Daddy Daughter Date- Cinderella Movie

Cinderella and Prince Charming

Ted took Lil' Miss to the movies, today. They went to see the new Cinderella movie. Of course. ;-P

Naturally, they just HAD to get all dressed up for the occasion. Good thing we just HAPPENED to have a Cinderella costume and Prince Charming costume in our closets.... Hee, hee, hee....! (You might remember them from our Halloween on the High Seas Cruise, a couple of years ago).

Katy reported back to me that she LOVED the movie!! Shocker, I know! Apparently, though, it's a pretty emotional movie. At least to a five year old. There is one scene where the *Spoiler* Stepmother smashes Cinderella's glass slipper and Lil' Miss got really teary eyed and sad.

After the movies, the duo went out for lunch. Subway- Katy's choice. So funny what kids choose!

Both reported back to me that they had lots of fun and would like to do it again, soon!

Sponsored Post by Moms Meet- Veri Soda

**Disclaimer-I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms MeetsSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

Veri Soda

Recently, I had the opportunity to sample and review Veri Soda for Moms Meet. 

We're not super huge soda drinkers, but it is nice for an occasional treat. Plus, I will admit that I almost ALWAYS want Sprite when my throat is scratchy. When we (Hubs and I) taste-tested Veri Soda straight from the can, we were really, really pleasantly surprised! Veri Soda tasted good! It was sweet (but not too sweet). It didn't taste artificial, it didn't taste too much like plain seltzer water and it didn't have a funny after-taste (like so many low-calorie, better-for-you sodas do). Hubby tried orange and I tried lemon lime. Both were very good- refreshing, even! I like that Veri Soda is naturally sweetened and uses real juice in it's ingredients. Plus, with only 60 calories ad can and no caffeine, it's not terrible as an occasional indulgence every once in a while.

Lemon Lime Veri Soda

Here's a little more information about Veri Soda, from their website, "The team at Veri is committed to crafting the world’s finest organic, low-calorie, soft drinks. They spent years crafting a line of soda that is made with the best organic ingredients, and is low in calories but also tastes like the real deal- how soda used to taste back in the good old days. Veri Soda has no harsh sweetness or overpowering carbonation; just delicious refreshing taste, and with only 60 calories per can and no artificial ingredients, it is a soda the whole family can enjoy. Try Veri Cola, Orange, Ginger Ale, or Lemon Lime."

Just the facts

• Veri Soda uses only the best quality organic, non-GMO ingredients in their line of USDA NOP-certified organic soda.

• Veri is sweetened with organic fruit juice, organic cane sugar, and organic stevia to deliver a refreshing soft drink with only 60 calories per can. The drinks are lightly carbonated, allowing you to really taste the flavor. Plus, there’s no harsh sweetness or lingering after-taste like most zero-calorie sodas.

• Veri Sodas have a “low glycemic load,” meaning you won’t have a sugar spike (or the dreaded crash after!).

• All Veri Sodas are caffeine free.

• Veri Soda is available in four flavors: Veri Cola, Veri Lemon Lime, Veri Orange, and Veri Ginger Ale.

• Veri Soda is available at select stores nationwide, with a suggested retail price of $4.99 for a four-pack.

About the flavors

• Veri Cola delivers the subtle taste of cola with hints of cinnamon and real lemon juice.

• Veri Orange is made with 12% real orange juice from oranges grown in Mexico and Turkey.

• Veri Lemon Lime is created with real juice from organic lemons and limes to deliver a truly refreshing taste.

• Veri Ginger Ale harnesses the flavor of Asian ginger and finds the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and light carbonation.

Veri Soda

As part of our review, we were asked to get "Veri Creative" and come up with a creative recipe that included Veri Soda. So, being in the South, I decided to do a tried and true Soda Pop Cake (otherwise known as Coca-Cola Cake). This was the perfect way to try out Veri Soda!

Here's the recipe that I used:

Veri Soda Cola Cake Ingredients 

(Not pictured, marshmallows. Oil is only shown because I used it to grease the pan.)

Veri Soda Cola Cake
Cake Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 Cola flavored Veri Soda
1 1/2 T cocoa powder
3/4 cups mini marshmallows
1 egg
1/4 milk
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 vanilla extract

Cake Boss ;-P

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour (I just use a bit of cocoa powder to flour, since it's a chocolate cake) a 9" diameter cake pan (or, square).
Mix together the flour and sugar.
In a saucepan, combine the Veri Soda, cocoa powder, marshmallows and butter. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and whisk in the flour mixture.

"Whisk it- whisk it good!"

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, baking soda and vanilla.
Then, mix together with the Veri Soda mixture.
Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes.

While the cake is baking, make the frosting.
Frosting Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
3 T Veri Soda
1/2 T cocoa powder
1/2 lb. powdered sugar

To make the frosting, bring the butter, Veri Soda and cocoa powder to boil over medium heat. Stir in powdered sugar and mix well. Pour over the cake while both the cake and frosting are still warm. Let cool before cutting and serving.

Veri Soda Cola Cake

Lil' Miss got in on the baking action and was an eager helper. Of course, she was my official "taste tester" and she gave our Veri Soda Cola Cake a big thumbs up!

Veri Soda Cola Cake gets a big thumbs up from Lil' Miss!

Connect with Veri Soda:

Website- verisoda.com

Facebook- facebook.com/VeriSoda

Twitter- twitter.com/VeriSoda

Adventures in Spelling (Cont.)

Kindergarten registration is right around the corner and Lil' Miss continues to learn new things, daily. She's getting pretty good at sounding things out- the upside of an auditory learner! The newest words that she can both spell and read are as follows:

-The
-I
-A
-To
-Is
-My
-Go
-Me
-Like
-On
-In
-So
-We
-It
-And
-Up
-At
-See

And, just because.... she can also spell "Lionel." NOT as in the place where Daddy works. Rather, as in one of the characters in Fancy Nancy. Go figure! ;-P

Wordless Wednesday- A Girl and Her Chopsticks....and her Onions, too....!

"If You're Happy and You Know It..."

"If you're happy and you know it..."

"...then your face will surely show it..."

"...if you're happy and you know it..."

"...clap your hands!!"

Katy's Favorite Word

After reading (yet another) Fancy Nancy book, Katy has decided that her new favorite word is, "Famished." As in, "Mother, can I have a snack? I'm FAMISHED!!!" (Yes, she calls me "Mother."). Or, "When is dinner? I'm absolutely FAMISHED...!"

Drama, much?! ;-P

I kid you not- she has used those- and more!- exact words in the course of the last week. At least I can be satisfied with the knowledge that she knows how to use all these big, "Fancy" words in the right contexts....

Sewing Pattern Testing- Made for Mermaids- Sophie Dress Add-On

Back in November, I had the opportunity to test Made for Mermaids' Sophie Dress PDF sewing pattern. Then, in December, Made for Mermaids had a sew-along that I participated in, using the Sophie Dress. Since then, I've made at least half a dozen Sophie Dress- including a Dolly Sophie Dress for Lil' Miss' Samantha Doll!

Well, the talent and brains behind Made for Mermaids, Megan, is at it again with an add-on pack to the already fabulous Sophie Dress!

Here's what the Sophie Dress Add-On includes:
-Directions/pattern pieces to do Short sleeves, Cuff Sleeves Cap Sleeves and Flutter Sleeves.
-Directions/pattern pieces to do a Sweetheart neckline, a ruffle bodice.
-Directions and measurements to do ruffle hem (on the skirt).
-Directions and measurements to make the Sophie Dress into a tunic.
-Pattern pieces are no-trim (which means there is less cutting- yay!).

The Sophie Dress Add-On is very versatile! I had lots of fun sewing up two different versions for this quick test. Both dresses are size five.

Sophie Dress Add-On Dress 1, features a ruffle bodice, short sleeves and exposed zipper back.

Sophie Dress Add-On Dress 1- Front and Back

Sophie Dress Add-On Dress 1- Ruffle Bodice Detail

Sophie Dress Add-On Dress 1- Ruffle Bodice Detail

Sophie Dress Add-On Dress 2, features Sweetheart neckline, Cuff Short Sleeves, Ruffle Skirt hem and button back.

Sophie Dress Add-On Dress 2

Sophie Dress Add-On Dress 2- Sweetheart Neckline and Cuff Short Sleeves

Sophie Dress Add-On Dress 2- Cuff Short Sleeves

Sophie Dress Add-On Dress 2- Ruffle Skirt Hem

Once again, the Sophie Dress Add-On pattern is clear and easy to read. There are lots of pictures included in the tutorial that aid in the sewers overall understanding. The Sophie Dress Add-On pattern is meant to be used in conjunction with the original Sophie Dress pattern. Therefore, you must have the original pattern in order to use the Add-On.

I love when an already established pattern can become "new" again! That's just what happens with the new Sophie Dress Add-On PDF sewing pattern! While I've sewn up the original Sophie Dress pattern lots of times, the Add-On freshens it up and opens up a world of possibilities for more, different, fun dresses! I can't wait to try my hand at the flutter sleeve!

***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to pattern test for Made for Mermaids. The opinions expressed here are my own."***

Sewing Pattern Testing- Little Lizard King- Trendsetter Dress #trendsetter

I've been sewing up a storm, lately! Testing patterns, dreaming of warmer weather and enjoying these last sweet moments with my daughter before she's off to kindergarten, next fall (booohooo!).

Up to bat, today, Little Lizard King's newest PDF sewing pattern, the Trendsetter, designed by the multi-talented Cassie!!

Here are the pattern basics:

-The TrendsetterPDF sewing pattern by Little Lizard King is sized for Dolly up to size 8. Perfect for Dolly and Me matching dresses!

-The Trendsetterhas several strap options (simple, double). There are also instructions in the tutorial on how to do a flutter on the simple strap option.

-The Trendsetterhas several skirt options (fancy skirt with underskirt and lace trim, Fancy skirt with lining, Simple skirt with underskirt or Simple skirt). Whew- that's a lot of options!

-The Trendsetteralso has several bodice options (gathered or simple).

-Best part of the Trendsetter? There are NO pattern pieces to print, cut out and tape together!! There are just color-coded cutting charts! Woohoo!

All of my dresses are size five and I was originally down to test the simple skirt.

The Trendsetteris so simple and sweet that I sewed up not one, not two but THREE dresses during testing!! Actually, if you count the Dolly dresses, I sewed up FIVE Trendsetters! Whew!! Obviously, since I sewed up so many dresses, the Trendsetteris an easy sew. This would be a great pattern for a beginner sewist. I sewed up the last Dolly dress (Purple My Little Pony fabric) in about an hour from cut to finished serged seam). See- FAST!!

Now, don't be fooled by the simplicity of the Trendsetter. It can be dressed up, or dressed down, depending on the fabric that you choose. I chose to use fabric from my stash. This is a great scrapbuster of a project- I ended up with just slivers of the tie-dye fabric when everything was said and done!

For me, the back of this dress is what sells it for me. I've got lots of pretty, sunny dresses in my PDF sewing pattern library, but none with the awesome criss-cross back included in the double strap of the Trendsetter!! Seriously. The back has it on this one!

With a double row of comfy elastic, there will be no fear of this dress slipping down during play. Lil' Miss already danced and played the afternoon away in the two cotton print dresses (after I took pictures).

Now, let me tell you a little secret... that second dress.... the fancy white tulle creation with an underskirt? Well, it's made up of a curtain and a sheet from Ikea. Really. Just call me Scarlett O'Hara! Or, Maria! It was perfect for Lil' Miss to wear to my cousins recent FL nuptials!

Lil' Miss loves the matching Dolly dresses that I made for Samantha out of the Trendsetter! The dolly dress pattern is included in the purchase of the Trendsetter pattern.

Thanks so much, Cassie, for allowing me to test for you! I had "sew" much fun!! Okay- now, go forth and buy the Trendsetterby Little Lizard King!! You won't regret this summer staple PDF sewing pattern! 

Front + Dolly

Gathered Bodice Detail

Double Criss-Cross Straps Back Detail

The Trendsetterby Little Lizard King- Dress 1 + Dolly

Simple Skirt, Gathered Bodice, Double Criss-Cross Straps.

Front

Gathered Bodice Detail

Double Criss-Cross Straps Back Detail

The Trendsetterby Little Lizard King- Dress 2

Fancy Skirt with Underskirt, Gathered Bodice, Double Criss-Cross Straps.

Front

Simple Strap Back Detail

Front + Dolly

The Trendsetter by Little Lizard King- Dress 3 + Dolly

Simple Skirt, Simple Bodice, Simple Straps.

***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to pattern test for Little Lizard King. The opinions expressed here are my own."***

Sewing Pattern Testing- LilyGiggle- Tybee Tank Top and Dress

My sewing machine and serger have been getting quite the work out, lately! Even with a short weekend trip to FL to see my (very tall) little cousin get married (congrats, Derek and Nikki!), I've managed to average a dress a day. Ridiculous (ly fun)!! ;-)

Today's post is all about LilyGiggle Tybee Tank Top and Dress! 

This was my first time being asked to test for LilyGiggle and I was really excited to sew! A little back story, LilyGiggle Petunia Petal Pants were the first knit pattern that I "officially" sewed up (that wasn't a complete flop). And, the LilyGiggle Petunia Petal Pants were also the first PDF sewing pattern that I bought full-price, from a designer I had never tested for and/or experienced before... So glad that I gave LilyGiggle a chance!

Let's start off with some pattern basics for the LilyGiggle Tybee Tank Top and Dress:

-Tybee Tank Top and Dress is for sizes 2-12.

-The Tybee Tank Top and Dress can be made as either a tank top or a slimfit dress.

-There are also included instruction on how to do an interchangeable bow in the tutorial.

-Pattern pieces for the LilyGiggle Tybee Tank Top and Dress can be printed in just the size that you want by turning on/off layers. This is wonderful if you only want to print one size! No wasted paper or ink!

-Tips for preparing the pattern pieces, fabric and how to get a perfect fit are included in the pattern.

-A cutting layout diagram is also included in the pattern tutorial. This is especially helpful if you are using 1way stretch jersey knit.

-The LilyGiggle Tybee Tank Top and Dress pattern does require some interfacing to stabilize and strengthen the straps and bodice top.

I sewed up a size 5 dress. Lil' Miss LOVES her dresses!! I sewed up two different dresses for this test. The first one (the pink and black one) was definitely a tester as some of the options were done away with during the course of testing. C'est Le Vie! 

Sewing was a breeze because pretty much everything can be done on the serger. With the exception of some topstitching, everything else was done on the serger. It took me about and hour and a half to cut and sew up the first dress (pink and black one). See- super quick!

Because knit fabric stretches around the body, the fabric requirements for the LilyGiggle Tybee Tank Top and Dress are minimal. If you did the top version, you'd need even less fabric! I used a bunch of scraps/what I had on hand for the purple owl dress. Love it when a pattern can just use up what you have and still look super cute!

I love that most LilyGiggle tutorials include a "quick sew" list of instructions at the beginning of each pattern. Now, since I was testing this pattern, I went through the whole pattern. however, if you are a more experienced sewer, the quick sew instructions are for you!

The LilyGiggle Tybee Tank Top and Dress tutorial is a simple read and easy to follow. The pictures helped aid in my understanding of the overall pattern and instructions. There's a lot of charts, words to get through at the beginning, but for somebody now quite so experienced in the world of sewing, it is invaluable information (not only about the pattern, itself, but about sewing, as well).

Quick, easy, comfy and perfect for summer play.... I know that the LilyGiggle Tybee Tank Top and Dress will be a summer staple for Lil' Miss! Now, go ahead and check out LilyGiggle and all of there wonderful patterns, including the Tybee Tank Top and Dress! You won't regret it!

LilyGiggle Tybee Tank Dress Test Version

LilyGiggle Tybee Tank Dress 

LilyGiggle Tybee Tank Dress - Bodice Front Detail

LilyGiggle Tybee Tank Dress - Back Detail

LilyGiggle Tybee Tank Dress  

Sponsored Post- #SayFreezewithKidfresh KidFresh and a GIVEAWAY!!

**Disclaimer-I received this product for free from the manufacturer. I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the manufacturer of the product.

KidFresh- Healthy Frozen Kid's Meals

Hello and Happy Frozen Foods Month!! That's right- who knew that frozen foods got their very own month?! I know that I certainly didn't! Anyway, I'm here to share a fun, healthy and kid-friendly product with you AND a giveaway!!

So, let's get started and let me introduce you to KidFresh- Healthy Frozen Kid's Meals. KidFresh- Healthy Frozen Kid's Meals started as an idea and evolved into a whole line of healthy frozen kid's meals. 

Founder, Matt Cohen has the following to say about the beginning and evolution of KidFresh- Healthy Frozen Kid's Meals, "Kids’ meals these days… a lot of them are downright scary and often loaded with all sorts of artificial ingredients. As a father myself, I decided that we needed more options for all-natural kids’ meals – the kind that are yummy and nutritious for children while convenient for parents."

"We did just that, in a real kitchen, with the help of a top chef and a pediatric nutritionist. We first started with our own concept store in New York City where we offered natural and organic kids foods, including our own, freshly prepared in our kitchen. We loved feeding moms and kids everyday and the Kidfresh store attracted a lot of media interest from all around the world, some of it presented here."

Rich of this innovative and unique experience, we decided to broaden our reach and offer our all natural kids meals in supermarkets throughout the country. The result is our new line of frozen Kidfresh meals: a twist on children’s favorite foods, rich in vegetables and without a single drop of anything artificial. Even our packaging meets the highest safety standards with no BPA, no Phthalates nor other potentially harmful chemicals. We use recycled paper, carbon-neutral printing and recyclable containers."

"While this is all well and good, the most important thing is that our meals taste great and children love them. It is our passion and we hope you’ll enjoy our meals!"

I was provided with six vouchers to try out KidFresh- Healthy Frozen Kid's Meals. I was able to easily locate KidFresh- Healthy Frozen Kid's Meals at our local Super Target and Harris Teeter grocery stores. Now, Lil' Miss is a carnivore, so I thought that I'd try out the KidFresh meat options, first. I chose the Super Duper Chicken Nuggets, the Mighty Meaty Chicken Meatballs and the Fun-tastic Fish Sticks.

Tonight's dinner was tortellini, so I thought that the Mighty Meaty Chicken meatballs would fit right into the menu. Lil' Miss was a willing sidekick in the kitchen. Since the meatballs are already fully cooked, I just had Lil' Miss pour the meatballs right into the sauce and cook.

KidFresh- Healthy Frozen Kid's Meals- Lil' Chef!

I'm luckier than most- my daughter is a fairly good eater (eater, yes, sleeper, no!). Anywho, I've been trying to make a concerted effort to include more fresh fruits and veggies into our daily diets. While Katy loves her meats, dairy and carbohydrates, she is not a big fan of vegetables. So, I do feel that is one area that we are lacking in. So, when I saw that KidFresh- Healthy Frozen Kid's Meals included vegetables, I was willing to give it a go!

Now, let's talk nutrition. I took a picture of the side of the Mighty Meaty Chicken Meatballs just so I could observe the ingredients better. As you can see, there are vegetables (carrots, onions) listed in the list of ingredients. Also, six meatballs make up a serving of 150 calories. That's pretty reasonable compared to the over 180 calories found in just three turkey meatballs of another brand of frozen meatballs. Not too shabby...!

KidFresh- Healthy Frozen Kid's Meals- Nutritional Information

Dinner was easy to prepare and the Mighty Meaty Chicken Meatballs took just minutes to warm through. When Katy sat down to eat, she was excited to try out the kid-marketed KidFresh Mightly Meaty Chicken Meatballs. And, I'm happy to report that she ate ALL of her dinner- salad, and meatballs included!! Yum!!

When I asked Lil' Miss what she liked about the meatballs, best, she told me, "All of it!!" Personally (because, I had to try them, too! ;-), I found the meatballs to be moist, flavorful and easy to chew. No funny bits of gristle or anything unidentifiable floating around.

Overall, I'd say that KidFresh- Healthy Frozen Kid's Meals were a success!! Tasty, healthy and completely finished!

KidFresh- Healthy Frozen Kid's Meals- A winner of a dinner!

Okay, now for the fun part- the GIVEAWAY!!! Would you like to try KidFresh- Healthy Frozen Kid's Meals with your family? KidFresh has graciously agreed to give one lucky winner of All Things Katy! 10 coupons for KidFresh meals! How cool is that?! Your kids will like the fun, kid-friendly meals and you will love the healthy, humanely-raised animals and socially responsible mindset of KidFresh. 

The giveaways will start at midnight on Tuesday, March 10 and end at midnight on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. Winner will be chosen at random using Rafflecopter. I do need an email in which to contact the winner. The winner will then need to provide me with name, email and mailing address.

Now, go ahead and enter, below!!! Happy, Healthy Frozen Food Month!!

• a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sponsored Post by Moms Meet- Organic India

**Disclaimer-I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms MeetsSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

ORGANIC INDIA

When the opportunity to review ORGANIC INDIA came up through Moms Meet, I was intrigued. I wanted to review it purely for curiosity's sake. 

So, let's start off with some basic information; "ORGANIC INDIA’s mission is to provide true wellness for all by offering 100% organic, pure, and natural products. ORGANIC INDIA also strives to create a sustainable global environment by working with thousands of family farmers in India on tens of thousands of acres of certified organic farmland. The company actively promotes sustainable agriculture and pays these farmers premium prices for their crops. ORGANIC INDIA makes their trademark product, Tulsi (Holy Basil) tea, in over 20 delicious flavors and offers a variety of organically grown herbal supplements, including Moringa Leaf Powder and Capsules."

ORGANIC INDIA

Just the facts:

• Moringa is considered one of the most complete, nutrient-dense plants on Earth, containing over 90 nutrients, 46 antioxidants, and abundant minerals.

• Moringa leaves have been eaten for thousands of years as a superfood nutritional supplement, and are often used to combat malnutrition in impoverished countries.

• Daily use of Moringa as a dietary supplement can help restore nutritional imbalances.

• This concentrated superfood is both alkalizing and energizing, and is abundant in vitamins, minerals and complex amino acids.

• ORGANIC INDIA Moringa is USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher and Halal certified, gluten-free, and vegan.

• One 8 oz. canister of Moringa Leaf Powder retails for $22.99, and 90 capsules of Moringa retails for $19.99.

ORGANIC INDIA

Now that that is out of the way, let's talk about the product. I really like the fact that this product is full of nutrients and antioxidants. I appreciate that ORGANIC INDIA products are Organic and non-gmo project verified. According to their website and the blogger kit information that I received, ORGANIC INDIA Moringa can be, "...sprinkled on soups, in smoothies... and even in children's foods to add a serving of the green superfood to kids' diets as well!"

I decided to try out the Tulsi Original tea. It was evening when I tried this out, so I wanted to go for something without caffeine (I have enough problems as it is, falling asleep!). I brewed myself a cup and gave it a taste. It tasted okay. I added a bit of honey. Still, just okay... The smell of the tea is fragrant and full- kind of spicy and cinnamon-y. There is no funny aftertaste and the tea didn't upset my stomach. However, it just wasn't my cup of tea (pun, intended ;-).

Connect with ORGANIC INDIA:

Website: organicindiausa.com

Facebook: facebook.com/OrganicIndiaUSA

Twitter: twitter.com/OrganicIndiaUSA