What would Christmas be without Hersheys?  Oh sure, there is always other chocolate but Hersheys has something special about it that makes Christmas special.  Is it that it comes shaped like Santa?  Or that it has reindeer on top of the Rolos?  Who knows?  It just is that Hersheys is a household name and brings something warm and sprinkley with it.  Hersheys.

Even though the holidays are all about spending time with those we love, it seems that we spend half the season running around town shopping for gifts, dreading the big family dinner, comparing yard decorations across neighborhoods, counting calories, not counting the growing numbers of your credit card debt, tearing out our hair, and all in all being kind of a Grinch.
This article won’t solve all your problems, even though I wish it would.  What it will do, however, is present you with a list of DIY gifts that will:
a)      …

I like sour candy.  I do.  A couple of my girls do too.  It is one of their favorite goodies at .  the movies.  But there are a couple of artificial flavors I do not like – banana and watermelon.  They always just taste too fake and never seem to get the flavor just right.   So when Haley offered the Sour Jack Watermelon candies, it was with some trepidation – I was not even sure my girls would like them.
Well, kind of like the Night Before Christmas story, well what …

Santa is cute and I have always liked the Jolly Green Giant. Here they have teamed up to wish you a Happy Holidays.

Congratulations to Jessie C #52
Thanks to everyone who entered.  Look for some wonderful things coming up!
There are so many great tasting Chex Party Mix recipes that you can make in the microwave in only 15 minutes! Try The Original Chex® Party Mix or Chex® Ginger-Honey Crunch for sure crowd pleasers.
Looking for an easy gift idea for friends, family or co-workers? Try wrapping your favorite Chex Party Mix in a colorful tin or bag and personalize it with your own recipe card.
To make things even sweeter, Kroger Family …

We all love Cracker Barrel in our home – The shopping (the girls), the dependability and clean bathrooms(me), and the ability to have breakfast whenever you want (Brett).  When I saw they had a cheese, even for a brief time during the Holidays,I was sure it too would be a hit and had to try it out.

Turns out the cheese is a limited edition and only available during the Holiday season, this delicious cheese is perfect for Holiday Entertaining and as a special treat for guests or you best …

Congratulations go to Julie L!  Thanks to everyone else who was interested.  Stay tuned for what MyBlogSpark brings us with the new year…it should be even better!
These days we are eating a lot easy to prepare and items that have something for everyone at our house.  Progresso Soups meet just those requirements.  If you have seen the recent Progresso commercials  with the tin can phones, then you might enjoy what my daughters did here.

Hey did you hear what we are having for dinner?
No, What?
Some soup with loads of vegetables in …

A company that makes gorgeous cakes and goes by the name of Delicious Cakes has concocted a fabulous sounding and looking Holiday treat that would be fabulous for any occasion!

Three holiday flavors wrapped together in a ‘candy cane’ themed box ready to go for a quick gift for a party, teacher gift or something yummy for you 50% off!
Flavors include:
Double fudge cake and peppermint liquor dipped in rich dark chocolate.
Eggnog cake and rum covered in white chocolate.
Traditional gingerbread dipped in white chocolate.
This deal includes 12 cake balls with four cake …

Congratulations goes to Julie for the set plus the box of cereal for the 1st 15 who signed up for the cereal!  And here is to gearing up for a healthy and happy 2011 just around the corner!!
Trying to eat healthy this time of year is hard enough for anyone and especially and when you are struggling with intractable migraines at the same time, it is near impossible.  But there are  few things that you can do that you can do to help that make a difference with very little …

We just started our Advent calender and we are doing it in a unique way this year.  Since it has been a tough year and I feel we need to be showing the girls extra love but also the girls need to be practicing showing extra love to one another and those around them, each day of our advent calender gives that days girl the chance to do something  sweet for someone else in our family.  Most of it is as simple as a hug and a kiss or telling …

Discussing ‘Cooking on the Light side’ when we are surrounded by the Holidays and the meals that go with them may seem a  little ridiculous but actually the timing could not be better because before we all know it , the Holidays will once again have passed and we wil be looking for ways to eat healthier and feel better about ourselves
From 7-Times AWARD WINNING AUTHOR: Imagine having the ability to stop and possibly reverse skin imperfections, increase stamina, and harness physical strength. Many nutritional guides and dietary …

The winner is #7 Karen M!  Congrats!
Growing up my first 15 years , I was very familiar with Marie Callender’s.  Of course, my favorite item there was the pie.  J’adore pie.  Pie was mislabeled as a dessert in my opinion.  It really should have been a breakfast food.
Any way, moving to Texas was a big blow in several ways, including the closest Marie Callender’s was in El Paso and San Antonio.  Okay, I kinda see San Antonio but El Paso?????  Isshh…..(shake from head to toe)
Then we learned that …

DOLE is proud to be the first major brand in the industry to pack its Fruit Bowls and multi-serve Jarred Fruit in 100% fruit juice… with no syrup, refined sugars or artificial sweeteners! To celebrate, DOLE will be participating in the 2011 Rose Parade with a beautiful, “Living Well in Paradise” float, along with a once in a lifetime opportunity for ONE DOLE FAN (+ GUEST) TO ATTEND THE ROSE PARADE!
It’s easy to enter, simply “Like” DOLE on Facebook and fill out the sweepstakes entry form at …

As a major cookie lover, I am a huge fan of quality cookie cutters and this Christmas I have found a new brand – Ann Clark Ltd.  Her family has been handcrafting cookie cutters in Vermont since 1990. Because of thier quality and customer service they have become the number one cookie cutter manufacturer in America. With over 190 items they really do have something for everybody and every occasion. Make more cookies is their motto and I completely agree!
They have Traditional Cookie cutters, Contemporary …

CONGRATULATIONS TO SHIRLEY!!  She has  been contacted and is excited.
Thanks to everyone else who participated – have fun on your Family Taco Nights!
If your family loves tacos like mine, why not put “Family Mexican Food Night” on the calendar at least once a month? We are able to please everyone with Taco Night which means no dramatics and no one leaving the table hungry.  With a variety of seasonings and other complementary products, Old El Paso offers everything you need for fun nights with the …

Trade in Crayons for Champagne with this Parent-Friendly Night Away at
Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas
November 17, 2010 – If you’re seeing more of Sponge Bob than you are of each other, or if you’re guilty of substituting fingers and shirt sleeves for silverware and napkins, then you’re in dire need of a child-free night. Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas is offering the chance to do just that with its new Guilty Pleasures Package.

This offer combines sophisticated luxury for the adults with gifts for the children, all at a …

Congratulations to Debbie!!! She is our winner.  I have contacted her already and she is looking forward to a Chocholaty Christmas.:)
Thanks to everyone who participated.  I truly appreciate your time because without all of you, 3ps would not be the same.
Raise your hand if you like chocolate, good chocolate (yes, there is such a thing as bad chocolate).  Alright, not counting those who cannot eat it and those who choose not to eat it, you there in the back, are simply missing out I have to say. Because as one …

CONGRATULATIONS TO HOLLOW SINS #39!!  She has been notified.
Thanks to everyone else who participated….y’all rock!!
Come back for more!
It is that time of year for finding books in Cheerios boxes.  Over the past 9 years through their Spoonfuls of Stories, that they have done this, they have given away almost 50 million books in the packages.  Since I LOVE reading, I always search through the boxes and try to make sure we get every title available each year.  My girls think it is an adventure, especially P2.  We have gained some …

On Tuesday, November 16th Jack in the Box will give away Two (2) FREE Tacos to anyone with NO PURCHASE REQUIRED. Just walk in the store and ask for your FREE TACOS. (Limit 2 tacos per customer; at participating locations only).  MMM luv me some Jack in the Box Tacos!

Fix It, Make It, Grow It, Bake It is an inspiring and instructive guide to living the handmade life by consuming less and creating more. Practical and profound, this handy how-to covers every area of life and offers easy-to-do tips, recipes, and advice on saving money and the planet. You and your family can live more joyfully and far more creatively, all on a dime. The best things in life are free—or if they aren’t, you can have a lot of fun making them.
Learn …

Nothing says “I Loaf You” like a Tillamook Cheese Baby Loaf! Send your loved ones their favorite flavor in a special collectors-edition Baby Loaf box. Your box will come with coupons for free cheese, a heart-shaped cheese cutter, and a cheese slicer.  It will be up to the winners, though, to make sure they can purchase Tillamook in their local stores.  Tillamook values at about $21.
Giveaway for 3 individual winners
To Enter: Visit the Tillamook site.   Find your favorite thing and leave a comment on it here.
For Additional Entries …

Silent, intuitive and effective in making your refrigerator smell incredibly fresh. Save money  for starters there are no replacement filters and nothing to clean. The air purifier uses 2 AA batteries that require replacement approximately every 45-90 days. Built-in micro processor controls the operation of the air purifier so it will cycle on and off to save battery life. Silent  no fans. Effective in the removal of odors and bacteria to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh and your food fresher. Conveniently …

Boo Berry…………………….CONGRATULATIONS ASHLEY

Franken Berry…………………………………DAVENPORT!!!

Count Chochula…….

all so,so, so, scary….bbrrwwaaaaahhhhhh……….Thanks Everyone…Hope you had a ………………………………………………………………………Great Halloween!!

Count Chocula®, Boo Berry® and Franken Berry® cereal combine chocolate, blueberry and strawberry flavored cereal with colorful marshmallow shapes that kids and adults enjoy. Each serving of the playful, monster-themed cereal is low in fat with no cholesterol or saturated fat, providing a good source of calcium, whole grain and nine other essential vitamins and minerals.  Far from new, they have returned for a small window in time.
While I remember them from …

CONGRATULATIONS nan lara!  You are the winner of the 2 Adult tickets!  You have already been emailed so just email me back with your address.
Thanks everyone else who participated.  Keep those eyes on that calendar as we edge closer and closer to the opening date for our Merry & Brite Holiday Gift Guide to start Nov. 1st  It is going to be great!
Sweet Tomatoes and Souplantation restaurants want to let you know that coming up this Sunday, October 17th, Sweet Tomatoes and Souplantation are holding their fourth annual pajama party …

Do you want a hand sanitizer that:

Actively kills germs
is Non Drying
is Moisturizing

is Alcohol Free
100% Non-Toxic
Moisturizes with Aloe
Non-flamable
Doesn’t have a strong odor
is safe for kids

staSAFE sanitizer and protector is the one!
staSAFE is made with Argenius,™ a unique formulation of natural ingredients proven to kill 99.9% of common germs.
Our formula requires no environmental or health warnings on the label. The ingredients in staSAFE are safe, long acting, non-toxic and moisturizing. Our products are never tested on animals and don’t contain parabens, phthalates, formaldehydes, or steroids.
I love the way it …

Having never been a fan of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,when the new version came out, I had mixed feelings due to the fact that I ADORE M.Depp.  When I was recently sent a pretty big box filled with Wonka Exceptionals chocolate bars and fruit candies, I felt like something of a hypocrite for not having watched it.  So,at the net possible time…my hubby being more than happy to oblige as he l-o-v-e-s the movie, we watched Mr.Depp’s version.  I had to say it was about a zillion times …

Sponsored By

Cheerios® is giving you the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, your ultimate family vacation. As part of a paid promotion for their “Do What You Love” Sweepstakes, Cheerios® is sponsoring my post today about what my ultimate family vacation would be. Read mine, Enter the Sweepstakes for a chance to actually win your own fantasy family trip or one of a bunch of other great prizes.
I love to travel. I do. Dearly and truly . Short trips. Long trips. Local trips. …

Okay, in my heart of hearts, I am a farm girl and nothing and no one is going to change that…unless they actually let me live on one.  I live healthy and I eat healthy and I don’t worry about things like HFGS and Webinars.
But for now I live in suburbia and I do deal with these things.  Recently so that when Mom Central asked me if I would get involved in what surprisingly was a much more hot topic of debate than I would have dreamed, I said yes.
HFCS …

Do you have kitchen woes?  Wish you could perk things up a bit?  Okay more than a bit, a whole dang lot?
We at Brandfluential have been asked to let you know about this amazing opportunity to win a full kitchen of brand new appliances with KitchenAid. From 10-5-2010 till 11-2-2010 you can enter your kitchen in the “Rescue My Appliances” contest and win over $8000 worth of appliances! To enter, take a picture of your kitchen, and then go to KitchenAid and submit.   From …

CONGRATULATIONS #30 NAD!!
Email me your address asap!
And thanks to everyone who participated.

Watch for more fun really soon!
When P2 was little,her favorite place to eat was none other than ‘Chhiiwweee-iiieees’ So, when we are having to call out for Brett’s Mom to come help in order to right the boat again, why do I go with the oldie but a goodie when I need to Shout Out to Eat Out?  Because, they are dependably good.

Go to the newest Shout Out To Eat Out promotion where users can upload a photo …

I was sent some samples of 4-pack of Sugar-Free Dole Fruit Bowls in Gel to try. See, what they didn’t know is that I little closet of Dole Fruit in Gel Lovers. Have for several years now. Especially the littlest one.  The big one, yeah well, she rebels at the thought of the fruit business so we won’t go there but P2 and P3 see them and go oooooo yuuuummmmmmm!
Now I am gonna let you in on a little decorating secret – Did you realize that if you plop …

Now if this doesn’t clear your palate following several weeks of Books, nothing will!
One2One held a wonderful Milano Cookie  campaign last month so I am sure you have seen these around but it seemed like the perfect change of  taste.
My sweetest moments have been spent with my family, probably on vacation when we had no additional expectations out of life than just being together and having fun.  What were your sweetest moments this summer?

CONGRATULATIONS TO RHONDA CLEMENS!!!!
One of my favorite ‘sweet treats’ and 2 of my 3 daughters is yogurt. Now, providing all of the goodness of 100% real yogurt, Yoplait Splitz is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. With no artificial flavors or sweeteners and no high fructose corn syrup, this 90 calorie dessert is the treat your family craves.  For an even “cooler” summertime experience, just pop a Yoplait Splitz in the freezer and in a few hours you can enjoy a cool, creamy …

COOKIES IN BLOOM is really excited to offer our first
Sweepstakes in our 22 years of doing business.
To reward our current internet customers,
they can register to receive a FREE 7 cookie bouquet
( Approximately a $55.00 value). To reward potentially
new customers to our site, we offer the opportunity
to register for a 50% discount on a 7 cookie bouquet.
THERE IS NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.
 Just go to our site cookiesinbloom.com for details and register.
This offer ends September 30, 2010.

This contest has closed and the winner has been chosen…….
~
#53 ashley said:
i had Mexican Pure Vanilla once and it was delicious so thats my pick
CONGRATULATIONS TO ASHLEY!!!!!!!
(Ashley, be sure to get back to me withing 48 hours or I will need to re-award the prize!)
Thank you to everyone who participated!  Be sure and keep coming back for more because we are just getting rolling for the Fall and are looking for Great Sponsors for you for our Merry and Brite Holiday Season Gift Guide running  Nov.5 – Jan …

When I was growing up, Trident was the only gum we were really allowed to have.  I was not a major gum fanatic so it was not the end of the world but my Mom and the Dentist were in cahoots and thought that Trident was healthier and had less sugar.
Now that I am the Mom I do have a gum fanatic…lucky me.  Because of early training though, I really like my gum fanatic and her sister (it is still off limits to #3) to chew sugar free gum AKA …

“Funky Monkey Snacks were created to bring delicious and healthy snacks to everyone!  There are so many snacks that are delicious and unhealthy, or healthy but bad-tasting… wouldn’t it be great if there was a delicious, convenient snack with the wholesomeness and natural goodness of fresh fruit?  That’s what Funky Monkey is all about- we combine the great taste and nutrition of fresh fruit with the crunch and convenience of your favorite snacks.  We do it by freeze-drying full slices and pieces of …

So have any of you noticed that mouthwateringly delicious looking chocolate cupcake over on my sidebar yet?
It makes me drool every day!   Well, here is the deal and you really HAVE to check this out! There is a great new daily deals site (with awesome content too!) aimed at fun moms, and I have just …

Ah the after school snack time.  It should be so simple, right.  Hah!  Not at my house and I would wager not at everyone of yours either.  Tired, picky children are not looking for nutritious things, rather anything they can quickly get their hands on.  I just saw a great idea of using a 89cent pencil box per child, putting their name on it and a coupe of sticker or something to jazz it up a bit things in it they can choose from such as a granola bar, cheese …

Well, it’s that time…time to see who won the cool Chex Gluten Free package……..(drum roll)……… #22
Rachel D!!!!!!
Congratulations!!

So Rachel, if you will just email me with your mailing information I will give it to the Blog Spark girls and they will send it on to you!

Thanks for playing along everyone.  More fun stuff to come!  Already working on the Holidays!  Woo!
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The nice folks at Chex® along  with My Blog Spark sent me a great gift pack the other day. It included a Lock-n-Lock 4.2 qt plastic storage container, a …

Well, after an awful month of July spent in a migraine pain filled haze topped off with the lat week spent in the hospital.  Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!  Follow that with computer and email troubles and in not trying to alienate all of my few remaining friends, I had to wait until I had cleared those up prior to posting much.
Anyway, here we are, early August.  I had some fun things from the Holidays that I never got the chance to show you and thought Christmas in July (yes, yes, I know) was …

Summer is in full swing and if your kids are like mine, they think ‘Snacktime‘ should be about once an hour.;)  It always seems like a brutal shock to them when I say no.  Funny how that is.  And when I guide them towards the fruit-veggies-nuts and such,well, I must be speaking a foreign language.
Here are some great suggestions and ideas to keep snacks easily portable, sun-proof, and diet-friendly from dietitian and nutritionist, Elisa Zied, author of Nutrition at Your Fingertips:
1. Nuts- Crunchy and delicious, nuts provide omega-3 fatty acids that …

In honor of Mother’s Day, Kim from What’s That Smell? and I have put together a gift guide to help you find that perfect gift for the mom on your list, and maybe even provide YOU with some ideas for things that you would like to receive as a gift for Mother’s Day this year so you can drop some hints for your family.
We have 4 different categories of gifts and with such a wide variety of great gift ideas, you are sure to find …

Fiber-licious.
Yep, I think they should rename them.
Wait, you have not tried them yet?  They are these great tasting high fiber snack bars by General Mills. Made from rolled oats, crispy rice, and then whatever the flavor listed on the box is -
Chocolate Mocha – the newest flavor
Oats & Chocolate
Oats & Peanut Butter
Oats & Caramel
Oats & Strawberries with Almonds
Oats & Apple Streusel
Soft and chewy, they have a sweet and wholesome taste that really satisfies my sweet tooth while they provides 9 grams of fiber, about 35 percent of the Daily …

As a true lover of almost all thing French, I have been enraptured over learning that French Macarons are quite delicious apparently.  My favorite is still baguettes and Chasson des Pomme but wanted to share this with you.

Waukegan, Illinois – One whiff of French Almond Macaroons (or Macaron) diners will know Spring is on its way. The light-as-air macaroons have special ingredients – orange blossom water and rose water – to give them a vibrant springtime flavor and aroma.
Nielsen-Massey Vanillas’ orange blossom water is distilled from Spanish and Middle Eastern …

While I may not love to cook dinner for picky children , I do love to bake.  It is pretty cute too because the second I start to get my ingredients out, I start hearing a cacophony of “Mom, I want to help!’.:)  Well, with St. Patty’s Day upon us, Duncan Hines sent us a couple of packages of mixes so that we could make the recipes below. These are both super easy, yet really yummy. Give ‘em a try!
CLOVER PATCH BROWNIES
Bring a bit-o-luck to the kitchen …

This video says it all – Win a LapTop, Give a LapTop & Change the World, One Child at a Time.

Often children have warm and giving hearts and are willing to give when they have the opportunity.  P2 is even like that when she sees an opportunity to give, all by herself.  Heard the term ‘would give you the shirt off her back’?  She just came from Heaven that way and what a delight she is for it.
Of course, P2 and her sisters love and adore Betty Crocker’s Fruit Flavored …

Family Fun Magazine is one of my favorite spots to get great ideas for fun with my family.  We do not have a ‘tradition’ regarding St. Patrick’s Day but this year I totally aim to start one!!  Here are the ideas they have presented this year:
Crafts and Games
Wee Leprechaun: Make-your-own leprechaun! http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/wee-leprechaun-667671/
Make a Festive Bowl-er: Create leprechaun hats by painting and embellishing paper bowls. (p. 34)
St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt: Follow fun all the way to a faux pot of gold. http://familyfun.go.com/playtime/st-patricks-day-scavenger-hunt-708446/
To Catch A Leprechaun: Three clever traps for taking …

I was flipping through my emails and saw an ad for this:

Don’t they look yummy??  So then I thought I would stop in at the website for them, Shari’s Berries and I saw these…

They made my mouth water… as did these…

Berries AND Cheesecake…covered in Chocolate.
Now what could be better than that.:)