Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy...Life as a working mom with three boys!

Mom Always Said

2012-01-26T09:11:00.001-06:00

Mom always said, well, a lot of stuff. Most of it was even pretty valuable. But I'm pretty sure I will continue to hear her voice every winter for the rest of my life as I leave the house during the winter in my nonwintery shoes and a light jacket. You see you don't spend your entire life living in the Midwest without ending up stuck in a snow storm at least once. And by stuck, I mean literally, like car in a ditch or a snowbank stuck.

And being buried in the snow is not the moment you want to be wearing you cutest shoes! As a true Midwesterner, and always prepared mama, my mom ALWAYS had a heavy blanket and often serious winter boots in the trunk of her car. You really think it will never happen to you but even the best winter drivers can end up in a mess on a slippery road. To do your best to stay out of this situation, here are a few of my suggestions...

1. Learn to drive in the snow. You may be able to avoid going out in the snow sometimes, but no matter how hard you try you will never be able to avoid it completely. Thankfully the new rules in our state for getting a drivers license make this more likely to happen before a teen is licensed. When I got my license, I took drivers ed in the middle of the summer. I don't think I ever drove in rain, let alone snow before being given free reign of the wheel. That first winter was SUPER scary.

2. The best offensive is a good defense. Yeah, that's actually a sports quote but it applies to driving too. You may have completely mastered driving in the snow, but that doesn't mean everyone else out there has. In snowy and icey conditions you need to be hyper aware of what other drivers are doing. Just this month I was almost creamed by a semi blowing through a red light during the first snow storm of the season. Had I not been overly cautious about entering an intersection on such a slippery day I may not have avoided a potentially serious accident.

3. Keep your car safe. Make sure your tires are ready for winter. Change your wiper blades. Keep your windshield washer solution full. If you have a front heavy rear wheel drive vehicle, tossing some sand bags in the trunk can help a lot. (I learned this after my first miserable winter driving, in a Thunderbird.) And never, never leave home without your trusty ice scraper.

4. Be prepared for the worst. You can do everything right and still be unlucky enough to wind up stranded. In today's cell phone society hopefully help is just a call away but in a bad storm it still make take them awhile to make it to you. Keep at least one warm blanket in your car. If you regularly wear dress shoes, keep some boots in your trunk.

5. Remember, spring isn't THAT far away. Dealing with the cold and snow can get tiresome. Fight off the winter blues by thinking about all the great things there are to do in the spring, it'll be here before you know it!

Snowball fights and snow angles are fun but driving in the snow and ice is serious business. Stay smart and stay safe this winter!

For more great driving resources, check out Esurance on Facebook!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Esurance blogging program for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Dear Dads

2012-01-25T13:36:00.000-06:00

If you're a dad, that means there is very likely a Mama in your life. And in case you haven't yet realized it, Valentine's Day is sneaking up on us. On this day of the year, one my one husband so lovingly refers to as a "Hallmark Holiday" do you typically get gifts for her?

If you are much like us, you might opt to go out for a nice dinner in place of Valentine's gifts, anniversary gifts and birthday gifts. If however, you are gift givers, here are a few hints for you for this year.

1. It's the thought that counts. Ok that doesn't mean you get point for THINKING about buying a gift. It does however mean you should sleep with one eye open if your sweetie is working desperately to lose weight and you bring home a large box of chocolates. A little thought can go a long way.

2. Consider your budget. This is especially true if your valentine is the one who handles the household finances. But if things are tight, she might DESERVE those beautiful diamond earrings but they may also cause her more stress than they are worth!

3. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but the way to a woman's heart is through her kids! Consider a gift that is either made by the kids or reminds mom of them.

4. When all else fails let her be pampered! There is no shame in getting a gift certificate if it is for a spa or her favorite salon!

Disclosure: Sponsored post

What do YOU Think About This Years Oscar Nominees for Best Picture?

2012-01-24T12:18:00.000-06:00

The nominees for this years Best Picture were announced this morning? Have you seen any of these movies? Did your favorites make the list?

I have only seen The Help and I think if it wasn't nominated, I might have to stop watching movies all together. I'm going to try and watch any of these that are available on DVD before the Oscars but I'm going to start with Moneyball because I have heard it was really good, and besides, you can't really go wrong with Brad Pitt. Which I suppose means my next chose will probably be Tree of Life.

Click on any of the movie graphics to be taken to more information on that film on the official Oscars website!

Real Steel, featuring Hugh Jackman on DVD Blu-Ray TODAY

2012-01-24T00:30:00.000-06:00

When Real Steel came out, there was no question that my boys would want to see it. Fighting AND robots, or even better FIGHTING ROBOTS!?!?! It's like every boys dream come true. Even the 'boys' who've grown up a bit now will feel a little nostalgic while watching these real live rock em sock em robots duke it out. We watched this movie last weekend and it was one the entire family really enjoyed. The plot was a little different than what I had picked up from the previews and it was actually an even sweeter story than I thought it would be. But there was still a TON of action that kept the boys riveted to the TV the entire time! I DO need to say that there is a good deal of cursing, and a bulk of it happens right at the beginning. We don't really restrict viewing based on language so I don't honestly usually pay much attention, but it was enough that my 8 year old pointed it out to me. I personally wouldn't let it stop me from allowing my kids to watch the movie but if it is an issue for you, please look into it before letting your kids watch. (I don't want anyone being mad at me.) I loved that this movie had a David versus Goliath feel but also had more realistic end than what you would typically expect in a family movie. For any parent who's ever tried to teach their child that it's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game, THIS movie is for you!!

FUN FACTS

§ “Real Steel” is set in the near future, where robots have replaced boxers in the ring, and is directed by Shawn Levy (“Night at the Museum,” “Date Night”).

§ “Real Steel” stars Hugh Jackman (“X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” “The Prestige”) as Charlie Kenton, a financially strapped, risk-taking former boxer who now makes his living on an underworld robot boxing circuit, operating the metal pugilists that made his human profession obsolete.

§ The robots each have a distinctive look, personality and color scheme and range in size from 7’6” to 8’5” in height. Based on human form, they each have two legs, two arms, a torso and a head—with the exception of a two-headed bot aptly named “Twin Cities.”

§ In addition to their distinctive personas, every robot has a specific sound personality. When a robot lands a punch there’s a sound specific to his skeletal material, his mechanisms, his bulk and his mass and there’s also an aura sound so that just merely by being turned on every robot has a whir or a whoosh or an engine hum or the sound or a computer.

§ Evangeline Lilly (“Lost”), who plays Bailey, never saw herself making a boxing film, but when she read the heartfelt script she was won over.

§ Toronto-native Dakota Goyo was chosen from thousands of 10-year-old boys who auditioned for the role of Max, Hugh Jackman’s on-screen son, as part of an international casting search.

§ Filming the robot boxing scenes was done with both motion-capture technology and practical-built, full-scale robots. The motion-capture elements were performed and shot months earlier on a stage in Los Angeles. Fighters were put in the ring wearing data-capturing jumpsuits and as they fought, their motions were converted into robot avatars in the computer and instantaneously appeared on the monitors on set. Then, during principal photography, the filmmakers lined up their cameras on an empty ring and the motion-capture data streamed through their cameras, allowing them to watch and frame the robot fighting in the ring in real time.

§ Sugar Ray Leonard was hired by the filmmakers to serve as the film’s boxing consultant and to train Hugh Jackman for his appearance in the ring.

§ “Real Steel” costume designer Marlene Stewart created a wardrobe for Hugh Jackman’s character Charlie that was inspired by looks from the 1960s, drawing from rugged Americana styles. Even his sunglasses are retro.

§ In “Real Steel” there is a clear delineation between the two worlds of robot boxing. There is the official league (the WRB); it’s corporate sponsored, with big money, sanctioned venues and strict rules. Then there is the underworld, which has unsanctioned venues, with no rules, no restrictions—the robots fight to the death.

Introducing….THE BOXER BOTS!

Ambush is a low-rent circuit bot. The best fight that Charlie can arrange for Ambush is literally against a piece of livestock.

Atom may not be in the biggest or the flashiest bot in the ring, but he is the most extraordinary. He is the "hero" robot.

Colored in gold and red, Midas sports a mohawk. He's a brawler. He follows no rules. He'll use whatever means necessary to win a fight.

Noisy Boy is a former league bot. When he started losing fights, he was exiled to doing boxing exhibitions in South America and Asia. He's now back, but he's no longer league caliber, so he's fighting in underworld venues.

With a block-shaped upper body, Twin Cities is a vicious two-headed robot!

Zeus is the champ of the WRB. He is enormous. He is described as "The Death Star." He is painted reflected black. He has piston-programmed punch mechanisms in his arms. Not only has Zeus never been beaten, but also, no other robot has even survived beyond the first round with him.

For a limited time, Dreamworks is offering $5 OFF the purchase of the Real Steel 3-disc Combo Pack.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this film for review purposes. All opinions expressed, are my own honest personal feedback.

Abbott Champions for Kids #AbbottCFK #CBias

2012-01-23T22:13:00.001-06:00

As a mom I can't imagine how you can not be sensitive to the needs of kids. As the mom of a child in our school district, it's hard to ignore the need right at our own back door. We live in a poor community. We don't make a lot ourselves but we make ends meet and our children have thankfully never experienced real hunger, but they go to school every day with kids who do. In checking the website of one of the local food banks in our area their stats indicate that 8% of those served are children 0-5 and 48% are under 18. That is heartbreaking to me. I can truly not imagine what it must feel like to be a parent who is simply unable to meet all the needs of your children.

Abbott Champions for Kids campaign is asking you to LEARN, GATHER, GIVE to make a difference for kids!
LEARN about the hunger needs of children in your community by inviting a teacher, social worker, food pantry employee, or homeless shelter volunteer to talk with your
family, friends, and co-workers.
GATHER your family, friends, and co-workers and ask them to bring nutritious foods like Pediasure®, Pediasure SideKicks®, and ZonePerfect® bars to help children in need.
GIVE the nutritious food to a school, church, food pantry, or non-profit organization in your community. These organizations need snacks and meals for children who do not get enough nutritious food on a daily basis. This food doesn’t just help children have enough to eat – it helps them have happier and healthier futures.

Our family will be shopping this week to gather our own donation for a food pantry at a local church. We have helped support this pantry but I have honestly never really considered focusing specifically on the hunger needs of children. Just recently our boys' Cub Scout pack held a food drive for this food pantry. The pack did this because the pantry has consistently been running low as the need in our community continues to grow daily.

Will you join us in the Abbot Champions for Kids campaign and make a difference in childhood hunger in your area? Visit the CFK Simple Service Projects page to get more info!

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions are my own.

Motivation Monday, Weight Loss Quotes

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

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American Idol Season 11 Week 1 Auditions

2012-01-20T11:00:00.003-06:00

American Idol is back and after the first two episodes of American Idol Season 11 auditions, I have several faves. How about you? You can go back and rewatch some of the most memorable auditions here on AmericanIdol.com.
Although I have zero musical talent I know what I like and my early on picks usually do pretty well. So here are my favorite male ad female auditions for week one.

Hallie Day

Phillip Phillips

Who were your favorites?

Join Us in the Fight Against SOPA and PIPA

2012-01-18T08:39:00.002-06:00

Source: Google.com

If you are a fan of blogs, or Facebook or YoutTube, YOU should care about SOPA and PIPA. Click the image above to be taken to a page with more info and more importantly to sign the petition! Not sure what SOPA is all about, the quickest way for me to describe it is to say that my entire blog, and potentially blogger.com (where my site is hosed) could be shut down because I shared the graphic above. Even though I linked it directly to Google and gave proper credit. Anyone who was unhappy with me could say that I have infringed on copyrights and without any due process my site is done! As a blogger copyright laws are important don't get me wrong. I see bloggers being ripped off DAILY. But this legistlation would take away the idea of innocent until proven guilty.

But don't just take my word for it, check out this quick video from some other fabulous bloggers and internet experts.

Now go! Sign that petition!

Wordless Wednesday 1/18/12, To Be Back at the Beach

2012-01-17T19:30:00.000-06:00

{Guest Post} Things To Keep In Mind Before Getting A Dog For Your Children

2012-01-17T11:09:00.000-06:00

If your kids have asked for a puppy recently, you are probably not alone. It often seems as though, unless they are afraid of the animal, most children at some time or another want a pet dog. And parents who grew up with dogs or who like the idea of a furry friend regularly cave to these requests. It’s understandable.

After all, there’s not too much to dislike. Dogs are cute and fun. They bring the family together and they can promote exercise among its members. And, of course, they are dependably loyal.

These considerations came to my mind in recent weeks when my kids began clamoring for a dog. At the time, I was busy researching cash rewards credit cards and absentmindedly agreed to think about the issue further when the kids ran into the den and make their request. It was only a few minutes later, just as I found the perfect credit card no foreign transaction fee, that I realized that my reply hadn’t closed the door on the issue. In fact, it had left that door wide open.

But the more I thought about it, the more the possibility of a pet dog intrigued me. Just like my kids, I had requested a dog as a child. My mom, however, never acquiesced and I grew up with goldfish and gerbils instead.

I decided to call my mom and discuss the issue with her. Specifically, I understood the appeal of a dog, but I wanted someone to provide the rational considerations one should make before diving in. My mom was the perfect person for the job.

Here are the tips she gave during our conversation:

Consider the lifespan. Most dogs live for over ten years. How old will your children be then? Will they still want a dog? Will they even be living at home?

Prepare for the responsibility. Rain or shine, winter or summer, somebody needs to walk the dog on a daily basis. In most families, there ultimately ends up being one person who does most of the walks. Does your family have someone who can take that responsibility?

Anticipate the costs. Feeding and caring for a dog can easily cost over $1000 per year. This figure only increases if the family travels and the dog needs to be housed in a kennel for the week. Make sure you are ready to take on these costs.

My mom said that these considerations made it clear that getting a dog was not the right move for our family when I was younger. As for my children and my family today, I think they suggest that a pet dog may be more feasible. I’m going to have to think this one over some more and talk to my husband. But getting a furry addition to our household is a distinct possibility.

Just don’t tell my kids quite yet.

Guest Post provided by Becky W

Quotes ~ Life and Love

2012-01-16T11:01:00.003-06:00

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Desserts Showcasing Winter Fruits {Guest Post}

2012-01-11T09:21:00.000-06:00

The summer season is often filled with delicious fruit based desserts- strawberry shortcake and blueberry pie among many. When the winter season comes along desserts often move to more decadent, chocolate based desserts. While these are delicious, they can be a bit heavy, and especially after the holidays you may be looking for something lighter to satisfy your sweet-tooth. Winter fruits are perfect for brightening up your desserts, because they are in season they are full of flavor and typically more affordable than out of season fruits. Winter fruits include assorted citrus, apples, pears, quinces and pomegranates.

Citrus Fruit Salad

Dessert does not have to be an elaborate affair; a fruit salad can be an easy, delicious way to end a meal and can be tailored and modified to suit your tastes.

Photo Credit

Serves 4
Ingredients:
A mix of 4-6 citrus fruits such as grapefruit, blood oranges, navel oranges, pomellos, tangerines etc.
¼ cup of pomegranate seeds
2 tablespoons of agave nectar
Squeeze of lime juice
1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier

Steps:
1. Peel and supreme the citrus and toss together in a large bowl with pomegranate seeds
2. In a small bowl whisk together the agave nectar, lime juice and Grand Marnier.
3. Pour the “dressing” over the fruit and let sit for at least an hour to let the flavours meld. Enjoy!

Vegan Apple Quince Crumble

Not many people are familiar with quince, but they should be! Quince is a very firm winter fruit that is too acidic to be eaten raw. The fruit mellows and develops a red hue when cooked, and it pairs beautifully with apples in this crumble recipe. A bonus of this recipe is that the crumble topping contains no dairy, so it is perfect for someone who is lactose intolerant or vegan.

Photo credit

Serves 6-8
Ingredients:
3 baking apples
2 quince
1 lemon
¾ cup of all purpose flour
1 cup of traditional rolled oats
½ cup of brown sugar
1/3 cup of preferred mild tasting oil (I use melted coconut oil)
1 teaspoon of apple pie spice

Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Peel, core and quarter the apples and quince, then cut into approx 1” pieces. Toss them will the lemon juice and place them in an 8” or 10” baking dish.
3. In a small bowl mix together the crumble topping by mixing together the flour, oats, sugar and pie spice with the oil, making sure all the dry ingredients are moistened.
4. Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple and quince mixture.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes (depending on size of the pan).

Serve warm or room temperature. For a more substantial dessert, serve it with a scoop of non dairy vanilla flavoured “ice-cream”.

Satsuma Cheesecake

Satsuma’s are a fragrant seedless cousin of the mandarin and help to lighten up the richness of a cheesecake. Chocolate and orange are a classic combination, so this cheesecake features a chocolate crumb crust. It’s important for the cream cheese to be softened, and the eggs to be at room temperature so take themout of the fridge in the morning of the day you want to bake.

Serves 8-10
Ingredients:
Crust:
1 .5 cups of chocolate cookie crumbs (approx 28 crushed cookies if making your own crumbs)
¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted.

Cheesecake:
20 oz. softened cream cheese
¾ cup of sugar
¾ cup of sour cream
3 tablespoons of finely grated Satsuma rind
¼ cup of freshly squeezed Satsuma juice (from 6-10 Satsuma’s)
4 large eggs, room temperature

Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Line the bottom of a 9” spring form pan with parchment paper
3. Mix together the cookie crumbs and melted butter and press into the bottom of the pan.
4. By hand or with an electric mixer beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and beat again for another minute or two until smooth and combined.
3. Mix in the rind, juice and sour cream, and beat for 30 seconds.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time into the mixture. Mix well for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour mixture into the spring form pan.
6. Prepare a bain marie and place the spring form in it.
7. Bake for approx 50 minutes, or until it appears just set (slightly wobbly in the middle)
8. Turn the oven off but leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour.
9. Release the outer pan from the cheesecake, and then refrigerate the cake over night before serving.

Hopefully these recipes will inspire you to bring some winter fruits into your kitchen. Bonne Appetite!

This post is written by Vanessa from PartSelect.ca, which carries many washer parts among its 2,000,000+ parts inventory

New Year, New Me #Trop50

2012-01-10T16:03:00.000-06:00

It's January. A new year. A clean slate.

A time when many of us resolve to eat less, lose weight or otherwise make our lives healthier. I NEED to do these things. But for me, THIS year is about much more.

This year I resolve to be bold and use my voice. Over the last several years this blog has given me a lot. Some monetary things, yes but more importantly a confidence in myself, a love of helping others by openly sharing myself and an amazing community of friends.

It is because of THESE things that I was able to step out this last week and stand up for something I believe strongly in within our community. This short experience with community involvement in a way I have never experienced before, picketing and helping host community meetings, has given me new life. For the last several years I have felt the nagging urge to be involved somehow in making a change in our education system. I never envisioned that my journey might begin with a civil protest but I believe it has.

I believe this is my year to truly use the voice this blog has helped me rediscover. I'm not sure exactly what that will look like. But whether it means writing letters, attending meetings or standing on the streets in the middle of an IL winter, I will NOT let fear stop me from doing what I can to effect change in my community! I have seen the power that just a few can have. From 7 people holding signs on a windy morning to 250 citizens packing a town meeting, it all must start with one small voice. One voice who is willing to stand up and be heard and this year, I resolve to be that voice whenever I can!!

Trop50 True Resolutions celebrates the real reasons behind New Year’s resolutions. Share your secret motivation behind your resolutions and you’ll earn a coupon for $1 off Trop50 for yourself and 50¢ off coupons for up to 50 of your friends. You can even submit incognito with a fierce disguise. Bonus: Whether you submit a resolution or not, you can also enter a sweepstakes to win a $1000 gift card.

On Twitter: #Trop50 and @TropicanaOJ
Trop50 Web site: www.tropicana.com/trop50

Visit the Trop50 True Resolutions Facebook Page for more info and to share your True Resolutions now!!

Disclosure: While this post is entirely TRUE, I am sharing it as part of the Trop50 True Resolutions campaign.

My 15 Minutes, er seconds, of Fame

2012-01-06T11:26:00.002-06:00

So yesterday I was on the news, a few times. Looking horrific each time and one even features me doing my keeping warm dance. But it's for a cause I believe in. And just as soon as things settle down with that, I promise to get my butt back to this blog.

Growing up #WW Wordless Wednesday 1/4/12 {linky}

2012-01-03T19:00:00.000-06:00

The photo on the left was taken this week on the beaches of Siesta Key, Florida. The one on the right was taken over 3 years ago at Lake Michigan. Look how much my 'babies' have grown!!

Holiday Hangover

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Was your New Year's Eve celebration a little TOO good? Maybe you'll learn for next year, but for this year I'm here to help!

Natural Remedies to cure a hangover:

About.com has 15 ideas to cure you fix a hang over including one about burying yourself to the neck in river sand. Be sure to take photos for me if you try that one! eHow Health may be a little easier as they only have 5 tips on How To Cure Your Hangover.

But if none of these things do the trick you could always try one of these pills that claim to be the cure to the hangover!

Click the images to visit the sites.

And if all else fails, you can remember how you feel right now and TRY not to repeat it next year! It could even be your New Years resolution!

Disclosure: I have no material connection to the companies listed in this post I just thought they were funny!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-12-31T23:50:00.000-06:00

Wishing you the very best 2012!

New Years Eve Traditions and Superstitions

2011-12-30T14:44:00.000-06:00

Ever wonder what grapes, noisemakers, black eyed peas (and not the music group the food) wearing red, eating pork or kissing at midnight really meant? Check out Seven New Year's Eve Superstitions from Celebrations.com.

Curious about the answers to these New Year's Eve trivia questions? Find them here!

The New Year has not always been celebrated on January 1.

When did the original celebration take place?

Who established January 1 as the start of a New Year?

What does the traditional New Year's song, Auld Lang Syne, mean?

Who established the tradition of setting New Year's resolutions?

What is the most popular New Year's resolution in the United States today?

Which city hosts the first major New Year's Eve celebration each year?

What year did the first New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square?

Since its inaugural descent in 1907, the New Year's Eve Ball has dropped every year except two. Which two years did the ball not drop?

How many New Year's Eve balls have dropped in Times Square?

If you are like me, you might not actually know the words to Auld Lang Syne (actually I didn't even have a clue what the actual name/spelling was let along the lyrics). So here's some help for you!

Auld Lang Syne
Robert Burns
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
We twa hae run aboot the braes
And pou'd the gowans fine;
we've wander'd mony a weary foot
Sin' auld lang syne
We two hae paidled i' the burn,
Frae mornin' sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne
And here's a hand, my trusty friend,
And gie's a hand o' thine;
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

What will YOU be doing to ring in 2012?

We're hitting the road.

2011-12-28T11:17:00.000-06:00

I am not sure I can fully and accurately articulate how nervous I am about driving from here to Sarasota Florida. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of getting there and enjoying 70 degree weather (yes I am counting on that so it better not let me down) but the idea of getting there, well I may need a little pepto. You see traveling in general gets my nerves all a mess. When I went to San Diego this summer I started packing literally weeks before the trip and it was just me for 5 days, flying. This time its the whole family for over 10 days and we're driving! I don't have room to start packing! Oh AND it's Christmas so I have to take some presents with too. And I don't even usually wrap gifts until Christmas Eve.

But it WILL be ok. It's not like we're going to a third world country so if something is forgotten we will hit a Walmart BUT 24 hours of driving! Tell me that doesn't make you a little nervous! Add three crazy kids and the fact that I can't DO anything in the car without getting sick so I know even I will be bored and I need a stiff drink just thinking about it.

On the up side (well the real upside is putting my toes in the sand on Christmas day), some great companies have sent us a few things to help make the trip easier.

First Noodle Head sent some Travel Buddies. Check out these great little neck pillows:

(click the photo to visit their site)

And TravelRest also sent these which I think I will personally enjoy.

Watch the video here to see how it works:

FYI this post is scheduled to post in advance, we will actually be on the way home when this posts. Just so my husband doesn't have a heart attack that I've invited the world to rob us, even though we do have a house sitter.

Make Your Own Noisemakers to Celebrate 2012

2011-12-27T13:52:00.000-06:00

Now that Christmas is over, are you feeling the holiday hangover? All the hype for one day of celebration.

Why not try making your own noise makers to help you kick off the new year with a bang (and a rattle and a whistle)? I found these great diy crafts for New Year's Eve at DisneyFamilyFun.

Photograph by Ed Judice

What things do your kids do to ring in the New Year?

Cocktails to Celebrate the New Year

2011-12-26T13:33:00.000-06:00

Plan on ringing in the new year with style? Check out some great New Year's Eve cocktail recipes that will spice up your celebration!


Photo Courtesy of: © SKYY Spirits

photo by: Alexandra Grablewski

What is YOUR favorite drink for New Year's Eve.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T03:00:00.000-06:00

Hope your family has a very Merry Christmas!

Track Santa this Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T14:23:00.000-06:00

It's here, Christmas Eve has arrived!!

Visit NORAD Tracks Santa to see where Santa is at all night long! And new this year (or at least I never saw it last year) Countdown Village where you can play games while you wait for the jolly ole boy to arrive!

2011-12-23T14:12:00.000-06:00

Look, Ma, no email!

That's right, I have an empty email in box. It's like a Christmas miracle.

Now if only I continue to pretend as if I didn't just move it all to a 'to be dealt with after the holiday folder' I will have a nice relaxing Christmas!!

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, Chicago IL

2011-12-23T00:29:00.000-06:00

This weekend we took the boys to Medieval Times for the first time. As soon as they saw the castle they were beyond excited!

We arrived early (even a little before the doors were open) so that the boys could go down into the arena for Knights in Training (a program they are ending soon and only for kids 5 and over). I think I might have been more excited for that than they were. But they went and the knights taught them some of their moves and I snapped an excessive amount of photos.

After their training we exited the arena for awhile longer and Johnny got to spend his birthday money.
There was a knighting of birthday kids, but Tom said he thought he heard them say you had to check in for that but I missed it. Johnny wasn't knighted but it was still cool to watch (his name was announced during the show though!)

One of the great things here was that even the smallest things were made more fun with some Medieval flair, from opening the doors to let us in to filing us into the arena!

We were in the Black and White Knight's section and he won!! (If you aren't familiar with the joust, there were 6 different sections in the arena and each section was cheering for a different knight. As you can see from the photo below the sections across from us were green and red & yellow.)

The show itself consisted of a couple different horse acts, birds of prey, skills tests for the knights and finally the joust tournament! I thought it was cool how they made it all flow together with an overlaying story.

I really found myself lost in the colors and beauty of it all many times!

The food was super yummy to mom and dad but the kids didn't really eat well. Bryan ONLY ate the bread but our server was fabulous and brought us a ton of extra bread so while not a balanced diet at least I knew he wasn't starving! The older boys tried the chicken, rib and potato but didn't eat very much. I LOVED it all!! From the soup to the dessert!

Me and my little knights!

Overall we all really enjoyed ourselves. The show was just about 2 hours long but since we go there early we got a little under 4 hours of entertainment. We have been to a lot of shows and almost always enjoy them but I think that what set Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament apart for me was the service. We didn't deal with anyone who wasn't terrific, but our server really went above and beyond! It's probably not something we will do every year but it will be something we would return to especially with friends!!

2011 Rates
ADULT: $59.95 (+tax & processing fee)
CHILD 12 YEARS & UNDER: $35.95 (+tax & processing fee)
Lap children under the age of 3 are free.
Gratuities are not included.
Purchase Tickets Now!

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

Ring out the old at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and bring in the new with their New Year’s Eve Extravaganza! Make reservations for the 9:30 p.m. Saturday, December 31^st performance and enjoy a unique & exciting family friendly New Year’s Eve evening filled with Knights displaying extraordinary horsemanship, exciting jousting and expert swordsmanship all played out in 11^th century fashion in a compelling, yet touching storyline set in Spain. After the show, guests will enjoy dancing to a DJ, a midnight toast and breakfast.

The Medieval Times New Year’s Event Extravaganza includes:

· Pre-Show Hors D’oeuvres

· Admission to the Museum of Torture

· Two-Hour Live Tournament

· Four-Course Medieval Feast

· Party Favors

· DJ & Dancing after the Show

· Champagne Toast at Midnight (non-alcoholic drink will be served to guests under 21)

· Midnight Countdown with Balloon Drop

· Continental Breakfast

The Medieval Times Chicago Castle, which continues to celebrate its 20^th anniversary with this 2011 New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, is considered to be the most popular and longest running dinner attraction in the Midwest. Tickets are $69.95 for Adults and $35.95 for children ages 12 and under. Medieval Times is located at 2001 N. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg, IL. For reservations go to www.MedievalTimes.com/Chicago or call

888-We-Joust (888-935-6878).

Disclosure: Our family received complimentary tickets for review purposes.