Bob Evans Farm Festival

The 41st Annual Bob Evans Farm Festival took place October 14th through October 16th. The Farm Festival offered a glimpse in to living in the past on a farm as well as some good old fashion family fun.  With the various activities ranging from actual live demonstrations to entertainment and not to mention some great tasting food, it was great fun.  Unfortunately, I was only able to spend a day there due to a family emergency.  It was a long, long drive just to have to turn around and go back but the girls did have a good time and since I'm homeschooling, it was a road trip adventure for them.  We had crossed many states so they had a geography lesson along the way.


The Bob Evans Homestead Museum offered visitors a glimpse of the reconstructed counter of the original steak house owned by Bob Evans.  Life size models of Bob Evans and Jewell Evans along with commercials and the history behind the 53 years of history behind Bob Evans' legacy.

This sign was a favorite for my family: A Cattle Tunnel!  Yes, you read it!  A cattle tunnel and isn't that something you rarely see?  

There were many vendors and booths for various things such as pumpkin painting, singing and much more.

Overall, it was a great experience and I wished I had been able to spend the weekend as originally planned.  By the time we arrived, we were tired but made the most of our wonderful hospitality we received.  It's something to try again next year to see how the entire weekend event it.  If you attended the Bob Evans Farm Festival, share your opinion on how you liked it!






*Disclosure:  I did receive tickets/gift basket to attend the Festival but I did not receive financial compensation.

Mamavation

I'm late posting but better late than never, right?  I finally did well when I took the time to dedicate myself and I lost four pounds this past week.  I just heard the crowds cheering to keep me motivated!  Maybe if I trick myself that if I get to my goal, Johnny Depp will whisk me away for a fabulous weekend getaway.  It could happen ... or not.  Nonetheless, desperate times calls for desperate actions and if I can trick my mind, that is the key.  Telling myself that I don't need that candy bar from Halloween or I don't need that extra helping of potatoes will eventually sink in.  I even tried the approach that to be healthier means I might live longer but there is something about the here and now that didn't allow that to work.

Next came the 'I should be a better example to my children' which did work.  After taking baby steps over the past year or more, I can see how my behavior has affected my eight year old so that is a huge success.  I take that as a layer in meeting my goals.  I also remember Pete telling us to reward ourselves properly.  How many times have you lost a few pounds and wanted to celebrate with some calorie laden desert?  Too many right?  I know that is how I am.  So my layers are coming together and that is where I will achieve my success.  My layers are:

• Children - leading by example
• Healthier - for myself and my children
• Rewards - rewarding properly
• Mamavation - tapping into this powerhouse of wonderful, supporting moms

My layers have been there and I need to keep using them or start using them.  I am using Slim-Fast's 1-2-3 plan at the moment and that is how I achieved my loss.  Counting calories and being able to have some rich, creamy chocolate shakes satisfies that chocolate need I have.  Knowing that I can still have my veggies, also helps along with lean protein and whole wheat.  It's a win-win to get me to the point of behavior modification.

So this week, with my four pound loss, I'm happy and renewed.  I've also incorporated other family members to help lose weight and get healthier.  Between the six of us, with two not reporting, we lost  14 pounds last week.  Not only are we encouraging one another but we're getting caught up with each other since the group includes cousins who went their separate ways but Facebook brought us all back together.

Week 2 on the 1-2-3 Slim-Fast Diet - 4 Pounds Lost

Last week, I started a healthy challenge with my six members of my family.  We are using Facebook to check in and encourage one another.  My oldest and I have been using the Slim-Fast line of products to accomplish our goals.  Since last Monday, I have lost four pounds.  I'm still waiting for her weigh in but was very pleased to see the loss.  My other family members are losing too and with this mornings check in for three of us, combined, we have lost 12 pounds in a week.  We are not starving and we are eating.  For myself, the 1-2-3 Slim-Fast new shakes are now available with lids so it makes it easy to take with you.  They are very, very good ..did I say VERY good?  That is just one part of the diet as it's a complete meal plan.

The online Slim-Fast site allows you to enter your profile, how much you weight and how much you want to lose.  It provides a guide in getting to your goal in a safe manner.  Here is a summary of what your average day is like:

• A meal bar or shake for breakfast and lunch (approximately 190 calories)
• Three 100 calorie snacks throughout the day with helpful suggestions on smart choices like almonds or apples or convenient snacks such as their snack bars which are really good.
• One 500 calories sensible meal which they provide great tasting recipes to help you make the journey easier.

The shakes are my favorite.  They are rich and you cannot tell they are a diet type product since they don't have that old fiber taste of other brands and they don't leave a horrible after taste.  They are amazingly good.  With the new lids, it makes it easier to take on the go too.  The 500 calorie meals for the 3-2-1 plan include filling your plate 1/2 full of vegetables, 1/4 starch and 1/4 lean protein.  This is a sensible approach in losing and maintaining weight.  The plan allows you to track your progress and encourages water intake and exercise.  It's a smart plan to use in losing weight in a better way as it's slow and it helps to incorporate a lifestyle or behavioral change.

Updated:  I forgot to mention that I have been exercising nearly every day for almost an hour on my recumbent bike.  My daughter has lost two pounds!

So this past week, I lost four pounds.  Stay tuned as I share mine and my family's journey in getting healthy!

To read my first post, please click on the Slim-Fast post here.


*Disclaimer:  I did receive complimentary product but the posts are my opinions and I was not obligated to post.

Devo Olive Oil Company: A Delicious Review

I like to cook and I watch all those fun cooking shows which inspire me to want to cook and learn more.  I watch some chefs using regular vegetable type oils and others using olive oil.  I am partial to the recipes using olive oil as I made the switch some time ago.  I feel vegetable oil has it's place but not for all cooking.  When I was able to review many variations of olive oil from the Devo Olive Oil Company, I could not resist.  Olive oil not only tastes great but it's also healthier.  Many studies have shown the benefits of eating olive oil over other types of oils which is why I made the initial switch.  I had no idea how much better it tasted.  

Devo Olive Oil can be purchased in one of their two locations or online.  They have an amazing number of different variations for all your cooking needs and the bonus I liked is there are a number of recipes on their site and their blog.  You can sign up for their newsletter to stay up to date too.

For one of the flavors, I made French Beignets with Aged Blackberry-Ginger Balsamic and loved them!  One of my daughters didn't but my younger one did and asked me this morning to make more of the Princess and the Frog Beignets.  If you saw the show, that is what Tiana was famous for was her beignets (see the Devo recipe below but here is my picture):

I've also used the Balsamic Olive Oil just for dipping bread which is one of my vices and I'm using the Basil Olive Oil tonight in a pork dish I'm making.

I cannot say enough about these oils.  The flavors I have tried are delicious.  I love the versatility in how I can use them and the Devo site and blog's abundance of recipes tops it off.  Devo Olive Oil is my favorite oil of choice.

Beignet Ingredients:

•  1/2 cup boiling water
•  2 tbsp. unsalted butter
•  1/4 cup sugar
•  1/2 tsp. salt
•  1/3 whole milk
•  1/2 pkg. yeast
•  1/4 cup warm water
•  2 eggs, beaten
•  3 3/4 cups sifted flour
•  Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions:

1. Pour boiling water over butter, sugar and salt. Add milk. Let stand until warm.
2. Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add to milk mixture with the beaten egg. Stir in 2 cups flour. Beat. Add enough flour to make a soft dough.
3. Cover with waxed paper and a cloth; chill until ready to use.
4. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Do not let dough rise before frying.
5. Cut into squares and fry a few at a time in deep hot fat at 360 degrees. Brown; turn and brown on other side.
6. Drain; sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Makes around two dozen.

For The Aged Blackberry-Ginger Balsamic Reduction:

• 1 cup Devo Aged Blackberry-Ginger Balsamic

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, slowly reduce the balsamic vinegar by 50%.  You should have 1/2 cup.  Allow to cool to room temperature which will thicken it further.
2. Serve with warm beignets.

*Disclosure:  I received product sample but the opinions are of my own.

Mother Goose Club DVD, CDS & Coloring Book Review

Everyone remembers nursery rhymes and Mother Goose is synonymous with nursery rhymes.  I wonder if just as many parents read these to their kids as they do now after all the available resources available to children and parents.  They have a special place in my heart in that they bring back many memories from my childhood to my children ranging in age from 23 to 4.  I received a complimentary set of a Mother Goose Club DVD, CDS & coloring book for review.

Kids love to see kids sing and play and with the Mother Goose DVD, they get that and more.  It's fun, colorful, playful and entertaining not to forget it also teaches.  It's really captivating for the little ones to see such cute rhymes turned into song and little plays that are acted out.  The costumes are adorable and as I mention, are bright and colorful which appeals to the very young as well as the toddler. You can take a peek here:



Isn't it cute?

The CDs include more fun songs and are perfect on the go or if you just want to listen without a television on.  They enjoyed those in the car since they love to sing.  The coloring book was another chance to learn the nursery rhymes while having fun coloring.  The pictures were great and the choices of nursery rhymes was perfect.

The Mother Goose Club has a special $5 off savings on the Mother Goose Super Pack.  You can also purchase products separately.  The site has special viewing samples to see how each product is which is a wonderful way to ensure it's something your child will like.  There are print options if you want some offline activities for them too.

Overall, I think it's a great array of products to entertain and teach your children.  It's set up perfectly with the bright and playful colors, easy to listen to action and song and is just pure fun for them.


*Disclosure:  I received complimentary samples for the purpose of this review but the opinions are of my own.

Parental Guilt

I find myself at various times but mostly late at night or very early in the morning contemplating how I should do this or shouldn't do that.  I don't have very much time with no one wanting something to eat, something to drink, help with this or help with that or being the referee that is needed in a house with more than one child.  I'm not complaining at all because my children have been the greatest gift of my life.  In fact, on my birthday, I thank my parents for me because without me, I wouldn't have them.  I was watching television and there was a spot on a classical musician and I had feelings of guilt because I don't take my children to see events such as that.

Recently, Dora was in town and again, I felt guilt for not taking them.  I had a hard time justifying such high tickets prices in the nose bleed section so we didn't go.  I often think of the missed opportunities where I opt to stay home and wonder what a bad parent I am.  I hear of these parents who have a daily schedule of activities for their kids and mine have a whopping zero.  I feel guilt.

I wonder how much of the guilt is legitimate to hold and harbor or am I just one of those people who can't ever feel complete because I don't ever feel I'm the best I could be.  I think back to my childhood and how we didn't do anything either and I turned out alright.  Did that affect me?  I think so to an extent as I'm not a social animal so I've heard a few times anywhere from ex's to in-laws.  The little voice inside me reminds me that it's okay to not be that one person who can have no strangers in their lives or the one person that is wrapped up into numerous events outside the home.  I have to remind myself that when I look at my children, they are happy and they love me more than anyone.

Our society increases parental guilt in my opinion.  We are held up to a standard on what celebrity moms do or what television show moms do but at the end of the day, that is just a mere glimpse and is not the full picture.  The average mom doesn't have a personal trainer, a personal chef, a house keeper and a personal assistant.  It's hard being a mom today and yes, it probably has always been hard being a mom if you want to compare it to two generations and more ago, we have it made but things were different.  Today's mom works, takes care of the house, the children, the bills, the errands and everything in between.  We have a lot on our plate and with that comes lots of guilt.

Lots of guilt if we let it.  IF we let it.  I catch myself beating myself up for not being everything to everyone and luckily, I can shrug it off at times and at other times, I give myself a break and acknowledge that 'hey, I'm not perfect.'  Guilt ... so much to live with but at the end of the day, I look at my children and know I'm doing something right because they are happy, healthy (relatively speaking as they have chronic medical conditions) and they love me by telling me frequently that I'm the best mom ever.

Frosty’s Winter Wonderland Blu-Ray Review

Warner Brothers has been busy making my Christmas merrier by releasing a series of great holiday Blu-Rays.  If you know me, you know that Christmas is my favorite holiday and I look forward to it as soon as it's over.  I decorate to the fullest and try to put all my finest preparations to make it the very best.  Along with Christmas, are the great holiday shows both for kids and adults as I feel you are never too old to enjoy a great Christmas character classic such as Frosty the Snowman.

Warner Brothers just released a re-mastered deluxe edition of Frosty's Winter Wonderland.  With Frosty and his girlfriend, Crystal, you get to hear some of the voices you might be familiar with such as Andy Griffith and Shelly Winters.  No story is complete without the villain and Jack Frost fits in nicely to offer that little bit of scare.  Of course, the music is a win-win for me because I enjoy Christmas music and hearing Frosty the Snowman and Winter Wonderland brings back memories.  I also like how I get to pass this tradition down to my children so maybe one day, they will watch the same wonderful holiday shows with their children as I have done.

After watching Frosty, my little one was very happy and let me take a bunch of pictures of her.  She's a ham but the movie made her happy and very anxious for Christmas!

My kid's faces lit up when I brought out Frosty and they loved every minute of it.  They are ready for Christmas and are singing Frosty the Snowman!  It's a must have for Christmas.

You can pick up your Deluxe Edition now of Frosty's Winter Wonderland.


*Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy of this product in exchange for this post.  The opinions are of my own.

Biscoff Spread: The Lunch Envy Challenge Parent Blogger Recipe Contest 10/31

Have you heard of Biscoff Spread?  I'm sure you have heard of Biscoff cookies which I love!  I used to love flying on what was then ATA Airlines because they served Biscoff cookies but now, I'm in love with a new Biscoff product.  The Biscoff Spread is heavenly!  It is like eating a creamy version of the Biscoff cookies and if you have ate those, you know how amazing that must taste!  I received a complimentary jar to come up with a super cool recipe in the Lunch Envy Challenge Parent Blogger Recipe Contest.

You can win some really cool prizes and luckily, you still have time to create something fun with your little one as the deadline is October 31st.  If you need some inspiration, check out Biscoff Recipes here.

I need to hurry up and think of something before I eat it all.  I'm loving it and one tablespoon is only 80 calories!  I'm watching my calories and this tablespoon delivers quite the punch for my cravings.  It's smooth, creamy and dreamy.   Johnny Depp almost doesn't measure up to the wow of Biscoff.

With Christmas approaching, they have wonderful gift ideas too that are sure to impress.

Stay up to date with the following from Biscoff:

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Biscoff Blog

• News
• Press Room

Christmas Gift Guide 2011

Coming Soon!

Looking for sponsors to be included!


Gifts for Women

                                         Avon Floralie Necklace                   Avon Born Beautiful 2-in-1
                                             & Earrings Gift Set                             Birthstone Earrings
                                   Get More Info/Buy It                      Get More Info/Buy It

                  

                                       Thirty-One Bags and More              Thirty-One Bags and More

                                     Get More Info/Buy It                   Get More Info/Buy It

chicBuds: Cool, Fashionable and Fun

Heard of chicBuds?  If you haven't and you listen to music, books or more, you are missing out on something really cool and fun.  I've been a chicBuds customer and love the little speakers that are fashionable and full of life.  They are cute.  They are fun.  They are playful.  They are so much and yet the most important aspect, they are functional.  They work great and are portable so they can go with you and since they plug into your computer, they get recharged with ease.  We have three varieties now and love every one of them.

Our newest edition to the family are the Blue Leopard chicBuds chicBoom Keychain Speakers.  The stylish leopard print also has a sparkling crystal heart to appeal to us blingy girls.  They have a 2 watt amplified speaker that gives four hours of sound on a full rechargeable battery.  It's great on trips or anytime you just want a break from headphones.

Here is an example of the sound:

See?  They have great sound!  We just returned from a trip to the Grand Canyon and I was able to just place it in our bag:

These really are great speakers!  Stay tuned for a giveaway on November 1st!

For more free products and giveaways, go to http://www.facebook.com/chicbuds.

*Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary sample but the opinions are of my own.

Arnold & Oroweat: National Sandwich Day 11/3

Sandwiches are something I forget about from time to time but they are really good if made right.  I made the switch from white bread to the Arnold and the Oroweat brands of bread products about a year or more ago.  I liked them because the calorie count was low but also because I enjoyed the taste and felt they were better for me than processed, refined bread products.  I have been buying the Sandwich Thins for some time but was introduced to the Health-Full Bread brand and love them too!  I received free product and information but I chose to write this post because I am a brand loyalists and absolutely love the Arnold/Oroweat products in case you missed that (smile).

On November 3rd, four bloggers will show off their creativity with the sandwich recipe of their choice on Arnold and Oroweat's Facebook page.  You can also join in on the fun by creating your own recipe with Arnold and Oroweat Bread.  I made my own sandwich but didn't name it and it was surprisingly delicious.

Here is how I made it:

• One Arnold Sandwich Thin
• One Laughing Cow Swiss Cheese
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons of The Gracious Gourmet Spiced Sour Cherry Spread
• One Buddig Honey Ham Package
• Shredded Lettuce

It really tasted good but I suspect it would be amazing with turkey.

In case you weren't familiar with Arnold and Oroweat Bread, it comes in many varieties and the Health-Full Breads contain protein and fiber at only 80 calories a slice!  If you are in the northeast and southwest, it's available under the Arnold name.  In the midwest, it's available under the Brownberry name and in the west, under Oroweat.  

Health-ful 10 Grain Bread - made with whole grains, no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, it's a great tasting bread.  Many people don't like the whole grain types of bread but this one tastes great and I love it toasted or on a sandwich.

Health-ful Hearty Wheat Bread is also made with whole grains, has only 80 calories and has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.  I have not tried this variety.

Health-ful Nutty Grain Bread is just like the other two relative to calories and being healthy.  It's great  tasting too and I enjoy it toasted or with sandwiches.  

Health-ful Flax & Fiber Bread is new and is a good source of Omega-3 ALA.  It also has the same benefits of being natural and only 80 calories per slice.  It's not available in Texas so I was lucky to receive a sample loaf and it's delicious!  

If you haven't tried it yet, you should!  I love the tastes and the fact it has no artificial coloring, flavors or preservatives and is lower in calories.

Don't forget to check out National Sandwich Day on November 3rd and vote for your favorite creation!

*Disclaimer:  I did not receive financial compensation for this post.  I did try the product but the opinions are of my own.

The Replacements: Chuck the Complete Fourth Season

Chuck fan?  Did you watch episode 18?  If you did or didn't, in episode 18, Sarah worries that the CIA is replacing them with Casey's extremely efficient team, but Chuck considers himself irreplaceable with the Intersect.  Did that episode make you think that you might be replaced in some situation?  Watching some shows can make you wonder about yourself being in the same situation.  Sometimes it allows us to go back to those memories where you may have felt outdated or replaceable.  Probably for most, that would be in school or perhaps a work situation.


The funny thing is, even outside of school, there are still the clicks or groups and the ability to make others feel that way.  I don't remember a time outside of school where I felt those emotions or was made to feel that way.  Of course, Chuck, is one step ahead and can easily remedy what is about to happen.  For those Chuck fans, good news as Chuck: The Complete Fourth Season is available on DVD/Blu-Ray.


In season four, the geek gone spy is putting everything on the line, available for pre-order here: http://bit.ly/r3n2er






Disclosure: I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for Chuck: The Complete Fourth Season on DVD/Blu-Ray.

Our Grand Canyon, Sedona & Tombstone Homeschool Field Trip

We just returned from a whirlwind trip starting in Phoenix to pick up my oldest and her baby at the airport and drifting north to Sedona and the Grand Canyon stopping along the way to some beautiful views and educational opportunities.  Since I started home schooling, I look for opportunities to throw in some fun educational lessons along the way and this trip was ideal.  Our first excursion was the beautiful Sedona with breathtaking views of the most amazing red rock scenes right out of the book but of course, better.  We stopped at a church that was built high up to see something amazing and to have a feeling of serenity.

I took my oldest there many years ago and when we visited, there was music and singing which elevated the level of being at one with the environment.  It might sound corny but there is just something majestic listening to a chant while overlooking God's work in all it's beauty.  After letting the girls experience that, we moved forward through a lava enriched forest area onward to the Grand Canyon.  The beauty with the Grand Canyon is you can see so much via your car or you can walk the trials.  Given that I had a one year old, a four year old and an eight year old, hiking was not in the works.  We were able to drive and stop at each area to enjoy the magic of each view.  Each offered it's own story to see.  The girls were ready to go after taking in about six stops so onward we went.

The reverse trip was to head back south and hit Tombstone but along the way, we stopped at Montezuma Castle, Wupatki National Park, Sunset Crater National Park and many other places along the way.   The Wupatki Pueblo was the largest of its kind less than 800 years ago.  It was a large place at one time and today, members of various Indian tribes return to enrich their personal clan history.  There is a blow hole that is a cool feature of Wupatki as well.

Montezuma Castle was a 20 room high rise built up high in the cliffs.  It tells of a story that started over 1000 years ago.  It's a site to take in if you are in the Arizona are to see a bit of history.  You don't get to take in much but the $5 fee per adult is worth the piece of history you get to leave with.  The Park Rangers were exceptionally nice and helpful. This was enjoyable even though short and another spot I took my oldest to when she was a child.

Next on our drive was Sunset Crater National Park which is an amazing place to visit and reminded me of Hawaii.  Where can you visit a lava field that from an explosion that occurred somewhere between 1040 and 1000 and it still looks like it just happened?  It's incredible to see such variety of land formations across Arizona and we hit this right around sunset so we ran out of time to really take in everything but it was an experience.

On our way down to the Grand Canyon, we visited Sedona but didn't stop except for the church.  The area reminded me of a place in Indianapolis called Broad Ripple due to all the artsy artisian shops.  It's a mecca for artists and those who want beautiful portraits and handmade jewelry and other works of art.  It's breathtaking to say the least to see the landscape along with the Canyon.

Our final trip concluded with a visit to Tombstone and the OK Corral.  Being a big Tombstone fan or is that a BIG Val Kilmer in his finer days fan?  Either way, it was an experience to see all those people dressed up in their timeless garb reenacting history.  I was disappointed to see a cellular shop tent smack dab in the middle of the old timey street ruining the decor of the time.  The shops were all filled with the same merchandise with little authenticity minus a couple of shops that did.  All the shop owners were extremely friendly along with the real people props playing their roles.  Many of the tourists also took the opportunity to dress up too and can't blame them as that looked fun.  The gun shooting was too loud for my girls so the visit was short but there is plenty to do.

Happy Halloween Giveaway Blog Hop $25 Macy's GC 10/31

 This Halloween is going to be fun when you enter the great giveaways in the blogs linked below.  It's quick and easy and what better way to get some early Christmas presents out of the way?  I'm using a Perk award I received from Klout and passing it on to one lucky winner.  The $25 Macy's Gift Card is a physical card that will be mailed to the winner.

Use the Rafflecopter entry to enter and when you are done, don't forget to enter the other great giveaways below.

My Family Weight Loss/Get Healthy Challenge & New Slim-Fast® Shakes Plan

This Monday, myself and five family members will start a new journey with losing weight and getting healthier.  The plan is to encourage and motivate one another with a targeted date of July 1st.  Between us, we have a range of weight we want to lose and I feel we can get there.  It's not the first time we did this as we did at the beginning of the year and together, we love over 60 pounds.  I tried a variety of methods to lose weight but when I was contacted to try the new Slim-Fast® Shakes, I thought this was an ideal time to try out the new shakes and incorporate it into our plan.  It will be strictly volunteer if my other family members want to go on the Slim-Fast® plan but myself and my oldest daughter will.

I'm going to start out with the Creamy Milk Chocolate Slim-Fast® Shake and will see if my grocery store carries the other flavors:

• Cappuccino Delight
• French Vanilla
• Rich Chocolate Royale
• Strawberries N' Cream
• Lower Carb Creamy Chocolate
• Lower Carb Creamy Vanilla

The Creamy Milk Chocolate shake has only 190 calories and 25 grams of carbs.  I'm a carb watcher so finding the lower carb versions will be paramount for my plan.  The actual plan I'm using is the Slim-Fast® 3•2•1 which is a simple plan and you eat six times a day:  three snacks, two shakes or meal bars and one balanced meal.  The plan includes online tools to track your progress and it's FREE!  Yes, FREE!  I love anything that is free.  

The new shakes are convenient in that you can take them with you and have a lid.  I liked the shakes in the can but I do like having a bottle that I can take and save if needed.  It has 10 grams of protein and helps to curb your appetite for up to four hours.  The entire plan is something that is appealing to me since it's online, free and has products that can help me stay on track not to mention, tastes great.

In case you are wondering what is a balanced meal, it averages around 500 calories and has a general rule to fill 1/2 your plate with vegetables, 1/4 of lean protein like chicken and 1/4 with starch (preferably whole grain).  They also provide examples of ideal types of vegetables, lean protein and starch to avoid confusion and sabotaging your plan.  Some other benefits to the Slim-Fast® 3•2•1 plan include:

• Online store to purchase your favorite products
• Connect with friends and groups to further help you stay motivated
• Ask a registered dietician

It's a perfect set up for success so stay tuned for updates as we are officially starting 10/24!

*Disclaimer:  I received complimentary product but the opinions are of my own and the idea to include Slim-Fast with my family's challenge was my own.

LeapFrog “Learn, Create & Share” Party

I am homeschooling this year so anything I can find to interject some additional fun into learning is a big plus for me and most likely, my children.  I love the LeapFrog line of products as I already have many of their learning toys such as two Leapsters (I have two children and you know how bad kids share at times), a Tag and DVDs.  LeapFrog is a name I trust and as a repeat customer, I definitely wanted to take part in the opportunity I received as a member of MomSelect to host a LeapFrog Learn, Create & Share Party.  We received an amazing kit to host this party which included:

• A LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet with a pre-loaded book and game
• A Tag Reading System with a Read to Learn Series
• Interactive map
• Download Card
• Coloring and activity sheets
• Coupons for our guests

The host pack was so complete and full of great items that we took the time to go through each learning activity to ensure we were able to explain and show our guests all that each one provided.  My girls thought it was Christmas when we opened the box but then again, I was pretty excited to learn more about the LeapPad Learning Tablets and the Interactive Map.  We already have a Tag Reading System but the books were perfect for what we have been learning which are vowels.  I'm going to first provide what I thought of each one.

LeapPad Explorere Learning Tablet

The LeapPad Explorere Learning Tablet is an amazing learning tool that offers your children an incredible array of things to do from downloading applications from LeapFrog and taking pictures and recording videos.  My girls are having so much fun taking pictures and using the drawing tool to change and add to the pictures.  The video component is also something they are having quite a bit of fun.  We used our download card to purchase more fun.  It operates like our gadgets do with a touch on the screen to tilting the tablet to using the buttons.  It's a really great way to introduce children to technology as it's not going away!  It's also ideal for traveling given the library of 100+ cartridge games and activities available.  

The set up was very easy with hooking it up to the computer, signing up for LeapFrog and downloading the applicable program to connect to LeapFrog.  It was quick and that was good because the testers were ready to go.  I love that that you can use cartridges or buy online and download directly on to the LeapFrog Explorer Learning Tablet. 

Tag with Learn to Read Books

The Tag with Learn to Read Books were equally excellent.  The Tag is set up to allow children to touch different areas on the book for sound or dialogue.  The child can choose to read along with the Tag as it slowly reads with the speed of them moving the Tag along each word or with the touch of the Tag to the dot on the page, it automatically reads the passage to the child to follow along.  The books are full of great opportunities to help teach them about the vowels and there are additional books available to buy and to expand your library.  This is a must have for encouraging your child to read and learn in my opinion.

Tag Globe Trotter Map

The Tag Globe Trotter Map is another great tool for teaching while having fun.  With the help of their Tag, they can play games, learn fast facts that teaches about the United States, landmarks, famous places and animals.  There are 10 interactive games for them to choose from and it's as easy as click and tag on what they want to do.  Another bonus is parents can track their learning progress with the LeapFrog Learning Path.  On the other side is the world map where they get to meet different kid characters from different countries that include the country they are from, what they eat, how they play and how they say hello in their native language.  I absolutely love this and can't wait for my girls to keep learning from it.  I had just purchased an inexpensive globe but that doesn't compare to what both sides of the maps can teach and this is something that will grow with them over the years.  It's fun, it's interactive and most of all, it's educational.

Activity Sheets

This was a big hit among my girls.  The sheets were excellent in offering more fun yet learning activities and kept the party moving in between the children taking turns at playing with the LeapFrog Tag and the LeapFrog Explorer Learning Tablet.  The Learning Tablet was the big hit of course but they all had fun with the tag.

The kids were excited about the party and we were able to tie it in with a birthday party.

To purchase LeapFrog products online, click here for the LeapFrog online shop and to stay up to date, "like" LeapFrog on Facebook and follow LeapFrog on Twitter.




*Disclosure:  I received a party pack with LeapFrog products.  The opinions are of my own.

Poise® Pads & Extra Security for Women

I remember an episode on Hot in Cleveland where one of the stars endorsed a product for women for leak control.  It was a funny episode but not when you are the woman enduring this.  Light bladder leakage is something that affects 1 in 3 women so if you are one of those three, you are not alone.  I have a young friend who is experiencing light leakage post pregnancy so it can hit young or old.  Poise® Pads are perfect for having that extra security without the worry.  One of my older friends use Poise® Pads and swears by them.  Before discovering them, she was always on edge and worried if an incident would occur during an event so she stayed clear of most.  Poise® Pads allowed her to have her life back.

During the month of October for Women's Health Month, Poise® Pads will be available at Sam's Club and in case you didn't know, Sam's Members save $11.72 per box when purchased at Sam's Club.  If you are enduring this condition and are not sure about how they feel or effectiveness, you can get a free sample.  Some of the benefits of Poise® Pads include:

• Locks away wetness and odor
• Contours to fit your body so no bulky feel
• Helps to keep you fresh

Click below to get your free sample:






 Disclosure: I will be compensated for this post. I do not use Poise Pads but my opinions were based on two friends that I know and the opinions are of my own.

Disney's Winnie the Pooh DVD/Blu-Ray Widget & Giveaway - 10/28

Isn't it Tiggerific? All of your favorite characters are returning to Hundred Acre Wood for the latest adventure featuring everybody's favorite bear, Winnie the Pooh. Join Pooh, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, Christopher Robin, Piglet, Rabbit, and Eeyore when Walt Disney Pictures releases Winnie the Pooh on DVD & Blu-Ray October 25. 


Use the widget below to take the personality quiz, download coloring pages, games & more, and watch a sneak peak of the movie. 


One lucky winner will receive their own copy of Disney's Winnie the Pooh DVD/Blu-Ray combo pack by entering the giveaway on the Rafflecopter form below. 


*Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by PartnersHub. I received no compensation for this post.

Wordless Wednesday

My morning sunrise.

Homeschool Trip to the Grand Canyon & More

Tomorrow we are embarking on a trip to Arizona.  First to pick up my oldest and her baby and then we will head to Sedona, Montezuma Castle, Flagstaff, a natural blow hole and then on to the Grand Canyon.  On our return trip back, we are going to visit Tombstone too.  This will be an action pack weekend but I hope the girls learn a lot.  This is my first year homeschooling and it's frightening at times.  I am taking it on as much as I can as I will be returning to work and moving so I need to get in as much as I can to ensure no one is behind.

My cousin, who also homeschools, told me about making binders.  It was a great idea and I recreated one with material I gathered off the net.  I think they will have a lot of fun playing car bingo and other activities along the away while learning about the attractions we will visit.  Thank you, Ruthie for the great idea!

Christmas Cards by Taylor Swift!

My children are BIG Taylor Swift fans ... I mean BIG fans so when I received an e-mail about new Taylor Swift Christmas cards at CardStore (link below), I had to take a look!

Here is what some look like: