Great Coupon Freebie for Canadians

Here is a great deal! Right now at Walmart Stayfree 18s are on Sale for $1.97.

You pair that with the printable 2$ OFF coupon HERE and that comes up to FREE!!

I hit up my Wal-Mart today(a Saturday I would rather stick a fork in my eye!!) and they were out. The clerk said that a delivery was expected early next week.

Cant't find any at Walmart? Grab your flyer and hit up another store and price match it. Worth it in this instant. This is an item you could stock up on.... for FREE.

Interested in other great coupon match ups? Here is a list of most stores in Ontario from Canadian Free Stuff.

Good luck!

I Won a Trip to Mexico!

That Time I Won A Trip to Mexico

I can still hear the shrill in my voice when I called my husband with the news.  "I WON a trip!!".  The call came in while I was on mat leave with my youngest.  During the call I was very calm saying things like "Oh that's great" and "I am so excited".  I don't think I truly believed the girl on the phone.  I mean this kind of thing happens to other people!

I only believed it when the official email and release form arrived.  And so started the crazy lady dancing...  all over the house and the neighborhood!

We were treated like royalty for a week. 

If you ever get the chance to go to The Gran Bahia Principe Akumal in Mexico -- jump on it.  This resort is top notch!  The food was amazing and family friendly.  This is where my youngest got a taste for black beans.  :)   The bars were well stocked and always ready to serve.  The staff were courteous and not in your face like other resorts.  There were a lot of fun on site activities.  The beach was big enough not to be too crowded.  We stayed on the resort because the kiddos were 8 months and 5 at the time.  We had a blast!

We would not hesitate to go back to ANY Gran Bahia Principe resort... anywhere!

My Weakness Wordless Wednesday

Good thing this bakery is 4000 kms away! 

Blogger Sign Ups - August 3 Group Book Tour $100 Amazon Giftcard

Welcome to Promotional Book Tours August 3rd Group Tour. We have teamed up with 9 Amazing Authors and several awesome bloggers to bring you a $100 Amazon Gift card!


Bloggers Sign Up! Promote and you get a entry into the contest!
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Incredible Dreams
50 Parent Commandments: “The Essential Guide to Hiring a Good Nanny”
Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction
Bitten Shame
As Above~ So Below: A Channeled, Assisted, Unfolding Story
Restless
The Unsacred Gift
Night Game
Phantom 

Sign up here and let them know that Shannons View from Here referred you

Don't Miss Out on the Small Things

Youngest first time skating at work Christmas Party

When my kiddos are at an activity be it swimming lessons, track meet, dirt bike races or soccer I am there for them 100%.  That is the conscious choice I make.  When they look up I wink at them, give them a secret thumbs up or just smile back at them.  Most times they DO look up.  Which brings me to what happened at swimming lessons today.

There is a little girl in DDs swim class (must be 4 or 5 year old) who has been VERY timid around the water.  She slinks in the pool while the others canon ball or jump in.  This lil one will not swim as far as the others in her class preferring to cling on to a pool noodle.  While this is happening momma is plugged in to her phone texting, facebooking or whatever.  The little girl looks up often to see her moms face in her phone

Today this little timid girlie jumped in with a huge splash and swam back to the side of the pool.  I gasped!!  The teacher was cheering and high five-ing the girl!!!  Yeah she did it!!!!  I felt bad for Mom because missed it all!  She had no clue what had happened.

I don't want to miss the small things. 

Mommy & Wife Duties List

We headed off to the Lake this weekend.  It was a last minute escape from the heat of the city.  We scrambled to pack clothes, food, ourselves and a dog in less than an hour.

"Girls!  Don't forget your bathing suit, toothbrushes and clean underwear!"  Kiddos are 5 and 9 so I figured they were OK to pack themselves.  For one night.  I was wrong.

Getting ready to head to the lake DD5 can't find the bottoms to her bathing suit.  BUT she remembered her clean underwear so we improvised!  Travesty avoided.

Hubby forgot his bathing suit too!  He was not so lucky.  He could not just wear his clean underwear.  So he borrowed some trunks from my F.I.L. and water shoes from his cousin.  The result?  After we stopped laughing... we all had fun!

So I guess I still need to have "luggage checker" on my list of mommy duties.  And I should add it to the list of wife duties too.

How was your weekend?

Best Brownies For Hubbys Birthday

Tomorrow is hubbys birthday.  The girls and I made his favorite brownies.  It was the girls idea.  I love how they come up with these things themselves.  Today they made hubs some birthday cards as well.  When he walks in the door tonight he will know immediately that there are brownies in the house.  You can't//don't want to cover that smell!  So I should text him and let him know to play it cool when he gets in!

When hubs and I were first living together we found this recipe and have loved it ever since.  Quick and easy and full of flavor.  What every recipe should be.  We have been making this for over 10 years and hope to be making it for many more!  I know it came from allrecipe.com but not exactly sure of the origin. 

Sign of a family favorite recipe!!  Chocolate splattered recipe card!!

Best Brownies  

1/2 Cup Butter

1 Cup White Sugar

2 Eggs

1 tsp Vanilla

1/3 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder(I now know the reason for selling tubs at Costco!)

1/2 Cup Flour

1/4 tsp Salt

1/4 tsp Baking Powder

Preheat oven to 350'

Grease & flour an 8x8 square pan.  (I use parchment paper/another Costco purchase)

In a large saucepan melt butter.  Remove fro heat and stir in sugar, eggs and vanilla.

Beat in coca, flour, salt and baking powder.

Spread batter into prepared pan and bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.  Do not overcook!

Creamy Fudge Frosting ( I have only iced these once.  Better without it in my opinion)

melt 2 TBSP butter in small saucepan.  Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 C pure cocoa.  Beat in 1 C icing sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla and 1 to 2 TBSP of milk (or enough to make frosting spreadable).

Happy birthday to a great husband, dad and friend.  Love you lots.

This blog post is linked up to Life as Moms Thursday Ultimate Crowd Pleasing Recipe Swap!



Asian Glazed Drumsticks ~~ Family Loved this One~~

This wonderful picture is credited to Gina's Recipes

This does not happen often.  When it does I blog it.  My whole family loved this recipe AND it is a healthy one at that.  Yipppee!!  I was looking for a drumstick recipe that would not heat up my house.  The temp was around 40' with the humidex (that's 104' for Fahrenheit-ers) so I hit my Pinterest page to see what I could make.  I was soooo not doing shake and bake... again.  I really need to stop buying that stuff.

Loved how it all came together at serving time.  I put the rice in the microwave (1 cup rice 2 cups water HIGH for 20 minutes in the corningware, works EVERY time) made the salad while it was cooking.  Super easy mid week dinner that the whole family ate.  Score!

Here is the recipe I found on Pinterest via Skinny Taste.

Asian Glazed Drumsticks(my subs are in purle)Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 4 • Serving Size: 2 drumsticks • Old Points: 5 pts • Points+: 5 pts
Calories: 213 • Fat: 4.7 g • Protein: 27.5 g • Carb: 12.7 g • Fiber: 0.4 g

• 8 medium chicken drumsticks, skin removed (I used 10) 
• olive oil spray (I used my Misto)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp Sriracha hot sauce (I used my favorite Hot Sauce)
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (I used low sodium soy sauce) 
• 4 tsp agave nectar (or sugar) (But I used honey) 
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp chives or scallions, chopped
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

In a heavy large saucepan, brown chicken on high for 3-4 minutes with a little spray oil.

Add water, balsamic, soy sauce, agave, garlic, ginger, hot sauce and cook on high until liquid comes to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered for about 20 minutes.

Remove cover and bring heat to high, allowing sauce to reduce down, about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes a thick glaze, turning chicken occasionally. (Keep an eye on glaze, you don't want it to burn when it start becoming thick).

Transfer chicken to a platter and pour glaze on top. Top with chives and sesame seeds and serve.


This one is going in to the family cook book.

Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday Raceday

This weekend is the start of a new race season.

Missing all our race friends back in Alberta!

The Big Event! BBQ Giveaway

Big Event Fundraising has helped their customers increase school fundraising results by an average of 93%! Great fundraising ideas improve school fundraising sales by increasing student participation. Big Event's ideas for fundraising are different from any other fundraising company because their thrilling prize programs motivate more students to sell items from their fundraising brochure. Using innovative incentive ideas and an easy to reach fundraising goal, Big Event Fundraising helps schools have experience higher gross sales than with other fundraising companies.

We proudly welcome you to The Big Event! BBQ Giveaway sponsored by Big Event! Fundraising.

Hosted by Our Full House and Mom to Bed by 8

 

The winner of the Big Event! Fundraising BBQ Giveaway can select one of the following amazing prizes:

Grill up to 32 hamburgers simultaneously using the wide 520 sq. in. cooking area and array of tools at your disposal on this Char-Broil 4-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill. Its 12,000 BTU flush-mount side burner makes it a snap to prepare a side dish while you cook the main course, and a warming rack keeps completed entrees warm until you're ready to serve them. Keep your grill tools within easy reach thanks to the built-in storage rack, side shelf and 2 wrap-around stainless steel towel bars.

OR

 

$200 Amazon Gift Card!

 

 

 

 

One lucky winner will receive their choice of a Char-Broil BBQ Grill or $200 Amazon Gift Card!

Giveaway ends July 30th at 11:59pm, open worldwide, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos ~ Freezer Filler

One of the first blogs I followed is called Our Best Bites.  The site is full of great ideas for crafts, recipes and more!  That is where this great easy freezer filling recipe is from.

I have the habit of buying two BBQ chickens when I do my groceries.  I cut one in half and smother it  with BBQ sauce.I then seal with the Foodsaver and freeze it for an easy dinner later.  The other chicken I shred for easy use in recipes....  like this one.  I have made this loads of times.  It freezes really well too.

Our Best Bites ~~ Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

1/3 C (3 oz) cream cheese
1/4 C green salsa
1T fresh lime juice
1/2 t cumin
1 t chili powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t granulated garlic, or garlic powder
3 T chopped cilantro
2 T sliced green onions
2 C shredded cooked chicken
1 C grated cheese

small flour tortillas
kosher salt
cooking spray

Heat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.

Heat cream cheese in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds so it’s soft and easy to stir. Add green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and granulated garlic. Stir to combine and then add cilantro and green onions. Add chicken and cheese and combine well.

Place 2-3 T of chicken mixture on the lower third of a tortilla, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edges.  Roll it up fairly tightly.  Place on a cookie sheet covered with foil and sprayed with cooking spray.  Make sure to place it seem down.

Bake 15 - 20 minutes until lightly browned at the edges.

I love to dip it in sour cream, or salsa.

Enjoy!!

It seems like a lot of work the first time.  But it does get easier and easier the more you do it.  This is now a regular treat in my house!!  Thank you to the Our Best Bites people for their awesome recipes!!

***edited  March 19 2013***
Here is the Green Salsa that I use to make my Taquitos.  It is PC brand and I use it solely for this recipe.  You can find it with all the other salsas.  Hope this helps!

Flying With Kids FAQs

Having worked for an airline for a few years I have been asked the same questions over and over again about flying with children. I was always able to answer these questions easily as I have travelled with my two kiddos loads of times. Often I find that parents are worried for nothing.  Most kids are happy flyers.  Here are the top questions!

Top Questions Parents Ask About Air Travel With Kids

1) Will we be seated together?

Often there is the option to preselect your seats at the time of booking for a fee. The fee is nominal and worth it to save stress the day of your flight.

2) What can I bring on the plane to feed my baby?

The rules are ever changing in regards to what can be brought through security. Right now the rules are relaxed for formula, purified water for feeding babies during the flight. Of course this could change at any time so it is always best to check with your airline before leaving. For the older kids I always let them pick treats we usually do not buy. As long as there are no liquids, gels or aerosols you can bring it through security. I would forgo the fruit if travelling across any borders.

3) How can I help little ears on take off and landing?

Gum for the older kids work great. I also taught them my kids to yawn to relieve pressure. For the littler ones soothers or a bottle will work well too.

4) Can I take my stroller on the plane?

Some aircrafts do have closets for such items. You can also gate check your stroller. That means you will have your stroller right up to the door of the plane. The crew will load it bellow. Then your stroller will be awaiting for you upon exiting the plane.

5) Should I bring my car seat on the plane?

This is the question that starts a long conversation. If the child is under 2 they can travel for free as a lap baby. You can also purchase a full fare seat for your baby and use a car seat. Children over the age of 2 will need their own paid seats. In my experience as long as the child is still in a rear facing seat... bring it on board. If not the odds are in a front facing seat those little legs can reach the seat in front of them. Making that passengers trip miserable! Not to mention all the sighing and dirty looks you will get. :)

6) Does my child need ID?

If heading to the US from Canada EVERYONE needs a passport. For travel within Canada no ID for 17 and under are required but it is recommended you travel with ID.

7) What about a DSI or portable DVD player?

BRING IT!!!!

Those are the top questions I have been asked.

If you have a question leave it here and I will answer it for you!

Happy travels!

Google

Her's or His Power Wheels Event

hosted by: Mom Blog Society

This is a free blog event! You will receive one link for your participation.

Event Giveaway Dates: July 30 - August 13

Prize: Disney Princess Girls' Convertible or Lil' Rider Sports Car

Open: Worldwide

If a winner is selected from outside of the US, they will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Certificate

Win Xbox Kinect Bundle Pack

Have you heard? We are having a Techy Summer over at Mom to Bed by 8, the ‘Iowa Mom‘ and want to help you continue on with your sensational summer by offering you a chance to win an Xbox Kinect Bundle Pack (including Xbox 360 console, Kinect Sensor and Kinect Adventures Game). Retail value $299.

Special thanks to our lovely co-hosts TechyTribe, I Love To Gossip, Giveaway Bandit, As Mom Sees It and Couponing4you for their support in bringing this gamer giveaway to life!

Xbox 360 4GB Console with Kinect
Product Description
The Xbox 360 4GB Console with Kinect. Kinect brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways – no controller required. Easy to use and instantly fun, Kinect gets everyone off the couch moving, laughing and cheering. See a ball? Kick it. Control an HD movie with a wave of the hand. Want to join a friend in the fun? Simply jump in. Wi-Fi is built-in for easier connection to the world of entertainment on Xbox LIVE, where HD movies and TV stream in an instant. Xbox 360 is more games, entertainment and fun.

Product Features

Kinect Sensor: With the Kinect sensor, you can experience gaming like never before. Easy to use and fun for everyone, the Kinect sensor utilizes revolutionary full-body tracking to put you in the center of the fun. This amazing new technology allows the sensor to recognize your body and mirror your movements in the game, making you the controller. With Kinect Xbox 360 now has the best controller ever made – YOU.
Built-in Wi-Fi: The new Xbox 360 is the only console with 802.11n Wi-Fi built-in for a faster and easier connection to Xbox LIVE. Stream HD movies and TV or download games from Xbox LIVE in 1080p and 5.1 surround sound from anywhere in the house. Compatible with b/g/n networks.
Xbox LIVE: Xbox LIVE brings a world of entertainment to you. Instantly watch movies and TV streaming from Netflix. In crystal-clear HD, or download game add-ons like new levels, characters, maps and songs. Easily jump right into online multiplayer fun and play along with friends around the world. Plus, get your favorite music from Last.fm, connect with friends on Facebook and post Tweets on Twitter. Xbox LIVE is your connection to more games, entertainment and fun.
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (black): This award-winning, high-performance wireless controller features a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of up to 30 hours on two AA batteries.
More ports: Connect more accessories and storage solutions with added USB ports. Now with a total of 5, (3 back/2 front) you’ll find more places to plug and play. Plus, in addition to the standard Ethernet port and HDMI output, we’ve added an integrated optical audio out port for an easier connection to the booming sound of your A/V receiver.
Kinect Adventures game: Float in outer space. Experience the thrill of roaring rapids. Tackle mountaintop obstacle courses and dive into the deep to explore a leaky underwater observatory — all from your living room. With Kinect Adventures, you are the controller as you jump, dodge and kick your way through exciting adventures set in a variety of exotic locations. Rated “E” for Everyone.

What’s In The Box?

• Xbox 360 4GB S Console
• Kinect Sensor for Xbox 360
• Kinect Adventures game - rated “E” for Everyone
• Xbox 360 Black Wireless Controller
• Xbox 360 Composite A/V cable (standard definition)
• 1 year limited warranty on console

Sorry for the Potty talk but....

I came across this article in the Ottawa Sun.  I can't get the image of Doug Hempstead, or anyone else for that matter, going to such lengths to catch the culprit that is leaving their "business" on his lawn. 

It does bring to mind a funny old neighbor that slept under her hedge to catch her culprit.  With no luck!  Not sure what she would have done.  Jump out of the bushes yelling "Aha!  You did not pick up the poop!". 

I suppose Doug has it better than funny old neighbor did.  He has technology to help him.  Poor crazy neighbor only had her house coat (true story BTW). 

People!  Pick up your dogs doo!  Let the Dougs and funny old neighbors of the world get some sleep! 

Just something I could not get off my mind.  :)

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Grilled Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Lives Up to Its Name!

You know that feeling when you find a new recipe and it is an outstanding success.  I mean the kind where everyone is quiet at the dinner table.  I mean the kind you never thought the kids would love too!! I mean the kind that garner comments such as:

• Hubs "NEVER make these again.... when the kids are home"
• DD5years "I give it 3 thumbs up." while balancing on one foot to hold up her "thumb toe".
• DD9years "I give it 1,000 thumbs up."

Yep, this is THAT recipe.

I noticed this gem on my facebook feed of all places.  It was posted on Yummy Mummy Club by Jennifer Hamilton.  

I know you will love this as much as my family does.  I wonder if it doubles well...

 ^^My photo.  Clearly I need lessons!!

^^Photo from Yummy Mummy Club

Grilled Lemon-Garlic Shrimp

This recipe is astonishingly simple but also incredibly tasty. I love it as a side dish to lamb or beef because it sets off the heavy meat perfectly. It takes minutes to prepare but tastes like it takes a great deal more effort.

1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon dried oregano, crumbled
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
1 bay leaf
zest of one lemon
1 medium shallot, minced
3 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 medium shallot
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
24 jumbo shrimp, deveined but not peeled*
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
lemon wedges as an accompaniment

Crush and peel the garlic cloves. Along with the salt, mash the garlic into a paste.

In a large bowl stir together the garlic, shallot, oil, oregano, thyme, lemon zest, bay leaf and the pepper. Add the shrimps, and toss to coat them well.

Let the shrimp marinate, covered and chilled, for at least 1 hour or overnight. Stir in the lemon juice, let the mixture stand at room temperature for an hour, and drain the shrimp in a fine sieve, reserving the marinade. Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for at least an hour.

Thread three shrimps per skewer and grill on barbeque for about 3-minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through. (Alternatively, they can be broiled on the rack of a broiler pan under a preheated broiler about 4 inches from the heat for 4-minutes on each side.) Bring left-over marinade to a boil and serve alongside as a dipping sauce.

*Leaving the peels on the shrimp prevents them from overcooking on the grill and thus drying out. It might take a few extra minutes to peel them when eating but the taste is definitely worth it. They melt in your mouth!  (Great tip I never know before.  It is a good day when you learn something new!)