Meals The Costco Way

One trip to Costco equals 6 quick-and-simple meals ready to serve to my family on those busy night.  We have even been known to create these same meals while vacationing as a family.

The Novotny’s ½ Dozen Costco Meal Ideas:

1. Chicken/Cheese Quesadillas – We purchase the Kirkland pre-cooked, grilled chicken breast. It comes in a 2 pack in the deli/refrigerated food section. I sauté the chicken in taco seasoning , then place it on flour tortillas with shredded cheese. Then grill it in a frying pan or griddle to melt the cheese and chicken. Serve with salad, chips, salsa and fresh fruit.

2. BBQ Beef sandwiches – The BBQ beef comes already in its own sauce. You can find this 2-pack (box) in the deli/refrigerated section. We heat up the BBQ beef then place on toasted hoagie rolls. Serve with either fries or chips and some fresh fruit.

3. Rotisserie Chicken – You purchase this fully cooked chicken already hot and ready to eat. Serve with salad and mashed potatoes (instant to keep it simple).

4. Pizza – The easiest $9.99 meal. They are HUGE.

5. Frozen Lasagna – You can find these in the frozen food section in a 2-pack. Serve with French bread, salad and steamed green beans. (These do take a while to bake, so plan ahead.)

6. Chicken Pot Pie – Large enough to feed my family of 7. It is a seasonal item, but I have successfully frozen it, thawed it out and baked it with rave Novotny kid reviews. This is found in the meat section of the prepared food department. (This takes 1½ hours to bake.)

Do you have a simple COSTCO meal your family loves? Comment and share it with the 24/7 MOMS.

101 Fall Celebration Tutorials

Ready to begin the fall decorating and celebrating?   Here are 101 Festive Fall tutorials and how to's from a variety of bloggers sharing their ideas on everything from home decor to table settings.

Check out all the ideas and get ready for Fall click here to go to Everything Etsy blog and see all 101 ideas.

 

WIN - The Company Store $50 Gift Card

National Family Pajama Night.  One Night, Many Memories!

These days, it seems like families are being pulled in a thousand different directions.  Between jobs, managing the household and chauffeuring kids to out-of-home activities, it’s easy to lose track of the importance of spending quality time together. 

The Company Store, a home and lifestyle brand now celebrating their 100^th anniversary, is kicking off National Family Pajama Night™, a fantastic cause-marketing campaign.

Slated for the evening of Saturday, November 19^th, 2011, National Family Pajama Night™ is aimed at helping families create a fun-filled evening at home doing unique activities that create special memories for the children.

Click here to visit National Family Pajama Night's website and pledge your participation, read about fun “memory maker” ideas and post your own unique ideas for the big night.  They even have a video of cute kids saying what they’d like to do on “pj night”.

And once The Company Store reaches their goal of 20,000 pledges, they will make a donation of $20,000 worth of PJs from their new collection to Pajama Program, a not-for-profit organization that provides new pajamas and books to children in need in the United States.

Click here to Like The Company Store on Faceboook. There will be a community tab for the campaign where parents can post their own unique, fun ideas or comment on other submissions.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and The Company Store are giving away a $50 Gift Card to The Company Store.

Enter for a chance to win.
1. Become a 24/7 MOMS subscriber enter your email address below and comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address.
 
Extra entries for each:

• Like 24/7 MOMS on Facebook.
• Follow 24/7 MOMS on Twitter. 

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on November 12, 2011.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by

* We received a complimentary The Company Store $50 Gift Card for review no financial compensation was received.

Table Talk

Tonight's Table Talk

....to create conversation 
Q: What was one of your most frightening moments?

Riddle:
Q:  What do skeletons say at the front door?
A:  "Crick or creak!"

To Celebrate or Not To Celebrate Halloween?

Image courtesy of halloweenclipart.com

Today I stumbled across this article over at Christianity Today - "Why Christians should embrace the devilish holiday with gusto—and laughter." written by Anderson M. Rearick III.  

 

I grew up celebrating this big candy fest and enjoyed the many years of dressing up only to continue this same tradition with my own children, but always wondering in the back of my head should I or should I not be participating in a celebration that is often considered the Devils holiday - Today I can only say I'm ready to enjoy this years Halloween celebrations with complete laughter and joy.  If you want to know why - Click here to read this article and you too will be filled with laughter.

Count Your Blessings Wipe Off Board Tradition

With Thanksgiving just a little over three weeks away I'm beginning to think of ways to help my family take notice of the many blessings God has given our family.

I came across this  simple  Blessing Wipe off board that could be  used year after year resulting in a  new Thanksgiving  tradition     For full how to instructions go to Less -Than- Perfect Life Of Bliss  by clicking here.

Create Your Own family list of things you are thankful and begin a new Thanksgiving tradition this year.
 

Need/Want Homework?

By Steph Fink

Homework - Never been a big fan.

I knew I needed to do it, but never once wanted to do it.

I wasn’t a big fan when I was going through school.

And I’m still not a fan as I’m helping my kids.

But like laundry and dust busting endless gold fish crumbs
and explaining why you need to close the bathroom door when we have company…I just do it.

I once, okay twice, had to Google my second graders
homework. That is one sad state of affairs I’ll tell you.   What, like you remember congruent,
similar and angles?

Well, this particular evening I was helping my kindergartner
with his homework.  His assignment
was to draw and write about two things you want and two things you needs then
write what the difference is between wants and needs?

All I know is that this assignment should prove entertaining
cause his vision of life is skewed at best and I’d like to live in the bubble
that my guy lives in.

Wants – piece o’ cake:  Candy and Mightyt Beans (they’re like a more hip Weeble
Wobble).

Needs – Jesus and food.

NEED IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN WANT.

Wow, he said Jesus first!  The food he drew was a broccoli stalk and God.  When writing time came he wrote God
(two less letters makes a different in a kindergartners day ya know).   God was puffy, genderless very smiley person with no hair or
ears…

And while I was feeling rather less than as a mother, like
I’ve not been getting the grade.
Impatient, periodically irrational, certainly invisible  I’d been on him or rather him on me…I
felt that God hug me, that I wasn’t doing everything wrong like I had convinced
myself earlier in the day.  No, in
that moment I felt like everything I wasn’t.  Showered (was that too much information?), and showered in
God’s love and approval.

That was one homework assignment that I didn’t need to
Google but I did get a little giggle.
At just the right moment, God knows when I need a little pick me up.

I need God but want to be perfect.

I want and need Jesus love…acceptance cause I want to get
the grade.

This precious child of mine has an incredible power to wear
me down persuade those around that his want is really, really a need.  At times it gets to a point where
you’ll be certain that he does need said it.

I want to honor God so I need to stop trying to think I’m
going to parent perfect and then beat myself up each and every time I realize
it’s mission impossible.

Do you beat yourself up for not being a perfect parent,
too?  Where and when are you most
vulnerable to do so?  


Steph's
writing has appeared in Proverbs 31 Ministry, P31 Woman magazine.  In
her free time she can be found encouraging numerous MOPS group in the
northern Virginia area on the "Colorful Art of Friendship - Allowing
God to Paint the Masterpieces" and MOPS leaders on "Being a Bright
Light".

Steph can be found blogging at www.encouragedinheart.org or on Facebook at Stephanie Fink or on her Facebook page Encouraged in Heart - Stephanie Fink.  She loves big hair, big cups of coffee and big bear hugs.

WIN - Fed Up With Lunch book

Fed Up With Lunch
by Sarah Wu

When school teacher Mrs. Q forgot her lunch one day, she had no idea she was about to embark on an odyssey to uncover the truth about public school lunches. Shocked by what her students were served, she resolved to eat school lunch for an entire year, chronicling her experience anonymously on a blog that received thousands of hits daily, and was lauded by such food activists as Mark Bittman, Jamie Oliver, and Marion Nestle. Here, Mrs. Q reveals her identity for the first time in an eye-opening account of school lunches in America. Along the way, she provides invaluable resources for parents and health advocates who wish to help reform school lunch, making this a must-read for anyone concerned about children’s health issues. 

Mrs. Q is a public school teacher. As the writer behind the blog FedUpwithLunch.com, she has eaten over a year’s worth of school lunches. She has received praise from food activists and has appeared in the national media. 

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Chronicle Books are giving away a copy of Fed Up With Lunch book.

Enter for a chance to win.

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS subscriber enter your email address below and comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address.
 
Extra entries for each:

• Like 24/7 MOMS on Facebook.
• Follow 24/7 MOMS on Twitter. 

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on November 12, 2011.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by

* We received a complimentary Fed Up With Lunch book for review no financial compensation was received.

Table Talk

Tonight's Table Talk

....to create conversation 
Q: What's the best thing you have built or created?

Riddle:
Q:  Why did the Cyclops close his school?
A:  Because he only had one pupil.

Free Frameable "Smell My Feet" Halloween Art

You know the saying "Trick Or Treat Smell My Feet Give Me Something Good To Eat....."  Can you hear yourself saying it as a child as you skipped down the street. I can.  Now you can print It out and add it to your Halloween festive decorating fro a great childhood memory.  Lolly Jane Boutique has a FREE printable in a variety of colors to print out and are ready to frame.  Click here to go to Lolly Jane now.

Fall Family Fun Ideas

I believe in the saying children spell love T.I.M.E. – Time playing with them, time creating memories, time listening to them, time talking with them and even time serving in volunteer opportunities all  create T.I.M.E. with our kids.   

Here are some simple and fun ideas for spending T.I.M.E. with your kids both playing and serving together this fall.

Ideas for Family Fun – Playing Together

Movie night

Game night
Roller skating / Ice skating
Bowling
Indoor putt putt golf
Indoor rock climbing
Indoor play parks
Museums / Science centers
Pumpkin patch farms
Family book clubs/library visits/ book store visits
Coffee shop or bakery visits
Fall hikes
Walks in the rain
Indoor swimming
Cooking together – pizza, theme it
Attend local theaters and playhouses.
Baking cookies – start your holiday baking.

Ideas for Family Fun – Serving Together

Local soup kitchens
Habitat for humanity projects

Operation Christmas child

Meals in a bag for the homeless
Retirement centers
Yard-work or housework for Elderly
Help for Military families that are deployed
Volunteer to help at Fundraisers
Neighborhood cleanup /  School cleanup
Church projects / Missions Projects 
Toy drive
Book drive
School supply collection

How do you spend T.I.M.E. with your kids in the Fall?

Movie Review - The Mighty Macs

by: Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS film journalist

The Philadelphia born filmmaker Tim Chambers takes an inspirational true story that is recorded in the annals of women’s sports for his latest feature The Mighty Macs. He writes, produces and directs the film that he describes as “the equality of dreams”. Forty years ago the cultural norms for women were still very traditional and it did not afford women the luxury of equal opportunities their male counterparts had in the world of sports. Chambers notes, “That while the most successful inspirational sports movies use the sport as a metaphor, The Mighty Macs isn’t just about basketball, but it is how a young coach, Cathy Rush, could unite a team and change a generation of young women”. Chambers, familiar with the historical account, is the perfect insider to tell their story as a Philly “home boy”, raised Catholic and his personal recollection of seeing Cathy Rush in action as a boy of ten years old. His desire to give credence to this forty year old story speaks volumes to the women who chose to pursue their dreams in spite of cultural adversity in the early 70s. Chambers not only wanted to tell of those days gone by but acknowledge the accomplishments these women made on society because they dared to break through cultural barriers.

In the fall of 1971, the Immaculata all-women’s Catholic college in Philadelphia hired a new basketball coach, twenty-two year old Cathy Rush (Carla Gugino). Rush never would have dreamed that her sassy, strong, charismatic, attractive, and stylish leadership would leave an imprint on the legacy of the college or in women’s sports. The stress and strain of being the newest faculty member at the all-female college was just the beginning of Cathy’s concerns. Her first day on the job she learns that a fire destroyed the gymnasium on campus. The Mother Superior (Ellen Burstyn) tells her that there is no plan to resurrect the sport facility due to insufficient funds and gives warning that her job is on the line if she doesn’t produce. Taken back by the rude awakening of a community that showed her very little love, Cathy embraced the word creativity and leaned into her supporters. The offer from Sister Sunday (Marley Shelton) to be her assistant coach and the backing of the college nuns was her first answer to prayer. The next hurdle was to see if she had enough women to make up a team. The disastrous first practice forced Coach Rush to instigate a tough but attractive training plan rally a team together. She wanted force the players to decide if they wanted to work as a team that could dictate their destiny. Soul searching was immanent! Coach Rush taught the difference to why teams get to championships and why teams win the championships with the words: trust, believe, and unite. The inspirational journey these women embarked was history in the making and a story never to be forgotten.

Immaculata All-women Catholic College was the 1^st National Women’s Basketball Champions in 1972. They also won in 1973 and 1974.  In 2005 the college went Co-Ed. Cathy Rush was a mentor and an inspiration to many who committed to follow their dreams. In 2008 she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Some of her original players went on to be doctors, lawyers and teachers.  Several went on to coach basketball in colleges such as St. Joseph University and in the WNBA – namely, Theresa Grentz (University of Illinois), Rene Portland (Penn State) and Marianne Stanley (Old Dominion and the WNBA). 

WIN - Heaven is for Real for Kids book

Heaven is for Real for Kids

by Colton Burpo

"Heaven is for real, and you are going to like it! Colton Burpo came back from his trip to heaven with a very important message: Jesus really, really loves the children! In an effort to reach even more families with this eternally significant story, this runaway bestseller is now told from Colton – kid to kids! Children will receive the same comfort and assurance that so many adults have received from the trade book. 

Beautifully illustrated under Colton's direction, he shares his experiences in first person and comments on things that will be important to kids. A letter to parents is included to guide them as they talk to their children about heaven. Scripture along with a Q&A section with answers from the Bible are also included."

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Thomas Nelson are giving away 1 copy of Heaven is for Real for kids book.

Enter for a chance to win:

 1. Become a 24/7 MOMS subscriber enter your email address below and comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address.
 
Extra entries for each:

• Like 24/7 MOMS on Facebook.
• Follow 24/7 MOMS on Twitter. 

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on November 12, 2011.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by

* We received a complimentary Heaven is for Real for Kids book for review no financial compensation was received.

Table Talk

Tonight's Table Talk

....to create conversation 
Q: What is the most adventurous or daring thing you have ever done?

Riddle:
Q:  Why don't skeletons play music in church?
A:  They have no organs.

Teach Your Kids Compassion with a Shoe box - Operation Christmas Child

The Novotny family tradition began 14 years ago. I walked into my local Bible book store and there was this huge stack of shoe boxes, and next to it was a display of books titled Miracle in a Shoe Box, by Franklin Graham, founder of Operation Christmas Child.

I picked up the book and skimmed through it only to discover this was the story about Operation Christmas Child in action. I was compelled from that moment to begin an annual tradition with my children, filling shoe boxes with a variety of items to be sent across the world to children who were in desperate situations.

The book has since gone out of print (available online at used book sites and maybe your local library) but the tradition has continued on in my family and across the country.


Will you begin a new family tradition and join the Novotny family in filling shoe boxe's?




Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. Since 1993, more than 61 million shoe boxes have been packed, shipped, and delivered across the globe. People of all ages can be involved in this simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas.


November 14-21 is National Collection Week. To find a drop off location near you click here http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Drop_Off_Locations/

How to Pack a Shoe Box
Click here to download and print the appropriate labels http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/


1. SHOE BOX
Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

2. BOY OR GIRL?
Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork to the right. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

3. FILL WITH GIFTS
Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION
Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our EZGIVE option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

5. DROP OFF
Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at the Collection Center nearest you during our collection time November 1 - 18.For locations and hours of collection visit our Drop-Off Locations page where you can find the nearest place to take your shoe box by entering your ZIP Code or you can call 1-800-353-5949.You can also send your shoe box gift to: Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child801 Bamboo RoadBoone, NC 28607

GIFT IDEAS

TOYS small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans

Printable – Label, Instructions and Donation forms

Click here for the above printable instructions and box labels http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/

Click here for donation form and box labels fill out the form and include it in your box with your donation to receive a tax receipt. (Gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.) http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/



Do you have an Operation Christmas Child story/tradition?

5 Fun Pumpkin Theme Foods

Pumpkin Veggie Tray

Create this last minute veggie tray to serve at your Halloween parties or take to your child's classroom for a healthy snack.   Click here for complete instructions from Taste of Home.

Instant Pumpkin Dessert

In a hurry create this simple pumpkin cookie cake with Nestle refrigerator cookie dough.  Click here for complete how to instructions.

Pumpkin Pancakes

The Idea Room created a fun Halloween breakfast idea - Pumpkin flavored and shaped pancakes.  Click here for complete recipe and how to.

Simple Pumpkin Cake

With the use of boxed cake mix, canned frosting and your bunt cake pan you can create these adorable pumpkin cake.  Click here for complete instructions.

Clementines turn into Pumpkins

Create mini clementine pumpkins in just a few minutes with this simple idea from The Princess and The Frog blog.  Click here for how to instructions.

Halloween Sign - Please Take One

Do you love to Trick or Treat with your kids but hen that leaves no one home to hand out the candy to the other candy fetching kiddos?    We found a perfect solution from Embellish.  They created a FREE printable festive sign that says " Please Take One " - print his out and place on your front porch in hopes that the trick or treaters will be honest and follow your directions allowing all to enjoy the treats you have left behind while you are out with your kids Trick or treating,

Click here to get your free "Please Take One" sign.

5 Giveaways Ending Saturday at Midnight

WIN: Native Shoes is giving away 1 pair of Native shoes; either the Corrado or the Jefferson style.  Winner can choose between kids or adult sizes. Click here to enter.

WIN: Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment are giving away a Thomas and Friends: Day of the Diesels The Movie.
Click here to enter.

WIN: Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment are giving away a Angelina Ballerina: The Shining Star Trophy - The Movie. Click here to enter now.

WIN: Unilever and The Motherhood are giving away a fun filled Vera Bradley bag to one of the 24/7 MOMS. The gift pack will include a Vera Bradley bag; one sample each of Dove, Degree Girl and Degree Men deodorant; and Rosalind Wiseman’s books Queen Bees and Wannabes and Boys, Girls & Other Hazardous Materials.  Click here to enter. 

WIN:  Thinkfun is giving away a HyperSwipe Game. Click here to enter.

Table Talk

Tonight's Table Talk

....to create conversation 
Q: Did you ever learn to swim? If so, how did you learn? Describe your experience.

Riddle:
Q:  What pants do ghosts wear?
A:  BOO jeans.

Fun Filled Omega 3 DHA Crepes

When your kids begin to tell you they need and want more Omega 3 in their diet you know it’s time as a mom to search for creative ways to incorporate Omega 3 into their diet. Yes that’s me the mom who was told by her 9 year old that he needed more Omega 3 in his diet for his heart and brain.

With a variety of eaters in our home I have discovered that my daughters crepe recipe is a perfect way to get extra Omega 3 into our diets.  Her crepe recipe calls for both eggs and milk and by using Horizon brand you will be including Omega 3 DHA in your crepes.  An your family can  even choose to fill their crepes with fillers that contain Omega 3 as well. (see list below).

Crepes are easier then you think to make and your entire family will enjoy filling and eating them while getting a good dose of Omega 3 DHA.

Savannah’s Crepes
5 eggs (Horizon brand with Omega 3 DHA)
1 2/3 cups milk (Horizon brand with Omega 3 DH)
2  ½ tablespoons butter, melted
1  ¼ cup all purpose flour
2 ½ tablespoons whit sugar
½ teaspoon salt

Mix all ingredients in a blender.  Pour desired amount in a prepared stove top frying pan (prepared with melted butter) .  Allow batter to cover entire pan to create a large round crepe. Once fully cooked on one side flip it over to finish cooling opposite side.

Remove from pan fill center or crepe with assorted fillings and roll crepe style and enjoy.

Omega 3  crepe filling ideas:
Broccoli
Spinach
Strawberries
Raspberries
Blackberries
Walnuts
Salmon
Tuna
Shrimp

Are you wondering what the BIG deal about Omega 3 DHA is? 

What is DHA?

Omega-3’s, also known as “good fats”, are a group of essential fatty acids. There are 3 types of omega-3’s: ALA, EPA and DHA. DHA is considered to be one of the most important of the Omega-3’s.  It is a major structural fat in the brain and eyes, accounting for up to 97% of the omega-3 fats in the brain and up to 93% of the omega-3 fats in the retina.  Scientists agree that DHA consumed in the diet can become available to support brain, eye and heart health.

Why is DHA important for your kids?
While all Omega-3’s are important, research tells us that DHA may offer the greatest number of distinct health benefits. It has been widely studied for its impact on brain and visual functioning and its role in supporting heart health.

How much DHA is recommended?
·       DHA is found primarily in fatty fish, and many Americans, especially kids, don’t get enough of these foods to get the recommended amount of DHA in their diets.
·       160 mg of DHA a day is recommended by leading health authorities for the general population. However, the average American consumes only 60-80 mg per day.
·       Children often have even lower intake – children ages 1-6 years old were shown to have an average DHA intake of 20 mg/day.

Now - Share how you sneak Omega-3’s into your family’s diet for a chance to win a $500 Grocery Shopping Spree!

DHA belongs to a category of healthy fatty acids known as Omega-3's. DHA is a major structural fat in the body, and has been shown to support brain, heart and eye health. Not only is DHA found in foods like salmon and eggs, but it can also be found in Horizon® Organic Milk enhanced with DHA Omega-3. Learn more about Horizon’s commitment to healthy families at http://www.horizondairy.com/everyday-nutrition/dha-omega-3/

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Horizon.  The opinions expressed by me do not necessarily reflect the view of the Horizon Organic brand.

Deal: Yankee Candle $10 off $25 Purchsase

Deal: Get $10 off your $25 purchase of Yankee candle products at your local retailers like Bed, Bath and Beyond. Buy now for the upcoming holidays.  Click here to get your coupon.

Mummy Yummy Ideas For Halloween

Mummy Juice Boxes
Create these fun Mummy juice boxes from this simple idea from Parents.com .

You can make an army of mummies in minutes - Click here for complete instructions.

Mummy Dogs
Yummy Mummy wrapped hot dogs are the perfect kid food to serve at your Halloween celebrations.  Click here for full recipe and instructions from Our Best Bites.

Mummy Cookie Pops
Oreos turn Mummies with this fun idea from How Does She.  Click here for complete how to instructions.

Mummy Pretzels
A little drizzle and added eyes creates these fun mummy pretzels thanks to Fun Family Crafts.  Click here for complete recipe and how to instructions.

Frugal Greeting Cards

Greeting cards can almost cost as much as the gift these days, and personally I would rather put the money toward a nicer gift than a card. I know, I know - the wonderful words written in these cards can be very meaningful. So, how do we cut back yet still share meaningful thoughts?

1. Boxed greeting card assortment – I have, over the years, purchased boxes of miscellaneous greeting cards at my local warehouse ( Costco) or Target stores. These have not only saved me money, but have saved me time when I am in a last minute situation needing a card.

2. Dollar Store Cards – Plan ahead and purchase multiple cards for upcoming birthdays, graduations, Father's day and other events you will need greeting cards for and purchase them on your next Dollar Store trip, saving you both money and time.

3. Create your own cards - using scarp book supplies, stamping kits or even right off the good ole’ computer.

WIN - Pampers Cruisers "Play-A-Palooza" Pack

ABOUT PAMPERS CRUISERS WITH 3-WAY FIT

Pampers is always looking to improve the product experience and in turn, wanted to produce diapers that allow babies to play at their best. Newly improved Pampers Cruisers with 3-Way diapers, featuring new Sesame Street designs, offer a three-way fit that adapts to babies waists, legs and bottoms. They have also been enhanced with a longer absorbent core and new soft, quilted backsheet (like Pampers Swaddlers diapers!)

Click here for more information on Pampers.

Click here to “Like” Pampers on Facebook.

Click here to visit Let’s Rock! Elmo.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Pampers are giving away a Pampers Cruisers “Play-A-Palooza” Pack with the following items:

• (1) Jumbo Pack of newly improved Pampers Cruisers with 3-Way Fit diapers (can fulfill diapers in Sizes 3 to 7)
• (1) 64-Count Tub of Pampers Wipes
• (1) Hasbro’s new Let’s Rock! Elmo, who’s ready to take the stage singing and making music! Elmo comes with his very own microphone, tambourine and a drum set and sings sings six rockin’ songs. Toddlers can choose which instrument Elmo plays, and he magically recognizes which one you give him.

Enter for a chance to win:

 1. Become a 24/7 MOMS subscriber enter your email address below and comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address.
 
Extra entries for each:

• Like 24/7 MOMS on Facebook.
• Follow 24/7 MOMS on Twitter. 

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on November 12, 2011.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by

* We received a complimentary Pampers Cruisers for review no financial compensation was received.

Table Talk

Tonight's Table Talk

....to create conversation 
Q: How would you summarize the highs and lows of this week?

Riddle:
Q:  Who did Dracula bring to the prom?  
A:  His ghoul friend.