Frigidaire: More Me-Time, Guaranteed!

When I read that Frigidaire's new line of appliances would save us time in the kitchen and give us more "me-time," I have to admit I was skeptical. However, I'm now a believer. My new refrigerator has actually saved me time and here's why.

For one thing, my Frigidaire refrigerator has stainless steel doors covered with a protective coating that is amazing. Keep in mind that I have a two-year-old son who spends a lot of time with me in the kitchen, covering everything in his reach with sticky fingerprints. The protective coating on my refrigerator makes most of those prints all but invisible. What does show up, I easily wipe off with a disinfectant wipe once or twice a week.

This sounds like no big deal one way or the other, but my old refrigerator was white and I was cleaning it off nearly every day, and scrubbing to get some of his fingerprints up. The few minutes I've saved each week in cleaning off my refrigerator add up, people!

For another, the SpillSafe shelves work great! When something spills (and it has now, several times), it's no problem to remove the items from that particular shelf, take it out and rinse it off. This takes far less time than it did with my old refrigerator, which had a few large shelves, some of which couldn't be removed. Cleaning it out after a spill was a major project that took me about an hour. Now, with my new Frigidaire, I can clean as I go, saving time and MAJOR aggravation!
Sorry I laughed at your time saving promises, Frigidaire. You were right. I can't believe it, but you were right.

This post was written in conjunction with Frigidaire and Mom Central. I was sent a Frigidaire refrigerator to try out on my family. All of the opinions expressed in these Frigidaire posts are mine and mine alone.

The Swiffer WetJet Lives Up to My Expectations

A couple of weeks ago, my husband brought an enormous box inside off of our front porch when he got home. Having no idea what it was, I opened it and pulled out a very large, heavy briefcase.

"What the heck?" I asked as Hubs stood there, watching. What could it be? A submachine gun? million dollars in unmarked bills?

A...

Swiffer WetJet?

I opened the case and this was exactly what I found, along with a voice that began, "Greetings, Mom blogger, Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to use this Swiffer WetJet..." etc.

Seriously, this is the craziest, most hilarious thing I've ever gotten in the mail! It included a magnifying glass, dossier, and dark glasses, and it was so funny that I left it in the case for a few days and opened it for everyone who came over. They had the exact same, jaw-dropping reaction Hubs and I had when we opened it.

Okay, so I had to tell you that story before I told you about the Swiffer WetJet. Really, they could have just sent the thing in a standard box because I had been dying to try it. It showed up in the comments of the "My Favorite Things" post I wrote over at Suburban Turmoil a few weeks back and my mom has raved about it, too. So I knew it was only a matter of time before I got one.
And here it was. Without instructions! (Don't worry, though- I'm assuming instructions come with the standard, non-spy edition of the Swiffer WetJet). After a couple of minutes, I was able to figure it out. I put in the batteries, attached a cleaning pad to the bottom, put a bottle in it, and let 'er go. And... It lived up to my expectations and then some!

The "and then some" is because the cleaner is safe on wood floors, so that's primarily where I'll be using my WetJet. I needed something like this so badly, because I have four rooms with hardwood floors and a lot of furniture- They are really not conducive to the furniture moving that comes with an all-out mopping, and the Swiffer WetJet is small enough for me to use it on every square inch of exposed hardwood in those rooms without turning them upside down. Also, the spray that comes out is an incredibly fine mist, which means that it doesn't pool on the wood and it also dries very quickly.

I'm also excited about the WetJet because it's a perfect touch-up cleaner for my kitchen. I like to mop once a week, but often end up mopping twice or more because we have five people living here and a white floor! The WetJet lets me go that full week between mopping.

As a mom and "expert house cleaner," I would not replace my all-out heavy duty once-a-week mopping-of-the-kitchen-floor with a Swiffer Wet Jet. But then again, I never expected to. I read a few reviews of the product that made me laugh, because a few people complained that the WetJet didn't deep clean their floors and others complained that they had to vacuum before they used their WetJet! WELL DUH. It was like they expected to use the Wet Jet like a magic wand or something!

However, the WetJet is totally worth the money in my opinion because it is perfect to clean up messes and keep your kitchen floors in good shape between the deep clean. It is perfect for those of you with housekeepers, who want to keep your floors tidy between his/her visits. It is perfect for the elderly and people with disabilities and college students with kitchenettes, because it is so lightweight and easy to use. It is perfect for clueless bachelors who can't be trusted with water and a mop. It is perfect for those of you with hardwood floors that need regular touching up.

The Swiffer WetJet has recently been redesigned with dual nozzles, a bigger scrubbing strip, and sturdier construction, so if you have the original and you like it, you might want to think about an upgrade.

And that is my opinion.

Disclosure: This product review was based on using a complimentary Swiffer WetJet provided by P&G. P&G does not represent or warrant the accuracy of any statements or product claims made here, nor does it endorse any opinions expressed within this blogsite."

P.F. Chang's Introduces Its New Kids' Menu!

P.F. Chang's is simply one of the best chain restaurants out there.

I mean, seriously, we've been to a lot of different restaurants and have never gone wrong with P.F. Chang's. It's one of the few places in Nashville at which you can always, always expect a wait of at least 45 minutes to get a table. And here, that's saying a lot!

Well now, there's a new reason to take the family to P.F. Chang's. The kid's menu!

For the first time ever, P.F. Chang's is offering a menu specifically designed for children. Menu items include Kid's Chicken with Honey or Sweet and Sour dipping sauce, Kid's Lo Mein with Chicken, Kid's Chicken Fried Rice, and Baby Buddha's Feast, which includes snap peas, carrots and broccoli, either steamed or stir fried. Each meal costs between two and five dollars, and has plenty of food for your kids.

My kids loved the chicken with sweet and sour and the chicken fried rice- and they are very picky eaters. Give it a try the next time you want to take the whole family for a special treat.

Disclosure: P.F. Chang's sent us a $50 gift card to try out the new kids menu.

Javis Davis Does Doll Beds!

I am a huge, HUGE fan of Javis Davis bedding for babies and children. Javis Davis made Bruiser's crib bedding and it was absolutely mind-bogglingly gorgeous, not to mention long-lasting. He's still using it today, two and a half years later! Also? The fabric is so posh, I feel like one of those celebrity moms who show off their nurseries to In Touch Magazine every time I look at his crib.

ANYWAY, Javis Davis has decided that its bedding is too awesome to limit it to kids and kids alone. The women behind JD have begun making doll beds, using the same fabrics they use for children. They sent one for Punky and oh my goodness gracious. Our Barbies never had it so good!

The bed pictured above is just one of lots of different fabrics and colors you can choose for your child's doll bed, and the beds themselves come beautifully wrapped, in either the small size, which is suitable for a Barbie (or two! They're roomy!) or the large size, which is suitable for an American Girls-size doll.

Punky loves her doll bed so much that part of our bedtime ritual now involves choosing a different doll each night to take a turn sleeping in THE BED. It is simply the ultimate in decadent dolldom and we love it!

Check out the Javis Davis doll beds here- and don't forget to send this link to Grandma (wink, wink)!

Umi Oh My!

Umi shoes are back for fall and better than ever.

In fact, these shoes are so popular that you have to catch them soon after their seasonal lines are released, because they run out of them very quickly.

Umi generously let me choose a pair of back-to-school shoes for Punky and we went with these boots, which are absolutely marvelous. Not only do they do a LOT to personalize her dreaded Standard School Attire, but my favorite thing about these boots and nearly all of Umi's shoes, as far as I can tell, is that they have rubber soles.

This is a big deal, I've found, in elementary school. The kids have PE and run around a gym and Mary Janes just aren't going to cut it- The PE teacher warned us that girls dress shoes would just make the kids slip and fall. However, Umi Mary Janes with rubber soles?

GOLD.

I've had three years of experience now with Umi shoes and we are absolutely sold on the line. Not only does Punky get TONS of compliments every time she wears her Umi shoes, but she loves how comfortable they are. Her Umis allow her to run and play anywhere she wants, while still looking cute and even dressy when the need arises.

Check out Umi Shoes at the website and score a pair for yourself- before they're all gone!

Walmart's "Dress Your Child for Under $50 for an Entire Week" Challenge!

Back-to-school time has a new rub for many parents in districts like mine.

My school district has gone to Standard School Attire- bottoms must be khaki, black or navi and tops must have collars and be solid. And we're hardly alone. Across the country, Standard School Attire is becoming more and more popular.

I admit the kids all look snappy at school now, and it does seem to level the playing field in terms of identifying a child's socioeconomic status by his or her clothing.

But it also meant that Punky needed an entire new wardrobe! It meant that I couldn't do the bulk of my shopping for her at consignment sales, like I normally do. UGGGGH.

That's where Walmart came to the rescue. The superstore invited me to participate in its "Dress Your Children for Under $50 for an Entire Week" challenge, and with Punky needing so many new things for school, I was more than happy to participate.

Wanna see how I did?

Four shirts, a dress, and two packages of socks. All of this came to $46, including shipping! I have shopped everywhere for Punky's Standard School Attire from Sears to Old Navy to Lands End and Walmart truly emerges the victor on the best prices front.

In addition, I was impressed that Walmart.com had a wide range of school uniform pieces to choose from- Everything I had been looking for for Punky was on the site. I worried about the quality of the clothing, since the prices were so low, but I'm happy to say that the quality is above average- the khaki fabric is appropriately heavy and similar to other khaki I've chosen, and the shirts are above average- they are made with soft cotton and the sleeves have a slight puff to them. I couldn't be happier with what I chose.

In addition to school uniforms, Walmart has plenty of non-Standard School Attire pieces to help every child go back to school without breaking the bank. Their prices are a great thing, considering that moms on average spend $234 on back-to-school items.

Be sure and check Walmart out. I know this now going to be the first place I go to stock up on uniform staples.

A Second Hallmark Back-to-School Giveaway!

My daughter is now officially a kindergartner and a new era has begun.

I have to admit, the first day wasn't easy. I held it together as I showed her around her new classroom, attended the Boo Hoo breakfast for parents in the cafeteria (at which I neither booed, nor hooed, to my credit), and returned home with my husband and son.

But the moment my husband went upstairs for a few minutes, the dam burst. I cried. And it wasn't a dab-at-my-eyes-with-a-dainty-hanky cry. It was a full-on break-up cry. And I realized that it actually felt a little like a break up. My daughter and I were no longer a pair. She had moved on, and I was the one left behind at home with a bunch of dolls and broken toys.

That was last week. This week, I'm fine, for one simple reason. Punky has come home from school each day flushed and excited, yammering non-stop about all that she's learned. In other words, she's blooming, and how can I be sad when I see that happening? She was truly ready for kindergarten, and that means I need to be ready to loosen the apron strings, just a tiny bit.

Going back to school is an exciting, fun and sometimes, hectic time. To calm the butterflies and build your kids' confidence, Hallmark has put together this great resource to encourage moms like you. Just for sharing a bit of advice, you'll be entered to win a prize package valued at $500! Check it out!

And Hallmark was so impressed with your responses to my last Hallmark back-to-school post that they are letting me give away a $50 Hallmark Gold Card to one lucky Suburban Turmoil reader, right here and now! Leave a comment here with a memory from your child's very first day of school between now and Friday, August 28th at midnight, CST. Be sure to include your e-mail address in the comment, so that I can contact you if you've won.

Good luck!

Disclosure: This post and giveaway sponsored by Hallmark, through Real Girls Media.

Another $500 Giveaway from Crystal Light!

EDITED TO ADD: This giveaway's winner is Heather from Caring for Bear! Congratulations, Heather!

Last week, Crystal Light let me give one of you guys a $500 VISA gift card. 485 of you entered... and the winner is:

JOCELYN, from Physical Possum!

Congratulations, Jocelyn!

I hope that those of you who took the Crystal Light pledge to drink more water for one week were able to do it. I know I drank a lot more water last week (drinking some now, in fact!)- and I can tell you that it helped immensely. I've been having muscle problems ever since doing daily push ups a month ago. I've learned that water really helps with the aches and pains- and just makes me feel better in general.

If you're having trouble drinking water, either because you don't like it or it's just getting a bit boring, I can't recommend Crystal Light highly enough. I've been drinking it all my life- My mom loves the Crystal Light Iced Tea, my stepdaughters love the Crystal Light Natural Lemonade, and I love the Crystal Light On the Go packets, which I can stir right into a glass of water. There are lots of different flavors to choose from, including my favorite, Energy Wild Strawberry, which actually adds caffeine to my water- HOORAY.

I'd love to know how you feel after a week with more water. Leave a comment and one of you will win a $500 gift card! Yes! I'm doing it again!

Be sure and leave your e-mail address in the comment so that I can contact you if you've won. This contest runs between now and Sunday, August 23rd at midnight, CST. Good luck!

And for more great giveaways, prizes, and water conversation, be sure and join @audreymcclellan for a Crystal Light Twitter party between 8 and 10pm EST on August 19th!

Liv Dolls- We Love Them

Look out, Barbie- There's a hip new fashion doll in town!

You may have seen commercials for Liv, a line of teenage dolls targeted to girls between the ages of 6 and 10.

We received a doll and accessories to review and I can't say enough good things about these dolls. They have so many positive features.

What I like:

• The dolls are realistically proportioned and very posable, which makes them really fun for my daughter to play with. In addition, they have "real" eyes instead of the usual painted on ones, which makes them look way more realistic.

• Their hair is interchangeable- Each doll comes with a wig and you can buy more accessory wigs, allowing your daughter to change her doll's hairstyle or even give her doll a haircut.

• The dolls feature characters that are positive role models for girls. Beyond the "fashion lover" and "hair obsessed," there's also a skateboarding Liv doll and one who loves music and wants to be in a band.

• Debuting tomorrow is Livworld.com, which will allow Liv fans to enter their doll's special code at the site and play games and activities related to their Liv doll. This aspect is more important than ever- My daughter is only five and already extremely tech-savvy. The toys that have an online component are always her favorites.

Liv dolls are available at Target, along with accessory packs, wig packs and clothing packs. I have a feeling they will be on my daughter's Christmas list.

Nature's Baby Organics- LOVE This Stuff!

Sometimes, I think the products I get asked to review come in the form of fate.

For example, a friend Tweeted that she was so excited to learn that Target would be carrying Nature's Baby Organics products.

"Nature's Baby?" I thought to myself. "I love the products that Target decides to carry! I'll have to give it a try!"

A couple of days later, I got an e-mail from THE MAKER of Nature's Baby Organics products, asking me to review something from the line!

SCORE.

I opted to review the Vanilla and Tangerine hair and body wash, and let me just say right off that as soon as I squirted some into my hand while giving my son a bath, I was smitten.

The smell alone is absolutely, indescribably sumptuous. I think I am hooked for life. I think I will make my children use this as soap until they leave home at 18.

I also LOVE that it acts both as hair and body wash. This is vital when you are dealing with a squirmy, wiggly, curly headed boy.

Beyond these two facts, Adena, the mother who created this line, did so because both of her daughters suffered from skin allergies and eczema. My son has eczema. PERFECT CONNECTION. I love using it, knowing that it was made especially for his sensitive skin.

Anyway, here's the deal. I believe that Target is testing this line in its stores right now to see how it does. I think you should buy some. Because you will LOVE the smell of it, your children will smell like heaven, and that way I am guaranteed to be able to get my Nature's Baby at Target forever and ever. Here's a list of Targets that are currently stocking Nature's Baby products.

Also, Target is only stocking four Nature's Baby items right now, but you can order 22 different items from the Nature's Baby website- from conditioner/detangler to face/body moisturizer to chest rub to organic baby oil. So keep that in mind if you're looking for more options.

HUGE props to Adena. I LOVE this stuff. And now, I can safely say that my kids smell better than anyone else's on the block!

An AMAZING Crystal Light Giveaway!

I love it when I'm asked to write about a product that I already love and use on a regular basis.

This is one of those times.

Over the last ten years, I've gone from hating water to adoring it and drinking it almost exclusively. It's hard not to be a fan. Not only does staying hydrated help flush toxins from the body, it also gives a boost to our skin's natural barriers. In fact, 74% of women say they'd like to drink more water and given the benefits I've gotten from keeping a glass or bottle of water close by at all times, I can understand why.

Last year, I happened across Crystal Light's On the Go packets at my grocery and got absolutely hooked on them. Pour one into a glass or bottle of water, stir it or shake it up, and give your plain old water a boost, to the tune of just five calories per serving.

I personally love Energy Wild Strawberry, which contains caffeine and is a great pick-me-up during my mid-afternoon slump. Other flavors include Immunity Cherry Pomegranate and Hydration Lightly Lemon. By adding flavor to my water, I know I drink even more than I would ordinarily, so it didn't surprise me to learn that women who drink Crystal Light drink 20% more water on average than plain water drinkers.

So here is my challenge to you, on behalf of Crystal Light. Make a pledge here in my comments to stay hydrated, even if it's just for one week. Every reader who makes a pledge in my comments is entered to win a $500 gift card from Crystal Light. Please leave your e-mail address in the comment so that I can contact you if you've won.

Next week, you're invited to come back and tell me how you did, for ANOTHER chance to win a $500 gift card! Awesome, yes?

Of course, in the interest of transparency, I'm happy to tell you that this post was sponsored by Crystal Light. I'm also happy to tell you that I've drunk Crystal Light practically my whole entire life and have some in my pantry right this minute, purchased by me.

Now, what are you waiting for? Leave a comment!!

Parents Choice Formula

When Bruiser was a baby, he had a difficult time breastfeeding. I was patient with him, but he never really took to it in the same way that his sister did. He hated lying down, he squirmed and bit, and it was a trying time for both of us, to say the least. By the time he was eight months old, he was done completely. I switched to formula, my hormones finally ebbed, and both of us were much, much happier.

Last week, I found out that I could have been even happier, had I known about Parents Choice Formula. It is Walmart's brand of formula, and it is waaaaay less expensive than the Enfamil I was using.

Of course, formula is something we parents don't exactly want to skimp on. But as it turns out, Consumer Reports has been urging parents to save money by purchasing store brand formula. In its new Consumer Reports Best Baby Products guide, the publisher says:

“If you choose or need to use infant formula, buy powdered formula. It costs less than concentrated liquid or liquid formula. And keep in mind that all infant formula sold in the U.S. must meet the same basic nutrient requirements specified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so if your baby likes store-brand formula, buy it—in the largest-size cans you can find.”

In addition:

“We found that the store brand of formula at a local Wal-Mart (Parent’s Choice) cost 50 percent less per ounce than a leading national brand (Enfamil). According to the FDA, all formula marketed in the United States must meet the same nutrient specifications, which are set at levels to fulfill the needs of infants.”

I don't know about you, but if Consumer Reports says it, I'm sold. But the final straw was checking out this Parents Choice savings calculator, which allowed me to find out how much money I could have saved by using its formula, as opposed to Enfamil, which is what I used.

As it turns out, I could have been saving more than $65 per month! Aaaarrrrgh.

Of course, in the end, it comes down to what your baby will tolerate. Many parents have to go through a number of formulas before finding one their baby enjoys. However, don't discount the store brand versions. I certainly wish I hadn't. I'd be a lot richer right now...

Girl Gourmet's Cake Bakery: Review and GIVEAWAY!

With a five-year-old daughter who loves to cook, I have long been a fan of Girl Gourmet products. Recently, I was asked to try the Cake Bakery, a set that contains everything you need to make a cake which bakes in just 30 seconds in the microwave. I was excited to let Punky give it a try.

The Cake Bakery set includes cake mixes to make four cakes in Lemon, Confetti, Chocolate and Vanilla flavors. It also contains mixes to make four different fondant mixes, as well as sprinkles, icing, and icing decoration tools, and even the kitchen tools you need to make the cake, like a rolling pin and spatula.

Punky had a fabulous time "baking" and decorating her own cake and I loved that it didn't involve my oven and a long wait for the cake to bake. Her finished product didn't exactly resemble a professional's creation, but it sure did taste good, and she was quite proud of herself for making her own masterpiece! An older child would have an easier time with the decorating- With a younger child, just be prepared to help as much as she'll let you.

The Girl Gourmet Cake Bakery is available now on Amazon. It would make a great gift for a budding chef or for a mother-daughter project idea.

Girl Gourmet also is featured on a cool game website that's just for girls. Check it out!


And now you have a chance to win a Girl Gourmet Cake Bakery set to give to your favorite little girl! Simply leave a comment in this post between now and 11:59pm, August 19th. Be sure to include your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you've won.

Good luck!

Still Loving My Frigidaire Refrigerator...

This my hand, doing something it does at LEAST eight times a day- getting ice and water out of my new refrigerator!!

I don't mean to gloat, but I did agree to test drive this Frigidaire refrigerator, and that's exactly what I'm doing. And I'll be honest, not a single day goes by that I don't look at it and feel very, very happy that it is ours. Because a new refrigerator was something that we desperately needed, but there were so many expenses that had to come before we could get a new one (namely, two girls in and on their way to college) that I had no idea how were were EVER going to swing it.

In other words, THANK YOU, FRIGIDAIRE. YOU SAVED US.

Okay, so I've covered the awesome ice/filtered water dispenser and I've covered the ginormous produce bins, which have resulted in me buying more fruits and vegetables than ever before.

Another thing that's cool about my refrigerator is all of the little storage details. There are shelves made just for cans and a pull-out shelf that I keep all of my cheese on. The bins in the freezer pull or tilt out so that I can easily get to everything. Not an inch of space inside this refrigerator is wasted, in other words.

See what I mean?

I've also been impressed with the fact that this refrigerator was specifically made to be easy to personalize and clean. I can easily adjust the shelves both inside the refrigerator door and inside the fridge itself. I can easily take them out to clean them, which is huge. And I even read that the shelves were specifically designed so that spills would be contained to the shelf where it happened. That. Is. Awesome. Also, I have to admit that I was skeptical when I read that the stainless steel was designed to be easy to clean, in order to save us all some time and energy. But I've had the refrigerator for a couple of months now and it's totally true- I only wipe down the fridge's surface every week or so with a disinfectant wipe and it looks great! That's a far cry from our old white refrigerator, which with two small children looked perpetually dirty.

So that's the latest from the refrigerator front. Next up, REFRIGERATOR VIDEO, which I'm sure you are all DYING to see.

Delgo

Delgo is a gem of a film with an interesting behind-the-scenes story.

It was created and produced by a smaller production company, Fathom Studios, which relied on help from local art and computer science colleges and even one high school to make the film. The concept originated in 1999 and it wasn't until 2008 that that film was released.

Here's a synopsis:

When a rebellious boy forms a forbidden friendship with a spunky princess, hostilities between their two kingdoms escalate, setting the stage for an exiled Empress to exact her revenge in Delgo, debuting on DVD August 4 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Starring a talented voice cast including Freddie Prinze Jr. (Scooby Doo), Jennifer Love Hewitt (“Ghost Whisperer”), Val Kilmer (The Doors), Chris Kattan (“Saturday Night Live”), Kelly Ripa (“Live with Regis and Kelly”), Anne Bancroft (The Graduate) in her final film appearance, Lou Gossett Jr. (An Officer and a Gentleman) and Burt Reynolds (Smokey and the Bandit) among others, Delgo takes place in a magical world where two civilizations, divided by fear, and two hearts, guided by love, have one chance to save their world. With the help of a devious traitor and two bumbling servants, an exiled Empress (Bancroft) kidnaps the Nohrin princess (Hewitt) and frames a Lockni teenager, Delgo (Prinze Jr.), for the crime, igniting a war between their people. Desperate to clear his name and rescue the princess, Delgo and his faint-hearted friend Filo (Kattan) join forces with a disgraced Nohrin commander (Kilmer) to prove Delgo’s innocence, rescue a princess, reveal a traitor, end a war and unite the peoples of the land before it’s too late.

While it is tough to compete with bigger computer-animated films by Pixar and Dreamworks, Delgo holds its own. The visuals are imaginative, the storyline is compelling, and the talent in the film speaks for itself.

Delgo is rated PG and it's a film you and your older children can enjoy together. It didn't do well at the box office, but I don't think it was the fault of the movie itself- This one is worth checking out.

New at Wendy's: Boneless Chicken Wings

There's something new on the menu at Wendy's- New boneless chicken wings made with 100% whole chicken breast, in three different flavors: Bold Buffalo, Honey BBQ, and Sweet & Spicy Asian Chicken.

I had a chance to try the wings for myself on a recent visit- I opted for the Sweet and Spicy Asian Chicken and I enjoyed sampling them. Each "wing" is about the size of a chicken nugget, but I tasted my daughter's Wendy's chicken nuggets and the "wings" in order to compare the meat and the "wing" meat was definitely different from the meat used in the less-expensive nuggets. The taste is good- It reminded me of something I'd eat in a Chinese restaurant. Just be sure and ask for a fork, because you do not want to eat these saucy "wings" with your fingers!

Paired with a side salad or an order of fries, the boneless chicken wings would make a nice dinner, particularly if you're looking for something a little different from standard burger fare. My boneless chicken wings cost $3.99- that may differ from restaurant to restaurant.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog and giveaway campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Wendy's and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Max Spaniel Giveaway!

If you have an early reader, this giveaway is just for you.

Max Spaniel: Dinosaur Hunt is a new book for ages 4-8 that my daughter and I just love.

The pictures are hilarious, the words are easy for a new reader to follow, and the story is engaging. When the story is over, you and your child can follow Max Spaniel's lead and make your own dinosaur out of household items.

Here's a more detailed description of the book:

Max is no ordinary dog. He is a great hunter! His prize of choice? Dinosaurs! But Max simply can’t hunt dinosaurs inside. For that, he must go on a true adventure to the unexplored wild of the backyard. As this zany canine prowls the yard, he encounters bicycles, toys, a rake, and a gardening hose. But to Max, the intrepid dinosaur hunter, these items are no mere playthings and grooming implements–they are dinosaur bones! Piece by piece, the bloodhound puts together a towering display of dinosaurian strength that he is sure will strike fear into the hearts of any trespassers!

From David Catrow, beloved illustrator of the energetic Doggone Dogs and I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More, comes an equally entertaining picture book for young adventurers! Catrow’s text is simple and sparing, allowing his fantastic illustrations to shine brilliantly. The sketch and watercolor artwork is colorful and alive with movement and silliness. This is the perfect fast-paced read for children who are ready to get up and go!

Catrow’s design makes this book fantastic both for a read-aloud storytime and for beginning readers who aren’t quite ready for chapter books.

If this sounds good to you, be sure and enter my Max Spaniel giveaway.

One grand prize winner will receive an autographed copy of the book and a jumbo kids magnifying glass. Four more winners will receive a copy of the book.

To enter to win, simply leave a comment in this post containing your e-mail address by Friday, August 28th at midnight. Winners will be chosen at random.

Good luck!

Back-to-School Giveaway!

My daughter’s very first day of school is just a few days away. I am a nervous wreck. And it’s all my daughter’s fault.

Punky had to go and be so easy and so darn cute and so affable that I opted to keep her home instead of sending her to preschool. And she’s had the gall to be a sweet little pixie here with me every day, eager to learn the lessons I’ve taught her, willing to play independently when I need to get work done, happy to help me with housework, and excited to develop a close relationship with her two-year-old brother.

I’ve managed to get her more than ready for kindergarten. She’s attended various lessons around town and knows the classroom routine. She’s begun reading and writing. She can add and subtract. She’s already chosen a backpack and lunch box for her first day of school. She’s excited to make new friends and meet her teacher.

In other words, she’s ready.

But I’m not.

The thought of her absence from this house for seven hours a day, five days a week, paralyzes me. I wonder what on earth her brother and I will do without her. When I registered her for kindergarten, I was given a folder with information and dates for her first year of school. The first three times I opened it, I burst into tears.

How embarrassing is that?

Her school has a “boo hoo breakfast” for parents after they take their children to kindergarten for the first time. I will so not be attending. Standing around sobbing and blowing my nose into an overused tissue is not my idea of a great first impression.

Instead, I think I’ll go home and wail in private.

Yes, it’s my daughter’s fault that I’ve been reduced to this humiliating state. If she could just have been more of a little monster, I’d be doing a happy dance outside her classroom door, instead of fighting back an ugly cry. But no. My daughter had to go and give me a near perfect first five years of motherhood.

And I’m going to miss her like crazy.

Lots of us are gearing up for school – an exciting, fun and sometimes, hectic time. Hallmark has put together this great resource to help you calm the butterflies and build your kids’ confidence. Just for joining the conversation you’ll be entered to win $500. Check it out.

Also, one Suburban Turmoil Reviews reader will win a $100 Visa gift card to help with your back-to-school expenses! Just leave a comment with your favorite back-to-school memory on this post between now and midnight, August 15th. Be sure to include your e-mail address. A winner will be chosen at random!

Disclosure: This post and giveaway sponsored by Hallmark, through Real Girls Media.

Dollhouse: Season One

I'll admit it. I'm obsessed with Dollhouse.

I didn't have high hopes for the show after all the behind-the-scenes drama involving the series' creator, Joss Whedon.

However, despite all that, this show is totally engaging and suspenseful and compelling to watch. And I'm hooked.

Eliza Dushku does an excellent job as lead character, Echo. I was actually surprised by how versatile she is as an actress. Her role requires her to play multiple personalities, and she's believable in each role.

Here's a brief synopsis from the studio:

From the mind of Joss Whedon, the creator of groundbreaking cult favorites “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” and “Firefly,” “Dollhouse” stars Eliza Dushku (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “Tru Calling”) as Echo, just one member working for an illegal underground organization that implants employees with false memories and skills in order to perform various missions and dangerous tasks. These “dolls” can become anything that anyone desires; a lover, a fighter, an assassin, even a best friend. Once their assignment is complete, their memories are wiped clean and they are released back into the “Dollhouse” to cohabitate with their fellow colleagues under the watchful eye of those in charge. But Echo is slowly starting to become aware of herself and her surroundings… and one outsider will stop at nothing to bring the entire “Dollhouse” down.

Definitely, definitely check this one out. I'm not a big television show watcher- most programs simply don't hold my attention- so the fact that I'm loving this series says a lot about it. It's become quite the underground hit among my friends on the Internet as well, and I'm excited that the series has been renewed for another season. I'll be watching.

GameStop's Family Night In

If you read this blog with any regularity, you know that I'm a huge GameStop fan. In fact, GameStop is the only place we buy games for our Xbox and Playstation- My husband likes to stop in every three months or so for a new family game and at Christmas time, I love ordering presents from Gamestop.com- They are totally affordable and I've never gotten a used game from GameStop that's had any problems- and I've bought more than a dozen games from them by now.

So I was happy to participate in GameStop's "Family Night In" blog tour. GameStop is helping families stay entertained and save money with great tips on choosing a game the whole family can enjoy and ideas on how to make family game night special. Check out the Family Night In page on GameStop's website for details.

GameStop gave us a gift card to choose a Family Night In game for our own family and we opted for LEGO Batman. I love the LEGO series because two players can participate- My husband and daughter have gone through LEGO's Indiana Jones and Star Wars titles already and they definitely capture her five-year-old imagination. They've also taught her how to cooperate in game play, since she and her father have to work together to bring down bad guys and explore the game's worlds. The LEGO series has definitely helped bring at least one father and daughter closer together!

For the rest of you, there's still time to participate in GameStop's Family Night In Summer Tuesday promotion. Between now and September 1st, you will receive a 20% extra trade-in credit on pre-owned games if you bring them in to GameStop on Tuesdays- that means more money to go toward the latest hot summer titles! Cool, huh?