mommypalooza™ ~ a daily dose of mommy mayhem.

5 homekeeping goals in 2012 + an e-book {giveaway}

I've been shouting from the rooftops on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ about how I am more of a goal-setter than a resolution-maker.  Don't get me wrong -- I love hearing others talk about all of the wonderful resolutions they will be making in the coming year.  I think it's fantastic, but just not for me.  For me, it's more realistic to set goals rather than make resolutions because the word "resolution" scares me.  Goals, from my perspective, are things to look forward to attaining.  They're attainable but not guaranteed.  I like that frame of mind better.  I can accept that I have my shortcomings so why set myself up for disappointment by making a resolution?

So, as such, I have decided to really focus in and narrow down a few homekeeping  goals I have for myself in the coming year.  And, I'm pretty confident that I can a) attain these goals with a reasonable amount of effort and b) do so fairly quickly and early into 2012.  We shall see.

Drumroll . . .

1.  Organize the under-the-sink area of my kitchen.

I know, I know, such an eyesore.  It's been a few years since I've done anything about this highly untidy and unruly area of my kitchen and I think it's about high time to revisit.  I've got a plan in mind, I just need to gather all of my tools and get to work.  This will probably be one of - if not THE first - goal I will wrap up once the kids get back to school and I get a few free moments at home.  And for the record, yes I am embarrased at showing you this photo.  But, I'll get over it.

I should share with you that I've actually tackled one of my kitchen conondrums recently.  I hated having a huge block of knives taking up valuable real estate on my countertop.  Let's face it - I'm a minimalist and too many things on a countertop (or any other flat surface, for that matter) makes me freakin' insane.  So I was shopping around for solutions and finally settled on this one:

LOOOOOVVVEEE it!  It's a bamboo knife dock that fits perfectly in the smaller drawer just next to my stove and helps keep all of my knives corralled and protected when not in use.  And, I just gained my valuable counter space back!

2.  Attack my entryway closet (with a vengance)!!

Now THIS is going to prove to be a little trying.  This little to-do project has been on my list for months now.  It's been a pain in my rear.  Partly because I don't really know what I want but also because I'm afraid to attack the project.  Right now it's sort of a mish-mosh of stuff in here - coats/jackets, shoes, scarves, board games, a vaccuum, and who knows what else!  I do think I've finally got a plan down that will work with what our family needs though.  Wish me luck!  And again,  not so thrilled to be sharing this pic but I think it serves as even more motivation for me to get 'er done.

3.  Pretty-ify my upstairs linen closet.

Ah, yes my upstairs catch-all.  Well the good news is that everything in there is clean as a whistle and smells fantastic!  The bad news?  Well, you're looking at it.  At one time this closet actually was in showroom condition. But after a while I got to just stuffing the clean and folded sheets and towels into the closet and shutting the door real fast.  You know, before anything came tumbling out at me.  Again, I already have my plan in place for giving this space an overhaul.  I just need a few hours or so to myself (yeah, right!) so that I can completely empty it and figure out what's going and staying.  I think January's a perfect month to do this.  And, I'll be rewarding myself with some new king size sheets and bedding, thank you very much.  January's also a perfect month for that since it happens to be the best time of year to get good deals on new bedding and towels!  This brown girl loves a White Sale!

4.  Make some sense out of my 2 year-old's closet.

My two oldest sons share a room (by choice) and my youngest, 2 year-old Jacob, has his own room.  This photo is of his closet.  It's totally driven me nuts for the past two years!!  As you can see, it's a pretty decent size for what he needs.  The space just isn't maximized and I haven't taken the time to really clean it out.  There's actually a few toys and books stored in this space that really should be either in our basement playroom or my other sons' room.  Again, this is not a huge organizational project.  I could see tackling this in an afternoon.  Now, where'd I put my motivation? . . . .

5.  Get rid of this friggin' wallpaper!!!!!

This is a partial view into my beautiful dining room.  Well, beautiful minus this insane wallpaper!  It came with the house when we bought it just over 8 years ago.  The original owners had the rest of the house painted beautifully in colors we love.  And then, they did this.  This ridiculous wallpaper!  I can't wait to get it off.  I may end up hiring out for this job because I am just not a do-it-yourselfer.  Not when it comes to wallpaper removal. 

This is what happened when a friend of mine said to try and pull it off to see if it would come off easily.  It didn't.

Yeah, not pretty.  So even though I've had a good friend offer to come and help me strip it and paint it, I think I just may find someone to do it professionally and call it good.  Totally worth it in my opinion!

So, have you set goals or made resolutions for the upcoming new year?  Well, whether you have or have not, there is a FABULOUS e-book - One Bite at A Time - that I learned about a few months ago that's written by Tsh Oxenreider of SimpleMom.net.  This book is a no-frills approach to getting (and keeping) you on track with accomplishing goals to make life simpler.  The e-book is available in pdf, nook, and kindle formats.  It will plainly and simply give you a foundation on which to begin your journey to a simpler, more organized life.  It's packed with resources that will lead you on your path!  Just visit the e-book website to download a sample and get it for yourself!

And now, the best part!  Because I'm celebrating 2012 and goal-setting with YOU, I'm so excited to not only let you know that for a limited time you can get $1 off the One Bite at A Time e-book by using promo code "HAPPYNEWYEAR".  That makes it just $4!!  Such a great value for such a great resource to help you in your homekeeping!

I'm also excited to announce that one of YOU will WIN a FREE copy of this e-book in a special giveaway promotion!  Just click below for details on how to enter.  One winner will be selected at random from all valid entries received.  The entry period runs from now through January 6, 2012. 

Happy New Year!  I can't wait to hear what you think of the e-book!

 

 

 

 

{Disclosure:  The giveaway is sponsored by Tsh Oxenreider.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Home Depot holiday decor + $50 gift card giveaway #FiestasHomeDepot

I'm a total chick and love shoes just as much as the next woman, but must admit that a store I could *REALLY* get lost in and stay all day is The Home Depot.  Yep, for realsies.  My mind just seriously wanders when I'm in that store!  So the other day - while on the hunt for a new bathroom shelving unit - I totally got sucked into all of the fun displays for holiday decor.  I mean, have you seen this place lately?

Their selection of both indoor and outdoor holiday decor is AMAZING!  Not only do they have the best deal on strings of lights that I've seen from any retailer, but they have such a great assortment of inflatable decorations, ornaments, tree skirts, pre-lit trees, and more!  I love that you can pick out new bathroom tile in the same store that you can also buy a gorgeous Martha Stewart wreath at!  They've got a great new section on their website, too where you can learn all about their projects featured in their most recent television commercials.  My favorite is the Build An Ornament Frame.  

Of course, we've always loved the fun things about Home Depot, including the kids workshops they host on the first Saturday of the month.  Kids can make a project and take home a cool workshop apron when they're done!  My kids did this last year and they STILL talk about having participated!

So, after browsing the entire store (and nearly getting lost in the toilet seat section of the store), I finally settled on garland for our staircase.  See??

I think it turned out GREAT!  The kids love having the staircase all lit up at night and I have to say that it does make for a beautiful look at night! 

If there are still a few decorating pieces you are thinking of getting, I would definitely say you should run to your nearest Home Depot store and check out their great finds.  From traditional to modern, you'll find something for your decorating style AND your budget.  Speaking of budget, my friends at The Home Depot want to help bulge your budget a little more this holiday season with a $50 Home Depot gift card!  Can you say 'AWESOMESAUCE'?

Ready to enter and win?  Simply use the form below for your chance!  Contest period runs through 12/18/2011.  US entries only, age 18 and up.  Winner selected at random and notified via email. Good luck!

{Disclosure:  This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and The Home Depot. The Home Depot works with bloggers such as myself to conduct product reviews. They do not tell bloggers what to say about their products or how to say it. The Home Depot fundamentally believes that people should be free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. The Home Depot often provides product - free of charge - to bloggers for review as they did for this post. The Home Depot's policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. The Home Depot provided me with a gift card to shop for the holidays and post my experience. All opinions expressed in this article are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.}

 

 

{Giveaway}: NEW Motorola Droid RAZR 4G LTE #MidwestMoms

While most new wireless devices are all about "hype", the new Motorola Droid RAZR is all about "hip"!  The world's thinnest, most durable, and smartest smartphone with Verizon 4G LTE has finally been released!  Even beyond its smart Dual Core 1.2 GHZ processor and its 8 mega-pixel rear-facing camera and High Definition video capture capabilities, are the unique and ground-breaking characteristics of this new device.  "What the heck am I talking about," you ask?  Let me explain.

What busy mom doesn't have room to fit 4 quarters in her pocket?  Well, if there's room for coins, there's room for this super-thin, sleek smartphone.  Perfect for sliding inside the back pocket of your jeans, into the side pocket of a packed diaper bag, or just carrying it along on the morning stroll with the kids.

The new Droid RAZR brings you durability that only comes from Motorola.  It's made with Kevlar® fiber, a material that is 5 times stronger than steel!  Yes, for those of you who are busy moms like me that means no more broken phone when your toddler suddenly drops it from the grocery cart or begins banging it on the floor during playgroup.  I just dare your little dude or dudette to make a dent in this phone!  

It also features scratch-resistant glass and smart technology which makes water particles bead up and evaporate, much like the Rain-X windshield wipers.  How totally freakin' awesome is that??

And talk about smart!  One of the coolest features I love about my Droid Bionic is the ZumoCast app which allows me to access all of my laptop photos, videos, and documents remotely on my phone.  SO cool!!  Well, the Motorola Droid RAZR is taking it even one step further.  With the new MotoCast™ app, you can access all of those remote documents on any other connected device seamlessly.  Yep, that's right. What this means is that you have access to all of those files on your computer and don't have to go through a standalone app to access them either. Sa-weeet!

Another great feature that moms can appreciate is the capability to set "Smart Actions" with this phone.  What does this mean?  In short it will enable you to set various actions based on environments or threshholds that you preset on your phone.  For example, let's say you volunteer up at the kids' school computer lab every Monday morning (like I do) and want your phone to be set to "vibrate" or "silent mode" automatically.  This can be set up on the new Motorola Droid RAZR via the Smart Actions app which can tell your phone to turn off once you reach a particular location (detected via GPS).  Another example of a trigger that can be set is let's say you receive a missed call from a specific number, your phone can automatically send you an email alerting you so that you don't forget to return the call!  Seriously -- genius! 

And finally, one of my most favorite features about this phone include the smart 8 megapixel camera that launches from the lock screen!  You know how big this is!  Think of all those times you've reached for your phone to snap a quick pic only to have the shot long gone by the time you get out of your home screen and get the camera app going.  That will never happen with THIS smart phone! 

Add to all this HD video capture, image stabilization for less blurry photos, a front-facing HD webcam, and  - ding, ding, ding - we have  a winner!

I SO want this phone and I know you will too!  That's why I am beyond ecstatic that our friends at Verizon Wireless are generously making one of your lives easier and more "hip" by surprising you with a new Motorola Droid RAZR with 4G LTE!!!

To enter simply leave a comment here telling me which of this phone's features would make YOUR life easier!

Extra Entries: Do any or all of these for an extra entry! (Leave a separate comment for each entry)

1.  Fall in "like" with Verizon on Facebook
2.  Fall in "like" with Mommypalooza on Facebook
3.  Follow me on Twitter
4.  Tweet the following about this giveaway:

Win a DROID RAZR SMARTPHONE from @Mommypalooza & @VerizonWireless! #MidwestMoms http://ow.ly/7siHQ Ends 11/20

5.  Subscribe to my blog for FIVE extra entries!

CONTEST DETAILS: One winner will be chosen by random.org from among entries received by November 20^th 12pm CST. The winner will be contacted via email and has 24 hours to respond. If winner does not respond within said time a new winner will be selected at random. Winner will need to provide name, email and address for shipment and prize will be shipped out via FedEx. This prize must be shipped to a North American address. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The #MidwestMoms DROID RAZR Giveaway ends November 20, 2011. Verizon Wireless will provide the winner with the giveaway item. Mommypalooza is not a sponsor of the giveaway.

Scott Naturals 4-Week Test Drive: Week 4

This week my eco-friendly obsession is: REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS.  I am almost always toting one of these around in my car.

 
Not only do I love that i get 5 cents back on each bag I bring with me to Target, but they're also great when loading stuff from the car into the house.  When I started thinking about how many plastic bags I must have saved since starting to use reusable ones just a couple of years ago, my conservative estimate is that it is around 384!!  I typically would fill at least 4 plastic bags a week with just groceries, times that by 4 weeks in a month, times 12 months in a year, times 2 years = 384!  Holy beezwax that's a lot of plastic!

Now, don't get me wrong, every now and then I will ask for a few of my items to be put in plastic only because we use these types of bags as trash can liners for our bathroom trash cans, but even then, we consolidate trash on trash day.  So, if one bathroom only has a few pieces of trash in it, we'll combine it with the trash liner of another one, thus using one less extra liner.

What are your final thoughts on reusable bags? Now that nearly every company makes some version of reusable bag, I think it's very cool that you can switch them out much like you would a handbag or something!  That's the shopaholic in my talking!  I'll go ahead and take this opp to remind you that I was recently invited to particpate in Scott Naturals 4-week Test Drive. They are doing some fantastic things to celebrate the planet and are also attempting to save 2 million trees! Now, THAT'S inspring?! All it takes is using their eco-friendly paper towels, toilet paper, and flushable wipes for just 4 weeks! Our Earth will thank you!  We're in our LAST week of this promotion!

Scott Naturals is also looking out for the cute little critters of the world! For every unique visitor who takes the pledge, Scott Naturals will donate $1 to the National Wildlife Federation (up to $25,000). Again, how's THAT for inspiring?!

But wait, there's more! [insert cheesy television infomercial voice] -- As part of this promotion, Scott will be giving away a Ford Fusion Hybrid Sedan to one lucky winner! Simply take the pledge and enter up to once per day through September 23, 2011.

Scott Naturals is also giving me the opportunity to give one of YOU a Scott Naturals Kit to help celebrate our environment!

The Kit includes paper towels, toilet paper, and moist flushable wipes. One winner will be picked each week! Here's how to enter:

1. Visit Scott online to take the 4-week Test Drive. You'll also have access to valuable Scott coupons!

2. Leave a comment here with your family's favorite earth-friendly activity.

3. "Like" this post by hitting the "Like" button below the post title (optional, not required, but appreciated!).

And, if you want to help spread the word about raising money for the National Wildlife Federation, send your peeps over to pledge to take the 4-week Test Drive Challege! Remember, each unique click will result in money for this great cause!

If you'd like to tweet about this initiative, please use #ScottNaturals or #ScottTestDrive. Happy test-driving!

{Disclosure: I have been compensated and given free product in exchange for sharing this promotion with my readers. That said, all opinions expressed herein are that of my own. Nobody's the boss of me!}

{friday finds} 04.29.2011

Ok, I know it's not even Mother's Day yet, but these cute Father's Day card ideas have got me in planning mode! {@ Tip Junkie}

I absolutely LOVE these practical and no-nonsense, easy photography tips on getting great pics of your kids.  {@ Mom Advice}

Just in time for the royal festivities, these  royal wedding printables are a perfect way to commemorate!  {@ Living Locurto}

Just a few more short weeks until school's out (YIPPEE!) and I am trying to to get organized for summer!  These easy summer tips will help.  {@ Cozi}

This white peach sangria looks so refreshing and is just the thing I hope to be sipping on when it finally does start to warm up in my neck of the woods!  {@ Dine & Dish}

Scott Naturals 4-Week Test Drive: Week 3

This week my eco-friendly obsession is: COUPONS.  I use coupons every single week to shave as much as possible off my grocery spending.  I also rarely, and I mean rarely go out to shop for clothes, shoes, housewares, books, heck even restaurants - without FIRST looking for a coupon.  Not making the effort to coupon is like leaving your change there on the counter after the cashier hands it to you -- absurd! 

So, I got to thinking -- there are many mobile coupon opportunities out there, but what I would really love is if we went to a universal mobile-coupon format.  If you consider the number of printable coupons available and couple that with all of the weekly circulars that make their way into the hands of couponers all over the country (like me!), it sure does amount to a whole LOT of paper!  Wouldn't it be so very cool for there to be a standard mobile couponing app so that we could cut down on the amount of waste, which ironically couponing moms like me, are trying to avoid?!  Would you be more apt to couponing if this sort of thing were available?

Someone please get on that.  Stat.

I'll take this opp to go ahead and remind you that I was recently invited to particpate in Scott Naturals 4-week Test Drive.  They are doing some fantastic things to celebrate the planet and are also attempting to save 2 million trees! Now, THAT'S inspring?! All it takes is using their eco-friendly paper towels, toilet paper, and flushable wipes for just 4 weeks! Our Earth will thank you!

Scott Naturals is also looking out for the cute little critters of the world! For every unique visitor who takes the pledge, Scott Naturals will donate $1 to the National Wildlife Federation (up to $25,000). Again, how's THAT for inspiring?!

But wait, there's more! [insert cheesy television infomercial voice] -- As part of this promotion, Scott will be giving away a Ford Fusion Hybrid Sedan to one lucky winner! Simply take the pledge and enter up to once per day through September 23, 2011.

Scott Naturals is also giving me the opportunity to give one of YOU a Scott Naturals Kit to help celebrate our environment!

 
The Kit includes paper towels, toilet paper, and moist flushable wipes. One winner will be picked each week! Here's how to enter:

1. Visit Scott online to take the 4-week Test Drive. You'll also have access to valuable Scott coupons!

2. Leave a comment here with your family's favorite earth-friendly activity.

3. "Like" this post by hitting the "Like" button below the post title (optional, not required, but appreciated!).

And, if you want to help spread the word about raising money for the National Wildlife Federation, send your peeps over to pledge to take the 4-week Test Drive Challege! Remember, each unique click will result in money for this great cause!

If you'd like to tweet about this initiative, please use #ScottNaturals or #ScottTestDrive. Happy test-driving!

{Disclosure: I have been compensated and given free product in exchange for sharing this promotion with my readers. That said, all opinions expressed herein are that of my own. Nobody's the boss of me!}

 

Scott Naturals 4-Week Test Drive: Week 2

 
With three little men running around my house these days, I am more concerned than ever about our consumption and conservation efforts as a family.   For example, when serving the kids a quick snack I will use a plate rather than just put it on a napkin or paper towel.  Yes, it does mean extra washing, but I'd rather have that than a trash can full of paper towels.  And when we do use paper towels, we make sure and only tear off what we need.  I buy the rolls that have perforations which allow you to choose to tear off either a half-sheet or a full-sheet.  We rarely use a full sheet!

I also try and use earth-friendly cleaners and household rememdies whenever possible.  My most favorite all-time cleaner is still a spray bottle filled with 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water.  Nothin' beats it, in my book!  We also recycle, as do many households nowadays, and of course with three little boys in the house, we are ALL about reusing--especially when it comes to hand-me-down clothes!  LOVE!

So anyway, when I was invited to particpate in Scott Naturals 4-week Test Drive, I was totally on board!  They are doing some fantastic things to celebrate the planet and are also attempting to save 2 million trees!  Now, THAT'S inspring?!  All it takes is using their eco-friendly paper towels, toilet paper, and flushable wipes for just 4 weeks!  Our Earth will thank you!

Scott Naturals is also looking out for the cute little critters of the world!  For every unique visitor who takes the pledge, Scott Naturals will donate $1 to the National Wildlife Federation (up to $25,000).  Again, how's THAT for inspiring?!

But wait, there's more!  [insert cheesy television infomercial voice] -- As part of this promotion, Scott will be giving away a Ford Fusion Hybrid Sedan to one lucky winner!  Simply take the pledge and enter up to once per day through September 23, 2011.

Scott Naturals is also giving me the opportunity to give one of YOU a Scott Naturals Kit to help celebrate our environment!

 
The Kit includes paper towels, toilet paper, and moist flushable wipes. One winner will be picked each week!  Here's how to enter:

1.  Visit Scott online to take the 4-week Test Drive.  You'll also have access to valuable Scott coupons!

2.  Leave a comment here with your family's favorite earth-friendly activity.

3.  "Like" this post by hitting the "Like" button below the post title (optional, not required, but appreciated!).

And, if you want to help spread the word about raising money for the National Wildlife Federation, send your peeps over to pledge to take the 4-week Test Drive Challege!  Remember, each unique click will result in money for this great cause!

If you'd like to tweet about this initiative, please use #ScottNaturals or #ScottTestDrive.  Happy test-driving!

 

{Disclosure:  I have been compensated and given free product in exchange for sharing this promotion with my readers.  That said, all opinions expressed herein are that of my own.  Nobody's the boss of me!}

**UPDATE: Congrats to winner, Erica Best!

{giveaway}: 'Rio' the movie prize pack

I blogged earlier this week that we were invited to a sneak preview of Rio the movie on Saturday this past week, and the whole ordeal that took place.

Well, I am thrilled to have the chance to give away a wonderful prize pack in celebration of the movie opening up this weekend, on April 15th!

  

This movie literally screams warm, tropical sunshine!  I enjoyed every moment I spent watching it on the big screen.  From the very first opening scene, it was vibrant, colorful, and made me feel like dancing!  I really enjoyed the music throughout the movie and since I am HUGE fan of George Lopez, I loved all the comedy.

My kids were also captivated by the colorful, funny scenes throughout and were even able to keep on their 3D glasses for the entire duration of the movie, which is a huge compliment to how well it held their attention!  Those things are usually off and on throughout a movie!

The story presented in the movie is one about friendship and believing in yourself.  I was happy that after the movie, on the drive back home, I was able to have a conversation with my kids about the characters in the movie and how their problems and solutions can be applied to our own lives.  I liked the overall message that the movie gave and thought it was fun and lighthearted at the same time.

This is a definite must-see this spring with your kids!  And, if you want to watch the first 2 minutes of the movie, check it out right here: 

If you want to find out more about Rio, check them out their website or catch them on Facebook or YouTube.

And now for the goodies!  One lucky reader will receive the following ultimate "Rio" the movie prize pack!

·        $25 Fandango Gift Card

·        'Rio' Coloring book

·        Crayons

To be entered, simply leave a comment here by sharing your favorite tip when it comes to taking kids to the movies.

+ For one extra entry, "like" this blog on Facebook.  Then leave a separate comment that you did this.

+ For one extra entry, follow me on Twitter.  Then leave a separate comment that you did.

+ For one extra entry, Tweet about this giveaway and tag me (@mommypalooza) and use the hashtag "#RioMovie".

One winner will be picked using Random.org generator and announced/notified on Monday April 18, 2011. 

Enjoy!

 
{Disclaimer:  I was provided complimentary tickets to a special advance screening of the movie for my family and me, and asked to host a giveaway.  The opinions on the movie and in this post are all my own.  I really DO love George Lopez!}

UPrinting Business Card Giveaway

 

Whether you're re-inventing your brand or just getting started, or maybe just need a new stash of business/blogger cards for the upcoming season, UPrinting helps you spread your message!

I have to say that I first learned about their fabulous printing services when I had cards for my other business printed a few years ago.  I was so impressed with them when they arrived at my doorstep!  The finish was perfect.  The card weight was so professional and definitely set my brand apart from others.  I also love that they offer free samples for you to receive and decide if you like the look and feel, before you decide to buy!

And, now, they've got some very cool and unique options in the way of business cards that I wasn't aware of until now.  Check out their cool array of square and die-cut specialty shapes!  UPrinting definitely is at the forefront of producing modern marketing materials!

 

They also make it quick, fun, and easy to design your special cards.  They'll even check and proof your files with no up-front payment!

Speaking of no up-front payment, how about a giveaway?  UPrinting is helping me give away (to one of YOU!) 250 Die-Cut Business Cards--for FREE!!!  You can use these as business cards, "mommy" cards, or to help spread your message about your blog, event, charity, or countless other ideas!

Here's how to win:  Simply "Like" us over on Facebook, then come back here and leave us a comment about what your favorite business card design is on the UPrinting.com website.  Entries will be accepted from now until October 20th, and the winner will be selected at random and notified via email, as well as announced here on the blog!  Giveaway is open to U.S. residents age 18 years and older.  Good luck everyone!

 

{Disclosure:  I am being offered 250 die-cut business cards from UPrinting.com in exchange for hosting this giveaway.  The opinions expressed herein about their products, services, and offerings are that of my own.}

Back to the Table with Libby's and a Giveaway

 
As a busy mother of three boys, one of the things I strive to keep consistent are family dinners.  Dinnertime is not only a time for my kids, husband and I to decompress, feed our bodies, but also nourish our relationships with one another.  And although I doubt my kids (or even husband, for that matter) view dinnertime quite as meaningful as I do, I know that they thrive on its consistency and routine.  It's one of the things we can count on as a family, no matter what the season.

A little over a month ago I was presented with an opportunity to work with Libby's and other local Kansas City bloggers to bring about awareness for feeding the hungry as part of their Get Back to the Table campaign.  When asked about my thoughts on family dinnertime and whether or not it was a priority of mine, I immediately knew this would be a good fit!

During the luncheon event, I had the chance to meet and work with Hannah Keeley and fellow bloggers to put together "dinner kits" for a local transitional housing center in Kansas City.  The dinner kits were made up of several of Libby's canned good items and other items that each blogger was asked to contribute.  Here's a run-down of what was tucked inside the reusable bag (provided by Libby's) as part of these fabulous (and practical) dinner kits:

• Ziploc food storage containers - provided by Tracie from Penny Pinchin’ Mom and Kelly from Kansas City Mamas 
• A "Chatter Box" consisting of a takeout box with 25 converstation starter questions included - brought by Kristen from Dine & Dish 
• A special "Red Plate" (Read here to learn about the “Red Plate”) - provided by Jenn from Super Jenn
• Votive candleholder and coupon organizer - provided by Anjanette from Eat From Your Pantry
• Mixing bowl set - provided by Heather from My Kansas City Mommy
• Measuring cups & spoon set - my contribution to the dinner kit bag.

{photo courtesy of Dine & Dish} 

Many of the families and individuals who will be receiving these bags have literally nothing to fill their kitchen with.  They are people who have fallen on hard times, and regardless of circumstance, deserve the dignity of eating well.  As we were all working together to "stuff" these bags with all the goodies, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed at the how this might make someone's day to receive it.  This whole project has been such a humbling and worthy cause for me to be a part of and I am so thankful to Libby's for introducing me to it.

 
The wonderful team at Libby's, along with Hannah Keeley, are giving me the opportunity to now give away a fun prize pack to one of you, my readers!  This is a great goody bag is made up of a Libby’s reusable shopping tote full of Libby’s products, a state-of-the-art can opener and a copy of Hannah Keeley’s book,  Total Mom Makeover. 

To be entered, simply share your favorite best practice for making dinnertime as a family a priority in your home. 

Entry period runs through Midnight CST on Sunday, October 10th.  The best tip for "getting back to the table" wins and will be announced here!

And, feel free to share your tip on a thread I've started over on the Parents.com online community!

 

{Disclosure: I received a stipend for my time and commitment into this project, however the opinions expressed herein are those of my own.}