JumpStart Get Moving Family Fitness (Giveaway)

A while back I did a review on the Get Moving for the Wii. Cole LOVES his "exercise" game. The fun part of the Wii is the games actually get kids standing up and using their body to play the game! You add in a game that actually has fun sports for kids and you have a winner!

Cole has had so much fun and truly enjoying exercising and just playing a game that keeps him entertained and I know he's getting something good out of it at the same time. No more gamers thumb and gamers butt! Well I have no excuse for mine but I know some kids that do from the old school video games that you plop your rear down infront of a TV and sit for several hours!

I'm very excited that Jumpstart has offered from one of my readers to win the Wii Game also. Don't have a Wii? Don't worry think of what a cool person you would be if you gave this as a Christmas gift? Yup that is the way I roll, always planning ahead.

PLUS for you who are thinking of signing up for a Membership at Jumpstart you can choose a FREE Wii or DS Game!! Hello talk about hitting the mother load. Give the gift of a fun vertual game that is educational and get a Wii or DS game that does the same. YUP that would be an awesome Christmas Gift!!

WIN

Get Moving Wii Game Regular Price $29.99 currently on sale on Amazon for $19.99

MANDATORY ENTRY

1) Visit JumpStart and tell me what other Wii Game you would like (They have 2 others).

OPTIONAL EXTRA ENTRIES
2) Like JumpStart on Twitter

3) Like JumpStart on Facebook

4) Follow me publicly (see right column)
5) Like my page on Facebook (link in right column)
6) Subscribe to my blog via email (must confirm - 3 entries)

7) Follow me on networked blogs (see right column - 2 entries)
8) Grab my button and let me know where it is
7) Follow @AlexisAKAMOM (right column)
9) Tweet this giveaway~ Click retweet button or enter text below (RT 1 extra entry per day): Head over to Running away? I'll help you pack. to win a a copy of JumpStart Get Moving Family Fitness http://bit.ly/aCXLNk $29.99 value.

Giveaway open until 11/17/10 12pm Pacific Time.

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Ode To Grandma!

A while back I posted my grandparents house had sold, sadly the deal fell threw and it went back up on the market. I have been told now it has gone all the way threw and it is now no longer part of our family :(. My grandmother passed about 10 years ago, Grandfather was lost with out the love of his life and companionship. My uncle with mental illness lost his battle during this time (I'm glad grandma wasn't around for that). Grandfather ended up remarrying a few years later. 6 months into the marriage grandfather had a brain aneurysm and while driving. Now years later having to deal with crazy people who are money hungry between family, non family and people with kids. It's sad what money or the prospect of money to come can do to people. I have seen a different side to many people and seen if someone is not removed from a will their amount will then go on to others. As I've said from day one I have been blessed my grandparents would even think of the grandchildren. Whatever money I am given was out of love and NOT money I earned or deserve for something I did! I will use it to pay off bills and know my grandparents helped me when I needed the help!

So long story short ... hehe :) A Post It Note tribute to how I have become my grandmother!

Thursday DVD Review ~ Kids a Plus, Moms a Miss & a TV Show I love

Ok this is not a DVD but it's a new show and I had to share it with you all. I saw that it was coming on so I set my DVR and tada I am a new fan!! I'm loving these ladies and how straight forward they are. These are some of the great actress I grew up loving and it's fun to see them in a new light. Now I may not agree with it all but it's a nice format and one I can relate to.

THE TALK is co-hosted by Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete, Leah Remini and Marissa Jaret Winokur. The co-hosts-all moms whose children range in age from infant to adult-will swap stories, challenge each other on issues and engage the studio audience and viewers at home with events from the headlines and their own homes through the lens of motherhood.

This is probably more of a Rick movie, I really do have a sense of humor but I may have lost some. I use to be able to sit threw these movies and laugh along shake my head and know I will never have to watch it again. But I guess I have so little time you better make it worth my while. Sorry if you enjoyed this movie I just couldn't get my rear to sit down and love this movie.

Ambitious young record company intern Aaron Green (Jonah Hill) will let nothing get in the way of his planned rise to the top in the music business -- not even the unruly rock star (Russell Brand) he must escort to Los Angeles for the start of his anniversary concert. Doing whatever it takes to get the rocker from Point A to Point B, Aaron encounters all manners of mishaps in this comedy directed by Nicholas Stoller and produced by Judd Apatow.

I missed this show when it was on TV, so I thought I would try renting it. Usually I LOVE law shows but I just couldn't get into this one :(. Mark-Paul is always a fav but I really couldn't get into it.

Idealistic public defender Jerry Kellerman (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) continues to seek justice for even the most down-and-out defendants, earning well-deserved accolades from his supportive boss, Rosalind Whitman (Gloria Reuben), in Season 2 of this popular legal drama. But illicit affairs and closely guarded secrets ensure that the some of the show's tensest moments take place outside of the courthouse. Melissa Sagemiller and Jane Kaczmarek co-star.

So of course since catching Season 4 & 5 on Lifetime I had to rent Season 1. We won't mention that starting this last Monday Lifetime started from the beginning! UGH!! I'm glad I didn't catch this on TV for the first few shows I so wouldn't want to watch. Now I'm not a Wanda Sykes fan but I must admit when they added that character the show was much more interesting! The writing style did get better a few episodes in also.

Shedding the "'Seinfeld' curse," Julia Louis-Dreyfus returns to prime-time comedy with a vengeance in an Emmy-winning role as divorced mom Christine Campbell. With her own business to run and a third-grader to raise, she manages to stay afloat thanks in part to the friendly relationship she shares with her ex (Clark Gregg) -- that is, until he starts dating a much younger woman, coincidentally also named Christine.

Here's one on the instant download that Cole found and is his new favorites!! I caught some of it and I know I couldn't sit threw the whole show but he was laughing and now resighting me lines ... oh great :) ...

Follow the loony animated adventures of 11-year-old Johnny Test and his faithful super-pooch, Dukey, as they don superhero identities and take on villains such as their plump chief nemesis, Bling-Bling Boy. This season, Johnny travels to the center of the earth to recover a lost camera, uses his brilliant sisters' ingenious shrink-ray machine with disastrous results, uncovers a nefarious plot by aliens on the moon and more.

So of course if you watch all 13 episodes of Season 1 you must watch Season 2 right. Oh lord really what a silly show but a good kid one that I don't mind the kids watching, just not me! hehe Oh yes we have the words almost all memorized :).

Sometimes helped and sometimes hindered by his brilliant twin sisters' mad inventions, super-kid Johnny Test and his talking dog, Dukey, continue their battle against evil in such adventures as using a time machine to thwart the pirate Blackbeard. Johnny also tries to save Susan from a love-struck Bling-Bling Boy, confronts a cat that harbors plans to dominate the world, and unwisely helps his sisters clone a happy-go-lucky version of their dad.

FREE Product Alert!!

My favorite girl Firefly Blog posted about this awesome deal and I just had to share it. Who doesn't love a good deal!!

Head over to Love Letterings pick out your favorite vinyl lettering enter the CODE: love4you and get 100% off, yes people that is the cost is free all you pay is $11.95 for shipping and handling!!! I agree with Firefly that this would be an awesome Christmas gift!

Now go shop!!

I was not paid or given anything for this post, I just love a good deal and had to share :).

Weekend Wrap Wednesday ~ Fun Hats, Hair & Clothing, Kids Build & Fun Things

Yet another fun weekend here some silly moments along the way!

My MIL made me some hats :)

One is a flower & one with a flower.

Saturday my dear coworker father passed away (please say a prayer for her family) so I filled in her job and which was good for my voice was going away! I signed the boys up two weeks ago for the class at Lowes so we had to rush to get there. Can you believe I got all 3 of us dressed and out the door in 13 minutes!!! The boys had a TON of fun making the flying bats! Mom had to do much of the work. I think I may have sad a bad word, sorry parents around me :(.

Lowes had the fire truck also they sent us home with. Rick and Cole built it! They had a ton of fun and no bad words, way to go dad! We did also hit the Seven Level of H**L (McD's) to run off some energy!

Sunday Cole's Class sung in their church. I've never been to a Lutheran Church before they sure do sing a lot and I loved they had the kids in the sermon. It went really fast, I think we actually may try going again soon! My parents came, my dad not much of a church person sat for Cole singing and then he took the boys and waiting in the car. I wish he would have stayed but I'm glad he do at least go. So since we were meeting up with my parents I had to make sure I looked nice! YES that meant lot's of trying on clothes and some mild frustration!

Oh yes that is Cole after signing sound asleep on my couch with one shoe on! A rare moment of all the boys nicely on the couch. And my sink and dish washer wasn't draining correct so Rick to the rescue! NOTE to self don't put that many potato skins down the garbage disposal.

Oh yes a crazy fun packed weekend we had a few crazy things that happened but I'm still not feeling up to par so it's sleep time for this girl! Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!

Crockpot Adventures - 1 Hit & 1 Ok

It's been one heck of week already, I have come to the conclusion Monday's are bad and no time for anything. I've fallen back in love with my crockpot, makes for easy meals even though I work from home after picking up the boys, getting a walk in and homework not much time for anything else! Hope you Enjoy!

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First off a SUPER yummy one!

Crock Pot Chicken Parmigiana

4 chicken breast halves, skinless, boneless
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup dry bread crumbs, Italian seasoned if possible
1/2 cup butter
10 oz spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce
4 slices Mozarella cheese
Parmesan cheese

How to Make It:
In a bowl beat the egg and add the salt and pepper.
Pour the bread crumbs into another bowl.
Dip chicken breat halves into the egg, then coat with crumbs.
In large skillet saute chicken in butter to brown then remove and drain well.
Arrange chicken in the bottom of a 6 qt. crock pot.
Pour sauce over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours.
Put a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast half and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes to melt the cheese.

ALEXIS NOTES: I used 3 breast (what I had on hand), used whole wheat noodles and shredded mozzarella.

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Next was a beef and broccoli I thought it was ok, all the boys said no way. I thought a good one for a quick fix ;).

Crock Pot Broccoli and Beef Pasta
2 cups broccoli florets or 1 package frozen broccoli, thawed
1 onion, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 (14-1/2 ounce) can Italian style diced tomatoes, undrained
3/4 cup beef broth
1 pound lean ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups rotini pasta, cooked
3 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese or grated Parmesan

Layer broccoli, onion, basil oregano, thyme, tomatoes and broth in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 2-1/2 hours. Combine beef and garlic in a large nonstick skillet. Cook over high heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, breaking meat apart with a wooden spoon. Pour off drippings. Add beef mixture to the crockpot. Cover and cook 2 hours. Stir in tomato paste. Add pasta and cheese. Cover and cook for 30 minutes or until cheese melts and the mixture is heated through.

ALEXIS NOTES: I used fresh broccoli, used whole wheat shells and medium cheddar cheese.

I'm linking up to Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays and Crockpot Wednesday.

Manic Monday Meals ~ Fall Flavors

Oh my is it Monday already??? Today I thought I would share some yummy treats instead of main meal. You all know my love of pumpkin :) and the apples from our apple orchard hunting the previous weekend gives us this!

First off is a recipe I added Pumpkin too :)

Delicious Pineapple Muffin (w/Pumpkin ala Alexis)

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour muffin pans, or line with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, stir together 2 cups flour, white sugar, baking powder and salt. Drain pineapple, reserving 1/4 cup juice. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour in the reserved juice, egg, milk, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Mix just until blended.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the cinnamon, brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/4 cup melted butter to make the topping.
4. Spoon batter into muffin cups, then spoon crushed pineapple over the batter and sprinkle with the cinnamon topping.
5. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted in the crown of the muffin comes out clean.

ALEXIS NOTES: So I had the pineapple from a recipe you'll see tomorrow and some pumpkin so I took this recipe added in 1 cup of pumpkin and skipped the milk. It was more like a cake texture so I'm still playing around with it. But they were yummy!

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Second is to use the apples from the orchard we picked last week.

Apple Pancakes

• 1/4 Cup butter (1/2 stick), divided
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 tsp. PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
• 3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 Cup milk
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 medium baking apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 TB. CINNAMON SUGAR, divided

Preheat oven to 400°. Divide butter evenly between two 9 inch pie plates and put them in the oven to melt the butter. Rotate the pie plates until the butter coats the bottom and the sides. To make dividing the ingredients between the two plates easier, we used a 4-Cup measuring cup as our mixing bowl. Beat eggs, PURE VANILLA EXTRACT, flour, milk, and salt on medium speed for 1 minute. Toss the sliced apples with 2 TB. of the CINNAMON SUGAR. Arrange 1/2 of the apple slices in each pan so they cover the bottom in pretty much a single layer. Pour 1/2 the egg mixture over the apple slices in each pan. Sprinkle the remaining CINNAMON SUGAR over the batter in each pan. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Serve right away, while still puffy, with warm syrup.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Serves: 4-6

ALEXIS NOTES: I only used one pan because well I'm lazy so it wasn't fluffy like on the pic but it was very yummy! I added a little pumpkin spice that gave it a yummy touch.

Hope you enjoy some yummy treats!

Novica Giveaway $75 Gift Certificate

First I must say a big apology to my wonderful sponsor. I have had so many family & church obligations that I have been so behind on my reviews and giveaways. I wanted to first tell them how appreciate of them and their patience with me.

Novica is one of these amazing companies that I am so excited to share with you. I must say when I went I saw National Geographic I was thinking this may not be my style. Then I clicked on and I think I spent over an hour on the site browsing and saving things to my favorites. I think I may have had just a few things that were sent to Rick's email with a note "HINT" :).

They not only have beautiful jewelry and things for the home but for us who are in love with Christmas time they have a LARGE selection to browse. I found the easiest thing to do is enter Christmas into the search field and look there. I have fallen in love with their Applique Wall Hangings. Can't you just imagine this hanging on your wall for the season, heck it's wall art I may just keep it up for the whole year round. It is so beautiful. I think it would add a special look to our house. Isn't this one named: Christmas in the Highlands just perfect! Now get this the retail value on it is $130.95 they have it right now for $69.95! I believe I see a wall hanging in my future, I promise pictures to come.

Of course on my hour long look (maybe a little drooling and some Christmas list making) I came across a few more you may like also. Of course as you know I'm always looking after you too!

In the Necklace Section I found these beauties!

(of course click the link to see more)

In the Earring Section I found these (I love the antique look)

(Again click the link)

In the Sterling Silver Jewelry I found the perfect necklaces

The Angels in a Row is my fav!

(click link for more)

And last but NOT least Home Decor

Of course I went for the Christmas Theme!

(click the link you know you want to)

Now for the FUN part ONE of my lucky readers will get the chance to win a $75 gift card! Giveaway will close 11/10/10 12pm Pacific, Winner will have 48 hours to respond before I pick another winner.

MANDATORY ENTRY

1) Visit Novica and tell me what item you would use with your $75 Gift Card.

OPTIONAL EXTRA ENTRIES
2) Like Novica on Twitter

3) Like Novica on Facebook

4) Follow me publicly (see right column)
5) Like my page on Facebook (link in right column)
6) Subscribe to my blog via email (must confirm - 3 entries)

7) Follow me on networked blogs (see right column - 2 entries)
8) Grab my button and let me know where it is
7) Follow @AlexisAKAMOM (right column)
9) Tweet this giveaway~ Click retweet button or enter text below (RT 1 extra entry per day): Win @ Running away? I'll help you pack.: Novica Giveaway $75 Gift Certificate http://bit.ly/ak6KcH Giveaway Ends 11/10/10 @ 12p Pacific.

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.