I Like It A Latte

Publix Event; The Best Meals Happen At Home (GIVEAWAY!)

2012-01-26T01:00:00.000-05:00

I adore Publix. It's one of the greatest grocery stores I've ever shopped at; clean store, friendly staff, great variety, and fabulous sales! If you're a Publix shopper too you won't want to miss their Best Meals Happen at Home event. Publix doesn't want you to feel like you can't present your family with a home cooked meal on those nights when you're crunched for time. So they've launched BestMealsAtHome.com, a website full of delicious recipes that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less! You can also sign up for weekly e-mails that will include recipes and coupon offers!

The Best Meals Happen at Home event runs January 26 through February 1. Starting January 26 you can find in-store coupons that will be valid until February 15. There will also be great savings on your favorite brands during this event, so be sure to stop by your local Publix.

To get your family started on your own Best Meals at Home, here is a quick and easy recipe using Cheerios!

Crunchy Chicken Nuggets:

Prep time: 15 Min
Cook time: 25 Min
Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups Cheerios® cereal
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon mustard
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Directions:

Heat oven to 400°F. Spray with cooking spray or lightly grease 13x9-inch pan.
Finely crush cereal. Stir together cereal, salt and pepper; set aside. In medium bowl, stir together milk, honey and mustard until blended. Dip chicken into milk mixture; coat with cereal mixture. Place chicken in pan; drizzle with melted butter.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until crust is golden and chicken is no longer pink in center.

************************************WIN IT*********************************

To celebrate the savings you'll find during the Best Meals Happen at Home event, I'm giving away a $25 Publix gift card.

To enter, leave a comment letting me know which family favorite meal you're looking forward to serving your family during the Best Meals Happen at Home event.

Comments will close at midnight EST on February 5, 2012. A winner will be randomly selected and notified via e-mail on/around February 6, 2012. Winner will have 48-hours to claim their prize or it will be considered forfeited. Open to US residents only, please.

Keeping it real: "Disclosure: The Publix gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark." My family received a Publix gift card in appreciation for sharing this information.

Progresso Souper You Contest (GIVEAWAY!)

2012-01-24T01:00:00.000-05:00

It's January, so that means lots of people made resolutions to get in shape. Were you one of them? I didn't make a resolution per se, but I would very much like for this to be the year I finally lose all the pregnancy weight. I made a good bit of progress last year, so I'm keeping that momentum high as 2012 unfolds.

One thing that would definitely help anyone with their resolutions is a makeover and special VIP trip. Progresso Soup is doing just that with their Souper You contest.

This year, the Souper You® Contest will provide three lucky winners with an ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood; this includes a trip for 2 to Los Angeles, California where the winner will receive a head-to-toe makeover including hair and makeup, guided shopping spree with a $1,000 fashion retailer gift card, $1,000 spending money and 2 tickets to this season´s live finale of NBC´s The Biggest Loser.

Here's a video of the Souper You 2011 winners and their winning experience:

To enter, visit www.SouperYou.com and submit your photo with a brief essay about why you love Progresso soups and why you deserve a makeover, by no later than February 22nd. Fans can check back on March 12th for the announcement of the top ten finalists, and to vote for their favorite finalist until March 25th.

If you aren't familiar with Progresso soups, they're mighty tasty! They have 40 soups with 100 calories or less per serving, so they're a good addition to any health conscious meal plan. Grab this printable coupon while supplies last: $1.25 off the purchase of four (4) cans of Progresso Soup. And be sure to tune in to The Biggest Loser on NBC Tuesdays at 8/7c.

***************************************WIN IT**************************************

To jump start your resolutions, I'm giving away a Progresso Souper You Prize Pack that includes (2) VIP coupons for Progresso Soup and a Biggest Loser DVD.

To enter, leave a comment letting me know which Progresso Soup flavors you're looking forward to incorporating in your healthy eating meal plans.

Comments will close at midnight EST on February 5, 2012. A winner will be randomly selected and notified via e-mail on/around February 6, 2012. Winner will have 48-hours to claim their prize or it will be considered forfeited. Open to US addresses only, please.

Keeping it real: "Disclosure: The Progresso® Souper You® prize pack, information, coupon, and giveaway have been provided by Progresso through MyBlogSpark.". My family received a Progresso Prize pack in appreciation for sharing this information.

Ringling Brothers And Barnum & Bailey Present DRAGONS!

2012-01-22T12:53:00.000-05:00

This weekend my family was invited to see Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey's newest show DRAGONS at the Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Arena! I haven't been to a Ringling Bros show since I was a little girl, so I was excited to go and introduce my kids to The Greatest Show on Earth. And it didn't disappoint! The show celebrates the Year of the Dragon:

Dragon tribes from the far reaches of the earth are brought together in a single performance, displaying their breathtaking skills in a circus tournament of champions. Each tribe must prove that they have virtues of Courage, Strength, Wisdom and Heart to arouse dragons which appear right before your very eyes!

Before the show we were given a Behind the Scenes tour with some other Jacksonville area bloggers. I wasn't sure what to expect from this tour, but I was super excited when we rounded a corner and I realized we were no joke backstage! We passed by dressing rooms, with performers in sparkly costumes or comfy robes. We passed a makeshift sewing station set up in the middle of a hallway, with a woman doing some serious last minute sewing. And of course, we passed by some incredible props.

Then we were taken to the animal's area behind the arena. First we met some horses, goats, and other small animals.

My daughter was really excited about the horses; I don't think she's ever seen one up close before!

We were able to view the tigers and lions as they caught a pre-show cat nap.

And finally, we got to meet the elephants, my favorites!

We met the Assistant elephant trainer, who told us all about each elephant and how they train them and care for them. I had such a great time watching the elephants; they were so social and kept sticking their trunks out towards us. And the three year old, Barrack, kept bouncing up and down like an excited toddler. They were just too cute.

We made it back indoors and onto the main stage, where the FREE pre-show was just getting started. Every ticket holder is welcome to the pre-show, which begins about an hour before show time. You can meet and greet with various circus celebs and see some of the animals up close. You can even watch an elephant paint. Yes! For real!

They have dress up stations for the kids...

free temporary tattoos...

and a bounce house...

And then, right on time, the show began! And folks, it was truly something to see. My husband and I have been talking about it the entire weekend! Amazing acrobats, impressive animal acts, hilarious clowns, jaw-dropping martial arts, and a hold-your-breath-exciting motocross performance in the Globe of Steel. And at the end......the dragon!

You can see all the photos I took in my Facebook album!

My husband and I agree that this is a DON'T MISS show. The acts are absolutely amazing, the props and costumes are gorgeous, the music is fresh and modern and catchy...it's truly one of the best shows I've seen in my entire life.

Visit the Ringling Brothers webpage to learn more about the show and check the touring schedule. If DRAGONS is coming to a town near you, GO! You absolutely will not regret it! You can also keep up with Ringling Brothers on Facebook and Twitter.

Keeping it real: My family received complementary tickets to DRAGONS. All opinions are my own.

Last Minute Toy Gift Guide; Backyard Safari Outfitters

2011-12-16T01:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the third (and final!) day of my Last Minute Toy Gift Guide. If you missed the first two days, check out the CAT Iron Diesel Train Set and the Zillionz Talking Cash Register. Today I'm going to tell you about some of the new items in the Backyard Safari line.

I really like the Backyard Safari line of toys. They encourage kids to get outside and explore and learn about nature, and there really isn't anything better than that! Previously we reviewed their Cargo Vest, Periscope, and Bug Vacuum. All are still in use by our kids, over a year later! Over the last few weeks we've been playing with some of the newest items in the Backyard Safari line; Storm Chaser Mobile Weather Pod, Bird Watcher's Field Kit, Expedition One 3-in-1 Compass Tool, and Butterfly Habitat.

Storm Chaser Mobile Weather Pod

This handy little device tells you the current air temperature and wind speed. It has a built in compass, and weather vane to show you which direction the wind is blowing. The bottom unscrews and can be used as a water gauge to measure rainfall. Everything is self-contained in this portable device, so you can take it anywhere your explorations may lead. I'm really excited about the possibilities with this Weather Pod once we start studying weather in our homeschool!

Bird Watcher's Field Kit

This kit includes 5X30 powered binoculars, a tripod, and three different bird callers. My son really thought it was neat to use the binoculars outside. Keep in mind though, that these are toys. If you're serious about bird watching you'll probably want to invest in real binoculars, letting your kids start off with the Backyard Safari ones. The tripod clips on easily to the binoculars, and was quite study. It folds down so it's portable too, which is a plus.

Expedition One 3-in-1 Compass Tool

This functional little device is a compass, an LED signal light, and magnifying lens all in one. You can use the LED light to flash Morse Code messages, and there's even a Morse Code alphabet cheat sheet printed inside the compass lid! Expedition One is attached to a carabiner clip by a retractable, self-winding string, so your kids can clip it onto their Cargo Vests and go on their way. My son had a BLAST pulling the compass out and trying to determine his direction all around our yard. Unfortunately, the string connecting the compass to the carabiner clip broke after one day, so he's going to have to carry it in his pocket from now on. I really like this tool though, even with the broken string, because it's small and portable and really useful.

Butterfly Habitat

This habitat expands to 16", and folds flat when not in use. It includes directions for catching and releasing butterflies, and also comes with a mail-in-coupon for live caterpillars. I'm really looking forward to using this Habitat more in the Spring.

Approximate Retail Prices
Storm Chaser Mobile Weather Pod: $14.99
Bird Watcher's Field Kit: $24.99
Expedition One: $14.99
Butterfly Habitat: $14.99

Best Current Online Deals as of December 16:
Toys R Us has the Mobile Weather Pod for $10.49
Toys R Us has the Bird Watcher's kit for $13.99
Bass Pro Shops has Expedition One for $14.99
Target has the Butterfly Habitat for $11.19
Each retailer has shipping options that will get your items to you in time for Christmas!

Keeping it real: We received each item pictured above for review purposes as members of Team Mom. All opinions are my own.

Last Minute Toy Gift Guide: Zillionz Talking Cash Register

2011-12-15T01:00:00.000-05:00

It's day two of my Last Minute Toy Gift Guide! If you missed Day One, check out the CAT Iron Diesel Train Set!

Today I'm going to tell you about the Zillionz Talking Cash Register. This is such a fun toy, but it has lots of learning potential, which I LOVE! It's an all in one design, so it's pretty compact. You can also change the language it speaks in from English to Spanish or French, and considering my son loves to watch DVDs in Spanish, you can guess what it's probably going to stay on in my house!

You can ring up purchases in a few different ways. First, you can touch the keypad to enter a price. The machine says each number as you enter it, and also announces keys such as "plus" or "total". Alternatively, the Talking Cash Register comes with bar code stickers and a working scanner. You place the stickers on your item, and simply scan the bar code with the attached scanner.

When paying, you can use the included debit card and simply swipe it. Or you can pay with the included play money, and open the working cash drawer.

There is also a built in microphone, for any price checks your little shoppers may need. Admittedly, the microphone isn't very loud and you can barely hear it...but that's not exactly a bad thing, right parents? *wink*

Here is a quick video demonstrating all the features of the Zillionz Talking Cash Register. Subscribers, please click through to view video!

I really appreciate that this one item will not only serve as a fun toy, but also as a great learning tool. I can easily see us adding it to our math games when we play store, or our lessons on money. The only potential negative I can say about this toy is that at first our cash drawer would not open. We tried and tried and finally decided it must be broken. A few nights later we brought it out, planning to break it just so the kids could use it...and before we broke it we tried one more time..and it worked! Totally bizarre, but we've not had any further problems with it after that first night. So I would just suggest you take it out of the box and try the cash drawer before wrapping it up...just in case!

The Zillionz Talking Cash Register is suggested for ages five and up, and retails for approximately $39.99. The best online deal I could find as of December 15 is on Amazon. They have it listed for $36.75 with free Super Saver Shipping (will arrive by December 24).

Keeping it real: We received the Zillionz Talking Cash Register for review purposes as members of Team Mom. All opinions are my own.

Last Minute Toy Gift Guide: CAT Iron Diesel Train Set

2011-12-14T17:05:00.001-05:00

Are you still looking for those last minute gifts? I know...time has a way of sneaking up on you this time of year! if kids are on your gift list, I've got you covered with three gift ideas I'll be sharing over the next three days. Today I'm going to tell you about the CAT Iron Diesel Train Set.

This is a great starter train set for any kid who loves trains and/or construction vehicles. The small scale train comes with over seven feet of track. The train itself features a flat bed car with two snap-on CAT mini machines (dump truck and wheel loader), an engine, a crane car with moving crane, and a container car.

Here is a short video demonstrating the train in motion. As you can see, we set it up on carpet and it worked fine, so don't worry about needing a flat surface for the train. (Subscribers, please click through to view video)

As I mentioned, this is a pretty basic train set. The fun is in the removable construction vehicles and movable crane. Those pieces are what is going to give longevity to this toy.

The CAT Iron Diesel Train Set is suggested for ages five and up and retails for approximately $15.00. The best online deal I could find as of December 14 was at K-mart. They have this train on sale for $14.24 and can have it delivered in time for Christmas as long as you order by 12/21.

Keeping it real: We received the CAT Iron Diesel Train Set for review purposes as members of Team Mom. All opinions are my own.

Sam's Club and Chex Mix for the Holidays (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

2011-12-13T03:00:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't love Chex Mix? Well, okay...I don't. At least not the traditional kind. BUT! There are so many other varieties and other things to do with Chex that I do love! Like Muddy Buddies...Mmmmmmm I love those!

Sam's Club and Chex want to let you know that there are a TON of different ways to spice up your Chex Mix. They have an interesting idea they're calling a Sam´s Club Chex Party Mix-Change. It's like a cookie swap...but with Chex Mix! Sam's Club has everything you'll need for your party. And since most Chex Mix recipes can be made in fifteen minutes or so, you'll have more time to actually enjoy your party and guests!

Here is all you need to know to host a fabulous Sam's Club Chex Party Mix-Change:

Set the date and spread the word. Announce your Chex Party Mix-Change using some of these festive invites.
Mix it up. Use these mouth-watering Chex recipe cards including Chex Pumpkin Pie Crunch and Hot Buttered Yum Chex Mix and this shopping list to make party prep a snap.
Share the fun. Use some of these easy tips & tricks to add some extra flare to your party and check out some of the packaging ideas so your guests don´t go home empty handed.

Visit ChexPartyMixChange.com for even more party-planning tips and be sure to also check out Sam´s Club, your one stop Chex spot that has everything you need to throw a Chex Party Mix-Change!

Our schedule doesn't allow us time to host a party, but I sure to plan to make some Chex Mix for our holiday road trips! I think it would even make a great Christmas Eve snack! I'm leaning towards the Chex Peanut Butter and Chocolate Blast!. Which sound good to you?

~~******************************WIN IT!!!*************************************~~
Winner has been notified. Thanks to all who entered!

One of you will win a prize pack that will get you well on your way to hosting your own party. You'll win a $25 Sam's Club gift card and a big Sam's Club size box of Chex.

To enter, leave a comment letting me know your favorite thing to do with Chex.

Comments will close at midnight EST December 20, 2011. A winner will be randomly selected and notified on December 21, 2011. Winner will have 48-hours to claim their prize. If not claimed, prize will be considered to be forfeited and a new winner will be selected. Open to US addresses only, please.

Keeping it real: We received the prize pack pictured above for review purposes. Disclosure: The Sam´s Club gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by Sam´s Club, Chex Party Mix and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers Vegetables With Pasta (GIVEAWAY CLOSED!)

2011-12-12T03:16:00.000-05:00

I cook almost every night. Since I'm always cooking, I like to make it easy on myself from time to time. I'm not too big on most convenience foods, but some of them have become staples in our house. One such staple are the frozen bags of veggies you can microwave in their bag, like Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers. It really doesn't get any easier than grabbing a bag from the freezer, throwing it in the microwave, and having a great veggie side dish in about five minutes.

The latest additions to the Valley Fresh Steamers line are vegetables with pasta! The two varieties are Macaroni and Cheese Sauce with Broccoli (classic elbow pasta and broccoli in a cheese sauce) and Pasta and Vegetables with Alfredo Sauce (corkscrew pasta with carrots and broccoli in a savory Alfredo sauce). We tried the macaroni and cheese flavor, and it was really tasty! The pasta was the perfect texture and the cheese sauce was in nice proportion to the broccoli. I think it would also make a great lunch if you were pressed for time!

Keep up with Green Giant on their website or Facebook page.

~~*********************WIN IT!!!**********************~~
Winner has been notified. Thanks to all who entered!

One of you will win a great prize pack including the following items: two Green Giant placemats, broccoli stress reliever, 32 oz. serving bowl, surprise face serving spoon, and a VIP coupon for the Valley Fresh Steamers with Pasta.

To enter, leave a comment letting me know what you like to add to veggies to make them more appealing to your family.

Comments will close at midnight EST December 19, 2011. A winner will be randomly selected and notified via e-mail on December 20, 2011. Winner will have 48-hours to claim their prize. If not claimed, prize will be considered forfeited and a new winner will be selected. Open to US addresses only, please.

Keeping it real: My family received the prize pack pictured above for review purposes. Disclosure: Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers with Pasta, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Rothschild Winter Jackets For Kids

2011-12-11T14:03:00.001-05:00

Admittedly we don't often need heavy jackets here in The South. But every so often we do. And since we visit family further north, we happen to have snow gear for all of us. Last year we were introduced to the Rothschild brand with a fabulous winter jacket for Aiden. Thankfully we took it with us on our trip north, because we ended up being snowed in for almost a week. The temps were in the teens and we ended up with a ton of snow for the kids to play in.

Yes, he's wearing pink gloves. We realized at the literal last minute that he didn't have any gloves....and those were the only ones we could find down here. Anyway. Aiden's Rothschild jacket kept him warm and dry the entire time we romped in the snow. I was really impressed with how well it held up.

This year we were fortunate enough to receive another Rothschild jacket. This time Miss Savannah was the recipient, and she has fallen in love with her Funky Color Block Active Jacket.

Once again I am impressed with the attention to detail in Rothschild jackets. The detachable hood is a fabulous feature here in The South, since our weather often fluctuates from hour to hour. The adjustable wrist openings are also super great, so I can make the sleeves nice and snug to hopefully prevent any snow getting in there. This particular jacket has three pockets, but none of them are zippered. I would have liked to see at least one zippered pocket, just in case the child needs to carry money or something. The jacket is nice and thick and I think will keep the cold out pretty well. It's wind and water resistant too.

This style came with a matching scarf and hat, which was a nice added touch.

If you're in the market for a kid's jacket, I encourage you to stop by Rothschild and see what they have to offer. Not only do they carry active jackets like the one pictured above, but they also have dress coats and snowsuits. And for a limited time save 50% with code SAVE50 at checkout! That's an AMAZING savings!

Keep up with Rothschild on Facebook to be notified of any future promotions!

Keeping it real: We received the jacket pictured above for review purposes. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Mother Goose Club; News And Holiday Specials

2011-12-05T08:09:00.000-05:00

This past Summer I reviewed a super cute Nursery Rhyme DVD on my homeschool blog. It's called Nursery Rhyme Singing Time With Mother Goose Club, and is a combination of animation and live-action singing and rhyming and dancing. My kids still ask to watch it all the time, and the CDs are in our regular rotation as well.

Recently the Mother Goose Club released a free five-minute episode on YouTube and I'm excited to share that with you here! (Subscribers, click through to view the video):

The episode above, Baa Baa's Rhyme Time Bonanza, is included on their DVD, so if your kids liked that short clip you'll definitely want to have the DVD!

Additionally, The Mother Goose Club has released their first holiday video! See if your kids can identify their favorite nursery rhyme characters in this animated rendition of Jingle Bells (Subscribers, click through to view video):

If The Mother Goose Club is on your holiday list you'll want to head over and check out their three holiday specials.

Keeping it real: I was not compensated for this post. I do have an established relationship with The Mother Goose Club, and have received complementary products in the past for review purposes. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Hathi Chiti Tales Of India

2011-12-02T08:23:00.000-05:00

As a homeschooling family, we have a ton of books in our home library. I'm always on the hunt for interesting new books to add, which is why I agreed to review a new series called The Hathi Chiti Tales of India Collection. I was intrigued because I really value exposing my kids to other cultures, and we're even doing an Around the World study this year! So these books came at the perfect time.

First off, I know you're wondering what Hathi Chiti means. I know I was curious. Hathi is an Indian word for elephant, and Chiti is an Indian word for ant. As you'll notice, the logo for Hathi Chiti features an elephant and an ant, and they are "best buds" from Indian folklore.

The two books we received to review are In the Indian Night Sky and The Traveller, The Tiger, and the Very Clever Jackal.

The first book, In the Indian Night Sky, is simply stunning. It's printed on black paper with colored ink, which is so unique and beautiful! Since the story is about the night sky it really adds an extra special element to the tale to have the pages printed this way. The book attempts to offer a fun explanation for why people feel positively about the moon, but not so much about the sun and wind. If you're looking for a truly different book to add to your collection this is it.

The second book, The Traveller, the Tiger, and the Very Clever Jackal, is a retelling of an Indian folktale about...you guessed it! A traveller, a tiger who tries to outwit him, and a clever jackal who saves the day. Like most folktales there is a takeaway lesson; you're never too old to wise up!

Other books in the Tales of India Collection are Patnaxi's Crezy Long Journey Home, about the first grain of talking rice imported to the New World and his high seas adventure, and The Unfortunate Tale of Kachuva the Tortoise, about a talkative tortoise who doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut!

The books are all available on the Hathi Chiti website, along with other merchandise. You can keep up with Hathi Chiti on Facebook and Twitter.

Keeping it real: I received complementary copies of the two books pictured above for review purposes. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Jake And The Never Land Pirates Holiday Episiode

2011-12-01T07:52:00.000-05:00

My kids love Jake and the Never Land Pirates on Disney Channel. I have to say, at first my son was a little scared of the show. But that didn't last long and now he's a big fan! So I was excited to find out that there will be a special holiday-themed episode of Jake and the Never Land Pirates on Friday, December 2!

The episode is titled "It's a Winter Never Land/Hook on Ice". Jake, Izzy, and Cubby awake to find that Peter Pan has left gifts and a Forever-Green Tree in celebration of Winter Treasure Day, and Captain Hook invites Jake and the crew on a winter treasure hunt throughout Never Land. Here is a sneak peek (subscribers, click through to view video):

Your kids won't want to miss this special holiday episode, so be sure to watch Friday, December 2, at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel.

Next year is going to be a great one for Jake and the crew. Not only will it be the launch of season two, but it will also be the premiere of the first-ever 45-minute series special! That special will be the first time we'll see Peter Pan in the series! Keep your eye on Disney Channel for more information about that!

Keeping it real: My family received an advance screener of the holiday episode along with Disney Junior Mickey ears and a Jake t-shirt. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens

2011-11-30T09:13:00.000-05:00

I adore Christmas lights. My husband and I go a little overboard with lights on our house. And our tree usually has enough lights on it we don't even need a lamp at night! We make a point of driving around to see other's Christmas lights at least once, oohing and ahhing over flashing twinkle lights and yard displays.

So when we were invited to Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens, we were thrilled! If you'll recall, we visited Callaway Gardens this past Spring. We had a fabulous time and were excited to return. Callaway Gardens is such a beautiful place and there is so much to do! But the main attraction this time was Fantasy in Lights.

Fantasy in Lights is an amazing light display featuring over 8 million lights! Yes, MILLION! This season is the 20th anniversary of the event, which has been named one of the top 48 events in the world by the Chicago Tribune! It's also been named one of the top ten best holiday light displays in the US by mainstreet.com. Fantasy in Lights stretches over five miles of the gardens, and is comprised of fourteen displays choreographed to holiday music.

You can drive your personal car, if you wish. But I'd suggest riding the Jolly Trolley. The Jolly Trolley is an open air trolley and has a fun interactive soundtrack to accompany your trip through the lights. Since it's open though, you'll want to bundle up and maybe bring a blanket! Although on the night we visited it was fairly mild and we only needed a light jacket.

To give you an idea of what it's like to drive through Fantasy in Lights, watch my short video complilation of some of our favorite scenes. (Subscribers, click through to view video)

The lights are the star of Fantasy in Lights, but there is so much more to experience! On the beach are two large narrated scenes; the nativity and The Night before Christmas. As the ten-minute long story is told, different pieces light up in each display. It really is something to see!

You won't want to miss Callaway's Christmas Village either! It's 22,000 square feet (heated too!) of Christmas magic!

You'll find a ton of Christmas decor and gifts, yummy treats and drinks, and even Santa! You'll also find plenty of choices if you want to grab a bite to eat. We opted for a quick Smore's, roasting our marshmallows over a fire pit. It was a nice, fun touch that my kids enjoyed.

You can find out more about Fantasy in Lights, including dates and prices, on their website. It ends December 30, so be sure to make plans soon! Be sure to think about staying overnight too, since your Fantasy in Lights ticket also gives you daytime admission to the gardens. Last time we visited Callaway, we stayed in the Mountain Creek Inn. But this time we stayed in one of the cottages and oh my goodness.....it was gorgeous! With a full size kitchen and two bedrooms, we were set! And naturally we enjoyed the fireplace after dark! It was the perfect way to end an evening full of Christmas cheer.

To view more photos from our trip to Fantasy in Lights, view my Facebook album.

Keeping it real: My family was provided with complementary accommodations and admission to Callaway Gardens and Fantasy in Lights. All opinions presented here are my own.

Pixie Hollow Games on Disney Channel

2011-11-18T21:58:00.001-05:00

My daughter is really into a princess and fairy phase right now. In fact, she's asking Santa for a princess. Nothing else. Just a princess. And almost every day you can catch her walking around the house in her fairy wings. As phases go, it's an adorable one!

I know she'd be excited to watch the new Disney Fairies animated special, "Pixie Hollow Games" premiering tomorrow night on Disney Channel. The Pixie Hollow Games will be a tournament-style sporting event where all the different fairy guilds will compete in races and athletic challenges. The show will air at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT November 19.

Your kids can also visit DisneyFairies.com to play games, download activities, and learn more about the characters in Pixie Hollow.

Keeping it real: My family received some fun Disney Fairies goodies (trading cards, poster, and a magazine) in appreciation for sharing this information.

Happy Birthday Minnie Mouse!

2011-11-15T14:00:00.001-05:00

In case you haven't heard, Friday is Minnie Mouse's birthday! As you might imagine, the folks at Disney Junior have been busy making preparations to honor Minnie, and your kids won't want to miss it! This week Disney Junior premiered a new short-form series called Minnie's Bow-Toons. The show follows the adventures of Minnie Mouse and her good friend Daisy Duck as they run Minnie's Bow-Tique, a specialty shop stocked only with colorful bows and bowties. Here is the premiere episode, in case you missed it.

This week you can watch new episodes of Minnie's Bow-Toons at 8:55 a.m., ET/PT.on the Disney Channel.

In honor of Minnie's birthday, Disney Junior will be airing a block-long marathon featuring the new shorts and Minnie-centric episodes of "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" on Minnie's actual birthday; Friday, November 18 from 8:55 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET/PT, as well as the following day Saturday, November 19 from 6:30 – 9:00 a.m., ET/PT.

Fans can also log on to DisneyJunior.com/Minnie to play Minnie-themed games and download new coloring pages, as well as see a special sneak-peek of the following day's episode before it premieres on air!

Happy Birthday Minnie!

Keeping it real: I was not compensated in any way for sharing this information.

Tiny Prints Christmas Cards For 2011

2011-11-14T15:04:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again....time to pick the perfect Christmas card. Years ago I never even gave this decision a thought. I picked a box from the after-Christmas clearance bin, and that's what I would mail the following year. But then I was given the opportunity to create a photo Christmas card from Tiny Prints last year and I am forever changed! My Christmas cards will never again be boring and generic!

In case you don't remember, I fell in love with last year's card. I have a thing for gingerbread when it comes to holiday decorating, and I found the perfect gingerbread inspired card at Tiny Prints last year.

I was so impressed with the quality of the card and the service Tiny Prints provided, they have become my go-to card company. Over the last year we've created Mother's Day cards, Father's Day cards, Thanksgiving cards....and every single one has been beautiful. Seriously, I can not praise this company and their products enough!

So, as I said....it's time to pick a card for 2011. And Tiny Prints has such an enormous selection of beautiful designs it really is hard to decide! Are you looking for something sophisticated? They have that:

Are you looking for something a little different that has room for plenty of photos? They have that:

Maybe you want your card to stand out and be seen year after year? They have that, too:

Personally, I'm leaning towards the ornament cards. What a fabulous idea! The only problem with these cards is that I'd have to choose only one photo! An even harder decision!!

While I agonize over my card selection, I hope you'll pop over to Tiny Prints and check out their designs. I'm sure you'll find one (or ten!) designs that suit your style. And be sure to keep up with Tiny Prints on Facebook so you don't miss any promo codes!

Keeping it real: I will be receiving complementary cards from Tiny Prints in appreciation for sharing this information.

Yo Gabba Gabba Live! (GIVEAWAY CLOSED!)

2011-11-08T20:37:00.000-05:00

Do you remember when my family and I saw Yo Gabba Gabba Live! last year? Oh my goodness, it was a BLAST. Truly one of the best times we've had at a family event....ever! As you might suspect from watching the TV show, the live event was super high energy. Everyone was dancing and singing and jumping, there were balloons and confetti, and the characters really interacted with the audience.

If you missed the tour last year you have a second chance! The Yo Gabba Gabba Live! tour is baaaaaack! The It's Time to Dance! tour will be visiting over 50 cities in North America through December. (And if you saw the tour last year, don't worry...it's an all new show this year!) You can find a list of cities and dates on the Yo Gabba Gabba Live! website. Like last year, the tour is presented by Kia Motors so let's give a big thank you to them!

Unfortunately, the It's Time to Dance! tour isn't coming back though Jacksonville this year. HUGE BUMMER! But if they were, we would so be there! If you have little kids and the tour is coming near you and you're at all considering going...GO! You wont regret it!

To get you ready for the show I'm giving away a Yo Gabba Gabba CD/DVD prize pack! One lucky Yo Gabba Gabba fan will win the Music is Awesome 3 CD and a very special DVD that is only available at the live show! It's called KIA MOTORS PRESENTS Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Live From Nokia Theatre L.A.

~~To enter, leave a comment letting me know if you've seen the show. Did you have a blast or what?!~~
Winner has been notified. Thanks to all who entered!

Comments will close at midnight EST November 20, 2011. A random winner will be selected and e-mailed on November 21, 2011. Winner will have 48-hours to claim their prize or prize will be forfeited and a second winner will be drawn. Open to US addresses only, please.

Keeping it real: My family was provided with tickets to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live! last year. This year we will be receiving the CD/DVD prize pack described above.

Jimmy D's Breakfast Minis (GIVEAWAY CLOSED!)

2011-10-25T01:53:00.000-04:00

Is your schedule as packed as mine is? We tend to get super busy this time of year with family activities; Fall Festivals, Trick or Treating, or just playing outside in the cooler weather. Breakfast can be a free for all, especially on the weekends when we're trying to rush out the door. Jimmy Dean thought they could help me with that morning rush, and asked me to sample their new Jimmy D's Breakfast Minis.

Jimmy D's Breakfast Minis are cute little breakfast sandwiches featuring turkey sausage. Breakfast Minis contain 11 grams of protein and only 230 calories per serving, and are ready to eat in less than two minutes. Seriously! You just pop them in the microwave! Here is a shot of them fresh from the microwave:

They taste really great too! They're a perfect size for kids, or pair them with some yogurt or fresh fruit for yourself. I don't usually keep frozen breakfasts like this on hand, but if I know we have a crazy morning coming up I'd definitely buy Jimmy D's Breakfast Minis again. You can't beat the convenience factor, and I like that they offer a good amount of protein.

You'll also want to know that Jimmy Dean is hosting a fun sweepstakes on their Facebook page called “52 Ways to Deliver Great Days,” where each week for the next year Jimmy Dean is giving away a different prize (they change up the prize every Monday) to their fans who answer the question of the week about how they help deliver great days to their family and friends. To enter, visit their Facebook page (a text entry is worth 1 sweeps entry, photo is worth 5 sweeps entries and video is worth 10 sweeps entries).

~~WIN IT!!~~
Winner has been contacted. Thanks to all who entered!

One reader will win three coupons good for any Jimmy Dean product. Coupons expire 7/31/2012.

To enter, leave a comment letting me know what makes your morning rush so crazy. Are you scrambling to get to work? To get the kids off to school? Waking up too early with a newborn?

Comments will close at midnight, November 6, 2011. A winner will be randomly selected and notified via e-mail on November 7, 2011. Winner will have 48-hours to claim their prize. If prize is not claimed within 48-hours it will be considered forfeited and a new winner will be selected. Open to US addresses only, please.

Keeping it real: I received complementary coupons for Jimmy Dean products for review and giveaway purposes.

Yoplait Smoothies (GIVEAWAY CLOSED!)

2011-10-24T00:56:00.000-04:00

I love smoothies. When I lived in a larger city I'd frequently hit up the smoothie shop for a light lunch on the run. Here in the swamp though, we don't have any smoothie shops. Sometimes I make my own, but I also like to keep Yoplait Smoothies in my freezer for those times I'm out of ingredients.

Yoplait Smoothies are available in Triple Berry, Strawberry Banana, Blueberry Pomegranate, Strawberry Mango Pineapple, and the newest flavor Chocolate Banana. I've had the chance to try the Chocolate Banana flavor and it is yummmmy! Inside the Yoplait Smoothie package is real fruit and yogurt; you just add milk and blend. It's a great fix for a chocolate craving, and at 130 calories per serving you don't have to feel guilty about it! It's also a pretty good source of calcium, which many of us have a hard time getting.

You can keep up with Yoplait Smoothies on Facebook and Twitter, and be sure to visit their website.

BUY IT!!
You can find Yoplait Smoothies in the freezer section of your favorite retailer. Be sure to take a coupon with you!

~~WIN IT!!!~~
Winner has been contacted. Thanks to all who entered!
One reader will win a Yoplait Smoothie Prize Pack.

Prize pack includes a VIP coupon for a sample of Yoplait Chocolate Banana Smoothie, neck pillow, smoothie tumbler, and a lavender eye mask. I like to whip up a smoothie in the afternoon, when I hit my "3 o'clock slump". I try to catch a little me-time each day when that slump hits, so I can recharge and make it through the rest of my day. This prize pack is perfect for that, and I think you'll enjoy it too!

To enter, leave a comment letting me know which flavor Yoplait Smoothies you'd like to see next!

Comments will close at midnight, November 6, 2011. A winner will be randomly selected and notified via e-mail on November 7, 2011. Winner will have 48-hours to claim their prize. If not claimed within 48-hours, prize will be considered forfeited and a new winner will be selected. Open to US addresses only, please.

Keeping it real: The Yoplait® VIP Coupon, information, and giveaway have been provided by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.

Freschetta Pizza Proud to Support Pink (GIVEAWAY CLOSED!)

2011-10-22T13:24:00.002-04:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Freschetta has been doing a great job supporting research with their Freschetta Proud to Support Pink program. Here are the details:

Through October 31, 2011 when you purchase specially marked packages of Freschetta pizzas and Artisan Pizza Crusts, you'll be helping them reach their goal of a $50,000 donation to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Specially marked packages are printed with codes that you can enter at www.ProudToSupportPink.com. For each code entered, Freschetta will donate $1.00 to the center (up to $50,000).

Proud to Support Pink also has a section for people to share their breast cancer journey, or that of a friend/loved one.These stories will be displayed on Proud to Support Pink and their Facebook page. Additionally, they're giving away 50 pink iPod Shuffle players each week in October, and another 50 will be donated each week to four cancer centers around America.

We're fans of Freschetta pizza, especially the Simply Inspired line. They're really quite tasty, and who doesn't love the convenience of a frozen pizza!

~~WIN IT!!~~
Winner has been notified! Thanks to all who entered!
One reader will win a Freschetta Proud to Support Pink kit! The kit includes a coupon for a Freschetta pizza and two pairs of Freschetta Proud to Support Pink earphones (one pair for you and one for you to give to a friend!).

To enter, leave a comment below! Have you tried Freschetta pizza?

Comments will close at midnight, October 25, 2011. A winner will be randomly selected and notified via e-mail on October 26, 2011. Winner will have 48-hours to claim their prize. If prize is not claimed within 48-hours, it will be considered forfeited and a new winner will be selected. Open to US addresses only, please.

Keeping it real: I was provided with a Freschetta Proud to Support Pink kit by the makers of Freschetta pizza. They also provided the giveaway prize. All opinions are my own.

Gold Medal White Whole Wheat Flour (GIVEAWAY CLOSED!)

2011-10-11T01:10:00.000-04:00

I do a lot of baking. It's one of my favorite things about being a stay-at-home-mom; I have plenty of time to bake! We use a lot of regular all-purpose flour, but we also go through a fair share of whole wheat. I use whole wheat in breads and pancakes, but not too much else. So I was curious how white whole wheat flour would work in things like cookies and muffins.

I was provided with a bag of Gold Medal White Whole Wheat flour, and got ready for a little baking spree. First, I subbed the white whole wheat flour for all-purpose in my old faithful banana bread recipe. Usually if you sub, you want to start with 25-50% at first. But since we're already used to the taste and texture of whole wheat I subbed 100% in my banana bread. It was delicious! My husband said he even prefers it with the white whole wheat flour!

So what's so great about white whole wheat? According to Gold Medal, "Unlike most whole wheat flours that are made from hard red spring wheat, Gold Medal White Whole Wheat flour is made with hard white spring wheat. So, it´s whole grain, but with a similar taste and texture to all-purpose white flour." So that means you get the health benefits of whole wheat, but with a more familiar taste and texture. I think it's a great compromise if your family doesn't like regular whole wheat flour.

Other items I baked with Gold Medal White Whole Wheat flour:
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Blueberry Streusel Muffins

White Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

Each of these were super yummy, and I was really surprised with the chocolate chip cookies. I honestly couldn't tell they were made with anything other than "regular" flour.

Learn More
Betty Crocker´s Website
Betty Crocker´s Facebook page

~~WIN IT~~
Winner has been notified. Thanks to all who entered!
One of you will get to do your own taste test of Gold Medal White Whole Wheat flour! Here is what you'll win:

A coupon for Gold Medal White Whole Wheat flour, a cookie jar, and recipe cards to get you started!

To enter, leave a comment letting me know your experience with white whole wheat flour. Have you tried it?

Comments will close at midnight EST October 23, 2011. A winner will be randomly selected and notified via e-mail on October 24, 2011. Winner will have 48-hours to claim their prize. If not claimed within 48-hours, prize is forfeited and another winner will be selected. Open to US addresses only, please.

Keeping it real: The Gold Medal White Whole Wheat flour product, information, and giveaway have been provided by Gold Medal through MyBlogSpark.

Play-Doh Twirl 'N Top Pizza Shop (GIVEAWAY CLOSED!)

2011-10-10T01:47:00.000-04:00

My kids love Play-Doh. Whether playing with cookie cutters or a Play-Doh playset, they always have tons of fun. Recently we checked out one of the latest Play-Doh sets, the Twirl 'N Top Pizza Shop.

With this set, kids can mold a crust and send it through the "oven", grate cheese with the cheese sprinkler tool, and then mold all their favorite toppings. The set even comes with a pizza cutter and slice server. Super cute.

Did you know the Play-Doh website has monthly themed playdate ideas? They provide ideas for themed Play-Doh creations, corresponding crafts, and even snack ideas! Check out their Pizza Shop themed playdate to go along with the Twirl 'N Top Pizza Shop!

And since it's October, I bet you've been searching for Halloween craft ideas for the kids. I know I have! Play-Doh has a Haunted House themed playdate, with super cute ghosts, cats, and spider crafts! And if you're really thinking ahead, you'll want to check out Play-Doh's Seasonal Activities page for cute holiday inspired Pay-Doh creations.

BUY IT
The Play-Doh Twirl 'N Top Pizza Shop retails for $14.99.

~~WIN IT~~
Winner has been notified. Thanks to all who entered!
One of you can host your own Pizza Shop Play-Doh Playdate when you win the Twirl 'N Top Pizza Shop!

To enter, leave a comment letting me know your kid's favorite thing to do with Play-Doh.

Comments will close at midnight EST Sunday October 23, 2011. A winner will be randomly selected and notified via e-mail on October 24, 2011. Winner will have 48-hours to claim their prize. If prize is not claimed within 48-hours, it will be forfeited and another winner will be selected. Open to US addresses only (No PO Boxes!) please.

Keeping it real: My family received a complementary Twirl 'N Top Pizza Shop for review purposes.

Great Wolf Lodge Concord 48-Hour Sale

2011-10-06T01:06:00.001-04:00

Starting NOW through the next 48-hours, you'll want to head over to Greatwolf.com/value to grab some great rates on your next Great Wolf Lodge (Concord) stay! This is one of their biggest sales of the year so you won't want to miss out. The deals are good on stays through December 2, so plan a stay during Howl-O-Ween or during their beautiful Winter activities. Simply click through the above link and use promo code 48HOUR to get great savings.

My family adores Great Wolf Lodge, and it's become an annual family tradition. My kids always ask if it's time to go back! It really is a fabulous family vacation spot.

Keeping it real: I was not compensated in any way for this post. I have an established relationship with Great Wolf Lodge Concord, and was given a complementary stay there in 2010.

Fall Into High Hampton

2011-09-30T02:14:00.000-04:00

Do you remember my amazing stay at the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, NC? It was such a beautiful place, and I can only imagine how much more beautiful it will be this Fall. Having spent a number of years living in the NC mountains, I can tell you that it is one of the most amazing places to be in the Fall. The leaves turn so many colors and the air is crisp and cool; it is hands down my favorite place to be in the Fall.

This Fall, if you book a midweek stay at High Hampton Inn, you'll be treated to a $75 resort credit (with any 2-night or longer stay, Sunday through Thursday). You can use this credit towards any resort activity/amenity, like golf, the spa, or the gift shop. Don't forget...your meals are already included in your room rate!

Room rates are currently $239 a night, double occupancy. The Fall Into High Hampton package is good through November 10, 2011. If this package doesn't fit your schedule stay tuned to High Hampton's website and Facebook page for other specials and events.

Keeping it real: I was not compensated for this post, although I did receive a complementary stay at High Hampton earlier this year.

The Complete Idiot's Guide To Learning Spanish Vs. Spanish For Dummies

2011-09-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

I don't speak Spanish very well. But I wish I did. I took two years of Spanish in high school, and I worked for a number of years in Southern California (which is largely bilingual), so I know enough to muddle through and pick up the general idea of what is being said. But I'd really like to be able to converse with confidence.

I'm starting my kids early, and we do a weekly Spanish lesson geared for preschoolers. They're picking it up so easily I'm a little jealous! I've considered buying a Spanish program for myself many times. But they're usually really expensive, and since I don't know if I'll really use it (who has the time?!) I've put it off.

Recently I was given the chance to check out two Spanish books; The Complete Idiot's Guide to Learning Spanish and Spanish for Dummies. The folks at The Complete Idiot's Guide asked me to spend some time with both books and give an honest comparison. So I've spent the last few weeks thumbing through the books and listening to their accompanying CDs. And there are quite a few distinct differences among them.

Spanish for Dummies is full of lists. If you're familiar with their layout, they include The Part of Tens at the end of their books, and it's basically a bunch of lists of ten things. This book is no exception. There are Ten Ways to Pick Up Spanish Quickly, Ten Phrases That Make You Sound Fluent in Spanish, and more. But those aren't the only lists. I found a large portion of each chapter devoted to simple lists of words. If you're already pretty good at speaking Spanish, maybe all you need are lists. So that could be a plus. But I'd prefer a little more depth.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Learning Spanish provides that depth. Chapters are set up thematically. For example, one chapter is about dining out, and another focuses on drugstore items. Instead of just presenting lists of words, this book explains cultural nuances as well. In the chapter on dining out, for example, there is a section that explains what all the different types of restaurants are in Spanish (did you know a cantina is technically a men's bar?). Then it goes on to explain how to make reservations and communicate with restaurant staff, tableware, and a plethora of words you'd find on a menu. It continues with terminology for food preparation and herbs/spices/condiments to help you place your order. It also includes phrases for dietary considerations or problems with your food. Throughout each chapter you'll also find tips sprinkled throughout, like one in the dining out chapter telling you that gratuities are usually included in the bill. Overall, I feel this book lays a much stronger foundation by including cultural information and explanations to accompany its words lists.

Another distinct difference between the books is how they approach grammar. Spanish for Dummies launches right into grammar in chapter two, with very little foundation or preparation. The Complete Idiot's Guide introduces grammar in chapter four, after first spending some time discussing pronunciation and the Spanish you already know (Spanish words that are similar to English words). Instead of jumping into Spanish grammar though, The Complete Idiot's Guide begins by reminding you what a noun/verb/adjective/adverb is, then explains how they work in both English and Spanish. Then the technical application of grammar is actually introduced in separate chapters, as appropriate (and as your grasp of Spanish grows and develops). There is a verb chart included at the back of the book if you want to see them all at once.

Finally, each book includes a CD to help with pronunciation. These CDs are very different though. The CD that accompanies Spanish for Dummies starts off reciting the Spanish alphabet, then jumps into a dialogue in Spanish. There is no prompt on the CD to help you find the right section of your book, so you need to flip around a bit. Spanish for Dummies has dialogues in each chapter, to show you how the words would be put together in a conversation. The CD is basically these dialogues being spoken.

The CD that comes with The Complete Idiot's Guide is much easier to navigate. It prompts you by telling you the chapter, so you can easily find the correct spot in your book to follow along. Then it continues to demonstrate correct pronunciation of word lists in each chapter.

Overall, if I were to have to choose, I would go with The Complete Idiot's Guide to Learning Spanish. I feel that the book is set up in a more logical order, it's easier to navigate, it goes into more depth on cultural and regional issues that effect language, and it explains why you say things the way you say them (instead of just simply giving you word lists and leaving it at that). I'm going to leave The Complete Idiot's Guide on my end table, so I can try to read a little bit each day. I feel pretty certain that I can make some advances in my Spanish speaking by the time I'm through.

BUY IT!
If you'd like to check out this or other Idiot's Guide titles, head over to their website. And when you're ready to order, enter code CIGBLOG11 to save 50% off one order of regular priced books, through October 31, 2011.

Keeping it real: I was provided with complementary copies of both books mentioned above for review purposes.