Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!

$12 Buck Bargain Days at Magic Waters #Ad

2013-05-20T08:55:00.001-05:00

Silence Won't #FinishTheFight Sponsored Video #ad

2013-05-17T09:25:00.003-05:00

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the American Cancer Society.

Are you one of those people who dread your birthday? I'll be honest, last year I turned 35 and I was depressed by my birthday. Thirty five sounded very grown up and although I am a mom of three, and I am reminded daily by my responsibilities that I AM a grown up, there are a lot of things in life that fall a little short of what I would have imagined for myself at this age. But, as with all things in life, it's all about perspective. Life shouldn't be about worrying about the things you haven't done. We need to focus on the things we HAVE done and the things we still want to do. And that's what the American Cancer Society is doing this week as the celebrate their 100th birthday. A hundred years is a long time but ACS has done many great things. As someone who's lost more people than I care to count to cancer, its easy to think that we're not winning this fight. But we HAVE come along way. Research and treatments are improving! The American Cancer Society has contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the US since the early 1990s. That means they have helped save nearly 1.2 million lives during that time. All thanks to 15 determined physicians and business leaders who wanted to raise awareness of cancer back in 1913. But the American Cancer Society also offers so much more than that. If you've ever attended one of their Relay For Life events you know that they offer hope to families and cancer survivors. They offer assistance to those in treatment by providing rides to treatment and they have amazing programs to help woman undergoing treatment feel and look their best. I know first hand how much the American Cancer Society means to those in the battle with cancer. So I hope you'll take part in their year long celebration of 100 years of great work by being a part of the ways they continue the fight...

This year and the years to come American Cancer Society wants to continue to ensure lifesaving cancer research gets funded. They will undertake a historic research study called the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) that will help us understand how to prevent cancer and save lives. The goal is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the US by the end of this year. With your help they can make sure that people facing cancer have the help they need, like a free place to stay during treatment and a ride to get there. And keep fighting for everyone to have access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air and more.

A lot of great things have happened in the fight against cancer in the last 100 years. Like a 50 percent drop in smoking since the 1960s, which has contributed to a drop in overall lung cancer death rates. But there is much left to be done. Silence won't finish this fight...so stand up and celebrate 100 years of great work by helping to continue the fight!

This post is sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Celebrate Spring Chicago with Miracle-Gro at HomeDepot #Sponsored

2013-05-16T10:23:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Miracle-Gro and Home Depot my boys and I created some things to beautify our yard. Available exclusively in Chicago Home Depot store and only THIS month, check out what you can do with Miracle-Gro Premium Plants

Chicago’s blooms will be bigger* and better than ever this season. And with Mother’s Day around the corner one of these potted annuals or hanging baskets make the perfect gift. One that keeps on growing!

"We’ve taken all we’ve learned over the years in gardens around the globe and created thriving plants for long-lived success. From begonias to petunias, to geraniums, they’ve been cultivated with care to help you achieve beautiful results in your home or garden. And with their roots firmly planted in a custom soil blend, they have everything they need to succeed. You’ve trusted us to help you care for plants, now you can grow with us right from the start.

3-month money-back guarantee

Fast blooms and vibrant colors that last all season

Available in potted annuals and hanging baskets

Limited time only at The Home Depot stores in Chicago

*Compared to conventionally grown plants"

Mother's Day sounded like the perfect reason to create some pretty potted plants with Miracle-Gro premium plants, so I gathered the boys and off to Home Depot we went.

After wandering the garden section for awhile we found a great selection of Miracle-Gro plants. The hardest part was getting the boys to agree on colors! I thought that these plants looked pretty full and healthy compared to the other available brands so I'm super excited to see what they will look like as they grow.

The Miracle-Gro premium Plants happened to be outside (on the sidewalk) at our location, not sure if this the norm or not but there were plenty of available employees in the garden section to ask for help.

Once we made our selections, which included two plants for friends and three plants for ME, we headed back inside. There we grabbed some Miracle-Gro Potting Mix and some nice pots for our new plants.

I was very pleased that even with a little hunting for the plants, and some 'discussion' on which ones we wanted we were in and out with the trunk all loaded up in less than half an hour!

These are the plants we picked to give to two close friends who I wanted to honor for Mother's Day because they have been so amazing to us helping to get the boys taken care of and to sports etc when I needed an extra pair of hands!

They boys were eager to jump in and get dirty repotting the plants in the Miracle-Gro potting soils. We filled the pots with the soil and the boys loosened up the dirt the plants were already in to allow the roots to spread.

Once they were all done, Bryan had to give them the sniff test? He says they smell great!

The boys had fun helping with this project and have been carefully watering the large pot that stayed with us since. I love how easy it was and can't wait to see the pot fill in.

Since we don't have any good locations for flowers in our yard (nothing with the right combination of location for they are safe from feet, light and soil) I am hoping we do well with our pot and maybe next spring we can add more pots to our collection so that we can add more color to our yard.

Thanks to Miracle-Gro for providing us a gift card so we could check out the Premium Plants line. All thoughts, opinions and photos are my own.

I Can 'Run' But I Can't Hide, Thankfully

2013-05-13T11:39:00.001-05:00

one of my friends posted this last night. its so true

Sometimes I manage to amaze myself even with the things I am able to do. I set goals, set my mind and off I go. But sometimes, sometimes I struggle, I flounder and begin to drown. Yesterday was one of those days. Mother's Day is probably the single most difficult day for me since my mom passed away. It's partly because, well it's MOTHER'S day and yeah, I don't have a mom to call or go see. And partly because MY Mother's Days never look anything like those damn Hallmark commercials. I love my children, please don't mistake that, but despite their numeric age, the ADHD and constant high speed of their lil bodies and minds, their ability to make a simple breakfast in bed alone is pretty much nonexistent. In fact, their ability to get out of bed and not kill each other for half an hour without taking their medication is pretty much nonexistent. So yesterday morning started with them inhaling the full dozen donuts we'd bought the night before and destroying just about every inch of our house before I even got out of bed. The sane thing to do on my part would have been to do something productive and switch the mood of the day. Instead, I instructed them to take their medicine and pop in a movie and I went back to bed...it was after all only 8:05a.
The day continued in complete chaos with no one doing anything I requested, including I'm pretty sure that request to take their medicine. By noon I'd had enough, the plans for lunch with friends were canceled and I had CANCELED Mother's Day. There were no gifts accepted, no Mother's Day wishes and no celebration. Instead there was yelling and crying and punishments.
I sulked, they sulked. I made dinner...they complained about dinner. I watched a Golden Girls marathon (and thought about my mom because we always watched it together) and they complained that they couldn't watch what THEY wanted. All the while I was ignoring my phone, calls and texts. I tried running from the world that was celebrating Mother's Day. But my friends, they knew. They knew I was crumbling and they came despite my best efforts to hide from everyone. They came and they gave my kids the kick in the pants they needed pick up the countless messes they'd made all day. And they came and talked to them about what Mother's Day should have meant and why maybe they should have made a little extra effort.

There is no greater gift than friends who hear you pushing them away but KNOW that you really need them close.

All this just to say that sometimes I AM strong and fierce, but that's not me everyday. We all crack. We all need a break. If you struggle, know you aren't alone. Don't judge other people simply by the moments you see and think you can't do or be what you want because you aren't that strong. I'm NOT always strong either!!

NBC Nightly News Features Listen To Your Mother and ME!

2013-05-13T09:58:00.002-05:00

With many of my blogger friends doing TV appearances, you'd think I would have been thrilled with the chance I had to speak with NBC Nightly Correspondent Janet Shamilian about my experience as part of Listen to Your Mother. But I was convinced I would HATE how I looked and sounded. I worried and worried. And then I convinced myself that with all the footage they took I would likely not even make the piece.
And then Friday rolled around and I got a text from my aunt that she and my uncle had seen a teaser for NBC Nightly News and...was that MY show they were covering. I was on my way out to dinner but had my DVR set. But alas, as happens (or so I'm told) in the news world, our feel good piece was bumped for late breaking news. BUT, my Facebook wall began exploding with the link to the story online. And I have to say, I love it. The piece is beautifully done, including a quick glimpse at least of I think each of my fabulous cast mates, and a single quote from me that I think captures the whole experience. Oh and a picture of me and my handsome lil men. It's a minute and a half video that captures a life time of growth for me.

Check it out:

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

If the piece makes it to national TV, I'll be sure to update! But for now here are my screen shots of from the piece online!

Overwhelmed

2013-05-10T12:38:00.000-05:00

It feels a little ironic that almost a week later I'm struggling to put into words an experience that revolved largely around my writing. Last Sunday I took the stage with 16 (mostly) new friends as a result of my declaration to make 2013 the year of stepping outside my comfort zone. I can tell you it was worth it. If I got nothing more than the friendship of these beautiful, talent and kind woman out of that, that would have been more than enough.

Listen To Your Mother, Chicago 2013 cast

But on Sunday, I awoke early and got all gussied up and took the train with two fabulous friends to meet the rest of the cast and walk through our show for the first time on stage. That's the part I was planning...stepping out of my comfort zone that usually looks like this....

And walking on to a stage...alone...to read my own words in front of hundreds of people. It looked kind of like this....

But then, as if that weren't enough to make me wake up and need to vomit that morning. (No really I did. Just once thankfully, at home.) No, taking that leap was to be just a piece of this day, you see we knew that LTYM creator Ann Imig would be in the audience (which in of it's self is a little like babysitting someone's baby while they watch you) but she was also being interviewed for a piece on NBC Nightly News. And apparently they asked our lovely co-producers something like, who's the most likely to pee their pants on stage out of fear (ok, that's not really what they asked but that's pretty much what they meant.) And OF COURSE they thought of ME!

That's Tracey, giving me a hug after telling me they'd ~~thrown me under the bus~~ suggested me for an on camera interview, hoping I'd still love her. They did a LOT of footage so who knows if I will end up actually in the piece but it is currently slated to air tonight at 5:30c assuming there are no heinous crimes today deeming late breaking coverage. But I'll share the piece whenever it airs whether I am in it or left happily on the cutting room floor.

But honestly, I'm at a loss for words when it comes to describing this experience. I don't know how to explain what it feels like to bare your soul on stage. To share such a personal story in front of hundreds of people you don't know who have no idea what you're able to share with them. Many of the other pieces were hysterical. Those ladies go immediate feedback with laughs at the perfect moments. I got stony silence. But then, after the show...I got hugs and thank yous and appreciation from complete strangers for sharing my story. People who've never met me, took the time to find me to share how brave they thought I was. Friends of cast mates asked for information about me, wanting to know how my stories ends. And strangers hobbled on crutches to tell me their own story because they felt connected to me because of mine. There are really no words to describe the way that feels. I am humbled, I am honored and I am overwhelmed.

Thank you so much to Tracey and Melisa for all your hard work to make this show possible, for picking my piece and having faith that no matter how scared I was, that I could do it. Thank you to the rest of the cast, you all hold a very special place in my heart now, forever! Thank you to all those who came out to see me. And thank you to those who took the time to send thoughts of love and encouragement in the days leading up to the show.

Photos courtesy of Sabrina Persico

#SocialBlackout For Mom #Sponsored

2013-05-08T14:42:00.003-05:00

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for MetLife. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

As a blogger, I am plugged in...a LOT but this Mother's Day MetLife has asked me to take part in #SocialBlackout and help spread the word. I'm up for the challenge, are you?

How are YOU celebrating Mother's Day this year? I mean chocolates and flowers are nice. Handmade gifts are AWESOME! But NOTHING beats real, quality time with mom to let her know how much you appreciate her. And take it from someone who can't spend this Mother's Day with her mom, it's a gift for YOU too. As a mom, I obviously think that we should be celebrated, or at least appreciated EVERY day. But Mother's Day is the perfect time to really pause and take the time to enjoy the Mom in your life without distractions. Make the day special by giving YOURSELF, your undivided attention.

How you spend the time will depend on what you like to do together but for me it usually means having fun and getting outside. Oh and NOT having to cook. In years past, I've spent the day with my boys doing everything from just hanging out in our yard, to heading to the park and flying kites to going to Six Flags. It doesn't matter WHAT you do, its about being together! But being together doesn't really count if it just means your in the same general area, ignoring each other for your favorite tech device. Despite being a serious lover of all things social media, I make it a point to regularly unplug so that my family doesn't know me only by the top of my head behind my smart phone or laptop. I promise, Facebook and Instagram, they'll be there on Monday! But take this one day (and if you enjoy it as much as I do, you can make it a weekly thing) and back away from the screen. It'll be good for all of you!

If you're ready to join be this Sunday and unplug for Mom, check out the #SocialBlackout event on Facebook. Just make sure you did it BEFORE Sunday! And if you're worried friends may send out a search party when you don't post ALL DAY, feel free to use the badge above as your profile photo so no one worries!

Best Buy Helps You Capture Memories #Sponsored

2013-05-08T14:15:00.003-05:00

Best Buy wants to help YOU capture the photo worthy memories this spring. From Mother's Day to Prom and Graduations, spring is filled with moments you'll want to remember. If you're not ready for these frameable moments, head to Best Buy for help choosing what you need from their wide assortment of the latest cameras, including DSLR cameras, action camcorders, and compact cameras with long zoom, low light and wi-fi. And with Best Buy’s low price guarantee, you’ll get the latest technology at the best price. You can also trade in your old camera at Best Buy or get FREE shipping at BestBuy.com. To learn more about cameras from Best Buy check them out online here.

So now you've got the camera, you've captured the memories beautifully...now what? If you find that you've got more frame worthy photos than you have wall space, consider a digital picture frame. Digital frames are a great way to show off your memories easily and inexpensively. They also make fabulous Mother's Day gifts, just be sure to get mom started with some great photos in her frame to start her off.

Save an additional 25% off select Digital Photo Frames

Quantities Limited Offer only available online at www.bestbuy.com valid 5/5/2013 through 6/22/13

I have been compensated for this post, however all opinions expressed are my own.

My Listen To Your Mother Piece

2013-05-06T12:02:00.000-05:00

Following is the piece I read as part of the cast of Listen To Your Mother Chicago, on May 5, 2013.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

No One Knows by Lisa Noel

There's a knock at the door. I open it and he greets me with a worried smile. Relief and fear come over me at the same time. I’m so lucky. He loves me. He wants to marry me. He wants to raise this baby with me. All we have to do is tell my mom.

My mom.

The two of us have been through a lot over the years. She likes him. I know she'll be disappointed. I’m only sixteen, but I'm smart, an honor student in fact. Yes. She’ll be disappointed, but surely she’ll be supportive. Right? What's done is done. I’ll still finish school.

We’ll be ok.

We all sit down. Me, my mom, my stepdad, my boyfriend, and I say it. I just say it. I'm pregnant.

They both ask if I’m sure.

Yes, I’m sure. We went to the health department. I am pregnant.

Mom asks what I plan to do.

I announce we’re keeping the baby. I see no other option.

They both shout at my boyfriend to leave the house. Saying nothing, I watch him go. He looks back, eyes pleading to not let them do this. Tears come. I hear them tell me to go to my room. They need to talk.

I go, feeling more alone than I’ve ever felt. I cry and wait. Wait and cry. I think I’m going to be sick. It’s worry not morning sickness.

When she's calm enough to talk, she sits down with me and tells me her story. The story of her own teen pregnancy. A story I’ve never heard.

She tells me all boys are the same. One left her young, pregnant and alone.

Surely the same will happen to me. I really need to think about my options. I have such a bright future.

She asks how I'm feeling. Have I been sick? She apologizes for her anger, tells me she wanted better for me. She thought I was smarter than this. Again, she asks what I plan to do. I tell her of our plan to stay together and raise this baby.

He loves me. He has a good job and wants to raise this baby.

She reminds me of his age. He’s eighteen. They could have him arrested. Then what would I do? I’m a minor, and he’s eighteen. That’s statutory rape. They’ll call the police if I ever see him again.

I can’t think through my tears. When she finally leaves, I'm exhausted.

In the days following, I sneak off to see him. I promise him I will not do what she's asking.

I wouldn't. I couldn't.

But the hours turn into days, and the days turn into what seem like years, and the constant comments, stories, and guilt get the better of me.

What right do I have to bring a child into this world? I'm still in high school. What kind of mother could I possibly be?

Defeated, lonely and tired, the day comes when I relent.

I tell her to make the appointment. She calls, but I have to talk to them. Tell them this is my choice.

Apparently I'm a good liar.

A counselor sees me before the procedure. He asks me to confirm I’m here by my own choice, and even asks my reasons.

My heart screams for me to tell the truth, but the lies eventually bring silence. I tell them everything they want to hear. What they think I should feel.

They believe me.

Within a couple of hours I walk out of the clinic, empty.

Empty womb. Empty heart. Empty soul.

Mom puts me to bed when we get home. She even calls my boss to let him know I won’t make it to work tomorrow, and that’s the last it’s ever mentioned in our house.

Slowly it eats at me. I hate myself.

For some reason he doesn’t hate me. We continue to date for the last two years of high school behind her back. Then I go off to college. Off to do the great things I was destined to do…before.

Somehow I make it through the first year. Then slowly it all falls apart.

My grades don't cut it and I lose my Honors Scholarship.

More pieces of me die.

I no longer have control of my body. I am constantly ill with no traceable reason. The depression has overwhelmed me and I can no longer function. My worry is irrational and undeniable. I go home for a weekend and can't bring myself to return. I am unable to work toward the bright future I had....before.

I am consumed with thoughts of how old my child would be. What he or she would look like. Any encounter with a child pains me.

I am a mother without a child, but no one knows.

Mother’s Day comes. I grieve silently.

This was the right thing. They assured me. Why does it feel so wrong?

I am a mother without a child, but no one knows.

White Sox Family Field Day and Garage Sale

2013-05-02T09:30:00.000-05:00

Spring has FINALLY sprung here in Chicago and what better way to celebrate than by getting outside with the family!

Check out Family Field Day Saturday, May 18 for a chance to play a game of catch in the outfield at U.S. Cellular Field. Get a player's perspective -- warm-up in the bullpens, visit the dugouts and dive across the outfield to make a game winning catch at this fun even to benefit White Sox Charities. Tickets for Family Field Day are $30 per adult and $12 per child.

Also, don't forget to join stop by the Garage Sale located in the Patio area. You can shop for game-worn jerseys, game-used bats, pants, equipment, autographed memorabilia and more! The Garage Sale is open from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and admission is free.

My family had a fabulous time at a recent Sox game! While I'll always be a true blue Cubs fan we are CHICAGO sports fans and after taking in a game at the Cell we loved all that it had to offer including one thing you simply can't do at Wrigley....tailgating!!

For ticket to Family Field Day click here.

Tick Tock

2013-05-01T10:50:00.001-05:00

credit

That is how I started my morning. Plucking one of those little buggers off my first born's neck. Yes I'm thankful it was on his neck because otherwise one of his friends may not have spotted it while they waited in line to start school. It may have crept to a darker spot and created a much more serious problem. Yes, I AM thankful. But, gah, seriously, could karma just cut me the slightest break. At least this week. Please!

Sunday is the show for Listen To Your Mother. I found the perfect dress to make me feel like a star weeks ago. I had great plans to get my hair cut and colored, to have my eyebrows and nails done. I expected to have time to practice how I wanted to do my make up. And instead, I've done NONE of that, I have a virus that is robbing me of my voice AND I have a disgusting cold sore that seems to be defying my 'go to' treatment. Yes, I know, the show will go on. I'll do the very best I can and will be proud of myself for accomplishing something I never would have imagined trying a short time ago. But really, pretty pretty please, could I just get a moment to breath. To drink my hopefully magic OJ in peace?

Tickets are still available, and I promise even if I lose my voice completely and have to learn sign language in 4 days I WILL go on, and TODAY ONLY 25% of ticket sales are going to Greater Chicago Food Depository (all other sales 10% was donated).

Fierce Friends #LTYM Chicago

2013-04-29T09:17:00.001-05:00

L-R Top: Erin Skibinski, Samantha Schultz, Tracy Jensen, Tracey Becker, Shannan Younger, Robin Frisch, Sheila Quirke & Nadine Warner. Bottom: Lisa Noel,Sarah Zematis, Marianne Walsh, Jocelyn Geboy, Melisa Wells, Elizabeth Rago, RoiAnn Phillips, Shannon Duffy, and Liz Joynt Sandberg

This photo makes me smile. It also makes me a little teary to be honest. To fully understand that, you'd have to really know these ladies. You CAN get to know them, through their blogs and through what is certain to be an amazing, heartfelt and emotional show THIS Sunday. But sadly, for you at least, you probably won't ever get to know them like I do. You WILL be able to see and hear their beauty and their talent if you come to the show. They'll make you laugh AND make you cry. But you won't know who knows how to make fudge, or who you can count on to bring the flask for those preshow jitters. These ladies are amazing. I am humbled to be sharing the stage with the ranks of talent in this years show. And I am honored to call them all friends. I hope to see you Sunday so that you can catch a glimpse of how truly, awesomely FIERCE these ladies all are.

Tickets are still available, find out more here.

Photo courtesy of Sabrina Persico

Flooding Wordless Wednesday 4-24-13 #WW

2013-04-23T10:21:00.002-05:00

This was our yard last week. Thankfully we got almost no water inside our house. But many weren't so lucky. Roads in my hometown (and other Chicago suburbs) are still shut down thanks to massive flooding of the Des Plaines River.

Please link up so I can stop by and check out your Wordless Wednesday post:

Donley’s Wild West Town Opens for the Summer Season on May 18th

2013-04-22T11:10:00.001-05:00

I'm really not sure how I lived in this area all my life and don't remember ever hearing about this until about two years ago. We still haven't made it out to check it out personally but hope to this summer. Have you been? I'd love to hear what you thought!

UNION, Ill. - Donley’s Wild West Town, the charming Old West theme park in Union, Illinois, announced today that their 2013 summer season will begin on May 18. A family-owned business, Larry Donley, his wife, Helene, and their sons, Mike and Randy, started Donley’s Wild West Town in 1974 because of their passion for antiques. As their collections grew, they built the Wild West Town, Old West Saloon and Steakhouse, and Village Hall Banquets as additional attractions in McHenry County. Today, Donley’s welcomes families to explore a variety of rides and shows, including three daily Wild West shows, a vintage carousel from 1951, panning for gold, Runaway Mine Cars roller coaster, pony rides, a petting zoo, and the C.P. Huntington Train. It also features cowboy roping lessons, a slingshot and archery range, a pop gun shooting gallery, kid-powered handcars, venture canoeing, the Kids Korral playground and the Streets of Yesteryear Display.

Donley Auction Services is internationally recognized among collectibles' experts with over 40 years of experience and knowledge in the field of appraising, buying and selling antiques. Donley’s fascinating museum includes a variety of cowboy memorabilia including wooly chaps, gun belts, guns, spurs lariats, and boots. It also features Law & Order death masks from dead outlaws’ faces, gold and silver mining tools, Civil War weapons, medals, a Union soldier’s diary, and Larry Donley’s personal antique phonograph and music box collection. The Charles Edison Foundation judged the collection as one of the finest Edisonia displays in the U.S.! The museum and gift shop is open Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with complimentary admission to the museum for restaurant guests.

The Old West Saloon and Steakhouse provides a family-friendly environment filled with delicious “App-Ti-Yi-Yippy-Yay-Zers!” including Prairie Fire Chicken Wings, Rattlesnake Bites, and a Crock O’Chili, a variety of sandwiches and burgers, “Fallin’ Off the Bone” BBQ Ribs, Filet Mignon and the Cowboy Rib Eye. The “Li’l Cowpokes Menu” includes kid-friendly favorites like Wagon Wheel Pizza, Miner’s Gold Mac ‘N Cheese, Grizzly Gulch Grilled Cheese, and the Get Along Little Doggie hot dog. The Old West Saloon and Steakhouse also offers a Fryday Fish Fry Dinner special on Fridays, Slow Roasted Prime Rib on Saturdays and Oven Roasted Chicken on Sundays. Donley’s also has a private dining room perfect for birthdays, showers, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, meetings, and luncheons, which seats up to 70 people.

Donley’s Village Hall Banquets is a rustic wedding venue that is ideal for country chic and elegant nuptials. The venue, which can accommodate up to 400 guests – the largest dance floor in McHenry County, provides space for an indoor or outdoor ceremony that can be highly personalized for each bride. From their attention to the bride and groom’s wishes and individualized decorating touches to a sophisticated banquet menu and affordable wedding packages, Donley’s is the place for one-of-a-kind, unique weddings.

Donley's Wild West Town is located in McHenry County at the intersection of Route 20 & S. Union Road, 3 miles south of the Village of Union at 8512 S. Union Rd. The park is daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 18 through August 23 (except May 20) and on Saturdays and Sundays from August 24 through October 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information call 815.923.9000 or go to www.wildwesttown.com.

Origami Owl Online Party

2013-04-17T12:23:00.001-05:00

Have you seen Origami Owl necklaces yet? I'm totally addicted! These are just a FEW in my collection.

So when I learned that the new catalog was coming out this month I HAD to host my own party. But with crazy schedules, doing one in person is pretty impossible. So I'm hosting an online Origami Owl Online Party now through April 25th.

Order here!!!

Origami Owl custom jewelry would make a great Mother's Day gift and if you order by the end of my party (April 25th) you are guaranteed delivery by Mother's Day!

To view tons of great other great idea visit my designer's Facebook page. Then visit her personal site to order, just be sure to select the my name (Lisa Noel) in the "Party Information" box when you check out!!

Order here!!!

Who's Taking Care of Mom? #Sponsored

2013-04-17T10:42:00.001-05:00

As a mom I am running 800 directions at a time getting my kids where they need to be from school to sports to Dr appts. It's easy to get side tracked with all their needs and desires. I can't count how many times if I am not making a conscious effort to do what I need to for myself, I can egt to the end of a 15 hour nonstop day and realize I have a horrible headache. Sometimes I will be so tired I just fall into bed and wake up the next morning with that SAME headache. If I'm lucky I wake up with enough time to realize....I have barely had a sip of water and am dehydrated. If you aren't a water drinker, you really should try making the effort for one week to get the recommended amount of water each day just to see how you feel. For me it makes a huge difference. I really don't drink much other than water so it's not really hard to do if I just take the time and keep my water bottle full.

But it's amazing how worrying about everyone else around us can keep us from doing the simplest of things to take better care of ourselves. In our family, the kids and I all take vitamins and probiotics. I feel like it does make a difference in our health and it's so easy to do. Yet, I have to replace their stuff two to three times as often as I do my own (I already account for there being three of them and one of me). Part of this is because they tend to remind me if I do actually forget to have them take theirs but mostly it's because my mind is always thinking about them.

I'm currently taking Provella for my probiotics. I love that Provella™ is specifically designed for women to promote digestive, feminine, and immune health.* I don't know about you but in my house, even with all boys, it's amazing how few things are totally mine that I don't have to share. My make up and curling iron are about it really. Skincare, hair products and even my shoes (my Crocs, not like high heels or anything) are randomly used by others. I know, its petty but I LIKE having something that's just mine!

WHY PROVELLA?
Not all probiotics are created equal or are specifically designed for women to support their unique needs. This can pose a challenge for women to decide which one is best for them. Your health care professional may recommend probiotic options, including Provella™, a probiotic dietary supplement specifically designed for women to promote digestive, feminine and immune health. Provella™ helps restore and maintain balance of good bacteria to support digestive and vaginal health.* Taken once daily by mouth with or without food, Provella™ tablets contain a proprietary blend of six bacteria strains that were chosen specifically for women, including several strains of
Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium bifidum. For more information about Provella™, visit www.provella.com.

If you're ready to try Provella use this coupon to get $6 off Provella™. Provella™ is also available on the drugstore.com™ website.

And you can enter to win one of FIVE free 30-day supply of Provella™

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you experience any adverse effects while taking Provella™, here is a toll-free number you can call: 1-855-899-9180.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Provella™. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

My First Book Signing

2013-04-17T01:30:00.000-05:00

This weekend I got to attend my first book signing. I met Jamie McGuire, author of Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster (among others). It was very cool as she did a Q&A for about an hour before signing books. Afterwards I got the chance to hang out with some fellow books lover friends to talk, eat and laugh!
Can't wait to do it again!!

I Heart Baseball, Wordless Wednesday 4-17-13 #WW

2013-04-16T13:29:00.001-05:00

THIS will be happening a lot this spring and summer. I kind of don't mind at all!

Don't forget to link up before you leave.

Have YOU Tried Honey Bunches of Oats Lately? @HBOats #HoneyBunchesGreek

2013-04-15T11:33:00.000-05:00

Honey Bunches of Oats recently sent us their newest variety of cereal, Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch , to try. As a family we eat a lot of cereal, and honestly I buy a lot of the sugary cereals I loved as a kid. But apparently I've done some things right in teaching my kids about eating better than I do/did because when given the choice they often pick something I NEVER would have touched as a kid. They pick things with 'fiber' or 'nut' etc in the name. Now mind you I realize that even the best cereal isn't a completely rounded meal so I do try to get them to do a small bowl and add a fruit and usually a yogurt. Still, I do feel better when the cereal is of the better variety. But I have to admit that Honey Bunches of Oats, is NOT something I would try, for myself normally. But the Greek Honey Crunch actually looked pretty good when I opened the box for my kids.

So, I took a minute and sat down and had a bowl with the boys. And it WAS good. Like, we ate the whole box in one morning and the boys asked when I was going to buy it again good? Like they've already nagged me about getting it again because my last two cereal purchases have come from a store with only generic brand cereal options.

So if you or your kids are like I am and tend to require a coma inducing amount of sugar in your cereal to actually make you stop to eat breakfast, check out Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch. It really has a great level of taste and sweetness but I think it's still mellow enough that you could easily add fresh fruit to it if you enjoy your cereal that way without having too many conflicting flavors.

Get your crew moving with over 2/3 of your recommended daily servings of whole grain, 12 essential vitamins and minerals, 5g protein and just 230 calories in a 1c serving of Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch.

Be sure to stop by and learn more about Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Cruch and the rest of the Honey Bunches of Oats line at the Honey Bunches of Oats website, the HoneyBunches of Oats Twitter account (@HBOats), and the Honey Bunches of Oats Facebook page.

Have YOU tried Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch? I'd love to hear what you thought of it.

I am part of the Mom It Forward blogger network. Mom It Forward and Honey Bunches of Oats partnered in support of this campaign. Honey Bunches of Oats compensated me for participation in this campaign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Just Bryan Being Bryan

2013-04-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

My kid is a goofball. That is all!

Wild Cats! Wordless Wednesday 4-10-13 #WW

2013-04-09T10:30:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning we got up early and headed to Northwestern University with friends for an open football practice and youth football clinic. It was a great time. See the rest of my pics here.

Link up:

BlogHer '13 in Chicago, Will YOU Be There?

2013-04-08T11:06:00.000-05:00

Last year I attended BlogHer for the second year in a row. I had an amazing time in San Diego in 2011 and when they announced the 2012 location was New York City, a place I really wanted to go, I knew instantly I was going to go again. But as I planned for BlogHer12 I planned to skip BlogHer13 because while I loved every minute (well maybe not every minute, waiting for elevators could be annoying) I wanted to check out some of the other blogging conferences. But then BAM is in Chicago and well, I can't NOT go. How can I not make the time to hit the town, MY town with bloggers from all over the county. So again, I'm planning for an amazing weekend of connecting with bloggers and brands.
If BlogHer13 is your first conference, you'll want to know that it is NOT to early to be planning your trip to get the most out of the weekend for you and your blog. Last year I wrote a post about my tips for Blogher.
I'd like to add a few things to that.
First for my local friends, do NOT commute. Yes, its expensive to stay downtown but if you share a room it's a manageable (and tax deductible) expense and I promise, you'll thank me for it later!

Second, be you. Sit down, figure out why you want to go to BlogHer and what you're hoping to get out of it. Do it NOW. And then don't let the Twitter chatter (#Blogher13 and #BlogHerNewbie for firstimers) sway you away from what YOU want. There are going to THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of people heading to this conference, there are mom bloggers, coupon/deal bloggers, travel bloggers and on and on. Everyone is going to be there for a different reason. Yes there will be swag hoarding. (But mind you the best packer in the world is not going to get their expenses worth of swag so in my opinion, take what you'll really use and get something less tangible but more value with you.) But if you walk away and can say you didn't get what you needed from BlogHer, you really will have no one to blame but yourself because its all there, you just have to be bold and get it. If you want to learn, don't be swayed by events with free toys, I promise you won't learn there. If you want to make brand connections, real lasting connections will not start with you filling a bag with 100 post in note pads when you enter their booth. I'll let you in on a little secret. The best connections aren't going to be made where you're expecting them. At least they haven't been for me. One of the best connections I've made in two years of BlogHer was made by simply being nice and chatting with someone I didn't know while waiting for a movie premier. We talked for sometime before I learned that she was an amazing connection at a sought after PR company based here in Chicago. But I didn't make that connection by shoving a card in her face insisting she wanted to work with me. I have this invaluable connections because we connected over a real conversation about REAL life. She liked my voice and when she visited my blog she found more of the same!
And if you want fun, well if that doesn't just hit you over the head, you must not have left your hotel room! This is a professional conference for me but there is no shortage of fun. From fabulous private events to the official parties and just hanging out in the lobby and hotel rooms connecting with other bloggers who GET what we do is the most energizing and exciting part of BlogHer for me.

My last note would be that as with everything in life, BlogHer isn't perfect. If you chose to focus on the bad, you will find it for sure. There aren't enough outlets, wi-fi has been a huge issue for me and there WILL be rude ass people. But I think for most people it can be an amazing experience and the only reason I even say 'most' is that because those who really struggle with anxiety or self esteem issues have been known to have a horrible time. With thousands of people in a big city, there WILL be stress, there will be unknowns. If you KNOW that this will be hard for you, I would NOT start with BlogHer as your first conference. If you KNOW you have self esteem issues and often feel left out, don't go without a built in band of friends because it WILL feel cliquey. It's not that bloggers (well not all) are cliquey, its that we find our people and we enjoy them. For the most part if we're huddled up and looking closed off its not cuz we ARE closed off its because we just love each other and this very limited time together so much that we cling to it, but don't be afraid to break in and introduce yourself, you never know when you're going to meet your new blogging BFF!!
As it gets closer I'll be putting together more info on Chicago and my recommendations for things to check out if you have time. But whether you have Chicago or BlogHer questions, feel free to ask me or as always, hit up the twitter stream hashtag #BlogHer13

Let the Sharp Plasmacluster Air Purifier Help You With Your Spring Cleaning #Sponsored

2013-04-02T14:09:00.001-05:00

Product provided by Best Buy as part of the Blogging Board program.

Whether it feels like it or not where you are (it's still in the 20s here) it IS spring. For many of us, that means feeling the need to spring clean.

For me there are a list of items I rarely make the time to do that really help the house feel spring clean. But with a house full of dirty active boys and now two cats, there are some smells that I just feel like people who love will just have to learn to accept. For the most part I didn't feel like the air in our house was that dirty. We are good about changing our furnace filters and we don't have anyone smoking in the house. So I never even thought about getting an air purifier. I really didn't think it could make much difference.

But Best Buy sent us the Sharp - Plasmacluster Air Purifier with 1 Gal. Humidifier to try out. When the box came it was HUGE. With a tiny house full of beings, I wasn't sure where we would even find room for it. After reading the directions its recommended to be 6 1/2" from TVs or radios but that is simply not an option in our house. So we aren't sure where it will go long term but for now it's set up in our living room where the only open space is, right next to our TV.

It was super easy to set up. I really didn't think it was smelly in our house before it was turned out but within minutes it just smelled fresher. It didn't take long for the dust indicator to go all green for us. (I told you our air wasn't dirty.) Because its still cold here, the added humidity made it feel chillier so we turned that down low. Over all I'm impressed. I can't wait to see if it makes a difference as the seasonal allergens start flying. None of us have super bad allergies but we can all tell when certain things are really flying.

I was also worried about this 'library quiet' machine being even more noise in my hectic household. With the fan turned all the way up, it is very obvious that something is running but its not any louder than a standard fan or humidifier. But on a lower setting (and at least in our case on auto) it wasn't even noticable.

I think the price of this unit might be a little surprising to some but I know we have paid over $100 for a decent humidifier alone. To get air purification as well, especially if you have a need could easily be well worth it.

Sharp - Plasmacluster Air Purifier with 1 Gal. Humidifier
Keep the air in your home fresh and clean with this air purifier and humidifier that features a 3-stage filter system with a HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of pollen, mold, pet dander and dust from the air. Plasmacluster technology freshens the air.

Product Features

254 sq. ft. room capacity: For clean, fresh air with optimum humidity levels.
Removes impurities from the air and adds humidity, For more comfortable air quality.
Plasmacluster technology: Splits water molecules into positively and negatively charged ions that spread throughout the room to refresh the air.
Manual operation:Lets you choose from 3 fan speeds and a Quick Clean mode.
Automatic operation: Uses sensors to automatically adjust fan speed for the degree of cleaning and/or humidification required.
True HEPA filter: Captures 99.97% of particles, including pollen, mold, pet dander and dust. Micron mesh prefilter and washable deodorizing filter help remove irritants and odors from the air.
Clean sign indicator: Shows the level of impurities in the air passing through the filter so you can monitor the progress as cleaner air is returned to the room.
Library Quiet operation: Ideal for bedrooms and living rooms. Silent mode is as quiet as 22dB.
Front Display: Shows Plasmacluster operation, dust monitor and humidity level.

Regularly $399.99, on sale right now online for $324.99 or get 20% off in-store only with coupon below.

Get 20% off Air Purification products in store only through 4/15/13 with this coupon!

click to enlarge to print

What's the Best Advice YOU Have Gotten to Change The Cycle #Sponsored

2013-04-01T15:37:00.000-05:00

I have been compensated for this post, however all opinions expressed are my own.

I have to admit most of the time, I'm glad I'm a girl. Boys are pretty dirty and gross, and I swear they don't talk to each other about anything. Seriously, friends and I have been talking about this a lot lately. Guys have friends, and they talk, but they talk about a whole lot of nothing. Or at least nothing very personal.

Girls are different though, we tell our friends just about everything! But there are still some topics that even the closest of friends don't always feel comfortable talking about. Or maybe you're willing to talk, but no one else understands what it is you're going though...in this case, I'm talking heavy periods. Sorry, guys if you're reading this feel free to click away now, it's not going to get any better. Ok, so girls, if you've never experienced this, count your lucky stars, assume you karma got even somewhere else and just consider reading so you'll know a little more in case a friend ever shares her experience with you.

So here's the deal. As young woman our point of reference for all things 'flow' related seem to be the 4th grade TALK and ridiculous related product commercials on TV. So between the flowery attempts of a school nurse trying not to traumatize you and the companies making money on your monthly misery showing you how using their latest and greatest will mean you can do ANYTHING during that time of the month, it can leave us a little confused. When the life is literally drained from you and you're pretty sure you WILL in fact die, who can you turn too? In my case, I turned to my mom. Well meaning, and experienced, it turns out she was definitely not the most knowledgeable. Her advice was basically Tylenol and sleep til it stops.

So maybe you're wondering, 'well what IS a heavy period'? From talking to friends over the years, I'd say there is a wide range of what can be considered heavy. But for me, it's heavy when it's having a real impact on my normal activies (which despite what the tampon companies seem to think don't include horseback riding, tennis or snorkeling.)

Here's what I found on AboutHeavyPeriods.com:

For me, its really varied over the years but was the worst in my teens, usually leaving my unable to work or go to school a day or so a month. Over the years I got a LOT of advice. Some helped, some didn't. Switching from Tylenol to Ibuprofen was probably the simple advice that made the most noticeable difference.

Another common thing I here is going on a birth control pill to regulate flow. Personally this didn't work for me because even being 4 or so hours late in taking a pill meant an extra period. Having babies seemed to have made a difference as well, but I do NOT recommend it as solution as it really just bring its own sort of stress and pain! Thankfully, with much discussion with my Dr. I have found that an IUD makes all the difference in the world for me. But it's not the answer for everyone, for sure.

If you're struggling with heavy periods, visit ChangeTheCycle.com to talk more with real woman. And check out Change the Cycle at Facebook to get lots of great advice regularly.

But if you already have the secret to heavy periods, stop by the Change the Cycle Facebook page (staring April 2nd) and share the best advice you've received for a chance to win some fabulous prizes!