Traintastic Chuggington Party - New Episode Airs This Weekend

Have you been introduced to Chuggington? If not, you can check out this incredibly cute show on Playhouse Disney. I first posted about Chuggington when they premiered in January.



A new show will air tomorrow, May 29th on Playhouse Disney so the amazing people behind Chuggington sent us a screening pack to throw a "Traintastic" Party!!


The pack included the screening of the new Chugginton episode, DVDs of the theme song for each child to take home, a Flip video camera, Chuggington Hats, crayons, coloring sheets for all of the kids, and popcorn.


The Flip video camera(which had a picture of the Chuggington characters on the front) was included to show off my son's mad dancing skills to the adorable theme song. He now has me record almost everything that he does so he can watch it -over and over again. You'll be seeing more videos soon.


The hats were HUGE, but how cute is this? The kids loved them, even if they couldn't look up.


I don't like posting a bunch of things that have other kids in them. But I don't mind showing you how cute my kid is. I took several videos of them dancing to Chuggington, but this one was taken the first time I used the camera. It cracks me up because he keeps getting distracted by his hat.


I was surprised that two of them had never seen Chuggington! We have created new Chuggington fans and they were all jumping around singing "Toot your horns!". :)


Not only does a new episode air in the US on May 29th, but you can pre order Chuggington TOYS!! Evan is a train freak and I'm sure he'll want it all once he's introduced to it.


Can't get enough Chuggington? Visit the Chuggington website to play games! Be sure to follow them on Twitter, and become a fan on facebook so you can stay up to date on all of the Chuggington News. You can also keep checking in here because I am an official "Chuggington Conductor" and will be keeping you up to date.



This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others. Thank you to Chuggington who supplied the products to throw the party.

Wilton Complete Line Of UltraGold Bakeware Review And Giveaway ($180 Value)

I received an email a few weeks ago inviting me to the Wilton Mom Retreat that will be held next week. I was ecstatic and couldn't wait to learn the things that they are going to be teaching a select group of bloggers. BUT, family comes first and my brothers high school graduation is right in the middle of the event. With a heavy heart, I had to email Wilton back and tell them that I had to turn down my spot.



They emailed me back and said that they would send me the Complete Line Of UltraGold Bakeware to ease my pain. :) I took the first Wilton Cake Decorating Course about 6 months ago and want to go take the others so that I can practice more and be able to decorate all the cakes for birthdays and other occasions. Wilton has been the industry leader in cake decorating, quality bake-ware and food crafting for 80 years and I am always excited to see their new items.


UltraGold is their new line of Bakeware. Wilton took all of their experience and created pans with features that provide the perfect baking results decorators demand. The Premium Aluminum distributes heat evenly for a light, golden brown cake surface that is easier to decorate.


It has an Anodized Surface that means the UltraGold finish will look great and continue to bake evenly for years to come.

I haven't had these pans long, so I haven't used them many times. I will continue to use them with different recipes and post about them. As I mentioned before, my brother's graduation is next week so I need to start thinking about how I'm going to decorate a cake. I don't have to look far because Wilton has several great Graduation Cake Ideas. I think I'm going to do this Capping Off Success Graduation Cake with my brother's High School colors.


My sister's birthday was May 15th, but she wanted a cookie cake. I used the Ultra Gold 12x18 inch sheet pan and the cookie baked beautifully. I used two packages of cookie mix and made it into a big circle in the center-I was careful to keep the edges thick so that they wouldn't burn. It spread out over most of the sheet while baking and I cut it into this circle. It baked evenly so I didn't have to worry about cutting off the edges that touched the sides.


Wilton has great icing recipes. I used the Cream Cheese recipe and the chocolate buttercream recipe. My sister is into peace signs, so this is what I made using some disposable bags and one of the star tips-#16. I only had about 15 minutes to decorate it, so it isn't the best-but it was delicious.


You have to try this cream cheese icing recipe-I love to make red velvet cakes with it. Cream cheese icing isn't easy to decorate with-but it is incredibly yummy(I don't use the orange juice and zest).
Ingredients:

* 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
* 2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
* 8 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (about 2 lbs.)
* 2 tablespoons milk
* 1 tablespoon orange juice
* 1 teaspoon orange zest

Makes: About 5 1/2 cups of icing.

I made granola bars the other day. It was a little bit of a fail so I will post the recipe and ask for advice soon. I used the 9x13 pan.


Other than baking evenly, my favorite thing about the Wilton UltraGold Bakeware are the handles. They are large so it is easier to put the pans in and out of the oven. The size of the pan is also indicated on the handles. You never have to wonder what size pan you just grabbed.


I look forward to all of the yumminess that I will create with my Wilton UltraGold Bakeware for years to come. I know that I can turn to Wilton for decorating ideas and recipes to make any occasion special. Stay tuned because I will be posting more recipes using the UltraGold Bakeware.

Win It!!
Wilton is giving one of my readers the complete $180 line of UltraGold Bakeware.

To enter, visit Wilton and tell me something that you learned, a product that you found, OR a recipe that you fell in love with. This is required and must be done before the extra entries count!

EXTRA ENTRIES!
You can do any of these things for an extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do.

1- For TWO extra entries, subscribe to my blog via email.

2- Follow my blog via google friend.

3- For THREE extra entries, blog about this giveaway and link it back to this post and
Wilton.

4- Follow twoofakind AND Wilton on twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day! You can copy and paste: WIN a @WiltonCakes $180 Complete Set Of UltraGold Bakeware @twoofakind http://tinyurl.com/2wto3uw

5- Place my pink Two Of A Kind, Working On A Full House button on your blog.

6- Become a fan of Wilton on Facebook.

7- Sign up for the Wilton newsletter for decorating ideas and more.

8- Add my blog to your text blog roll.

Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on June 21st when I will draw a winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address if it is not visible on your profile. I will notify the winner and they will have 36 hours to respond!

Open to US Only.

This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may very from others. Thank you to Wilton who supplied the products for the review and giveaway.

Nominate A Deserving Mom In Your Life To Become A Bright Starts Pink Power Mom

Do you know an amazing mom that has fought Breast Cancer?



Every October Bright Starts honors and rewards 8 women for their inspirational fight against breast cancer. From now until June 30th you have the chance to nominate a deserving mom in your life.

Each Pink Power Mom winner will be rewarded with the following:
-$5,000 Donation to the breast cancer charity of her choice

-Weekend of pampering with all 8 of the Pink Power Mom Winners that includes a day of spa treatments

-Chance to be selected as the Bright Starts Pink Power Super Mom and receive additional charity donation

The winners will also be featured in a national advertising campaign with their inspirational stories shared throughout the nation during the month of October.

If you know a mom that deserves to be the Pink Power Mom of 2010, go nominate her!

As part of this commitment, the Kids II Foundation guarantees a minimum donation of $100,000 from proceeds of sales from the Bright Starts™ Pink Collection™ to benefit breast cancer research.


This was not a paid post and the opinions are solely my own and may very from others. I received no product for this post-just letting you know about the campaign.

Grilled Corn? Yes, Please!

I love summer for so many reasons. One of my favorite things is all of the yumminess that comes from the field. Our corn won't be ready to pick until the beginning of July, but it is available at great prices in Grocery stores now.

I use corn in lots of recipes-but my favorite way to eat corn is grilled. Its incredibly easy, and so delicious. You just throw them on the grill for about 20 minutes. I think they're best if you leave them in the husk(for those of you that don't know-that is the green stuff on the outside).


When they're done, I cut each end of with a large knife/cleaver(just enough to cut the bad kernels off). After the ends are cut, we shuck them. If you've never shucked corn-it's pretty easy. Just pull the husk off and then you silk it. The silk is that stuff between the kernels-it comes off pretty easily after its been grilled. Just be careful because it will be HOT.


I slather it with butter and put salt on. Real healthy, huh? I could eat a meal of just grilled corn if given the chance.


THIS is what I to look forward to in July. These pictures are from the summer of 2008-Evan was 11 months old and this was his first time "helping out" during the corn madness.

The Dangers Of Blogging

Has anyone told you about the dangers of blogging? Here is just a taste of what comes from blogging. THIS is why I try to blog while they're napping.



They were in the same room with me over by the toy box. I THOUGHT they were playing with a car. I guess Evan had hidden a SHARPIE somewhere and decided to create a work of art on Isabella. I really need an easel. :) Her toenails are painted black too...but I didn't snap a picture of that before trying to scrub it off.

Thank goodness he had JUST done it so I was able to quickly wash it off with dish soap and water.

Flicka 2 DVD Review And Giveaway

I am a sucker for a "feel good" movie. I remember wanting to see Flicka when it first came out. I was just as excited when I heard Flick 2 was being being made.

Flicka 2 was released on DVD May 4th and I was sent a copy for review.


Carrie (Sursok) is a big-city teenager whose life is turned upside down when she moves to a horse ranch in Wyoming to live with her father (Warburton). But everything changes when Carrie meets Flicka, a wild, jet-black mustang who’s just a free-spirited and strong-willed as Carrie. The two form a special bond and Carrie opens her heart to her father and a handsome, local boy, but when a jealous rival put’s Flicka’s life in jeopardy, Carrie must to whatever it takes to save her best friend.

Flicka 2 runs about 96 minutes and is rated PG. My whole family sat down to watch this movie together. Evan was so excited about the horses and now rides his horse around my house while wearing his cowboy hat. Parents will appreciate the emphasis that the movie puts on not needing cell phones and technology to survive.



Buy It!
The DVD was released May 4 Exclusively at Walmart, Sam’s Club and Walmart.com for the suggested retail price of $22.98 DVD and $34.98 Flicka / Flicka 2 2-pack DVD.

Win It!
20th Century Fox is giving one of my readers a copy of the Flicka 2 DVD.

To enter, tell me if you have ever rode a horse. This is required and must be done before the extra entries count!

EXTRA ENTRIES!
You can do any of these things for an extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do.

1- Subscribe to my blog via email.

2- For THREE extra entries, blog about this giveaway.

3- Follow Twoofakind on twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day! You can copy and paste: WIN a Flicka 2 DVD @twoofakind http://tinyurl.com/34d2lbz

4- Become a fan of Flicka on Facebook.

5- Place the PINK Two of A Kind, Working On A Full House button on your blog.

6- Follow my blog publicly.

7- Become a fan of Two Of A Kind on Facebook.

8- Enter any of my current giveaways(A list is on my sidebar).

Contest ends June 14th at 11:59pm EST on when I will draw a winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address if it is not visible on your profile. I will notify the winner and they will have 36 hours to respond!

Open to US Only.

This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may very from others. Thank you to 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment who supplied the products for the review and giveaway.

We're Out Of Space

As most of you know, our house is up for sale. Isabella took our last bedroom and we have run out of space. Her room was the guest bedroom and now my family has no place to sleep when they come over.

We've been thinking about getting a sleeper sofa so that they have somewhere to sleep. My aunt came in town last month and everyone at my mom's house was sick and she needed to crash on my couch. I'm sure she wished it was a bed.

This one looks really comfy.


This is incredibly modern.


In addition to sleeper sofas, CSN Stores has pretty much anything else that I could want
for our next house. With over 200 specialty websites and great prices, I can turn to them for all of my needs.

This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may very from others. I will be receiving a review item that I will share with you soon.

Wordless Wednesday - Sneaky

"Hey Mom!"


"Ok...she's not looking...grab the bag!!"


PS-no she doesn't have a life jacket on...but that's because we were parked on a beach and eating. We always have her AND Evan in a life jacket when we're moving or anchored in open water.


If you have a Wordless Wednesday on your blog, leave your link here!


For more Wordless Wednesday go check out 5 minutes for mom and 7 Clown Circus!

Dress For Your Workouts With Moving Comfort Review And Giveaway

I have recently started to workout pretty much everyday. I need to dress properly in fitness clothing that keep me comfortable and cool.



Moving Comfort is an all woman company that designs sports bras and fitness apparel. They are dedicated to making women feel confident and look great while working out. The company was founded in 1977 and they have been doing their research to make amazing clothing ever since.

Moving Comfort sent me their Balance T in Pink.


Our ultra-light seamless T feels soft as butter and features flattering design lines and texture to fit the body just right. The engineered knit constructed with anti-microbial, silver technology moves moisture and prevents odor while offering a unique texture and design.

The Balance T is extremely comfortable and light. It fit really well and the lines make me feel like I look smaller. I feel confident when I work out in my Balance T. Normally I wear an oversized T shirt and it seems to weigh me down compared to the Balance T.

Visit Moving Comfort to view their full selection including the sports bras.



Buy It!
You can purchase the Balance T for $46.

Win It!!!
Moving Comfort is giving one of my readers a Sports Bra.

To enter, visit Moving Comfort and tell me another item that you would like. This is required and must be done before the extra entries count!

EXTRA ENTRIES!
You can do any of these things for an extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do.

1- For TWO extra entries, subscribe to my blog via email.

2- For THREE extra entries, blog about this giveaway and link it back to this post and Moving Comfort.

3- Follow Twoofakind on twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day! You can copy and paste: WIN a Moving Comfort Sports Bra @twoofakind http://tinyurl.com/29zpoce

4- Become a fan of/like Moving comfort on Facebook.

5- Place my pink Two Of A Kind, Working On A Full House button on your blog.

6- Follow my blog publicly.

7- Enter any of my current giveaways(their is a list on my sidebar).

Contest ends June 14th at 11:59pm EST on when I will draw a winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address if it is not visible on your profile. I will notify the winner and they will have 36 hours to respond!

Open to US Only.

This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may very from others. Thank you to Moving Comfort who supplied the products for the review and giveaway.

Got Giveaways? 5/25

Please feel free to link up to as many of your giveaways as you'd like. If you linked up last week and your giveaway is still going on, please link up again!

If you could let other people know that I'm doing this, I'd really appreciate it. It's not mandatory, but it would be great if you could add my button to your blog or send a tweet out to get people here and post their giveaways.

Outdoor Oasis has begun and there are some great giveaways still to come. Check out my current giveaways while you're here!


Little Tikes Makin' Mud Pies


$50 Twinkling Tees Gift Card


Swimsuit Of Choice from Hapari


$40 Gift Card for Bows and Accessories


TWO Dwarf Frogs And An EcoAquarium


$100 Moody Mamas Gift Card


Scrubbing Bubbles Gift Basket


Nursing Cover


Set of 144 Magneatos($110 value)


$100 Gift Card for ATG Stores


$50 Visa Gift Card FIVE WINNERS


Baby Genius All-in-One Band


Britax Advocate CS Convertible Car Seat ($370 RV)


$200 Bosch TASSIMO Home Brewing System


Please link to the specific post for each giveaway-NOT just your blog! I will delete your link if it does not go directly to the giveaway.

***CLICK HERE for my Daily List of blogs with giveaway linkies.***