Steampunk costume review

I absolutely love being a part of the Costume Reviewers group. I get to try out various costumes and let you know where to find them! This time, I went with Steampunk Girl costume. Costume Supercenter has them for $42.39 when you use the promo code: x20 at checkout. 

I love to cosplay. To be another character for a little while. Whether it's for a comic event, Halloween with the kids, or just because with my kiddos, I love the chance to dress up. We let our imaginations run wild around here. 

I've been getting into steampunk recently. Blame watching the new series, Steampunk'd if you want. The costumes are amazing. Gears and goggles are nothing new to me. I had a friend that wore goggles to school all the time. Just because. And he was AWESOME! Steampunk is as though the beautiful Victorian style clashed with a flair from the future. Want the actual definition? "Steampunk refers to a subgenre of science fiction and sometimes fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery." 
This costume follows that idea. And it's adorable! Made from your standard costume materials, it's comfortable and breathes well. I'm surprised at how much detail it has.To make it more authentic in the steampunk fashion, it's going to need some modifications though. The hat gets squashed and collapses under the pressure of the goggles band.

The goggles are cool, but eventually I shall want to replace them with real goggles.

These can't be worn to see through as they are solid plastic.

The skirt is a hi-lo style that could use a slight crinoline-type underskirt.

A tutu would work just as well. The strings on the hat and top of the dress are cheap ropes that could be better as ribbon.

Add a pair of glovelettes to bring the charm.

They are comfortable and fit well.
As far as your average costumes go, this one rocks! The sizing is pretty accurate. I'm an 8/10, medium up top, so I ordered the Medium. Fits everywhere like a glove. 
Check around too as there are always sales or coupon codes to the site to help save even more. 

Miles from Tomorrowland toy review

I love being a House Party blogger. I get to review some fun stuff at times, for free! My most recent one is the Miles from Tomorrowland Tomy toys.

I was going to have a party, but some of the children invited got sick.

So instead I sent them toys to cheer them up in their recovery. I also made them Blodger Blop cupcakes. 

He's a friend of Miles Calisto, the main character in the Disney TV show. 

They had the following to say about the toys: "Eric... age 17 has the galactic miles and says he likes the style of it. The futuristic style drew him to it even though he's a big kid, he wants to play with it.

Qwentin, age 9 has the super stellar miles and likes it because of the colors of the character and the style of the bike.

Ma'Leah, age 8 has Pipp and says he looks like a cool character. It's cool that he can fly.

Za'Riah, age 4 has Loretta. She likes her board and she likes that her arms move and you can play with her."

Tomorrowland is the futuristic place where space exploration takes humans out into our galaxy and provides homes on rocketships or other planets. It promotes the desire for kids to study space and those who travel in it. While learning about the earth is important, I like having my kids learn about why lies beyond our planet. What better way than to have a cartoon family that goes out exploring together? 

I made, or tried to make, fruit rocket kabobs. 

I also made hot dog rockets and space rock meatballs.  

Just something fun for them to chow down on while we had a good time playing with the toys. 

I built a cardboard box rocket

and used old juice bottles to make them a jet pack. 

The toy pack was such a joy to open! So many wonderful things that I got to share. Freely give as you are freely given, right?! 

Before I could even get them out of the packages, my kids were enjoying them... 

Once they came out of the packages, the true fun could begin. These toys are strong, light up, make sounds and add a higher level to their imagination while pretending they are the Calisto family blasting off on a new journey. The Stellosphere (their spaceship, otherwise known as Stella) does have issues opening some compartments and doors. It gets stuck sometimes. But everything else is blastastic! 

So, let's rocket! And explore something new. 

Olde Westport Spice and Trading Co review

Being a part of the US Family Guide Mom bloggers gives me the chance to try all kinds of things to write reviews on. My most recent and favorite one is the Olde Westport Spice and Trading Co spices that were sent to me.

They have mixes that make various dishes easier. Takes the guess work out of what spices to use together. 
The first one I used was the Championship Chili Spice Blend. Its gluten free and had a great chili recipe on the back. It had a mild flavor when you compare it to normal Texas chili spice. 

Definitely has a strong chili pepper flavor though. I loved how bold it was. It's a great family meal that won my children's approval. I did prefer mine with hot sauce though. 

Olde Bill's Favorite Chili

You will need: 
2 lbs of lean ground beef (or turkey) 
15 ounce can tomato sauce
1 can of water
1 package of Chili seasoning
16 can of beans, drained and rinsed (red, black or pinto work best)

In a saucepan, brown the ground beef, drain well. Stir in tomato sauce, water and seasoning pack. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring often. Lower heat, cover, simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans. Simmer an additional 10 minutes or until heated through. Add salt to taste. 
I also added bell pepper, onions, chopped tomatoes and green onions. 

Three Rivers Chili Verde had an excellent recipe that complimented a plate of rice to the fullest. It was amazing. Creamy, tangy and new. The kids weren't a fan, but I'd love to make this again for guests. It's quick and easy too. You can serve it with rice, pasta or even a baked potato. 

Easy Creamy Green Chili Chicken Soup

What you need:
1 (26 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 (11 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
2 (13 oz) cans cooked chicken breast meat, drained
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk (1 1/2 cups 2% milk)
2 (4 oz) cans diced green chili peppers (1 cup)
1 package Olde Westport Chili Verde Mix

Add all ingredients into a heavy saucepan, stir until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, lower heat, cover, simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

I modified this recipe just a bit by adding diced tomatoes. 

They also sent me the Garlic Shake and the Mesquite seasoning. I made some pan fried pork chops.

They were delicious! Each kind was flavorful. The garlic shake was the perfect blend for a casserole I made too. 

I mixed it with the chicken first. 

Definitely worth checking out if you're a foodie looking for a perfect mix. 

Label your personal belongings!

School has begun for most of the country. Backpack toting, lunchbox carrying, pencil box using kids are settling in to class to crank up the old thinker. As parents, we put quite a bit of money into preparing them for school. Buying them supplies and clothing to assist them in their educational adventure. 
We have to make sure our investments last though. One way to do that is to label our child's belongings.

Having a name and number on things let's everyone else who might come in contact with it, know who the owner is.

Whether your child is in band, athletics, or just the regular school routine, there are things they have to bring in on a regular basis.

Label those bags and equipment! Label Daddy has so many packages to choose from as well types of labels to fit your needs. 

"Save 20% on Label Daddy labels! Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings! Remember to label all clothing, sports equipment, electronics, and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, vacation, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep them from getting lost or mixed up with others. 

These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels! Pick from tons of colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide.

Save 20% on your entire Label Daddy order - this is the best discount available anywhere. Use code USFAMILY20 at checkout. http://www.usfamily20.labeldaddy.com"