We love Chinese food. It is the only type of food where I can be confident the twins will eat everything on their plate. Rice, noodles, orange chicken, spicy chicken…you name and they love it. In fact…the IE Daddy gets a little bored that every time he wants to take us out to eat we request Chinese Food!

I was really excited at the opportunity to review the Wanchai Ferry Frozen which are available at your local Target. Yes, Super Target carries the Wanchai Ferry Frozen Meals and they are delicious!!  In a matter of minutes (literally) you will have a delicious meal for your family. The twins and I had a fun time creating our very own Asian restaurant compliments of Wanchai Ferry. The adorable Asian inspired rice bowls and place mats provided the perfect accent to our meal.

We tried the Orange Chicken (which is our favorite). Lightly battered chicken pieces with fluffy rices and delicious vegetables. Getting my girls to eat vegetables is always a challenge but the broccoli, carrots and baby corn were definitely well received.

There are so many nights where I wonder “What am I going to make for dinner” but now with Wanchai Ferry it is a much easier decision. Any of the wonderful five flavors (spicy garlic chicken, orange chicken, sweet & spicy shrimp, sweet & sour chicken and shrimp lo mein) would create a wonderful dinner for my family.

You can take my word for it or you can pick up your own coupon and give one of the five delicious flavors a personal taste test. Click “here” for your coupon. While you are at the site…take a moment to read the Meal Tips for each flavor. Great little tips to give your meal an personal touch and added flair.

The Wanchai (Wahn-chaye ) district is one of Hong Kong’s busiest commercial areas. People from every part of Hong Kong society pass through—business people and laborers, shoppers and even commuters trying to get to the pier so they can take the Wanchai Ferry across Victoria Harbor to Kowloon.

In 1972, Madame Chong left her home in Central East China for a new life in the bustling city of Hong Kong. To support her two young daughters, Madame Chong began making dumplings from an old family recipe and selling them from a cart in Wanchai.

Although her dumplings attracted many fans, Madame Chong was not satisfied. She listened to her customers carefully and revised her recipes until they were perfect in every detail. Word soon spread across the city and her dumplings became the talk of the town. The Hong Kong press even named Madame Chong the city’s “Dumpling Queen.”

In 1985, Madame Chong established the Wanchai Ferry^® Peking Dumpling Company to make her creations more widely available.

Since that time, Wanchai Ferry has become a leading brand not only in Hong Kong but the world over. Now people across Asia, Europe and even the United States can enjoy restaurant quality Chinese food in the comfort of their own homes.

Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken has all of the ingredients needed to prepare a great-tasting, complete Chinese meal for 2 in only 14 minutes! With lightly battered chicken breast pieces that stay crispy when prepared and wholesome Asian-style vegetables, like tender broccoli florets, snappy julienne carrots and delicate baby corn, Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken will make you feel as though you´re enjoying a meal at your favorite Asian restaurant! It even comes with fluffy, tender Jasmine rice and a tangy orange glaze that adds the perfect touch of spicy heat.

Wanchai Ferry frozen entrées are also available in four other delicious varieties including Shrimp Lo Mein, Spicy Garlic Chicken and Sweet & Sour Chicken. Additionally, all of the entrées have no added MSG!

One Lucky IE Mommy Friend will *WIN* a Perfect Night In Prize Pack

(Includes one VIP coupon valid for a free package of any of the Wanchai Ferry frozen entrees,
a set of great Asian-inspired rice bowls, chopsticks, bamboo place mats, flavored fortune cookies, and a $25 Target gift card.)

To Enter:

1. Mandatory Entry: Friend the IE Mommy on Facebook
2. Follow IE Mommy on Twitter and tweet RT – Enter to win the Wanchai Ferry Giveaway @iemommy http://www.theiemommy.com/2010/02/21/wanchai-ferry
3. Join the IE Mommy Mailing List
4. Tell me which Wanchai Ferry Flavor You’d Like to Try!

Contest Ends – March 4th!

Open to the U.S. Only

Review Opportunity Provided by My Blog Spark, Target and Wanchai Ferry
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.

*Information obtained from Press Release and/or website

A Letter from Santa

What better way to end the Holiday Showcase then to remind you that Christmas is a time for miracles and magic.  Yes, there is magic in the Christmas Spirit. I believe, wholeheartedly, that children need to have a little fantasy this time of year.

It’s okay for them to dream of gumdrops and sleigh bells. To write wish lists and wish upon stars.  Which is why my final Holiday Showcase review belongs to Birthday in a Box’s “Letter from Santa”.

There are three different variations to choose from: Santa,  Reindeer Games and the Three Wise Men. I chose the Three Wise Men letter for the twins to receive and I want to thank Birthday in a Box for offering a religious based option. It was great to see that they realized that for many individuals this is also a spiritual holiday.

The letter arrived in a big red envelope addressed to both the girls…when they saw their names on the envelopes they begged for daddy and I to open it immediately. The letter was read throughout the day and they took turns carrying it in their little pockets and purses as we went about our weekend chores and errands. They told strangers, family and friends alike that they were on Santa’s nice list.  I heard them giggle and whisper to each other trying to figure out what in the world he would make for them (because, as you know…he doesn’t buy the toys…he makes all of them! Gotta love it).  You can read samples of each letter at the Birthday in a Box website to determine which letter is best for you and your little one.

Immediately they were discussing what to leave for Santa and Rudolph to eat on Christmas eve. The letter is sitting proudly on our living room mantle as a reminder that Christmas is coming closer each day. They are in anticipation of the evening and I couldn’t be more grateful to Birthday in a Box for the review opportunity and for the opportunity to extend my little girls’ fantasies of a big man, with a red nose, a red suit and a belly that jiggles like jelly bringing presents for them as they sleep.

They grow out of childhood all too fast….I like the idea of extending it just a bit more.

Send your child a personalized letter from Santa and let them know they are on Santa’s “nice” list this year! The text of each letter is personalized with your child’s name and location, and delivered in a bright red envelope addressed to your child.

Included as a special gift are two festive holiday ornaments for your child to color and cut out, and a recipe for Santa’s favorite cookies!

Pre-punched ornaments have a crayon-friendly coating and include silver elastic loops for hanging.

• Surprise and delight your children this Christmas by sending them personalized Letters From Santa
  
• 3 styles to choose from!
  
• Each Santa Letter can be customized with a child’s name and hometown.
• Please Note: To guarantee delivery before Christmas, all orders for Letters From Santa must be placed by Tuesday, December 15, 2009.
• Santa Letters will begin to be mailed on November 30, 2009.
  
• Santa Letters are only $5.99!
  

Review Opportunity Provided by Birthday in a Box

*Information obtained from Birthday in a Box’ press release and/or website

A Bonanza of DVDs!

Thomas and Friends

Barney

Bob the Builder

Thomas “Holiday Express”

I thought I would save the best for last! This is it folks. The Holiday Showcase is over. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.  All of the items presented were the best of the best, in my book and I can only wish that it has helped you in your holiday shopping.

With that said.. I want to give a HUGE shout out and thanks to Andrea Blain PR for the last great Holiday Showcase giveaway!!

Let’s take a look at the great familly friendly DVDs that were sent for the IE Twins and I to review.

Thomas and Friends – Sodor Friends Holiday Collection

Now, if you aren’t famililar with Thomas and Friends…Sodor is the island on which they live. All the trains live and work together on the island of Sodor.

The set contains three DVDs:

• Thomas and the Toy Workshop
• THomas’ Snowy Surprise
• Races, Rescues and Runaways (and other Thomas’ adventures)

There’s fun around every turn in these joyful wintertime adventures! Catch the holiday spirit as Thomas & Friends prepare for the grand opening of the Toy Workshop. Laugh and play along as Percy tries to fool his friends into believing he’s Jack Frost. And hold on tight for some of Thomas’ most thrilling races, rescues and runaways in this heartwarming holiday collection.

Set runs approximately 112 minutes.

Thomas and Friends – Holiday Express

All aboard for snowmen, Christmas trees and festive train rides! When you ride the rails with your jolly friends, you never know what to expect. Enjoy exciting adventures filled with lucky trucks, Christmas puddings, surprise parties and much, much more. Join Henry, Emily, Percy, and Thomas for trainloads of fun in the HOLIDAY EXPRESS!.

Set runs approximately 48 minutes.

Just released on November 3rd so be one of the first to enjoy and experience this Classic Story Time Collection DVD.  For additional fun to share with your little one…visit the Thomas the Train website or download this fun color page Thomas Holiday Express.

Barney – Tee-riffic Holiday Collection

Everyone has to love Barney. His peaceful, friendly and kind disposition instantly attracts little kids to his character. With songs, friends and antics your child will be mesmerized through all three DVDs.

The set contains three DVDs:

• Winter Wonderland
• Can You Sing that Song?
• Night Before Christmas The Movie
  

Set runs approximately 177 minutes.

If your child(ren) can’t get enough of Barney, take some time to visit the Barney Website. You will video clips, games, activities and music. You can even join the newsletter while you are there so you won’t miss anything about Barney, Baby Bop and B.J.

Bob The Builder – Building Crew Holiday Collection

Bob the Builder…the ultimate craftsman…will lead your child through fun and entertaining Holiday adventures with his new set.

The set contains three DVDs:

• Digging for Treasure
  
• Snowed Under – The Bobblesberg Winter Games
  
• Bob’s White Christmas
  

Set runs approximately 127 minutes.

Can’t get enough of Bob the Builder? Grab your little one and head on over to the Bob the Builder website where you can learn about new projects, games and activities that you can do together.

With 10 Different DVDs…can you say we had a BLAST!

I feel like Bob, Thomas and Barney have now become very intimate friends. I probably know more about them and their friends, communities and families then I do my own, lol…but seeing my girls react, interact and enjoy each of these DVDs was well worth every moment.

The great thing as a parent…I know that the characters of Bob, Thomas and Barney have good morals and values that are passed on to my girls as they watch the show.

If you are particular on what your child(ren) watch…I would encourage you to pick up these videos as they are kid and parent pleasing.

To Enter:

1. Follow IE Mommy on Twitter and tweet RT – Enter & Win HIT Entertainment MEGA DVD Giveaway @iemommy  http://www.theiemommy.com/2009/11/29/DVDS
   
2. Join the IE Mommy Mailing List
3. Fan the IE Mommy on Facebook
   

   Contest Ends – December 5th!

Open to the U.S. Only

Review Opportunity Provided by HIT Entertainment, Barney, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder and Andrea Blain PR

Remember the original “Alvin & the Chipmunks”?

They were a favorite of mine growing. I thought I’d offer some old-time cheer as we are nearing the end of our 1st IE Mommy – Holiday Showcase.

Enjoy!!!

**Warning: Intro a bit long but worth it!

“Christmas Don’t Be Late”

All right you Chipmunks! Ready to sing your song?
-I’ll say we are!
-Yeah!
-Let’s sing it now!
Okay, Simon?
-Okay!
Okay, Theodore?
-Okay!
Okay, Alvin? Alvin? ALVIN!
-OKAY!!!)

Christmas, Christmas time is near
Time for toys and time for cheer
We’ve been good, but we can’t last
Hurry Christmas, hurry fast
Want a plane that loops the loop
Me, I want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don’t be late.

Okay fellas get ready
That was very good, Simon.
-Naturally.
Very good Theodore.
-Ahhh.
Ah, Alvin, you were a little flat, watch it.
Ah, Alvin. Alvin. ALVIN!
-OKAY.

Want a plane that loops the loop
I still want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don’t be late.
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don’t be late.

Very good, boys
-Lets sing it again! Yeah, lets sing it again!
No, That’s enough, lets not overdo it
-What do you mean overdo it?
-We want to sing it again!
Now wait a minute, boys
-Why can’t we sing it again?
-[chipmunk chatter]
Alvin, cut that out..Theodore, just a minute.
Simon will you cut that out? Boys…

Paperonis

by SPIN MASTER

Paperoni is an all new arts and crafts activity that uses simple rolls of paper to make incredibly creative works of art!

Paperoni Design Studios are mess-free and require no glue or drying time. Simply pick your colored paper rolls, peel to reveal the sticky colour coded 2D or 3D character templates, match the colours with the Paperoni’s and magically create your own original and fun 2D and 3D works of art.

Try letting your imagination run wild using the free form sheets to make your own magical creations! Each kit comes with everything you need to make amazing Paperoni masterpieces right out of the box.

Now who would have thunk it? My girls have been begging for a Paperoni Design Kit since the moment they saw the commercial. In fact, I do believe they may have the UPC codes memorized because they wanted this so bad.  My girls are very creative and love to do arts and crafts but they are also very messy so we don’t do a lot of arts and crafts, lol.  Thanks to Paperonis I don’t have to deal with glue or paints and the twins get to enjoy a fuss free artistic activity!

Paperoni Deluxe Studio

The Paperoni Deluxe Studio comes with colorful paper rolls and design tools to create amazing 2D and 3D masterpieces. Non-battery operated, the Deluxe Studio comes with a cutting tool that lets you pick six different lengths for customized creations. Designed with safety in mind, just place a rod in the studio, turn the dial, press the lever and watch the cut pieces pop out. Also comes with clear templates for freestyle creations and a stand to display your wacky, crazy designs.

Paperoni Deluxe Studio includes:
• 600 pre-cut Paperoni pieces
• 19 Paperoni rods
• One 2D template
• Two 3D template
• One variable cutting studio & tweezers
• Eight sparkling gem accessories
• Foam pieces for eyes, mouth, ears, feet
• One – 4’x4’ clear template for free form play
• Display stand
• One tweezer

• You can find PixO’s at Toy R US, Target and Walmart
• Visit Paperonis.com to create your own unique, one-of-a-kind template or download additional designs for your kits.
  
• Ages: 6 and Up
• Variety Packs start at $4.99
  
• Paper Deluxe Studio retails for: $19.99

Review Opportunity Provided by SpinMaster

*Information obtained from Spin Master press release and/or website

“GiveCard”

The “Power of Choice”. Who does not appreciate that concept this time of year!? Considering all the decisions that you will make during this season. “Where will you spend the holidays”?,“Who will you invite over for the Holidays?”, “What will you wear to the events?”, “What will you cook?”, “What will you buy?“….the list is never ending.

Thanks to the GiveCard and The Giving Tree we now have one gift that allows us the “Power of Choice” and allows us to give that same “power” as a gift.

The GiveCard is a fabulous twist on the old Holiday staple…Gift Cards.

I am not a big fan of gifting gift cards. What’s the fun in it? I don’t get to pick it out or wrap it up. I don’t get to anticipate their expression when they open it and quite frankly, it is rarely a surprise to the recipient.

But! The GiveCard...now that! I enjoy!

As a Holiday Shopper…I love the ease  of purchasing and giving GiveCards. Simply visit their site, www.givecard.com and click on the “order card” tab at the top of the page. You will be directed to create six steps  (choosing your card value, shipping, personalization, e-card and check out) and  Bamm! You are done!

You can determine the amount you’d like to earmark for your recipient to use as a donation to the charity of their choice. For example…you want to purchase a GiveCard in the amount of $100. You may determine whether $5 or $50 of that amount will be earmarked as a charitable donation. It gives the recipient the power to decide which organization they’d like to bless this Holiday season. I received a GiveCard as review opportunity and was able to donate $5 to the Billy Graham Evangelical Association and the rest of the money I was able to buy bible book covers for the twins.  Thanks Giving Tree! I felt as if I did a little part with my donation.  The Micro-giving philosophy is what makes the GiveCard so unique. Every little bit truly does help.

As a mom…I completely am sold on this concept. The traditional gift card reminds us to think about ourselves and what “our” Christmas wishes are….but, the GiveCard reminds us to think of others and what “they” may need this Christmas.  I believe the GiveCard is a wonderful way to share the Spirit of Christmas with our children. Teaching them to give and not only receive this Holiday…is an invaluable gift that can not be returned.

Each year, 70 percent of consumers purchase a gift card as a holiday gift. If just one percent of those people purchased a GiveCard instead of a traditional gift card, an additional $100 million¹ would be donated to charity.

Unlike other gift cards, the GiveCard is not a full charity gift card and it is not a donation made by a company in your name. It is the only card that puts the power of choice in the hands of the consumer.

Why GiveCard is Unique

• The GiveCard has the convenience of a gift card but with a more personal touch. The giver selects the donation amount starting at $5. The recipient activates the card and donates the pre-selected amount to a charity of their choosing, and spends the rest of the card amount anywhere Visa^® debit cards are accepted.
  
• GiveCard.com provides tools to customize the cards and enhance the giving experience. New proprietary video technology helps people create a personal connection with their friends and family.
  
• This product can have a huge impact on social giving. In 2008, charitable giving decreased by two percent. The GiveCard can help charities during this tough economic time—every $5 donation makes a difference.
  
• A partnership with Charity Navigator ensures the recipient can choose from thousands of their favorite charities.
  
• Additionally, GiveCard donates ten percent of the company’s profits back to charity.

The Business of Doing Good

Creator Clayton ‘Nick’ Nicholas was among the millions of consumers buying gift cards—while stationed overseas in the military, the West Point graduate didn’t have the resources to purchase personal holiday gifts for his family. He wanted to give his mother a gift card so she could buy something she loved, but also wanted his gift to feel more personal.

After departing the military Nicholas joined up with business partner Jeff Jacobs and they launched GiveCard. GiveCard not only provides a unique solution for the thousands of gift card givers, the company also is based on the philosophy of microgiving—many small donations can add up to a big impact.

GiveCards in denominations of $25 to $250 and video e-cards are available exclusively on GiveCard.com. Donations also can be made directly to charity through the Web site.

*Review Opportunity Provided by The Give Card, the Giving Tree and Barkley US.

Sims3

by EA

The freedom of The Sims™ 3 will inspire you with endless creative possibilities and amuse you with unexpected moments of surprise and mischief!

Create over a million unique Sims and control their lives. Customize everything from their appearances, to their personalities and even the home of their dreams. Then, send your Sims out to explore new locations around town and to meet other Sims in the neighborhood.

Go online to download exclusive content and show off your own creations to the world. With all-new quick challenges and rewarding game play, The Sims 3 gives you the freedom to choose whether (or not!) to fulfill your Sims’ destinies and make their wishes come true.*

I have to admit that I am still learning about the Sims3 game. There is so much going on. A completely different, exciting world that you control and create. When you do a search of Sims3 you find numerous sites that offer tips, tricks and insight into the game. It is an evolving experience.

I remember my husband buying the original Sims game and I seemed to have lost him to the computer for  a few weeks. It’s a addictive but a lot of fun. An adventure to say the least.

While this game is not suitable for my girls…I know that my older nephews (15 & 20) will get a kick out playing (if I let them, lol). I have to say that the Sims3 truly feeds into the “control” freak in all of us. I mean really, how can you resist? Now I am not a gamer…so I can’t really say how it compares to the other Sims games. But for a novice such as myself. I had a blast and I am still learning. I like games that evolve and give me something to learn each time I play. It’s a challenge.

Now, I see why my husband was so addicted to the game the first time. Hmmm….I wonder if he’ll read this review? If he doesn’t then it’s all mine! (mwaaa, haaa) —imagine evil laugh there-—

Sims3 is a definite stocking stuffer for the “big” kids in your life. Husbands too! Yes, I’ll share….eventually!

Click on Sims3 banner to view a Demo Video of the game

Review Opportunity Provided by: EA, Hasbro and  FogHorn PR