Win Freschetta Pizza for a year

I am not ashamed to say that I love frozen pizza. It is an easy dinner, quick lunch or a great late-night snack. One of my favorite brands is Freschetta because the ingredients seem fresh and top-quality and they make a great variety of toppings and crusts. Pizza ia easy and the kids love it, but having fresh diced tomatoes and other veggies on top helps me feel better about serving it to my family.

I was excited to learn recently that they have a Rally for Real Pizza contest going on right now to win frozen pizza for a year or coupons for 5 free pizzas. With this next baby coming soon, having a stock of these awesome pizzas would be fantastic! You can join Freschetta's Rally for Real Pizza by submitting a photo to the Rally Mosaic on Facebook www.facebook.com/freschettapizza. Each week they will select 100 winners to each receive 5 Freschetta Pizzas. On March 30, they will also select 10 winners who will each receive Freschetta Pizza for a year! Now that's a prize!

Do you "do" frozen pizza? What's your favorite brand? Come on...let's dish!


 
DISCLOSURE: I occasionally receive compensation in the form of products for posts. However, the opinions I share are solely my own.

Affordable birthday parties: Cowlick's Yogurt and Floats

For Atlanta parents who are looking for an affordable birthday party option, Cowlicks Yogurt and Floats might be the perfect spot! They have in-house or at-home birthday party options are great for all ages. They combine endless self-serve frozen yogurt flavors and toppings with extras like goody bags and decorations for an easy celebration. Guests get to choose from ten delicious frozen yogurt options and over 25 specialty toppings to create personalized and unlimited yogurt cups and floats.

The special guest of honor receives the coveted Cowlicks Birthday Bin complete with Cowlicks apparel, gift certificates and additional treats, while guests create a special take-home Cowlicks treat for the birthday honoree. These birthday bashes can be hosted on-site at a Cowlicks location or fused into off-site affairs. With per person pricing options and complimentary event space, Cowlicks provides a one-of-a-kind Atlanta party experience.

All Cowlicks Birthday Bashes include:
Unlimited self-serve yogurt and floats to all guests for one hour Bottomless toppings to all guests for one hour
Bella appearances and photo opportunities
Cup Art
Pin the Tail on Bella
One Cowlicks Birthday Bin
One Cowlicks Birthday Bash take-home item signed by guests Free cups, napkins, and spoons
Free Cowlicks restaurant space
Free delivery within a 15-mile radius

Birthday Bash C: $4 per person
Unlimited self-serve yogurt and floats to all guests for one hour. Bella appearances and photo opportunities. Cup Art. Pin the Tail on Bella. One Cowlicks Birthday Bin. One Cowlicks Birthday Bash take-home item.

Birthday Bash O: $5 per person
Guest goodie bags with Cowlicks memorabilia, candy, and coupons. One personalized balloon bouquet.

Birthday Bash W: $6 per person
Guest goodie bags with Cowlicks memorabilia, candy, and coupons. One personalized balloon bouquet. A 30-minute Cowlicks dance party with personalized tunes, dance accessories, and party lights!

Cowlicks Yogurt and Floats-Vinings
2460 Cumberland Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30339
(770) 433-9008
www.cowlicksyogurtandfloats.com

Cowlicks Yogurt and Floats-Sandy Springs
1100 Hammond Drive
Atlanta, GA 30328
(770) 913-0190
www.cowlicksyogurtandfloats.com

Maria's White House Journey in Pictures

Here is a pictorial representation of Mocha Moms Inc "Mom Summit" at the White House:

Myself (middle) with some of my fellow Mocha Moms from the North Cobb chapter.  Over two dozen moms from the Atlanta area made the trip for this event.  Many also were invited on a tour of the East Wing with their families the next day.

The more recognizable "front" of the White House

One of the many security gates leading into the White House.  I had to go through three checks in addition to the screening prior to arriving.  How did those State Dinner crashers do it?

Our "Mom Summit" was held in the same room President Obama uses at times to address the media!

See that podium?  President Obama stands there during press conferences sometimes!

The funny Tina Tchen, Chief of Staff to the First Lady, energized the crowd.  She is on the White House Council for Women and Girls and told us girls just need to have confidence and patience and with hard work good things will come.

Karyn Parsons, best known as "Hilary Banks", joined EPA Administrator  Lisa Jackson and Mocha Moms Inc President  Kuae Mattox for a candid, upbeat "off the record" Mom talk.  Let me just say...celebrities and politicians really are more like us then they are different.

Michael Strautmanis, Deputy Assistant to the President and White House bigwig, told us that as moms and as women, we matter.  For most of us who spend our days wiping noses and behinds, sitting in carpool, and picking up toys, it was a powerful statement.

Jocelyn Frye, Director of Policy and Special Projects for the First Lady, and Dr. Nadine Gracia, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health, gave us a great overview of the "Let's Move" initiative as well the Affordable Care Act.

Stephanie Owens, Deputy Associate Administrator, EPA, and Tyra Mariani, Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Education, listened as much as they spoke.  They heard criticism of some education and environmental policies but offered thoughtful and kind responses.  I could tell they were as impressed by us as we were of them.

To top it off, I was able to get in a quick visit with my cousin Betsy,  who,  despite her youthful appearance, is quite the big shot at the Department of Agriculture.

For the full wrap up go here.

One Mom's Journey to the White House

The steps leading up to the south side of the White House, the Eisenhower Executive Building

After a whirlwind few days, I made it to Washington DC, passed the three security check points, and stepped into the White House.  The place is enormous (55,000 square feet to be exact), beautiful and made me feel just a little bit more important just by stepping inside. Regardless of your political affiliation, this building commands respect...and I gave it.  Spoiler alert: I didn't see the President.  (He was traveling.) And the First Lady did surprise a group at the White House that day...but it wasn't my group.  (Oh well.)

I was at the White House in the first place to participate with 150 other mothers who are all a part of mother's support organization Mocha Moms Inc.  The Environmental Protection Agency and the White House Office of Engagement invited us for a "Mom Summit" as part of their African American History Month celebration.  We gathered in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Building for three hours to hear from high-ranking officials in the Administration tell us what they are doing for women, girls, African Americans, and the nation as a whole.  We asked listened, asked questions, and overall came away with a better sense of what our government is doing (and can do) for us.

Michael Strautmanis gave us "props"!

One of the most powerful moments of the day was when one of President Obama's closest advisors, Michael Strautmanis, the Deputy Assistant to the President, popped his head in to say a few words to us.  Though he wasn't on our agenda, he said he heard Mocha Moms were in the building and had to come down to let us know our presence as mothers is not one they take for granted. "We see you," he said in a moment of gravity.  He let us know that this Administration and this White House "sees" us and values us.  For someone who too often says she is "just a mom", I felt filled up with a new found respect for myself and my fellow moms.  (And I love that it came from a fellow University of Illinois alumni!)

My two days in Washington DC were terrific.  In addition to the White House event, I was able to rest, relax, and spend some good girl time with my Mochas.  A dozen of us made it a point to eat at Art Smith's posh Capitol Hill restaurant, Art and Soul, for a three hour gab session and food fest. (Check out his Atlanta one, Southern Art.  Delicious!) My blogger friend at Stress Free Baby hooked me up with a great rate at the ritzy Omni Shoreham, (who hooked me up with a suite!), and Priceline came through with a decently priced plane ticket so all in all I didn't have to break the bank for this trip.  My husband held down the fort with the three kids (even taking them to the circus).  And I, at 6 months pregnant, was still able to truck all over DC with no problem.  All in all, it was an amazing experience I will never forget.

Click here for a pictorial representation of the day.

Maria goes to the White House!

The view from my top floor suite at the luxuriousness Omni Shoreham.  I highly recommend it!  

As the sun rises above the Potomac, I am up early. I have an appointment today. It is not with my OB or one of my kid's teachers. It is not to meet the cable guy, pick up something for my husband, or tour a new kindergarten. Today I have an appointment at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NE Washington DC. Yes...this stay-at-home mom is going to the White House!
I was invited to attend a "Mom Summit" briefing at the White House along with other bloggers and leaders from Mocha Moms Inc. I've heard some celebrity moms have also been invited! We were invited by the Office of Public Engagement and the Environmental Protection Agency to mark National African American History Month. We were told not to expect that the President or First Lady will be there, but I am hoping that we will see one or both at the event. (Fingers crossed!)
No matter your political affiliation, I think everyone should have respect for the Office of the President. Being invited to his house, the White House, is an honor I am happy to receive. Can't wait to tell you all about it! Stay tuned...

Giveaway: Free Kid's Meals from @ChickFilA (and wrap up from family tasting event)

On January 16, 2012, twenty-one Atlanta families gathered with their kids to try the delicious, and healthier, new kid's meal options at Chick Fil A.  Much to the shock of many moms and dads, almost every single kid tried the grilled nuggets and liked them.  Even my own little ones surprised me at how quickly they adjusted and just gobbled them down.  The Buddy Fruits applesauce was also a big hit.  (And parents loved how little mess it created.  Bonus!)

Myself and fellow mom, Nana Boone,

All in all we had a fabulous time!  Moms and Dads were treated to breakfast or lunch and the kids all received the new kid's meal.  And each family went home with a coupon to come back for a free kid's meal.  The kids played, the parents talked, and no money was spent...my idea of a great day. (Read the blogger, Married with Two Boys, account of the event here.)

But what's that you say?  You would like a free kid's meal coupon too?  You're in luck!  Thanks to Chick Fil A, I'm giving away two sets of two free kid's meal coupons.  (So that means there will be two winners and they will each get two free kid's meal coupons to use at any Chick Fil A in the US.)  Entering is easy!  Just leave me a comment below about what you think about the new kid's meals at Chick Fil A.  For additional entries:

1. Follow me (@mariarsmith) on twitter and tweet: I want to win free @ChickFilA kids meals from @MariaRSmith & you can too:  http://tinyurl.com/7wcu5br.   (Leave an additional comment.)
2. "Like" Mamalicious Maria on facebook.  (Leave an additional comment.)

Make sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!  This giveaway will be open until Sunday February 19, 2012 at midnight EST.  And if you don't win, don't worry.  There will be other giveaways soon!

The Chick Fil A Vinings staff was super nice and helpful!

Blogger, Wife2010, enjoys lunch with her husband while her kids played