Utopia Photography ~ Family session giveaway

"Memories are priceless treasures, and capturing them with a picture preserves them forever."

  ~ Tiffany Matzke Howard

I love taking pictures so much that my children are conditioned. When they see my camera they automatically pose. So much for candid right? My other issues because I clearly have a lot of them when I take pictures from my phone they don't print out as clear as I had hoped. Another drag when taking family pictures is that one person is usually not in the picture. You know what I am talking about, you have WITNESSED or BEEN "THAT" family. The father first takes the photo of the family, then mom takes the photo so dad can be in the picture.

Tiffany Matzke Howard owner of Utopia Photography is going to allow one lucky winner to capture their family in a moment in time. That moment in time where your family can all be in one spot, relaxed, calm, candid or you can just be a bunch of POSERS!

Tiffany received her first camera when she was five years old. That is how she developed her passion for capturing life and all its splendor. She has been clicking away ever since. Taking her passion and capturing the art, nature, and human emotion. Tiffany currently lives in Ohio with her husband/best friend.

One lucky winner will receive a family portrait session valued at $125. The contest will start tonight and end on May 16th at 11:59pm PST. After that the availability to redeem this offer is good through June 10th. All photos will be fully edited on a high quality DVD. The winner will also have the rights to the pictures for printing/social networking uses. You can print unlimited quantities at any location you choose. This is not applicable for commercial use.

Utopia photography will not be traveling to other states to take these pictures. This contest is open to anyone however to claim your prize you must be willing to travel to Utopia Photography located in Ohio. You may enter the contest for yourself, family, and or friends who live in, near,  by or anyone who wants to travel to Ohio.

In order to be entered into this contest you MUST like Utopia Photography on facebook

Additional entries:

You like Hopscotch and Jellybeans on facebook

You follow Mommy2JAM on Twitter

You follow Hopscotch and Jellybeans the blog

Please include your email so I may contact you if you are a lucky winner, if I don't hear from you within two days I will have to go on to the next person.

You may enter once for each additional entry:

Entry 1

Sue

I liked Utopia Photography

email address

Entry 2

Sue

I am following Mommy2JAM on twitter

Add a Comment

The Happy Handle Bar Shopping Cart Cover ~ Giveaway

I am so excited I can hardly contain myself, I am able to give not one but TWO Happy Handle Bar Shopping Cart Covers away to two lucky winners. I have two cute designs one is for a girl the other is for a boy. My friend Shelby introduced me to this fabulous product. The Happy Handle Bar, Shopping Cart Cover is wonderful, here is my review.

Here is how you can win your very own Happy Handle Bar, Shopping Cart Cover: its simple just leave a comment with your email and state either blue or pink.You have until, Sunday May 15th at 11:59pm to comment for your chance at winning.

For additional chances on winning this product:
1) Like The Happy Handle Bar Shopping Cart Cover on Facebook (3)
2) Like Hopscotch & Jellybeans on Facebook (2)
3) Follow Hopscotch & Jellybeans  the blog (2) and on Twitter (2)

Please leave one comment per like - Example
Comment
Entry 1
Gina :
Email address
Blue

Comment
Entry 2
Gina
I liked the Happy Handle bar shopping cart cover on facebook

On your mark...get set... grab your sippy cup, get the snacks, don't forget the toys, clip those coupons, get out your shopping list, and get ready to cover that shopping cart! 

The dreaded F word

With being a stay at home mommy the CEO of my household the dreaded F word  always seems to be coming up more and more. Finances and budget! I never use to worry about doing a budget when I was working. If I wanted something I always seemed to add it in. After all I was working and if I wanted something I could afford it. Now that I stay home and I go to school I have to constantly differentiate between I have to have it and I want it we need it and I want it.

For a long time I was into clipping coupons or finding deals. My experience with coupons has not always been pleasant in the past. I would be standing in line at the grocery store and after my food items were scanned I would kindly hand in my free money as I would like to call it. It always seemed I would get grunts and dirty looks for holding up the lines. Not to mention my friends would laugh at me for clipping coupons.

Now  I seem to be in my element with my friends facebooking and tweeting about all the deals they seem to be getting. Going to the store and ringing up $50 worth of products and only paying $2.50 cents for them. I find myself more than ever wanting to be part of this money saving bargain shopping  group again. So I have been surfing the web and I found some sites I would like to share. Now I can't wait to waltz into store with product worth $$$$ and only walk out with paying $.

I can't wait to say I was able to get what I want because,  I wanted it and I got it  "I was consumer thrifty and sought out the best deals during the week with bargain hunting." The best part about this site is that the Coupon Diva allows you to save money and she does all the dirty work for you, all you do is right click and print. Its like having your own personal assistant! What mom doesn't love that idea? I personally love it. The F word is now going to be a very favorable word in my house every month.


Ok you bargain divas' its your turn, please list if you dare your favorite online place to get the best deals and coupons. Also I have to know what you splurged on after you saved your precious greens!

Jesus died on the cross and the Easter Bunny doesn't leave candy, Mommy

Today I took my boys to Church like I normally do on Sundays. Except this Sunday was different, it was Easter. We celebrated the importance of what today means, the  the Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. Ironically before we left for Church my boys  viewed their Easter baskets that the Easter bunny left the night before while they were sleeping.

After I left church today with my best friend and her daughter, my boys were talking about the Easter egg hunt we would be doing at my mothers house.  I mentioned their Easter baskets and how they should be thankful that the Easter bunny was so generous to them. Trying to get my boys to be appreciative for what they got. What came out or my 6 years old mouth totally took me off guard and I wasn't expecting it, it was as if I was hit by car at a red light. "Mommy we don't believe in the Easter bunny, or the tooth fairy and Santa isn't really real either." I asked if they learned this in Church today.  They both said no. I said Santa is real, St. Nicolas is real he was a good man. Still taken off guard I asked why they thought this. They told me they kind of knew they just didn't know how to ask or what to say. WHAT, my heart totally sank. I am so glad my best friend was with me or I wouldn't have believed this conversation even took place.



At that moment I felt like such a hypocrite as a mother, it was such a surreal moment and these thoughts just passed through my mind as I was blankly walking to my car. Nodding at what my children were saying but not really paying attention to what they were talking about. Instead I was replaying all those years I told my boys one thing and had them do another. Do not  talk to strangers, but you can sit on  Santa's  lap and tell him everything that you want for Christmas, not to get candy from strangers but it was ok to go trick or treating in our neighborhoods and eat the candy, there is no such thing as monsters but the tooth fairy will give you money for your tooth she will go under your pillow at night while your sleeping and take the tooth, I am a hypocrite!


Later this evening I asked my oldest to elaborate on what and why he was lead to believe that these things are not real. I felt I could try to redeem myself for all the lies I lead him and his brother to believe all these years. He told me that coming from his fathers house he asked his father point blank, are all these real, the Easter Bunny, Santa, the Tooth Fairy and he wanted a scientific explanation if they were. My oldest is 11. His father told him the truth without calling me to tell me so I didn't look like an idiot. I took it better than his father did, his father was crying because he felt it was a rite of passage kind of when your child no longer believes. A quoted is father in saying, " And poof the magic of your childhood is gone and what are you left with?" My son then blew me away by saying, Magic mommy, there is no magic. My childhood was great and I appreciate all you did and I have more years to go, but the real prize is Jesus Christ. Thank you for allowing me to go to church when I am with you mommy. I am not let down by the "magic" of things the real thing mommy is that Jesus died for us on the cross and saved us. Don't worry mommy I didn't tell M about it he just figured it out by going to church. He knows there is no Easter bunny and tooth fairy, do you want me to keep Santa a secret?



I cried and cried and cried after my boys were in bed. It comes down to being honest with your children. I Realized how could I be honest with them if I tricked them all these years? The magic of childhood is not lost because of a 6ft tall bunny leaving candy at your door or Santa leaving you presents by your tree. Its the memories that make their childhood magical. The real lesson learned today was from my children. There is no magic in life there is only reality. They taught me the biggest lesson today. How mature they were and how matter of fact they were about the truth, something I tried to, in away device them with.

The Happy Handle Bar Shopping Cart Cover ~ Review

My friend Shelby kindly gave me a Happy Handle Bar Shopping Cart Cover. After a recent status update on Facebook where I asked if anyone had a shopping cart cover? I have highchair ones, however not one for the shopping cart. When Shelby told me she had one I was so elated. Being so paranoid about germs and my son always wanting to buck his head on the handle bar I was relieved when she said she had one I could have. When I received it I was kind of surprised, it wasn't what I thought it would be. It turned out to be completely different and I loved it.

I have to be honest it took me a few seconds to figure it out. Once the " Happy Handle Bar Shopping Cart Cover" was in place It made shopping so much easier. My son being seven months old loves to put his mouth on everything. Despite those sanitary wipes that you can use to wipe off the cart, which do a good job at cleaning the handle bars, I really don't want my son sucking on the handle bars with his mouth after I wipe it down. To call poison control would be one more thing to do on an already long list of to dos'.  I didn't have to bring my diaper bag in along with my purse, toys, snacks, sippy cup, coupons, car keys. I was able to bring in coupons and keys and place them in one compartment and the babies snacks in another along with my purse. This made my shopping so much calmer and less hectic.


The manager at Ralphs came over to check out The Happy Handle Bar Shopping Cart Cover, and he wasn't the only one, other moms asked me about this as well.

My son was so happy with all the attention he was getting along with being able to sit up in the seat rather being in his car-seat because I was paranoid with all the germs. This product took that worry away and I would recommend it to other parents not only does it protect against germs the  handle bar is soft and there is a place for toys, drinks, and a snack. Now if they could only make other things this easy.

The price is not too bad and would make a great baby shower gift, birthday gift for a little one (that mom/dad would really appreciate). Its machine washable and you can watch the video on line at the link above for a step by step tutorial on how to use it.

The price has already been paid

 Today is good Friday and It started out by joyfully volunteering at an event my church hosted. My middle child "M" and I helped with the craft table for two hours. I was blown away when I saw my son in action. He really took this position of helping others and was a leader. This for me was something to watch, normally I get negative feedback from my son and told he just bounces off the walls. Today he  was so well behaved and so willing to help. At this event after he finished with the craft table and did the egg hunt, he noticed a little girl didn't have any eggs and he without being told gave them to this girl. He also gave his candy away and it was just so neat to see my son being so selfless. I saw him in a new light today and I like it. "M" told me he  wants to volunteer his time in the childcare room at our church and I can't say no, what a good way to teach my children to serve and to be a sold out servant. Well its actually my son teaching me, through Christ he hast taught me a lot during my sanctification. It's so neat to watch your child transform before your eyes, when you as a parent haven't always been a Christian and watching your child's heart soften as you grown in your walk is unbelievable, hard to describe but such a wonderful feeling. That seems like such a weak work for what I am trying to express.

It was also nice to see one of my friends Jenny who I have not seen in over 10 years at this event. Gotta love Facebook. She brought her two adorable boys. My friend Jenny is a Christian and she was years ago, even though I thought I was until last year when I truly understood what it meant to be a Christian. To repent, turn from sin and give your life to Christ. For my high school graduation present Jenny bought me the book Passion and Purity. It was nice seeing Jenny even if it was for a brief moment. It brought back so many wonderful memories and I can't wait to create more in our new chapter or our lives.

After the event my friend Shelby and I went to In-N-Out Burger, where I was in need of their cheeseburgers and delicious french fries to quench my hunger. It hit the spot. After that I went back to my friends house because our children manipulated really wanted to have a play date. My friend the wonderful hostess opened her home and we had a great time. I always enjoy spending time with her and her children.

From there we went to our Good Friday service. Such a powerful message our Pastor did. Makes me fall more in love with our Savior who paid the price for us and died on the cross. My son "M" was equally excited when he left his class to tell me about Jesus and what he learned about Good Friday. As I was trying to find some new traditions to do with my children in addition to coloring eggs, Glitterful Felt Stories shared a great treat that incorporated Jesus and his resurrection. It revolves around food so how could I not resist reading about it. This might be a new tradition in the J.A.M House, making  Resurrection biscuits for Easter.

Enjoy!

Blessings,
Adrianne

Mark Poulin Jewelry Giveaway

As I am starting my blogging venture in this great big cyber world, I see the opportunities are endless. I can make a craft, bake a cake, put my name in to win a prize, get parenting advice, I could go on and on and on. As I was surfing this bad boy I came across this  blog called "A delicious obsession".  What captivated me to read on was the title. As I am a food person when I see anything with the words, delicious and obsession I know it must be good, right? When I looked I saw that she was doing a giveaway and well I couldn't resist. I wanted to share with you my fellow bloggers. I might be small now in the blogger world but I assure you I will be mighty. Please take a look  at the giveaway, its for Mark Poulin jewelry. What girl doesn't like jewelry? Just click on the link "A delicious obsession and BAM you're there and can enter. I hope you win, but I secretly hope I do too! Best of luck to you my bloggy buddies. Oh and if you do enter to win please tell me what you picked should you be a lucky winner. I stated that if I should be so lucky to win, I would love the sea turtle!!!!

When gravity and age are no longer on your side

I have noticed since I joyfully joined the thirty something group two years ago I noticed two things:

1) Dimples in some places are not cute.

2) Things are much lower than I noticed them to be before.

I started working out again and I have to admit I have been lackadaisical about the whole thing.  I have been going three – four times a week. Nothing scheduled just 30-60 minutes on the elliptical and I would alternate days and areas I would train.  I have not lost that much weight only, 7lbs. Again that word comes into play; lackadaisical!  I need to start being OCD with this whole life style change. I guess I will be patient but every time I try to be patient while jump-starting my healthy eating regime: its seems to me that all the sweet, salty, fatty, calorie indulging goodness is ridiculously on sale!  I have literally debated going to over eaters anonymous to curb this sweet tooth, but the only thing that stopped me is they might not serve food at the meeting! I needed an intervention today I was on a SEEfood binge this afternoon, everything I saw I ate. It was bad I ate all my kids Easter candy, the jellybeans, except the black and green ones, does that count? I wanted to bake a cake and eat it, the only thing that stopped me,  my children dyed 5 dozen eggs on Monday. I only had one egg to bake with, you can’t bake a cake with one egg? If you can, please tell me where I can get that recipe. After drinking tons of water and talking myself away from eating the frosting I realized its ok to indulge just be creative and healthy about it.

 

Tonight I am indulging with scrumptious apples with caramel and for the salty side I am cracking open pistachios. Good way to get your sweet and salty groove on. As I binge from time to time I realize its ok and sporadic is good, it just can’t be all the time. My body is not as young as it use to be and my metabolism is stagnant. I will find my stomach muscles one day; maybe under the donuts I will soon been consuming!

 

Until then I want to hear your favorite healthy recipes. You know the ones that are secretly good for you but taste as if they are dangerously consumed by empty calories!

 

Our Seder Dinner

Yesterday my boys and I celebrated passover at my mothers house. I have been doing this for the last 16 years, and through the years I have been able to share this with my children. Even though this is not my religion this my heritage, I am big on tradition and passing it down to my children. Here is some information if you would like a further detail of what Passover is and why we celebrate it.

Our place setting

                   

The ten plagues

                                                                    Blood

                                                                     Frogs

                                                                      Lice

                                                          Beasts/ Cattle
                                                         Disease

                                                                      Boils

                                                                Hail

                                                                 Locusts

                                                                Darkness

                                                              Plague of the
                                                              first born

Happy Passover!

Lets get fresh for a moment

I have been eating at souplantation for the last month. I have eaten there so many times that I know the waitstaff and management. My children love going with me and they get seconds and thirds. I can't say I mind as souplantaion is a salad bar filled with all the fixings for a salad, they have a variety of soups, breads, three pasta dishes and ice cream....oh and there is more, like Jello and small sides like that. The food is made fresh daily. Love all this fresh talking!  I love to indulge in their salad bar, the best part is getting stuffed and then realizing you stuffed yourself with all healthy things. I mean who can beat getting stuffed with fresh greens and not feeling guilty later? Even if you had pasta and a muffin its still "Jean friendly". The reason I am able to go to souplantation regularly is the coupons I find online. I  joined "club veg" at www.souplantation.com, they send you coupons monthly. I also get my coupons at www.coupondivas.com. I can't beat it and my wallet doesn't fill light after my sweet indulgence.

My Kids love  placing this card down when they go create their "SALAD"piece

                                 
"J" loves club veg!

                    

                                                         

I love their salads, the combination's are endless.

                                   

My older two loved the salad, not as much as their mommy did, but they enjoyed the freshly made; breads, mac 'n' cheese, soups, and baked potatoes. They even have a potato bar with all the fixings to make the most of your spud!

The ending, even their ice cream is so creamy. They have mini ice cream cones if you would like. Their sundae bar has everything to make your sundae into a "fun"day!

 

We'll be Ripe back before you know it!"

                                      The final rating we give you five tomatoes!!!

                                      

                                                              

POP goes the kernel

From the time my mother married my stepfather, it seems like we started having traditions. Not the big formal traditions but small traditions that add up to BIG family memories. One particular memory that I love and I incorporate in my household is, family movie night. Every Saturday we do this, for less than $10 I look like a star and we are sharing a memory that I hope my boys incorporate in their household, many many many many many many years down the road.

We start with Redbox, who can beat a $1.00 movie rental, excuse me $1.10 a night with tax. Only draw back, they might not always have the movie you want at that location. Added bonus they also sell games there as well. If you wanted to have a game night! Those are $2.10 a night. After my family decides on a movie (and if we can't decide on one, I splurge and get two, that's when the crowd goes wild), the next stop going to the store to get the best microwaved popcorn.


A couple weeks ago we bought Pop  Secret ~ Movie Theater Butter. I have to give it a thumbs up, cant' wait to see the next flavor my boys get. We bought two boxes because they were on sale. Next staple to make this mission complete.... Candy. Candy to eat alone or add to the popcorn. Sweet & Salty goodness. My friend introduced me to the combination of popcorn and candy, and since then I have been hooked.

My middle child "M" wanted to get M&M's for our candy treat because he said we were having a mommy and "M" moment. I thought that was fair enough.

                        We used a variety of  M&M's, coconut, pretzel, plain, and peanut.

 

Then "M" likes to mix the candy in the popcorn. Making sure there is a pattern and equal amountsare dispersed along the popcorn with the appropriate pattern of the flavored M&M.

The end review, two thumbs up and huge kisses for mommy and memories to be cherished for years to come.  I want to share  something with you that someone shared with me. If you go to Redbox and  before you begin if you click on promo code and type in BREAKROOM, you get a free movie rental.

What are some of your family traditions that you do for a family fun night?

                                    

HI

Well I'm here....again. I had a blog a couple of years ago and I deleted it. I never thought that I would actually be blogging again. I always talked about it but I never was serious about it. My friends have blogs and they love it.

I can't wait to start blogging away. I choose the name Mommy 2 Jam as those are the initials to my sweet boys.

I am going to give this a try and see what happens. Clearly I need a refresher coarse as I was trying to update my name I created another blog. Oh wish me luck on this venture.

Cheers!

Mommy 2 J.A.M.