>U Mom Knows Best: October 2013

Thursday, October 31, 2013

ExceptionalSheets.Com Giveaway

ExceptionalSheets.Com
Luxury Egyptian Cotton Linens

Hosted By: Inside My Head

Company Overview: Exceptional Sheets is an American, veteran owned company operated out of Evansville, Indiana. Countless hours of time, effort, and a little luck has helped Exceptional Sheets become one of the Internets most trusted and successful providers of luxury products. 

add your own review here...










I personally bought both of these products and love both of them. They are quality products,very well made. You can read my reviews here at Amazon for the PILLOW and for the SHEETS








GIVEAWAY TIME!!
Enter Below To Win
Open World Wide
11/1 - 12/1


Be sure to Like ExceptionalSheets.Com on Facebook and Follow  @ExcptnalSheets on Twitter to stay up to date on current promotions and special offers!! 

$100 Black Friday Shop Till You Drop Giveaway

Black Friday 2013 $100 Giveaway brought to you by Xtreme Qpon and Minding My Matters
Black Friday Button

Yes, it is approaching. Some people love it and some hate it. It's Black Friday and the sales will be mind blowing! Start it off right with an extra $100 in your pocket!

My favorite Black Friday purchase was a DVD and VCR player that I got for $50.00. I remember getting up at 4 AM to get in line when the store opened at 5 AM. What is your best purchase?


Xtreme Qpon and Minding My Matters have joined with Co-Hosts: Capris Coupons My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life Money Saving Deals Life with Norma Kay Five Dollar Shake And many other absolutely amazing bloggers to bring you this rockin' giveaway! One lucky winner will walk away with an extra $100 in their pocket just in time for Black Friday!
Please enter the Rafflecopter below. Although you do not have to complete all the entries to win, then more you do complete, the better your chances are of being chosen.

All of the entries on the Rafflecopter form benefit the wonderful bloggers who have brought this giveaway to you, so please support them!

U.S. Only Giveaway dates 11/1 - 11/22 Prize: $100 PayPal or Gift Card (winners choice)

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclaimer: ((Your Blog Name)) is not responsible for prize shipment. Minding My Matters and Xtreme Qpon blogs are responsible for prize fulfillment.

Redbox Free Rental Code (Kiosk Only)

There is a new Redbox rental code available for a free DVD rental. It is for use at the kiosk only and does not work for online reservations.

Just use code:
545HRH75.


Just keep in mind that it is one night only and you do need to return the movie the next day or you will be charged the normal $1.29 price for each additional night.

This should be valid through 11/1.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Disney Classics Box Set Is Here


The Disney Classic Box set is here and you can pre-order HERE at Amazon for the release date of November 11th. This box set has 94 wonderful Disney songs that you and your kids can sing along with. This box set has songs you grew with as a kid and also some new ones. There are Disney Modern Classics,  Disney Theme Park Classics, Disney Timeless Classics, and  
Disney Television Classics. Songs like Whistle While You Work, You Got a Friend In  Me, and my husbands favorite YO Ho( a pirates life for me.) This will make a great gift for children. Pre-order at this link in time for Christmas http://bit.ly/DCBoxSet



 "I am participating in a blog post campaign
from One2One Network and Walt Disney Records. All opinions are my
own. "





Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Boogie Wipes And Puffs Fresh Faces


I love being a Boogie Wipe mom ambassador as I get cool products to help promote their wonderful products. Boogie Wipes are wonderful products to help take care of little ones noses. There is now Puffs Fresh Faces for grown ups to use on their nose or face. The rest of products are Kandoo kids products for their body and hair. I can't wait to hand out samples of these products. I will be also surprising some friends will the full size products.

$200 Visa Blog opportunity




Christmas is almost here!!

We are giving away


Visa $200 Gift Card


-FREE Link with announcement (Twitter or Pinterest)


-Giveaway date:  December 9 to 20

-Co-host $15.00
10 Links
2 Co-host pages

Extra links $1.50

Send payment to melisurveys1978@gmail.com


$200 Walmart Blog Opportunity


Christmas is almost here!!

We are giving away


Walmart $200 Gift Card


-FREE Link with announcement (Twitter or Pinterest)


-Giveaway date:  October 14 to November 4

-Co-host $15.00
10 Links
2 Co-host pages

Extra links $1.50

Send payment to melisurveys1978@gmail.com



How To Cook A Pumpkin For Recipes

Learn how to cook a pumpkin 


Around this time of year, the stores sell lots of pumpkins. While most people use them for decorating, I get excited that I can cook and eat it. My son went to a pumpkin patch the other night with his youth group and got a pumpkin. He carved it but the pumpkin fell apart. He wanted to have some fun and smash it but I said no way I am going to cook it. The pumpkin above is a new one that we bought to carve tonight.

 The best pumpkins to use for cooking are the smaller pie pumpkins as they have the best flavor to use in recipes like pumpkin pie. You can cook the bigger pumpkins but the pumpkin flesh will be more stringy and watery. The pumpkin flesh is still edible and can be used in recipes that are not sweet like casseroles or soups. I like to combine the cooked pumpkin from larger pumpkins with rice and spinach.

 Cooking pumpkin is very easy. First, wash the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds. Put the seeds and goop in a bowl to toast later (Learn how to toast the pumpkin seeds.).Then slice the pumpkin in half and place each half in a roasting pan with 2 cups of water. Bake the pumpkin at 350 for about 1 to 2 hours, turning the pieces over halfway through. I sliced the pumpkin into more pieces when I turned it over to fit in the pan better. The pumpkin is done when it is dark orange and soft.


Notice how soft the pumpkin is?


When the pumpkin is down let it cool. I put mine in the fridge for a couple hours as I did not have time to tend to it. Then peel off the skin, it will come off very easily with your hands. Place the cooked pumpkin in a strainer and with a clean bowl push it down to squeeze out the water.  Put the pumpkin in the fridge to use later or freeze in 2 cup portions. This larger pumpkin is not good for pies or other sweet baked items as it is too watery. If you want to use the cooked pumpkin in pies, then select a smaller sugar pumpkin that is grown for pumpkin pies.


 I like to use this pumpkin in soups or casseroles. It also tastes great with spinach and cheese. I just take 1 pound fresh spinach and 2 cups pumpkin and then microwave for 3 minutes. Sprinkle shredded cheese, salt, and pepper on top. Pumpkin is high in vitamin A and fiber.


Tomorrow, my son will carve his other pumpkin and then I will have seeds to show you how to toast them. I found a way where you leave the goop on the seeds and toast them on the stovetop. The result is a seed that is more crispy and easy to chew.

Free Chocolate


I love chocolate and Lindt is great tasting. Chocolate tastes better when it is free of course. Go here to print a  $2.00 off coupon for Lindt chocolate. Walgreens will have these on sale next week for $2.00 or if you can't wait Target and Kroger(Smiths) sell these for $2.49 so still a good deal. You can print this coupon 2 times per computer. Enjoy!

Monday, October 28, 2013

My New Curtains



We used to have mini blinds in all the windows but I hated how dusty they got and they were impossible to clean. I have been wanting curtains for a long time but the cost was holding me back. I recently won $250.00 so I bought new curtains for three rooms, the office, dining room and the master bedroom. The boys will also be getting new curtains. I bought these cute energy saving curtains so I am hoping they will help heating costs in the winter. The curtains pictured are downstairs and my bedroom has the same pattern but in black. My windows look wonderful and a big thank you to my husband who hung them all.


  I just love the circle pattern on these curtains and they are so much easier to clean when compared to mini blinds. The dust doesn't stick to these so I really only have to wash them once a year. They are also so much easier to open and close. In the winter, they block out the cold air and in the summer, they block out the heat. When compared to blinds, they were also so much easier to hang up. I really like the way they look in all the rooms that they are in. I bought these at Walmart and they brighten up my rooms. It is an easy way to remodel a room.


 Notice the circle pattern on them? It is a look that I really like. These curtains have a nice modern look and they come in several colors like brown, black, and gold. I bought brown ones for the dining room, office, and my bedroom. I bought the gold ones for my master bathroom.

Do you like curtains or blinds in your home?


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Blogger Opportunity: Keurig v600 Giveaway

 
Organized and Hosted By: Out of the Bags 
 
Prize: 1 Keurig Vue 600 with Vue Pack
 
Event Dates: November 11 to November 30
 
Open to U.S Only 
 
Top Referrer will receive a free Co-Host spot. 
 
 
 
Requirements to participate:
 
Limit 2 blogs per person
 
Link Announcement or pay $5
 
 
 
Promote at least 3x times a week.
 
 
 

Blogger Opps: Black Friday Shop Till You Drop $100 PayPal Cash or Gift Card Giveaway! 11/1-11/22

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Sign up and join us in this awesome giveaway event! One lucky winner will get $100 PayPal cash or gift card of their choice to blow on Black Friday deals and steals!
Hosted By: Minding My Matters and Xtreme Qpon Giveaway Dates: 11/1 - 11/22 Signups close 10/27 Free & Paid options

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please mention Mom Knows Best sent you

Barley, Butternut Squash, and Spinach Casserole


I rarely eat meat and if I do it is fish. I might eat poultry a couple times a year. My friends ask me what do I eat as they think meatless dinners are boring. I think different, as I always eat exciting dishes. Here is a dish that I found in a magazine as a side dish but I added white beans and made it a complete dinner. This dish is a wonderful fall dish with butternut squash in it. I used frozen butternut squash and frozen spinach but you can use fresh. This dish is full of protein and vitamin C and vitamin A.

                                      Barley, Butternut Squash, and Spinach Casserole

                    3 cups cooked barley,prepared according to package (cook in chicken broth)
                    one 12 ounce pack frozen spinach,cooked and drained
                     one 16 ounce pack frozen butternut squash cubes
                       2 cups white beans(can or cooked from scratch)
                     1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
                      1/4 cup parmesan cheese
                      2 teaspoons black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Then put mixture into a 9X13 baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

                             

The Sparkle Box- A Gift With The Power To Change Christmas And A Giveaway


My boys were excited when they opened the box today and saw this book. We put together the included sparkle box right away. I then them we would find out more about the sparkle box later at bedtime.


When bedtime came my boys asked why we were going to read a Christmas story and I told them Christmas will be here in about 2 months and this story will help us to get ready. I then ready this book The Sparkle Box to my two youngest boys who are 5 and 6 that night at bedtime. The book kept their attention the whole time and they kept asking if they could open the sparkle box. At the end of the story, they found out what the sparkle box is for. A box to put our good deeds when did for Jesus. I loved the discussion I was able to have with my boys at the end of the story about good deeds. They came up with wonderful ways we could help people at Christmas time. I then placed the sparkle box on their dresser to remind them to think of more ways we could help people. We will then write them down and place the slips of paper in the box after we do the good deed. What good deeds does your family do at Christmas time?



About The Sparkle Box - A Gift with the Power to Change Christmas 
Sam is so excited about Christmas! He's thinking about his Christmas list, looking forward to holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift: a sparkly box sitting on the mantel. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness to others. On Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record the family's good deeds. Sam's mom explains that the things that they've been doing are, in fact, a gift for Jesus, for Jesus said that whatever we do for those in need, we do for Him. 

Written by Jill Hardie
Illustrated by Christine Kornacki
Available now!
Hardcover with jacket, 10 x 10, 32 pages, with a fold-out sparkle box included!
ages 4 to 8 

Author Bio
Author Jill Hardie and her family began placing a gift for Jesus under their Christmas tree as a way of bringing more meaning to the holiday.  The first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and they felt a profound joy and peace.  Jill hopes that The Sparkle Box will spark a new Christmas tradition, bringing light into thousands of lives.  

Illustrator Bio
At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life.  After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children's books began to take shape.  She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut.  


I am having a giveaway for my readers so they can get this wonderful book in time for Christmas. Just enter on the Rafflecopter form below and good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

"These opinions are my own and I was sent a copy of The Sparkle Box book to be able to write this review."

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Giveaway for $200 Worth of Cash Prizes from EvaWigs!

Welcome to the Giveaway for $200 Worth of Cash Prizes from EvaWigs! (4 winners - each wins $50)

I love how gorgeous wigs can change your look from one moment to the other. Why dye your hair with chemicals when you can be a blonde for one day instead? (and forget taking hours to dye your hair!) EvaWigs has an amazing selection of wigs inspired by some of the most stunning celebrities. You should take a look at their selection and visualize how beautiful you would look!
EvaWigs has been kind enough to offer 4 winners a $50 Paypal cash prize each!

 
evawigsgiveaway
 
Giveaway expires 11/6 and is open to all worldwide!
 

Torani Spookiest Sweepstakes


Torani has a sweepstakes
They're giving away prizes to THIRTEEN lucky TORANI fans!

Each winner will receive:
-One bottle of Torani Blood Orange Syrup
-One bottle of Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup (Original or Sugar Free)
-One SPOOKY fun drink dispenser*

Enter DAILY & share the contest with your friends in order to maximize your chances of winning! :)

Enter HERE

I love Torani for my coffee. Here is a review I did last year TORANI REVIEW

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Truvia Is Great For Coffee

click to expand

I was sent some samples of Truvia calorie free sweetener from Crowdtap. I tried Truvia in my coffee the next morning and my coffee tasted sweet with no artificial after taste. I like that this sweetener is natural and has no calories. Taste it for yourself and see how good it tastes.

Monday, October 21, 2013

The New Ozeri Precision Digital Bath Scale Review


I received the The New Ozeri Precision Digital Bath Scale to review on my blog. I was impressed with this scale as soon as I took it out of the box. It is very sleek looking and will look great in any bathroom. I like how light it is and the numbers are easy to read. There is no waiting for a reading, you step on the scale and it comes up. The price is very reasonable too. This is a basic scale as it just gives your weight. That is all I need, as I have no need for any other measurements. The scale is made of glass but is durable as it weighs people up to 400 pounds.
The Ozeri Precision Digital Bathroom Scale also boasts a convenient unit button that instantly changes the unit of measurement from pounds to kilograms and optionally British stones. There is only on battery in this scale (  1 Lithium 2032 battery and it is included) and it
 uses 4 G sensors to capture weights up to 400 lbs or 180 kg with industry leading accuracy. The Ozeri scale also comes with a full warranty and your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.

To get more information about the New Ozeri Precision digital bath scale and to purchase it go here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CWM1QIY



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Ageless Derma Stem Cell And Peptide Anti Wrinkle Cream Review



I received a wonderful anti wrinkle cream to try out and it is awesome. Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti Wrinkle cream works very well.  Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti Wrinkle Cream incorporates an apple stem cell extract called PhytoCellTec that has demonstrated 100% effectiveness in measurably reducing facial wrinkles..This cream has a nice citrus scent and I love the way the product is dispensed, you push down on the lid and just the right amount of product comes out. That is a plus for me as that means no waste. This cream made my fine lines less noticeable by firming up my skin. I noticed results after the first week of using the product. Ageless Derma has 7 scientificlly proven anti-aging ingredients in their cream. To see the list of ingredients and other information about Ageless Derma Stem Cell And Peptide Anti Wrinkle Cream go here  http://www.agelessderma.com/agelessdermastemcellandpeptideanti-wrinklecream.aspx

Ageless Derma makes many other skin products and also make up so you can look your best. To view all their products go here http://www.agelessderma.com/Anti-wrinkle-cream.aspx 
Also Ageless Derma offers free shipping on all orders. 

Even celebrities, who have access to any skincare product they wish, depend upon PhytoCellTec to maintain their luminous complexions. According to Vogue magazine, film stars such as Julianne Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow and Helen Mirren all enjoy the dazzling results of using the apple stem cell extract. They, along with Jennifer Lopez and Michelle Obama, have the glowing, captivating allure that we all desire.

I will be using Ageless Derma Stem Cell And Peptide Anti Wrinkle Cream so I can maintain my beautiful skin.  Ageless Derma's home page says their products will help you abolish wrinkles, age spots, dark spots and dark circles under the eyes within weeks of using.






I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Mrs. Freshley's Snack Cakes Are So Yummy And A Giveaway


I discovered a wonderful new snack cake product line. Mrs. Freshley's has been around for a long time but they are new in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I had the opportunity to meet some of their team members at a sampling tour yesterday in Albuquerque. They gave me yummy samples to try and coupons to give to my readers, lots of coupons!


My family was very happy when I came home with the snack cakes! My 13 year old son said " these are good mom!" I tried them too and they were moist and the cream filling was oh so good! These are just a small selection of the snack cakes Mrs. Freshley's makes. To see the whole product line go to http://www.mrsfreshleys.com/ and try not to drool over your keyboard.


Mrs. Freshley's has a new snack cake they wanted me to tell you about. They are Chocolate Dreamies creme filled cakes. They are so good with a wonderful cream filling inside.



Mrs. Freshley's is doing a sampling tour to hand out samples of their yummy snack cakes. Like their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/mrsfreshleys to see if they are coming to your town.

Now for the best part, the giveaway! I have 10 coupons for free Mrs. Freshley's snack cakes to give away to one of my readers. They are good for and Mrs. Freshley's product up to $ 2.99. Enter on the Rafflecopter form below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"These opinions are my own and I received the above products to write this post."

Redbox Free Rental Code (Kiosk Only)


There is a new Redbox rental code available for a free DVD rental. It is for use at the kiosk only and does not work for online reservations.

Just use code:

9MXW2LPC

Just keep in mind that it is one night only and you do need to return the movie the next day or you will be charged the normal $1.29 price for each additional night.

This should be valid through 11/7.

Kroger And Smiths Friday Freebie Is Back!


There is a free item at Kroger and Smiths today. The free item is Fruitwater and it comes in my different flavors. Go to http://kroger.softcoin.com/programs/kroger/digital_coupons/?campaign=DigitalCoupons&banner=Smiths and sign into your account to load the coupon on your store card. You have only today to load it to your card but you have until November 1st to redeem it in the store.


Thursday, October 17, 2013

Audrey Bunny A Book About God's Love And A Giveaway



I was sent a wonderful children's book to review and my boys were excited to have a new story for bedtime. The book was a story that kept my boys attention and had a wonderful teaching moment after story time. I love that it teaches children about how we are all created by God with love and what we see as flaws, He sees as something special.  My boys learned to embrace differences as something special we were given by God. They realized the world would be boring if we all looked the same.
I love the Parent Connection, at the end of the story, that has questions for parents to ask their children to reinforce God's love for us. 




About Audrey Bunny
From best-selling women’s author Angie Smith (I Will Carry You, Mended) comes this sweet children’s book about a stuffed animal named Audrey Bunny who fears her imperfections make her unworthy of a little girl’s love. She'll learn the truth soon enough, and young readers will learn that everyone is special and wonderfully made by God.

Let author Angie Smith tell you more about this book:  http://youtu.be/hB6YFDowXxs

Angie Smith is the wife of Todd Smith (lead singer of Dove Award winning group Selah), best-selling author of Mended, I Will Carry You, and What Women Fear, and one of the most popular speakers and blog writers in the country. She holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and lives with her husband and daughters in Nashville, TN.

Written by: Angie Smith
Publisher: B&H Publishing
Hardcover with jacket:  32 pages 
Release Date: October 1, 2013
$14.99
Stay Connected    

I have a copy of this wonderful book to give to one of my readers. This makes a wonderful gift! Just enter on the Rafflecopter form below and good luck.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

"These opinions are my own and I received a copy of the above book to be able to write my blog post."

Monday, October 14, 2013

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta





Here in my hometown Albuquerque, New Mexico in October we have a event called Balloon Fiesta. This events, that lasts a week, has over 600 hot air balloons participating from all around the world. This is a must see event and a perfect reason to visit Albuquerque. The week is filled with many different events like balloon mass ascensions and balloon glows. The cool thing is you get to get up close to the balloons and see the balloons get set up and then watch them float up to the sky.  My photos show the balloons before the sun rises and from then on. For more information go to http://www.balloonfiesta.com/













This is a cool video someone made which shows the balloons in time lapse. http://www.newscastic.com/news/the-abq-balloon-fiesta-time-lapse-that-everyone-is-talking-about-1073762/
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Mom knows best