Where have I been?

So I have been taking a very long Holiday break. Sorry I haven't been updating. I plan on getting back on schedule this next week. As for now my husband is off work and we have been enjoying time as a family. We are also preparing for some of our big New Year Resolutions. One being a new way of budgeting. Can't say I ma too excited, but I think it will work wonderfully after I get the hang of it. (I will share later). Then we are preparing for the ultimate resolution, getting healthier. Dec. has been a very crazy month for me and I have literally had to take a month off. Yes, I have gained a few pounds back and that sucks. I am so glad Matt has decided to join me this time in this health plan. In fact, he has been the one studying it and working closely with me to make sure we stick to it. We are doing the South BEach Diet. I can;t believe I am agreeing to no carbs for now. I am actually excited though. When we hit Phase 2 or 3 I will be combining Isagenix, which is a cleansing system. Wish me luck!

Well as of now I am going to get back to the family, but I didn't want to leave anyone hanging or wondering where I have been. Not that i have more than a handful of followers. Speaking of followers, that will be my other resolution, getting this blog up and moving. I hope to start some reviews, giveaways and more. It may take me a few months to get that going, but I will continue with the good deals and other things I can come up with while I am waiting.

Hope you all have enjoyed this holiday season and have a Happy New Year!

Mama Snow

Prove to your kids that Santa came!

So there is this website called Capture the Magic which allows you add Santa into a picture of your home. Let me give you an example:



Cute right?
Well it's only $9.95 or if anyone has Photoshop this will be an easy thing you can create on your own. I have a PS trial right now and I just might give it a shot.
I think the kids will love it and it will be something they can keep and remember for years to come.

Mama SNow

My New Favorite Blog!

So I am always trying to find some awesome blogs but this one is definatly at the top of my list right now!
Mama In Flip Flops2 is a Review and Giveaway blog. Everything she has posted has held my interest and there is something new everyday! I love it. Recently I entered a few of her giveaways and this is what I won... Are you ready?

The Smart Shopper, which was on of the giveaways I shared with you all.


And a $25 gift certificate for Handbag Planet. So Exciting!


So check Mama In Flip Flops out. I think you may enjoy it as well!

More great recipes...

So I had a fellow member from Mom Fuse send me her link to more recipes. You may want to check them out at "5 Things Cooking".

Thanks again for the great recipes and feel free to keep them coming.

Cutest Giveaway!

Isn't this outfit so cute?
Win this pettiskirt with matching crocheted hat and flower for your daughter this holiday season? You can win this outfit in the size that you need: 12 month, 18month, 2-4yr, 4-6yr, 6X.
Just visit "I Never Grew Up" for details.
Afterwards you may want to check out some of these other cute clothes at "precious Car-Go".

Calling all Slow Cooker Recipes!

So the Christmas season gets a little crazy and afterwards it takes some time for catching up. This is why I am calling for all easy Slow Cooker/Crock Pot recipes. And don't forget they have to be yummy!. I think Crock Pots/Slow Cookers are the best. It is so convenient to get your meal prepared and ready in the morning before the hectic day begins. The best is coming home to a nice fresh warm meal. So I will share with you my favorite recipe for the Slow Cooker if you share yours. I figured this could be very beneficial for us all during the season. If you prefer to email it to me please do and I will post it up for you. I would also appreciate any good appetizers, desserts, or other great recipes. As long as it's edible! Thanks!

MaMa Snow

Garlic and Brown Sugar Chicken

4-6 boneless chicken breast cut in half
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup vinegar
1/4 cup Sprite or 7-Up soda or Orange Juice
2-3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon pepper (regular black or cayenne)

Directions
Place chicken in crock pot.
Mix all remaining ingredients and pour over chicken.
Cook on low for 5-7 hours. (depending on how hot your pot gets)
Serve over rice or noodles.
You can thicken the juices after cooking with a little cornstarch.
The chicken just falls apart and it is so good!

Mama in Flip flops giveaways!

So I go really excited about these giveaways and had to share!

First is Pediped Shoes. OMGOSh! These are the best. I received a pair last month and have loved them. They are not only adorable but very convenient. How might you ask? They never fall off Addie's foot. I swear shoes never stay on a baby/toddlers foot but these actually do. To top off that benefit there is a great selection of colors and styles. I recommend you enter this giveaway. That's how I got my Pediped Shoes.
Enter here at Mama in Flip Flops!


Have you heard of the SmartShopper? I love this idea. I will be honest with you. I am lazy and when I realize I need something at the store I don't want to look around for a pen to write down what it is. I have always thought, "If obly with a push of a button, my list was there". Well now it can be. Check it out here at Mama in Flip Flops!

FREE copy of "Amazing Grace" DVD!

So I have yet to see this movie, but it does have good review and is rated PG. If it's FREE what the heck. SO here is the deal...
You need to register at Walden Media and they will send you a FREE calendar and a copy this DVD. OH ya, and registration is also FREE. So I personally went to check this site out to see what it was all about. Walden Media is a family friendly website which first started by trying to bring loved book to the screen, like " The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". Their website now includes information on books and fun games for children to play, all which include these great movies created form novels.
Another thing this website provides is included in this paragraph below. This is in their words.

"Teachers can find inspiration for the classroom with tools like activity guides and enhanced DVDs. How about a robot-building competition? Or a writing workshop simultaneously broadcast to movie theaters around the country, with our directors, writers and stars participating? We provide seminars and forums for teachers to trade ideas on using media in the classroom.

Like all educators, we want to instill lifelong enthusiasm for learning."

More Giveaways!

Thrift and Chic is doing a giveaway for a $25 gift certificate for Story TIme Felts!

Thrift and Chic is doing a second giveaway for your choice of any Ecoleeko Rattle!

Giveaways!

Promom Couture Tee giveaway at Sandier Pastures

Commonwealth Candles Giveaway at Bloggy Giveaways

Baby Legs giveaway at Go Natural Baby.

Fabikins (a must see!) giveaway at Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls
I will post more later

PZI Jeans giveaway at Everything Up Close.

FREE Countdown to Christmas Gift!

So I got an email regarding my last post about fun and educational websites for children. I was informed of a site called Kidthing and the FREE gift they are offering right now. This isn't just any gift and you don't have to wait for it in the mail. This is a virtual "Countdown to Christmas". The Countdown to Christmas offers an assortment of 25 interactive games for each day in December leading up to Christmas Day. Some of the things to look forward to each day are below.

Word Search Puzzles - Personalize!
Canine Caroler Sing-Along (Bark!)
The Snowminator Animated Cartoon
Holiday Hidden Objects Games
Spot the Difference Challenges
Jigsaw Puzzles
Animated Animal Antic Moments
Digital Glockenspiel
Make-Your-Own Holiday Activities
Animated Cartoons
And so much more – 25 surprises in all and all yours to keep!
Just by browsing through the website you can tell that all the graphics are rich in color and beautifully done.

Here is more I found about Kidthing and what they have to offer. Kidthing is the first and only free digital media player made just for kids. kidthing was created by parents to give kids a safe place to play and learn online away from web browsers and ads. kidthing also features an online store filled with a wide variety of fun and engaging digital animated books, interactive games, activities and videos from leading companies and brands. Browse, preview and buy great stuff from the kidthing store with prices starting at under a dollar. Content is automatically downloaded to the kidthing player and can be played anytime and anywhere, even when not connected to the Internet.

Now I need your help! I have a mac and until 2009 the mac is not available to download on. I am so bummed. So please try this out and get back with me and let me know what you think! I know Tate would absolutley love this. So now is your chance. GO and checkout Kidthing and the download Countdown to Christmas. Enjoy!

Kid Friendly and Educational Websites!

So today I wanted to introduce you to some of my sons, Tate's, favorite websites. What really make these great is that they are educational and fun. So for those of you with children age 2-Grade school check these out. Obviously you will probably have to help some of the younger ones out but seriously they will love it.


FIrst is Ziggity Zoom. I heard of this today and Tate and I went to check it out. There are games, coloring pages, virtual stories, crafts and more. Tate loved the "Feed the Monster" game. He thought it was so funny how the monster was constantly hungry. I thought the "Hide n Seek" game was great. It had many hiding spots with numbers on them and the point was to find the cat. When you click on the number, it opens that hiding spot to show you if you found the cat. It was really beneficial with helping Tate recognize and learn his numbers. Tate is working on numbers right now in pre-school.


The second is called "Teach the Children Well". This is one you will just have to explore on your own. There are so many games and activities. I wouldn't even know where to start. This site will give you a list of games from several other websites. These games involve everything from numbers, abc's, rhyming and much more!


Last there is PBS Kids. These are games with all the well known characters your children see on TV.

Now if anyone else has a kid friendly website that they and their children love please share.

Daily Deals..

KodakGallery.com is offering 30 5x7 Photo Cards. All you pay is the S&H (3.50 or less)
Here is how it works: Buy 10 Photo cards and get 20 FREE. The code: 20FREECARDS exp 12/24/08
Then there is another code you can use for 10 FREE Holiday cards. Code: tryus3
I haven't tried this yet, but I am told you can use both? If you try it out and it does let me know.


Entertainment.com is offering $10 off plus, FREE shipping for anyone who orders a Happening Book TODAY!
Utah Happenings $15 shipped.


Kmart Double Coupon Time!

Kmart will be doubling all coupons up to $2 from 11/30-12/6. Here is a blog that shows you some of the awesome deals they got. I am not sure what state the writer of this blog is from, but it does show some great deals. You can check Kmarts website and click on your local ad to make sure your Kmart is having this deal. I know the one in Draper, UT is.

Time to see who got their money's worth....

So I love deals, you all may be realizing that by now. I am just dying to hear what good deals you found during Black Friday and the weekend sales. "What deal were you going after and did you get to it first?", " Did you find any deals that totally shocked you?", " How was your Black Friday experience over all?".
Basically you can share any of the above or what comes to mind.
Can't wait to hear from you all! Here was my big finds.


I really wanted to get My little boy the Leapster. The best deal I saw was at Smiths Market Place, where you could get a Leapster plus a Leapster Game for $34.99 I think or something close to it. Sadly I didn't get there on time. But I did get it at Kohls for $39.99 plus with the other things I bought I got $10 towards my next purchase. I love that $$$$ Oh ya, and thanks to Mindy my old HS friend who snagged the Leapster for me before they were all gone.


At Toys R Us they had some great movie deals. I snagged a few. One being Sleeping Beauty for $10.00. My most exciting purchase was the Guitar controllers for Guitar Hero for only $10. I got two of them. Last month Walmart did an awesome deal for 2 Xbox360 games for $30. I got Guitar Hero ($15) but with no guitars. So now with my guitars I have the total package with only spending $35. YIPEE!


My last find which I was pumped about was at Kmart. On Saturday their big sale included a buy 1 leapster game and receive another FREE. I totally jumped for that deal and bought two of them. Leaving me with 4 games for the price of 2. We now have My boys Christmas and Birthday taken care of. Well, almost!

So those were my finds. I absolutely enjoyed myself. My sister joined me and my sweet husband also came along so that we could shop while he waited in line. What a sport! Now it's your turn. Leave a post or email me and I will post it up for all to see.

Thanks
Mama Snow

Frugal Mama is on my good list.....

So here is another GREAT Giveaway at Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls Blog. Win a Bumbleride Stroller. It's easy to enter, just check out Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls.


While your at Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls, you got to check out this giveaway as well! It features "Tiny Tag Designs". Cute Jewelry!

Win a Family trip to Nickolodeon Hotel in Orlando!

This has got to be my favorite giveaway today. I am sure it will be one of the most visited giveaways, but what the heck I am in. You could win a 2-night stay in Orlando's Nickelodean Hotel. I am not sure if the flight is included, my guess is it's not. Still it's a great deal and could be your fun for the whole family this next year. I have family near Orlando and would love to make a trip out there. Anyways, check out Frugal Mommy for more details on how to enter. GOOD LUCK!

A Poll

FREE Fry-Day!

Arby's will be doing Fry-day Nov. 28. So take a break from your shopping and find an Arby's near you. Here is the link to the coupon and information. You may want to make sure the Arbys you go to is participating in this offer.

Mama Snow

THRIFTY & CHIC MOM: Black Friday Deals

THRIFTY & CHIC MOM: Black Friday Deals

Giveaways at Sandier Pastures!

Giveaway for ShooShoos at Sandier Pastures.

You can check out ShooShoos here!

Giveaway for Tick-a-Too at Sandier Pastures.
You can check out Tick-a-Too here.

For all you Dr. Pepper Lovers!!

Dr. Pepper is offering a coupon for a FREE Dr. Pepper here until 6 p.m. EST time today (Monday, November 24, 2008). You can request up to one coupon per person in your household.

If the site is having trouble, which it has all day long, call 1-800-696-5891 and you can ask for your coupon over the phone.

Awesome Awesome Christmas Gift Idea!!!

This cute Bracelet Watch can be found at Woman Within.

Item #: 0054-25286-1122
Was: $39.99
Now: $2.99

Not only is that but here is a code for FREE SHIPPING with any order.
Code: WW19300

When you get on the Women Within website, put in the Item # in the upper right corner. This will lead you right to the Bracelet. I just got some for my Young Women at church that I am over.
Other deals on Woman Within are below!



Red/beige sueded throw
Item #: 0054-04124-1122
Was: $34.99
Now: $2.99




Cherry/Brown Tote
Item #: 0054-76292-1122
Was: $19.99
Now: $2.99

Freebies...

Coupon for FREE Arbies Beef n' Cheddar here.

FREE Gorilla Glue here.

Free Four the 4-color Mivodesign Pen here.

Free sample of Bertolli pasta sauce Here

Free Colgate kids toothbrush here

Another Photo Book Deal!

I am seriously so excited about this blog and even more excited that people are informing me about great deals. The more followers and input I can get can help this blog grow into something great. That meaning Giveaways and discounts offered to YOU through companies who are willing to let me review their product. So really I can only do this through your help.
Thanks to those who have shared deals and opinions.
So if you know of a deal or have something you want to share or even ask, PLEASE DO!

Today I got an email forwarded to me with this deal. It is worth checking out!

If you missed the FREE Photo Book deal last week here is another one. It definatly isn't as great but it's still great!
At Costco the have a "Buy one or more photo books and get an extra copy FREE".
The code is COS241 and expires Dec. 1.


This way you can make a family Photo Book and get an extra copy to give mom for Christmas!

Giveaways...

So here are some of my favorite ones today:

Thrift & Chic Mom is having a giveaway for Stellarocco tops. I think they are way cute. Here is my favorite.



Also Thrift & Chick Mom has another giveaway featuring PeaceLoveMom Wear. I so need some cute tops for jeans right now!



If your looking for some cute baby clothing and items "I Never Grew Up"" is giving away a gift box of clothing from Polka Dot Patch Boutique. I like that!

Last I would like to mention a new blog I found today called ""Sandier Pastures". Their giveaway is for a Birthday Cake Tutu Dress (valued at $68) from Fairy Princess Clothing. So CUTE!

20 Photo Cards .01 each at Snapfish!

Yes that is you can get 20 4x 8 photo cards (Think Christmas Cards) at Snapfish for 1 cent each. Thats .20 cents!!!!

Use code: CARD08 at checkout - good once per account.

Good till 11/23/08.

Also As of today there is Free Shipping with any order. Use Code SHIPALLFREE. I am not sure what the rules are with more then one code, but I would assume it would work. That is ONLY TODAY though.

Mama Snow

SwagBucks: Easily Earn Free Rewards for Searching!

So we are all trying to look for a FREE Something for Nothing.
Well I just found a rewards site that is supposed to do pretty much that. If you consider searching around on the Internet nothing!
I've done some research and people seem to really be receiving their rewards!

So I just signed up and I am know going to be the little guinea pig. I could use your help in testing it out. It says not only do you get rewards for searching and buying, but you can also add to your points by getting others to sign up. It's Free and didn't ask for more then a name.
You can read about it from MomeySavingsMom, a website I frequent and is totally legit. It had acouple of others who left comments on their experience.
The only downfall I noticed was that it can take about a month or so to earn up enough Swag Bucks to earn a Small prize. Seriously though, If you love to search a ton it is probably going to be worth it!
I also found that searching through Swag is great when searching for products like kids toys, amazon and other online stores. It's not really a Q. and A. type search engine.

Check it out here at SwagBucks!

Pajamas for the Whole Family, GiveAway!

So I loved this giveaway and had to share.
We do PJs every year for christmas and I love that this giveaway is a Online Store called (Snug as a Bug) that has matching Pjs for the whole family. this saves the trip for searching store to store to find any that can look decent together.
Anyway, this was one giveaway I thought would be awesome to win so I just had to share.
Check it out!

Great Albetson Deal. Think Thanksgiving!

BUY THIS: One Sara Lee Pie (37 oz.) at $6.39
GET THESE FREE: ONE Sara Lee Pie (37 oz.), TWO Breyers Ice Cream (1.5 qt.)


(be mindful that this picture should really show two pies and two ice-creams)

Thanks Tayna for pointing this deal out!

Food and Money$$$

So many of us are trying to come up with ways to save money. One easy way to cut down is to look at your food.
On Money Savings Mom you can find out more and learn some tips. It talks about making food from scrap and freezing food.

Also I have to share about the best grocery shopping site ever. Grocery Smarts.
I have literally saved over $100 worth of grocery's each trip. Yes, each trip. This website is more usefull if you get the Sunday paper and its coupons. But even without it, it shares it's own coupons and deals from all around. I love it!
So here is how it works (you may have to play around with it before you really get the hang of it). Go to wwwgrocerysmarts.com and on the right hand corner you will notice a space where you can enter a code.
Here is your code g84cjf.
Now you will be sent to another page where you can select from a variety of stores, see who has the best deals and what they have to offer and how to make a great deal even better with coupons.

If you have Q. about it you can email me. Also if you found a great and useful site or have any great tips please share by leaving a comment!

Check out the Gift ideas and Giveaways!

So some of my favorite blogs are doing some fun gift guiding and giveaways. Check them out!

An ordinary life is doing a giveaway for Kung Fu Panda and Furious Five DVDs.

Mommy Mandy
Also has an awesome list of giveaways and ideas for christmas. Check them out and make sure if it's a giveaway you check the closing date. Some of the giveaways have expired but they are advertising for the product because it is... well a great idea for a gift!

PR INFO

PR / Advertising

I love sharing new products and ideas with my readers. At "Catch the Drift..." I host several reviews and giveaways to help promote products like yours. If you are interested in any of the following, please contact me at

Hail2theSnowQueen at gmail.com

Reviews/Giveaways:
If you are interested in having Mama Snow review your product or host a giveaway, please tell me which you are interested in. All products must be family friendly...

Sponsoring/Advertising:
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or advertising, please send me an email to request prices.

Mega Review Opportunities:
If you are interested in having several reviews done on your product and would like your product advertised on several sites, I am currently the over The Classy Closet Network Review Panel. If this interest you I can send you further information.

Free 8.5 x 11 Photo Book!

Thanks to oprah you and anyone else can get a 8.5 x 11 Custom Cover Snapfish Photo Book Free. Oh yes, I said "FREE"!
Ok there is one draw back. You have to pay for shipping and tax, but seriously can there be any better offer out there right now? NO.

So here is the link you need to go to or you can get there from Oprah.com.
http://www2.snapfish.com/info18

From what I understand you have to have redeemed this coupon by Friday November 14, 11:59 p.m.As for the Free photo book, it must be redeemed by 11:59 p.m. PST Sunday, November 16, 2008.

So what you waiting for.... Get moving!

Mama Snow