Holy Moly it’s been busy around these parts this week! I’m just going to wrap up this weeks giveaways into Fabulous Friday Giveaway!

I’ve got lots of ways to win big here at TCB!  First up is a Gift Card to Target!!! 

Italian Perfume!

Enter to Win 

I’m afraid this fun giveaway got lost in the deliciousness of the Zesty Man and the Zesty burger……...Click here to enter.……but you’ll have make yourself scroll down …..you’ll see an entry form for a Italian Perfume Giveaway.  It’s super simple to enter.  (You and also grab the best burger recipe ever and see how I make my patties)

Pin it to Win it! 

This fun giveaway is all about pinning! You could win a Canon T3 digital Camera or a HUGE blow up water slide!

Quiet Time Activities - 

I gathered a few quiet time activities for kids of all ages……..even tweens.

High Protein Kid Friendly Smoothie! 

My son loves these! They are perfect for giving him a quick snack before we head off to soccer! Head on over to Spoonful.com to grab the recipe.

Click on over and see all my articles for Spoonful.com – Great site for raising great kids!

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I’ve got a treat for you today! A GREAT Hamburger Patty Recipe AND

 I’m giving away ONE bottle of Italian Perfume! Keep reading……  

Hamburger Patty Recipe

Who doesn’t love a good hamburger? I’m not talking about one of those wimpy thin patties. With this hamburger patty recipe, it’s all about a big fat juicy burger!  It’s BBQ season and we love grilling everything and anything, but we especially love our burgers!  A few years ago, I started making up my own patties.  I’ll make up a large batch so I have several patties in the freezer for quick grabbing.

Kraft is steaming up the kitchen with fun and flavorful ways to dine at home, and adding a little zest to everyday moments with its Zesty Italian Anything Dressing.

I used to make this recipe the quick way using meat loaf seasoning, but have since upped my game.  I just upped it again when I got the opportunity to work with Kraft Zesty Italian Anything Dressing.  

This stuff is a staple in my house since I use it in my Copy Cat Cafe Rio Chicken recipe.  Looking into the eyes of the Zesty guy, I had an AHA! moment that it would be a great way to zest up my hamburger patty recipe! I wondered if it was just as tasty mixed with ground beef. And it WAS!

I have now revised my yummy hamburger patty recipe once again and I think it is now perfected.  I tried talking my husband into being shirtless while he modeled for my
“How to make a Hamburger Patty Tutorial”, but he declined.  Men…..

Make the Perfect Patty

These are SO easy to make, which makes it simple to make up a large batch in little time.  Having these ready to grill when I’m ready is so convenient.

Get cheeky in the kitchen and send a personalized ZestyGram to add a little zest to someones day.  You can also watch his fun videos “Zesty Guy Gets Steamy”……mind outta the gutter ladies. We’re talking a steamy kitchen…..as in recipes!

Follow the Zesty Guy on Facebook or Twitter @TheZestyGuy.

More yummy recipes:  Primavera Pasta Toss & Zesty Italian Chicken Salad

The fine folks at Kraft Zesty Italian would love to give you a bottle of Zesty Italian perfume.  Enter below. (I am asking for addresses because I can then send the winner information directly to Kraft……no addresses are being saved and only I see them……..if I want to, which I really don’t)
Zesty Italian perfume, such as Versace

This post is sponsored by Kraft Zesty Italian Anything Dressing. I use this stuff weekly, I really really do. As always…..I’m sharing my opinion.

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I’m excited to be working with International Delight again.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sugar free Hazelnut creamer in my cuppa joe every morning, not to mention the yummy recipes I’ve made using many flavors of their creamer.

Yes! You can use it for more than making your coffee delicious. I love using International Delights Hazelnut or Cinnabon Coffee Creamers in my french toast recipes. I think Hazelnut my favorite…….for now! The creamy hazelnut flavor really makes my french toast pretty darn yummy.

It’s not over powering with sweetness, but gives it just enough punch over ordinary french toast.

I’ve created a yummy Hazelnut Pinterest Board because it’s my flavor inspiration, it’s my personal ID flavor. Create one here and be entered to win some pretty cool prizes!

What’s your favorite ID flavor? 

Head over and create you own Flavor Profile and find out how to win some amazing gifts! I love how the internet has made it so much easier to win some amazing prizes!

What’s Your ID? International Delight is looking for their most passionate flavor fans. Put your ID on the map to enter to win a Magical Trip, play games and discover more unexpected delight. Share your ID flavor at http://whatsyourid.com. 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.

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This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of American Osteopathic Association. All opinions are 100% mine.

Blogging hasn't always been my job.  It actually started out as a creative outlet, a hobby.  I am also a fitness professional. I've been working in the fitness industry for over 30 yrs. (I started when I was 10) When people I know find out I have a blog, they assume it's fitness related.  And as you know………it's not. I still work in the fitness industry, only part time now since aging joints and something called TCB  have demanded more time. I teach a few classes a week along with Corporate Fitness Injury prevention classes for the city of Portland.  When I was asked to work with the American Osteopathic Association asking if I work at a desk job for 5+ hours per day and if I suffer from chronic pain from a working in an office environment, I think the neighborhood could hear me scream, YES!   Heck I could be their poster child! As much as I LOVE LOVE LOVE my job and my office may be more stylish and not your typical office cubicle, I knew working with them was perfect because my shoulders are FRIED!  Apparently, I wasn't stretching my chest enough and I've developed chronic tendinitis in both shoulders.  I started physical therapy in November and after no improvement, I moved to acupuncture……..after minimal improvement, I added massage twice a week with acupuncture.  I had mild improvement, but I'm still suffering. Baby steps, right?  This chronic pain has made it difficult as you can imagine to do things I need to do for my classes.  Like pushups or any weight lifting.  Luckily I know the importance of stretching and have upped my game for more specific stretches targeting what I need. Watching these videos by the American Osteopathic Association have been very helpful……….even this industry veteran (old dog) has learned something.  These videos are  helping American's avoid and prevent pain in the workplace and are easy to do right at your desk which make them even more convenient.   If you're sitting at a desk for any extended amount of time, try these and Break Through Your Pain

 I think they'll help.

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Things are heating up around here, which of course we love. We rarely get great weather this time of year, we are just giddy. My latest amazing giveaway for a HUGE waterslide or Canon Camera is perfect for summer! I’m having a bit of a competition with the other bloggers, so feel free to share. 

Also…Would you like me to feature you on Disney’s Spoonful.com?  Check this page out to see if you have any posts that match the themes I’ll be writing about.

My Top 5 Picks from last week’s Get Your Craft On!

Twigg Studios | If you’ve thumbed through a pottery barn magazine lately, then you have seen the Coral craze! Head over for a step by step tutorial.

Nest of Posies | Kellie is so creative! I love everything she does.  She seems to pop up here a lot on my top 5…..just so you know, I never know who’s blog it is when I see something that catches my eye.  I must really love her style!

Yesterday on Tuesday | heading into the warmer months means more time spent outside, but that also means time for mosquitoes.  These diy citronella soy candles look pretty fun to make.  Love those labels.

Six Sisters Stuff  | These girls are always good for something yummy to munch on. I really really want one of these, right NOW!

A Typical English Home | Who doesn’t love fonts?  Better yet, who doesn’t love chalkboard fonts?  Just in case you’ve been looking for these………here they are.  Go download.

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Are you ready for another awesome pin it giveaway?

We’ve got 2 A.MAZ.Ing. prizes up for grabs. FOR FREE. You’d be the coolest house on the block if you win the 11 in 1 bounce house/waterslide combo and break it out for some summer fun!

Oh and don’t forget to share this giveaway with your friends so they can win the camera and take the sweet pictures of those priceless smiles!

The Prizes up for Grabs:

#1 Endless Fun 11-in-1 Inflatable Bounce House and Water Slide Combo (Donated By Sam’s Club)

#2 A Canon T3 12.2 MP Digital SLR Double Zoom Lens Kit (Donated By PickYourPlum)

Follow each of these 11 blogs on Pinterest:

2. Like PickYourPlum on Facebook

3. Pin this giveaway

4. Enter in below

Fine Print: Giveaway will end at 11:59pm (MST) on May, 18 2013 . One winner will be chosen and shipped one Endless Fun 11-in-1 Inflatable Bounce House and Water Slide Combo donated from Sam’s Club . The Bounce House and Water Slide Combo has an msrp value of $499.00. The second winner will be chosen and shipped a Canon T3 combo donated from PickYourPlum.com. The camera has an msrp of $549.00 No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the U.S.A. to enter. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook or Pinterest. Facebook and Pinterest will be completely released by each entrant. One entry per person. Entry includes filling out the form above including name, email and pinning. One entry for filling in the form. You are providing the information to the PickYourPlum sites involved who will in no way sell or give your information to anyone including Facebook or Pinterest. Winner will be chosen using random.org. and will be notified via email within 48 hours of the giveaway close. Winners will be announced on the post, not on Facebook. The winner must respond within 48 hours of receiving the email or a new winner will be chosen. No purchase necessary.

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I can’t believe Mother’s Day is THIS SUNDAY!  I wanted to share this adorable Mother’s Day Printable Party Pack from one of my new printable contributors, Seven Thirty Three.   Of course I have other Mother’s Day Printables too if you’re looking for a variety. Mother’s Day Printable Matryoshka Dolls and a fun Mother’s Day Questionnaire.

Mother’s Day FREE Printable

This party pack will be a great way to decorate a Mother’s Day Brunch, or breakfast in bed.  The colors are HOT and ENERGETIC!  Create a banner, gift labels, cupcake liners and more! What I love about this printable pack is that a couple of the items can be used all summer long, maybe for a picnic, or beach party.

This Mother’s Day Printable Party Pack is FREE! We like FREE!  Just head on over to Seven Thirty Three’s Blog and download.  Simple as that. While you’re there, I’d love for you to leave her a quick comment…….she’d be tickled!

Download your FREE Printable Mother’s Day Party Pack here. (even if you don’t plan on using  it this year, you may want it for later!)

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What’s your Dream Kitchen?

My friend Krista is building her dream home. She’s just now in the early planning stages, which is the dreaming stage! Dreaming up each room and what you need or want in each.  One of the most important rooms she’s really working on is of course the kitchen.  Designing the perfect dream kitchen has many elements. You want your dream kitchen to be stylish yet functional right?  So many great ideas on the Electrolux “Suite Design” Pinterest Board. 

Krista is leaning toward a more modern approach, where as I would be dreaming of a more rustic look with a modern twist. Krista is a professional organizer, so it’s been fun learning her point of view which makes me kind of think what’s important to me and how I’d change my own kitchen or how I would go about designing my own dream kitchen.

The Electrolux Dream Kitchen “Suite Design” Pinterest board is a great place to get ideas.  I’m finding ideas I didn’t even know existed!

All this dreaming has me thinking of the following……..

Counters: so many options.  Granite is very popular and it’s what we have now. I like it.  But I’ve been totally smitten with a stainless steel counter top for a surface.  Clean, durable and I love the look. Or maybe the popular butcher block wood?

Cabinets: I would definitely still go with white or creamy color, maybe even a light grey. I love the vintage cottage look.  Cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling are some of my favs right now, with a few of them open……..maybe even just shelves.

Pantry: Oh how I’d love a large pantry. One I could walk completely into.  I’d love space not only for my food, but for appliances, maybe a special appliance section with roll out shelves…….I’d also love extra space for seasonal dishes or serving pieces you only use a few times a year.

Flooring:  I’d kind of like a cement floor.  Or a greyish wood.  Something easy to clean.

Appliances:  Oh I love high tech appliances.  Induction cooktops, sleek dish washers and of course the popular trend of the “built in” look for appliances.  My sister has this and I LOVE it.  Her appliances look like they’re part of the cabinets.  Very nice.  I would love one of those really large french door bottom mount refrigerators because I’m sure it would make my vegetables taste better.

Besides a big refrigerator, I’d want a really nice dishwasher.  I was surprised to learn that the Electrolux Dishwashers feature adjustable, customizable racks that can fit more than 180 items in a single load!  Heck, I would only have to do dishes once a week!

What’s YOUR dream kitchen? Head on over and check out the Electrolux “Suite Design” Pinterest board and let me know which kitchen is your favorite.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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This post is sponsored by Disney Story. To find out more about this brand-new story-creation app – and how it puts the power of storytelling in your hands - click here.

I am a story teller. We all have stories to tell and keep…….. and I’m about to rock your world with a NEW Disney Story App!  Keep reading! 

I got into scrapbooking shortly after my son was born, which unleashed the creative monster inside me. I couldn’t get enough scrapbooking.  My girlfriends and I would go to “scrapbooking crops”, where we would scrapbook til late hours into the night, or we’d head to a full weekend of scrapbooking.  I bought all the magazines for ideas, I bought all the supplies and even sold some for a while. I attended scrapbook conventions and was beyond thrilled when I met Ali Edwards and Lisa Bearnson. (scrapbook celebrities) I LOVED SCRAPBOOKING! 

As I got more and more immersed into this world, it became clear to me how important  documenting memories for my son and our family.  The little things you think are just normal everyday moments became my focus and I’m so glad.  I’ve captured real moments that are special memories.  My son LOVES looking at his scrapbooks……..sometimes they make him miss being little, but they also show snippets into his younger years that he would have otherwise forgotten.  Sadly I’m lucky to find the time to scrapbook one time a year.  The demands of blogging have taken my creative time.

You can imagine how happy I was to be asked to test the new Story App by Disney.  My physical scrapbooking days may be gone, but my memory keeping and creating stories can continue!  It’s like being able to put together a quick story from a few photos on my phone, add captions and send it to anyone I want or even on facebook.  I can make anything into a story! Genius!

This app is seriously easy.  Even my 75 yr old mother could figure it out. It was SO easy that when we had a scheduled training session, I kept thinking that perhaps I was missing something.

First you download your app (compatible with apple only at this time).

Once you’ve downloaded the Disney Story App and create an acct,you’ll find your photos listed under “My Moments”.  It’s as easy as choosing your photos, adding captions, your layout, background and then hit save! Simple!

Then if you choose, you can share it directly to facebook, twitter, pinterest or email it.

Here’s one of the stories I put together when I surprised my son for his birthday by flying out his best friend and cousin!

This post is sponsored by Disney Story. To find out more about this brand-new story-creation app – and how it puts the power of storytelling in your hands - click here.

Download the Disney Story app from iTunes  – for FREE – right here!

Disney Story Twitter

Disney Story Facebook

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Can you believe it?  As long as the good folks at Silhouette keep giving me Silhouette Portrait Cutting Machines to give away, I’ll keep offering them to you!   Keep reading for giveaway details.

It also forces me to create something different each month. Last month, I did a fun dog treat tin.  This month I created something fun to go along with the FREE Mother’s Day Printable you also get! 

Silhouette has released their new chipboard! They now have CHIP BOARD!

I thought I’d make one of those cute 3D boxes, perfect combination for the Mother’s Day questionnaire.  Megan from Balancing Home, one of my Printable Contributors, created this adorable, simple printable perfect for Mother’s Day. Combine this printable with last year’s Mother’s Day Printable and place inside this cute box!

Print it out on cardstock or regular copy paper, have your child fill it out and save it forever! You could make these boxes up early and create a Mother’s Day Kit for them to give you on Mother’s Day……….maybe while they serve you breakfast in bed? These are great for year round…….especially if you scrapbook. Or frame it! 

Download your free Mother’s Day Printable HERE.   

While searching the Silhouette store, I am amazed at all the fun 3D options they have. Why I have never used any really, I’ll never know.  They have candy boxes,3D flowers, cupcake boxes, little bags like I made and more.  The chip board is perfect for these since it’s more sturdy than regular card stock. 

I like the look of naked chipboard, so I just painted a cute design to give it more personality. Added my all time favorite, bakers twine and called it good.

The giveaway ENDS MAY 12th, but the promotion ends May 15th.  I say you should tell everyone you also need one of these babies for Mother’s Day!

If you tired of all these giveaways and you just need to buy one NOW.……..use my promo code, TCB.  Or if you already own one…….you can get the chip board and a $25 download card for only $19.99! As an affiliate of Silhouette, it allows me to offer you discounts on different packages.

Ready to enter?  Don’t forget to download your free Mother’s Day Printable. 

I’m requiring your information in the entry sign up because it makes it a LOT easier to track you down! Then I have your address to send to Silhouette directly.  No addresses are saved.

Silhouette Portrait
Cutting Machine

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Family Vacations – Family Travel

With Summer fast approaching, that means time to travel! Like many of you, traveling is scheduled around my son’s school schedule.  Once school is out, it’s become a tradition that we spend a couple of weeks at my sister’s home in Utah.  Spending at least one of our vacations with my sister and her family has become very important.  We only see them a couple of times a year and the cousins simply adore each other.  Since my son is an only child, it’s comforting to know that he’s developed a very close relationship with them.

We love heading out on adventurous vacations.  We plan vacations that not only are exciting for us, but for the kids.  Keeping the kids active and engaged means one thing…… happy kids, happy memories!

With my sister’s family, we’ve done Moab, Bryce Canyon, Zion and the Grand Canyon.  Mostly all Utah parks since they were so convenient.

This summer we plan on heading to Yellowstone.  We have a bucket list of vacations to take our son on before he leaves the nest.  Yikes……that’s only 5 or 6 more summers! How in the world did that happen?  I hate this side of parenting!  A few other places on our vacation bucket list with our son are Washington D.C. / NYC, Disney World, New Orleans, Europe, Hawaii and a Caribbean or European cruise. We better get busy!

I’ve never ever been on a cruise, but I’ve been looking at them for a few years. I love the idea of being able to hit multiple destinations with all the fun and food on a cruise ship. I’ve always heard how convenient and fun they are with everything you need right there!

Norwegian Cruise Line offer some pretty cool features that look like the perfect vacation for families with children of all ages. From really young (6 mo) to teens……they have it down!  I know my son would LOVE the Teen program.

“Norwegian Cruise Line gives families their best vacation ever with Freestyle Cruising® and exclusive Nickelodeon™ entertainment.  With Norwegian’s youth program, kids will never be bored with all of the new enhancements.”

Splash Academy- Youth Program: Looks like children from 6 months to 12 yrs of age are placed into the Guppies, Turtles, Seals, or Dolphins based on their age group.  Age appropriate activities keep the kids happy and active.

Entourage – Teen Program:  Ages 13- 15 and 15-17 are grouped together with others their age for sporting activities, workshops or themes. Whatever appeals to the teen. I’m sure my son would choose the sporting activities or the late night Fun Zone.  Right up his alley.  Eat when he wants……..which would be every 15 minutes I’m sure, meet other teens he could hang with which means he wouldn’t be stuck hanging with us, the old folks.  Having a safe place for him to exert a little independence away from home certainly would meet my safety mom rules.

Knowing that we’d be given dining options, entertainment with Nickelodeon, multiple destinations and family activities all for one price is pretty appealing to this bargain seeking mom.

For more information about Norwegian’s family vacation experience, click here.

Out of the 52 countries on 5 continents, I am sure I could find a cruise that would fit all our needs! 

What is your dream vacation for your family?

Would you like to win a trip?  I know I would! Leave a comment below with your answer to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win a cruise voucher for a family of four.

No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

Entries from all participating blogs will be pooled for winner selection; only two entries per household. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 5/7/2013-6/2/2013. Be sure to visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

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It’s Get Your Craft On!  Time to party! Time to link up your latest CREATIVE CRAFTY PROJECT! Show it off!

Before we get started, I wanted to point you in the direction of a couple of things and also let you know that yes………another Portrait Silhouette will be given away this week, so check back later.

I’m a contributor for Disney’s Spoonful.com site and I’m ALWAYS looking for people to feature for some of the galleries I’m doing.  I’d love that to be you! Check out this page for my theme topics and if you have any thing I may be able to use, then feel free to fill out the form. Recent galleries I created are “Create With Kool-Aid” and “Cookie’s for your Picnic Basket”.

Top 5

Are we ready for my Top 5 Picks?  I choose the top 5 linked up projects that catch my eye, that inspire me!

AnnaNimmity - I love anything maps. I love using them to decoupage furniture! She did these amazing chairs………they go great with the decoupaged vintage map table I did a while back.

Nest Of Posies - I LOVE these pretty candle jars! Fresh, colorful and creative! Simply beautiful and something we could all do!

Crafting in the Rain - Stephanie does it again!  Her washi tape idea is GREAT! I love her tutorial and never knew that about using floor wax!

Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom – This ruffled pillow is adorable! Just enough frill and a whole lot of style!

The Happy Housie – Who needs expensive furniture when you can just redo and update an old tired piece?  This table makeover is great! And her technique is one I had ever heard of.

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