You'll trade that black licorice if you know what's good for you! FDA Warns

If you're like me you probably can't wait to send your little munchkins out to round up all the delicious treats their over sized bags (just our size) can carry!

I mean it IS Halloween, right? That's what it's for.

Nobody is going to just hand us candy for free! This is the perfect time of year to get it.

Our costumes? Chaperons!

Surely you've picked out the absolute cutest costume for the kids to pull on each candy handler's heart strings.

You know just how long they'll say, "Awwwwwww, you look soooooooo adorable!" to your kids as they dump an assortment of goodies (hopefully top notch) into those big bags you'll have them toting!

The bags (most likely pillow cases) are so huge that your kid can barely hold them and you'll be carrying the load in between doorbells.

It's no secret! It happens every year. And so what! We only get to do this for as long as we have small children.

Candy Dispenser Chart

"Oh, don't you look cute!" = 2-3 pieces

"Awwww, YOU are just darling!" = Handful (at the least)

Well, if you're hopes are to find some Starburst, Hershey Bars, Smarties, or Mary Janes, that's not a problem. They all have the seal of approval for safe unlimited consumption, I think. (I hope!)

If your heart is set on the black licorice though, you better beware!

Just recently, I read the FDA has warned about the dangers of too much black licorice consumption for adults, due to it's affects on the heart.

Too much black licorice can lead to arrythmias or irregular heart beats.

It's also not safe for people with certain health conditions or those taking certain medications.

Read FDA Warning on Black Licorice

I prefer red licorice myself! Just sayin'...

Anyway, knowing before you go is helpful right? So, now that I've shared that, you know exactly what to do.

That's right!

For $1, you can snatch up one of those little plastic pumpkins from Walmart where you'll stash the black licorice collected tonight (there will be plenty).

After dividing the candy among the kids and yourself (one for them, five for you and repeat...those are chaperone wages), you can stash a few pieces of licorice to nibble on (a few never hurt anybody), and then get ready to trade the rest on Tuesday.

Don't worry, I'll post my perfect trade in plan later!

It's Snack Time - Pillsbury Pumpkin Quick Bread

Friday, Bella and I decided it would be fun for her to make pumpkin bread.

Making it from scratch would probably be amazing and I'm sure it would be fun as well, but for the sake of time and skill level, we made the Quick Bread kit from Pillsbury.

Not only did Bella work on this project, but she allowed her little 2 year old sister to assist her.

I would definitely recommend making this bread with kids of all ages.

Although a little baking is required, the recipe is very easy and quick.

It's also a lot of fun!

Children will need:

Quick Pumpkin Quick Bread Mix
2 eggs
3 tablespoons of oil
1 cup of water
3 mini bread pans

Let's get started:

Find more awesome (easy) kid made snacks on
"It's Snack Time!" with Isabella Sanders

Mommy, the Princess

I love how Isabella says every beautiful princess on TV "looks just like Mommy!" I guess it's true what they say, "love is so blind."

She obviously doesn't see me in my "mommy wear" (ie. yoga pants & tank tops)

Gosh, I love kids!

"Life is a Special Occasion" Hallmark Tour - Washington, DC

Renee Andriani, Amy Mascott "@TeachMama", Me "@TheChattyMomma, Jon Gray 

Recently, I enjoyed spending a nice morning with my friends from Hallmark in DC, during their “Moments Between the Milestones” tour.

This stop was part of a four-city tour, in which Hallmark invited several local mom bloggers to be a part of.

Each blogger was touched by their attention to heartfelt details and the celebration of important moments in all of our lives.






Attending the “Moments Between the Milestones” not only gave us the opportunity to be face to face with people behind the brand, but we also got to learn more about and sample Hallmark products.











In addition to the Hallmark PR team, Jon Gray, Jaci Tidwell, and Justin Goldsborough, on the tour was:

• Molly Wigand, Writer (Hallmark’s Humor Works Studio)
  
• Renee Andriani, Studio Manager (Humor)
  
• Jenane Slater, Creative Strategist (Kids Ages and Stages)

"Hallmark’s Life is a Special Occasion 

campaign encourages us to pause and 

recognize those unplanned,  perfectly 

imperfect moments we share with our 

loved  ones — the moments that take 

place in between life’s big milestones."

We enjoyed doing activities sparking creativity and celebrating the perfectly imperfect moments of our lives.

Photo Credit: Jon Gray

Photo Credit: John Gray 

I had such a great time sharing how the "Sanders' Costume Ball" came to be, and why it is one of life's "special occasions" to me!

As we said our goodbye's, we all received a nice gift bag of new Hallmark cards and products. 

Many thanks to Hallmark for not just being there for every special occasion, but for taking the time out to help us recognize and celebrate them forever!

Is that YOU, Aunt Flo? I thought you were dead!

You're probably in shock to hear me say that, but no one could be more shocked than I was at the time that I wrote this.

After 9 months of pregnancy and then 18 months of nursing my second born, Aunt Flo finally decided to visit again. As always, she brought her suitcases filled to the brim with her dreadful unwanted gifts.

Thanks... (sarcasm)

Where in the heck had she been? Not that I missed her at all while she was away. I was truly wishing in my heart of hearts that she really was dead.

Dead, Aunt Flo!

No need for a funeral or anything. A cremation of pads, tampons, and the granny panties (that scare hubby) would suffice.

But then again, the peace doesn't last. Just when I thought I'd taken back my house and unwanted visitors were a thing of the past, Aunt Flo came busting down the door (not knocking) and with way too much baggage.

For the love of clearer skin and a flat tummy, Aunt Flo, take your gifts elsewhere!

Oh, what's that you say? You only leave the presence of "pregnant" women?

*thinking*

CRAP!

Festive Family Friendly Halloween Movies & a Free Redbox Rental Giveaway

It's the weekend before Halloween (which falls on Monday this year), and I know a lot of you will be hosting some fabulous parties for the kids!

Popcorn balls, pizza, punch, candy, dancing and games are all favorites of course, but what's your plan for when everyone comes down from the rush?

How about a Redbox* movie?

Making the "Top 10" list of the most rented family movies this week are some festive films that your guests will enjoy!

• Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur
  
• Spooky Buddies
  
• The Dog Who Saved Halloween
  
• The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! Tricks and Treats

*Find your nearest Redbox location by visiting www.redbox.com or via the Redbox iPhone; or Android mobile apps!

 

GET YOUR REDBOX MOVIE RENTAL FOR FREE!

The first two people to email me 

at thechattymomma@gmail.com requesting 

a Redbox code, will receive a Redbox code 

for a FREE one night rental.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Redbox, for the purpose of doing this review or giveaway. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 GuidesConcerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Happy 5th Birthday, Isabella (A Letter from Mommy)

Dear Isabella,

You are the sweetest little girl in the whole wide world. From the moment I knew I was pregnant with you I was so excited. You have made my life much better than it ever could have been.

You make me laugh every day and you make me so proud of all the things that you do.

You are so funny and so sweet and you're the best big sister in the whole world to Gabriella.

Thank you for sharing with her and looking after her!

You always surprise me with the amount of love you have for others. Just today you showed me with your arms that you love me as wide as they could spread.

I am so blessed.

I hope this birthday is one of your best birthdays yet, and I look forward to spending your 5th year with you learning, discovering, traveling and enjoying doing all of the things that your heart desires.

I have enjoyed watching you grow from being a preemie to such a big girl. This morning you showed me how much your feet and hands have grown.(according to you, this means you're closer to getting married)

I melted...

They have gotten a lot bigger since your days in the NICU!

You are such an amazing little girl and I absolutely adore you.

Happy 5th Birthday, Sweetheart!

With All My Love,

Mommy

Freschetta is Proud to Support Pink (Pizza & Headphone Giveaway)

Freschetta is Proud to Support Pink!

Since September 25th, Freschetta has been donating $1 from every specially marked package of Freschetta pizzas and Artisan Pizza Crusts, that have been entered on the www.ProudToSupportPink.com website.

Everyone purchasing these pizzas and entering the codes is helping Freschetta meet their $50,000 donation goal to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

There is also a place for people to share their breast cancer journey or the journey of a friend or loved one on the website.

Stories will be displayed on www.proudtosupportpink.com and on the Freschetta Facebook page to inspire others.

In addition to the $50,000 donation, Freschetta has also been giving away 50 pink iPod Shuffle players each week in October and also donating 50 iPod Shuffle players to four cancer centers around America for breast cancer patients to enjoy during treatment.

Visit www.ProudToSupportPink.com and enter your Freschetta box codes today. This fundraiser will end October 31st.

Enter my "Freschetta Proud to Support Pink" Giveaway

Starts October 27

Ends October 31

You will receive:

• A coupon to try a FREE Freschetta pizza (12 ounces or larger)
• Two pairs of proud to support pink earphones

To enter:
Leave a blog comment of inspiration to breast cancer sufferers or words of encouragement to breast cancer survivors. Include your email address.


Good Luck!

I  received one or more of the products mentioned above for free, for the purpose of doing this review or giveaway. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Cracked Black Pepper Chicken & Caesar Salad

Tonight I made the Chicken Caesar Dinner Kit by Kraft with excellent results.

If you're short on time or out of ideas, this is the perfect meal to prepare.

It was:

• Simple
  
• Fast
  
• Delicious

All you need is chicken breast and romaine lettuce. This kit will make a great cook out of anyone.

5 Year Old Drives Mommy's Escalade & Calls 911 for Help Getting the Car Home

Of all things to fear on the eve of my daughter Isabella turning 5, driving our SUV wasn't one of them until today!

After reading a story in the Washington Post about the 5 year old little girl who returned home to an empty house and went looking for her mother (in Mommy's Escalade), I am speechless.

I don't know what to think!

Just the other day, Hubby doubted that Bella could undo all of the front door locks and get out and I challenged him to invite her to do it.

He didn't want to, but to me that's the only way to be sure if she knows how to do it, other than just assuming she doesn't.

Obviously that can't be tried with everything. Driving the family car is a perfect example.

As parents we're not going to go out in the parking lot and ask our 5 year olds to kick it into high gear, but a story like the one I read is all I need to change my habits and prevent something like this from occurring.

How many of you ever leave car keys within reach of your children ages 5 and older?

I see you!

Well, let this be a lesson. If they can reach them, they can drive your car!

Will they? I don't know. Maybe they won't, but they can if they want to. Remember that.

I think we assume that because our kids are young and innocent that they don't know how to do grown up things. The truth is that they do, and often they won't hesitate to mimic exactly what they have seen in certain situations.

In the story's case, the little girl drove the car in an attempt to find her mother. Thankfully she wasn't injured, but she sure could have been.

Can you imagine the look on her mother's face when 911 called to tell her that her daughter drove the car and had to call them for assistance?

If she didn't have access to the car keys, this wouldn't have happened!

Wordless Wednesday "Best Sisters"

Win a trip for 4 to L.A. (visit an ABC show set, Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort)

Would you like to win a trip for 4 to L.A. to visit the set of an ABC show, to Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort?

Well get ready, because ABC.com is giving you that chance. So, read on and make sure to enter their sweepstakes now!

You could also win a $150 gift certificate for the ABC store and lots of other fun stuff from your favorite shows in their weekly drawing.

Read Official Sweepstakes Rules Here!

Enter "On the Set Sweepstakes" and win one of four grand prizes that include:

• Trip for up to 4 to Los Angeles to visit the set of an ABC show
• Trip for up to 4 to the Walt Disney World® Resort
• Trip for up to 4 to the Disneyland® Resort
• Maytag washer and dryer

Enter "On the Set Sweepstakes" now!

Lots of Luck!

• 
  

Terms & Conditions
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes ends 12/31/11 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 or older. See complete Official Rules for full details including prize descriptions & limitations. Void where prohibited.

Love is Getting to Eat the Last Piece of Chicken

Hubby: "Honey, do you want a slice of pizza, I have two left?"

Me: (eyeing the piece with the most toppings) "Yes, please!"

Hubby: "Here you go." (Handing over the piece with fewer toppings)

Me: "I want the other slice on your plate."

Hubby: "No, that one has a big chunk of chicken on it."

Me: (giving the side eye)

Hubby: "Ok, ok...you can eat this last piece with chicken (pity party!). I'll just eat this slice covered with tomatoes. 

The TRUTH about sharing food in relationships!

If you're married or just in a relationship, you already know how hard it is to share food that you really want. 

In our house it's sometimes a race to the finish of every last cookie, chip, or bite of any and everything delicious. 

"I have dibs on the last piece of pie!" is unspoken, but our actions speak louder than words.

I remember seeing a movie (The Brothers, I think) that had a scene all about the last bite of a man's pizza or chicken or something else I can't remember.

It was hilarious! Some women think men really do love them if they'll separate with their last piece of coveted food.

Last night, Hubby showed me love when he handed over his last. It wasn't without conversation though.

He wanted to eat the last piece of chicken on the pizza and so did I. 

I reminded him that giving it to me is just love.

He agreed.

"That is LOVE!"

Wordless Wednesday "Baby MacGyver Makes an Underwear Sling" (She's Crafty)

Happy Sweetest Day! Redbox Movie Night Giveaway

It's the Sweetest Day! How are you celebrating with your sweetie(s)?

I'll be having a fun night snuggled up with my sweeties (hubby and kids) watching movies from Redbox.

Does that sound like fun to you?





Well, you can grab your sweetie(s) and settle in for a Redbox night too...for FREE!

The first 5 people to email me and request a Redbox promo code will receive one free night of any movie of your choice at Redbox (no expiration date).

thechattymomma@gmail.com

Undecided on what to rent? Check out the Top 10 Redbox rentals for this week:

1. Rio
2. The True Story of Puss 'N Boots
3. Spooky Buddies
4. The Dog Who Saved Halloween
5. Rango
6. A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song
7. Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil
8. Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur
9. Marley & Me: The Puppy Years
10. Mars Needs Moms


Enjoy!