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VeggieTales “Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas”

November 29, 2013 by Momstart 3 Comments

VeggieTales “Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas”

By Lynn:

Oh what a lovely DVD! My little one and I sat down to spend some snuggle time together and we decided to watch this show. I was hoping to start the idea of Christmas in her mind.

I am familiar VeggieTales having watched their silly songs and seeing a few of their Christian themed stories for sale. I think many people know of “Silly Songs with Larry” or others such as “The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything” and “Where Is My Hairbrush?”. If you’ve seen any of these before you’ll be glad to know this story manages to stay true to it’s silliness but still conveys the message of hope and love for Christmas time. Larry’s silly song here is “Wrapped Myself Up for Christmas.” Funny on it’s own!

If you’ve not seen any VeggieTales before, you’re missing out! The creators of these shows are really good. They appeal to children’s humor and adults can still find the fun in it, without any rudeness or creepiness. Something a lot of mainstream shows seem to think HAS to be included nowadays. VeggieTales is about vegetables singing different things in their lives, a tomato looking for his hairbrush, a squash that loves a cheeseburger and Larry the cucumber who sings almost all the other songs.

In this Christmas story however, they bring the message of why Christmas started and what we can do – Give hope and love to others – and help those in need. It’s done in a very gentle way without sounding preachy. My 3 year old didn’t really understand the “giving” part of it, she just really enjoyed the story, Larry is a silly mall elf in this story, but I got to point out the part where we see baby Jesus in the manger and gave us a chance to talk about Jesus birth at Christmas.

This story also has a few famous voices to boot. Si Robertson from “Duck Dynasty” fame is the narrator, and they humorlessly made a veggie look like him –beard and all! And there is also TobyMac from Owl City, whose Christmas song “Light of Christmas” is featured.

If you’re looking to expand your Christmas library with a nice story you can put on that will entertain toddlers until adults (it has a few puns for adults to listen out for – always my favourite in a show like this) this is it. It’s nice and short too -50mins – so the children won’t get bored too quickly. There are a few bonus features including Si talking about how it felt to be recorded. Oh and listen out for his quick Christmas carol!

Lastly I’d like to add that VeggieTales is working with Operation Christmas Child – a global children’s project of Samaritan’s Purse. You kind find out more info here: www.veggietales.com/friends/occ/

And at www.veggietales.com you can see a trailer, play games and learn about VeggieTales apps, etc so check it out!

About Lynn:

I met Lynn in MOMS Club and she has two children. One of which is the same age as my daughter and they love to giggle and play together. Lynn Hooper is also a local Mary Kay Consultant while also being a full time mom. “A lot of what the business stands for is true to my heart. Mary Kay Inc. has a foundation that donates funds to help end domestic violence and also funds research into cancers that affect women. Mary Kay also has what’s called "The Golden Rule" which means God (faith) first, family second and business third. A great principal for me and nice to know I am part of a team that believes in this too.”

GoPicnic Picnic in a Box with Ginger Zip!

November 27, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Go Picnic picnic in a box

By Lynn

This is a great idea! We received a full size box to try out. For my daughter (6) we chose a gluten free option The Tuna & Crackers. It came with a lemon pepper tuna spread, applesauce, multigrain crackers (GF), fruit and nut mix, and a caramel lollipop.

One thing I liked about this was that the box could be used to eat from if you are on the go, and in my case, give something to your child to eat in the car between activities – not the ideal situation I know! But sometimes it happens. The box even had a Sudoku game in it!

These do not have to be refrigerated so you can keep a couple of boxes in your car if needed, but probably not when it’s super hot over summer! J Each box is a single serving, so each person can have their own. Not everyone has to have to tuna, or you can share as you go. What is also nice for me as a busy mom (brain always at 100%), I don’t have to think about making a complete meal, the Go Picnic box already contains a variety of foods (meat, crackers, fruit, even a sweet treet if they’re good J). I tried out the fruit and nut mix as well as the tuna and they were both super tasty!

You can find more information at www.gopicnic.com . In addition to Gluten Free they also have vegan, kosher and all-natural, amongst other choices. The box has nutrition information per box, and also allergen information per item (i.e. Which package in the box has milk and/or peanuts etc).

I think the next flavor I’d like to try is the turkey pepperoni and cheese! Or the Sunbutter and crackers…hmmm I can’t decide! I’ll have to get a few and hope someone in my family shares with me so I can try a few out!

About Lynn:

G. H. Cretors Popped Corn 5 Different Flavors

May 11, 2013 by Momstart 1 Comment

Samples received: By Lynn!

As summer approaches I know we are all hosting, or being invited to, or just having our own little summer celebrations and people are always thinking of what snacks to bring. I think G.H. Cretors Popped Corn is a great idea. Take it with or just have it on your own, they’re quite tasty! Don’t forget it’s a nice little gift for the special Mom in your life!

I received a sample box of 5 different flavors, namely: “Chicago Mix”, “Just the Caramel Corn”, “Kettle Corn”, “Caramel Nut Crunch”, and “Just the Cheese”. The first bag to go in our house was the “Caramel Nut Crunch”. The popcorn was evenly covered in caramel, big puffy popcorn. The nuts were cashews and almonds and they were also covered in caramel, SO good! The next was the caramel one. I was a little surprised at how bright orange the cheese was, but it was nice that it didn’t seem to “powder off” the popcorn like some cheeses do. The one that I didn’t like too much was the Chicago Mix, it was cheese and caramel. I am sure people do love this, but it wasn’t for me. So all I did was eat the cheese popcorn first then enjoyed the caramel – the flavors didn’t rub off on each other so it was easy to do.

G.H. Cretors is a family run business. And in this case run by the moms! Claire Cretors (popcorn president) and her mom, Phyllis, are carrying on the corn popping tradition of great-great-great Grandpa Cretors who invented the popcorn machine in 1885.

The ingredients they use today are all natural: basically popcorn, sugar and sunflower oil – free of GMO’s, artificial colors and flavors. Bonus for me and my family is that there are no gluten ingredients either. And made by hand in copper kettles!

This variety pack containing one of each flavor is under $20 at ghcretors.com it’s a GREAT deal!!

Our sample arrived in a cute box that I know we will use again, it’s easy for the kids to put their toys in, or color on, or just generally play with. You know how kids are with boxes!

About Lynn:

TRU Fragrance – Hip Notes Summer 2013 Limited Edition Orange Blossom

April 20, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

TRU Fragrance – Hip Notes Summer 2013 Limited Edition Orange Blossom

By Lynn:

I’ll be honest I am not one on the forefront of fashion, at all, I am not even in the race, but I can never say no to trying a new fragrance! Tru Fragrance, a leading boutique fragrance development company, has announced that their fragrance for this summer is Orange Blossom.

Something I never realized is that oranges are one of the few plants that bloom and bear fruit at the same time, and ALL parts of the orange tree are used in a fragrance – the flowers being the most fragrant. Hip Note Orange Blossom is extracted from these white flowers to create a “creamy, rich, floral sent.”

Amy Braden, director of product development at Try Fragrance says: “Full floral notes are making a comeback. Orange blossom is a sensual floral that invokes so many emotions and memories.”

I was surprised when I read this quote as I had been spending part of yesterday walking around sniffing this fragrance because it DID remind about something from my childhood. I couldn’t remember exactly what, some lotion or shampoo at my aunt’s house that I really liked (The aunt AND the shampoo, lol).

It is a lovely gentle fragrance that I can imagine wearing to summer evening barbeques and park play dates.

This Hip Notes was created by Patricia Choux, a perfuner of fragrance house Takasago. She has a career in perfumery spanning 20 years! Having a hand in creating fragrances, including Marc Jacobs Orange Splash, Michael Kors Very Pretty and Jo Malone Blue Agava and Cacao, amongst others.

Tru Fragrance predicts that “Nostalgic Floral” will be among the top fragrance trends for summer 2013.

Even if you don’t follow fashion trends this fragrance is one I am sure most women can wear and enjoy. It is subtle, yet noticeable –something I like in a fragrance. Tru Fragrance description of it is as follows: “Opening notes of peach blossom and freesia combine with a driftwood accord. The orange blossom essence is expressed through a special Guimauve accord that blends warm marshmallow and gardenia notes. The base notes blend a unique sand accord, delicious almond milk and amber…”
I include this because it describes the fragrance so well and all the “notes” you can detect. I get the orange blossom for sure, and even the driftwood!

Definitely a fragrance to consider, but not think about it for too long as it is limited edition!!

Check Out the TRU Fragrance on Facebook.

Saffron Road Chicken Tikka Masala Review

April 11, 2013 by Momstart 1 Comment

Saffron Road

By Lynn

Having an English husband, as in from England not just the language, and being South African myself, we enjoy eating curry. About every two weeks my hubby starts getting a hankering for it and he wants to get take out. But with my 5 year old needing to have a gluten free diet I can’t always be certain that the ingredients from the restaurant are gluten free, or if they are, something hasn’t accidentally got mixed in ( “cross contamination” as they call it in the Gluten Free world). So I land up making the entire meal myself (yogurt, spices, etc) or buying the ready-made sauces so I can see EXACTLY what is in it.

I already knew about Saffron Road seeing it at my local PCC when I was getting ideas about gluten free products I could purchase in the future. The main reason I hadn’t bought the chicken tikka masala was that I wasn’t sure if my daughter could handle the spiciness or not. We had tried a lemon and herb version already and we all enjoyed it.

The version of the tikka masala I had seen in the shop was just the sauce – you pour it in a pan of your own cooked chicken. But the samples I received for the review was a microwavable meal that included the chicken AND rice! And still gluten free! A lot of these microwaveable meals need to add preservatives in that contain wheat, but not Saffron Road! I did make my own naan bread (yes, still gluten free) as my hubby LOVES his naan with curry and my daughter loves it too!

The tikka masala was not too hot that she couldn’t enjoy it and had enough flavor that my hubby and I could enjoy it too. It did NOT have a process/factory taste to it and definitely something I will be keeping in my freezer for the future – My hubby says he gives it a “thumbs up”! It’s great to know we have an option for quick meals on those days where we have a lot going on! (But isn’t that every day when you have kids? Lol)

You may like to know that Saffron Road is non GMO, all-natural, halal packaged foods and sold across the United States. Saffron Road products include: easy-to-make frozen entrées (the sample I was given); convenient and flavorful hors d’oeuvres; single-serving simmer sauces (what I have used before); broths and savory snacks; a majority of which are gluten-free.

About Lynn:

Popcorn Indiana Dark Fudge Chocolate Chip and Drizzled Cinnamon Sugar

March 3, 2013 by Momstart 1 Comment

By Lynn

I hope you all got to celebrate a super sweet Valentines! As you may know, I have two lovely sweeties to celebrate with and my hubby who spoilt me, too. And we had something extra tasty to share…

Popcorn, Indiana has made some fabulous tasty flavors of kettle corn for the sweet ‘n salty taste. I am pretty sure everyone who has ever tasted popcorn can agree there is something about it that makes them want to eat it again and again. Well Popcorn, Indiana has taken it “over the top” as they say – right on the bag!

We got to try two new flavors: Dark Fudge Chocolate Chip and Drizzled Cinnamon Sugar. Oh my gosh! YUM! They use all-natural, hand-crafted Kettle corn, “drape” it in dark fudge and then drizzle chocolate chips over the popcorn. I have no idea how they keep the popcorn crunchy good with the chocolate drizzled over it. And it’s a generous amount of chocolate. I’ve said before I’m a chocolate snob, and this is GOOD chocolate. There’s something about the sweet and saltiness that’s just so good!

My 5 year old who is currently going through a “I don’t like chocolate” phase (I’m thinking it has something to do with the fact that her sister LOVES chocolate) was THRILLED to try the cinnamon sugar flavor. And she wasn’t disappointed. It was really tasty! It had a white chocolate drizzle over it with the cinnamon sugar, again generously, on the popcorn.

The added bonus for me was what was NOT in it. Of course, feeding it to my kiddies this is important!

There are NO preservatives, NO trans fat, made from Non-GMO Corn and of course, personally for my 5 year old the pop corn is gluten free (you’d think this goes without saying because it is corn, but so many companies still feel the need to add so much to their foods, unnecessarily at times, and these additives include gluten).

Popcorn is always a great snack and now it’s EXTRA tasty!

(Oh and in the pictures I only took pictures of the cinnamon sugar popcorn in a bowl because, ahem the chocolate one got finished… very quickly…)

Samples received

About Lynn:

Our Generations Dolls: Spend Valentine’s Day with Sandie Wall of Hearts

February 1, 2013 by Momstart 2 Comments

Our Generation sent us some dolls and accessories over the holidays and they made our holiday gift guide. Why? because they are the perfect alternative to American Girl dolls. They are at a much more affordable price point and still make girls quite happy. In fact, my daughter at first thought they were the American Girl dolls. Our Generation isn’t just about a doll or a book or even a fantastic miniature tea set. It’s about girls growing up together and creating the narrative of an extraordinary generation. And parents who understand the pressures of being a girl more than any generation of parents before them. It’s about a website where a girl can weigh in on issues that are important to her. Or spend hours creating the next new look for a fashion-forward doll. Or crafting a heart that will represent her story on a Wall of Hearts that represents the story of her entire generation. In honor of Valentine’s Day Our Generations sent our contributor Lynn a doll to review with her girls. Here is her review:

By Lynn:

Well we were lucky to receive the new SANDIE doll made by Our Generation the other day. Oh what a cute doll! I’ve never been much of a girly girl myself and was admittedly a little confused about what type of doll to get my little girls and when. And would they play with them?

This doll is super cute at 18”. She comes with a pretty outfit, including bag!, The skirt and top are Velcro closed so little fingers can dress and undress her while they play. There’s a little booklet showing other outfits you can get for her, my 3 year old is already asking for the “farm one”.

Sandie, the new Our Generation doll, is being released especially for Valentine’s Day. Her bag is heart shaped and has little heart details on her outfit! What impressed me too was the box Sandie came in. It is very sturdy and pretty, but!, you can also us the box as a gorgeous wrapping for the doll as a gift! (With helpful instructions on the back).

Another fun feature Our Generation has set up on their website is called “Wall of Hearts” where children can draw and accessorize heart pictures for someone they love! Ok my disclaimer: My 5 year old can read well and is extremely computer proficient so she just flew through using this site on her own with adding hearts and drawing. So an adult would figure it out easily but children may need some assistance, especially under 5 year olds – depending on their computer ability – but they can still choose pictures and where they should go with you! A fun activity you two can do together!

The heart picture is published on the site – you can go online afterward and search their name, then you’ll find the picture they made! Oh and! Our Generation uses some of the hearts created on their website to decorate their packaging.

What a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!

Yep it’s free, go check it out now!

About Lynn: