Blogiversary!!!!

Be on the lookout!!!!

 

December 28th will be a

day to celebrate!

 

Motor Mouth Speaks is 1 year old and I will be celebrating with

giveaways throughout the day!

 

This is not something you want to miss!!!

 

 

Merry Christmas!!!!!

 

Track Santa's Trip

 

My kids love tracking Santa's trip around the world.

His trip has already began and you can track his progress as well.

Be sure to get the kids involved and just in case you get lots of questions as kids tend to ask....

Here are some legit answers!!

How long has NORAD been tracking Santa?

NORAD’s predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), began tracking Santa in 1955. NORAD replaced CONAD in 1958 and took over the mission of tracking Santa’s flight around the world, and they have been tracking Santa every year since!

 

Why does NORAD track Santa?

Twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year, NORAD tracks airplanes, missiles, space launches and anything else that flies in or around the North American continent, while also completing some other very important missions. While the tradition of tracking Santa began purely by accident, NORAD continues to track Santa. We’re the only organization that has the technology, the qualifications, and the people to do it. And, we love it! NORAD is honored to be Santa’s official tracker!

Is there a Santa Claus?

Mountains of historical data and more than 50 years of NORAD tracking information leads us to believe that Santa Claus is alive and well in the hearts of people throughout the world.

How old is Santa?

It’s hard to know for sure, but NORAD intelligence indicates Santa is AT LEAST 16 centuries old.

How can Santa travel the world within 24 hours?

NORAD intelligence reports indicate that Santa does not experience time the way we do. His trip seems to take 24 hours to us, but to Santa it might last days, weeks or even months. Santa would not want to rush the important job of delivering presents to children and spreading joy to everyone, so the only logical conclusion is that Santa somehow functions within his own time-space continuum.

Does NORAD have any statistics on Santa’s sleigh?

NORAD can confirm that Santa’s sleigh is a versatile, all weather, multi-purpose, vertical short-take-off and landing vehicle. It is capable of traveling vast distances without refueling and is deployed, as far as we know, only on December 24th (and sometimes briefly for a test flight about a month before Christmas).

Has Santa ever crashed into anything when he was flying around the world?

Santa has been flying for centuries without hitting anything. He must be a great pilot!

Short on Time? No problem!!

I have absolutely fallen in love with Kroger Skillet Meals. I put together a great dinner very easily with Kroger Skillet meals, Garlic Bread, and a salad kit. All from Kroger at a great price! For a family of five this was a great choice for a short on time kinda night.

Everyone need a simple meal idea for those Holiday nights when you just have to cook something with no time to spend in the kitchen.

Three simple ingredients....

One great meal!!!

• Ready in just 10 minutes, each Kroger Skillet meal contains at least two servings per bag and 20 grams, or more, of protein per serving
• Enjoy a wide variety of authentic Italian flavors including NEW Tuscan-Style Penne, Sausage Rigatoni, Penne with Grilled Chicken and many more!
• Also available in delicious NEW Asian and Mexican varieties like Shrimp Lo Mein or Chicken Fajitas
• Create a complete meal by pairing Kroger Skillet Meals with your favorite sides, such as Kroger Garlic Bread, and Fresh Selections Salad Kits

Disclaimer: I received the items mentioned free from bzzagent. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.


That crazy Elf!

Christmas Countdown

I found a great idea for our Elf, Cookie Plum Pants, on another great blog.
East Coast Mommy Blog has been sharing lots of great ideas for that crazy Elf everyone loves to hate.
I think it is a great idea and has been so fun having an Elf at our house this year. My kids are getting older and it is getting harder to convince them of the magic of the Holiday season. This little guy has made it so fun for me as well as them. They have seen Cookie get into lots of mischief and have even "grown" cupcakes.

Tomorrow morning I have a feeling Cookie will be bringing some Elf Donuts.
If your Elf would like some donuts just go here!
 

Don't forget the four legged friends!

Christmas Countdown

A little history

 

 

John Paul Pet – pet care with a salon pedigree.
30 years ago John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems, revolutionized the professional salon industry by banning animal testing for his line of hair products. John Paul’s in-depth expertise in hair and skin care formulations also led to research in new standards for pet grooming and hygiene, which lead to the creation of John Paul Pet shampoos, conditioners, sprays and pet wipes.
John Paul Pet shampoos and conditioners are pH balanced so they don’t irritate sensitive pet skin and the entire line is “tested on humans first” to ensure effectiveness and safety for all pets. John Paul Pet actively supports programs benefiting all animals, including Best Friends Animal Society, The Morris Animal Foundation, PAWS, The California Wildlife Association, The Humane Society of the United States, as well as numerous Humane Society of America and SPCA events, pet rescue organizations and pet charities nationwide.

 

My Story

John Paul Pets has been so gracious to allow me to review their products.

I did try the John Paul Pet Grooming Pack and The Ultra Bright Pack.

The ultra bright pack worked great on my English Bulldog.

He loves to roll in the mud and get all dirty. Due to his sensitive skin I like to be careful

when choosing products to bathe him with.

These products didn't seem to irritate him at all. As you can see in the above picture he was nice and white. He couldn't wait to roll in the dirt again though.

It is a never ending battle.

 

As for the Grooming kit... I love the products and will be sharing this kit with my little sister, Taffy Lou.

Pictured Below...

She, too, can be very sensitive as well as have some tangles which makes bathing not so much fun for her. This it includes a brush, waterless shampoo, and conditioner. The perfect little kit for her.

 

John Paul Pets has also agreed to join in the giveaway on Dec 28th.

So stay tuned!!!

 

Disclaimer: I received the products mentioned above free to review. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own and I would not recommend a product I didn't believe would be good for my readers.

A Story Of love and Chocolate

Christmas Countdown

 

 

A Story of Love and Chocolate

Guy Foubert - born in 1938 in Sint-Niklaas - was a passionate Belgian chocolatier making handmade chocolate truffles.
The story of Chocolaterie Guylian began in the late 1950’s with the marriage of Guy Foubert and Liliane. Guy and Liliane joined their names in our company name: Chocolaterie Guy-lian. Guy soon realised that the world was ready for something totally new. On which the young couple created for the first time chocolates in the shape of seashells. Guy developed the recipe of our signature hazelnut praliné filling; Lilliane added the artistic touch by designing the shining marbled look and the delicately sculptured shapes. A true love story of romance and chocolate.



Guylian Chocolates has been gracious enough to allow me to review some of their products.

These are the yummiest chocolates I have ever tasted. Believe me, I have tasted a LOT of chocolate.

They are so delicate yet rich and creamy. I love the creamy center on these beautifully crafted seashell and seahorse shaped treats.

What makes Guylian Belgian chocolate the best in the world?

• Guylian is made with 100 % Belgian chocolate
• We combine artisanal craftsmanship and time-honoured Belgian chocolate-making techniques alongside high tech production techniques.
• We use only the finest ingredients for our chocolate and fillings.
• We hold Belgium’s tradition and chocolate heritage in high regard.
• Our chocolate always has a well-balanced set of flavours that develop gradually, but also endure for a full sensory experience

 

The website shows many different boxes of yummy goodness to be able to purchase for yourself or give as a gift to someone you know would love these delicate little treasures.

 

As you can see, we did try these chocolates and by the way, between my husband and kids this box is long gone. They just don't know how to enjoy a chocolate to savor every minute.

 

Guess what?!?!?!

Guylian Chocolates was also gracious enough to join in the giveaway on Dec 28th!!!

Stay tuned that will be a great day!!!

Disclaimer: I received the products mentioned above free to review. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own and I would not recommend a product I didn't believe would be good for my readers. 

Cool Gear Abyss Bottle Review

I found this great company, Cool Gear, online. They carry many different style of reusable water bottle. I love a lot of their great styles and would love to own a few more. They were nice enough to send me one of their Abyss Bottle for free to review.

 

I love this cup. If you were to see me you would see I always have a cup of ice water in my hand. I have to have super cold ice water all the time.

 This Abyss Bottle made that so easy for me to work and have a full bottle. I could fill it and sip all day without my water warming too much. I use the inner ice tube as well as tossing in a few ice cubes.

 

 

This is a great design, however, I would love a little bit bigger straw. I feel this straw is a little narrow for my comfort but that may just be a personal preference. I do like the larger rings on the straw that prevents it from slipping out of the lid. That is a nice touch.

Disclaimer: I received the products mentioned above free to review. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own and I would not recommend a product I didn't believe would be good for my readers.

 

Don't be afraid to mix it up!

Christmas Countdown

I have the perfect gift for teacher, neighbor, family friend,

 or just that one random person you forgot to buy for.

I love homemade treasures.

Especially ones you can personalize yourself.

I used to always buy those prepackaged trail mixes until that one day

I ended up with a bag full of peanuts!

I decided then I would stop wasting my money on stuff I don't really want, not to mention all the additives they put into the prepackaged crap.

So I started making my own mixes with fresh ingredients that I chose

specifically for me!

 

 

I have come across a company Trixi's Treasures that is determined to help people make healthier choices. Trixi’s Treasures  specializes in creating healthy, easy to prepare mixtures, called Shantelyn Treasure Dust Mixtures.

 

What is a Shantelyn Treasure Dust Mixture?  It is a 100% all natural powder mixture that you cook with one cup of oil or butter.  Then, bake onto your favorite types of cereals, crackers, cookies, chips, pretzels, dried fruits, nuts, etc.  It creates a unique “sweet, salty, savory” flavor and adds a light crunchy coating to each piece.  All of our varieties of Shantelyn Treasure Dust Mixtures are 100% all natural and contain no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or GMO’s, and are also gluten-free.

 

 

I was able to try some of their premade mixes for this review and they have a nice mixture of ingredients. I love the flavor. A little sweet and a little savory. But like I said before..... I would love it better to be able to mix my own.

Thankfully, the dust is available to purchase and super easy to flavor your own mix. 

 

 

So, I have gotten off topic here! As I was saying...

you could mix up some of this delicious mix and package it up really cute with a beautiful bow

and give it to that someone who was left off the list as a last minute gift!

 

 This one I have thrown together for a special teacher!

Oh .....one more thing!

 My blogiversary is coming up and on that day

 lots of prizes will be given.

Trixi's Treasures is generous enough to allow one reader a chance to try out a variety pack of their mix for free! 

  So stay tuned!!!!!

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I received the products above free for review. I was not compensated for this post. My opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

The Best Cookies Ever!!!!

Christmas Countdown

Everyone needs cookies for Christmas. Santa likes cookies, mom likes cookies, dad likes cookies, grandpa likes cookies (even though Dr says he shouldn't), 

and nobody can argue about grandmas cookies!
I think, well, I thought I made the best cookies ever....

That is until I tried Bart's Cookies!

 I have always thought of cookies as little flat pieces of sweet dough flavored with your favorite morsels. These cookies are far from flat, but they are definitely flavored with my favorite morsels.

These cookies are baked by Bart HIMSELF!

He started baking back in his college days and has perfected the art of baking these little bites of heaven!

I received a dozen +2 to try out and review, like he doesn't already know these are the best cookies around!

There are many varieties to choose from:

Milk Chocolate Chip

Dark Chocolate Chip

Milk + Dark Chocolate Chip

White Chocolate Chip

White Chocolate Chip + Macadamia Nuts

Peanut Butter + Milk Chocolate Chips

and Gluten Free!!!!

I got the White Chocolate + Macadamia Nuts

and the Peanut Butter + Milk Chocolate Chip.

 

They are soooooooooooo good I don't want to stop!

I have to share with the kids so I better not eat them all. They love trying out new yummy goodies just like I do!  I took the pictures with that bottle of nail polish to show just how plump these little guys are. That is NOT a tiny bottle either. Oh and did I mention these are the B-Bites? These are the little cookies! Take a look at this video for the comparison of the B-Mo's and the B-Bites.

 

 

 OH One more thing!!!! Bart is generous enough to allow one reader a chance to try out a dozen of these delicious cookies for free! As you all know..... My blogiversary is coming up and on that day lots of prizes will be given. Including one from Bart's Cookies! So stay tuned!!!!!

 

 

Disclaimer: I received these cookies free to review! My opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

Elf on The Shelf and His Magic Seeds

Our little elf Mr. Cookie Plum-Pants has been quite busy since coming to stay with us.

He has gone fishing in the fish tank, 

played the Xbox one,

and brought some magic seeds for the girls to plant.

The little seeds look like little tiny Christmas Trees.

 

 

The seeds came with some very simple instructions from the big guy himself.  

Plant in Sugar

Sprinkle with Snow

Wait for the Magic

See what Grows

My lovely girls were so excited to plant the seeds

so we did so right away!!!

 

Since we live in Tennessee, there is no real snow so they made their own

little tiny snowflakes from paper and sprinkled on top of the seeds

 that were so delicately planted

in a muffin pan with sugar base for each seed.

They are dreading sleep but hoping the magic will work overnight!

Wowza!!!! It worked!!!

 

Gifts in a jar!

Christmas Countdown

I have a crazy obsession with mason jars!

I make my own "Redneck WineGlasses", and I also love just the jars themselves.
Mason jars are perfect for holiday gift giving since there are so many different things you can do with them.
I am going to share with you all a few ideas I have found around the web of amazing ideas for gifts in a jar!
The first one I have for you is the Reindeer Cookie Mix from The Home Heart

This can be done with many different cookie recipes. The key is to layer the ingredients to show great contrast.

 

I just love this one from Play as U Go and it is so simple!

 

Remember It is the little embellishments that make the difference! I love ribbons and tags.

 

I also found some super cute tags at The Country Chic Cottage

 

 

 

And of course all of the gifts do not have to be edible.

There is also the Pamper Yourself Jar from Milk Bubble Tea

 

 

And for the Big Spender in your life....

Maybe suggest a savings plan!

Easily print out this weekly savings plan and this super cute homemade jar should help them start on the road to saving!

 

Well folks there ya have it! Gifts in a jar! So easy and inexpensive but yet very cute to give as a gift for anyone!

 

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

 

 

Gift Basket Giveaway!!!!

 

Christmas Countdown

 

 I love creating gift baskets! Although sometimes I feel like a cheapskate, I love making them and finding little goodies to include and make a fun themed basket.

My creativity does run out though. I usually end up stuck with a bunch of bath stuff and goodies left over from baskets in the process that never were given out.

I did find a great company, Kernel Seasonings that does have some super delish popcorn seasoning.

Guess what???

They create gift baskets themed and ready to go!

These baskets are reasonably priced and can be shipped directly to the recipient.

They were gracious enough to send me one and allow me to give one away, as well, to one lucky reader.

 

 

Most of my giveaways for this month will come on my blogiversary for this month, but I am going to go ahead and start this quick giveaway as a teaser for what is to come later on.

 

Go check out Kernel Seasonings website and facebook page.

 Be sure to tell em Motor Mouth sent you!!!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I received the items mention in this post for free to review.

All expressed opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

Hershey's Spread the Possibilities

I love love love Hot Cocoa on cold days. Who doesn't? What I love even more is some delicious Hershey's Chocolate. So of course I would jump on the chance to sample some Hershey's Chocolate Spread for Crowdtap.

 I had heard you could make hot cocoa out of this stuff so that is something I wanted to try.

It was very easy to make cocoa this way.

Just 2 ingredients and viola... cocoa!!!

I just used about a tbsp. spoon of Hershey's Spread and a cup of milk.

I pour a little milk into the pan with the spread over med heat until it was mixed well. Then I added the rest of the milk and kept a close eye on it until it came to my desired temp.

Then  pour into mug of your choice and sip to your little heart's content.

I tried this spread on toast and strawberries, as well as bagels for breakfast.

So I know I like it. By the way, look how smooth that stuff is on toast! Oh so creamy!!!!

There is no doubt at all that this stuff is yummy.

 

I think everyone should definitely try it out. Grab and jar and spread the possibilities.

 

 

Disclaimer: I received this product free to try out and review for Crowdtap. My opinions are all my own and not influenced in any way.

Yummy Snacks!!!

 

Christmas Countdown

 I have found some delicious snacks! These are the most perfect little bananas ever!

I have tried making chocolate covered bananas myself a long time ago but they did not turn out very well. I have always thought they would be so divine.

I was soooo right!

Diana's Bananas was so nice to send me some samples of their products to review for you all.

 

 

Of course I had to share with the kiddos and the hubby but there was not a single person in the entire house who did not enjoy these.

I had to allow mine to thaw slightly though as the bananas are quite hard!

But the kids just gnawed right through them.

I think these would be perfect for a fun little dessert to lay out for a little while for a holiday party!

They seem like they would hold up well long enough for everyone to have a taste without having to worry about them.

 

 

I tried the Banana Bites first becuae I just thought they looked cute and tasty.

I was right.... There was really nothing bad about any of these little cuties.

The chocolate was delish to.

 

Then of course there are the Banana Babies

covered in milk chocolate or

dark chocolate.  

These arrived via FedEx very quickly packed securely in a cooler.

I would definitely recommend these to anyone to even try a single pack just to have a little taste of childhood.

Check out Diana's Bananas Website and go "LIKE" their facebook page because they post deals everytime they have one!

 

 

Disclaimer: I received the products mentioned above free for review. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.



Fun Christmas Crafts

 

Christmas Countdown

 

 

We are always looking something fun to do with the kids and being around the holidays, things are no different. It can be very trying on a person's nerves when kids get all messy and make mess to clean up than is necessary. I have tried to find the most stress free crafts I could that are still very fun without creating the huge mess.

 

The first thing I have found that we will be doing is creating a Santa beard count down. Simply print out this picture and let the kids color it however they see fit. Then each day in December glue another cotton ball onto the beard.  There is a poem that goes along with this as well.
Santa's beard is very bare
On his chin, there is no hair.
So each day, add one puff so white.
And when they're all on,
He'll come that night.

The kids will also be making hand made cards for our local nursing home residents.  I used to work in a nursing home and it is very sad to see all those elderly people with no visitors or family. They are so delighted when kids come by to see them. I have lots of scrapbooking supplies that are perfect for creating Christmas cards.

And last but not least......
Gingerbread cookies are the most fun thing ever!

I love those little kits you can buy with the cookies premade and they include different kinds of candy. Those are perfect for no stress fun!

Set a trap and Catch the Big Guy- Adult Eyes Only (wink wink)

The proof is in the pudding they say....

I don't know why they say it but they do.

I know how hard it is to answer the kids' questions every year about Santa.

This year will be so much easier. We can simply show them the proof he was at your home!

It is a very simple process....

Just goto: http://iCaughtSanta.com

Use the code: #SantaShare (valid until 12-10-2013)

and you can get a picture of Santa in your very own home!

 

Here are a few examples

 

 Here is one at my house!!!!

 

There is also a giveaway check it out at this link.

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Our Very Own Elf on the Shelf

Christmas Countdown

There has been so much hype about Elves on Shelves my girls were hoping and praying and wishing Santa would send one to them for this Christmas......

 They were tickled to death when they woke up Dec 1 to see our very own little Elf sitting right under our tree. He isn't one of those creepy looking elves either!

This one is adorable!!!!

 

 

 He came with a letter from Santa telling the kids about him and his likelihood to get into trouble. He also saw our cute little tree and brought a few ornaments with him straight from the North Pole.

Since he is a new Elf my girl's are allowed to name him. They chose to call him

"Cookie Plum Pants"

After we searched Google for some good elf names.

 We are excited to see what great adventures our little Cookie has in store for us. and hopfully the girls will get a good report each night until Christmas!

 

 

Since we have had him a couple days now, He is already into so much mischief.
We have found him playing my new Xbox One and snacking on sweets!