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Happy New Year: Weight Watchers Ice Cream

January 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Along with so many others I struggle with my weight.  For the past 6 months I have been working very hard to shed all of this extra weight that I have put on.  I have lost a total of 66 pound since I had my son in July.  I have found that calorie counting is an effective, simple way to go.  A few days before Christmas I received the best package of all from MomSelect and Weight Watchers.  In a box, in a cooler, packed on dry ice was the most wonderful thing of all!  It was a cooler full of Weight Watchers Ice Cream Treats!

I know that many of you have to be wondering how they were not only taste wise but also calorie wise.  These great treats varied in calories. They were the perfect way to end the day.  It is how I reward myself when I am trying to lose weight.  If I have a good day and stay under my target calories I will treat myself to a treat.  To be honest I have been buying these Weight Watchers treats for the past 6 months while I have been trying to lose weight.  I was super excited to see new flavors in my box of treats.  I know that you are dying to know what I tried and what I thought so here it is.

The first ones that I tried were the Weight Watchers Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Bars.  I know that it is a mouthful to say but the name is well worth the taste.  It had sweet, chocolate and was big enough to last through the pleasure.  The only thing that I noticed is that it is a little too artificial tasting for me.  I am not saying that I did not eat them.  I am also not saying that I would not buy them to eat again.  The dark chocolate was just enough to give you that chocolate fix while you are watching your calorie intake.  These Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Bars only have 110 calories and are so worth it!

The next ice cream bars I indulged in were the Weight Watchers Dark Chocolate Dulce de Leche Ice cream Bars.  These were by far my favorite of the bunch.  They have a creamy caramel taste and are again covered in my favorite thing… Chocolate!  The biggest trouble with these is that the kids also LOVED them!  This meant that it was not long before they were gone.  I have been back to the store to get more of the Weight Watchers Dark Chocolate Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Bars.  They are only 120 calories and well worth it!  I highly recommend these treats!

 

Weight Watchers Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Ice Cream Bars were not a disappointment either.  Even though I am not fond of strawberry ice cream, these ice cream bars did not let me down in anyway.  Just as the others these were a wonderful way to end the day!  They have only 100 calories which make them the best bet yet calorie wise.  I think that it is again important to mention that the kids LOVED these ice cream bars and that I was lucky to get one at all!  If you like chocolate and you like strawberries you will love these treats.

 

I was so excited to see the Snack Sized Chocolate Fudge Bars in my cooler.  I love the giant chocolate fudge bars but do not always feel like I have been good enough to justify 100 + calories.  These Snack Sized Chocolate Fudge Bars are delicious and are only 45 calories each.  This means that if you have had too many calories in a day but really need a fix you can indulge.  It also means that when you CRAVE chocolate, you can have 2 and still not be over doing your calorie intake.  These also hide well in the freezer due to their compact size.  I was able to have some before the kids found them!

 

 

These were another delicious option for those days that you are a little short on calories.  These Weight Watchers Dark Chocolate Raspberry Ice Cream Bars are only 80 calories but do not lack in flavor at all.  They have some extra chocolate shell and are creamy and delicious.  Not only did I have to fight the kids for these ones but I had to fight Rob as well.  I only wish I had a lock for my freezer.  It may be worth the investment.

 

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Enhanced by ZemantaI would like to thank Mom Select and Weight Watchers for this wonderful opportunity.  I feel that Weight Watchers has hit the nail on the head with these wonderful new treats.  Not only do I enjoy them for their taste but they are a great treat when you are trying to lose weight.  I was amazed at how much the kids enjoyed them as well.  I think that it is important to teach them that it is alright to have a treat but that overdoing it is just not necessary.  The fact is that they have a genetic disposition to be overweight.  It is my goal to try and teach them to eat the right foods and enjoy a treat or two a day.  These is no need to over do.  Happy weight loss in the new year!
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Christmas Songs for Children

December 5, 2011 By 2 Comments

Christmas is right around the corner and I find that I want to sing all day and all night.  There is no better time of year for songs that are geared toward children.  Christmas songs for children is what the season and singing is all about.  This year my children have a few new favorites in addition to the good old ones.

  1. Nuttin’ for Christmas:  This song made its first appearance on the radio in 1955.  It is amazing how these songs live on generation after generation.  I am amazed that the kids keep watching a youtube video and sing along.  Even with technology this song lives on with children around the world.
    <iframe width=”420″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/B_7xqqt1Vgs” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>
  2. Up on the Housetop:  This is one of my favorites that you do not get to hear very often these days.  I am hoping that by singing it with my children again and again it will become one of their favorites as well.  <iframe width=”420″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/Yep2d7H974w” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>
  3. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer:  Who does not love the story of Rudolph all wrapped up in one fun and fast song?  This is one of the best and most popular Christmas songs for Children in the USA. <iframe width=”420″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/T5VdsuQ-YfM” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>
  4. Must be Santa:  I love this one because it is super fun and fast paced.  The kids catch on quickly as well.  <iframe width=”420″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/JeKaV-yhN3c” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>
  5. Frosty the Snowman:  What is more fun than a snowman who comes to life and leads the children on the adventure of a lifetime?  <iframe width=”420″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z1RoN3CnxFw” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>
  6. The 12 Days of Christmas:  This song is a huge challenge but we always have a great time trying to get through it all.  <iframe width=”420″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/FF1xcKW2e-g” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>
  7. All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth:  We all remember the Christmas that we lost our two front teeth.  Even better is that there is a song about it all.  <iframe width=”420″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/duMdZkuOGGg” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>
  8. Santa Clause is Coming to Town: What is better than a song that reminds children how to behave?  I love this one and it is one of my personal favorites!  <iframe width=”420″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/HWv72L4wgCc” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

These are our favorite Christmas songs for children this year.  Which ones are on your children’s top Christmas songs this year?  I hope that they have a blast singing… because… It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Becca

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Black Friday Ruined by Retailers

November 22, 2011 By 3 Comments

For many Black Friday is a kick off to the holiday season.  This year retailers have chosen to change the game a bit.  Many retailers will be opening on Thanksgiving Evening. Santa where are you?  We need your help so that Christmas does not ruin Thanksgiving and Black Friday traditions. While I completely understand corporate America’s desire to rake in the Christmas cash I think that we all have to re-evaluate a few things.

A Turkey.

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  • Thanksgiving is a NATIONAL holiday.  This is the only nation holiday that almost everyone has the opportunity to be with their family and friends.  It is wrong to get rid of this holiday for monetary reasons.  Christmas on the other hand is a religious holiday and no retailer would dare to be open on Christmas day.
  • Many people shop on Black Friday. How much more money can they rake in by opening 4 hours earlier?  Is it worth the impact that will be felt to open that 4 hours early?  Will they lose out on sales because they have made many shoppers annoyed?  I know many people who will not be shopping on Black Friday this year.
  • Why are we so driven by retail?  Because of the retailers big push this year, I am completely stressed and it is not even the Christmas season yet.  By the time Christmas gets here I think we will all be quite tired of it.  The neighbors are already decorating.  any people have their trees out and the Salvation Army Bell Ringer is already out.
  • Will Christmas overtake Thanksgiving all together?  This holiday that has been in existence for so long seems to be losing the Christmas battle.  So will we all soon throw it away all together to make more room for Christmas?  Also what will happen to black Friday is we continue to move the shopping earlier and earlier?  Retailers will not have the ability to have one big make it or break it day!

I know that many of you think that I am nuts.  For goodness sakes I have a holiday countdown every year so how hypocritical can I be.  The truth is that I believe that preparing for the season in advance is important.  I think that in budgeting and planning we find some peace and certainly less stress.  I would never, ever start decorating my house before Thanksgiving.  While Christmas is a very special time in my heart, so too is Thanksgiving.  Having worked in retail for years I really believe that it is time to reexamine what is important.  I know that it is economically tough times but is it worth sacrificing people’s ability to spend Thanksgiving enjoying family?

On the other hand what is wrong with all of us.  I know that many of you reading this will be out there Thanksgiving night to get a hot deal.  While I can respect your desire to save money and get the items you want I am asking you to stay home.  Hold your babies a little longer, enjoy the pumpkin pie, talk to family members you may not have the chance to see through out the year.  Let Thanksgiving be Thanksgiving and start Christmas in the morning.

The truth is that the hot item you leave your family to go out and get will be gone before you get there anyway.  They only buy 10 of those hot items and the employees buy it up and hide them before the doors open.  Show corporate America that they do not have the power to ruin another holiday.  Let Christmas and all of its glory start Friday.  What is the next holiday to be sucked up and ruined by Christmas??  Perhaps Halloween will be the new Thanksgiving.

Becca

 

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Christmas Countdown is About to Begin!

September 13, 2011 By 4 Comments
The Santa Clause

Image by gwen via Flickr

I know that it seems like it is too early to even think about Christmas, but the fact of the matter is that it is time to being AskBecca’s Christmas Countdown.  The goal of this years Christmas Countdown is to actually keep up with it.  For the past three years I have tried and tried to do a Christmas Countdown and the truth is that life tends to get in my way.  In September and October I am able to accomplish all of the posts and topics I want to.  From there it is all down hill.  Time becomes a problem and then poof Christmas is here.  This year I would like it all to go a little better!  So on Saturday, September 17th I will begin the Christmas Countdown 2011.  Here is what I have in store this year:

  • What is hot and what is not.  I will be in search of wonderful new products for kids and the family this coming Christmas season.
  • Sing a song… This year I would like to include some Lyrics to my all time favorite Christmas Carols.  One of my goals is to bring Christmas Caroling back this Christmas season.  In order to do that we will need to know all of the words to all of the favorites.
  • Movie time anyone?  We all know that Christmas time is the time for movies.  Christmas movies are a wonderful way to share time with your family and a way to look back to your childhood.  Christmas movies are not all I intend to post about.  We also know that many movies are released Christmas day.  Check in with me to see what movies you may want to stop into the theaters to see!
  • Santa Clause‘s Cookie Corner… We all know how the big guy loves his cookies.  The Christmas season is not complete without cookies.  I know that our family is not alone in baking dozens and dozens of cookies.  I will be sharing a cookie recipe a week to add to your recipe box.  If you have a favorite cookie recipe I would love to hear about it!  We all know that Christmas cookies are the key to a Merry Christmas!
  • Homemade Christmas Craft ideas.  Last year our family had a homemade Christmas.  For some members of our family this caused great stress, but for others it was wonderful.  There is nothing more special than creating a homemade Christmas craft!  We even encouraged the kids to get involved!  They loved making their cousins Christmas gifts!

As you can see there is a lot in store in this years Christmas Countdown.  You will not want to miss a day.

Just a reminder… Christmas is not about shopping and buying.  It is about sharing a magical time of year with our family and friends.  Do not get caught up in the hype.  Do not let it all stress you out.  Be sure to plan and I am sure that your family will have a wonderful Christmas 2011!

Becca

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Christmas Party

November 23, 2010 By 2 Comments

This year MomSelect sent me a box of the newest and best toys to try out and show other moms.  We decided to throw an early Christmas party with the great items.  Included in my kit was a

PLAY-DOH Mega Fun Factory playset

A PLAY-DOH Shape and Spin Elmo

2 Build a Bear Small Fries

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes

3D Sneaky Puzzle Singin’ Sea Creatures

PlayMobile First Day at School set

We gave the kids a chance to play with each of these new and exciting products, do crafts, eat some  yummy holiday treats and even spend some time with Santa and Mrs. Clause. The kids had a chance to hear “The Night Before Christmas” and play “Santa” says.  We also had a snowball race and played Christmas Bingo where there were prizes to be won!  I think that the kids all had a blast.  I know that many of them did not want to go home.

I think that this party was a huge success.  Emma had a great birthday with great toys to play with.  The kids loved the puzzle and play-doh play sets. And the moms enjoyed seeing all of these great toys out of their boxes!  Thanks to MomSelect for another great opportunity to share a party with friends  and family!  I know that the kids all loved it!

Becca

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Christmas Countdown 2010

November 23, 2010 By 1 Comment
Santa Claus with a little girl
Image via Wikipedia

So as many of you have noticed I fell off of the Christmas countdown wagon yet again!  I have been having some personal medical issues but am hoping that I will be posting again, daily.  Thank you all for making sure that you have stuck in there and kept on watching to see what is new in the world of Christmas.  This Friday is the official start of the Christmas season and of course the biggest shopping day of the year.  Black Friday ads are already online and the secrets are already out!  So for today, a post of fun…A few questions to answer for you.  I guess you will get my answers as well… Please play along.

  1. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
  2. What is your favorite Christmas Movie?
  3. What is your families most precious Christmas tradition?
  4. When do you put your Christmas tree up?
  5. How early is too early to turn on your Christmas lights?
  6. What was the best present you ever received under the Christmas tree?

OK so here are my answers:

  1. My favorite Christmas song is the “Christmas Shoes” by NEWSONG.  I cry each and every time I hear it.  It makes me remember how blessed we are this and every Christmas to have each other.  I also love the classics with Bing Crosby and the gang!  “Santa Baby” still makes me feel cute and in a fun mood.
  2. My favorite Christmas movie is a tough one.  I am not sure that I can pick just one.  I love “It’s a Wonderful Life” because it again shows that all we need is one another.  I also love the original “Miracle on 34th Street”.  This is the movie that I must see Thanksgiving night.  It is a child who has no faith who sees that things are not always what they seem to be.  “Love Actually” is a movie that I usually watch this time of year as well.   I love British film and this movie met all of my expectations.  As far as some funny Christmas comedy, “Scrogged”  takes the cake.  It is a non traditional story with a whole lot of laughs.  So as I said earlier… how can I pick just one.
  3. I think that my most precious Christmas tradition is Elmer the Elf.  He has blessed the children in our family for almost a century.  Elmer works for Santa Clause himself.  He watched the children in the family and reports back to Santa daily.  If you are good he leaves a few small trinkets through out the Christmas season.
  4. We usually wait with our tree until a few weeks before Christmas.  We always get a real tree and if we put it up any sooner it would die before the new year.  My mother-in-law has an all white and silver tree.  It looks so beautiful but I cannot copy… so I have my miss match tree and it looks beautiful!
  5. I stand strong in the belief that the day after Thanksgiving is the EARLIEST you should turn on your Christmas lights.  Now I know here on the east coast the weather has been warm so I can understand if you have put them up so that you do not have to do it in the freezing cold weather.   On the other hand… this in no way means that you should be lighting those lights before we celebrate Thanksgiving.
  6. I would have to say that the best present under my tree was a shadow box that my husband made for me.  All of our children were in there and the things we like to do together.  It is a special thing that will live with me forever.

So there you have it.  I have shared… now it is your turn…

Becca

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Christmas Countdown 2010

November 6, 2010 By 2 Comments
Christmas cookies (Left to right, top to botto...
Image via Wikipedia

50 Days Until Christmas 2010

So here we are!  Welcome to the 2010 Christmas Countdown.  I am so excited to be sharing the holiday season with you for the third year in a row!  This time of year can be busy and stressful but we will get through it together.  Here is a taste of what we have in store this year!

  1. Cookies:  Every day I will be posting one of my favorite holiday cookie recipes.  Nothing says Christmas like cookies!  I am hoping the husband can get a rate that cookie system up and running in the next few weeks.  Remember that many cookies freeze well.  It is not to early to begin baking your Christmas cookies!
  2. Homemade Holiday:  This year we are doing something extra special. Stay tuned for this exciting, money saving tip.
  3. Christmas Budget:  I know it is that B word again!  I think that it is important to know how much money you will have available to you this holiday and try to spend only cash.  Times are hard and digging a deeper hole is not advised.
  4. Christmas Movies:  If you are wondering when your beloved Christmas movie will be on… Stay tuned to Ask Becca!  I will let you know what will be on and when.  I know that I hate missing “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street“.   As soon as I hear about it I will let you know!
  5. Christmas Traditions:  I know that every family has their own traditions and I would love to hear about them!  I think that it is important to celebrate your traditions and perhaps steal a few to make your own.
  6. Fun:  We all know that with Christmas comes fun times.  Parties, caroling, the Christmas at Church and day trips for the family.

This is not all.  It is just a sweet taste of what is to come in the next 50 days!  So off we go… 50 Days of Christmas really means 48 Shopping Days remaining.  Have fun and remember when you need a laugh, idea or break… stop by and say hi!

Becca

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200th Post!

November 4, 2010 By 3 Comments
Holly, attributed to the Drummonds, MacInneses...
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I wanted to take a quick moment to say that this is my 200th post.  Thanks to all who have been so supportive of Ask Becca over the past few years!  I feel like there should be so many more posts.  Life gets in the way of blogging so often.  I know that many of you understand where I am coming from!  Having three kids, 2 girl scout troops and a house to keep up are all time consuming.  Then I have my baby (askbecca.com) and my newborn (bipolar Kid Connection).

There are only 2 more days until I kick off my Christmas Countdown!  I am super excited and motivated to be sure that I post each day!  I usually get really crazed as the holidays get closer and my writing falls off.  I am committed to assuring the the 50 days of Christmas Countdown will be a complete success this year and I am hoping that you will all stop by and join in the holiday fun!

Becca

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Target Great Holiday Toy Sale

November 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Illinois Target Store
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54 Days to Christmas!

Today is the big day.  With 54 days to go until Christmas Target is starting their sale prices early.  Starting today, Target stores will be offering great deals on toys.  Beginning November 2, 2010, which is today, you can examine all of the great deals in their Target Toy Book.  It is a clear sign that black Friday is just around the corner!

In looking at the Target Toy Book I am deciding that Christmas is closer than I think.  There are some great toys in the Target Toy Book, I just want to shop around some and make sure that they are good deals.  I am pretty sure that I am not alone in thinking about my budget this year!  I did notice that there are a lot of coupons.  I guess this is so that they can put the item in the Target toy book and not give everyone the discount.

I am not even sure what the kids want this year.  They are not excited about  any toys!  What toys do your children want this year?  What items do you all see as being hot sellers?  I would love some ideas!

Check out Black Friday Ads.  Shop till you drop on black Friday and Get ready for 50 days of Christmas beginning this weekend on November 6, 2010!  My 50 Days of Christmas Countdown is sure to help make your holiday special yet again this year!

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Christmas Countdown: 75 Days of Christmas

September 10, 2010 By 2 Comments
WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 03: A Christmas wreath ...
Image by Getty Images via @daylife

I am already thinking about Christmas.  For those of you who know me… you know that this is what I do.  Once there is a slight chill in the air I feel that it is my job to remind you all that Christmas is coming!  I have decided this year not to stress you all out too early.  I will be changing my 75 days of Christmas countdown to 50 days of Christmas Countdown.  There are a lot of things that I want to cover this year so I hope that beginning November 6th you will join me on a holiday excursion.   Some of the things that I am hoping to cover this year are:

  • Hot Toys This Christmas:  Find out early what will be hot this holiday and what will not!
  • Cookies:  I am planning on baking my way through my 101 cookie recipe book.  This was semi inspired by Julie and Julia.  I will be adding a rate that cookie button which will allow you to tell me what you think once you have baked a certain cookie!
  • How to have a homemade Christmas:  This year our family has all decided we will have a homemade holiday.  Take a look at what I have been crafting, baking and share some of your own ideas.
  • Daily Featured Videos from Youtube.com
  • Holiday Traditions Now and Then
  • How to Pick the Perfect Live Christmas Tree
  • Holiday Christmas Cards
  • Christmas Organizational Tips

There are many more Christmas adventures I hope to share with all of you.  So be sure to mark your calenders for November 6th when Ask Becca launches 50 days of Christmas: A Christmas Countdown!

Becca

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