by the quality of this sauce as well as the care that goes into making it. I love a company that stays true to its roots, and La Famiglia DelGrosso does just that. They have brought their authentic, Old World Italian recipes onto tables across the country, offering a truly gourmet experience that is sure to become a quick family favorite. It's like having your own old, Italian Grandma slaving away in the kitchen for you! I can't wait to try all of the other delicious varieties of sauce from La Famiglia DelGrosso. These sauces are absolutely exceptional, and since they are all natural and gluten-free, I can feel good about serving them to my family. BUY IT: You can learn more about these Italian sauces on La Famiglia DelGrosso's website. You can also find these products at select fine retailers. You can also follow La Famiglia DelGrosso on Facebook to stay on top of their newest products and promotions! WIN IT: One very lucky follower will be winning a 3 Pack of Famiglia DelGrosso Pasta Sauces, including:
 Please complete the mandatory entry FIRST. Also include a valid e-mail address in each comment so I can contact you if you win! Feel free to use the following format to prevent spammers from bugging you! yourname(at)aol(dot)com. MANDATORY ENTRY:
#GIVEAWAY Win a 3 PACK of gourmet sauces from La Famiglia DelGrosso @oopsimpregnant Ends 7/13 http://alturl.com/xpo8t
***Disclosure: I received a complimentary product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***   Now that we're finally entering the Summer of 2011, we're all breaking out our warmer weather clothing, beach towels and swimsuits, and we're stocking up on sunscreens and aloe. Another thing that's on a Summer must-have list? Sunglasses, of course! I need to get a new pair for myself, and Dan just got a great pair from a company I recently had the pleasure of working with. Kyle has a few pairs of his own, as well. But did you know, even BABIES need a good pair of shades? That's right! Small children's eyes need special protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays....Even more so than adults! When compared to adult’s eyes, children’s eyes have fewer natural protections against UV exposure, making them more likely to be damaged. The more time you spend outdoors, the more susceptible you are to sun damage. Published scientific research concludes that up to 50% of lifetime UV ray exposure may occur by age 18, so it’s imperative that we protect our children’s eyes now! I was thrilled to get the opportunity to review Babiators, a great line of children's sunglasses manufactured with the littlest of eyes in mind. Babiators are awesome for so many reasons...For one, let's just state the obvious: They're stinkin' cute! Come on, admit it. As moms, we always want our babies to look absolutely adorable! But not only are these sunglasses unbelievably cute, they are also totally safe for babies and small children to wear. I have 2 babies, and where do they like to put things? In their mouths! So obviously, I worry about things like chemicals, small parts, and things that can be sharp or create a choking hazard. Well the folks at Babiators have thought if these common parent worries, too! Babiators are entirely BPA, pthalate, and heavy-metal FREE, making them completely non-toxic for kids who like to explore the world through their mouths! Babiators cannot, however, be held responsible for any creepy-crawly germs that may enter your babies' mouths that have crept onto their glasses from normal usage, haha. But you're a mom...Of course you have germ-X and wipes available at all times to combat those germies! Babiators come in 2 different sizes: Junior Babiators, which are suitable for children ages 1-3, as well as the Classic Babiators, which are perfect for bigger kids ages 3+! They come in some great colors like Rockstar Red, Blue Angels Blue, Special Ops Black, and Princess Pink! Take a look at Xander rocking these Babiator Juniors in Rockstar Red:   I would have taken photos of Sophie wearing these, too, but she wouldn't stay still and kept taking them off. But the Junior size fit both of my babies well. I also noticed they are incredibly durable, and virtually break-proof. Sophie was especially rough with them, tugging, twisting, and bending the sunglasses. We were shocked to see that they did not break. The lenses popped out a couple of times, but they easily pop right back into place and don't really have sharp edges to hurt baby with. The temples (or arms) remained totally intact and did not lose their shape even after Sophie's abuse of them. These glasses are obviously made to withstand the little hands of children as well! We are thrilled with the durability and bullet-proof nature of our Babiators. We also love that they provide 100% protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun. The only thing I would have liked to see included was a strap to keep the Babiators on a child's head. My daughter would not keep them on, and I think a strap of some sort would have made it easier to keep them on her . I would definitely recommend Babiators to parents of small children. They are adorable, fun, and offer essential protection from the sun's harmful rays. They are also made to last. Your babies will not be able to easily break their Babiators, so they can offer years of use with proper care! Add the fact that they're completely non-toxic? You've got a winning product here! My babies will be rocking their Babiators this summer, will yours? Here's how to connect with Babiators! HOW TO CONNECT: You can find Babiators on their website and at select fine retailers. You can also connect with them on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest products and promotions! You can also see Babiators in action on their YouTube channel! ***Disclosure: I received a complimentary product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
  I am really excited to introduce you all to my next sponsor for October's In Honor Of The Tatas multi-blog event! My Urban Child is a great online store that carries a wide variety of products for infants, toddlers, and children of all ages. They specialize in ultra-modern decorative items that will fit into your child's nursery or playroom beautifully! From furniture and storage solutions to modern children's decor, toys, accessories, and even clothing, My Urban Child is literally a one stop shop for all of your baby needs! You can get lost exploring their site, since they carry so many wonderful items! The expert staff at My Urban Child is dedicated to making your shopping experience as painless and convenient as possible, and they are always willing to answer any questions you have regarding their vast selection of products and maybe even offer recommendations to help you customize your space! I spent a couple of hours drooling over the selection at My Urban Child, and I wanted to share some of my personal favorites with you. They even carry my current obsession, the Boon Flair High Chair! I want one ever so badly, since with 2 babies, it is SUCH a challenge to keep our high-chair clean at all times. We have high chairs with the removable, fabric covers, and they tend to get messy and gross faster than we're able to wash them. The Boon Flair is virtually crevice-free and looks so easy to clean. I have been restlessly trying to win one on many, many blogs and have not gotten lucky so far. So if anyone really, really loves me, my 30th birthday IS tomorrow and this would make me the happiest Mama ever! Anyway, My Urban Child carries tons of wonderful, high-quality products that fit any lifestyle and decor. Here are some of my favorites. I would love to have any of these in my home, as they fit my babies' larger than life personalities perfectly! Who says decor can't be functional AND fun?!  Ahh...The Holy Grail of High Chairs. The Boon Flair is at the tippy-top of my Baby Products Wish List. I want one ever-so-badly, and My Urban Child carries them. If you get one, please don't tell me...I will be insanely jealous!  The Levels of Discovery Wild Side Bench Seat With Storage just SCREAMS Sophie...My daughter would love this gorgeous, trendy item!  This KidKraft Puzzle Bookshelf would be the perfect addition to my nursery!  My Urban Child also carries whimsical children's rugs to complete the look of your nursery or playroom. This one would be perfect for Xander, my little Monkey Man! Aren't these products adorable?! I love the variety available at My Urban Child. They offer ultra-modern, artistic pieces as well as classic, traditional pieces, as well as everything in between! This has quickly become one of my favorite sites for kid-friendly, attractive home decor. For my review, I was sent the Princess Linens Doodlebugz Crayola Crayon Purse in solid pink to keep with the Breast Cancer Awareness theme of my upcoming event. This product is absolutely adorable! It comes complete with a pad of paper, perfectly sized for small hands, and 24 Crayola crayons. With personalization available, this gift is irresistible. This wonderful little purse makes a perfect Big Sister gift! Take a look at this fabulous accessory!  This Crayon Purse arrived nicely packaged in a plastic tube.  Inside the purse is a 24ct. box of Crayola Crayons and a pad of white paper so your little Picasso can doodle whenever the inspiration calls!  The crayons can also be held in special little "Crayon Pockets" along the exterior of the purse. This is not only too cute for words, it makes the crayons easily accessible for your little artist! MY OPINION: I adore the Princess Linens Doodlebugz Crayola Crayon Purse. This is such a fun concept that helps to bring out the inner artist in even the smallest of children. My toddler is a girly-girl and loves carrying around my purses and handbags. Now she has one of her own, complete with a box of Crayola crayons and a nice pad of paper so she can draw, scribble, and create whenever the mood strikes! (For now, it's mainly scribbling!) This purse is the perfect size for little hands, and can be toted around easily. It is also made of a very durable, brightly colored canvas type material, and can definitely withstand the abuse of an active child! I also love the "Crayon Pockets" that line the perimeter of this great little bag. They are perfectly sized to carry your crayons, and they actually hold them in quite well...Even when the purse is being swung! (Yes, my daughter plays rough!) The Doodlebugz Crayola Crayon Purse is a perfect gift for the little girl in your life! Not only can it help inspire creativity and a love for the arts, it can help a budding fashionista feel more like a Lady since she'll have a purse of her own to carry! I am pleased to announce that My Urban Child is offering a Princess Linens Doodlebugz Crayola Crayon Purse in solid pink as part of my ever-growing prize package for this October's In Honor Of The Tatas event! How cool is that?! In the meantime, here's how you can connect with My Urban Child. They are a one-stop shop for all of your baby and kids decor needs! I'd love to hear what your favorite products are! HOW TO CONNECT: You can check out the awesomeness that is My Urban Child on their website. You can also follow them on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest products and promotions! You can also follow them on their blog for great decorating ideas and tips! FYI:Doing so NOW will put you ahead of the game once the In Honor Of The Tatas event begins in October! ***Disclosure: I received a complimentary product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
  You may remember a while back I reviewed flipflop wines....We were fortunate enough to try their Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, and their Riesling. We had fun reviewing these awesome wines, and paired them with the types of foods conveniently recommended by the experts at flipflop wines. After all, we DID want our wine drinking experience to be all that it could be, so what better than to pair a nice bottle of wine with a meal that it complements perfectly? Plus, to be honest, I was a virgin when it came to wines, and the hubby highly recommended I eat something because wine on an empty stomach could make for one drunken mommy! I honestly do not drink very often, so I heeded his warning and was somehow able to completely avoid the dreaded "Wine-Over" I have heard stories about from more seasoned wine drinkers. We both really enjoyed these wines, and my husband positively raved about their Riesling and Pinot Grigio. I happened to really like the Pinot Noir, myself. I guess it turns out I am more of a red person whereas my husband loves his whites, since they are generally drier wines. But, to each their own! flipflop wines has something to please every palate...Even the most discriminating, like my husband's. He's quite the "Wine Snob" and likes analyzing different types of wine. I am not quite as analytical, and I just like drinking the stuff. I leave the assessing to him! We make a pretty good team that way! So naturally, when I was contacted again by Stephen over at flipflop asking if I'd like to review a couple more bottles, I was definitely game. Stephen is awesome to work with, and we loved our previous experience with these amazing wines. I was told we would be reviewing their Chardonnay, which my husband was beyond thrilled about, as it's probably his favorite wine, and also their Cabernet Sauvignon. Well, it didn't end up that way, much to Dan's disappointment. We received 2 reds, the Merlot and the Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Chardonnay we had so been looking forward to was nowhere to be found. I wasn't bothered by this slight mishap, as I tend to like reds more than whites, but Dan was pretty bummed out. He was really looking forward to trying the Chardonnay! Maybe next time... Regardless, we got right into the wine-sampling mode, and were happy to try these great varieties from flipflop wines! We enjoyed it so much last time, we knew we were in for a treat. Despite the $7.00 price tag, flipflop wines are superior quality and easily rival wines that cost several times more! This is something that I love about flipflop wines...These wines are high quality and perfect to serve at your summer get-togethers. Everyone will rave about how good these wines are, and no one will have a clue how cheap...oops...I mean frugal...they are! Cheap just sounds bad, and these wines are anything but bad! As a matter of fact flipflop wines are award winning, and for good reason: These wines are anything but dull, bland or boring!  The first bottle we tried was the flipflop Merlot. Even though Dan was pouting because it was a red, he immediately made note of how good the legs of this wine are. (See? He has all the lingo down and knows what to look for in judging a good wine!) I had no idea what that meant until he showed me. The "legs" of a wine can be determined by swirling the wine in the glass and noting how long it takes for the residue of the wine to settle back down into the bottom from the sides of the glass. (I hope that made sense!) Apparently, the longer it takes the wine to run down the sides, the better its legs. He said that this Merlot had legs almost as nice as mine! Gotta love him for that compliment! This Merlot had a nice, heady aroma, just beckoning one to drink it. The flavor has notes of ripe plum, mocha, and tannins, and give this medium-bodied wine a smooth, delicious finish. I served the Merlot with some spicy shredded beef chimichangas garnished with a corn and black bean salsa, as well as some restaurant style tortilla chips and homemade guacamole for dipping. The meal was fantastic, and the wine was truly perfectly paired to this spicy dish. Dan, who tends to hate reds, actually had 2 glasses of this Merlot. He also indicated it was the first time he has EVER gone back for a second glass of a red wine. He strongly prefers whites, and usually won't even touch more than a sip of a red. He really liked this wine, though! We were both surprised! He said that "For a red, this is really freaking good!" That says it all, because these are words that never come out of Dan's mouth. Like I said, he's a wine snob and has his particular tastes. So for someone who prefers Pinot Grigios, Chardonnays, and Moscatos, that was quite the compliment! The Merlot was my favorite this time around. The flavor profile of this wine was crisp yet warming, and the complex flavors of the plum and mocha were beautifully married in this wine. I loved this wine so much, I had 3 glasses...And ended up quite intoxicated, which made for an entertaining evening, to say the least! Like I said, I am new to drinking wine, so I had no idea that 3 glasses would render me falling down drunk. Lesson learned. I am just glad I learned this lesson privately and that no friends were around to witness my intoxication. I tend to behave very, very badly when drunk...Okay...Dan would argue since he LOVES me when I have been drinking...But I tend to be a lot less inhibited and my inner-Katy Perry comes out. So yeah. Glad we were alone for this! I could have been in trouble otherwise!  Since I did NOT escape the dreaded Wine-Over after drinking the Merlot, we waited a couple of days before trying the Cabernet Sauvignon. I had never had a Wine-Over before, and it was quite the experience. I was rendered useless until noon the next day! Luckily, Dan had the day off work and was able to assist until I got my mojo back. What a great husband! So when we opened up the bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, I was much more cautious. I was going to limit myself this time! Dan noted again that the legs on the Cabernet Sauvignon were quite good as well, but not as strong as we found in the Merlot. This is a drier red wine, and has a heady aroma brimming with the promise of berries with a hint of spice. I loved the flavor of this wine almost as much as I liked the Merlot. This wine is full-bodied and has notes of blackberry, dark cherries, and a hint of black pepper. The finish is lingering and smooth. I paired the Cabernet Sauvignon with some nice Ribeye steaks, baked potatoes, and some grilled squash, zucchini, and asparagus. It was absolutely wonderful with our steaks, and certainly helped to enhance the natural flavors of the beef. Dan did not really care for this wine. He said for a red it was "Okay", and he did finish his glass, but he did not go back for a seconds. I am not surprised, as he never really drinks reds. I was impressed that he even finished his glass. Normally, when trying a red, he takes a sip, grimaces, and puts it down. This was not the case here, and that says a lot. He did say that the wine is obviously high quality, and would make any red drinker quite happy. Reds just aren't his preference. He prefers dry whites for some reason. I tend to like reds better myself, as they aren't as bitter tasting as whites, and often have a fruitier flavor. We just have different palates when it comes to wine. I do have to say, I limited myself to 2 glasses this time, and still ended up drunk. (Although nowhere near as intoxicated as I was after enjoying the Merlot!) This was a pleasant, happy, giggly intoxication, and I am glad to say I was not feeling any ill-effects the next morning. I really enjoyed the Cabernet Sauvignon, and have even incorporated it into a great recipe for Burgundy Beef Tips! ( I will include my recipe in this post!) Another thing I love about flipflop wines is that they are a company with a heart. You may recall I told you about their Soles4Souls campaign. This program is wonderful, because for every bottle of flipflop wine sold, Soles4Souls will donate one pair of shoes to someone in need. Shoes are something we in America take for granted. I happen to have over 40 pairs of shoes myself...But sadly, shoes are something considered a luxury in some cultures. There are actually places in the world where something as simple as shoes are hard to come by. There are men, women, and even children who are forced to go barefoot in their towns and villages. Not only can this cause injury and infection, it can also cause illness. People are forced to walk unprotected on paths where animals defecate, and if they have open wounds on their feet, all of that bacteria can enter their bodies making them quite ill. Some people even lose their lives....Who knew a simple pair of shoes could make such an impact on the health and well-being of a community? flipflop wines and Soles4Souls recognize this epidemic and are doing their part to help combat this global problem. So next time you're looking for a great bottle of wine, please consider helping in these efforts by purchasing flipflop wines. Not only will you be buying an excellent wine, you'll be helping to ensure that someone in need will have shoes to wear. You will help to improve the very quality of someone's life! Now isn't that something you can feel good about? I know I can!  Before I get to my recipe, I would love to tell you how you can connect with flipflop wines! HOW TO CONNECT: You can learn more about flipflop wines on their website. If you like what you see, and I am certain you will, you can puchase flipflop wines HERE. You can also follow flipflop wines on Facebook, on twitter, and on YouTube to stay on top of their latest news, promotions, and some great wine-pairing suggestions! Brandy's flipflop Beef Tips Recipe Because I am a self-proclaimed "foodie", I love experimenting with different recipes and tweaking them to make them my own. I love good Burgundy Beef Tips over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, and I decided to try my hand at making this much loved favorite with the Cabernet Sauvignon I received from flipflop wines. The results? Exceptional! I would love to share this recipe with you so you can try it for yourselves!  Ingredients:
Serving Suggestions: This is especially good served over rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes. I love mine with a side of fresh buttered peas, a salad, and some crusty bread! Enjoy! ***Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
  I am really excited to announce my next sponsor for the In Honor Of The Tatas multi-blog hop this October. JJ Cole is a widely recognized name in the baby world, as they provide fabulous nursery and travel solutions for active, modern families. I absolutely love their BundleMe, since I am the mother of 3 Winter Babies, and have used it faithfully to help protect my babies from the harsh elements during travel. In addition to the BundleMe, JJ Cole offers wonderful Diaper Bags, storage "pods" for your necessities, as well as a wide variety of other baby must-haves for the nursery, while on the go, and even gorgeous layette staples! I recently received the JJ Cole Car Seat Canopy in Pink Blossom for review. (Since pink fits in beautifully with a breast cancer awareness event!) The car seat canopy is a great travel accessory, since it is lightweight, easy to attach to your standard infant seat, and will shield baby from wind and harsh sunlight. This comes in especially handy for a sleeping baby being moved outdoors, as it will help shield them from bright lights and allow for a more restful sleep. This product is SO easy to use, and since it has velcro front closures, you can seamlessly put baby in the car seat without having to remove the canopy from the seat. This front opening also allows you to check on baby without disturbing a nap! The fabric used in the JJ Cole Car Seat Canopy is lightweight and very breathable, and will not cause a baby to feel suffocated or smothered in any way. Here are some photos of the Car Seat Canopy on my infant seat:  In closed position. Notice this canopy is fitted perfectly to my Graco car seat!  Here is the canopy opened. Easy access to baby without lots of adjustung. Just open the velcro! Simple! I really like the JJ Cole Car Seat Canopy! It is convenient, simple to use, and fits perfectly on my seat due to elastic that allows for a custom fit. This has come in handy when Xander was napping, and he didn't seem at all bothered by the enclosure. I will be giving my Car Seat Canopy to a friend with a little girl, since the pink blosson design isn't the best choice for my son, and my daughter's toddler seat is too large for this cover. I know my friend will be thrilled, though, since this is a wonderful product to have on hand! JJ Cole has offered yet another dependable and highly effective travel solution for busy families! But would you really expect anything less from JJ Cole? I am pleased to announce that one lucky follower will win a JJ Cole Car Seat Canopy in Pink Blossom of their own during the In Honor Of The Tatas Event this October! What a great addition to this ever-growing "pink" package in honor of breast cancer awareness! In the meantime, here's how you can learn more about this and other must-have baby essentials and connect with JJ Cole! HOW TO CONNECT: You can find this and other JJ Cole Collection products on their website. JJ Cole Collection Products can be purchased as several fine retailers near you! You can also connect with JJ Cole on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest products and promotions! FYI: Doing so NOW will put you ahead of the game once my event begins this October! ***I received a complimentary product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
  As a primarily cloth-diapering mama, I usually do not use any form of baby powder, as it tends to get gummy and doesn't wash out of cloth diapers well. However, I do keep a small number of disposables on hand for when we leave the babies with certain sitters who do not want to deal with cloth-diapering at all, or for travel when we will not have easy access to a washer or dryer to launder our stash. Because I will occasionally use disposable diapers, as much as I hate to, I was excited to get the chance to review Baby Magic's revolutionary new product, their Patty Cake Dustless Powder. I have steered clear of baby powder for years, since it generally contains talc, a known carcinogen, and can be cause serious respiratory problems when the dust is inhaled...And let's face it: Using traditional baby powders, you AND your baby WILL breathe in the dust. It's pretty much as unavoidable as death and taxes. Baby Magic, a trusted leader in baby bath and body products, has come up with a whole new, SAFER option for those who use baby powder...or those who don't because of the associated risks! Their Patty Cake Dustless Powder contains NO TALC, and is completely dustless, which can help you and your baby breath a whole lot easier while enjoying the benefits and protection that powdering can offer! This unique product is contained in a space-saving "compact", and comes with several pads to apply the product to baby's bum. Think of cosmetic powders you probably use on your face every day. It's the same general concept and method of application. I love this method of applying the product. There is virtually no waste, since you are in complete control of how much powder is applied, and there is no mess, either! One of the main ingredients in this product is rice starch, eliminating the use of harmful talc. So using Baby Magic Patty Cake Dustless Powder can definitely be a win-win situation for parents who want a safe, convenient alternative to conventional baby powders. MY OPINION: I tried this product over the weekend, since we were out of town and using disposable diapers while we were gone. (Boy, am I thrilled to have gotten home to my fluff!) I have to say, I am definitely impressed with the ease of use, convenience, and effectiveness of Patty Cake Dustless Powder. This ultra-portable product took up no room whatsoever. As a matter of fact, I carried it in my own purse my own stash of cosmetic powders for easy access! I used this product on both babies as a barrier against moisture and skin irritation. It was a warm, active weekend with a ton of time being spent outdoors in the pool and lounging on the deck, so it was definitely put to the test. I also used it in creases in my toddler's chubby thighs to protect against chafing from moisture and friction. Baby Magic Patty Cake Dustless Powder definitely helped protect the skin of my babies, and helped clear up what little redness was already there. (I have noticed when I go from using cloth to disposables, even temporarily, my babies' skin tends to have a mild reaction that usually subsides after the first couple of diaper changes.) This product held-up wonderfully despite dunks in the pool and running around all day. It was easy to apply, and a little goes a long way! I also loved that I was in total control of the application, so my babies weren't totally gunked-up with an excess of powder. Using the included applicator pads, I was able to get a light, even application. CLOTH DIAPER TEST: Okay...I was brave enough to potentially sacrifice a couple of cloth diapers that I don't particularly like. To be exact, they were the El-Cheapo Babyland diapers sold for ridiculously low prices on EBay. They have horrible wing-droop, so I rarely use them now, since I have built my stash up to "REAL" cloth diapers that perform well. So I used Patty Cake Dustless Powder while using cloth-diapers so I would know exactly what it is and is not compatible with. I would hate to see one of my lovely readers harm their diapers when trying this product, so I wanted to be the guinea pig so I can accurately tell you all what I have found. WITH Flushable Diaper Liner: I had no issues at all when using cloth-diapers lined with a disposable diaper liner. I keep liners on hand for when I have to use diaper rash creams that may not be fluff-safe. They have always worked well for me for this purpose, and I have never had to strip my diapers due to product residue build-up when using this method, since the product never comes in contact with the inner of the diaper. The Baby Magic Dustless Powder was easy to apply, and stayed in one place very well. I didn't notice any smearing, rubbing off, or coming into contact with my cloth diapers through the liners. So if you choose to use this product WITH a diaper-liner, you'll be just fine with careful attention to the application of this product. WITHOUT Flushable Diaper Liner: I put my big girl panties on, said a little prayer for my fluff, and tried the product without using a diaper liner, too. I applied the product lightly, and cloth-diapered as I normally would. I DID notice a slight build-up on the fleece inners of the diapers, although it was not bad and didn't seem to cause repelling. Over long-term use it could be an issue. If you strip your diapers regularly, you could probably get away with limited use with cloth without a liner. I personally will use the liners while using this product, just to be on the safe side. Patty Cake Dustless Powder DOES contain zinc oxide, which has been known to damage cloth-diapers by leaving a build-up, so I recommend staying safe here and using the liners when using with cloth-diapers. OVERALL: I love this product, and would recommend it to any parents who use disposable diapers. It is very convenient, easy to use, and takes up virtually no space in the diaper bag. It will protect baby's skin without fear of nasty respiratory issues that are a common fear while using traditional baby powders. For cloth-diapering families, this product CAN be used with fluff, but I would highly recommend using a flushable liner and taking care to apply in such a way that the liner will act as a barrier between the treated area of baby's skin and the diaper's inner fabric. I DO NOT RECOMMEND PROLONGED USE WITHOUT A LINER WHEN USING CLOTH DIAPERS! BUY IT: You can learn more about Baby Magic's products on their website. Baby Magic products can be purchased at several fine retailers near you! You can also follow Baby Magic on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest products and promotions! WIN IT: TWO lucky winners will receive their very own Baby Magic Patty Cake Dustless Powder! Please complete the mandatory entry first. Also, leave a valid e-mail address in your comments. I cannot contact you if you're the winner without this! Feel free to use the following format to ward off annoying spammers: yourname(at)yourprovider(dot)com. MANDATORY ENTRY:
***Disclosure: I received a complimentary product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
  Check out all the Wholly Goodness! You may remember a few weeks ago, I posted my homemade guacamole recipe. It's chock full of creamy avocados, fresh lime juice, cayenne pepper, fresh cilantro, and some other yummy ingredients. It is perfection in a bowl...Guacamole is definitely one of my guilty pleasures. Or should I say NOT so guilty? It's actually pretty darn good for you, in moderation, and is definitely satisfying! Most of my life, I was afraid to even try guacamole! I thought it looked gross...slimy...inedible...Until last summer when I was pregnant with Xander and would eat things that were totally out of character for me. I am an incredibly picky eater, and do not try new foods often at all. I even ate a steak that was cooked to medium doneness while pregnant! This was WAY out of my comfort zone, since I never eat any meat that even has the slightest tinge of pink to it. Ever. At all. But pregnant, all bets were off, and I tried new foods. Including guacamole! My love affair with guacamole began at a get-together at my Father-In-Law's house last summer. We love going up there because there is always great conversation, a ton of laughs, and food, glorious food! My in-laws had some friends over, one of whom looks uncannily like Alton Brown from the Food Network. His name is Jim. Well, Jim, like Alton, is a wonderful chef and brought some of his famous guacamole for the occasion. I was preggo and starving, and hesitantly gave it a shot...And then another...and another...Until I had devoured half the bowl single-handedly! I had discovered one of my new favorite foods! How is it possible that I never tried this stuff before? Anyway, I have made my own guac many, many times now, and order it from restaurants whenever it appears on the menu. Often, I am disappointed with the results. Homemade guacamole has spoiled me somewhat, so the bar has been set very, very high. The problem with guacamole is that I do not always have the time or ingredients to make it from scratch. And when I do have the chance to make it, it spoils rather quickly, even with the acid from the lime juice and added salt. So unless I plan on eating a whole batch immediately or serving it to friends, I just don't make it. I hate being wasteful, and my husband will not eat guacamole. That's why when I heard about Wholly Guacamole, I was quite eager to try it! Wholly Guacamole offers a wide variety of prepackaged guacamoles, salsa, and even queso that is ready to eat and can be found at your local supermarket! I must admit, I was quite skeptical about pre-made guacamole. I did not expect it to taste fresh. I have been seriously disappointed by other so-called-guacamole dips found at the store and restaurants alike. They tend to be full of chemicals and preservatives, and this is definitely reflected in the overall quality of such products. Wholly Guacamole has found a unique way to tackle these very issues. Their founder, a restaurant owner, Don Bowden, discovered a unique way to preserve guacamole without the aid of fillers, chemicals, heat treatments or artificial preservatives. In fact, his method uses a highly pressurized water system that totally seals in the naturally delicious flavors in guacamole and allows it to keep for weeks in the refrigerator or months in the freezer! That's because Wholly products are "Fresherized." This method was so successful, Fresherized Foods, the makers of Wholly products was born and is now the best selling brand of pre-packaged guacamole in the United States. They are even the official guacamole of "The Biggest Loser!" I received a cooler full of Wholly products and was so excited by the variety! There was Classic Guacamole, Spicy Guac, Organic Guac, Pico De Gallo Guac, and even convenient 100 Calorie Packs! Accompanying this bevy of deliciousness were Wholly Queso and Wholly Salsa. I was in Heaven! Needless to say, my guacamole cravings kicked in, and I made nachos for dinner that night. I used the Classic Guacamole, the Wholly Salsa, and the Wholly Queso for this dish.  Nachos made with Wholly Guacamole, Wholly Queso, and Wholly Salsa...And sharp white cheddar, romaine lettuce, black olives, seasoned beef, and jalapenos! YUMMY! And if that wasn't enough Guaca-Goodness, I went back for a midnight snack consisting of a Hebrew National Reduced Fat Beef Hot Dog, some classic yellow mustard, and one of the Wholly Guacamole 100 Calorie Packs! Yes, I eat guacamole on hot dogs...And burgers...And in tacos....And on steak...Heck, I will eat guacamole on ANYTHING! If there were such a thing as guacamole ice cream, I'd probably eat that, too! I wonder if they have a 12 step program for Guac-Addicts?  Wholly Guacamole on a Hebrew National Beef Hot Dog...Yep...That's how I roll! MY OPINION? When it comes to guacamole, I am a tough critic who has been spoiled by fantastic homemade guac. I have to say, I was very pleasantly surprised by these products! They are fantastic! Especially considering they're store bought. I loved the creaminess of this guacamole, and the flavors are spot on. I particularly loved the Spicy variety, as it packs a bit of a punch! The nachos I made using the Classic variety were restaurant quality, and really hit the spot. Even the sad little hot dog I made as a midnight snack was satisfying with Wholly Guacamole on it! The consistency of Wholly Guacamole is very smooth, which was different for me. I usually make my guacamole slightly chunky, as I add roasted corn, minced garlic, plum tomatoes, and coarsely chopped cilantro. But although Wholly Guacamole isn't texturally the same as mine, the flavor is very, very similar! I won't say it's identical, but it is incredibly tasty and will now be my go-to-guac for everyday use. The Wholly Queso and Wholly Salsa are also mouth-wateringly delicious, and very fresh tasting! I have made my own quesos and salsas, and these are just as good as homemade. The queso is rich and cheesy, and the salsa is simply to die for. There is a wonderful balance of flavors in the Wholly Salsa, and just the right amount of acidity that compliments the spices and crisp vegetables beautifully. These products rival any others I have tried, even in restaurants! Sure, I will probably still make my own from time to time for special occasions, but when I have a guacamole craving I will definitely be purchasing Wholly Guacamole. Yes, it's THAT good. If you have not tried Wholly products in fear that they wouldn't measure up to homemade guac, I challenge you to give it a try...Walk...No, RUN to your nearest grocer and pick up some of these products. You will be pleasantly surprised! I sure was! BUY IT: You can learn more about Wholly Guacamole on their website. These awesome products can be purchased at many retail grocers, such as Wal-Mart, Safeway, and Costco. Use this handy retail locator to find Wholly products near you! You can also follow Wholly Guacamole on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest news and promotions! WIN IT: The very generous folks at Fresherized Foods are so sure you'll love Wholly Guacamole, they're offering FOUR of my readers the opportunity to try it for themselves!
Please complete the mandatory entry FIRST. Also include a valid e-mail address in each comment so I can contact you if you win! Feel free to use the following format to prevent spammers from bugging you! yourname(at)aol(dot)com. MANDATORY ENTRY:
#GIVEAWAY Win Guacamole Goodness from @eatwholly @oopsimpregnant 4 WINNERS!Ends7/12 http://alturl.com/j3jm2
***Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
 I was so busy packing for a fun weekend away that I almost forgot I have some WINNERS to announce! (So if it's a little quiet around here this weekend, it's because I will be with family and new friends swimming and getting my grub on!)
So without further ado, here are my lucky winners! Congrats! Yandy.com Gift Certificate: ~K~ STOPain Extra Strenth Pain Relieving Spray: Samantha Congrats, ladies! I am e-mailing you now. Since I will not be near the computer this weekend, you have until 12:00PM EST on MONDAY, 6/27 to respond or I will have to redraw. Thanks for entering, and make sure to check out my current giveaways! I have some great ones, some with VERY low entries! |
  PR Friendly Mama!
I'm Brandy, a happily married, proud Mom of 3 amazing kids. If you're interested in building a working relationship, please feel free to e-mail me at: NewlyCrunchyMamaOf3@gmail.com 
 
 
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