tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29190406146862282882024-02-19T05:38:09.806-08:00Honest & Truly Reviews....Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.comBlogger295125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-59438117764513497902012-11-21T11:22:00.003-08:002012-11-21T11:22:54.583-08:00We Made Our List For Santa At #ChiTAGYou know you're looking forward to an event when you go even though you feel a migraine coming on. And when you bring a chatty and bouncy child with you to said event, knowing that she'll love it just as much as you do. That's how I ended up at #<a href="http://www.chitag.com/us/?page_id=146" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ChiTAG </a>on Saturday morning, and yes, I'm glad I went.<br />
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#ChiTAG is an annual event in Chicago filled with exhibits of toys and games suitable for the whole family from Moshi Monsters (I learned that Chop Chop is Little Miss's favorite one) to complex versions of chess and everything in between. There is also a young inventor's competition and entertainment throughout the weekend. It's open to the public, something few toy exhibitions are - and that makes this all the more fun. And yes, you can buy the toys and games there (many with show only discounts).<br />
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We attended a breakfast sponsored by Bananagrams before the show began, and Little Miss was fascinated by the different versions of Bananagrams games available. It didn't take long before we dug into the <a href="http://www.bananagrams.com/Our_Games/Appletters/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Appleletters</a> game and started playing. We've since figured out that we were playing it slightly wrong, but we both had a blast. Brandie was also at our breakfast table, and I saw and heard how much her family enjoyed playing <a href="http://www.bananagrams.com/Our_Games/Fruitominoes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fruitominoes</a> with her family, too.<br />
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At the breakfast, we also heard from one of the Young Inventors Challenge Winners, as well as the Chicago Fire Department, which has their charitable calendar available for sale yet again this year. Much as we enjoyed the lunch, Little Miss and I were excited to go see the show once it opened. When we walked in the door and saw R2D2 right there, I'm pretty sure that made Little Miss's day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8Ky8WIxnabFoWtIp50VS0dVeZyOsm4UcVgJJckuJPT6QKosbay2_fsFlaCS559ewWSIwl1l47ardg6uB-9ulhJ1fdBJAz9LoLRuE0Q7r60f6dv3DEiI4bM9GcqSz4RJd3iV3rofFUCc/s1600/20121117_092438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Little Miss with R2D2" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8Ky8WIxnabFoWtIp50VS0dVeZyOsm4UcVgJJckuJPT6QKosbay2_fsFlaCS559ewWSIwl1l47ardg6uB-9ulhJ1fdBJAz9LoLRuE0Q7r60f6dv3DEiI4bM9GcqSz4RJd3iV3rofFUCc/s400/20121117_092438.jpg" title="R2D2 #ChiTAG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We didn't make it to each and every booth, but we did our best. We learned how to play fun games - and I love the ones that are educational as well as fun - like <a href="http://www.rjb3games.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Albert's Insomnia</a>. This is a card game that uses math, something we need to do given that the wee ones are supposed to practice math facts for 10 minutes each and every night. I love that this game works with many different levels of math, as you can use simple addition or multiple factors to get to the necessary number (e.g., 10 could be 5+4+1 or 5*2 or (4+1)*2 - so long as you only use each card one time to get to the next number). It's simple but involved, and that works well for us.<br />
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Another of Little Miss's favorites was the <a href="http://www.plasmacar.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plasma Cars</a>. One of our friends had one years ago, but apparently Little Miss forgot to to use it and was pushing herself along Flintstone style. Once I called her over and demonstrated how rocking the handle moved you forward, she was off. My silly girl managed to fall off it a couple times turning corners too quickly, but you don't go fast enough, nor is it high enough, to actually hurt if you fall. On the plus side, she figured out how to make the car go backwards, as well, which provided much enjoyment. I had to pry her away from the Plasma Cars eventually, knowing there was a long line of other interested kids and that we had much more to see.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Df8ZhpCRqk6Kvtw2CzB5XmSsPUSjN92a4rGE-D8GnZ15BJwe7OsNQNVLyycQGUmBypofjGqrDv0H3st-_15Rs2WU_LXSxv7cWQtREb4_Y67s6_Xff7Szv3nfcsckioeeuSCYC7JEIjA/s1600/20121117_105054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Little Miss loved the Plasma Cars" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Df8ZhpCRqk6Kvtw2CzB5XmSsPUSjN92a4rGE-D8GnZ15BJwe7OsNQNVLyycQGUmBypofjGqrDv0H3st-_15Rs2WU_LXSxv7cWQtREb4_Y67s6_Xff7Szv3nfcsckioeeuSCYC7JEIjA/s400/20121117_105054.jpg" title="Little Miss riding Plasma Car" width="400" /></a></div>
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We also learned how to play <a href="http://www.toptrumps.com/usa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Top Trumps</a>, a card game I'd heard of before but never played. It's another great turn taking game that is a more complex than a traditional game of War. I think it's pretty neat that there are so many different versions of Top Trumps so that any interest someone might have is included from the Moshi Monsters game we played to dinosaurs to the NFL and more. They offered a tournament on Sunday with all sorts of prizes (which we unfortunately couldn't attend), and on Saturday they attempted to break the Guinness record for most people playing a card game at one time. Girl Scouts who participated even earned a badge for it, which was pretty cool!<br />
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Our favorite booth hands down (pun intended), however, was the <a href="http://www.speedstacks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Speed Stacks</a> cup stacking, something I'd seen on tv somewhere but never really realized was a toy to play at home, too. The US national champion took Little Miss under her wing and taught her the basics of cup stacking. It was amazing to see how quickly she progressed from needing the girl to literally hold Little Miss's wrists to steer her to stacking and unstacking the cups in well under 10 seconds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDl3DvmXA6Lj162kiBHu55YV0CebZ__7LAKnhUlRFrEvYdGKi58xdgqP82QSM3dc_1fv3J_xnIq5a2svNK3t97KpVaPm8e1SqHa6GJFKaH94IhDsJN7HwbNk-MJlYCK8UiLqCn3G3XGY/s1600/20121117_095116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Little Miss practicing her speed stacking" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDl3DvmXA6Lj162kiBHu55YV0CebZ__7LAKnhUlRFrEvYdGKi58xdgqP82QSM3dc_1fv3J_xnIq5a2svNK3t97KpVaPm8e1SqHa6GJFKaH94IhDsJN7HwbNk-MJlYCK8UiLqCn3G3XGY/s400/20121117_095116.jpg" title="Little Miss Speed Stacking with US National Champion" width="400" /></a></div>
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She was so proud of herself. Coming home, she immediately pulled cups from our cabinet to start to teach Mister Man. And she demonstrated to my husband. Then she went to my parents and pulled cups from their cabinets, too. Needless to say, this is one game that we'll be playing often at home. In fact, I have a separate review of this coming soon. I can't wait for you to see her in action!<br />
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There were so many more booths than this, and we had so much fun talking to the vendors and learning about what they had to offer. I noticed Little Miss eyeing up various games and toys, determining what would end up on her Christmas wish list. I can only imagine what I'll find if I go check out her diary right now. Given the whispering she did with Mister Man once we got home, I think I know what to expect.<br />
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But me? I can't wait for next year. And if you're in or near Chicago, come. <a href="http://www.chitag.com/us/?page_id=146" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ChiTAG</a> is open to the public, and there is so much to do and see, way more than I was able to summarize here.<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I received complimentary admission to <a href="http://www.chitag.com/us/?page_id=146" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ChiTAG</a>, as well as a gift bag from sponsors. I was not compensated, nor was I asked to write this post. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-71394838009097789662012-11-20T11:20:00.002-08:002012-11-20T11:20:36.226-08:00Starbucks Delicious Pairings: Saving My Bacon On ThanksgivingI can't believe that Thanksgiving is almost here. Again. Already. Thanksgiving is when the flurry of activity and must.do.now. really takes off, but stopping to smell the roses - or the coffee - along the way makes for a far more pleasant journey.<br />
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Because Thanksgiving is always such a busy day - and there is so much food to eat and then eat again - I always go with a light breakfast that takes no preparation at all. This year, we're doing <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Starbucks-Ground-Breakfast-Blend-Coffee-12-oz/10448723" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starbucks Breakfast Blend</a> coffee and <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Bakery-At-Walmart-Blueberry-Muffins-14-oz/19758068" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blueberry muffins</a> from the Bakery at Walmart. It doesn't get any easier than that, and it's pretty darn tasty, too. I'm not the only one who thinks so. WalMart actually has a Delicious Pairings display of this combo in its bakeries now.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qau3gB5DE7U/UKvPBlsHJWI/AAAAAAAAN-w/Ev7Hfn-ca50/s1600/20121116_090300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Delicious Pairings display at Walmart" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qau3gB5DE7U/UKvPBlsHJWI/AAAAAAAAN-w/Ev7Hfn-ca50/s400/20121116_090300.jpg" title="Starbucks Delicious Pairings #CBias" width="400" /></a></div>
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Silly me, I need to give it a test run before the big day. Fortunately, I have a few like-minded friends who have no issues getting together to chat about Thanksgiving plans and how to make things a little easier. The fact that I offered up Starbucks coffee and blueberry muffins didn't hurt either.<br />
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Starbucks coffee does deserve its own special preparation, and my friend has the perfect coffee maker for it. It doesn't just "make coffee." It carefully presses and crafts the coffee.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsZT0jOkz18/UKvPBl1TUMI/AAAAAAAAN-0/yED9rjldupM/s1600/20121116_094044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Special coffee maker" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsZT0jOkz18/UKvPBl1TUMI/AAAAAAAAN-0/yED9rjldupM/s400/20121116_094044.jpg" title="Delonghi coffee maker" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a coffee maker that can grind its own beans, if needed. Starbucks has thoughtfully done that for us, so we just sat back and waited for our coffee. When the first cup was poured, one friend didn't believe it was hers. "I didn't ask for a latte," she explained. Apparently when you craft coffee, it looks different from how it does when you brew a pot. Who knew?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmQuQ-fhwMc/UKvRTobQZII/AAAAAAAAOAg/LC0K0KbNKeI/s1600/20121116_094030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cup of coffee with froth because it was pressed" border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmQuQ-fhwMc/UKvRTobQZII/AAAAAAAAOAg/LC0K0KbNKeI/s400/20121116_094030.jpg" title="Pressed coffee" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yep, it really comes out looking like that. Coffee at my house isn't nearly so fancy. And regardless of where this coffee is made (or crafted), <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Starbucks-Ground-Breakfast-Blend-Coffee-12-oz/10448723" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starbucks Breakfast Blend</a> is tasty. It's a medium blend, so not too strong, but there are hints of flavor.<br />
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Part of the reason I enjoy drinking good coffee like this is that it's one you savor. You don't simply gulp it down to get caffeine into your system. Proof?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqjhW488Euo/UKvPyAONAVI/AAAAAAAAN_Y/pAt1cOdBWfY/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="drinking a cup of coffee" border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqjhW488Euo/UKvPyAONAVI/AAAAAAAAN_Y/pAt1cOdBWfY/s400/photo.jpg" title="Savoring a cup of Starbucks Breakfast Blend #CBias" width="400" /></a></div>
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Interestingly, we tried the coffee both without the muffins... and while eating the muffins. There is a reason for the pairing of the <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Bakery-At-Walmart-Blueberry-Muffins-14-oz/19758068" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blueberry muffins</a> with the Starbucks Breakfast blend. We all agreed that the coffee itself tastes fruitier with the pairing than it does on its own. We disagreed a little about the specific notes we felt (we would make great wine connoisseurs, wouldn't we?), but fruit was agreed. I could taste more the blueberry or blackberry notes, while another friend felt it was more like a sweet lemon hint. It's another great reminder of why pairing food with what we drink makes a difference.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iwfyu4S1K6E/UKvU3Dgx0iI/AAAAAAAAOBM/1OrvtXB4Wes/s1600/20121120_123907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Coffee paired with a blueberry muffin" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iwfyu4S1K6E/UKvU3Dgx0iI/AAAAAAAAOBM/1OrvtXB4Wes/s400/20121120_123907.jpg" title="Starbucks Breakfast Blend delicious pairings blueberry muffin" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, <b>my</b> coffee cup is smaller. Some of us know we can only handle limited amounts of caffeine.</td></tr>
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By the end of the morning, all my friends and I felt better about our Thanksgiving preparations. It didn't seem so daunting knowing that others had the same stress, yet year after year Thanksgiving dinner turns out just fine. Besides, I know what I'm serving for breakfast on Thanksgiving to make life just a little bit easier for me. And I have plenty of choices when it comes to the Bakery at WalMart, but I think I'll stick with the <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Bakery-At-Walmart-Blueberry-Muffins-14-oz/19758068" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blueberry muffins</a>. They really were #DeliciousPairings with the Breakfast Blend.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-okyQSZIfhh0/UKvPBrshxmI/AAAAAAAAN-s/bxrsqJ1efjU/s1600/20121116_085602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Display of bakery items" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-okyQSZIfhh0/UKvPBrshxmI/AAAAAAAAN-s/bxrsqJ1efjU/s400/20121116_085602.jpg" title="Bakery at WalMart #CBias #DeliciousPairings" width="400" /></a></div>
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And the best part? I usually only buy my Starbucks at their retail stores, so I didn't know that there is a special bonus when I've finished with my pouch of coffee. I can bring in the empty bag and exchange it for a free coffee at Starbucks. Think I can finish it before Black Friday? You know I'll be doing my best, and my family will definitely help me out!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDftLUwSmhY/UKvWn706DCI/AAAAAAAAOBU/bzl1NZG07rw/s1600/20121120_123852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cup of coffee with Starbucks bag" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDftLUwSmhY/UKvWn706DCI/AAAAAAAAOBU/bzl1NZG07rw/s400/20121120_123852.jpg" title="Starbucks Breakfast blend #CBias" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for <a href="http://www.collectivebias.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Collective Bias™</a>. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own. #CBias #SocialFabric</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-61499590496428055232012-11-19T13:07:00.003-08:002012-11-19T13:07:25.308-08:00"Treat" Someone To A Personalized CardIt's just before Thanksgiving, and I love seeing all the gratitude and positive vibes floating throughout the interwebs. Have you heard of Treat? I hadn't until this weekend, but I love it. <a href="http://www.treat.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Treat</a> is a website where you can personalize cards easily and quickly, with or without photos, for just about any occasion. <br />
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You can change the font, size, and text anywhere there is writing, something few website allow you to do. There are cards available for thank yous to anniversaries to congratulations to birthdays and more. Creating the cards takes under five minutes, and they turn out beautifully. <br />
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If you create an account, all photos you upload will be saved indefinitely, with no limit on the number of photos. And you can purchase a "<a href="http://www.treat.com/choose-plan.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Treat Card Club</a>" for discounted cards - as low as $1.99 apiece, personalized. It took me a bit, but I finally realized that purchasing the Treat Card Club means that I'm just committing to buying and making that many cards over the course of a year, not that there would be 18 identical cards.<br />
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And yes, you can mail directly to the recipient for $0.45 postage so if you're late on that message you want to get out, no worries. My favorite part? You can also include a code for a gift card so that your recipient can choose where to spend the card from amongst a number of merchants - or the recipient can choose to donate the gift card amount to one of a number of charities. I think I know what we're doing for all our relatives' birthdays now.<br />
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A feature I know my mom would love because she's organized like that? You can schedule when your card will be delivered. When finishing your card, you have the option to either have it arrive as soon as possible or select a date from the next mailing date to a year out from the current date. I no longer have an excuse for forgetting to send <b>any</b>one a card.<br />
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But since it's Thanksgiving right now, Treat (which used to be Tiny Prints by the way) is offering one free card today and tomorrow Tuesday, November 20. Simply put in the code TREATBLOGR (you have to create an account to use the code), and your $3.49 card is now free.<br />
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So who will you send your card to? I created a card for Mister Man's third grade teacher who is just beyond awesome. She really gets him and is so patient with him that she deserves something special. When it arrives later this week, I know she'll get a kick out of it - and so will I for having sent it.<br />
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So quick. Go create your free personalized card today before this promotion is over. TREATBLOGR for a <a href="http://www.treat.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">free Treat card</a>!<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I will receive a credit to my Treat account for posting this. I received no other compensation, and all opinions expressed are my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-16791302977063789972012-11-15T18:30:00.002-08:002012-11-15T18:30:55.393-08:00eBay Mobile App: Selling Made EasyI love eBay. I remember when I first learned about it, back when I had dial up Internet, and I was fascinated by the things I have found. Over the years, I've found replacements for my cell phones that have died unexpectedly, brand new toys for the wee ones, jewelry, and more. And I've sold my fair share of items, too. I love that there is always a market for products, especially since I tend to be a bit fanatic about keeping things in good shape at my house!<br />
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eBay now has a mobile app, and I had never used it before today. It is easy to download from the <a href="http://ebay.com/mobile" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">eBay mobile site</a>, whether you have an iPad, an iPhone, Windows, Blackberry, or Android device. Apps are available for free, regardless of which device you use regularly. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_K4eqQEXalY/UKUVax2VgRI/AAAAAAAANoA/fIPc41RQkgo/s1600/20121115_100901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of ebay home screen on my iPad" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_K4eqQEXalY/UKUVax2VgRI/AAAAAAAANoA/fIPc41RQkgo/s400/20121115_100901.jpg" title="eBay mobile app" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once it's installed, you simply need to accept the terms and sign in. This is my only real annoyance with the app. The button you press to sign in is at the top of the popup box instead of below it, where I'm used to having it. It's possible I accidentally pressed "Create Account" or "Forgot?" more than once instead of the "Sign In" button at the top.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKDDSXlJia0/UKUT2ixStaI/AAAAAAAANoM/gR26Q2KzUoA/s1600/20121115_100923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sign In screen for eBay" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKDDSXlJia0/UKUT2ixStaI/AAAAAAAANoM/gR26Q2KzUoA/s400/20121115_100923.jpg" title="eBay mobile app sign in" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once logged in, using the app is beyond easy. You can quickly set up your favorite items that you want to keep an eye out for (hello, lenses for my Sony A33 DSLR), as well as showing popular categories people search, which you can customize for yourself.<br />
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Today, I was all about selling. I have a Rothschild winter coat that is absolutely gorgeous. And it's unworn. In a size 4T. Little Miss refused to ever wear it for because it was too girly, and this $150 coat is sitting in my closet, mocking me every time I open that door. It needs to go to a new home where it will be properly appreciated.<br />
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Selling was easy. I pressed the "selling" box first, thinking that would automatically give me the option to list something, but that shares what items I already have for sale without a link to list an item (which would be a helpful feature in future releases). Oops. I figured out quickly that I needed to swipe the green button at the top, and a menu of options opened up, including "Sell an Item." From there, it was a piece of cake. I simply had to follow the prompts to add information about my listing.<br />
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If it is an item with a barcode, you can scan the item to populate the relevant information, which is pretty cool. Since I'm listing a coat, that didn't apply, but creating a title, determining the category of the item, adding photos and a description, and setting the pricing and payments was quick and simple. I liked that to take the photos, I simple had to press the photo box, and I was then able to either choose an image from my gallery or take a photo immediately and resize it as needed.<br />
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My biggest challenge was on shipping. You select what type(s) of shipping you're interested in from USPS parcel post to FedEx and everything in between. However, it doesn't calculate the shipping cost for you. I had to make my best guesstimate of what it will cost me to put the coat into a box and send it. The web version will calculate shipping for you, and I may go revise my listing to ensure I have an accurate price listed.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOrwwrNVv8Y/UKWjOKj3FnI/AAAAAAAANuM/bYCNAj1_Jzo/s1600/20121115_195537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Screenshot showing the categories for listing items on eBay" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOrwwrNVv8Y/UKWjOKj3FnI/AAAAAAAANuM/bYCNAj1_Jzo/s400/20121115_195537.jpg" title="Ebay mobile app listing process" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once I had finished the information, I previewed the listing and then uploaded it. All in all, it took me under five minutes. If I had more experience with the mobile app, I can see it taking even less time. I liked being able to preview my listing and ensure that I had put all the information in correctly - and verified the type of charges I would (or wouldn't) have prior to submitting it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tGw3F2OYPf8/UKWjvozebLI/AAAAAAAANuU/WfB2Bp2MRYA/s1600/20121115_195444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Preview of my Rothschild coat listing on eBay" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tGw3F2OYPf8/UKWjvozebLI/AAAAAAAANuU/WfB2Bp2MRYA/s400/20121115_195444.jpg" title="eBay mobile app listing preview" width="400" /></a></div>
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The fees charged for the mobile app are the same as that for eBay usually - a listing like this is free for seven days, with a Buy It Now price and an auction listing, and up to 12 photos to make it more attractive. I will pay 9% of the total amount of the sale once the item has sold, but my first 50 items listed each calendar month are free. Exceptions are for "value add" items like subtitles ($0.50) or scheduling the listings ($0.10) or reserve price ($2) and the like.<br />
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Other things that I like about the mobile app are the ease to check on what I'm selling to see where the bidding it and whether or not there are any questions for me to answer. It's also easy to revise my listing if I realize that I want to add anything (like confirmation that I will ship the item quickly and how I work with any disputes/questions over the item once it's sold). On the flip side, it's pretty neat, too. I can easily watch items, put out alerts, have favorite categories of items that I choose, and - most importantly - have notifications pushed to me on any or all of these so that I can take action as necessary.<br />
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So eBay? Consider me sold. Now let's cross our fingers and hope my <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/200848710851?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">beautiful Rothschild coat</a> that Little Miss never wore sells. Go ahead... bid on it!<br />
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So what are you going to sell using the <a href="http://ebay.com/mobile" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">eBay mobile app</a>?<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I am compensated as part of this campaign by Splash Creative Media on behalf of eBay. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-90034165918618616662012-11-12T11:01:00.000-08:002012-11-12T11:04:34.526-08:00McDonalds Cheddar Bacon Onion GiveawayI'm not a huge fast food fan, but it has its place. There are days when I don't have time to cook dinner or when I just have a craving for some comfort food. McDonalds is the easy choice, not just because they're everywhere but because I know what the wee ones can and cannot eat with our dietary restrictions (although I'm still waiting for buns to have no HFCS - they don't need to be sweet!).<br />
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McDonalds isn't the restaurant with five items served in styrofoam containers (remember those?) that it was when I was a kid. While it still has the staples of "Big Mac, Fillet o' Fish, Quarter Pounder, French Fries" and more from then, the menu has expanded exponentially with everything from cafe coffees to smoothies and wraps. The newest entry is the Cheddar Bacon Onion sandwich, which comes in both chicken (grilled or fried) and burger varieties.<br />
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The 1/3 pound Angus burger (or fried chicken breast strips or grilled chicken) is served on a premium bakery bun with caramelized onions, white (pasteurized processed) cheddar cheese, and hickory smoked bacon. Not advertised is a creamy sauce that I think was a dijon and mayonnaise based sauce. There is no pickle, ketchup or mustard to sully this sandwich.<br />
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For $4.39 in my market - as opposed to the $1 McDouble - I would expect something more than a typical fast food burger, and this is not your everyday burger. When I brought it home, I actually put it on a plate, something I've never done with anything from a fast food restaurant before.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--lsInpelybw/UKFEFIl6TCI/AAAAAAAANcA/bkeUpQkwDqg/s1600/20121108_131517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of the CBO burger from McDonalds" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--lsInpelybw/UKFEFIl6TCI/AAAAAAAANcA/bkeUpQkwDqg/s400/20121108_131517.jpg" title="McDonalds Cheddar Bacon Onion burger" width="400" /></a></div>
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I will admit that I was somewhat taken aback when I saw the menu board and noticed that calories are now included. The CBO burger contains 790 calories, well over half my daily amount. The grilled chicken checks in at a much lower 480 calories, and the crispy chicken option has 630 calories. We won't talk about sodium or fat content because that will simply depress me. Obviously, this is a treat item, not something to eat every day.<br />
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That said, I tucked into my burger when I arrived home, and I was pleasantly surprised with the taste of the burger. It was a good flavor combination, and I absolutely adored the fact that a fast food restaurant offered caramelized onions. It's one of my favorite treats, and I don't get them often enough. The next time I order one, I will probably ask for the sauce to be left off. I'm not a big creamy sauce person to begin with, and it detracted from the sandwich for me.<br />
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This was also the first fast food burger I couldn't finish. I didn't order fries or a drink or anything else. The sandwich alone is big enough and has so many different flavors and textures to it that it truly filled me up. I could easily eat just half this burger and be content.<br />
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It is juicy. It has a cheese that isn't standard American, and the onions were divine. I'm pretty sure that if I hadn't been quite so careful, I would have had grease dripping down my chin as I took bite after delicious bite. The burger was surprisingly good, which again is something I would expect at that price point. I know it isn't the most healthy, but it fulfills a need, and I go to McDonalds with my eyes wide open. And an empty stomach.<br />
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So are you ready to try one of these new creations?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VqWNKQHVQ_o/UKFGsNRSouI/AAAAAAAANck/gklRq1zDmhM/s1600/20121108_131431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Box for McDonalds specialty burgers" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VqWNKQHVQ_o/UKFGsNRSouI/AAAAAAAANck/gklRq1zDmhM/s400/20121108_131431.jpg" title="McDonalds Angus Burger" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have five of these coupons that expire December 31, 2012 to give away to one lucky winner who will enjoy some lunches on McDonalds! Are you ready to try them? First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!<br />
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This contest is open until Monday November 26 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 24 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner. <br />
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<b>Mandatory Entry</b>: Tell me - what's your favorite menu item at McDonalds?<br />
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<b>Bonus Entries</b> (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):<br />
1) Earn one additional entry for <i>following me</i> on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/honestandtruly">Twitter</a>, then tweeting this contest with the following tweet: Holidays are coming. Try the new Cheddar Bacon Onion from @McDonalds with a giveaway from @HonestAndTruly <a href="http://bit.ly/MrVcwD">http://bit.ly/Tvw4qZ</a> (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)<br />
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.<br />
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog <a href="http://honestandtruly.blogspot.com/">Honest & Truly!</a> publicly via Google Friend Connect.<br />
4) Earn one additional entry by liking <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/MichelleHonestAndTruly" rel="nofollow">Honest & Truly! on Facebook</a>. (Yay, it's legal again, so long as you know you have to leave a comment <b>here</b> to enter and that simply liking me isn't the entry, along with acknowledging the fact that Facebook has nothing to do with this giveaway whatsoever.<br />
5) Earn an additional entry by putting me in your <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/?tab=mX#111556382519573364704/posts" rel="nofollow">Google Plus circle</a>. Am I already in your G+ circle? No problem - just leave a comment letting me know that you've added me or already have me there.<br />
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Good luck!<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I received coupons to try the McDonalds new cheddar bacon onion sandwich. I am sharing my coupons with readers. I received no other compensation. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-75721076157940439942012-11-09T16:07:00.001-08:002012-11-09T16:07:32.100-08:00Shutterfly Wants You To Thank The TroopsI love Shutterfly, and I know I'm not alone. Part of what they love is that they offer helpful experiences outside their product line, whether supporting schools and making classroom management and communication easy with their <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/share-photos/classroom-websites.jsp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Share Sites</a> or now with their free <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shutterfly/app_525739750774135" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thank the Troops campaign</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1YT6AM-c6FGoH3S4h7uPzOIvabfsqesE4V8ig6iKzszEjFIVlXNdZG187zR8-OJrmsUpYpbsY0pWR6xwSNSXKuMZhoFLFYXfVd0Wd7UlE7LyP5_n-rh2vf0wC67JdPaHj162mfW5t6A/s1600/Shutterfly+Thank+the+Troops.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Logo for thank the troops campaign" border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1YT6AM-c6FGoH3S4h7uPzOIvabfsqesE4V8ig6iKzszEjFIVlXNdZG187zR8-OJrmsUpYpbsY0pWR6xwSNSXKuMZhoFLFYXfVd0Wd7UlE7LyP5_n-rh2vf0wC67JdPaHj162mfW5t6A/s320/Shutterfly+Thank+the+Troops.png" title="Shutterfly Thank the Troops campaign" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just in time for Veteran's Day (Sunday, November 11), Shutterfly has launched a Facebook app that allows you to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shutterfly/app_525739750774135" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">select one of four thank you cards</a> and personalize it with your own message or photo. Shutterfly will then print each card and ship it to troops. There are over 1.5 million troops stationed overseas right now, and they aren't with their friends and family over the holiday season, nor do they often get the thanks and appreciation they deserve.<br />
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Shutterfly's goal is to get a card printed and shipped (at no cost to you!) to every one of the heroes, so that's a lot of cards to make. Please consider creating a card and sharing your support with a serviceman (or woman). And once you've finished, you have the option to share the initiative with your friends to encourage them to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shutterfly/app_525739750774135" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">create a card</a>, as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUJlAmN0lBKcE9WULubbqT_GoRxC2U2B2U-ZVOlRCYmD4_xyWcB28R9YveqWmuZRZyZkkB9o04mGx-3Co9vitK19TRCwDU8R6uIwdGlap37gQhcFzleV_VG7SyTTPmQOG1oP1o72YcGg/s1600/Shutterfly+Thank+the+Troops+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Four designs for Thank the Troops campaign" border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUJlAmN0lBKcE9WULubbqT_GoRxC2U2B2U-ZVOlRCYmD4_xyWcB28R9YveqWmuZRZyZkkB9o04mGx-3Co9vitK19TRCwDU8R6uIwdGlap37gQhcFzleV_VG7SyTTPmQOG1oP1o72YcGg/s400/Shutterfly+Thank+the+Troops+cards.jpg" title="Thank the Troops card options" width="400" /></a></div>
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We don't often do much to celebrate Veteran's Day. It gets lost in the shuffle, with just one more federal holiday - and the wee ones don't "even" get it off school - but this is a great way to honor the intention of Veteran's Day and to thank those who are serving us today. I am planning to create cards with the wee ones, as it's such an easy and age appropriate way of contributing.<br />
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So go. Spread your thanks and goodwill, and this year... celebrate Veteran's Day. Which one will you choose?<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I will receive a discount code from Shutterfly as part of this campaign. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-35484027232919705952012-11-08T12:51:00.002-08:002012-11-08T12:56:03.206-08:00Your Santa Story - Personalized DVD GiveawayI'm not celebrating Christmas early. I feel like I've given that disclaimer a lot lately. Instead, I'm getting my preparations started, and I'm sharing my information now so <b>you</b> can enjoy some of the fun I'm discovering, as well. Another item I discovered for Christmas this year that I absolutely fell in love with is <a href="http://www.yoursantastory.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Your Santa Story</a>. Santa is magic, and this is proof!<br />
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Your Santa Story is a new service that helps keep the magic alive. And in our house, we are going to start to need to do all we can to keep the magic alive. We attend public school, and Mister Man is in third grade this year... and Little Miss has some friends in second grade with plenty of older siblings. I can't wait for them to watch our DVD Christmas morning.<br />
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What is it? It's a personalized Santa story for your family and your family alone. For that reason, there are limited quantities available, as Santa has to video each on individually. The DVDs are then FedExed to your house to ensure you have them in plenty of time before the big morning. The DVDs are easy to make by answering a few questions online, and the script read by Santa is a perfect fit for your family, from names of your pets to a special message for each child from Santa. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhF7W1vZBPY/UJwRHXbJKnI/AAAAAAAANIQ/ZLjONlFK1mM/s1600/20121108_135039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Personalized DVD of Santa's message" border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhF7W1vZBPY/UJwRHXbJKnI/AAAAAAAANIQ/ZLjONlFK1mM/s400/20121108_135039.jpg" title="Your Santa Story DVD" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love that there are so many neat touches included to make it even more real. I love that Santa can create a DVD specifically for families with members in the military or ASL or Spanish-speaking. And for those serving in the military away from home? A second version of the DVD will be emailed to the loved on serving so they can experience the magic, too. Because Little Miss is in a Spanish immersion program, we chose to have our DVD include Spanish language in Santa's message to her - and it was amazing, a little more scripted and less natural sounding, but amazing nonetheless.<br />
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The questions on the form to personalize the DVD are easy to answer and straightforward. There is a maximum of five children, and I know a few families with more than six. I would love to see that increased just a little. I appreciate that when filling in names, you are asked to provide the pronunciation of the names to ensure everything is right - another of those touches I was mentioning. Santa also directs a short message to each child. For us, he congratulated Mister Man on his tae kwon do promotion and noted that he was in a new school this year. Little Miss's message includes a comment about her hard work at gymnastics and her Halloween costume - because Santa knows these things!<br />
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Santa of course knows about our pets - and you can specify what they are, so anyone who has a hermit crab isn't stuck with no option to choose. Again, the limit is five pets, but most people have no more than five. I hope. You also clarify you family's traditions - do you leave food for Santa or his reindeer? If so, what is it? And of course, you specify where the last gift will be left for your kids to go hunting once the DVD ends - another magical surprise.<br />
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Once you've completed these few fields, you have the opportunity to review the script for your DVD to ensure that what you wrote makes sense and flows properly. If there are any corrections (I had to make a couple), it's easy to go back and edit the fields. Each DVD is $29.95, and shipping is a flat rate of $5.95.<br />
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When our package arrived, it included not just the DVD but Santa's sleigh license (a super cute touch) and a brochure with cut out cards including three different scenarios.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bc74DXuPNSg/UJwQuoRIZAI/AAAAAAAANII/0a8r58JFx_k/s1600/20121108_135117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Brochure and Santa sleigh license" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bc74DXuPNSg/UJwQuoRIZAI/AAAAAAAANII/0a8r58JFx_k/s400/20121108_135117.jpg" title="Your Santa Story extra surprises" width="400" /></a></div>
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I will admit that it took me a moment to figure out the scenarios. As part of the DVD creation, you choose where the last present will be located for your kids to find after they've watched the DVD (ours will be under our bed, for example), and I initially thought that was what these scenarios referred to. It finally dawned on me that these cards are to let children know that there is a <b>DVD</b> waiting for them, not that this referred to the last present's hiding place. I am planning to cut out the thank you for the cookies note to place on the empty cookie plate and put our DVD in the mailbox.<br />
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As Santa suggested, we did watch our DVD. We have an amazing Santa, and his Spanish was impeccable. His beard was real, he looked like Santa, and it was a "real" set, not some screen. The video is just over three minutes long, and the first minute or so is a generic introduction of Santa's life - the barn with the reindeer and Santa petting them and so forth. That part was a little slow for me, but I know the wee ones will be fascinated. The rest of it with our personal message? It was beyond cool. I almost want to show the wee ones the video now, but I can't spoil the surprise. How am I going to wait another almost two months?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/awhO9pbYeXE?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Tell me this isn't one of the coolest things ever? Once it's over, we'll be putting the DVD into a memory box so we can pull it out in years to come. And next year? We were told that the same Santa(s) will be there and that families will receive the same Santa next year to ensure continuity. Brilliant, no?<br />
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I know you want one. If you celebrate Christmas, how can you not? I will admit that I would have added my husband as one of my "kids" and had a special message to him (and maybe me) had I thought of it. That would only add to the fun, right? So guess what. I have one code for a free <a href="http://www.yoursantastory.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Your Santa Story DVD</a> to give away. Remember, there are a limited quantity of DVDs that can be made this year, so if you win, get yours made quickly so you don't miss out! And if you don't win? Order soon! This is one surprise that definitely won't work if you procrastinate.<br />
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So, are you ready to try to win one? First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!<br />
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This contest is open until Thursday November 22 at 7pm CST (yikes, that's Thanksgiving!). I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 24 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner. <br />
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<b>Mandatory Entry</b>: Tell me - what is your favorite Santa tradition?<br />
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<b>Bonus Entries</b> (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):<br />
1) Earn one additional entry for <i>following me</i> on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/honestandtruly">Twitter</a>, then tweeting this contest with the following tweet: Make the magic of Santa come alive with a personalized DVD giveaway from @YourSantaStory and @HonestAndTruly. http://bit.ly/Uyy8xd (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)<br />
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.<br />
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog <a href="http://honestandtruly.blogspot.com/">Honest & Truly!</a> publicly via Google Friend Connect.<br />
4) Earn one additional entry by liking <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/MichelleHonestAndTruly" rel="nofollow">Honest & Truly! on Facebook</a>. (Yay, it's legal again, so long as you know you have to leave a comment <b>here</b> to enter and that simply liking me isn't the entry, along with acknowledging the fact that Facebook has nothing to do with this giveaway whatsoever.<br />
5) Earn an additional entry by putting me in your <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/?tab=mX#111556382519573364704/posts" rel="nofollow">Google Plus circle</a>. Am I already in your G+ circle? No problem - just leave a comment letting me know that you've added me or already have me there.<br />
Good luck!<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a Your Santa Story DVD personalized to my family to facilitate this review. I received no other compensation, and all opinions are my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-37298183884817208232012-11-07T17:03:00.001-08:002012-11-07T17:03:22.785-08:00Udi's 14 Day Gluten Free ChallengeI had never heard of anyone being gluten free until 2001 when a friend told me she had celiac and could no longer eat any bread products. It was a surprise me to, but I adapted. From that time, I was amazed by the number of people I knew - both adults and children - who had issues with gluten. The number continues to grow, and I constantly hear people talk about the differences going gluten free makes.<br />
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Mister Man is also on the autism spectrum, and there are proven gut connections where many benefit from a gluten free or gluten free/dairy free diet. And by benefit, I'm talking significant behavioral changes that help reduce the impact of autism. I've been intrigued by this for Mister Man for a long time, but his autism is relatively mild, and it's a restrictive diet. And we all love our carbs around my house.<br />
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While at BlogHer in New York, I met with one of the sponsors, <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Udi's Gluten Free</a>. I've heard of Udi's before - many times, in face. They are also a wonderful sponsor at AutismOne, a conference I attend annually, and I have friends who frequently enjoy the Udi's products. They are one of the "good" ones who have products that taste good without using the qualifier "for a gluten free item."<br />
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They offered me the chance to do a 14 day gluten free challenge, and I jumped on it. While Little Miss has a dairy allergy and we deal well with that, I don't want to put Mister Man on a trial of a far more restrictive diet without knowing that it is something I can do, too - and knowing that gluten issues are frequently genetic, I wanted to see if going gluten free would help me, too.<br />
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So on came coupons for me to purchase Udi's products for my gluten free challenge. I first headed to my local grocery store, and I was crushed and surprised to find that Dominick's does not carry Udi's products at all. Fortunately, we have another new grocery store in town, and they have plenty of Udi's products. In fact, it's possible that I stood there in front of the freezer (most Udi's products are kept frozen to prolong their life as the shelf life isn't very long) with my mouth hanging open, trying to figure out how on earth I was going to decide what to choose.<br />
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Fortunately, I did eventually make my decisions, and I headed home with a bunch of Udi's products. I was amazed by the variety, but I was happy to make space for them in my freezer.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Wp1MtJ3bFk/UJrLes6Zh4I/AAAAAAAANDM/MImBMrzk60k/s1600/20121013_095821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Variety of Udi's products from pizza to muffins" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Wp1MtJ3bFk/UJrLes6Zh4I/AAAAAAAANDM/MImBMrzk60k/s400/20121013_095821.jpg" title="Udi's Gluten Free products" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had everything covered from my standard breakfast of <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/product-category/granola/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">granola</a> (many oats are tainted with gluten, so I couldn't just use my usual rolled oats and make granola like I normally do) to <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/product-category/pizza-crust/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pizza</a> for when my family wants to do our Monday Night Pizza Night to a special treat of <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/product-category/cookies-brownies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cookies</a>.<br />
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And so I started my gluten free journey.<br />
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The first day, I had some cinnamon raisin bread toasted. By the time I removed it from the toaster, Little Miss had already eaten half of one slice - after she'd finished her own breakfast. It was good, and I promised to share more with her later. I had chicken salad I made from scratch on some of the whole grain toast, as well. My only complaint with the bread is that the pieces are very small. They are larger than a playing card, but not by much. I know that our serving sizes have increased significantly over the years, but I would love to see a larger piece of bread. I assume the size has to do with baking issues for larger loaves, but ... I would like to see a larger piece regardless.<br />
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My only slip the first day was at Costco. I was diligently checking the samples to see if they had any wheat or wheat products and avoided those. When I got to the dark chocolate dipped pretzel crisps, I didn't check because I knew what was in them... and that there was no dairy. It wasn't until I was on my way home that it dawned on me that yes, a pretzel definitely has gluten. Oops.<br />
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Eating gluten free wasn't really a challenge for me, however. I'm lucky that I cook from scratch the majority of the time, so I can come up with all sorts of foods I enjoy that just happen to not include gluten. It did amaze me how careful I am with Little Miss - I check every ingredient on every item that she ingests - but it took me a few days to get into that habit for myself. I did get pretty good pretty quickly at googling "Is XXX gluten free" and finding pretty solid advice for the most part. I am happy to report that my nonfat chai latte at Starbucks is gluten free.<br />
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And my gluten free challenge went well. The hardest thing for me was when my family did pizza night. They ordered from the usual pizzeria, and the smell of the soft crust and the gooey cheese was really tempting. I baked my own Udi's pizza, and it was good, but it wasn't quite the same as pizzeria pizza. I did miss my gluten that night to some degree. However, I got smart and purchased Udi's pizza crusts so that I could make my own pizza the way I like it. The next time we had pizza night, my pizza was even more special than theirs - I made an awesome roasted garlic, goat cheese, prosciutto, and sun dried tomato pizza for myself. And the Udi's pizza crust is pretty good!<br />
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I will admit that the morning after my family had the pizzeria pizza, I pulled out the <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/products/cinnamon-rolls/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gluten free cinnamon rolls</a> for myself. While the package doesn't give instructions on how to heat it (and it really should - I shouldn't have to google preparations for it), I figured it out. Simply wrap the cinnamon roll loosely in tin foil and place it in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. While it's cooking, let the icing warm up in a bowl of warm water (still sealed). It worked beautifully, and there was way more than enough topping. In fact, I ended up using some of the topping for cupcakes I made for Mister Man's birthday party for Little Miss since she's dairy free and couldn't have the maple cream cheese frosting. The cinnamon rolls had a gorgeous, soft texture and tasted way better than most commercially prepared cinnamon rolls. Four mornings, I was a very happy gluten free camper.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMas_ZiZAp4/UJr-YMILI1I/AAAAAAAANDw/2lQW-49rRkg/s1600/20121013_102536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Delicious gluten free cinnamon roll" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMas_ZiZAp4/UJr-YMILI1I/AAAAAAAANDw/2lQW-49rRkg/s400/20121013_102536.jpg" title="Udi's gluten free cinnamon roll" width="400" /></a></div>
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In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by all the Udi's options. Because the main restriction is bread and other carb-filled foods, that's where Udi's concentrates with everything from muffins (and muffin tops!) to cookies and granola and breads. I discovered when I was doing the gluten free challenge that I actually tended to eat less of the prepared gluten free food and more foods that happened to be gluten free - like smoked salmon or the <a href="http://honestandtruly.blogspot.com/2012/10/cream-of-celery-soup-tasty-tuesday.html" target="_blank">"cream" of celery soup</a> I made one night. <br />
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Even knowing I had the options of bread products that were gluten free helped lessen my fear that I was being deprived or my craving for them. And that's a good thing. I think that had I eaten every meal with a gluten free replacement, I would have gained weight because even gluten free, they're still carbs! Doing the gluten free challenge caused me to really eat mindfully, however, and think about the foods I was eating. Was I <b>really</b> hungry? Did I <b>really</b> want to eat that, or would I rather have something else? And that's something I can always do more of.<br />
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In fact, I am pretty sure I lost weight while doing the two week challenge. I don't have a scale, so I can't tell you for certain, but my jeans felt looser. And I have a stubborn high stomach area that sticks out all the time that was significantly reduced by the end of my two weeks on the gluten free challenge.<br />
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In fact, when my two weeks were up, I was afraid to try anything with gluten again. I have friends whose children vomit profusely when given gluten (that's in the minority and is a child with other significant allergies). I have friends who get severe stomach cramps or diarrhea or gas when they eat gluten after going gluten free. But after being reassured by some of my friends that if I hadn't felt significant differences after going gluten free (and I didn't) that any effects I did have would be short lived. <br />
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So I had half a bagel. And I was ok. For me, gluten free is not a necessity. And I'm still debating now whether I go this route with Mister Man, as well. That said, I do appreciate the benefits of gluten free alternatives. When I wanted a special treat, I made <a href="http://honestandtrulyreviews.blogspot.com/2012/10/gluten-free-pear-and-ginger-crisp-for.html" target="_blank">ginger pear crisp</a> for Little Miss and me to share, using Udi's gluten free granola. And I have noticed that I have less of a craving for gluten filled items, which I think is good for me.<br />
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In the end? I'm glad I did the 14 day challenge. I may continue to do week long or two week long challenges from time to time because I think it's helpful to remind me of other, more mindful, ways to eat. And the Udi's products I tried were good - and there are plenty more than I haven't tried. Yet.<br />
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So how about you? Have you ever gone gluten free? Would you ever do it knowing that you can with <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/product-catalog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Udi's gluten free options</a>?<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with free Udi's product to conduct the Udi's 14 Day Gluten Free Challenge. I received no other compensation, and all opinions are my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-44615686297144219662012-11-06T12:56:00.000-08:002012-11-06T12:59:49.182-08:00Hallmark Holiday Goodies GiveawayI shared some of my favorite items from the <a href="http://honestandtrulyreviews.blogspot.com/2012/10/hallmark-christmas-collectibles.html" target="_blank">Hallmark holiday line for 2012</a> last week. I know it's early for me since I like celebrating my holidays one at a time, but I had to share the fun. And now it's November, and I'm going to quickly get behind in my shopping and card making if I don't watch it. I figure the least I can do is help you out, right?<br />
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I have some help for everyone on the card making side. Hallmark is offering 30% off your personalized greeting order. Now through 12/31/12, you can get a 30% discount on customized greetings and photo cards with the code <b>BLOG30</b>. While that provides a a wonderful savings, it unfortunately doesn't provide that deadline I need to get my cards out on time! Everyone likes New Year's cards though, right?<br />
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For the shopping, I can also offer a little help. I shared many of <a href="http://honestandtrulyreviews.blogspot.com/2012/10/hallmark-christmas-collectibles.html" target="_blank">my favorite Christmas items</a>, and I get to give some of them away!<br />
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I talked about the <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/?Context=chmkvcusencontent%23%23-1%23%23-1~~nctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23m2#!/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23m2%7e%7enf47%7c%7c4b65657073616b65204f726e616d656e7473&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">keepsake ornaments</a> and the wide variety Hallmark now offers. We choose ornaments each year that mean something to us, ones that the wee ones will take with them one day when they have trees of their own. Since Little Miss was my amazing Spider-man this year, I love that Hallmark has a <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/christmas/keepsake-ornaments/the-amazing-spider-man-1495QXI2614_DK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spider-Man ornament</a>. While Little Miss doesn't look nearly as fierce as this Spidey, it's a great way of remembering my girl who beats to her own drum.<br />
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<img alt="2012 Spider-Man ornament" height="400" src="http://content.hallmark.com/hallmark-resources/ecommerce/ornaments/12-07/images/the-amazing-spider-man-christmas-keepsake-ornaments-qxi2614_518_1.jpg" title="Hallmark Spiderman ornament" width="400" /><br />
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And I may have waxed poetic just a little bit about the <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/recordable-storybooks/browse-recordable-storybooks/#!/products/?context=cbooksvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%231d%7e%7ef19%7c%7c5265636f726461626c652053746f7279626f6f6b73%7e%7enf85%7c%7c4368726973746d61732031322f3235&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">recordable storybooks</a> Hallmark offers. I received the new book <i>Santa Claus is Coming to Town</i>, but there are so many more available. <i>A Charlie Brown Christmas</i> is still the first Christmas book I read when I go to my parents' house, thirty years after they originally gave it to me. I may have at one point colored on some pages with crayon, and some of the pages may be slightly ripped, but that is my all time favorite story - and <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/christmas/recordable-storybooks/a-charlie-brown-christmas-1KOB1025_DK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>A Charlie Brown Christmas</i> is available as a recordable storybook</a>. I love that the recordable storybooks make it even easier to create those memories since children can listen to the books before they can read, and parents can record their voices reading the story for posterity - and for $19.95. You can bet that I am recording my voice this year for the book Santa leaves the wee ones! <br />
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<img alt="cover of A Charlie Brown Christmas" height="400" src="http://content.hallmark.com/hallmark-resources/ecommerce/finished-goods/12-09/images/a-charlie-brown-christmas-christmas-and-holiday-recordable-storybooks-kob1025_518_1.jpg" title="A Charlie Brown Christmas Hallmark recordable storybook" width="400" /><br />
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Beyond the fact that there are multiple titles I think would make me cry to even try to read them (think: <i><a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/anytime/recordable-storybooks/under-the-same-moon-1KOB9040_DK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Under the Same Moon</a></i> - which is $29.95 and not $19.95 like most of the recordable storybooks), I am enamored of the fact that Hallmark offers a Spanish language <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/general/recordable-storybooks/la-primera-navidad-1KOB9030_DK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">recordable storybook, <i>La Primera Navidad</i></a> (The First Christmas). With Little Miss in a Spanish immersion program, I search high and low for Spanish books to add to our collection, and I have to say, trying to find a Spanish language Christmas book from Santa last year was tough.<br />
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<img alt="Spanish language recordable storybook from Hallmark" height="400" src="http://content.hallmark.com/hallmark-resources/ecommerce/finished-goods/12-09/images/la-primera-navidad-christmas-and-holiday-recordable-storybooks-kob9030_518_1.jpg" title="Hallmark La Primera Navidad recordable storybook" width="400" /><br />
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So why am I repeating this? Because I get to make your Christmas shopping just a little bit easier. I have a Hallmark Spider-Man Christmas ornament to give away, and not one but two of the recordable storybooks (not necessarily the ones I showcased here). There will be one winner who receives all three items, and I'm excited to get to play Santa.<br />
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First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!<br />
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This contest is open until Tuesday November 20 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 24 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner. <br />
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<b>Mandatory Entry</b>: Tell me - how do you make holiday memories?<br />
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<b>Bonus Entries</b> (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):<br />
1) Earn one additional entry for <i>following me</i> on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/honestandtruly">Twitter</a>, then tweeting this contest with the following tweet: Holidays are coming. Get ready with @HallmarkPR and @honestandtruly. Ornament & recordable book giveaway: <a href="http://bit.ly/MrVcwD">http://bit.ly/PV1z0o</a> (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)<br />
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.<br />
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog <a href="http://honestandtruly.blogspot.com/">Honest & Truly!</a> publicly via Google Friend Connect.<br />
4) Earn one additional entry by liking <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/MichelleHonestAndTruly" rel="nofollow">Honest & Truly! on Facebook</a>. (Yay, it's legal again, so long as you know you have to leave a comment <b>here</b> to enter and that simply liking me isn't the entry, along with acknowledging the fact that Facebook has nothing to do with this giveaway whatsoever.<br />
5) Earn an additional entry by putting me in your <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/?tab=mX#111556382519573364704/posts" rel="nofollow">Google Plus circle</a>. Am I already in your G+ circle? No problem - just leave a comment letting me know that you've added me or already have me there.<br />
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Good luck!<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I received some Hallmark holiday items as described in my post about the <a href="http://honestandtrulyreviews.blogspot.com/2012/10/hallmark-christmas-collectibles.html" target="_blank">Hallmark holiday line for 2012</a>. I received no other compensation. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-25756650630298963332012-11-05T12:34:00.000-08:002012-11-05T12:34:29.266-08:00Protein + Del Monte Fruit Cups = After School WinIf you know anything about me at all, you know I care about what the wee ones eat. It makes a difference to me what we put in our bodies, which is why I cook from scratch most of the time and do what I can to ensure the processed foods we eat aren't filled with ingredients I avoid. I'm still a busy mom, and I need to find ways to get food to the wee ones faster sometimes. Discovering the <a href="http://www.delmonte.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new Del Monte fruit cup flavors</a> is a win all around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRxxqD-hJCVHuXYCfHclDo_ax7YIeug4Tsx822ll44o6rYzXMloy6dCETQe3bNOhTvZHL5ghlW3hIRY6C5BdDrnoRmJKuElhV_rwzw1sVWtBIuZa6Y1MEtUv5GH16a-MLUB-Ihc0j5hs/s1600/20121105_073025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Del Monte Apples and Pears with Caramel Flavor and Pears with Vanilla and Spice" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRxxqD-hJCVHuXYCfHclDo_ax7YIeug4Tsx822ll44o6rYzXMloy6dCETQe3bNOhTvZHL5ghlW3hIRY6C5BdDrnoRmJKuElhV_rwzw1sVWtBIuZa6Y1MEtUv5GH16a-MLUB-Ihc0j5hs/s400/20121105_073025.jpg" title="Del Monte Fruit Cups in new flavors #CBias" width="400" /></a></div>
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After school tends to be a busy time for us. Most days, the wee ones are running to activities, leaving them little time for after school snacks. And on the days we "just" have homework, they get off the bus absolutely starving but dinner isn't for hours yet. I figured out long ago that the wee ones - especially Mister Man - needs a high protein, healthy snack to over for dinner and ensure the focus and energy is there for any after school activity.<br />
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I don't like to give him peanut butter simply because there are so many kids with allergies, and I'm sensitive to the concern about contact allergies because I know he doesn't wash his hands after eating nearly as well as he will someday. Instead, I usually serve him Greek yogurt because it's quick and has a ton of protein. I buy the plain kind, and then put preserves in it. The only challenge is that he eats it slowly, so I have to hurry him along most of the time.<br />
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This time around, I decided to give him the yogurt with the <a href="https://twitter.com/DelMonteFoods" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Del Monte fruit cup</a> with apples and pears with caramel flavor in place of the preserves. He thought it was a neat idea, and who am I to challenge him? It's still only 13 grams of sugar, so I feel ok about it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmPFLpA2rrwafVvIKISxtzodOOCBTJ5Bjp-0VerQf4QcJe8790Lx6Ds1_OuZSoE19FV_UdGYT9SMgJAB3XkT0W-khr4TQx6tw2YdBgnWusRfrkmQX6G0NTsBmAluiGeTk0v9Olr_sarY/s1600/Del+Monte+fruit+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bowl of yogurt with Del Monte fruit cup as topping" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmPFLpA2rrwafVvIKISxtzodOOCBTJ5Bjp-0VerQf4QcJe8790Lx6Ds1_OuZSoE19FV_UdGYT9SMgJAB3XkT0W-khr4TQx6tw2YdBgnWusRfrkmQX6G0NTsBmAluiGeTk0v9Olr_sarY/s400/Del+Monte+fruit+cup.jpg" title="Greek Yogurt with Del Monte fruit cup #SmartSnack #CBias" width="400" /></a></div>
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I loved the idea of using the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/delmonte" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Del Monte fruit cups</a> because each cup is a full serving of fruit. I know the wee ones are good eaters, but I'm always trying to get some more fruit and vegetable servings in them. This is an easy way. I know the tablespoon or so of preserves I usually use doesn't have nearly that much fruit in it. Besides, the fruit cups contain no high fructose corn syrup (we won't eat foods that have it) and use actual sugar and brown sugar - depending on the flavor - to sweeten the fruit. I'm all over that. Plus, they're gluten free, which means they're "safe foods" for friends who come over who have gluten issues, and we have plenty of those unfortunately.<br />
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When I put the bowl in front of Mister Man, he was excited. His first reaction was to tell me that, "<i>Mom, this smells so </i><b style="font-style: italic;">good</b>!" Trust me, that isn't a normal reaction from my oh-so-picky child. In fact, he immediately leaned over to smell it and inhale the fruity flavor with a touch of extra yummy caramel hint.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmRVhZQ6K_eVoLW7oBzW9_sx0n9XVg9RQQPSKIggwOGTbb4BSriynxpuhpIuCaDNuFXqlHFvAn47Vo0gQsXQ-wacpUPXBMeyCwDzqys29ZiK68fTDEgeUK4fBhns38FODIebTnV_QhEs/s1600/20121105_073712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The perfect #SmartSnack smells good, too" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmRVhZQ6K_eVoLW7oBzW9_sx0n9XVg9RQQPSKIggwOGTbb4BSriynxpuhpIuCaDNuFXqlHFvAn47Vo0gQsXQ-wacpUPXBMeyCwDzqys29ZiK68fTDEgeUK4fBhns38FODIebTnV_QhEs/s400/20121105_073712.jpg" title="Mister Man smelling his yummy yogurt snack" width="400" /></a></div>
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Apparently this snack was a winner. I'm happy because it's low in calories (each cup is just 60 calories) but packs a great nutritional punch. Between the protein in the yogurt and the full fruit serving, this is something I definitely feel good about serving Mister Man. And it must have tasted really good to him because I didn't have to rush him along. Instead, I turned around and there was an empty bowl. This does not happen on a normal day, people!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ac0B1PfCug/UJgdM7k6Z0I/AAAAAAAAM6w/O1wW1g_qM1U/s1600/20121105_075122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mister Man ate his Greek yogurt with Del Monte fruit in record time" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ac0B1PfCug/UJgdM7k6Z0I/AAAAAAAAM6w/O1wW1g_qM1U/s400/20121105_075122.jpg" title="Empty #SmartSnack bowl" width="400" /></a></div>
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Of course Little Miss was not about to be outdone. She saw the fruit and figured that what's good for the gander is good for the goose.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ2AqeSXiZhxgv2qE7IqtHMtdVbYmyHbuKn61Bm1y4Tl9WlWSsb4ZMaqk5B5g6ta3ShPElvZQdMjEStYoG4xT86_8GTJV4htcQwG384GuxGt-uOCYutl3wP2ip-i4mDALPKfj_phXxyk/s1600/20121105_073214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Little Miss loving on the Del Monte Fruit Cups" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ2AqeSXiZhxgv2qE7IqtHMtdVbYmyHbuKn61Bm1y4Tl9WlWSsb4ZMaqk5B5g6ta3ShPElvZQdMjEStYoG4xT86_8GTJV4htcQwG384GuxGt-uOCYutl3wP2ip-i4mDALPKfj_phXxyk/s400/20121105_073214.jpg" title="Little Miss #SmartSnack Del Monte Fruit Cups #CBias" width="400" /></a></div>
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She started loving on the package and wouldn't put it down until I agreed that she could have a fruit cup, too. I let her have the pears with vanilla and spice so that I could try the other fruit cup, too. All three of us agreed that the fruit was nice and soft but not too mushy and that it actually tasted like apples and pears. That is definitely a step up from the fruit cocktail I grew up eating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x35Q5dl4vb9KrlvoKQZxhg8pHlNjcldF530XKBsnguEA2crV-KF3dA4-YkA_hxt8oq-zmFd0vPU0cugM4THXn8hiAWBLx9lRo1GZEwCGvHU3cT9EKPx5I7sut5XErjJFPBoBlgBx01s/s1600/20121105_081211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Little Miss enjoying her Del Monte pears as part of her #SmartSnack" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x35Q5dl4vb9KrlvoKQZxhg8pHlNjcldF530XKBsnguEA2crV-KF3dA4-YkA_hxt8oq-zmFd0vPU0cugM4THXn8hiAWBLx9lRo1GZEwCGvHU3cT9EKPx5I7sut5XErjJFPBoBlgBx01s/s400/20121105_081211.jpg" title="Eating Del Monte pear fruit cup #CBias" width="400" /></a></div>
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So remember how I told you that I went to Walmart to <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/111556382519573364704/albums/5807108595107768017" target="_blank">buy the Del Monte fruit cups</a> and came home with an extra? The other new flavor of diced peaches with cinnamon and brown sugar wasn't on the official list, but I couldn't help myself. These are flavors that just sound really yummy to me, and they make a perfect healthy snack for just over $0.50 per cup.<br />
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But it gets better. There's an online coupon now for $<a href="http://www.coupons.com/?pid=15744&zid=uo74&nid=10&cid=17587019" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">0.50 off any one cup of Del Monte</a> diced pears and apples with caramel flavor or diced pears with vanilla and spice. Now the cups are an even more affordable healthy snack. Yep, this #SmartSnack is definitely an after school win in our house!<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for <a href="http://www.collectivebias.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Collective Bias™</a> and <a href="http://www.delmonte.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Del Monte</a>. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own. #CBias #SocialFabric</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-77624082681785275052012-11-03T17:27:00.000-07:002012-11-04T17:37:37.412-08:00Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus In ChicagoOn Thursday, we headed to the Allstate Arena for the annual Chicago visit of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/RinglingBros" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®</a> Circus. The wee ones were beyond thrilled, as the circus coming to town is one of their favorite things. The fact that this year the circus was all about dragons, well... I kept that a surprise until we got there!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJSzfJdHL7Y/UHcdtDq0p5I/AAAAAAAALfk/zXEFSYWM3s8/s1600/Dragons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dragons logo for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus" border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJSzfJdHL7Y/UHcdtDq0p5I/AAAAAAAALfk/zXEFSYWM3s8/s400/Dragons.jpg" title="Ringling Bros logo" width="400" /></a></div>
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I knew the show celebrated the year of the dragon, but I didn't know how they were going to do it. The creativity was amazing, and the show was spectacular, as always, with a great mix of animal acts and acts of strength and agility and more.<br />
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We arrived in time for the all access preshow, where all ticketholders are invited to the show floor to try on costumes, interact with select performers, and watch some of the acts up close. The jugglers were fun to watch, and the wee ones loved learning the "dragon dance" that the performers did later during the show. The favorite, as always, was the elephant painting. This year, we saw a young elephant out for her first show who didn't paint but was oh-so-cute, and the twist to the "show" was that a clown competed in a painting contest with the elephant. Shockingly, the crowd voted that the elephant did the better job.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSG5fJy-C-lrhsweVbbDdJLuodzPELyPPOG20YT0Fq4Caqso4eCxGWybR2BxwtXAbCeZjHQIye70JvvAc0-bqnX5OrtuS8T73dt0srhkRZmzl1HSa5epFK66EmgNjkTr2Oylh2QzoWxWo/s1600/Circus+Elephant+Painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Elephant painting at Ringling Bros circus" border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSG5fJy-C-lrhsweVbbDdJLuodzPELyPPOG20YT0Fq4Caqso4eCxGWybR2BxwtXAbCeZjHQIye70JvvAc0-bqnX5OrtuS8T73dt0srhkRZmzl1HSa5epFK66EmgNjkTr2Oylh2QzoWxWo/s400/Circus+Elephant+Painting.jpg" title="Circus elephant painting" width="400" /></a></div>
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The other favorite (of mine, at least) preshow act was the dogs that did everything from play leapfrog jumping over each other to weaving through a person's legs as he walked to jumping though body part hoops. Those were some talented dogs and oh so cute to watch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgEvMw7yHJUeNYIQ_7ZU9BGfisUOBBawdud_Eqdl7_sQGM_etT_kX9FkDejMflXm8hBOkvkB-GEJyCMdZQSjG7ciO9nnfD2sFYGsFY1RGb-W3c_8bSLTJSOsXKD_TRT9i6975LIFzUDk/s1600/Circus+Dog+Tricks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dog jumping through someone's arms" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgEvMw7yHJUeNYIQ_7ZU9BGfisUOBBawdud_Eqdl7_sQGM_etT_kX9FkDejMflXm8hBOkvkB-GEJyCMdZQSjG7ciO9nnfD2sFYGsFY1RGb-W3c_8bSLTJSOsXKD_TRT9i6975LIFzUDk/s400/Circus+Dog+Tricks.jpg" title="Circus dog tricks" width="400" /></a></div>
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The introduction of the show was, as always, a huge production with all the performers appearing. I'll admit that I still have the song going through my head, which I think is a first for a production of this sort. I adored the dragon "cars" that depicted the various traits required for calling a dragon forth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98Nn7TpdSUQCc7UZYBTdQgg7xk2KU5J72MIit8r2ES8GGp9SmLoELwSAVjXitG9RaRhrf7r6zk3PcUML_ba6pt-4dTuVpzkUuXwOBwc8gleWYjaaONDbWIN14RtigKiXA4Qsk3nAcG4U/s1600/Circus+Ringmaster+entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dragon cars and ringmaster" border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98Nn7TpdSUQCc7UZYBTdQgg7xk2KU5J72MIit8r2ES8GGp9SmLoELwSAVjXitG9RaRhrf7r6zk3PcUML_ba6pt-4dTuVpzkUuXwOBwc8gleWYjaaONDbWIN14RtigKiXA4Qsk3nAcG4U/s400/Circus+Ringmaster+entrance.jpg" title="Circus grand entrance" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had several favorite acts, and I took some really cool pictures. Of course with the dark and the way the lights are set up - and how fast some of the acts move! - many of my photos didn't turn out the way I wanted them to, but I'm happy that I have the memory of them.<br />
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The bareback riders were truly impressive. I love horses and riding, and there is no way I could do <b>any</b> of what they were doing. I thought it was really cool that they were standing while controlling the horses as they cantered into and around the ring. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ptOrAuxcvFKo906DwyALxnv7yJsTDYmOzmb-a9L8PfBNZFfmJ3b1V7eJfcKMr3-AFsSRQQacQ7ZjDG9LxfYaS2AeqpdG7_FjP3M5mbhSWTLrV5L2s1fKWxeGJTB70pGWTQ6hThyphenhyphenHtxM/s1600/Circus+Bareback+Riders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Riding standing on horseback" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ptOrAuxcvFKo906DwyALxnv7yJsTDYmOzmb-a9L8PfBNZFfmJ3b1V7eJfcKMr3-AFsSRQQacQ7ZjDG9LxfYaS2AeqpdG7_FjP3M5mbhSWTLrV5L2s1fKWxeGJTB70pGWTQ6hThyphenhyphenHtxM/s400/Circus+Bareback+Riders.jpg" title="Circus bareback riders" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was wrong. What was really cool was when they jumped onto and off the horses, from one side to the other. And then when they crawled around the belly of the horse - all while it was cantering. No, it was when they started creating a pyramid on horseback while the horses were cantering around. Yikes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCm4QC2MLWEFwZK0gY33YbCOGBPjx3fobBzxZ-c9YeYOIpkPEoagruUve-nz8K4pxC33LEA2dhJF1Ksmqq9XIAAI2v1J4OGPbrATktGN7Del9IW_77zFTNWpTrvedYEiCokAO5bOxWN4/s1600/Circus+Bareback+Riders+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Five man pyramid on horseback" border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCm4QC2MLWEFwZK0gY33YbCOGBPjx3fobBzxZ-c9YeYOIpkPEoagruUve-nz8K4pxC33LEA2dhJF1Ksmqq9XIAAI2v1J4OGPbrATktGN7Del9IW_77zFTNWpTrvedYEiCokAO5bOxWN4/s400/Circus+Bareback+Riders+2.jpg" title="Circus bareback rider pyramid" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm also a sucker for the big cats. They make me a little nervous, but I love seeing the interaction between the trainer and the animals and the grace the big cats show. Even the wee ones were oohing and ahhing over this one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDovLYB3txGQxOoO5TgnruBnnPNknC7NHNzr59qzi1xaxz2E1YjPDh2MB1H_GS-OMNlAGZuF92squS9IFCdmMVfxfU0UOmeWKR0HsVOFAtgCkfEt8ScSbtClHsfA_D9XDkWN4nb4q4NQ/s1600/Circus+Big+Cats+jumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lion jumping over two tigers" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDovLYB3txGQxOoO5TgnruBnnPNknC7NHNzr59qzi1xaxz2E1YjPDh2MB1H_GS-OMNlAGZuF92squS9IFCdmMVfxfU0UOmeWKR0HsVOFAtgCkfEt8ScSbtClHsfA_D9XDkWN4nb4q4NQ/s400/Circus+Big+Cats+jumping.jpg" title="Circus big cats jumping" width="400" /></a></div>
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The perfect example of the cats making me smile with the interaction? I loved the lazy lion who didn't seem to want to get up on his platform. You can almost read his thoughts as he's lying there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmQXuFJorTBYOVovVcpJde-NWwtkIC-9Xiv_bAskIexbH21Oa53qc55B231SP31FZwfCR39Zdsc75P1Rc7JuexDKWqdLVe6liAghftK0hyphenhyphenY2PfRsr2ZmV5RDXNo9JMasXLqRCs-xjVms/s1600/Circus+Big+Cats+lazy+lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lion laying his head on the platform instead of climbing onto it" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmQXuFJorTBYOVovVcpJde-NWwtkIC-9Xiv_bAskIexbH21Oa53qc55B231SP31FZwfCR39Zdsc75P1Rc7JuexDKWqdLVe6liAghftK0hyphenhyphenY2PfRsr2ZmV5RDXNo9JMasXLqRCs-xjVms/s400/Circus+Big+Cats+lazy+lion.jpg" title="Lazy lion" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was also fascinated by the new twist on the tightrope walkers. Years ago, the silk ropes hung from arena rafters became the new trick. The "dragon eyes" that the Sizzling Sirens of the Sky use for contortions within and outside of the balls. It was beautiful and unique - and something I'm sure will be copied by many others.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvfZybUkXshtcXDJygQM6SwPl2h7IT6BvbQeedz6cPcmCF1gASXHBXDnmU47xJnAed6L3SBTIGIOrDpZ9_NqTBI37ZfX-2-laKS2kdn3WIiDvt4H4BJS1ThxKGfoTp9c3X8D1XpfQsY0/s1600/Circus+Floating+Balls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Acrobats performing in glass balls" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvfZybUkXshtcXDJygQM6SwPl2h7IT6BvbQeedz6cPcmCF1gASXHBXDnmU47xJnAed6L3SBTIGIOrDpZ9_NqTBI37ZfX-2-laKS2kdn3WIiDvt4H4BJS1ThxKGfoTp9c3X8D1XpfQsY0/s400/Circus+Floating+Balls.jpg" title="Circus dragon eyes Sizzling Sirens of the Sky" width="400" /></a></div>
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And who can forget the Shaolin warriors? Mister Man is <b>way</b> into martial arts, and he didn't move - and possibly didn't breathe - during the entire performance. I was so agog I forgot to take pictures of much of it. And they moved so fast my camera couldn't capture most of what I did take. Watching them bend metal poles around their necks and then unbend them was impressive enough. Balancing on the points of spears was eerie. And they didn't break boards; they had wooden poles broken over their heads and other body parts. This was the biggest proof of mind over matter I'd ever seen. Oh, and did I mention that they jumped through a wheel of knives? While it was on fire? And spinning? While wearing a black hood so they couldn't see? Wow. Just wow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwq00_-xF-4tudX143VkuJcgq5ldJa85W70Uo9TNZdOKLXDpFw3ttz9BE8DrVjxP9GeGRNkay2ZYOUrvUA2QzDqEZYQuiJAjNHanT7urDvAGqY_oJysvLKQ9Vpi7xEDYvlvoKHGarWYk/s1600/Circus+Shaolin+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jumping blindfolded through a spinning wheel of knives that is on fire" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwq00_-xF-4tudX143VkuJcgq5ldJa85W70Uo9TNZdOKLXDpFw3ttz9BE8DrVjxP9GeGRNkay2ZYOUrvUA2QzDqEZYQuiJAjNHanT7urDvAGqY_oJysvLKQ9Vpi7xEDYvlvoKHGarWYk/s400/Circus+Shaolin+3.jpg" title="Ringling Bros Shaolin Warriors" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2ZlMDLjXGtkFDKgjIV457Ne1uD2XpNIt17RpylgKSJhAVkEsrCtV3ctylDYqRhO6ZqNxUBYt3QIOFytT-2gzIyWcweLLiUt8AJeX9Nbh82KguMmbKO_TmHgJgKjgPPtFSqSGqHNYE2o/s1600/Circus+Shaolin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Breaking a pole over a Shaolin warrior's head" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2ZlMDLjXGtkFDKgjIV457Ne1uD2XpNIt17RpylgKSJhAVkEsrCtV3ctylDYqRhO6ZqNxUBYt3QIOFytT-2gzIyWcweLLiUt8AJeX9Nbh82KguMmbKO_TmHgJgKjgPPtFSqSGqHNYE2o/s400/Circus+Shaolin.jpg" title="Shaolin warriors breaking poles" width="400" /></a></div>
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The one act that most freaked out Little Miss was the Medeiros Troupe. After they performed acrobatics around a motorcycle on a high wire, they suspended themselves via their hair and did acrobatics that way. As amazed as I was, I couldn't help but feel sympathetic pain for them. Watching one girl juggle while she dangled from her hair that was attached to the other girl's hair (who was suspended upsidedown herself) was truly impressive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeqkZAlHXV0qJdHPD4m6jEhPa5VBFfTKQcxueCNp9May7PGBJxy08XBhX8lGuU0H7PqDjB3lZJTc65CbPZ3ql9bRWq-l0QoVQApjVAopKKJUz2jvH9Sv3pU_aT_DIGExmBBbo9MG-GNA/s1600/Circus+Hair+Juggling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Suspended by hair juggling" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeqkZAlHXV0qJdHPD4m6jEhPa5VBFfTKQcxueCNp9May7PGBJxy08XBhX8lGuU0H7PqDjB3lZJTc65CbPZ3ql9bRWq-l0QoVQApjVAopKKJUz2jvH9Sv3pU_aT_DIGExmBBbo9MG-GNA/s400/Circus+Hair+Juggling.jpg" title="Circus hair juggling" width="400" /></a></div>
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The show continued with so many acts. And of course, the four attributes displayed - heart, courage, wisdom, and strength - called forth the "dragon." It was so well tied together. I'm pretty sure this was my favorite circus ever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocyjYCY3MPHlsrMqABKO02m4A1nXW0Ea-anH1LlO_yfglxLJcNLl3dOEX-98RJCHkFk9Oc6LGvReqayop3adMhuJlrHlWawlW5p7dy-Fcgz8tmi-5We5z74R9jUL9IthC74lK4HITfV8/s1600/Circus+Dragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dragon appearing after being summoned" border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocyjYCY3MPHlsrMqABKO02m4A1nXW0Ea-anH1LlO_yfglxLJcNLl3dOEX-98RJCHkFk9Oc6LGvReqayop3adMhuJlrHlWawlW5p7dy-Fcgz8tmi-5We5z74R9jUL9IthC74lK4HITfV8/s400/Circus+Dragon.jpg" title="Ringling Bros dragon circus" width="400" /></a></div>
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As a reminder, the shows at Allstate Arena run:<br />
Saturdays November 3 and 10 at 11:30am, 3:30pm, and 7:30pm<br />
Sundays November 4 and 11 at 1pm and 5pm - special Spanish language concert after the 5pm show and tickets are $5 more<br />
Wednesday through Friday November 7-9 at 7pm<br />
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The shows at the United Center are:<br />
Wednesday November 14 at 7pm - $12 opening night tickets<br />
Thursday and Friday November 15 and 16 at 10:30am and 7pm<br />
Friday November 23 and Saturdays November 17 and 24 at 11:30am, 3:30pm, and 7:30pm<br />
Sundays November 18 and 25 at 1pm and 5pm - special Spanish language concert after the 5pm show and tickets are $5 more<br />
Tuesday November 20 at 7pm<br />
Wednesday November 21 at 2pm and 7pm<br />
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Tickets range from $13 to $90 for the Circus Celebrity tickets (where you and your family are actually a part of the circus and which sell out quickly!), but I have a 40% discount code for weekday shows and 20% off all weekend shows. Simply enter the promo code MOM when you <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/i89mql" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">order your tickets</a>. (Fine print: Weekday is defined as any show Monday through Thursday or Friday matinee, not including holidays such as the day after Thanksgiving. Discount does not apply to Circus Celebrity, Front Row, or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1pemzyr6J0/UHcd8clZyeI/AAAAAAAALfs/o0DUpbquDm4/s1600/4C-MOM-Flyer_RBBB_Chicago_2012-752x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus discounts information" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1pemzyr6J0/UHcd8clZyeI/AAAAAAAALfs/o0DUpbquDm4/s400/4C-MOM-Flyer_RBBB_Chicago_2012-752x1024.jpg" title="Ringling Bros. circus flier" width="293" /></a></div>
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If you haven't already purchased your tickets, it isn't too late to use the discount code. Get your tickets quickly though, because <a href="https://twitter.com/RinglingTweets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®</a> Circus is only here for a little while longer!<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I am a Feld Family Ambassador. As such, I am receiving complimentary tickets to the <a href="https://twitter.com/RinglingTweets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®</a> Circus as part of my outreach. I am not otherwise compensated. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-69393515527709058062012-10-30T09:07:00.001-07:002012-10-30T09:07:23.970-07:00Hallmark Christmas CollectiblesShh. I know Halloween isn't tomorrow. And you all know I hate rushing my seasons one on top of the other. But I got the coolest package in the mail from Hallmark, and I couldn't wait to share it anymore. I love Christmas, and when I was in New York in August and saw all the <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/christmas/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">awesomeness that Hallmark had in store this year</a>, I drooled. Possibly literally. I swear there is something for everyone - and quite a few things for me!<br />
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Hallmark is known for their collectible ornaments, and they have not disappointed with the ornaments they're featuring this year. Every year, we purchase one ornament that is the "family" ornament for the year as a memory and keepsake. Looking at the trees Hallmark had decorated, it was hard to decide what type of ornament best fit us this year. Was it the <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/christmas/keepsake-ornaments/merida-1495QXD1609_DK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Merida ornament</a> from the movie <i>Brave</i> that we all watched together and loved? Was it the <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23k2~~nf47%7C%7C4b65657073616b65204f726e616d656e7473&includenavigation=True&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both#!/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23k2%7e%7ef47%7c%7c4b65657073616b65204f726e616d656e7473%7e%7enf3%7c%7c537461722057617273e284a2&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Imperial Storm Trooper Lego ornament</a> - <b>so</b> up Mister Man's alley? Or the <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23k2~~nf47%7C%7C4b65657073616b65204f726e616d656e7473&includenavigation=True&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both#!/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23k2%7e%7ef47%7c%7c4b65657073616b65204f726e616d656e7473%7e%7enf3%7c%7c53636f6f62792d446f6f&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scooby-Doo</a> or Avengers or <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/christmas/keepsake-ornaments/the-amazing-spider-man-1495QXI2614_DK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spider-Man</a>? After all, Little Miss is dressing as Spider-Man for Halloween tomorrow! There are even <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23k2~~nf47%7C%7C4b65657073616b65204f726e616d656e7473&includenavigation=True&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both#!/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23k2%7e%7ef47%7c%7c4b65657073616b65204f726e616d656e7473%7e%7enf3%7c%7c5477696c69676874&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twilight</a> and <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23k2~~nf47%7C%7C4b65657073616b65204f726e616d656e7473&includenavigation=True&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both#!/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23k2%7e%7ef47%7c%7c4b65657073616b65204f726e616d656e7473%7e%7enf3%7c%7c4e464c&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NFL ornaments</a> (except I'm still waiting for my Minnesota Vikings AP ornament), as well as <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23k2~~nf47%7C%7C4b65657073616b65204f726e616d656e7473&includenavigation=True&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both#!/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23k2%7e%7ef47%7c%7c4b65657073616b65204f726e616d656e7473%7e%7enf3%7c%7c5065616e757473c2ae&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peanuts</a> and an <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/christmas/keepsake-ornaments/sending-you-love-1995QXG4814_DK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ornament with space for a photo and recordable message</a> that was oh so cool.<br />
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My personal favorite (and don't tell anyone, but it almost "fell" off the tree into my purse that day), however, was <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/christmas/keepsake-ornaments/north-pole-countdown-2495QXG4964_DK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the countdown clock</a>. It is shaped like an old-fashioned radio and the knob turns to count down the days to Christmas beginning on December 1. The coolest part though is that it is "reindeer radio" and has little updates on what's going on. I can't wait to break this out come December 1, and I know it will be a favorite of the wee ones, too. It does require 3 AAA batteries, but I have plenty of those around the house. For $24.95, I'm one happy camper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVe_wtTacCUwAu5SfUhcZA1M_yEwjvGpYmio7cdtcPEPlCGSNFg7dy2CenYJJstMjkLAzFmHC_RilzDANTUNYOReNTXQuVp78QnLqqxwS5mpdC5xnrMdGkrrSCGvfP1dGIkutu3k4jlA/s1600/Hallmark+Merida+and+Countdown+Clock+ornaments.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Hallmark Countdown Clock ornament and Merida ornament from the movie Brave" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVe_wtTacCUwAu5SfUhcZA1M_yEwjvGpYmio7cdtcPEPlCGSNFg7dy2CenYJJstMjkLAzFmHC_RilzDANTUNYOReNTXQuVp78QnLqqxwS5mpdC5xnrMdGkrrSCGvfP1dGIkutu3k4jlA/s400/Hallmark+Merida+and+Countdown+Clock+ornaments.JPG" title="Hallmark countdown clock ornament" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hallmark has also created a whole line of <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23k2~~nf47%7C%7C4b65657073616b65204f726e616d656e7473&includenavigation=True&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both#!/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23k2%7e%7ef47%7c%7c426f6f6b73%7e%7enf6%7c%7c5265636f726473204d657373616765&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">recordable storybooks</a>, and they've continued to expand not just the books but the creativity surrounding how they're marketed. We also do one Christmas book a year for each of the wee ones that we will save forever and send with them when they grow up and move out. I still have all of the books from when I was growing up that Santa left me, and the memories sparked each time I pick them up to read them give me a warm glow.<br />
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This year, the recordable storybooks come in even more flavors. I received the new version <i>Santa Claus Is Coming to Town</i> that features music in addition to the audio story. I love that you can listen to the pre-recorded voice or record the story yourself so that your children can hear you read it to them anytime you want. The storybooks range from $19.95-$29.95. This one is a $29.95 version.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkskV8Be-utGdP0I6VyEJkb1E5FBQCuAJhAzqpCVtXAEn-xHmNeLrlQY-hchufSOKviBgVvkZpnmZBxTNqitupfg9GcZFeWAanzSZ06i9slpYUFK3VbrNA56Qtcv4A2NUZuHVNW6uGSg/s1600/Hallmark+Santa+Claus+Is+Coming+To+Town.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hallmark Recordable Storybook Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkskV8Be-utGdP0I6VyEJkb1E5FBQCuAJhAzqpCVtXAEn-xHmNeLrlQY-hchufSOKviBgVvkZpnmZBxTNqitupfg9GcZFeWAanzSZ06i9slpYUFK3VbrNA56Qtcv4A2NUZuHVNW6uGSg/s400/Hallmark+Santa+Claus+Is+Coming+To+Town.JPG" title="Hallmark Recordable Storybook Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the creative drawings and new text that is part of the stories. The pages are nice and thick, and the book is built to last - including the ability to change out the batteries when your child has listened to it too many times! This is a children's book, but I am confident that my seven year old Little Miss will love listening to it and reading it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVlYlGiKekFrGt62fzBmNqyCIi_KlqdVFB9W5OiqXgERAHtl7My4LZ0veOOlBtyglj1zkfmPdxubTx4W01JIYt2o4aBjg6w1b8K1nsVSYreYqh7WBs1oHRZfRAp_qhYcsrfmRuIrefJE/s1600/Hallmark+book+Santa+Claus+is+Coming+to+Town.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Inside of Santa Claus Is coming to Town from Hallmark" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVlYlGiKekFrGt62fzBmNqyCIi_KlqdVFB9W5OiqXgERAHtl7My4LZ0veOOlBtyglj1zkfmPdxubTx4W01JIYt2o4aBjg6w1b8K1nsVSYreYqh7WBs1oHRZfRAp_qhYcsrfmRuIrefJE/s400/Hallmark+book+Santa+Claus+is+Coming+to+Town.JPG" title="Santa Claus Is Coming to Town Hallmark recordable storybook" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I said, the storybook collection has expanded from what it originally was. There were other types of recordable storybooks that I fell in love with that I wasn't sent, and I have to tell you about them, too. There are two fascinating new concepts - well, new to me at least. The first is the <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/search/products/?context=chmkvcusencontent%23%23-1%23%23-1~~q696e7465726163746976652073746f72792062756464696573~~ncbooksvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23r&searchTerm=interactive%20story%20buddies&includenavigation=True" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Interactive Story Buddies</a>. They are stuffed animals - a <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/search/products/?context=chmkvcusencontent%23%23-1%23%23-1~~q696e7465726163746976652073746f72792062756464696573~~ncbooksvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23r&searchTerm=interactive%20story%20buddies&includenavigation=True#!/products/?context=q696e7465726163746976652073746f72792062756464696573%7e%7ecbooksvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23r%7e%7ef85%7c%7c4368726973746d61732031322f3235%7e%7enf3%7c%7c4162696761696ce284a2&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bunny</a>, <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/anytime/interactive-story-buddies/christopher-1PSB4116_DK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bear</a>, <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/anytime/interactive-story-buddies/nugget-1PSB4117_DK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dog</a>, etc., even <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/anytime/interactive-story-buddies/scooby-doo-1PSB2118_DK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scooby-Doo</a>! - who are activated when certain phrases from the book are read aloud. They will bark or sing or talk in a way that makes sense with the book. It is incredibly cool. These books also come with a read-along CD and more for $34.95. There are seven Interactive Buddies available now (my favorite is <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/christmas/interactive-story-buddies/bell-1XKT1036_DK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bell the Husky Pup</a>).<br />
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Brand new is the <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/search/products/?context=chmkvcusencontent%23%23-1%23%23-1~~q626520612070617274206f66207468652073746f7279~~ncbooksvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%231b&searchTerm=be%20a%20part%20of%20the%20story&includenavigation=True#!/products/?context=q626520612070617274206f66207468652073746f7279%7e%7ecbooksvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%231b%7e%7ef85%7c%7c4368726973746d61732031322f3235%7e%7ef19%7c%7c496e74657261637469766520426f6f6b73&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Be a Part of the Story</a>, which allows children to chat with the main character of the story as they read the books. They can have conversations and answer questions that the child has to answer for the story to continue moving. This is such a novel and neat way to get children interested in reading and understanding the magic of books. Each of these is $24.95, with three titles available this year. When we saw them, they were just in prototype still, but <i><a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/general/interactive-books/a-day-at-fairy-grandmothers-1KOB4001_DK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Day at Fairy Grandmother's</a></i> was very very cool. I may have to go out and buy this one myself!<br />
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And of course Hallmark has <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23kf~~nf47||4361726473&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cards for every occasion</a>. While I tend to do primarily photo cards now, there are still some cards that I send or make for Christmas that I want to personalize and hand write long messages. I'm such a fan of receiving and sending "real" mail - and my friends get such a kick out of it when they receive something from me. It's a great tradition to maintain. (And yes, Hallmark now does <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23kf~~nf47||4361726473&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=#!/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23kf%7e%7ef47%7c%7c4361726473%7e%7enf18%7c%7c50686f746f204361726473&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">photo cards</a>, too, from <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23kf~~nf47||4361726473&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=#!/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23kf%7e%7ef47%7c%7c4361726473%7e%7ef18%7c%7c50686f746f204361726473%7e%7enf6%7c%7c4d61676e65746963&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">magnetic cards</a> to<a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23kf~~nf47||4361726473&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=#!/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23kf%7e%7ef47%7c%7c4361726473%7e%7ef18%7c%7c50686f746f204361726473%7e%7enf12%7c%7c352e32352671756f743b20436972636c65&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> ornament cards</a> to <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23kf~~nf47||4361726473&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=#!/products/?context=ctopholchristmasvirtualhallmarkus%23%230%23%23kf%7e%7ef47%7c%7c4361726473%7e%7ef18%7c%7c50686f746f204361726473&includenavigation=true&filterby=availability&filtervalue=both&eventid=&cs=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more traditional cards</a> - did you know that?) There are also fun cards from the Santa's Secret 'Stache card to an origami star that turns into an ornament, as well as cards that are interactive, just like the storybooks. I love the recordable wish list card, although I'm glad the wee ones haven't seen that one yet. I can only imagine how many times they'd change what they recorded there! And yes, Justin Bieber fans, there are more Justin Bieber Christmas cards than I could possibly count. I love the handmade cards, especially since I used to make my own Christmas cards (yes, this was long before children), and I appreciate all the time and talent that goes into designing and creating them. Hallmark's cards range from $1.99 to $7.99, depending on the card and what it does.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2Ab88RzfbEhq0rQ0ILyfS8eCuYbou1FJIpSxkfU_8l1XcAup4jMI9r9afU4HKUuMYPf6E7FDQXijt_zqlnAg6S9S_VA7lU89R-8W204wsrgGCs09Rzujffi2tA4baF9-7qSiuVmcZJ8/s1600/Hallmark+Chistmas+Cards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2Ab88RzfbEhq0rQ0ILyfS8eCuYbou1FJIpSxkfU_8l1XcAup4jMI9r9afU4HKUuMYPf6E7FDQXijt_zqlnAg6S9S_VA7lU89R-8W204wsrgGCs09Rzujffi2tA4baF9-7qSiuVmcZJ8/s320/Hallmark+Chistmas+Cards.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So what are your plans to create Christmas memories?<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I received the products shown above from Hallmark for review purposes. I was not provided with any additional compensation. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-39183813990880167162012-10-29T14:22:00.000-07:002012-11-04T14:54:52.751-08:00Gluten Free Pear And Ginger Crisp For TwoI am sensitive to those with food issues. Witness my irritation with the <a href="http://honestandtruly.blogspot.com/2012/10/allergy-free-trick-or-treating-or-not.html" target="_blank">allergen free trick or treat that wasn't</a>. Little Miss also has a dairy allergy, and we have plenty of friends with issues eating everything from strawberries to soy to corn to eggs and more, but gluten is by far the biggest issue. Fortunately, there are plenty of companies that provide all sorts of gluten free alternatives, and <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Udi's</a> is one of our favorites.<br />
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Why is Udi's one of our favorites? In addition to having all sorts of yummy goodness that brings them up to the top of our list already, Udi's does a fantastic job of labeling their allergens. They clearly label the front of their products with gluten free, dairy free, soy free, etc. as applicable so that anyone with a food sensitivity can quickly see which items are and are not going to work.<br />
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Fun for me, Udi's sent me some product recently to create desserts that are gluten free. I know how left out Little Miss often feels, and some of our best friends have the same issues because of their allergy issues. I love that Udi's has great options for sweet treats from their <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/products/dark-chocolate-brownie-bites/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">brownie bites</a> to <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/products/chocolate-chia-muffin-tops/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">muffin tops</a> to <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/products/snickerdoodle-cookies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">snickerdoodles</a> and more. They make great desserts on their own or crumbled up over yogurt or fruit or ice cream (or coconut milk ice cream in our case!). The challenge from Udi's, however, was to create a dessert using these items.<br />
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I had a few ideas that I thought would be a ton of fun, and Little Miss loved having these special treats just for her... even though Mister Man snuck some of the yumminess for himself because the treats are overall good, not just "gluten free" good. Creating a version of "haystacks" with granola, chocolate, coconut flakes and flax seeds was fun and tasty. I also made a version of bread pudding - Mister Man's favorite dessert since he discovered it a year ago - using the Udi's <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/products/cinnamon-raisin-bread/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cinnamon raisin bread</a>. That brought a huge smile to her face.<br />
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In the end, I chose to use the <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/products/gluten-free-vanilla-granola/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gluten free vanilla granola</a> for this challenge to make a special dessert just for Little Miss and I. I loved that this was something that was a small enough portion just for the two of us, although it could definitely be doubled to make pear and ginger crisp for more people. It was awesome.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt3j8UsciqY/UJbvajDjg-I/AAAAAAAAMoo/zjxSHR8oaew/s1600/20121024_114922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gluten free pear ginger crisp ready to eat" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt3j8UsciqY/UJbvajDjg-I/AAAAAAAAMoo/zjxSHR8oaew/s400/20121024_114922.jpg" title="Gluten Free pear ginger crisp" width="400" /></a></div>
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I enjoy cooking from scratch, but I loved using the granola for this recipe because it already has most of the ingredients that I would use to make a crisp, but I know they're gluten free. And more importantly, the granola has certified gluten free oats, wildflower honey, canola oil, almonds, and vanilla extract - and nothing else - which makes me happy to use it. The granola has a great crunch to it that makes an idea topping for a crisp.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mP7MEl1ZONg/UJbvkhJht7I/AAAAAAAAMow/6y0-hC8iqFg/s1600/20121024_101730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Udi's gluten free vanilla granola is ideal to make a pear ginger crisp" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mP7MEl1ZONg/UJbvkhJht7I/AAAAAAAAMow/6y0-hC8iqFg/s400/20121024_101730.jpg" title="Udi's gluten free vanilla granola for pear ginger crisp" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Gluten Free Pear Ginger Crisp</b><br />
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Ingredients:<br />
2 ripe pears, but just barely ripe<br />
1 t ginger<br />
2 t corn starch<br />
1/4 c plus 2 t brown sugar, divided<br />
1 1/2 t lemon juice<br />
1/2 c Udi's gluten free vanilla granola<br />
1/2 t nutmeg<br />
2 T mayonnaise<br />
pinch salt<br />
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Directions:<br />
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Wash the pears well. You want them to be just ripe, as they'll get mushy after cooking if they're too ripe. Don't peel them, just cut them into bite size pieces, removing the seeds as you normally would.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1lgKhIX-wo/UJbvMKXJJoI/AAAAAAAAMog/Viwsm8Alcs4/s1600/20121024_103032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pears ready to mix for gluten free pear ginger crisp" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1lgKhIX-wo/UJbvMKXJJoI/AAAAAAAAMog/Viwsm8Alcs4/s400/20121024_103032.jpg" title="Bite size pears for Gluten Free Pear Ginger Crisp" width="400" /></a></div>
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Place them into a small bowl, and 2 t brown sugar, the lemon juice, the freshly grated ginger, and the corn starch (or arrowroot if you have an issue with corn). Mix this until the pears are evenly coats, then place them into two large ramekins.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9y7IeDtOpJA/UJbwX36stnI/AAAAAAAAMo4/gsFc77Fdxmo/s1600/20121024_103555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pears ready for topping for gluten free pear ginger crisp" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9y7IeDtOpJA/UJbwX36stnI/AAAAAAAAMo4/gsFc77Fdxmo/s400/20121024_103555.jpg" title="Pear mixture for Pear Ginger Crisp" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the same small bowl (because I'm all about reusing where I can and having fewer dishes, if possible) that is now empty, add the granola, the freshly grated nutmeg, the rest of the brown sugar, the salt, and the mayonnaise. A word on mayonnaise for those of you wrinkling your noses. It is a surprisingly good choice that is GFCF alternative for a fat that adds a really nice tang without overpowering the dish. Just trust me on this one. Mix the topping until it is thoroughly combined and slightly crumbly.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcKPnOYnzOE/UJbxU18yRfI/AAAAAAAAMpA/qT4sjUMVQSQ/s1600/20121024_102359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mayonnaise is a surprise ingredient for the gluten free pear ginger crisp" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcKPnOYnzOE/UJbxU18yRfI/AAAAAAAAMpA/qT4sjUMVQSQ/s400/20121024_102359.jpg" title="Streusel topping for Pear Ginger Crisp" width="400" /></a></div>
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Carefully place half the topping over each pear-filled ramekin. Gently press the topping down, then place them in the oven. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, until the topping is nicely browned and the pears are soft.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--VMeLoBjsmg/UJbx3tvSVOI/AAAAAAAAMpI/unkhLHqxN04/s1600/20121024_103702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gluten free pear ginger crisp ready to head for the oven" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--VMeLoBjsmg/UJbx3tvSVOI/AAAAAAAAMpI/unkhLHqxN04/s400/20121024_103702.jpg" title="Pear Ginger Crisp ready to bake" width="400" /></a></div>
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So what dessert would you make with <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/product-catalog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Udi's gluten free options</a>?<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with free Udi's product to create desserts that are gluten free for Halloween and fall. I received no other compensation, and all opinions are my own.</i><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-64831518446372506932012-10-26T13:45:00.000-07:002012-10-26T13:45:18.440-07:00Stop Zombie Mouth This HalloweenI love Halloween. Well, I love most of Halloween. I love the sunny, crisp fall afternoons, and I love the creativity of the costumes. The excitement of children is palpable, and the giggling is infectious. I love the feeling of comaraderie amongst the neighbors as we troop from house to house. But I don't love the candy.<br />
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I hate all the candy, to be honest. We come home with tons of candy, the majority of which we can't or don't eat. Little Miss has a diary allergy which cuts out a huge portion of the candy we collect. We all avoid HFCS and food dyes wherever we can, which cuts out the majority of the rest. Mister Man get to keep his Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. A few neighbors hand out fruit strips or peanut packs, and one neighbor cooks hot dogs for everyone. That and bags of pretzels are usually what we have at the end of the night.<br />
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Even the fruit strips and peanut butter cups aren't unlimited. I don't want the wee ones eating that much sugar. It isn't good for their overall health, and it really isn't good for their teeth. Knock on wood, neither of them has a cavity yet, and I'd like to keep it that way.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GhSOKGz85cI/UIr1lXA6DFI/AAAAAAAAMMo/dJuU25Dq09g/s1600/SZM-Stop-zombie-mouth.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Plants vs Zombies cartoon" border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GhSOKGz85cI/UIr1lXA6DFI/AAAAAAAAMMo/dJuU25Dq09g/s400/SZM-Stop-zombie-mouth.png" title="Stop Zombie Mouth" width="400" /></a></div>
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This year, American Dental Association (ADA) and PopCap Games are partnering to help people provide an alternative to candy for trick or treating. Anyone who wants to give out copies of PopCap Games' <a href="http://stopzombiemouth.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plant vs. Zombies can download free game coupons</a> that can be redeemed for the full game for either Macs or PCs. Now that's sweet, right?<br />
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<a href="http://stopzombiemouth.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Coupon to Stop Zombie Mouth" border="0" height="75" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHBcCerKigU/UIr134wXYrI/AAAAAAAAMMw/gC5hbQf4Tt8/s400/Stop+Zombie+Mouth+Coupon+Image.jpg" title="Free Plants vs. Zombies Coupon" width="400" /></a></div>
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The codes can be redeemed at <a href="http://stopzombiemouth.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stop Zombie Mouth</a> starting October 30 and until November 10. The hit game normally retails for $19.95, and I can't wait to see the faces of the kids - especially the middle school trick or treaters - when they see what we're giving out this year!<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I received #StopZombieMouth cards to give out at Halloween next week. I was not provided with any additional compensation. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-40235751021680260352012-10-24T07:05:00.000-07:002012-10-29T07:06:19.216-07:00Free Ringling Bros. Tickets For HalloweenI love Halloween and some of the fun things you see that didn't exist even a few years ago. I know there will be not only trick or treating for kids at our local shopping center this weekend, but they'll have trick or treating <b>and</b> a costume contest for dogs. And that's just one new event.<br />
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Last year, I participated in the free ticket campaign to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus by handing out tickets and clown noses to trick or treaters at our house. It was a blast, and I loved seeing the faces of the kids - and their parents - as they received the tickets and noses. This year, the new tradition continues with five new houses.<br />
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Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents Dragons invites you to Trick or Treat for a FREE Ticket to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Dragons! Simply visit one of the 5 Halloween Ringling Treat Houses during their Ringling Treat hour: <br />
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House 1 – Bronzeville/Chicago, 4655 S. King Dr. – 3pm – 4pm<br />
House 2 – Aurora, 1140 Symphony Dr. – 4pm – 5pm<br />
House 3 – Crystal Lake, 66 Barrow Dr. – 4pm – 5pm<br />
House 4 – Oak Park, 300 Forest Avenue – 5pm – 6pm<br />
House 5 – Clarendon Hills, 124 Arthur Ave. – 5pm – 6pm<br />
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Parents who visit a Ringling Treat House with children between the ages of 2 and 12 will receive one voucher for a FREE Kid’s Ticket for each child present. Voucher is redeemable for a ticket to any Monday – Friday performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Dragons at Allstate Arena and United Center. Voucher must be redeemed for Kid’s Ticket at the arena box office. Additional tickets and adjoining seats may be purchased at that time. Trick-or-Ringling Treating is available on Oct. 31 until the end of the hour noted or until 100 FREE Kids’ Vouchers are distributed at each house, whichever occurs first.<br />
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So go - trick or treat for your ticket!<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I am a Feld Family Ambassador. As such, I am receiving complimentary tickets to the <a href="https://twitter.com/RinglingTweets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®</a> Circus as part of my outreach. I am not otherwise compensated. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-6017783950050843822012-10-17T14:52:00.001-07:002012-10-17T15:42:05.751-07:00Don't Get Your Undies In A Twist!My husband is picky about his underwear. Most of the time. We joke about it because I feel like he goes through it like water, and he can't figure out how I get mine to last as long as I do. When I told him he had a chance to upgrade his drawers with <a href="http://pinterest.com/cbsocially/malo-underwear/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MaLo Underwear</a>, he agreed readily - as long as I promised not to photograph him wearing it. The man has his pride.<br />
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Why was he so happy right now? Unfortunately, his underwear drawer was starting to look a little sparse. He's a fan of boxer briefs, and apparently the elastic has given out on the majority of what he had owned. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38LG70wJqj4/UH8npaDbCyI/AAAAAAAALz8/9aIuv7KdWdY/s1600/Husband's+underwear+drawer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="#MaLoUnderwear to the rescue of a nearly empty drawer" border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38LG70wJqj4/UH8npaDbCyI/AAAAAAAALz8/9aIuv7KdWdY/s400/Husband's+underwear+drawer.JPG" title="Nearly empty underwear drawer" width="400" /></a></div>
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He was down to a few of his "oldie but goodies" - which is part of where our teasing comes in. There are three pairs of underwear that he's owned since I've known him (or at least, it feels like he has) that just never seem to give up the ghost, so they stick around. They've been relegated to "backup" status when I haven't been as on top of laundry as I need to be, but he still has them. And I hate them. They are the old fashioned boxers, and they are cotton, but not the soft cotton. There's no stretch or give to them. And... they're ugly.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4jnqVUAcUw/UH8no8x2E8I/AAAAAAAALz0/urxalaVT6Lc/s1600/Fugly+boxers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The boxers #MaLoUnderwear will be replacing" border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4jnqVUAcUw/UH8no8x2E8I/AAAAAAAALz0/urxalaVT6Lc/s400/Fugly+boxers.JPG" title="Old fugly underwear" width="400" /></a></div>
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When the <a href="http://pinterest.com/cbsocially/malo-underwear/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MaLo underwear</a> arrived, I was slightly entertained by the package. Instead of the usual shrink-wrapped plastic, they came in a resealable bag like they had to be kept fresh. I thought it was clever. The image of David on the front of the package wearing the underwear didn't hurt either!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSR07SHqfOEK4MDkO2RHys-8DbtnNXMhQimC5N9G5hCOf-6Po6vrkfbrttbpz4K_9REOmyq_0Kl1Li5KPTVObezIKC1Jo25h1sqNVEGRX1Xt1kUPMzD_Lt0BQUgxuJwx0X7SOlygrmA88/s1600/MaLo+boxer+brief+packaging.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Recloseable seal on #MaLoUnderwear" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSR07SHqfOEK4MDkO2RHys-8DbtnNXMhQimC5N9G5hCOf-6Po6vrkfbrttbpz4K_9REOmyq_0Kl1Li5KPTVObezIKC1Jo25h1sqNVEGRX1Xt1kUPMzD_Lt0BQUgxuJwx0X7SOlygrmA88/s400/MaLo+boxer+brief+packaging.JPG" title="Unique #MaLoUnderwear packaging" width="400" /></a></div>
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My husband was happy when his new underwear arrived, too. Men's fashion isn't really his thing. He likes to keep things fairly conservative. While <a href="http://twitter.com/MarioLopezExtra" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MaLo</a> comes in all sorts of fun patterns, the package we were sent was perfect for him with black and grey unpatterned boxer briefs.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj10jRCf0JI/UH8nsaXMehI/AAAAAAAAL0E/Duj5EAcZWkc/s1600/Husband+Likes+his+MaLo+boxer+briefs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Husband holding up 3 pairs of #MaLoUnderwear boxer briefs" border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj10jRCf0JI/UH8nsaXMehI/AAAAAAAAL0E/Duj5EAcZWkc/s400/Husband+Likes+his+MaLo+boxer+briefs.JPG" title="Happy husband with his #MaLoUnderwear" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wearing them took a little getting used to. The legs of these boxer briefs are much shorter than the pairs I had been buying him previously. While they weren't too short, they were noticeably different from what he normally wore, so he had a tendency to want to adjust himself to ensure everyone was staying where they were supposed to. Once he got used to the new cut and fit, he was fine.<br />
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His favorite part was the band of the boxer briefs. He was used to a simple layer of elastic around the boxer briefs. While that is effective, it isn't the most comfortable all the time. The band around the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/malounderwear" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MaLo</a> is just as soft as the rest of it, and it's thicker, too - which I'm hoping means that we don't have to do a replacement job as quickly. Maybe this time, his underwear will last as long as mine!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNIvdatk5QSmksuXN1PiqX5WoK2RavQa7tC3EfboKvmzvZZ-PLg1jIrSGAYDQkoYzwZ7n7m6HcXxXvGKNqPiQ3o2m9LftuB-c9c3dOB2BKZsY8fTmeuHjH2NZNOv_bJm9Sb2RzWt0Kmw/s1600/MaLo+Boxer+Briefs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 pairs of conservative #MaLoUnderwear boxer briefs" border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNIvdatk5QSmksuXN1PiqX5WoK2RavQa7tC3EfboKvmzvZZ-PLg1jIrSGAYDQkoYzwZ7n7m6HcXxXvGKNqPiQ3o2m9LftuB-c9c3dOB2BKZsY8fTmeuHjH2NZNOv_bJm9Sb2RzWt0Kmw/s400/MaLo+Boxer+Briefs.JPG" title="MaLo Underwear 3 pack" width="400" /></a></div>
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So yeah, I might have thought it was a little odd that Mario Lopez would choose to put his name on underwear. But you know? I think he made a good choice. I'll be hopping into Kmart the next time I need to replace more of my husband's boxer briefs because I think we have a new winner in the clubhouse thanks to #MaLoUnderwear!<br />
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Interested? The <a href="http://www.facebook.com/malounderwear/app_208195102528120" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MaLo Facebook page</a> is currently running a contest for a chance to meet Mario Lopez himself and $75 in MaLo product. Just take a photo of your man before and after MaLo and briefly describe your makeover. Include your name and state, and the best makeover story and likes of it wins! See the Facebook page for complete rules and information.<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I am a member of the Collective Bias</i><b id="internal-source-marker_0.78517707856372" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">™</span></b><i> Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for <a href="http://www.collectivebias.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Collective Bias</a></i><b id="internal-source-marker_0.78517707856372" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">™</span></b><i> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/malounderwear" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MaLo</a>, and all opinions remain my own. #CBias #SocialFabric</i>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-4981286470368805302012-10-15T13:33:00.001-07:002012-10-15T13:43:55.293-07:00Shutterfly Holiday Card GiveawayShutterfly has their holiday cards up already. That's crazy, right? Well, maybe not so much.<br />
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Last week, the wee ones and I had a playdate at the park with a friend when there was no school on Columbus Day. While there, I ran into a friend who went to the park purely to take photos of her kids for her Christmas pictures. Apparently it isn't too early to start thinking about it.<br />
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Me? I have a bad habit of not getting my cards out until just before Christmas even though I have the best of intentions of doing them the week after Thanksgiving. Life just gets insanely busy then, so maybe this is the solution instead.<br />
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I have yet to figure out what photos I want on my card this year - although I know this one of <a href="http://honestandtruly.blogspot.com/2012/07/all-i-want-for-christmas-in-july-is-my.html" target="_blank">Little Miss in her holiday dress</a> will go on it, as I promised back in July.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaypnJDIRFNRW8kRugUWGV_WX7rmpzxXoKFYx3RiSBMUlKJmnX0GtwKQSGllibdZYM3UtvPejOkPo98NQ_ObrTiy7eRf2Q4T29rpzVpCRxaQjiarG6je7kV_c9R8FSvca9bv9uCnbF5So/s1600/Little+Miss+Cute+Christmas+Picture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Little Miss with no front teeth for Christmas" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaypnJDIRFNRW8kRugUWGV_WX7rmpzxXoKFYx3RiSBMUlKJmnX0GtwKQSGllibdZYM3UtvPejOkPo98NQ_ObrTiy7eRf2Q4T29rpzVpCRxaQjiarG6je7kV_c9R8FSvca9bv9uCnbF5So/s400/Little+Miss+Cute+Christmas+Picture.JPG" title="Little Miss Christmas card photo" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the options that Shutterfly provides simply because there are so many options out there. Whether you want a flat holiday card or a folded religious Christmas card, there is something perfect. I've used Shutterfly for the past several years, and the cards are always a nice heavy card stock with great printing quality.<br />
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While I prefer folded cards, there are plenty of options that are flat cards on photo paper, as well. Those cards start at $0.40 apiece for quantities over 225, while a 5x7 photo card might be $0.85 apiece for 50 cards.<br />
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My favorite "new" feature is that many of the cards offer either a "what we did this year" type list on the front of the card or a text area inside the card where you can input a (short) holiday letter instead of printing and sending another note with the card. My favorite has to be Our Top Ten, but there are several others that allow you to quickly share what you've been up to.<br />
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<img alt="Shutterfly holiday card with top ten of 2012" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ak52NpZy9c/UHxviuAjCzI/AAAAAAAALv0/bvXs5LScFZQ/s400/STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23017-6200-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1344015678000122090.jpg" title="Shutterfly holiday card" width="288" /></div>
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Because I can never decide on just one photo - and it's rare that both the wee ones are behaving in the same photo - I tend to go for cards with multiple photo options. If you remember <a href="http://honestandtruly.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-letter-v2011.html" target="_blank">last year's holiday card</a>, I gave up on the behaving part in the end and went with a goofy photo, but it worked. Framed Wishes (shown below) is really close to the card I chose last year. I still love it, but I probably need to get a little more creative.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Uqumd9j93c/UHxw09PuftI/AAAAAAAALv8/4FLu-Y-FeCw/s1600/STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23017-6082-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1344014991000149294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shutterfly holiday card Framed Wishes" border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Uqumd9j93c/UHxw09PuftI/AAAAAAAALv8/4FLu-Y-FeCw/s400/STATIONERYCARD_5x7-23017-6082-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1344014991000149294.jpg" title="Shutterfly Holiday card" width="400" /></a></div>
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My brain always seems to be spinning with one activity or child or another, so I seem to be drawn to the holiday cards that have different sizes and layouts of photos, with everything not in a neat little line. Very Merry Moments fits that perfectly, although because I have so many Jewish friends, I typically choose a card that doesn't blatantly mention Christmas.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Errf7jFqnk/UHxxNBkq0BI/AAAAAAAALwE/Ap6k1T_eLWU/s1600/STATIONERYCARD_5x5-31046-4467-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1320976220000167815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shutterfly holiday card Very Merry Moments" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Errf7jFqnk/UHxxNBkq0BI/AAAAAAAALwE/Ap6k1T_eLWU/s400/STATIONERYCARD_5x5-31046-4467-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1320976220000167815.jpg" title="Shutterfly holiday card" width="400" /></a></div>
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Instead, I think I've narrowed my selection down to Peace Cheer Monogram holiday card. I'm not usually a big plaid person, but I love it in this case. And I think the colors will go beautifully with Little Miss's red dress - which she's since outgrown by the way. Now I just have to figure out what other photos to put in there. One down, five to go, right?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eTqsGdCKvMU/UHxyN0Cw56I/AAAAAAAALwc/_Vevd943ZVE/s1600/STATIONERYCARD_FOLDED_5x7-27107-6064-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1344028674000124472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shutterfly holiday Card Peace Cheer Monogram holiday card" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eTqsGdCKvMU/UHxyN0Cw56I/AAAAAAAALwc/_Vevd943ZVE/s400/STATIONERYCARD_FOLDED_5x7-27107-6064-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v1344028674000124472.jpg" title="Shutterfly Holiday Card" width="288" /></a></div>
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Have I inspired you to start thinking about your <a href="http://bit.ly/RjyOos" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">holiday cards</a> yet? Go check out the <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/special-offers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shutterfly special offers</a> to see what discounts you can get. Better yet - if you're ready, I have a code to give away for $50 off your Shutterfly order (excluding shipping, can not combine with any other promotions). First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!<br />
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This contest is open until Monday October 29 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 24 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner. <br />
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<b>Mandatory Entry</b>: Tell me - when do you start your holiday cards? Or do you not do holiday cards?<br />
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<b>Bonus Entries</b> (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):<br />
1) Earn one additional entry for <i>following me</i> on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/honestandtruly">Twitter</a>, then tweeting this contest with the following tweet: "It's only October, but @Shutterfly has holiday cards read. Win $50 off your order via @honestandtruly. <a href="http://bit.ly/MrVcwD">http://bit.ly/WqrJIk</a>" (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)<br />
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.<br />
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog <a href="http://honestandtruly.blogspot.com/">Honest & Truly!</a> publicly via Google Friend Connect.<br />
4) Earn one additional entry by liking <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/MichelleHonestAndTruly" rel="nofollow">Honest & Truly! on Facebook</a>. (Yay, it's legal again, so long as you know you have to leave a comment <b>here</b> to enter and that simply liking me isn't the entry, along with acknowledging the fact that Facebook has nothing to do with this giveaway whatsoever.<br />
5) Earn an additional entry by putting me in your <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/?tab=mX#111556382519573364704/posts" rel="nofollow">Google Plus circle</a>. Am I already in your G+ circle? No problem - just leave a comment letting me know that you've added me or already have me there.<br />
<br />
Good luck!<br />
<br />
<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I will receive a discount for my holiday cards as part of this campaign for Shutterfly. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-10389872731482740712012-10-11T12:31:00.001-07:002012-10-11T12:35:37.183-07:00Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus Chicago Ticket GiveawayIt's not even Halloween, and already a friend of mine asked if I am working with Feld Entertainment on promoting the annual Chicago visit of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/RinglingBros" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®</a> Circus to both Allstate Arena and the United Center. The good news? Yes, I am. And yes, she has already bought her circus tickets with the discount I have to share.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJSzfJdHL7Y/UHcdtDq0p5I/AAAAAAAALfk/zXEFSYWM3s8/s1600/Dragons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dragons logo for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus" border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJSzfJdHL7Y/UHcdtDq0p5I/AAAAAAAALfk/zXEFSYWM3s8/s400/Dragons.jpg" title="Ringling Bros logo" width="400" /></a></div>
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This year's big top features the show Dragons, one I know Mister Man will be excited to see. The show celebrates the Year of the Dragon, and brings together mystic dragon lore and authentic circus feats. The show will once again start at Allstate Arena before moving to the United Center. One new thing this year? The Allstate Arena joins the United Center in offering free parking in the official lots, making this year even more of a treat than ever.<br />
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The shows at Allstate Arena run:<br />
Thursday November 1 at 7pm - $12 tickets for opening night!<br />
Friday November 2 at 10:30am and 7pm<br />
Saturdays November 3 and 10 at 11:30am, 3:30pm, and 7:30pm<br />
Sundays November 4 and 11 at 1pm and 5pm - special Spanish language concert after the 5pm show and tickets are $5 more<br />
Wednesday through Friday November 7-9 at 7pm<br />
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The shows at the United Center are:<br />
Wednesday November 14 at 7pm - $12 opening night tickets<br />
Thursday and Friday November 15 and 16 at 10:30am and 7pm<br />
Friday November 23 and Saturdays November 17 and 24 at 11:30am, 3:30pm, and 7:30pm<br />
Sundays November 18 and 25 at 1pm and 5pm - special Spanish language concert after the 5pm show and tickets are $5 more<br />
Tuesday November 20 at 7pm<br />
Wednesday November 21 at 2pm and 7pm<br />
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The show is fun for all ages, with a free all-access preshow for 90 minutes before the start of the performance. All ticket holders are invited to the arena floor for the Power Party where you can meet your favorite performers and animals.<br />
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Tickets range from $13 to $90 for the Circus Celebrity tickets (where you and your family are actually a part of the circus and which sell out quickly!), but I have a 40% discount code for weekday shows and 20% off all weekend shows. Simply enter the promo code MOM when you <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/i89mql" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">order your tickets</a>. (Fine print: Weekday is defined as any show Monday through Thursday or Friday matinee, not including holidays such as the day after Thanksgiving. Discount does not apply to Circus Celebrity, Front Row, or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1pemzyr6J0/UHcd8clZyeI/AAAAAAAALfs/o0DUpbquDm4/s1600/4C-MOM-Flyer_RBBB_Chicago_2012-752x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus discounts information" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1pemzyr6J0/UHcd8clZyeI/AAAAAAAALfs/o0DUpbquDm4/s400/4C-MOM-Flyer_RBBB_Chicago_2012-752x1024.jpg" title="Ringling Bros. circus flier" width="293" /></a></div>
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So are you ready to head off to the big top? I have a family pack of tickets to give away for your choice of shows: at Allstate Arena on Thursday, November 1 at 7pm or Friday, November 2 at 10:30am or at United Center on Wednesday November 14 at 7pm. First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!<br />
<br />
This contest is open until Thursday October 25 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 24 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner. <br />
<br />
<b>Mandatory Entry</b>: Tell me - what is your favorite circus act?<br />
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<b>Bonus Entries</b> (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):<br />
1) Earn one additional entry for <i>following me</i> on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/honestandtruly">Twitter</a>, then tweeting this contest with the following tweet: "Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is coming to Chicago. Win tickets via @honestandtruly. <a href="http://bit.ly/MrVcwD">http://bit.ly/W7STUf</a> #ChiRingling" (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)<br />
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.<br />
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog <a href="http://honestandtruly.blogspot.com/">Honest & Truly!</a> publicly via Google Friend Connect.<br />
4) Earn one additional entry by liking <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/MichelleHonestAndTruly" rel="nofollow">Honest & Truly! on Facebook</a>. (Yay, it's legal again, so long as you know you have to leave a comment <b>here</b> to enter and that simply liking me isn't the entry, along with acknowledging the fact that Facebook has nothing to do with this giveaway whatsoever.<br />
5) Earn an additional entry by putting me in your <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/?tab=mX#111556382519573364704/posts" rel="nofollow">Google Plus circle</a>. Am I already in your G+ circle? No problem - just leave a comment letting me know that you've added me or already have me there.<br />
<br />
Good luck!<br />
<br />
<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I am a Feld Family Ambassador. As such, I am receiving complimentary tickets to the <a href="https://twitter.com/RinglingTweets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®</a> Circus as part of my outreach. I am not otherwise compensated. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-32975402758517310492012-10-04T11:37:00.000-07:002012-10-05T05:09:09.014-07:00Dominick's International: Tomato SoupIf you know anything about me - anything at all! - you'll know that I love to cook and bake. The more I can do at home, controlling what I put into my dishes and what my family eats, the happier we all are. When given the opportunity to participate in a culinary challenge with Dominick's, highlighting some of the new international foods they are now carrying, I jumped all over it.<br />
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I took a deep breath and crossed my fingers as I read what my two mystery ingredients would be. I got Dell' Alpe extra virgin olive oil and Dell' Alpe imported canned pear tomatoes. To say I was happy that I got ingredients that go together is putting it mildly. But... they almost go too well together. I use tomatoes and olive oil constantly.<br />
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I thought and thought and tried to come up with something creative. Something unique. And then I remembered that when we went to Medieval Times, Mister Man enjoyed tomato soup for the first time in his life. Bingo - I need to foster that enjoyment of tomatoes in a healthy and yummy form.<br />
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So I decided to make a simple tomato soup that really features the Dell' Alpe tomatoes. And it was awesome. Serve it up with a little bread, and everyone was thrilled.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hx4lSkfWB1-QXUyCBiBxxKukD1WyFsT3Q-MHn8jmyxV5s6tQecuZLlIvSj1HpqbuZvlytexJHQwZeBQr9-EVn3kZ8djcEbMWmTee2xNeubD5AtbWe8as4aCo8RRj5w6VoLaaWzcFx4k/s1600/20121003_105408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bowl of tomato soup made with Dell' Alpe extra virgin olive oil and pear tomatoes" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hx4lSkfWB1-QXUyCBiBxxKukD1WyFsT3Q-MHn8jmyxV5s6tQecuZLlIvSj1HpqbuZvlytexJHQwZeBQr9-EVn3kZ8djcEbMWmTee2xNeubD5AtbWe8as4aCo8RRj5w6VoLaaWzcFx4k/s400/20121003_105408.jpg" title="Tomato soup with bread featuring Dell' Alpe products" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Tomato Soup</b> featuring Dell' Alpe evoo and Dell' Alpe pear tomatoes<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1 white onion<br />
2 T Dell' Alpe extra virgin olive oil<br />
3 cloves garlic<br />
2 T flour<br />
3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable to make it vegan)<br />
1 28 ounce can Dell' Alpe imported canned pear tomatoes<br />
1 T tomato paste<br />
2 T sugar*<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
10-15 fresh basil leaves<br />
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*Depending on your tomatoes and tomato paste, you may need to adjust this a little to get to the taste you want, usually just a little more sugar.<br />
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Directions:<br />
Preheat a large pot. Chop your onion while it's heating. Once it's fully heated, add the olive oil, then add the onion. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not browned.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmEuSKe69TeAWAmef3V9RFL2D2i4deZsuAMkI8aNCrKwlaMi19Rqu3qOi2OBvUCuBP6DlZhp0VEvSTIZ_xDeojwK1Iz0dhDzL3bGXivHi80mqt_-L3OaHpFHevYVcrX3ONqv5T4whKpc/s1600/20121002_172652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chop your onion into even size pieces for sauteeing" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmEuSKe69TeAWAmef3V9RFL2D2i4deZsuAMkI8aNCrKwlaMi19Rqu3qOi2OBvUCuBP6DlZhp0VEvSTIZ_xDeojwK1Iz0dhDzL3bGXivHi80mqt_-L3OaHpFHevYVcrX3ONqv5T4whKpc/s400/20121002_172652.jpg" title="Chopped onion" width="400" /></a></div>
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As the onion is cooking, prepare your garlic. To help keep it from burning, you don't want to cut it up. Instead, smash it with the flat of your knife. Once you smash it hard, you can just pluck the peel off, easy peasy. Add the garlic to the onion once the onion is pretty much done. You just want the garlic to get fragrant. Go ahead and add the flour, stirring to ensure that it is evenly coating the onions and garlic, and let it cook for two minutes.<br />
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Add the chicken stock and canned tomatoes to the onion and garlic mixture. Make sure you're using good tomatoes, like the Dell' Alpe imported canned pear tomatoes, because they will be the focus of your soup.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrTFtZ7SUpaKWfcwtwTeYRLIExWBvj0ZlQnzGL-64ctIzlWvt4Eodueh3GDNwsDCw-QrcxnqqWnP4W8m44pGgPzSKx-lwsEEggtjIxR_MiXcmEbTN-KJVl3nFePaJ93PCyAiXLx1iOmQ/s1600/20121002_175107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Can of pear tomatoes" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrTFtZ7SUpaKWfcwtwTeYRLIExWBvj0ZlQnzGL-64ctIzlWvt4Eodueh3GDNwsDCw-QrcxnqqWnP4W8m44pGgPzSKx-lwsEEggtjIxR_MiXcmEbTN-KJVl3nFePaJ93PCyAiXLx1iOmQ/s400/20121002_175107.jpg" title="Dell' Alpe Imported Canned Pear Tomatoes" width="400" /></a></div>
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How do you know you have good tomatoes? Seriously, take a look at how gorgeous these tomatoes are!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggg3oXvB98ibI3Csaooo2IVosF2ZurqgysIAAeTz1Bf0XrkS23u-NuJJl3wBhgwc8FrmNw0DK5uFkMhdpAWcXAgYnGdnUJgrrFoFa6nlwPnD3zI3RDHZ4im0FFvoyshhWwBMsI8sDSsCU/s1600/20121002_175346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dell' Alpe pear tomato on a spoon" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggg3oXvB98ibI3Csaooo2IVosF2ZurqgysIAAeTz1Bf0XrkS23u-NuJJl3wBhgwc8FrmNw0DK5uFkMhdpAWcXAgYnGdnUJgrrFoFa6nlwPnD3zI3RDHZ4im0FFvoyshhWwBMsI8sDSsCU/s400/20121002_175346.jpg" title="Beautiful whole peeled tomato" width="400" /></a></div>
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Add the tomato paste and sugar, as well as 1 t of salt and maybe 1/2 t of pepper. Turn the heat down so that it is just simmering. You don't want this to boil. Cover your pot and cook it for 30-40 minutes at a simmer so that everything starts to break down.<br />
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After that 30-40 minutes, puree your soup. If you have an immersion blender, you're set. If not, buy one but use your regular blender in the interim. If blending in a blender, blend in batches and don't fill the container more than one-third full. Use a kitchen towel and hold the top on, as blending hot liquids will create pressure that could force the top off. Keeping it fairly empty and holding the top on helps a ton. Or ... that immersion blender means you can do it all at once and in the same pot so no extra dishes. Puree it completely.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrCZBozpnbQhuGffbKDJYbD71OOiAkJn8CXjp39JHSWmU4uVWj9oobRRVqtjYdRjy7klIF32eJ1XZgnIoJu3WQvldJ9qXs4nyA27eDT_JZoMJ0mLoauFVdxPklXO0hG1m-Hw_tba7wwY/s1600/20121002_180906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Using an immersion blender to puree tomato soup" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrCZBozpnbQhuGffbKDJYbD71OOiAkJn8CXjp39JHSWmU4uVWj9oobRRVqtjYdRjy7klIF32eJ1XZgnIoJu3WQvldJ9qXs4nyA27eDT_JZoMJ0mLoauFVdxPklXO0hG1m-Hw_tba7wwY/s400/20121002_180906.jpg" title="Pureeing Dell' Alpe tomato soup" width="400" /></a></div>
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Serve it immediately. Chiffonade the basil and use it as a garnish or add some shredded Parmesan for an extra flavor boost. The wee ones weren't interested in these accouterments, but I'd definitely go for them. This will keep in the fridge for a few days, and it tastes better the second day once all the flavors have had a chance to meld.<br />
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Interested in making this Dell' Alpe highlighted soup? Or exploring other international options Dominick's now carries? I have a $50 Dominick's gift card to give away. <br />
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This one? Super easy to enter. You must tweet what your favorite international ingredient or dish is, using @Dominicks and @honestandtruly in the tweet along with the hashtag #DominicksIntl. The only caveat is that you can't use the Twitter handles or hashtag as the first word in your tweet (e.g., "@honestandtruly @Dominick's I love..." doesn't work; "Hey @honestandtruly and @Dominicks" <b>does</b> work). <br />
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Tweet by Sunday October 7 at 7pm Central, and I'll choose a winner from eligible entries at that time. You do need to be a US resident and 18 years of age or older. Only one tweet per person is eligible. You will need to provide me with your contact information within 24 hours so that you can be sent the gift card if you are chosen by random.org or another winner will be chosen.<br />
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Good luck!<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I received a gift card to purchase ingredients for my dish. I was not provided with any additional compensation. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-80616060958259984342012-10-02T10:52:00.000-07:002012-10-03T09:53:24.383-07:002Toots: A Restaurant I Can Feel Good About EnjoyingI wrote a few weeks ago about Mister Man and I eating at <a href="http://honestandtrulyreviews.blogspot.com/2012/09/mister-man-loves-2toots-in-bartlett.html" target="_blank">2Toots Train Whistle Cafe in Bartlett</a>. He keeps asking me when we get to go back. And we'll be back soon because it's somewhere that I can feel good about eating. Yes, it's <a href="http://www.2toots.com/our-menu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hamburgers and other diner food</a>, but it isn't pull out the overly processed frozen food from the back and who knows what's in it, and that's why I like it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ClKu35CKGDs/UGxriR3iIEI/AAAAAAAALHQ/Y4kvV_wcbIY/s1600/20120904_185213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Basket with burger and fries at the 2Toots train whistle cafe in bartlett" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ClKu35CKGDs/UGxriR3iIEI/AAAAAAAALHQ/Y4kvV_wcbIY/s400/20120904_185213.jpg" title="2Toots Train Whistle Cafe burger" width="400" /></a></div>
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The beef in the hamburgers is Bill Kurtis's Tall Grass Beef, which is 100% grass fed, 100% prairie raised beef that is given no hormones. Not only do I feel better about that, but there are nutrition benefits from this beef, too. There is up to 1.5 times more protein in the leaner grass fed beef, and it has more Vitamin E, omega 3s, and CLAs - all of which help our bodies work properly. The hot dogs are also from Bill Kurtis's farm and are preservative and gluten free and have no added nitrites or nitrates - something we try to avoid in our house. They even offer gluten free buns now, making life easier for those with dietary restrictions. And if that isn't enough, if you have further dietary issues, you are welcome to bring in your own food without being saddled with fees for it. Provided it fits, they'll even deliver your outside food on their train, just like all the other food.<br />
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So no, this isn't something we're going to eat every day, but when we eat out, I love that we have an option with a restaurant that holds itself to the same standards I do in our house. Even the milk is Horizon's organic milk in both chocolate and vanilla. I still smile when I think about Mister Man <b>not</b> wanting to get the chocolate milk because his experience with restaurant chocolate milk is that it's too sweet and tastes funny. I barely managed to convince him to try the chocolate milk at <a href="http://www.2toots.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2Toots</a>, but when he did, he loved it.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--BKMgAIiah8/UGxriaZDqSI/AAAAAAAALHQ/PaP7ZmyDcio/s1600/20120904_184345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sign to remind you to sign up for the 2Toots Train Whistle Cafe birthday club" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--BKMgAIiah8/UGxriaZDqSI/AAAAAAAALHQ/PaP7ZmyDcio/s400/20120904_184345.jpg" title="2Toots Train Whistle Cafe birthday club" width="400" /></a></div>
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We signed ourselves (ok, Mister Man and Little Miss) up for <a href="http://www.2toots.com/birthday-club/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the birthday club</a>, which means that we'll get a card in the mail before their birthdays for a free kids meal and cupcake. With Mister Man's birthday only a little more than a week away, I know he's anxious to go back... since I hear him ask me about it almost every day. I love restaurants that help me celebrate with my child.<br />
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The cupcakes come with train whistles atop them. I've been to other restaurants that have the same type of whistle. I learned the hard way. My rule: in the restaurant, you may blow it once and once only. Outside the restaurant you may play with it until we get to the car, at which point it is mine, and no you may not have it back. It's a shame that it's a waste. At 2Toots, it gets better because apparently I'm not the only parent thinking this way. You can save up those whistles and trade them in for other prizes. I love it!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HS0P3bkohLE/UGxriZ0CozI/AAAAAAAALHQ/b6XjicqPqL4/s1600/20120904_192107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="List of items you can exchange whistles for at 2Toots cafe" border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HS0P3bkohLE/UGxriZ0CozI/AAAAAAAALHQ/b6XjicqPqL4/s400/20120904_192107.jpg" title="2Toots train whistle exchange" width="400" /></a></div>
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The whole feel of the restaurant is one where they are parents who've been there with their kids. More proof of that? They have a fundraising program for schools where 10% of profits go back to the school during a special event you can sign up for. We do dine and share events (as we call them) at our school periodically, and it's always fun to try somewhere new and eat with friends and family.<br />
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The restaurant is all about fun, and I applaud 2Toots Train Whistle Cafe for that. The seating at the tracks keeps the kids occupied, although I will admit that next time I will choose a seat that doesn't have a television near it as we didn't need that distraction. There is an old-fashioned ride on horse for a quarter if the train tracks and food isn't enough, but the food came quickly and it was delicious - and filling.<br />
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No wonder Mister Man keeps asking when we get to go back!<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I received a gift card from 2Toots for participating in this campaign. That said, all opinions remain my own.</i><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-62520244752796466682012-09-20T11:16:00.001-07:002012-09-20T11:16:31.686-07:00U.S. Cellular - Promising More With Hello Better<div>
<i>This is a sponsored post.</i></div>
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There are certain products that we have to have in this day and age that people generally bemoan. So many people hate their cable company. I hear constant dissatisfaction with pediatricians. Don't get me started on the airlines. And cell phone companies tend to fall into that mix for far too many, too.<br />
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Personally, I switched carriers in April of this year, and I'm happy with my carrier now, for the most part. Before that point? I was counting down the days until my contract ended. From about seven months before my contract ended, I could tell you exactly how much longer I was stuck with them, and you can bet that the day my contract expired, I escaped and went to a new carrier - who I had been researching for months prior to determine what I wanted and who best fit it.</div>
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Why was I so unhappy with my previous carrier? Well, it's one of the two most expensive carriers out there. And money matters. Yes, they had great coverage - for the most part - but my husband and I had 1400 minutes to share, and I had a data plan. Neither of us had a text plan. And we had a nice 17 percent discount <i>on the first line only</i> thanks to the company I had worked for. Even still, we were paying $125 a month for that, primarily because the first line was $49, and the second was $49.</div>
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As more and more of my friends started using texting as their primary method of communication, it was difficult for me to explain to them why and how I didn't text. Texting would add another $19.99 to our already too high to really justify for two people bill. Each.</div>
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The worst part was that even if I wanted to add texting, any changes to my plan would restart my contract date, adding another two years before I could move to another carrier without penalty. Trust me, I checked on that one, although it took me talking to three different people to get the same answer.</div>
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That was another pet peeve of mine with that carrier. Whenever I would call or stop in with a question, I wouldn't get a consistent answer. Unfortunately, that meant I really lost faith in <b>any </b>answer I received and instead just held out, counting down those days.</div>
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U.S. Cellular (who FYI is not the carrier I selected, although it was in the running!) understands that far too many people aren't satisfied with their carriers. And they want to do something about it. They introduced the Hello Better campaign.</div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://breakingnews.org/hellobetter/embed.php?ref=136430848" width="300"></iframe>
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Far too often, people stick it out because the penalty for moving carriers is just too high - or they feel like there's nothing better out there. In fact, 56% of respondents in a survey admitted to being unhappy with their carrier in the past year, but only 35% of respondents had ever broken up with their carriers. U.S. Cellular aims to prove that there is something better, and that they're it. Their goal is to treat their customers like neighbors instead of numbers. I love that concept.<br />
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And friends who have <a href="http://bit.ly/USCellularPlans" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">U.S. Cellular plans</a> have been happy with them. It's one of the few carriers where I don't hear regular complaints from friends. Even the carrier I have now has some complaints from people, but we're now paying $81.24 per month for two phones with 700 minutes, unlimited texting and 4gb data usage on both phones. I'll deal with a few pockets here and there of coverage issues for that difference in price and respect.<br />
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<a href="http://www.one2onenetwork.com/Userfiles/US%20Cellular/USCellular_HelloBetter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="78" src="http://www.one2onenetwork.com/Userfiles/US%20Cellular/USCellular_HelloBetter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So what is U.S. Cellular doing that actually proves they're different? They have the industry's only points-based reward system so that you <a href="http://bit.ly/USCellularRewards" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earn rewards</a> for the things you do as a good customer. My personal favorite is that there is no contract after the first contract ends. The free incoming calls and texts really would have saved me with my old carrier - think of how many minutes you wouldn't use! And the offer free overage protection and a free battery swap for your device, other things that come in handy far too often with your mobile devices.<br />
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Are you happy with your carrier? If not, why are you staying?<br />
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<i>This has been a sponsored post from One2One Network. That said, all opinions remain my own.</i><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-15130732933917169272012-09-20T10:41:00.001-07:002012-09-20T10:41:06.728-07:00Gutzy Gear Winners!Ok, so first of all, THANK YOU to my Facebook friends who let me know that Blogger at some point in time turned on word verification for my blog and that it was not friendly. I had zero intention of having word verification, because I hate it. Unfortunately, it didn't show up for me when I tried to comment, so I had no idea that it was there. When you see things like this, let the bloggers know - sometimes they aren't aware. Needless to say, my settings are updated to allow for more people to comment and there is no longer any word verification. If you see it, let me know!<br />
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Whew.<br />
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I have three winners to announce for the <a href="http://honestandtrulyreviews.blogspot.com/2012/08/gutzy-gear-giveaway-new-cool-in-school.html" target="_blank">Gutzy Gear giveaway</a>, and I apologize for the delay in announcing them. I have started getting migraines more and more often, and I've been down and out with them for the majority of the past two weeks. It kept me from my computer for way too much, but knock on wood I'm up and running now.<br />
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So yay, three winners!<br />
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They are:<br />
Mel S from <a href="http://twomomsalittletimeandakeyboard.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Two Mom, a Little Time, and a Keyboard</a><br />
Paula from <a href="http://frostedfingers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frosted Fingers</a><br />
Melanie from <a href="http://myattkids.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tales from the Crib</a><br />
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Congrats, Ladies! You have 48 hours to get back to me with your contact information, or I have to chose a new winner, and I don't want to do that!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-80051478988722752732012-09-10T13:28:00.000-07:002012-09-10T13:28:19.039-07:00Mister Man Loves 2Toots in BartlettIf you know anything about me, you know I love to cook. You also know that I am careful about what we eat, and I care about where my food comes from. While that doesn't preclude me from eating out, it's something I think about and don't do nearly as often as many I know. Not all restaurants make it onto the list of those I feel good about, but <a href="http://www.2toots.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2Toots Train Whistle Grill</a> in Bartlett (with an original location in Glen Ellyn) definitely fits the bill.<br />
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First, 2Toots is a fun restaurant.with every seat in the restaurant next to the train track that delivers the food. Though the wee ones have grown out of their train obsession where everything from toys to books to Halloween costumes revolved around trains, they still love thematic restaurants like this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxKStkQbxhCbGi0KZlsTbogKOyTgYA04iHG5SCPtReBvCrLn2rlI-UH1MEKQml2SFQCX_9W9oj1PYj-qdCejz8ArUOXcPG4FmbMQrqalSEm1k9yp-r-6XFIGVsAFffpbvclxzTaNyeho/s1600/20120904_191509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Food delivery when you sit next to the tracks" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxKStkQbxhCbGi0KZlsTbogKOyTgYA04iHG5SCPtReBvCrLn2rlI-UH1MEKQml2SFQCX_9W9oj1PYj-qdCejz8ArUOXcPG4FmbMQrqalSEm1k9yp-r-6XFIGVsAFffpbvclxzTaNyeho/s400/20120904_191509.jpg" title="Train delivering food at 2Toots in Barlett" width="400" /></a></div>
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In fact, Mister Man has declared that this is his new favorite restaurant. He thinks the food tastes much better than other restaurants, and I cheered him on as he said that. Why? 2Toots is a little different. They use only Tallgrass Beef that is grassfed on pastures that doesn't use herbicides or pesticides. Yes, he can taste the difference, and he loves it.<br />
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2Toots is a 50s style diner, with the music and decor to suit it. As one would expect with a diner, the menu includes hamburgers and hot dogs, along with other favorites like BLTs and tuna salad. There is chili and hot chocolate in the winter to keep you warm, and of course there are the requisite milk shakes served in the huge tins.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExXzH-mvE3OaMiXDAiPeouXxlY_B6QijkKPu1fab8qwzrRG0huKOr327IBdFsBB0Ki8gl4yJijEECf0wwxac2JmwuLuiqT-ZViRyfI1xnR7c1ipZT0Tf_XsGg3YIAc-ai2Ed8C6BX9_w/s1600/20120904_184317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Menu for 2Toots Train Whistle Grill in Bartlett and Glen Ellyn" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExXzH-mvE3OaMiXDAiPeouXxlY_B6QijkKPu1fab8qwzrRG0huKOr327IBdFsBB0Ki8gl4yJijEECf0wwxac2JmwuLuiqT-ZViRyfI1xnR7c1ipZT0Tf_XsGg3YIAc-ai2Ed8C6BX9_w/s400/20120904_184317.jpg" title="2Toots menu" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mister Man barely needed to look at the menu to choose his order. He knew he wanted a cheeseburger, although I had to remind him that he got to choose a side. He went for the fruit cup - and I appreciate the 2Toots offers this option front and center on the menu. The drinks also include milk, and I noticed that the milk was the Horizon organic milk. It took some doing to convince Mister Man to try the chocolate milk, since he doesn't like the overly sweetened chocolate milk at most restaurants. Once I convinced him to try it, he looked at me in disgust, asking why I hadn't ordered it for him earlier. He loved it, and kudos to a fast casual restaurant for providing organic milk.<br />
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When Mister Man's food arrived, he gave me one small look of panic. The burger was topped with pickles, tomato, and lettuce. I thought that was a somewhat odd choice for a kids' menu. While I am all in favor of encouraging veggie consumption, and Little Miss would happily eat the tomato and lettuce, most children avoid them like the plague. I would have appreciated knowing they were coming or - even better - the option to have them served or not.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MSKvuVOkBNgtwQ-fmrRMs4yQ_zFhVdR4Eug5ULdpno0Z2QmjjUD2NaT8wunkYikMTTUwrOqiKHsdvUTkj5KlxehgLn0j9hCa5f_s0whnemcGSPnCIYbve0hbL_tw0d1kqBNuvoAfpzI/s1600/20120904_185150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kids cheeseburger meal at 2Toots with fruit cup" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MSKvuVOkBNgtwQ-fmrRMs4yQ_zFhVdR4Eug5ULdpno0Z2QmjjUD2NaT8wunkYikMTTUwrOqiKHsdvUTkj5KlxehgLn0j9hCa5f_s0whnemcGSPnCIYbve0hbL_tw0d1kqBNuvoAfpzI/s400/20120904_185150.jpg" title="2Toots burger basket" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the plus side, the lettuce was on the bottom and kept all the "icky" (his words, not mine) juices off the burger. Personally, I loved that my cheeseburger came with the veggies, so I simply added his veggies to my burger, and everyone was happy. The only other oddity about our meal is that Mister Man was not provided with a fork to eat his fruit cup. The grapes can easily be finger foods, but mandarin oranges are messy. Fortunately, Mister Man is a quick study and took the spoon from our shake to eat the fruit. And within five minutes, this is all that was left.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvUx7flSzCuaOwNFlSn5Iu3a-q5icS3Mb4pfeA5b1wOWk364SmwGjtADfo2bXlh9HHJuwL4sM0moAHck8yHsZ4cXy_liQ3DYtP2VB9cXlQiKeXcQDHxsTIqOTR143G78VOQoizatz_Vw/s1600/20120904_192131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mister Man ate every bite of his 2Toots meal" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvUx7flSzCuaOwNFlSn5Iu3a-q5icS3Mb4pfeA5b1wOWk364SmwGjtADfo2bXlh9HHJuwL4sM0moAHck8yHsZ4cXy_liQ3DYtP2VB9cXlQiKeXcQDHxsTIqOTR143G78VOQoizatz_Vw/s400/20120904_192131.jpg" title="2Toots empty basket" width="400" /></a></div>
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That included eating some of my fries, because I'll be honest that there was too much food for me to eat, although I know my husband would have disagreed with me - and obviously Mister Man did, too. We also shared a strawberry shake that was delicious. It's one that can truly be called a milk shake, made with delicious ice cream, and oh so thick in the tin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVTJgh-AV0_E3fNPwcpa-7EGMwfDKBtCX36S81tSD7cxGcOosq1r69bJaqkkAJfBeMEagzhpuzi8d5swoZ2Cnt4MSlIkvYrhMuykIDtHYpVup0BqbYoGVexwJV7CaRQptbQShUsNK9Ao/s1600/20120904_185203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mister Man enjoyed the 2Toots shake" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVTJgh-AV0_E3fNPwcpa-7EGMwfDKBtCX36S81tSD7cxGcOosq1r69bJaqkkAJfBeMEagzhpuzi8d5swoZ2Cnt4MSlIkvYrhMuykIDtHYpVup0BqbYoGVexwJV7CaRQptbQShUsNK9Ao/s400/20120904_185203.jpg" title="2Toots milk shake" width="400" /></a></div>
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We also took home a decent portion of the milkshake. The staff conveniently provided us with a to go cup. As delicious as it was, it's rich. That's part of what I love about eating real food. It fills you up faster and better, so you don't need to eat as much of it - my personal experience, anyway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HxXwXL945kLO1T8gXBzY8MhE7VQ8NlziCltdxMnF6Pb85NagjIB9ATGkHVVd2P5cFU6xiJ5uwcbagbYjUdxMnVoA3mDS6MRObOtjZclryOpPjk4ndH8grSiI9jE4pbmuRnYYf3l8qw8/s1600/20120904_191935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Half our milkshake went into a to go container at 2Toots" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HxXwXL945kLO1T8gXBzY8MhE7VQ8NlziCltdxMnF6Pb85NagjIB9ATGkHVVd2P5cFU6xiJ5uwcbagbYjUdxMnVoA3mDS6MRObOtjZclryOpPjk4ndH8grSiI9jE4pbmuRnYYf3l8qw8/s400/20120904_191935.jpg" title="Leftover 2Toots shake" width="400" /></a></div>
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We enjoyed our meal, and Mister Man can't wait to go back, especially with Little Miss. And I'm pretty sure we will, not the least of which is that there are added benefits of eating there. But I'll save that for another post.<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I received a gift card from 2Toots for participating in this campaign. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-34342681006563743562012-09-07T07:03:00.001-07:002012-09-07T07:07:15.852-07:00Fun With HERSHEY'S CAMP BONDFIRE - Summer Never EndsThe wee ones asked me this morning if summer was over. It's the first time it's been under 70 degrees since the start of school, and it's a grey, dreary morning. We carefully checked the calendar and decided that no, summer wasn't quite over yet - even though it felt like it this morning. And, I promised them, there are some things about summer that we'll keep alive so there's a part of summer always in our hearts. <br />
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Their eyes brightened at this notion, and they immediately asked what we'd do. Put on the spot, there were only a few things I could come up with in the heat of the moment. We'll still do lots of playdates, I promised. That's something we frequently do in the summer, but once school hits, we get too busy to think about it. And, I smiled broadly, we will still make S'mores every once in awhile.<br />
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At that, the mood brightened and lifted, and I was off the hook. It will never cease to amaze me how simply mentioning s'mores or setting a few ingredients on the kitchen table induces such excitement not just in the wee ones but in everyone who sees or hears about them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ftTXQ68VircUW0ZxsUoB-muo4dpAE4itQ3K0BGkPNcxk_QcE-1vuWtfsFF1WudE4azdriQeLLqfZFqd4d_pLMjkFHX3TDKFcTLPyxbXWoJJIDM6ov7pUAup65dAgaGIuC4fBuDGn7Y4/s1600/20120903_090518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Always ready to have fun with s'mores" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ftTXQ68VircUW0ZxsUoB-muo4dpAE4itQ3K0BGkPNcxk_QcE-1vuWtfsFF1WudE4azdriQeLLqfZFqd4d_pLMjkFHX3TDKFcTLPyxbXWoJJIDM6ov7pUAup65dAgaGIuC4fBuDGn7Y4/s400/20120903_090518.jpg" title="S'mores ingredients" width="400" /></a></div>
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We've been having "HERSHEY'S CAMP BONDFIRES" this summer, and it's been a blast. The lure of making s'mores is a draw for just about anyone I know. And they come running. Even at BlogHer this year, the Hershey's S'mores Suite was one of <b>the</b> places to be. I know I enjoyed my visit(s) - and my s'mores.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeIZnYrO3plwUUvSEq8e6_CxGbp8EQ9TrqSeSSVSU1aDMRJ3eO6NM-GUhwCx8LDG4-5nc96fhZVv_VFLDDBoZ1rPZzwHce_iqlNYrGe3u5Daj6cnep7y5RKDTtWJ3C_8OWRryAFw3iN4/s1600/IMG_2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Warming our hands over the fire at the Hershey's S'mores Suite at BlogHer" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeIZnYrO3plwUUvSEq8e6_CxGbp8EQ9TrqSeSSVSU1aDMRJ3eO6NM-GUhwCx8LDG4-5nc96fhZVv_VFLDDBoZ1rPZzwHce_iqlNYrGe3u5Daj6cnep7y5RKDTtWJ3C_8OWRryAFw3iN4/s400/IMG_2838.JPG" title="Hanging at the Hershey's #CampBondfire" width="400" /></a></div>
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Back home, we've had just as much fun. We invited friends over to chill with us in the evenings after we've left the pool so exhausted we can hardly move. There's just that last bit of energy we need to expel before we all head to our own homes, and Camp Bondfire was born. It rotates from house to house sometimes, depending on whose house is clean enough to host others. The first words out of the mouths of every one of my friends is "Oh please excuse the mess. My house is a disaster right now" - regardless of how spotless it is. It's become a running joke.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamxaR2LbgZmLOYNbCt5hH4Vs86o6wnUwGO_xmv4bDOMDBd27M_ZO_XJ7-xXWwz8AVJnQ6HYeLWjYCIJDtohzNS5KPhKe6kjkficgiETXWtf63BeSSt6YHfXVDrsl8FEiN6njcbEBzHqs/s1600/2012-07-14_18.43.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Camp Bondfire is ooey gooey fun" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamxaR2LbgZmLOYNbCt5hH4Vs86o6wnUwGO_xmv4bDOMDBd27M_ZO_XJ7-xXWwz8AVJnQ6HYeLWjYCIJDtohzNS5KPhKe6kjkficgiETXWtf63BeSSt6YHfXVDrsl8FEiN6njcbEBzHqs/s400/2012-07-14_18.43.11.jpg" title="Mister Man with his s'more" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyjn4ASQEVd64Qbdk3ySay293gZvKKGVyS3J68QC8bAQr6VckjvSHvN-NH8cgFYjbOivOESAdrBBlXS5NxxlxcaevTQ4cWgwZMBA6_oeAq0IUybquLzG3KTuIQ3sfoYWVUpDnQiRV9Kg/s1600/2012-07-14_18.49.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="You need a big mouth to fully appreciate Camp Bondfire" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyjn4ASQEVd64Qbdk3ySay293gZvKKGVyS3J68QC8bAQr6VckjvSHvN-NH8cgFYjbOivOESAdrBBlXS5NxxlxcaevTQ4cWgwZMBA6_oeAq0IUybquLzG3KTuIQ3sfoYWVUpDnQiRV9Kg/s400/2012-07-14_18.49.14.jpg" title="Little Miss loves her s'mores" width="400" /></a></div>
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I remember the days as a Girl Scout sitting around a fire roasting marshmallows for our s'mores and telling stories, bonding with the others there. It's the same idea today. Sitting around and chatting - you can't do much else when eating a s'more - is a great bonding experience for the kids and adults. I'm so proud of the wee ones that they're starting to learn to toast their own marshmallows. We've lost a few soldiers to the fire along the way, but there always seems to be just one more in the marshmallow bag when we need one.<br />
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And once the marshmallow is done to the perfect level - perfectly evenly golden brown on all sides and gooey for me, burned to a crisp for my husband and Mister Man - we sit back and enjoy with family and friends. When the wee ones were on their RV trip with my husband and parents, the nightly s'mores were a favorite treat, too.<br />
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While the kids are usually the ones who ask for seconds, the adults rarely turn down the offer of a freshly toasted s'more. The gooey marshmallow melting the creamy milk chocolate with a crunchy graham cracker to hold it all together is something that appeals to everyone. Even when Mister Man had his sensory issues and couldn't eat many foods because of the textures, s'mores was always a winner in his book. It was our little therapy to give him something with so many different and gooey textures. At least that was our justification, because who just makes one s'more? We always had to make enough for ourselves, too, because... yum.<br />
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Because no one can resist HERSHEY'S CAMP BONDFIRE. And really, who wants to? Especially when you have the opportunity to enjoy a "double s'more." Lucky boy, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77VhCdiushCYhLrrTOQLl8rGyFYVVT99rVhZ46BI4GspPhA15Pqe-JKMZ3eI36yDLleyWTiLQT3V971n8jyOon8ZomGvAbBoTrgIhDbzczBQQrr1R4U1K40mKCQCw3UMYEXrpFvMDDus/s1600/2012-07-14_18.42.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Enjoying Camp Bondfire" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77VhCdiushCYhLrrTOQLl8rGyFYVVT99rVhZ46BI4GspPhA15Pqe-JKMZ3eI36yDLleyWTiLQT3V971n8jyOon8ZomGvAbBoTrgIhDbzczBQQrr1R4U1K40mKCQCw3UMYEXrpFvMDDus/s400/2012-07-14_18.42.58.jpg" title="Mister Man with his double s'more" width="400" /></a></div>
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How do you celebrate your own Camp Bondfire?<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I received supplies to host my HERSHEY'S CAMP BONDFIRE gathering to share with my friends. I was also compensated as part of this campaign. As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/296/FA748E6642C33AE6B4EB0B28B973D918.png" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2919040614686228288.post-17891965305073800382012-09-05T15:33:00.001-07:002012-09-05T19:49:58.375-07:00We Recycle (More) At School. Do You?There are definitely things in my life that I'm passionate about. Doing the right thing for the wee ones is paramount, and in my mind that includes things from eating as healthfully as we can to teaching them to give back to being mindful of the waste we create. Today, I'm working on a #BagItForward project with Elmer's that combines two of those three passions, and I'm thrilled.<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/Elmers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elmer's</a> has the first glue stick and bottle recycling program in conjunction with WalMart. The special plastics used in creating glue bottles and glue sticks can't be recycled at just any location, so this partnership ensures that they are appropriately turned into new products. I love that as part of this project, schools will receive $0.02 per for every glue bottle and glue stick from Terracycle so long as the donation is of at least 250 bottles or glue sticks. I love "fundraisers" that don't cost parents anything!<br />
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Before I can start counting the pennies from the donation, I need to create my donation box. My first step was to <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/111556382519573364704/albums/5784706843775084689" target="_blank">go shopping for my #BagItForward Glue Crew project</a> at WalMart. I love going through the craft and school supply aisle on a regular basis, but I'm still always surprised by the fun new products I find. Did you know that Elmer's now makes glitter glue in easy to dispense bottles. I found it in red, blue, yellow, and green. I can only imagine what I would have done with this as a child!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zof_9aIBFOk/UEdoOc_HfpI/AAAAAAAAJ4w/2L8c3aVPC3E/s1600/20120904_164201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="#BagItForward Glue Crew shop at Walmart" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zof_9aIBFOk/UEdoOc_HfpI/AAAAAAAAJ4w/2L8c3aVPC3E/s400/20120904_164201.jpg" title="Elmer's Glitter Glue bottles" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm sort of sad that with the school year now underway, the giant back to school section has been replaced by fall products because I love back to school shopping, but I'm happy to report that the products are still there. Well, they were. Once I bought out the entire stock of glue sticks to donate to our art classroom, the section looked a little more empty. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcDxqpQtDMU/UEdoObniviI/AAAAAAAAJ4w/oVtHhwVV3jQ/s1600/20120904_164445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Poor moms on a last minute hunt for glue will find an empty WalMart shelf" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcDxqpQtDMU/UEdoObniviI/AAAAAAAAJ4w/oVtHhwVV3jQ/s400/20120904_164445.jpg" title="I bought out the Elmer's glue sticks for my #BagItForward project" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once I arrived back home, I started to put together my Glue Crew donation box for the <a href="http://bagitforward.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bag It Forward</a> project. I had decided to put the collection bin into the art room at the wee ones' school because the specials are so often ignored, and I know our art teacher goes through glue! Plus, since this project includes making a donation to the classroom, how perfect to get something extra for her when she rarely gets anything from parents? She was thrilled when I told her about the opportunity.<br />
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As I sat sitting with an empty box and some art supplies in front of me, I began to regret my decision a little. I'm not an artist. On the <a href="http://www.elmersgluecrew.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Glue Crew website</a>, they provide a ton of information on how to set up a donation project from templates to help you to examples of other schools' donation boxes. That's when I was officially intimidated because there is truly some awesomeness out there. I can only imagine what other awesomeness is already out there on the <a href="http://pinterest.com/cbsocially/bag-it-forward/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bag It Forward Pinterest board</a>, too. After sitting in fear for a little while, I remembered that this is about doing good and not about making sure that this is the best looking box ever created. I gathered my materials and got started.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hy7Oq653J8I/UEdoOeil0_I/AAAAAAAAJ4w/VQ5Coq3A79w/s1600/20120905_083221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Templates and Elmer's products and a donation for my Glue Crew project" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hy7Oq653J8I/UEdoOeil0_I/AAAAAAAAJ4w/VQ5Coq3A79w/s400/20120905_083221.jpg" title="Items for my #BagItForward Glue Crew donation box" width="400" /></a></div>
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I decided to go a classic route, since I am someone who loves things that are simple and still beautiful. The box I created has the relevant information so the students know what it is, and it incorporates the recycling color of green. I love that I left the top of the donation box open so that kids can see how much glue they've recycled so far.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje38OhikyNNeezaE_bOkIxyjhhu9Msa80fbpoQwiCaLOujfwPC41PeBOuSlbvjV64PaDZBdWwgU057N0kstonSXpH5vZBT0sYfGqdp98gBxFRzOvTepzyOmmJeXezo-giEft3R9q7GpMU/s1600/20120905_094358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simple recycling box creation" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje38OhikyNNeezaE_bOkIxyjhhu9Msa80fbpoQwiCaLOujfwPC41PeBOuSlbvjV64PaDZBdWwgU057N0kstonSXpH5vZBT0sYfGqdp98gBxFRzOvTepzyOmmJeXezo-giEft3R9q7GpMU/s400/20120905_094358.jpg" title="Glue Crew recycling project for #BagItForward" width="400" /></a></div>
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The students at our school haven't heard of the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Elmers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elmer's</a> Glue Crew project before, so it was important that I also include some educational information for them, as well. Why should they recycle? And how does this project work? They need to know that this is for Elmer's glue sticks and glue bottles only, although there are plenty of other things that can and should be recycled elsewhere. I also made sure they understand that the glue sticks and bottles that go into the donation box need to be clean. As easy as I discovered this is to do with just a little warm water, I don't want to be the one responsible for cleaning out all of them come April when I bring them into WalMart to be recycled!<br />
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I decided that the Elmer's tri fold display board I purchased was the perfect vehicle to communicate this. Instead of just putting the instructions, I included some recycling information that I hope will encourage them to recycle at home and school. So what do you think of the fun board? And yes, that is one of my empties that I glued as an example. I'll be sure to include it in the bin when I take it for recycling though!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeBM1wTJADdNL6B5TIVZ8CgPlj4UdC9jfqV5gq0lXLD8ARges0r4H6c2_CHUT0TiZsgA0PRnxuafATXcqYxTUlg6RbPdoYyL6t2VnSttdAfR_lQ9zb03NMaif8j7vOepP3hJLkeHWxQM/s1600/20120905_093657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="#BagItForward recycling facts" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeBM1wTJADdNL6B5TIVZ8CgPlj4UdC9jfqV5gq0lXLD8ARges0r4H6c2_CHUT0TiZsgA0PRnxuafATXcqYxTUlg6RbPdoYyL6t2VnSttdAfR_lQ9zb03NMaif8j7vOepP3hJLkeHWxQM/s400/20120905_093657.jpg" title="Glue Crew Education Board" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now that I completed my donation box, it was time to bring it into the school and show the art teacher and students. One additional benefit to having the open top of the box is that I can put my trifold inside it, along with the items I purchased to donate to her classroom. Between crayons, colored pencils, markers, and tons of <a href="http://twitter.com/elmers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elmer's</a> glue, she has quality school supplies for her art room to last for at least a few weeks, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDqB9nQ_77lr9Z_X0-P_qkDbbaO9lSF36Pqb8o28V77wyutWMN0DSsMWie8NTlt1P14N3r3FmlwKYUWSEnTx84BDZmHfJWOYSlY1dK5xN2nCCyhzBXMR7_BdMr3y1WKuo4Pfxo3XsW9A/s1600/20120905_094410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glue Crew donation ready to go!" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDqB9nQ_77lr9Z_X0-P_qkDbbaO9lSF36Pqb8o28V77wyutWMN0DSsMWie8NTlt1P14N3r3FmlwKYUWSEnTx84BDZmHfJWOYSlY1dK5xN2nCCyhzBXMR7_BdMr3y1WKuo4Pfxo3XsW9A/s400/20120905_094410.jpg" title="#BagItForward donations for the art teacher" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I showed up in the classroom, the art teacher beamed. She knew the box was coming and that I was going to bring her "something," but she had no idea it was going to be a box full of fun stuff for her. As we chatted, she shared how grateful she was for the Elmer's donation bin. She hates not being able to recycle them so never throws them away. She showed me in her classroom where she has a cache of empty glue bottles just waiting for her to discover a way to reuse them. This is just the glue bottles she has sitting awaiting storage until she can find a use for them. There is a whole cabinet in her room filled with them. You can only imagine how thrilled she is that we'll now recycle them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzymDtNuy4g7rBzq1o0V_9-WP4_ZWiE6Kh_5dnxfMb6E0zoJUh-YTo6WG6YkSqmOwaxQLf_YIwXdbCDfiKvUjdEIkDtwzLXOmFMM_Md5YAmi3tBDjCBJGyaLvd1t4wu3Zwat5YGa9A2Y/s1600/20120905_185119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Our art teacher's partial stash of Elmer's glue bottles awaiting recycling" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzymDtNuy4g7rBzq1o0V_9-WP4_ZWiE6Kh_5dnxfMb6E0zoJUh-YTo6WG6YkSqmOwaxQLf_YIwXdbCDfiKvUjdEIkDtwzLXOmFMM_Md5YAmi3tBDjCBJGyaLvd1t4wu3Zwat5YGa9A2Y/s400/20120905_185119.jpg" title="Ready for the Elmer's Glue Crew" width="400" /></a></div>
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She placed the bin prominently on a shelf where the students enter her classroom with the display above it so that students know exactly what to do. As for me, I'm excited to check on it every once in awhile and determine how full our box is getting. I have a feeling I'm going to have to stock up on more empty boxes to store all the recyclable empty Elmer's glue sticks and bottles I receive before I can start bringing them to WalMart in April! This is how I love to make a teacher's day, and Elmer's is a huge part of that with the Bag It Forward campaign.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtAQp1K6pIsOPCXMh_ywOIuIz-sOuxC5vBGOQrSnbX9nAM5dAcb-of7PJQxP_92HSFm726Mqj5sn-DBRlr12BNQRsqYmD6z_Oj7KT80lWzdGddxdq1ILWr4aAqOYPNBUQhyphenhyphenTJfiJCXtQ/s1600/20120905_151637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Glue Crew is officially part of the wee ones' school" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtAQp1K6pIsOPCXMh_ywOIuIz-sOuxC5vBGOQrSnbX9nAM5dAcb-of7PJQxP_92HSFm726Mqj5sn-DBRlr12BNQRsqYmD6z_Oj7KT80lWzdGddxdq1ILWr4aAqOYPNBUQhyphenhyphenTJfiJCXtQ/s400/20120905_151637.jpg" title="Mister Man and Little Miss proud of their #BagItForward donation" width="400" /></a></div>
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Elmer's is doing more than just the Glue Crew project to recycle glue sticks and bottles. They have also launched the <a href="http://the1stday.com/walmart" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elmer's 1st Day app</a> for smart phones and tablets. It's easy to download and sign up, and once you do, you can use it to capture the school year from both the teacher and the parent perspective. You can easily take photos and share them securely with just who you choose via the app, rather than having photos of your children more easily accessible online.<br />
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It's easy to tag children so you can organize the photos by child. Each photo is easily captioned so you remember exactly what was happening in the moment. That's always my failing. You don't want to know how many years it's been since I've printed photos. At least with captions I have a chance - you know this is why I blog, right? I love that the app also sorts photos by date so you can find them, as long as you remember around when you took the photo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDZOxgO3fBOgUKrlsdYJpEG6-x59ZQ39wLZxF2cAKvC31eJIYgrq21-Jgp65mM7FxYjwgBnueM7v4kFXRsApPkDJJdU1lpoZnQu1T71hCMyOMxCvNWT3HB5qXzKxT08SjIY84btw1B7k/s1600/20120905_135839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Little Miss with a caption for the 1st Day app" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDZOxgO3fBOgUKrlsdYJpEG6-x59ZQ39wLZxF2cAKvC31eJIYgrq21-Jgp65mM7FxYjwgBnueM7v4kFXRsApPkDJJdU1lpoZnQu1T71hCMyOMxCvNWT3HB5qXzKxT08SjIY84btw1B7k/s400/20120905_135839.jpg" title="Elmer's First Day app" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh, and did I almost forget to mention? Elmer's donates one product to the Kids In Need Foundation for every photo that is uploaded using the 1st Day app up to 200,000 products. Kids In Need distributes free school supplies to students whose parents can't afford them. So far, Elmer's has donated well over 26,000 products. How awesome is that?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3VNAQkqBHsC5FauKyFcFGcD1mBB7Adp-s7i6ZRL0Uthd2EosFd6vinr-M4OVd53jGntyx_ACoVkex_Jt-jYxAhmBuXTM5bG8N75T5a3joMT7OXMNbqd9oFK31gkQN_lTxVtcCvhOwEc/s1600/20120905_135629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="For every photo uploaded, Elmer's 1st Day app provides a donation to Kids In Need" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3VNAQkqBHsC5FauKyFcFGcD1mBB7Adp-s7i6ZRL0Uthd2EosFd6vinr-M4OVd53jGntyx_ACoVkex_Jt-jYxAhmBuXTM5bG8N75T5a3joMT7OXMNbqd9oFK31gkQN_lTxVtcCvhOwEc/s400/20120905_135629.jpg" title="Elmer's 1st Day app has donated over 26,000 products" width="400" /></a></div>
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You know, it's easy to get involved in giving back with this #BagItForward opportunity. You can download the 1st Day app and upload photos to help Elmer's get to the 200,000 donation level. And does your school participate in the Glue Crew? I love that this was so easy to do - and wow was the school receptive! The more we can get kids involved in helping out, the better off we'll all be. What can you do to get involved?<br />
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<i>In the interest of full disclosure, I am a member of the Collective Bias(tm) Social Fabric(r) Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for <a href="http://www.collectivebias.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Collective Bias</a>(tm) and <a href="http://bagitforward.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elmer's</a>, and all opinions remain my own. #CBias #SocialFabric #BagItForward</i>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07803503583347758969noreply@blogger.com2