Gamer Girl

Posted on by Mandy


Once upon a time, I used to belong to a parenting forum and some of the women on there actually admitted to playing online games like World of Warcraft and The Sims and things like that. I honestly never understood the appeal. I likened playing online video games to something teenaged computer geek boys did. And for crying out loud, where did they find the time to play games? Most all of them had more children than I did and it was all I could do to get a shower most days, nevermind play in a fantasy world.

Then a few months ago on Facebook I got an application request from a friend to start my very own virtual fish tank called Happy Aquarium. It looked easy and fun, and besides…it’s just a fish tank, not a real game or anything. And the fact that I am on Level 29 does not mean I have a problem. Not at all!

I even laughed two weeks ago at my aunt and cousin. They play a game on Facebook called Cafe World where you cook food and serve it to your friends. They were constantly checking their food they were cooking throughout the day on the computer so it wouldn’t burn on their virtual oven tops and I cackled at the sheer absurdity of WHY on God’s green earth that anyone would find anything remotely entertaining about a cooking game.

And then I went home and checked out Cafe World, built a cafe, and proceeded to waste two solid hours of my life that I will never get back building up my restaurant and cooking virtual food. Oops.

All of my Facebook friends swear I need to play Farmville and join Mafia Wars, but the thought of having to feed my fish, run a restaurant, AND tend to a whole freakin’ farm while knocking off people at The Don’s request just stresses me out.

In any case, I apologize for my stereotypical thoughts about online gamers because, Surprise!, they’re normal people, too…just like me. What games are you hooked on?

Clorox Green Works Natural Laundry Detergent & Stain Remover

Posted on by Mandy


I love laundry detergent that actually cleans well and smells fantasic at the same time. And stain remover that actually works? My best friend! Combine all of that with a product that’s not tested on animals and is made from biodegradable ingredients and that makes for a great product you can feel good about using.

Clorox has a great new line of cleaning products called Green Works that cleans with the same great power of the regular Clorox brand, but are 95% natural. We recently received a bottle of Green Works Natural Laundry Detergent and a bottle of the stain remover to try and I loved how wonderful it made our clothes smell. The stain remover worked great also, and that’s a huge deal to me because I have a messy 4 year old who always gives me a challenge with his laundry. Because I have such extremely sensitive skin, I did not use this on our towels or wash cloths since they come in contact with the face, but Clorox also makes a Free & Clear option that I am anxious to try.

For more information on the Green Works line of cleaners, great cleaning tips and valuable coupons line, please visit www.greenworkscleaners.com

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Clorox Green Works and received a bottle of Green Works Natural Detergent and Stain Remover to facilitate my review and a $20 thank-you gift certificate.

Ultimate Party Meatballs

Posted on by Mandy

One of my most favorite things about the holidays is all the yummy party food. I love discovering new appetizers, but I still love the old tried and true ones, like cheeseballs and dips. My favorite, hands down, is party meatballs. My aunt makes them every Christmas Eve when we gather at her house and it’s definitely one things I look forward to! I recently had the opportunity to try a fabulous recipe for party meatballs.

Ultimate Party Meatballs

1 14-ounce can Ocean Spray® Jellied Cranberry Sauce
1 12-ounce bottle Heinz® Chili Sauce
1 2-pound bag frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail-size meatballs

Combine sauces in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Add meatballs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.

Makes 30 appetizer servings.

Slow cooker Preparation: Place meatballs in a slow cooker. Combine sauces and pour over meatballs. Cover and cook 4 hours on HIGH.

These meatballs were super easy to make AND delicious! I have never had meatballs that were made with cranberry sauce. I usually make them with grape jelly, but these were fantastic. If you’re looking for an easy appetizer to make and take for a party, this is definitely one to try. And, if you’re looking for more great recipes for appetizers and main dishes this holiday season, or just need some great tips for entertaining, visit http://ultimatepartymeatballs.com/. You won’t be disappointed!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Heinz and Ocean Spray and received the ingredients necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.