What Mommy Wants is now KID-FREE. This blog is focusing on Mommy who is more than a mom. She is a wife and a woman, there will topics of a more mature nature. If you are not comfortable with these topics please take a moment to unsubscribe. I appreciate your loyalty this far!
Also note that there are occasional affiliate links that help support my blogging efforts.
Thank you!
Melissa

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Wat-aah! Spotlight for Summer Splash

The Summer Splash event is coming soon! On What Mommy Wants you will have the opportunity to win a fun package worth $373! The package will have: 
~Swimwear for mom and baby
~Sun protection
~Organic skincare including bug repellent
~Footwear 
~and a lot more!!!

Watch for the rest of the sponsor spotlights to see what else is up for grabs AND to get some pre event entries! Make sure you subscribe to emails on the right so you don't miss a post!

Today we are jumping straight into the deep end to showcase Wat-aah!
About this Company:
Wat-aah is a fantastic water that is made for kids! Wat-aah! wants to make water cool so that kids are less likely to drink sugary drinks and sodas, and drink more water. Wat-aah! has 5 different "formulas":
  • Wat-aah Z is a super pure water with added inc and absolutely no sugar! It flushes out toxins, and helps the body carry oxygen throughout the body to keep your body hydrate and balanced.
  • Wat-aah! Energy has vapor distilled water and oxygen to boost energy without caffeine and sugar! 
  • Wat-aah! Power is ultra pure water powered by Magnesium! Magnesium is the same bone and muscle building ingredient as spinach!
  • Wat-aah! Brain is ultra pure water and electrolytes to spark the mind!
  • Wat-aah! Body is nothing but pure spring water! No added anything! No sodium or chloride.
Our Experience:
Amber loved the Wat-aah! we received! She took a bottle to school with her every day until they ran out and had several of her friends ask where they could get some. That tells me that the goal of making water cool is indeed successful. Not only is Wat-aah! making kids want to drink water instead of sugary sodas and other drinks, they have also made it healthier. As a mom I love the fact that Amber is getting nutrients from her water. Sure, she could get electrolytes from sports drinks but she would also be getting a lot of sugar! And although she actually likes spinach, I doubt I could get enough in her frequently enough to match the amount of magnesium in the Wat-aah! Power. The Wat-aah Amber tried tasted like clean fresh water. I am particularly sensitive to the taste of water. There are some bottled waters that I think taste bad. Amber inherited my "taste" for water and agreed that this is one of the best tasting waters she has ever had! 

Connect With Wat-aah!:
You can check out Wat-aah! online for more information about the different varieties! Wat-aah! is also available in stores. To find out where you can buy some they have a locator to help you find a retailer near you!
You can also become a fan on Facebook and follow on Twitter!
Check out the Wat-aah! Blog and Wat-aah! on Google +!

Giveaway and Bonus entry:
This giveaway will begin on May 14th and end on May 27th! You can sign up for emails on the right so you don't miss the announcement. Wat-aah! is going to giveaway a cool prize package including a backpack and selection of bottles of Wat-aah! as part of our package worth $365! You can earn a bonus entry right now by leaving a comment on this post telling me if you are a big water drinker and would like your kids to drink more water!
Good Luck!

Disclosure:I received a sample in exchange for this review. I am not obligated to give a positive review nor did I receive any other compensation. All opinions state are that of myself and/or my family.

ViX Swimwear Spotlight for Summer Splash

The Summer Splash event is coming soon! On What Mommy Wants you will have the opportunity to win a fun package worth $373! The package will have: 
~Swimwear for mom and baby
~Sun protection
~Organic skincare including bug repellent
~Footwear 
~and a lot more!!!

Watch for the rest of the sponsor spotlights to see what else is up for grabs AND to get some pre event entries! Make sure you subscribe to emails on the right so you don't miss a post!

Today we are jumping straight into the deep end to showcase ViX Swimwear!

About this Company:
Vix is the creation of Paula Hermanny. She grew up in Vitoria,Brazil and that is where the name comes from. Vix Swimwear is a great place to find beautiful swimsuits, sundresses and accessories. Here is a little more about Paula:
“As a young girl, I looked up to my grandmother, Joana. She was always beautiful, classic and perfect - from her Chanel flats to her little Burberry raincoat,” Paula said. From her earliest years, Paula vowed to bask in Joana’s style until she learned how to achieve her rare qualities of elegance and grace.
Our Experience:
We had the opportunity to review a pair of flip flops from ViX! I put them on right away and noticed that they are different from any other flip flop I have worn. They are much softer, more flexible and very sturdy! These are probably the most comfortable flip flops I have ever slipped my feet into. They have held up to some wear from myself and from Amber. Another thing I have noticed is that the print on the sole, the part of the sole that your foot rubs against, has not worn off. Usually after a day of wearing flip flops the print is long gone. The ViX flip flops are not at all showing any signs of fading! 
Connect With ViX Swimwear:
You can check out the variety of swimwear, cover ups, sundresses and flip flops online!
You can also become a fan on Facebook and follow on Twitter!

Giveaway and Bonus entry:
This giveaway will begin on May 14th and end on May 27th! You can sign up for emails on the right so you don't miss the announcement. ViX Swimwear is going to giveaway a pair of flip flops as part of our package worth $365! 
ENTER TO WIN HERE!
Good Luck!


Disclosure:I received a sample in exchange for this review. I am not obligated to give a positive review nor did I receive any other compensation. All opinions state are that of myself and/or my family.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Kaloric Spotlight for Savory Summer

Savory Summer

The giveaway of the summer has begun! If you are ready to get your mouth watering and taste buds tingling the keep reading!

One of our fantastic sponsors for this Savory Summer giveaway package worth $463 will be put out to bask is the spotlight right here! This spotlight will feature 
In 1930, Kalorik began its journey with the first electric toasters in Belgium! From there they they established office in Germany, UK and Switzerland to design and innovate even more products!
Today Kalorik is worldwide and has many products ranging from small kitchen appliances to floor care!
For this even we are going to feature something that gets a lot of use in my house and since summer is upon us we will have more time to sip a hot cup of coffee in the morning. Now that I don't have to rush around in the morning to get kids dresses and off to school, I can actually enjoy some fresh brewed coffee!

My Experience:
When I first received the Kalorik Coffee Maker, I was struck by how pretty it is! Not only that but it is the perfect shape to fit right in the corner of my counter.
I started out by giving it a good cleaning according to the instruction booklet. Simply fill the water tank with water and let it brew only water. Let the water cool and repeat with another tank of clean water. And then repeat one more time for a total of 3 cycles. Now we were ready to brew!
I was able to set the clock without ready the instructions and even programmed the first pot to brew the next morning! I also love the blue backlit digital display. The only thing is that when you are up close to the machine and looking at the display it is a little distorted, it looked as if the time read 18:88 and all the function labels were on.
The next morning we woke up to a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. There is also an auto off function that didn't seem to work, the machine would turn itself back on... Upon further investigation, I discovered that I didn't program it correctly! You are supposed to press the PROG button twice before setting the time and once when you are done. Somehow I managed to get a pot brewed at the correct time though. This just goes to show that you should ALWAYS READ THE DIRECTIONS before using an appliance!

Connect with this company:
You can find the awesome products featured here and much more online
If you want updates, deals and other information you should become a fan on Facebook and follow on Twitter!
Disclaimer: I received a product from this company in order to share my opinions with you. I was not compensated in any other way for this review and all opinions are 100% mine! 

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Tortuga Spotlight for Savory Summer

Savory Summer

The giveaway of the summer has begun! If you are ready to get your mouth watering and taste buds tingling the keep reading!

One of our fantastic sponsors for this Savory Summer giveaway package worth $463 will be put out to bask is the spotlight right here! This spotlight will feature 

Tortuga Rum Cakes!
Tortuga Rum Cakes are made in Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Bahamas! Their headquarters is located in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands as well! How's that for authentic? They were founded in 1984 as Tortuga Rum Company Ltd. and have since become the winner of many awards including Best Cruise Souvenir by Porthole Magazine for 8 years!
Tortuga Rum Cakes have a wide range of Caribbean sauces, flavored coffees, chocolate treats, gifts and collectibles, authentic and original Tortuga Rum Cakes and of course, Tortuga Rum.
 Tortuga is giving one lucky reader a Tortuga Picnic Pack in our Savory Summer Package! The Picnic Pack contains: a 16 oz. Original Rum Cake, Caribbean Jerk Sauce, Hell-Fire Sauce & Gourmet Steak Sauce (5oz ea.) and a 10 oz Pepper Jelly!

How I used it:

My favorite of the sauces is the Sweet Heat Pepper Sauce (I don't think this one comes in the package but you could try this with any of the sauces!) I used about half of the bottle to marinate 4 chicken breasts. I marinated them for approximately 30 minutes, then cooked them in my Xtrema Skillet. No oil or anything. They turned out very moist and flavorful! This sauce has a bit of a kick to it but was mild enough for Amber to eat. Another thing you can do with these sauces is serve it with a little cream cheese as a dip! 
The rum cake was delivered wrapped in a vacuum sealed plastic wrapper. When I cut open the plastic the aroma immediately hit my nose! It smelled wonderful. I do have to say that it did smell a little alcohol-ish. I split it up ans evenly as I could between the 3 of us. Hubby isn't particularly a fan of nuts in his dessert but he ate the whole thing. This cake was so moist! I have never tasted a more moist cake, ever! There was a bit of an alcohol taste to it and if you don't like rum you may want a smaller portion. Overall this cake is utterly awesome! AND it lasts indefinitely and requires no refrigeration!


Connect with this company:
You can find the awesome products featured here and much more online or in select retailers! 
If you want updates, deals and other information you should become a fan on Facebook and follow on Twitter!
Disclaimer: I received a product from this company in order to share my opinions with you. I was not compensated in any other way for this review and all opinions are 100% mine! 

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Dad's Backyard Oasis Giveaway!

It's finally here.... the Dad's Backyard Oasis Father's Day giveaway event!

I wouldn't be a mom if it weren't for my husband! Sometimes what Mommy wants is to make him feel special and thank him for the hard work he puts in too! We are going to celebrate Father's Day with a Backyard Oasis!
Hosted by Bella Savvy, and Mom to Bed by 8

WOW YOUR DAD ON FATHER'S DAY!

This year, Black & Decker is making Father's Day extra special for one lucky dad by offering an amazing prize pack full of everything dad will need to create an oasis in his own backyard for summer-long grilling, entertaining and just plain, good ole relaxing. AHH!

PRIZES:

TOTAL VALUE: $500+

EVENT DATES:

This event will run from May 20th at 12:01 pm. EST to June 3rd at 11:59 pm. EST

A huge THANK YOU to our sponsor... BLACK &a DECKER for offering these amazing prizes!

* SPECIAL OFFER: * Cant wait to win these fabulous prizes? Black & Decker is offering all entrants a special 10% discount + FREE shipping on the purchase of items included in the Black & Decker's Father's Day Gift Guide. So get your orders in for dad, and be ahead of the game when Father's Day rolls around. Use code: FATHER10 at checkout.

Now head on down there and get your entries in because you can't win if you don't enter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Little Love Buns Detergent Review and Giveaway!

I recently found a new cloth diaper friendly detergent company and asked if I could share them with my wonderful readers! After talking to Dallas, we agreed to bring you a giveaway to go with my review!

Let me tell you about Little Love Buns before we begin. Little Love Buns is run by Dallas who is a mom of 3! She started using cloth diapers after the birth of her twins. One of her children was having some skin issues like eczema and highly sensitive skin. That's when she decided to start trying out her own blends. She really wanted to have a detergent, wipe solution and soap that was gentle on her skin AND took care of all the normal cloth diaper issues like "the stinkies", staining, irritation and build up! Thus... Little Love Buns was born!

I received a bag of Little Love Buns Detergent and some wipe bit samples and a wipe too! I have been using the detergent on Charlotte's diapers and clothes for a couple weeks and I have to say that I am very impressed! The directions say to use 2-3 tablespoons of detergent per load but since I have a water softener I started with 1 tablespoon and that was enough for us! I have done a few soaks for several hours and one overnight soak, for those I use 2 tablespoons. Here is a pic of a soak after about an hour!!!

You can see that it is getting the yuck out already! This detergent is awesome! Charlotte hasn't had any skin irritation with it, her diapers are clean, there is no ammonia smell after they're washed! Everything I want in a detergent! I haven't even told you about the scents! I asked for Almond Cherry and I wanted to eat it! It smells like candy! There are a lot of yummy scents to try out too! I think I would also want to try Peach Mango, Sweet Pea, Blueberry cobbler and Lavender Vanilla!

I also tried the wipe bits! I have some other wipe bits that I bought and reviewed for you. While I like the wipe bits I bought they do take forever to melt which I stated in my review. The wipe bits from Little Love Buns melted within 10 seconds and our wipe solution was ready to use quickly! Dallas sent me a few different scent to try out but I have only tried the Strawberry Watermelon so far. It isn't a strong smell it's soft and sweet smelling!

Wipe bits can be used for much more than wipe solution! Here are some suggestions:

  • Travel hand soap 
  • Melt in a small tub for a foot soak
  • Melt a handful in a warm bath for an extra moisturizing soak


These wipe bits are meant to melt easily so they may arrive slightly softened, keep them in the fridge to keep them from clumping together.

You can check out Little Love Buns online where you can also buy other cloth diaper accessories like wipes, pail powder, wetbags and even nursing pads (coming soon)! You should also become a fan on Facebook for the latest deals and giveaways! Little Love Buns is also on Twitter @littlelovebuns

Enter to win in the rafflecopter form below! This giveaway ends 6/10/12 and the winner will be contacted by email. Winner must respond to notification within 48 hours. Open to US residents only. Over age 18.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

BigKitchen Spotlight for Savory Summer

Savory Summer

The giveaway of the summer has begun! If you are ready to get your mouth watering and taste buds tingling the keep reading!

One of our fantastic sponsors for this Savory Summer giveaway package worth $463 will be put out to bask is the spotlight right here! This spotlight will feature 
BigKitchen is a one stop location for the inspired chef in all of us. They search the world to bring you the best selection of inspired cookware, cooking tools and accessories. They are a strong believer in allowing the customers to have the best selection of products to choose from. They are always seeking new and exciting products to delight our loyal customers!
BigKitchen is sponsoring 2 products in the Savory Summer giveaway! They are the  FULL CIRCLE SCRAP HAPPY SCRAP COLLECTOR AND FREEZER COMPOST BIN and the FULL CIRCLE FRESH AIR KITCHEN COMPOST COLLECTOR
The Scrap Happy Scrap collector and freezer compost bin is a small silicone bin that has a metal rim that hooks onto a drawerso that you can just push your trimmings after you chop veggies etc right into it and then use the hook to put them right into the freezer! Putting your scraps into the freezer eliminates any smells, or flies and keeps them frozen until compost time! It comes in a variety of colors but the winner of this giveaway will receive a random color of the sponsors choosing.
The Fresh Air Kitchen Compost Bin is unlike any sealed container. It contains a wind flume feature that allows air to flow through the bin. This keeps your composting scraps drier though the process and allows it to decompose at a slower rate. This will improve any issues with odor, flies and messiness. It is made out of recycled materials and requires no filter! They even include 5 compostable bags to get you started.

How I used it:
The Scrap Happy is hooked onto my silverware drawer. When I prep any food I just push the ends, skins and extra bits that don't make it into my recipe right into the bin! There is no spilling as I carry my cutting board around the kitchen. Then the scraps go right into the freezer to eliminate any smells until I decide to add it to the compost bin! There is no need to try to get anything stuck to the bottom because it is so flexible you can just invert it.
The compost bin sits on my counter and does a very nice job! This is my very first compost bin so I really don't have anything to compare it to. What I can say is that this has made it easy to start composting. I think if it smelled to bad or attracted any unwanted pests I would definitely think again about composting at all. This bin takes up very little room and can also be disassembled and put in the dishwasher. We are having fun with our new adventure in composting. 

Connect with this company:
You can find the eco friendly products featured here and much more at BigKitchen.com
If you want updates, deals and other information you should become a fan on Facebook and follow on Twitter!
Disclaimer: I received a product from this company in order to share my opinions with you. I was not compensated in any other way for this review and all opinions are 100% mine! 

Friday, May 18, 2012

Mother's Day Wish List Giveaway Sponsor Spotlight for Beauty Spoon

mothers day gift ideas

I have joined with MANY other bloggers to bring you the Mother of all Mother's Day Gift Lists! And guess what else! They are all going to be given away!

The Mother's Day Giveaway package here on What Mommy Wants is valued at over $200!
Lets kick off this event with a spotlight of a fantastic company for women,

About this company:
Beauty Spoon is a long spoon-like wand that magically gets down to every last drop of your makeup, lotions, potions and other jars of expensive concoctions we women usually throw way because we can't get it out of the container! The handle is ergonomically designed and the stem is flexible (but sturdy) to reach down into the bottom of the bottle and into the corners. At the bottom of the stem you find a contoured spoon so that it will hold everything you scooped out.


My Experience:
This is a fabulous invention! I have so many lotions and even shampoos that just get thrown away because I have shaken and banged the heck out of them and still couldn't get to the bottom of it! The Beauty Spoon scoops it out easily and it is long enough to get into even some of my larger bottle like my giant lotion and shampoo bottles!
I love these Beauty Spoons! If you are into saving money on beauty products and can't stand throwing away your favorite products that you spent hard earned money on, you need to get a package of these!


Connect with Beauty Spoon:
The Beauty Spoon can be bought online for $9.99 and right now they are giving a pair of beauty bowls with lids to put all of the product you scoop out of the bottom of the container AND shipping is only $1.99 so for $11.98 you get 2 Beauty Spoons and 2 Beauty Bowls to store your remnants in! An excellent deal!

 The Giveaway and Bonus Entries:
To get an extra entry into the whole Mother's Day package leave a comment on this post telling me if you have ever wanted something like this to save your beauty products from being wasted!
Enter The Giveaway HERE!

I received a sample from Beauty Spoon in exchange for this review. All opinions and experiences stated are mine and are 100% honest. I was compensated in no other way nor am I required to give a positive review. 

When can you start menopause?

     I really wanted to touch on this subject for a few reasons. Obviously I am not concerned that I am going through menopause. I am not even 30 yet. But the thought has crossed my mind that I don't know when it will happen.

     The average age to begin menopause is 51 according to most of the research I have done. You can go by genetics as well. Typically if your mother and grandmother started "the change" early, chances are, you will too. Here is why I have thought about it, my mother and grandmother both had a hysterectomy before reaching the age where they might start menopause. Having a hysterectomy doesn't always cause menopause. If your ovaries are left intact they will still produce the necessary hormones. If your ovaries are taken out with your uterus you are immediately in menopause!

     What is menopause exactly? We already know that it is basically when a woman stops having menstrual cycles. It is actually defined by this: Once you have gone a full year without a period you have gone through menopause. However the unpleasant mood swings, dryness and hot flash symptoms can start much sooner than you think!

     Let's talk about hot flashes and symptoms briefly. Current theories suggest hot flashes are due to a drop in the body's level of estrogen. This drop affects the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that regulates body temperature. In a hot flash, the hypothalamus seems to sense that your body is too hot even when it is not, and tells the body to release the excess heat. Most of the time hot flashes can begin as early as 2 to 3 years before the last menstrual period. They can last for 6 months to as long as 15 years after the final period. The average is two years. More symptoms include: irregular cycles, mood swings, thinning hair and sleep disorders!

     I am not looking forward to these times but as I turn 30 next month and begin to feel "old" I will probably think about them much more.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

SunGrubbies Spotlight for Summer Splash

The Summer Splash event is coming soon! On What Mommy Wants you will have the opportunity to win a fun package worth $365! The package will have: 
~Swimwear for mom and baby
~Sun protection
~Organic skincare including bug repellent
~Footwear 
~and a lot more!!!

Watch for the rest of the sponsor spotlights to see what else is up for grabs AND to get some pre event entries! Make sure you subscribe to emails on the right so you don't miss a post!

Today we are jumping straight into the deep end to showcase SunGrubbies!

About this Company:
Since 1997, SunGrubbies has been taking care of customers concerned with harmful UV rays! On their website you will find everything from sun hats, UV protecting clothes and all natural sun block. You can find items for both parents and children!

Our Experience:
I was sent a couple sun visors and a UV protecting shirt to review for you guys. The shirt is pink and fits quite nicely. The fabric feels sheer and is very comfortable. Unfortunately as soon as I put it on I picked up Charlotte and the velcro on her diaper hooked to the fabric and snagged it right on the front. I like the shirt a lot and have worn it outside a few times. The sun here in Arizona can be tough on my fair skin and this shirt did a great job of keeping it safe.
The hat is also great! Not only does it provide shade over your face it is also filtering the harmful UV rays that normal fabric doesn't do! My favorite part is the adjustable band! This visor can really fit almost any size head!

Connect With SunGrubbies:
You can check out the variety of sun protection clothing and accessories online!
You can also become a fan on Facebook for sun care tips and deals!

Giveaway and Bonus entry:
This giveaway will begin on May 14th and end on May 27th! You can sign up for emails on the right so you don't miss the announcement. SunGrubbies is going to giveaway a UV sun visor as part of our package worth $365! You can earn a bonus entry right now by leaving a comment on this post telling me if you are making any vacation plans this summer? Where would you like to go if you don't have plans?

Disclosure:I received a sample in exchange for this review. I am not obligated to give a positive review nor did I receive any other compensation. All opinions state are that of myself and/or my family.

Xtrema Cookware Spotlight for Savory Summer

Savory Summer

The giveaway of the summer has begun! If you are ready to get your mouth watering and taste buds tingling the keep reading!

One of our fantastic sponsors for this Savory Summer giveaway package worth $463 will be put out to bask is the spotlight right here! This spotlight will feature 


Xtrema Cookware

Xtrema Cookware is a fantastic company that is making cooking green! Here is a little from Xtrema on why their cookware is green (several different excerpts):

  • Traditional non-stick cookware contains PFOA, a chemical used to bond non-stick coating to the pan. This has been discovered as toxic, and has been blamed with killing pet birds when heated to a high temperature. It has been deemed a "likely carcinogen" by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and manufacturers are being asked to phase it out by the year 2015. 
  • Xtrema’s revolutionary non-scratch surface contains no harmful PFOA coating and produces no harmful PFOA gas. 
  • The surface of Xtrema cookware and bakeware resists bacteria, making it even safer for your family. 
  • The kilns used for manufacturing Xtrema’s eco-friendly, non-reactive, green cookware use clean burning, safe natural gas so not only is it safe for those who cook with it, but it’s safe for our valued employees who manufacture it and safe for the earth, as well. 
All of the Xtrema cookware is non stick and scratch resistant! Usually using non stick pans means having to be careful not to scratch the coating.  Another fantastic benefit is that you can do pretty much anything with this pan! It can go in the oven, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher or freezer!
 There are more than just pans too! Some my other favorite items from Ceramcor are:
FridgeX multi purpose food storage set that collapses for storage!
This awesome saucepot and steamer set! I would LOVE to try this out!
This is a super awesome 4 qt boston bean $ soup pot! Another item I would LOVE!

How I used the skillet:
I have a recipe here to share with you using the Xtrema 10 inch Open skillet. I have used my 10 in. skillet in the oven, on the stove and have put it in the dishwasher and it still looks like new! I also have to say that I don't have to worry about other cooks in my house using the wrong utensils on it! Usually I have to make sure Amber doesn't use the metal spatulas or serving spoons on non stick cookware but I have no worries with this one! 
Here is a peek at what I made:

Connect with Xtrema:
You can find the awesome products featured here and much more online! Or find a retailer near you!
If you want updates, deals and other information you should become a fan on Facebook and follow on Twitter! For even more updates sign up for the Ceramcor eNewsletter. It is on the right side of the home page!

The Giveaway:
Ceramcor is giving an Xtrema 10 inch Open Skillet to one of my lucky readers in the Savory Summer prize package!
Enter the giveaway HERE!

Disclaimer: I received a product from this company in order to share my opinions with you. I was not compensated in any other way for this review and all opinions are 100% mine! 

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Recipe~ "What's In The Pantry?" Casserole (and giveaway info)

My husband actually created this recipe when I was pregnant with Charlotte and I have to admit it was damn good! He tends to over estimate how much food the 3 of us really eat so his portions were quite large. I have scaled it down a bit for you. I also need to note that my camera was not cooperating so I was forced to use my phone to take pictures which also leads me to my next oops... I somehow lost my finished product picture. I am not happy about that and considered not posting the recipe because of it! But I figured that you guys know what a cheese covered casserole looks like and you were also very understanding :)

Ingredients:
There are 2 must haves:
Cubed potatoes
a can or 2 of some type of creamed soup (we always have cream of broccoli)
What ever is in your pantry/fridge that could add flavor, I had this that day:
2 bell peppers
a crown of broccoli (steamed)
an onion
pre cooked cubed chicken breast (seasoned with my favorite seasoning)
Shredded cheddar cheese
NOTE: This recipe is more about the method than the ingredients. Substitute whatever you like! I would love to see what you create! Every time we make this it is different! But it is always delicious!

Potatoes, bell peppers and onions roasting.
Step 1:
Wash and cut potatoes into cubes. Place the cubed potatoes in your favorite baking dish (i used my 10 in non stick ceramic skillet  from Xtrema) You may want to spray the pan with nonstick spray first. I didn't need to :)
Start roasting the potatoes while chopping the rest of your veggies, etc. I also steamed my broccoli in the microwave for 5 minutes while chopping.

Step 2:
Add your veggies. (except steamed broccoli, if you are using any) Continue roasting for 30 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.

With chicken, broccoli and soup. Before the cheese




Step 3:
Add in cooked chicken, steamed broccoli and canned soup. Stir together and top with shredded cheese!

Step 4: Bake for an additional 10 minutes to melt the cheese and heat the soup.

Remove and cool for about 5 minutes before serving.






There is a fantastic giveaway going on right now and you could win this pan (and a bunch of other mouth watering prizes) The giveaway ends May 30th, Check it out HERE.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Savory Summer Giveaway Event! Win a $463 prize pack serve and eat this summer!



Warning: this page may take some time to load, but don't worry, it's only because there are lots of pictures which means lots of prizes!!! Definitely worth the wait!
Savory Summer
The 2012 Savory Summer giveaway hop event is here! I have teamed up with Measuring Flower, Graphoniac, and some other fantastic bloggers to bring you a foodie's dream come true–just in time for BBQs and pool parties! The Savory Summer event features all things food and food-related. Each participating blog is offering a tasty prize worth at least $25. So, after you enter my giveaway, be sure to enter the other prizes, too. You can find them in the linky list on the bottom of the post, below the rafflecopter form of the post.
But wait there's more!
There is a grand prize! The event's grand prize sponsors are Nostalgia Electrics and Ella's Kitchen
They are each offering a prize valued at over $100! You can enter the grand prize HERE!
Here on What Mommy Wants we are giving you a package to get you through the summer from the morning brew to the evening entertainment! I'm going to list the items in the package and the link to the sponsor spotlight post! Not all of them are ready yet but I will add them as the are complete! 
$25 Gift Certificate to Glass Dharma
Bamboo Salad Hands ($18) and Serving set ($45) from Core Bamboo
A variety pack of pretzels from Pretzel Pete ($49)

From Big Kitchen you get the  Full Circle Fresh Air Kitchen Compost Collector and Scrap Happy Scrap Collector/Freezer Compost Bin  ($45)
Xtrema Ceramic 10" Open Skillet ($110) See my Spotlight review HERE
A rainbow case of Zevia Soda ($27)
A 12 cup coffee maker from Kalorik ($100)
A picnic package from Tortuga Rum Cake Company ($41)

All of that awesomeness is going to one very lucky winner! Once you have entered on the rafflecopter form below don't forget to hop to all the other giveaways!



a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: Facebook is in no way affiliated with the Savory Summer event, its hosts, its sponsors, or its participating bloggers. The hosts (Measuring Flower and Graphoniac) are not responsible for event sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

Monday, May 14, 2012

My Baby Clothes Spotlight for Summer Splash

The Summer Splash event is coming soon! On What Mommy Wants you will have the opportunity to win a fun package worth $373! The package will have: 
~Swimwear for mom and baby
~Sun protection
~Organic skincare including bug repellent
~Footwear 
~and a lot more!!!

Watch for the rest of the sponsor spotlights to see what else is up for grabs AND to get some pre event entries! Make sure you subscribe to emails on the right so you don't miss a post!

Today we are jumping straight into the deep end to showcase My Baby Clothes!
About this Company:
My Baby Clothes is an online boutique that carries much more than just baby clothes! They have everything from tutus, swimsuit and baby headbands to swimsuits and baby hats!

Our Experience:
We received this adorable swimsuit for Charlotte! This is the cutest swimsuit I had ever laid eyes on! It has a halter strap that snaps in the front and is adorned with a soft sheer ruffle. Around the waist is the cutest ruffle skirt you could ever get on a swimsuit. And when she turns around you can see that the ruffles continue on the bottom to create a very girly ruffle butt! There is also a snap closure in the crotch area to make diaper changes easy!
This swimsuit fits Charlotte quite well! I don't think I would actually let her swim in it because it is just to cute, I would be afraid to mess up the ruffles! The fabric is not your normal swimsuit fabric, The inside is soft like a cotton shirt but the outside is a little stiff from the stripes and dots. Charlotte is very comfortable in it however, I personally would only take her in this as a show peice. It is absolutely adorable and I would definitely recommend shopping at My Baby Clothes! There are so many other items I would love to try out on Charlotte and any other future baby I might have :)

Connect With My Baby Clothes:
You can check out the variety of swimwear and baby clothes online!
You can also become a fan on Facebook and follow on Twitter!
Parentsnewz.com is My Baby Clothes internet newspaper where you can find all the latest recalls, celebrity news, parenting tips and more. 
Check out Parentnewz on Facebook and twitter!

Giveaway and Bonus entry:
This giveaway will begin on May 14th and end on May 27th! You can sign up for emails on the right so you don't miss the announcement. My Baby Clothes is going to giveaway a $25 credit to there shop as part of our package worth $365! You can earn a bonus entry right now by leaving a comment on this post telling me if you have ever shopped at My Baby Clothes before.
Good Luck!

Disclosure: I received a sample in exchange for this review. I am not obligated to give a positive review nor did I receive any other compensation. All opinions state are that of myself and/or my family.

Flap Happy Spotlight for Summer Splash

The Summer Splash event is coming soon! On What Mommy Wants you will have the opportunity to win a fun package worth $365! The package will have: 
~Swimwear for mom and baby
~Sun protection
~Organic skincare including bug repellent
~Footwear 
~and a lot more!!!

Watch for the rest of the sponsor spotlights to see what else is up for grabs AND to get some pre event entries! Make sure you subscribe to emails on the right so you don't miss a post!

Today we are jumping straight into the deep end to showcase Flap Happy!
About this Company:
     Flap Happy was founded by designer Laurie Lipson Snyder. She is a Los Angeles native and mother of four! Laurie started the business 25 years ago with an idea for a hat that would protect her children’s faces and necks from the sun and elements.
     After developing the multi-million dollar hat company, Laurie introduced a clothing line, expanding Flap Happy to swimwear, playwear, outerwear and headwear lines. Their products are chemical-free UPF 50+ hats and fashions, available year-round. Many Flap Happy products are available on our website and are sold in specialty clothing online retailers and stores across the United States. They are proudly made in the USA.


Our Experience:
Flap Happy sent Charlotte a hat and a swimsuit to review! She Looks just adorable in it. They have been washed a few times and are holding up spectacularly! The brim of the hat is wide enough that is not only shielding her face but her neck and shoulders too! She is very comfortable in the swimsuit they sent, the size is just perfect for her little body and accommodates her cloth diaper quite well!
The Fabric of the hat is very soft and can easily be folded and placed in a diaper bag or purse! 

Connect With Flap Happy:
You can check out the variety of kids hats, clothes and swimwear online!
You can also become a fan on Facebook and follow on Twitter!

Giveaway and Bonus entry:
This giveaway will begin on May 14th and end on May 27th! You can sign up for emails on the right so you don't miss the announcement. Flap Happy is going to giveaway a kids hat as part of our package worth $365! You can earn a bonus entry right now by leaving a comment on this post telling me if your little ones like to wear hats!


Disclosure:I received a sample in exchange for this review. I am not obligated to give a positive review nor did I receive any other compensation. All opinions state are that of myself and/or my family.