Real Moms Real Views

Coming Soon To A Theater Near You

I just had the most fun Saturday I have had in a long time.  My husband and I went to the kick off Tumbleweeds Film Festival for Children and Youth.  “Tumbleweeds is the first and only film festival of its kind for children and youth ages 4-14 in the Intermountain West.”  They are preparing to “present a jam-packed program of feature-length and short films from around the world—with some in their original language!”

We went to the Discovery Gateway children’s museum located in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah for Tumbleweeds kickoff breakfast.  There were face painters, balloon animal makers, Munchkin Radio, and many many kids!  Everyone was so excited for this kickoff.

Then we headed over to the Clark Planetarium to see a special sneak peek of Disney’s Mars Needs Moms in 3D on IMAX!!!  Can you even imagine how awesome that was…3D and IMAX!  Super cool!

I had a few first’s on Saturday:
—This was my first 3D movie
—This was my first sneak peek screening of a movie
—This was my first time seeing a movie with that many little kids

It was great!  I loved every minute of it.  Mars Needs Moms was outstanding!!!  From start to finish it was captivating and entertaining.  The kids were loving it.  I heard giggles, I heard cute little comments, and I saw tears.  I must admit, I got a little teary eyed myself.  Then I looked at the little girl next to me as she wiped her tear and I just about lost it.

In Mars Needs Moms Milo learns how much he really appreciates his mother after she is taken away by Martians.  He hitch hikes his way to Mars to save her.  While there he goes through many obstacles and makes some new friends.  This is a MUST SEE movie!  Moms, Dads, and kids will LOVE it.

Mars Needs Moms hits theaters March 11

After seeing the soon-to-be new hit movie, we walked out into the planetarium so I could take a walk on Mars :)

{Thank you Love Communications for the invitation to this fun filled Saturday morning!}


Crissa graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with a BA in Home and Family Living….the mom degree! Shortly after she found her dream guy and was married. They are now expecting their first baby in 2012. She loves shopping, baking, getting pampered, blogging, chocolate, and traveling.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Chime In Mom’s! {What are the savvy way’s you keep your child busy?}

When it comes to keeping our little one’s entertained, I thought it would be fun to open up a discussion of different approaches and ways that we all do it. I love gaining advice from other experienced mom’s on things I can do with my own children.

Right now, I have a toddler age 2 and a 5 month old baby. We love our evenflo activity center for her…but for my little guy….we have times when all  he wants to do is watch DVDs. I don’t let him of course, but that means I need to fill that time with other activities. We have recently taken up coloring, and even game playing. I would love some ideas on what I can do with him to keep him busy and away from the television.

So here’s the question of the week:

What are the savvy way’s you keep your child busy?

How do you keep your children busy and entertained? What activities do you do with them?

When trying to keep an active baby busy, 47% of dads put baby in an activity
center, while 66% turn on a DVD, and a full 62% of parents try their child’s
favorite toy.

How do you stack up?

Share your techniques and fun things you like to do with all of us! We can all learn from each other! :)

{This post brought to you by Evenflo.}

Hollie is the owner and coordinator of Real Moms Real Views. She loves spending time with her family which consists of her handsome hubby and three kiddos ages three and under. She loves her fur baby (dog), the smell after it rains, red nail polish, chick flicks, and anything chocolate!
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Does This Hair Make My Face Look Fat?

Every time I go get my hair done I am always tempted to try something new.  I have long hair and it has it pros and cons.  Sometimes it is nice to just pull my hair up and go while other times I wish it was short and sassy.  Yet, every time I go in I just get the same old thing.  WAIT!  Last time I did change what side I would part my hair on….crazy huh!? :)

Why am I so nervous to change my hair?  I am afraid my face will look fat.  Stupid answer?!  Nah!  You see, I have always had a complex about a round face.  Well, ever since I was teaching preschool one day with my sister.  A kid said to me, “Miss Crissa, you look just like Miss Erin but with a fat face.”  Kids speak the truth so you know it was just that!  How can I not have a complex after that!?

Since I love you guys and don’t want you to ever be called “fat face” I am going to give you some tips on what hair looks best for your face shape!

Let’s start with determining what face shape you have.  Karen Marie Shelton, HairBoutique.com, suggests pulling our your tape measure.

“1.  Measure your face across the top of your cheekbones.  Write down the measurement on a piece of paper.
2.  Measure across your jaw line from the widest point to the widest point.  Write down the measurement.
3.  Measure across your forehead at the widest point.  Generally the widest point will be somewhere about halfway between your eyebrows and your hairline.  Write down the measurement.
4.  Measure  from the tip of your headline to the bottom of your chin.”  Write down the measurement.

“Most people will fit into one of the major categories which include:

Oval Face – Length equal to one and a half times width. An oval face may change according to weight gain or loss and age.  It is common for people who have a classic oval face to have small features.

Eva Mendez has an oval face

Round Face – If you have a round face your face will be as wide as it is long.  This may vary a little where your face is not quite as wide as it is long, but within 1/4 to 1/2 inches.

Cameron Diaz has a round face.

Long/Rectangular - Longer than it is wide.

Sarah Jessica Parker has a oblong face.

Heart – Narrow at jaw line, wide at forehead and cheekbones.

Scarlett Johansson has a heart shaped face.

Square – If you have a square shape your forehead, jaw line and cheekbones are almost equal in width.

Paris Hilton has a square shaped face.

Triangular – Wider forehead that narrows gradually to a slightly pointed or rounded chin.

Victoria Beckham has a triangle shaped face.

Diamond - Wide cheeks, narrow forehead and jaw line. May have a pointed chin.

Madonna had a diamond shaped face.

Pear - Wide chin with a narrow forehead.”

Kelly Osbourne has a pear shaped face.

Now that you have figured out what face shape you have we can talk about hair styles that are most flattering for your face.

Oval face–Pick a facial feature you want to show off on your face and cut layers to stop there.  Layers and updos will flatter your face perfectly.  The worst thing to do is have long hair in the front and face hugging hair dos.  This will make you look younger and ordinary.

Round face–Keep your hair longer than your chin.  Long layers, natural waves, and mid-length bobs will make you look great.  Instead of putting volume on the sides of your face, try the top of your head.  Stay way from center parts.

Long/ Rectangle–The point is to minimize the length by boosting the width.  Try short to medium length hair, straight across bangs, or side parts.  If you want long hair, make sure to have layers.  Say no to middle parts and height on the top of the head, as it will only add length.

Heart–Add length and to create width around your narrow chin.  Chin-length and textured hair will make you look great!  Bangs should be swept to the side and not straight across.

Square–It would be best to try short to medium length hair with wave or roundness to your hair.  Add wispy bangs, side parts, and height to the crown.  Avoid a straight bob that ends at the jaw.

Triangle–Short hair will balance out your features, one that is fuller at the temples and narrow at the jaw.  Don’t go opposite…full at the jaw and center parts.

Diamond–So many hairstyles work with his face shape.  Try adding width at your chin…like a bob or flippy hairdo.  Tucking your hair behind your ears with show off your great bone structure.  Don’t add height to the top and keep away from a center part.

Pear–A hairstyle that shows your forehead will draw attention up and away from a full jaw line.  Use a headband or tuck your hair behind you ears.  Avoid a center part, excessive waves or curls, and hair that is longer than the neckline.

Finding the right hair for your face shape really is simple!  Bottom line…between your face and your hair try to make an oval shape.

With the right hairstyle you will look your best and hopefully you won’t be called fat face :)

Crissa graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with a BA in Home and Family Living….the mom degree! Shortly after she found her dream guy and was married. They are now expecting their first baby in 2012. She loves shopping, baking, getting pampered, blogging, chocolate, and traveling.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Tips and Tricks for Back to School Shopping

Back to school shopping can be a financial burden…especially if you have multiple kids to shop for.  Between the clothes and the school supplies your wallet can really take a punch to the gut.

This fall (YIKES!  Can you believe it is that time already!?) get the biggest bang for your buck.  Here are some tips and tricks to help you in this yearly task.

Lets start with wardrobe:

Bonnie McCarthy of Walletpop.com lays out some rules for clothes shopping:

Absolutely-Unbreakable-Rule-Number-One: The item must look good — on you. No exceptions. It doesn’t matter if the entire world is wearing the cutest dress that’s ever been cut from cloth if it does not flatter your-very-own-self. Put. It. Back. Walk away.
Iron Clad Rule Number Two: The item must fit well. No buttons that pop open at the chest, sleeves that look okay if they’re worn rolled up, or pants that might fit if we lose five pounds. No dice. Fashion companies make up their own sizes; no laws mandate that a size six must fit certain measurements. It’s an imperfect system designed to give folks a general idea of what to bring into the dressing room. Don’t get hung up on a number. Try on several sizes and buy the one that looks and feels the best. Period.
Iron Clad Rule Number Three: You’ve gotta love it. Not like. Love. Shopping on a budget doesn’t allow for flirting. There’s no casual dating here, it’s commitment. It might take a little more time to shop, but your money will be better spent. You can’t hurry love. This should also help in avoiding the classic I-don’t-love-it-but-it-was-such-a-good-deal mistake that wastes money and closet space. You’re on a mission. Stay focused.

Teach your kids these rules in addiction to the rule I think is the most important: Decide your budget (per child if applicable) before going shopping. Encourage your child to decide which clothes they want the most.  Often times children end up picking the most practical and classy clothes over the ones that they can only wear a few times before it isn’t cool any more when told the phrase, “Which do you want the most?”

Some great stores to get the most for your money are:

They always have a sale going!

Just bring your patience as there isn’t always the same item in different sizes.  Stick to your size section and you will be stress free.

Find great clothes staples for less..ie $10 jeans!

Next up, school supplies:

The sales are incredible right now!  Stock up on your school supplies now and save money throughout the year. 

Look at the store’s ads and watch for deals.  Often times you will find a Buy 1 Get 1 Free deal or even mail in rebates after purchasing $______ in the brands product.

Cut coupons. There are great coupons in the Sunday newspaper.  You can also check out coupons.com or the manufacturer’s website for additional coupons.  Don’t forget!  You can combine a STORE coupon with a MANUFACTURER’S coupon for greater savings.  (The other day I saw tape on sale at Target for 50 cents.  I had cut 2 coupons for $1 off 3 rolls of tape.  I bought 6 rolls of Scotch for $1!!  I don’t have kids who need it for school yet, but now I am stocked up for Christmas present wrapping!)

Some great stores with CHEAP school supplies are:

Right now they have tons of things at extra cheap prices!  Example: 8 Bic pens for 1 cent!  (minimum of $5 purchase…that is easy though.)  Plus!  If you go to Staples.com you can get a coupon for $5 off a $50 purchase!!

Not only do they have cheap school supplies they have affordable college dorm basics.  Right now you can get notebooks for 25 cents, a desk for $50, and a 6 piece towel set for $10!

Office Max has some amazing deals right now.  Folders for 1 penny, crayons for 5 cents, colored pencils for 25 cents, and 3 pink erasers for 50 cents.  Remember…stock up and save!

If you have any other back to school shopping tips and tricks, share them with us!  Everyone loves a good deal!

Crissa graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with a BA in Home and Family Living….the mom degree! Shortly after she found her dream guy and was married. They are now expecting their first baby in 2012. She loves shopping, baking, getting pampered, blogging, chocolate, and traveling.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Real Moms Real Views DIY: Home Grown Baking

As the summer is beginning to come to an end, now is the time for all the fruits and veggies you planted in your garden to be picked and devoured.  One thing that seems to come in never ending amounts is zucchini.  Surely you can’t eat zucchini EVERY night for dinner, so here are two ways you can use this delicious veggie.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

2 squares (1 oz.) unsweetened chocolate
3 eggs
2 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups grated zucchini
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons cocoa

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease two 9×5 inch loaf pans.

Step 1: In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave chocolate squares until melted. Stir occasionally until chocolate is smooth.

When I went to stir after 20 seconds, I quickly learned this bowl IS NOT microwave-safe. OUCH!


Switched bowls and melted chocolate.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, oil, zucchini, sour cream, vanilla and melted chocolate; beat well.

Wet ingredients…check!

Step 3: Stir in the flour, baking soda, salt, cocoa, and cinnamon.

Action shot!

Step 4: Fold in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared loaf pans. Bake for 60-70 min, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Now wait…..(wonder what is in the fridge to tie me over)


TA DA! Beautiful!

Cool for 30 minutes before removing from pan so you don’t lose the bottom of your bread!  Finish cooling on cooling racks.  Eat and enjoy!

Hawaiian Zucchini Bread

3 eggs, beaten
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups gated zucchini
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup coconut

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease two 9×5 inch loaf pans.

Step 1: In a large bowl mix together eggs, sugar, vanilla, oil, and zucchini. (I decided to do 1 cup sugar and 1 cup splenda to help cut down on the calories in case I end up eating both loaves. :) )
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix together flour, soda, baking powder, and salt.  Add to the zucchini batter and mix well.


Another action shot!

Step 3: Stir in pecans, pineapple, and coconut. Pour into loaf pans. Bake for 1 hour, or until browned. (It only took mine 50 minutes).


Waiting…and snacking…

WA LA! Nice and browned!

Let cool in pan for 30 minutes before removing.  Finish cooling on cooling racks. Eat and enjoy!

Did you grow a garden?
Do you have any great garden fresh recipes you would like to share with us?
If you try these recipes we would love to hear how they turned out!

Crissa graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with a BA in Home and Family Living….the mom degree! Shortly after she found her dream guy and was married. They are now expecting their first baby in 2012. She loves shopping, baking, getting pampered, blogging, chocolate, and traveling.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Chewing Through Bottles & Money {Bottle Weaning Help}

Photo Credit

My little guy is going to be 20 months and we are getting ready to take him off the bottle. I didn’t expect to have to do it until closer to 2 years but we have encountered a big problem. See he loves to chew on the nipple. When I give him a bottle during the day he seems to put a big hole in it with his teeth. His nipples run $2.50 each, so OUCH this is killing us financially! I need any advice you can offer on the best ways to wing him off of his bottle since he loves it so much. He refuses to take a pacifier and has since he was 3 months old so that leaves me with nothing to comfort him with. I don’t even know where to start?

Any advice on getting him weaned off the bottle at least for the day time use? I am prepared to wait to wean him off of his night bottle at closer to 2 years.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated for this nipple spending mama!

Hollie is the owner and coordinator of Real Moms Real Views. She loves spending time with her family which consists of her handsome hubby and three kiddos ages three and under. She loves her fur baby (dog), the smell after it rains, red nail polish, chick flicks, and anything chocolate!
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Your Life On The Big Screen!

Every mom has experienced it….

Real Life

Mommy

Moments!

When you life can’t get any crazier and then it does. When your kiddos do the silliest things that make you laugh and laugh. This is REAL LIFE and now you have the chance to see your life on the Big Screen!

Now’s your opportunity! See it happen and actually meet and work with an A-List star. How great does that sound?

Hyundai and Glamour Magazine are partnering to search for a series of moments from real moms (that’s you!) to create Reel Moments on Hulu, where Hollywood A-List women get behind the camera and direct a short film for their first time. Reel Moments  is responsible for launching 14 directorial debuts by some of the most powerful women in Hollywood over the past five years. Before you read any further, check out Kate Hudson’s popular Reel Moments film here, an awesome and poignant story which stars Virginia Madsen, Dakota Fanning and the uber-popular Kristen Stewart. Hello?!? How awesome would it be to see ladies like these act out your parenting experience? Other past directors include Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, Courtney Cox, and more.

Each short film is inspired by real stories and YOURS could be next! Those selected will actually get to meet and consult with A-List directors to get their stories told. Hyundai and Glamour are now collecting stories for their next round undefined of short films, and you should DEFINITELY enter here, now!

{Hyundai and Glamour Magazine, along with JuiceBoxJungle, are sponsoring me to write this post and get you to enter your “Life Stories” so you can be seen on the BIG SCREEN!}

Glamour reel 2

Hollie is the owner and coordinator of Real Moms Real Views. She loves spending time with her family which consists of her handsome hubby and three kiddos ages three and under. She loves her fur baby (dog), the smell after it rains, red nail polish, chick flicks, and anything chocolate!
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

What Would You Do With $100?

Let’s see as a mom my life revolves around housework, cooking, and kids! How nice would it be to actually get to do something for myself.

That’s a crazy thought right? I mean every dime I get goes to buy a new toy, or clothes, or diapers!!!

If I was given a surprise $100 next month here is what I would do with it: (well actually 5 things I would want to do…)

#1-Head to the local spa and get a pedicure and manicure. I am saying this as I look at my poor nails while typing. Oh they are bad!

#2-Take my hubby out on a much needed date night and get a sitter. When do we ever get alone time without the kids? Never!

#3-Head to the spa again for a massage. A deep tissue one. Ohhh that sounds so good just thinking about it.

#4-Buy some new pots and pans for the kitchen. There I go again back to the mommy role! But the pans are so old.

#5-Go on a shopping spree. Since the baby…nothing fits right and my closet is looking a little out dated. Seriously!!!

What would you do with a surprise $100 bill?

Leave a comment and let us know!

Tell us something for you and not the kiddos :)

{Kodax and JuiceBoxJungle sponsored me to write about what I would do with a surprise $100 bill.}

Hollie is the owner and coordinator of Real Moms Real Views. She loves spending time with her family which consists of her handsome hubby and three kiddos ages three and under. She loves her fur baby (dog), the smell after it rains, red nail polish, chick flicks, and anything chocolate!
_____________________________________
This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure here.