Sit back and imagine you are in a lodge with a fireplace and you are being treated with several courses of delicious meals. Wake-up! It does not have to be a dream as you can head over to Firebird’s Grill to be served up a dose of reality.

We love living in the mountains and love dining out in the mountains. I get all cozy when I walk into restaurants that have that lodge feeling atompshere. We were treated to a meal recently at Firebird’s Grill and I am still licking my lips. It was that good. Would you like to try it out for yourself? Stay with me till the end for an awesome giveaway.

As you walk into the Firebird’s Grill lodge, you are welcomed with their state of the art wood grill. Your food is actually cooked right in front of you with this huge grill that is open with a full view for all the guests.

Also, let me just say. There are no worries if you would like to be served up a little wine during dinner. HUGE selection across the wall.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill introduced a taste of Colorado to the Carolinas when it first opened its doors in Charlotte, North Carolina in December of 2000. The restaurant is the creative concept of owner and restaurateur, Dennis Thompson, who regularly travels out west. He fell in love with the feel of the area as well as the food. Drawing from those experiences, he developed Firebirds.

As we were enjoying the lodge atmosphere, we enjoyed chatting with friends and having a fabulous taste test with appetizers.

Is your mouth watering yet? If the appetizers were this delicious, you can imagine how dinner filled our taste buds.

I ordered the pecan crusted trout. I can sit here and taste it now. Hands down the best trout I have ever tasted. It was divine!

My husband of course took this chance to order steak. I am not a fan of red meat, but my husband sure is a big fan. He enjoyed every bite and it was a quality size.

The girls enjoyed chicken tenders and I was so pleased it was paired with a fresh fruit bowl. As you can see, the kids portions were plentiful.

After all this delicious food, the team brought out a huge display of their desserts. Now, if your mouth was not watering before, please beware. The desserts hit the sweet spot just right. Oh can you imagine?!

DELICIOUS!

Firebird’s Grill is the place for a date with the one you love or even a huge family gathering. You will not be disappointed.

The whole experience was unique. You can just sit back and relax by the fireside and enjoy each others company. The restaurant was not loud. Also, the employees take great pride in their job. Everyone was very knowledgeable and delivered superb customer service. The interior design is also just so welcoming and inviting.

Since you are about to lick the screen with the food photos (haha), you should totally go for Valentine’s Day coming up. I can even help you a little. WIN!

One lucky reader is going to win a $50 Gift Card to the Firebird’s Grill of your choice.

Disclosure: I am so grateful to Firebird’s Grill for treating my family to a full course meal. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.

Washing clothes in cold water? Of course, that is how we roll here at One Moms World. My mom taught me this trick long before I left the house years ago. Does cold water really work? Well, on all stains I would always have to spray stain remover before I could wash the stained item in cold water. This could be a problem, because at times I would forget to do the stain remover and would still be stuck with the stain after completing the laundry. I believe I have the problem solved for my forgetfulness.

I took the Tide Coldwater Challenge. The challenge came at a perfect time. M picked out this beautiful white dress for the holidays. She wore the dress one time and what happens? You guessed it… a stain on the beautiful white dress.

Before Tide Coldwater

I stayed calm because we just had received the bottle of Tide Coldwater the day before. M was breathing a sigh of relief because she just knew she had ruined her dress. I put the dress in the washer with the Tide Coldwater. No stain remover was sprayed on the dress. I paced the floor and was pleading with the laundry fairy. The washer buzzed signaling the wash was completed. I swiftly walked to the washer and let out a big squeal.

After Tide Coldwater

A happy mom and a happy daughter equals perfection. I was so tickled and especially since this was a white dress with such delicate material. We have a new detergent in our household. I am so relieved to have one less step with stains as well. Tide Coldwater Liquid Laundry Detergent is specially formulated to help get clothes clean when they are washed in cold water.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I was sent a full-size bottle of Tide Coldwater from P&G and SheSpeaks. As always, all thoughts and opinions are of my own.

As my readers know, we travel to Florida frequently. My husband’s family lives there so that is one reason we travel frequently, but the other reason is we love visiting Florida. One of our destinations that we thoroughly enjoy is the Orlando/Kissimmee area. We have stayed in several hotels that we absolutely have enjoyed, but it is nice when traveling with extended family members to have a choice that will give you more room. We were able to experience this with a recent stay in Orlando, Florida with Global Resort Homes. You will want to read all the way to the bottom of this post for an awesome giveaway!

From our first emails with their marketing team, I knew we were in professional and great hands. All my questions were answered with grace and very detailed. Also, they were very willing to get on the phone and talk as well. Customer service really plays a positive role in today’s society. So many companies only look at the bottom dollar and forget that people like to be treated with respect. Believe me, Global Resort Homes will go the extra mile for you.

As we drove the 10 hour trek to Florida, we were so ready to walk in and just relax. We were greeted with an amazing house. It really is your home away from home.

It was just so nice to walk into a beautiful decorated home with so much space and know you can just relax the entire time with your family. This particular house had 5 bathrooms and 4 bedrooms. There were two master bedrooms downstairs complete with their own bathrooms. Hubby and I both agreed we have not ever slept so soundly as we did while on vacation here. The beds are absolutely refreshing and so welcoming for a great night’s sleep.

There is also a third bedroom downstairs with a bathroom attached.

Each bedroom has it’s own television so there is no fighting over the show. Even though, with all the family and the pool outside, there probably will not be much television time unless late at night.

Also, the home comes complete with an awesome game room. See, I told you, who has time for television? The girls were having a blast with foosball while my husband was enjoying playing pool with family.

Upstairs includes two more bedrooms which one room is dedicated to Mickey Mouse. You are in the land of Disney after all.

The living room is spacious and has plenty of room to catch your Sunday football game with an afternoon nap on the sofa. Just speaking from experience!

One thing that is hard to do when you go on vacation and stay in a hotel is cook meals. You can spend so much money each day in meals. If you stay in a vacation home rental, then you are able to cook your own meals and save money. The kitchen was very spacious and you either had a choice of the dining room or sitting out by the pool with a huge table. We opted for the outside table most times to take in the beautiful sunshine but it was nice to have a full dining room for everyone as well.

Global Resort Vacation Home Positives:

* Only 10 to 15 minutes from the Main Gates of Disney
* Very quiet neighborhoods
* Great for extended family vacations
* Resort Parks with Clubhouse Activities
* Security Alarm
* Security Guards at the Gatehouses
* AWESOME Customer Service

As you can see, we were very impressed with our stay and very much recommend a vacation home rental for your next family vacation. Speaking of next family vacation… You can WIN accommodations for your next vacation right here!

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader is going to win a 3 nights/4 days vacation rental from Global Resort Homes. Your home will be of your choice from a 2 -3 bedroom condo or townhome. You will select your dates. The vacation needs to be before December 20, 2012. Blackout dates include: March, April, June – August 15.

ENTER:

It is very easy to enter to win.

Follow Global Resort Homes on Facebook to stay updated with all their latest news and deals.

Disclosure: Global Resort Homes provided us with a Vacation Home Rental for our stay. No compensation was given. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.

Winter is finally arriving here in the mountains of NC. My family is actually huge fans of winter as we are big snow lovers. The part of winter though that I wish would just disappear are the dry skin woes. For some reason, dry skin attacks my body in the winter in a mean way. I drive my husband insane with all the itching and complaining.

I am sure that I am not the only one with dry skin woes during the winter months. I was so thankful to be given the chance from Neutrogena to test out their Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula hand cream.

My grandmother is the one that I first heard about Neutrogena. I respected her opinion so much, so I knew this hand cream would probably not let me down. Every night after I take a shower, I lather my hands really well with the hand cream. I will wake up in the mornings and feel my hands first thing. The first morning, I had to loudly proclaim to my husband – “Feel how soft my hands are!” Needless to say, he was pretty impressed and very happy. He said, will this tone down the itching and complaining?

The hand cream has been clinically proven to improve the look and feel of your skin. The formula is long-lasting, glycerin-rich, and concentrated. This is a product that you will want to keep close to you all winter. It only takes a very small dab each day. The hand cream is only $4.99 so definitely a product that is affordable for your budget. Also, the hand cream is available in original and fragrance-free.

WIN!

One One Mom’s World reader will win a Neutrogena® prize pack that includes: Neutrogena Hand Cream, Neutrogena Rainbath Shower and Bath Gel, Neutrogena Body Oil, Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer SPF 15 and Neutrogena Moisture Wrap Body Lotion.

To Enter:

This post is sponsored by BabyCenter in conjunction with the BabyCenter Blog Network. All prizes and compensation are provided by BabyCenter.

Technology gifts are high up on the list of all the tween and teens of my family. Old Navy is helping out parents this year with their debut of the Techno World collection. This collection is already a hit all over the United States. The line features clothing and accessories with built-in technology as well as a wide range of technological gadgets. All priced to please any budget-conscious shopper, Old Navy’s Techno World items appeal to gadget geeks of all ages on the holiday shopping list this season. Techno World products range from $6.50 to $34.94 and are available in all Old Navy stores in the US and Canada through the end of December.

Check out the Techno Hoodies. At first, I just could not understand how the ear buds would stay in place on the hoodie until one showed up on our door step courtesy of Old Navy.

The hoodie has a fleece lining so it is soft to the skin’s touch. Your music player or smart phone will run from the pocket through the trim to the drawstring. The hoodie is getting 5 star reviews so we had to put it to test ourselves. I am amazed at the quality. I even think it is a genius idea for runners during the cold weather season.

Mini laptops are all the rage among the tween and teen crowd this year. Old Navy has puffy laptop cases so your tween or teen can be hip and keep their laptop safe.

The case has a zipped top and a quilted exterior. The case is very soft and fits a 10-inch laptop perfectly. Also, the case comes in colors that your child will not frown upon.

Head on over to Old Navy and grab these awesome last minute techno gifts. Your tween or teen will be very happy you did .

Merry Christmas!

Disclosure: We were provided a hoodie and laptop case by Old Navy. All thoughts and opinions are of our own.

Time is running out but you still have a few kid gifts left to buy. What to do? I say, head over to your local BJ’s Wholesale Club and grab awesome gifts at spectacular prices. Here are a few ideas to help you finish up your last minute shopping. All the gifts are under $30. HUGE win for everyone!

2 & Up

1. Disney Princess or Disney Pixar Cars 2 Bowling Set $16.99 each
Exclusive set includes 10 extra-large soft pins and soft balls for safe indoor/outdoor play!

3 & Up

1. Fisher Price Doodle Bear Gift Set $22.99 each
Includes washable scented markers, 3 stampers, 3-shape stencil and DVD. Chose rose, violet or both! (See page 5 of BJ’s Toys and More 2011 Digital Catalog)

2. Dinosaur ZipBin with 3 Dinosaurs $18.99
Includes hand-painted T-Rex, Velociraptor and Brachiosaurus figures. Storage bin converts to large play mat. (Also on BJs.com)

4 & Up

1. Disney Princess Squinkies Ring Collector Jewelry Pack $18.99

Make Disney Princess jewelry! 24 Squinkies pop into Squinkies ring or bracelet. (Also on BJs.com)

5 & Up:

1. Meon Glow Wire Picture Maker Super 6-Pack Set $19.99
Disney Princesses, Disney Fairies Tinker Bell or Disney Pixar Cars 2. With 6 Templates, frame and 11’ Meon wire. (See page 5 of BJ’s Toys and More 2011 Digital Catalog)

8 & Up

1. Creepy Crawlers Bug Maker and Bug Grinder Deluxe Value Pack $29.99
Includes bug maker, bug grinder, molds, goo and 30 bug eggs. (Also BJs.com)

Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas!

Looking for a delicious treat that will have the entire crowd raving and wanting more? Chex Mix has super delicious and creative recipes this holiday season. I created my first batches over Thanksgiving weekend and have been making a batch each week. Everyone that I have gave a box too is in love and goes home to make their own batch to share. It is like a domino effect this Christmas season.

The first batch I made was the Chex PB and Chocolate Blast.

Ingredients:

6 cups Rice Chex® cereal
1 cup white vanilla baking chips (8 oz)
1 cup peanut butter chips
1 cup red and green candy-coated chocolate candies
1 cup dry-roasted peanuts

Directions:

1. Line 2 cookie sheets with foil or waxed paper. Place 3 cups cereal in large bowl. In small microwavable bowl, microwave white vanilla baking chips uncovered on High about 1 minute or until chips can be stirred smooth. Pour melted chips over cereal in bowl; stir to evenly coat. Spread mixture in single layer on one of the cookie sheets. Refrigerate 5 minutes or until set.

2. Repeat the above using the remaining cereal and the peanut butter chips; refrigerate 5 minutes or until set.

3. Gently break up coated cereal into large bowl. Add candy and peanuts; stir gently to combine. Store in airtight container.

The next batch was the Chex Muddy Buddies. I have been making this particular recipe for a few years now and it is always a request every Christmas season from the family. Now the extended family and friends are asking for it!

Ingredients:

9 cups Rice Chex®, Corn Chex® or Chocolate Chex® cereal (or combination)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.

2. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.

3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

All the boxes were filled and sent home with all my guests over Thanksgiving weekend.

As you can see from expressions on their faces, they were delighted with both batches.

WIN! Create your own fun with Chex Mix Recipes.

One lucky fan will win their own Chex Mix prize pack.

2 boxes of Chex cereal to create Chex Party Mix recipes
5 featured Chex Party Mix recipes
10 takeout containers so your guests can take their Chex Party Mix to-go
$20 gift card to purchase recipe ingredients and decorating supplies

Enter:

Disclosure: The Chex Party Mix-Change product, information, and giveaway have been provided by Chex through MyBlogSpark.

We had a fun weekend of partying for our precious M. I am not sure how she is already nine years old. I will admit, I shed a few tears this weekend. It is so bittersweet to see M growing into such a young lady. We did have so much fun celebrating her big day though with an Abba Dance Party.

Our living room floor was literally transformed right before our eyes to a dance floor. M invited her sweet friends and for 3 hours, all the friends had the best time dancing to the beat of 70′s music. Who said we couldn’t bring back the 70′s here at the end of 2011? I have proof that we did and it was a blast.

We had twists, we had turns as the girls danced to the beat of the music. I seen so many smiles and so much laughter.

The girls were having so much fun that it was hard to break them away from the game to scoop up some birthday, but we eventually did have chow time. After all, we had a birthday song to sing to a special M.

No dance party is complete without a kids punch served. The punch was a huge hit and was gone very fast.

The food hit the spot and it was time to hit the dance floor once again. All the girls were eager to get back on the dance floor and see what moves they could perform.

The older kids could not sit back any longer. It was time for them to step onto the dance floor and break down some great 70′s moves.

This Wii Game was so instrumental in bringing back a decade into today’s generation. The game is such good clean and friendly fun as you can see all ages were having fun breaking down on the dance floor. The creators of Just Dance put their expertise together and came up with ABBA You can Dance so as you can imagine, you will not be let down. The game is averaging 4.5 stars on Amazon.com. Go ahead and grab your copy today and prepare to dance, laugh and create so many fun memories.

This will be a birthday party that M will remember for a very long time!

Disclosure: Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

How can we be 10 days till Christmas? Is anyone else running around like a crazy person trying to get everything done? I am finally done with exams at school so that is one big thing behind me and now I am trying to finish shopping and just enjoy the moment of the Christmas season.

I know there is probably a special woman on your list that you just are not too sure what to buy her. Let me suggest the Women’s Diamond Quilting Wool Down Vest. This vest showed up on my door step last Friday thanks to Lands’ End. I eagerly tore the box open and was in love. Of course, I hurriedly and put the vest on. Perfect fit. The soft feel and the warmth won me over immediately. We were outdoors Saturday night visiting the Billy Graham Library Christmas scene and it was indeed cold outside. The vest lived up to my expectations and kept me warm and don’t forget, very stylish.

The vest is even on Lands’ End’s St. Nick Christmas list this year. The vest is on sale right now and with this CODE SANTA and PIN 1212. – You can save an additional 30% and free shipping. Now that is a deal!

Merry Christmas and have a merry time shopping.

Disclosure: Lands’ End sent this vest. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.

Congratulations to comment#22 – Katherine. Check your email!

My childhood brings great memories of having a Holiday tin can of popcorn around throughout the Christmas season. The tin would be the go-to snack every single night and my parents would replenish the tin once it was beginning to run low. Who knew that the popcorn tin tradition started back in 1929 by Topsy’s Popcorn?

Since 1929, Topsy’s has used an original recipe that gives its popcorn an old-fashioned great taste. Back in the day, the oil used to pop the popcorn came in the tins, and Topsy’s decided to recycle the oil tins to package up and deliver popcorn. Pretty interesting right?

On TopsysPopcorn.com, you can choose from a variety of popcorn tins as well as flavors to quickly and easily find the perfect gift for a variety of people your gift list, from family members to co-workers, a child’s teacher, neighbor, friend, or all of the above!

We were sent our very own tin to taste test and oh my word! Have you ever had cinnamon popcorn? I have a new favorite popcorn now. I never even thought about combining cinnamon and popcorn together, but it is an amazing flavor. I will go ahead and tell you, don’t try to eat just one piece. You will continue to reach your hand into the tin for sure. Just like when I was a little girl, the girls have been eating the popcorn as their bedtime snack. I sit back and watch them and just beam. My childhood traditions are being passed onto my girls. Their favorite is the caramel popcorn and cheddar cheese popcorn. We have been crowding around the TV and watching Christmas movies and Christmas specials all the while snacking on popcorn. We will cherish these memories forever.

YOU can do the same. Topsy’s has generously offered to give a Holiday tin to one lucky reader. If you don’t want to wait to see if you win and would like the popcorn NOW (I don’t blame you), then use this special code Topsy01 till December 12, 2011 and SAVE $3 off per tin. Click here to place your order.

WIN!

To Enter:

Leave a comment and tell us your favorite tradition you like to do with your kids during the Holiday season.

Extra Entries:

Tweet about this giveaway.

Post about this giveaway on Facebook.

Subscribe to our feed.

One winner will be drawn randomly. Contest ends December 10, 2011 at 11:59pm ET.

Disclosure: We were provided a tin in order to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.