Wholesale Star Wars Costumes - Review

Recently, we had the opportunity to review a costume from Wholesale Star Wars Costumes and were really happy with the entire experience! As I perused the selection of costumes to find one for my daughter, I noticed that there were many options for reasonable prices. Besides costumes, there also are all sorts of fun accessories like blasters and light sabers. There even is a Darth Vader breathing device. Cool!

I inevitably settled on the Princess Leia costume for me daughter.  I know, what a shock!

The costume arrived quickly. My daughter was very excited and could not wait to open the package! Even though she has yet to see Star Wars, my daughter immediately recognized the costume as a Princess Leia costume and wanted to put it on right away.

I did choose a Medium for my daughter, which is a size 8-10. She has just started wearing size 8 tops, so it was a little big. However, she plans on wearing it for Halloween, so it will probably fit perfectly by then!

The costume came with a dress, belt, and a wig. The wig was wrapped in a netting, so it did not arrive all tangled up. I do have to tell you--I paid almost the same price as this costume for only a wig last year. I was pretty impressed!

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Getting Crafty: A Fruit Ladybug

Mariano's happened to have a kid's craft going on today. They were making ladybugs from fruit and pretzels.  Really cute and really easy.

To make the ladybug, they had red apples cut in half. Three holes were drilled into the apple using a wooden skewer. Two holes were created on the sides for the legs and one at the core to make the head.  Pretzel sticks were put into each hole.  A grape capped off the pretzel stick for the head.

Take a look:

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Elk Pasture in Busse Woods: a Place for a Quick Recharge

There are many hidden treasures within the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. I remember when I first moved to the Chicagoland area, I was totally amazed by the number of preserves in the area!

This week, we felt the need to stretch our legs and wandered out to the Elk Pasture in the Busse Woods in Elk Grove Village. You can enter the preserve from Arlington Heights Road between Algonquin Road and East Higgins Road.

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Sharing a Coupon: Pretzel Crisps

I came across a $1.00 off Pretzel Crisps coupon that I thought I would share.  There also is a $1.50 off of two DiGiorno pizzas and $.50 off of 2 Dove chocolate singles bars I am sure that some of you can use. Click here to get the coupons.

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Avengers Assemble--Coming to your Disney Store April 28, May 5, and May 12!

While 'The Avengers' descends on theaters, little Avengers will be descending upon Disney Stores across North America. The Disney Store will be hosting a special Avengers event over the next three weekends. Kids are encouraged to come in their favorite Avengers costume and participate in Avengers training.

There will be three sessions on each Saturday (April 28, May 5, and May 12). The sessions will be held at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 12:00 PM.

The event is free! Awesome!

The Disney Store has set the minimum age at 3 years old. The event may be limited based on the store's capacity. Lineups for the event are not permitted more than 30 minutes before the start time. Disney Outlet stores are not participating.

I checked with the two stores nearest to us--Woodfield and Hawthorne Mall. The Woodfield store warned me that there would be a limit to 15 kids per event. Hawthorne Mall was unaware of a limit, but it may be best to go earlier rather than later if you are interested!

I have noticed that many malls have posted information about the event on their websites. If it is not posted for your particular store, you may want to call before calling just in case. My understanding is that the event should be at every Disney Store in North America but I would hate for there to be any disappointed Avengers!

Image via The Disney Store

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Eat Your Brussels Sprouts: A Quick Recipe

I did not even try a Brussels sprout until recently because they seemed to always have a bad reputation. Now, they do seem to be a bit of an acquired taste, but my husband and I have been finding ways to enjoy them. The other night we sauteed them and they came out quite nice.

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Nielsen is Looking for More Families

I know that being part of the Nielsen Home Scan Consumer Panel (or National Consumer Panel) is a hot ticket in town. I just learned that they are looking for more families, so I thought that I would spread the word.
Basically, the panel serves to measure consumer trends and preferences through scanning purchases and taking surveys. Panelists earn points for participation and can redeem the points for gifts and gift cards.

If you are interested, take a minute to apply to the National Consumer Panel while they have openings!

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Mission: See the Liberty Bell

A few months ago, my daughter did a unit on American symbols in school. Ever since then, my daughter had one goal: see the Liberty Bell!

Since we have a number of relatives that live near Philly, my daughter was very excited to learn that we were planning a trip to see them. And, of course, how could we go without taking her to see her beloved Liberty Bell.

So, to the Liberty Bell we went and we had a good, albeit brief, visit. You see, all my daughter wanted to do was see the Liberty Bell, stop in the gift shop, and go.

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Healthy Kids Day at the Y, April 28th, 2012

I noticed that a number of YMCAs in our area have Healthy Kids Days in our area. It turns out that 1,900 YMCAs across the country are participating in this free community event! The events are geared towards guiding kids to maintaining a healthy lifestyle where they are active and still learning over the summer.

The activities available at each Y vary. Lake Zurich has touch-a-truck, a moon bounce, and a family walk amongst other activities. In Palatine, the Y will have face painting, a book fair, and a fun run along with more activities. In Des Plaines, there will be family Zumba, rock climbing, and log rolling amongst additional activities.

It looks like these events will be a lot of fun! An added bonus--they are free! Check with the YMCA in your area to see if they are participating in the event.

Image via Wiki Commons

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Shine your Tiaras: National Princess Week Begins

Target, Disney, and Julie Andrews are combining forces to launch the first ever National Princess Week this week (April 22-28). I am not sure if I will enjoy this if it is to becomes a trend, however, I have found some cute things associated with the new "festival."

Target will be showcasing some special princess items during the week including items from Tangled, The Princess and the Frog, and Beauty and the Beast. Additionally, they will selling a special 10th anniversary edition of The Princess Diaries. The special edition will have both Princess Diaries movies in it.

Julie Andrews and her daughter have been working on the series The Very Fairy Princess. Their newest book, The Very Fairy Princess: Here Comes the Flower Girl will be featured.

Target has some neat free printables online in conjunction with the event. You can printout a tiara and a number of coloring pages. Additionally, there are princess related word searches and word jumbles amongst other games.

On her website, Julie Andrews provides a healthy list of princess-like activities to engage in this week. This actually is a nice resource. I particularly like the idea of making a princess collage--what a great way to use some of the random princess items we have around! She also suggests making someone smile, learning how to curtsy, practicing manners, and make a family crest. She has thirty ideas listed--the list may be especially helpful to those planning a princess party!

I am not sure how great the promotional deals will be at Target, but it may be worth a look.  However, the princess activity ideas will definitely be useful!

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Jazzing up Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Brownies

My couponing husband is always getting us some awesome deals. Awhile back, he got a whole bunch of Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Brownie mix for next to nothing.

I usually make my own brownies but, sometimes, it is nice to have a lot of the ingredients already gathered for you in a box! Yesterday, I decided to whip up a box. I wanted to jazz the brownies up a little bit and noticed a recipe for Dark Chocolate Espresso Cookies on the box. I tried the recipe. I found it to be an easy way to make some fudge cookies with a little bit of splash. Here is the recipe that I used, based on the Duncan Hines recipe:

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Surprise in my Email: Sephora has an Earth Day Deal

I just checked my email today and received an Earth Day email from Sephora.  They are having an amazing recycling event where you bring in any empty cosmetic container for recycling and you receive a full-size Origins moisturizer in return!  You can check Sephora for details.

The deal is only running today, Earth Day, and will only last as long as supplies last.  Thanks, Sephora!

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Another "When Did I Get So Old" Moment

Shopping at Kohl's today was meant to be enjoyable. You would think that I would learn my lesson and not shop with my 7-year-old. But, alas, I shopped with her anyway.

First, I tried on some pants which she had to point out were too small. They, in fact, were not but were more like jeans with lycra.  However, she already killed the moment.

Then, when I went searching for clothing for her, I could not figure out why I couldn't find any clothes in her size.  Well, it seems that she is now in the 7-14 section, not the little girls section. When did that happen?  My little beebop cannot be big enough for the 7-14 section! I think that she can actually buy the same clothes as her babysitters. It would actually be kind of funny if one of them showed up in the same outfit that my daughter is wearing.

I guess I should be wondering when did my daughter get so old, but this outing just left me thinking, when did I get so old? 

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Tonight's Chocolate Indulgence: Green & Black's 70% Chocolate Bar

We here at Two Moms love our dark chocolate!  I love perusing all of the dark chocolate options at Whole Foods and giving them a try. One that I really love is Green & Black's 70% Dark Chocolate Bar.

As soon as you open the bar and take in the aroma, you know that this chocolate is going to be different. The chocolate is very rich, yet smooth. I get intense flavors of coffee and dark berries from the chocolate. There is a very distinct, unique flavor to the chocolate which sets it apart.

I love that the flavor is not only enjoyable but intense enough that you really can only eat a little bit of the chocolate at a time. Thus, the bar is a good way to indulge without overdoing it!

I do wonder how the chocolate would pair with a red wine. I may have to experiment with this one!

Another note about Green & Black's--the chocolate is fairly traded. I feel better patronizing a company that pays farmers a fair price.

When looking at Green & Black's website, I noticed that they have a number of decadent recipes. Apparently, Green & Black's also has a cookbook. I may just have to try out some of those recipes--if I can part with one of the bars!

If you love dark chocolate, this may be one to try. However, it does have a unique flavor so be prepared for that.

Be sure to check them out on Facebook before shopping. They sometimes have coupons. (I have been the beneficiary of said coupons from time to time!)

***Disclosure:  I did not receive any compensation for this post.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

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Morning Star Farms and Alexia Coupons

Some cool coupon deals for our followers from Coupons.com.

There is coupon for $1.00 off 2 Morning Star Farms products.  Love them!!!!!  The buffalo wings, mushroom burgers, and black bean burgers are all yummy!






Also, Coupons.com still has the $1.00 off of an Alexia sweet potato item.  We really love the sweet potato fries with the chipotle seasoning.  Spicy and addicting! If you like sweet potatoes and spice--I definitely recommend these!

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Earth Day Dreamcatcher!

Recycle. Reuse. Renew. Repurpose. Reduce. These are very important words. I am very proud that my daughter has totally embraced them! Of course, like any 7-year-old, she can take them to the extreme by saving every minuscule little bit to use for some project or another. But, she has the right idea!

This week, she has been working on a project for school using recyclable materials. While working on this project, I got to thinking---we should actually be making something out of materials that are a little less easy to recycle or reuse.

Just the other day, we were punching out some plastic pieces for a new game. When we were finished, we were left with a yellow plastic frame. I looked at it and immediately thought dreamcatcher!

Newly inspired, I looked around the house for some random little things that would most likely end up in a landfill to add to our dreamcatcher. I also scoured my daughter's stash of items to be reused. There are so many items that would work with this project!

I save ribbons of all shapes and sizes from gifts. Some of these you can use on other gifts, but others you cannot. My daughter and I used the longer ribbons to tie across our frame. If you notice in the photo, one of the ribbons says "Care Credit." Now, when else are you going to use that?

We accumulated plastic covered paperclips, beads, pipe cleaners, candy wrappers, and fancy decorations from long ago gifts. Everything we found somewhere around the house. We used some of the items to attach others to the dreamcatcher. Altogether, these castoff items made a colorful catcher.

The project was fun and easy to do!  The scavenger hunt for materials was as fun as the assembly! On top of it, we have a festive decoration by our front door!

Close up!

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Earth Day Events at Michael's, Pottery Barn Kids, and Lakeshore Learning

There are some neat Earth Day inspired events at Michael's, Pottery Barn Kids, and Lakeshore Learning stores across the country this weekend.

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Website Wednesday: Green Eggs & Moms

I absolutely love this blog run by Anne Mercado in the Philippines. Green Eggs & Moms is full of articles with a lot of useful parenting tips as well as topics that really ignite discussion. Anne's writing is really succinct yet very insightful. I look forward everyday to see what topic she has up for discussion.

Some recent discussions that can be found on Green Eggs & Moms include one about premastication (ala Alicia Silverstone) and one about 3 different parenting studies that turn out to not be so shocking. Anne also posts a lot of useful information like strategies for avoiding summer "brain drain" and ideas for chores for kids.

If you notice, Anne's blog also has a pretty lively forum for discussion. It is fun to see what other parents have to say about a topic and to share your thoughts.

Check out Green Eggs & Moms when you have a chance!

Eggs for thought. Photo via Wiki Commons.

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A Chocolate Garden Blooms in Michigan

I love chocolate like a fat kid loves cake. Like a zombie loves brains. Like Ryan Reynolds loves the smirk. You get the idea. So when Mel told me about a shop in Coloma, MI called The Chocolate Garden, it went on our Michigan trip itinerary immediately.

Specializing in handmade chocolate truffles (white, milk and dark), The Chocolate Garden has been featured on Food Network, the Travel Channel and Fine Living TV, and has earned praise in such print outlets as USA Today, Elle magazine and Midwest Living. Unlike typical truffles, The Chocolate Garden's are handmade and rolled in coarse chocolate - there is no hard outer shell to bite through. The texture is creamy throughout.

For a nominal fee (I think $2.50), you can partake in a tasting of 3 truffles of your choosing. My husband, daughter and I all did tastings: I chose Salty Dark, Darkest Dark and Cayenne Kick (true to its name, I felt the heat a minute later). All were decadently yummy. I bought a couple of two-fers to bring home. For a real treat, I savored one with a glass of red wine. Niiiice.

If you're in this area of Michigan (off of I-94, exit 39, turn left) and enjoy fine chocolates, this is a shop you should definitely visit. To see The Chocolate Garden's offerings online, visit: www.chocolategarden.com.

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Spring Cleaning at the Volkening Heritage Farm (April 22nd)

On Sunday, April 22nd, Volkening Heritage Farm in Schaumburg will be hosting some Spring Cleaning Fun! The event runs from 12PM-4PM and costs $3 per person, $12 per family.

My family attended this event last year and had a great ole time! My daughter enjoyed having the ability to watch and participate in typical spring chores on the farm.  Hmmmmmm...enjoying chores....how could this be bad?

The event has plowing and blacksmith demonstrations. Children can help till a field and plant beans. My daughter also helped wash clothes using a big, old washtub and washboard.

My daughter definitely loved the chance to play in the dirt!  It was also nice for her to come back to the farm later in the spring to see the bean plants growing.

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Birthday Treat from Barnes and Noble!!!!!

This week my daughter received a nice treat from Barnes and Noble. As a member of the B&N Kids Club, she received a free bakery treat for her birthday. She had a choice between a number of cookies and cupcakes. She chose the chocolate chunk cookie, of course!

Being the deal seeking mom that I am, I joined the B&N Kids Club a couple of years ago to receive a coupon. Upon signing up, all new members receive a coupon for a children's book or game. Nice! Additionally, members receive a $5 certificate for every $100 they spend on children's items online and in the store. Besides a birthday treat, birthday kids also receive a free ebook that they can create on tikatok.com.  Also, members receive an enewsletter with information about events as well as discounts.

I have not earned enough to receive a $5 reward yet. (Honestly, I usually buy children's books elsewhere because I get better deals.) However, it is handy to have the membership since it is free and I do shop a little at Barnes and Noble for kids items, so I may eventually earn the certificate!  Lol! Also, the enewsletters have been handy. If you are interested in checking out the club, check here.

An awesome birthday treat!
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***Disclosure:  I did not receive any compensation for this post.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

 

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Apologies!! Apologies!!

I am so sorry if you received a few too many Miracle Gro postings from us.  I stress the word few, lol!  There was an issue with Social Spark, who I write some posts for.  It seems like this has happened to a number of bloggers so please watch out for it.  There is some issue with their system not recognizing the post as being posted. 

Once again, I am very sorry!

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Cool Deal--Free Puppy Ebook from Purina

Just came across this today. Thought that I would share for anyone with a puppy or about to adopt a puppy.  You can get a free ebook from Purina.  You know how we love our deals and our furry children! Enjoy!

Show your puppy love! Get Purina's FREE eBook today!

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The Hunger Games--Some Impressions (No Spoilers)

When I went to see The Hunger Games this weekend, I actually expected to be disappointed. I saw the trailer a couple of months ago and I was immediately intrigued. I am a girl that loves action and watches a lot of post-apocalyptic shows. The movie seemed really up my alley.

Photo via http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/

However, as the movie's release date approached, my interest waned. The more hype the movie received, the more I thought that it would be disappointing. When the movie opened as a blockbluster, I began to think that I should just wait until I can rent it. Normally, I do not like the "it" movies, so I did not want to spend the money on the show.

An opportunity came up this past weekend to watch the movie with some friends. I went along, a little nervous that I would not be able to sit through the 2 1/2 hour movie.

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Creamy Dijon-Paprika Chicken (Quick and Easy!)

The other night, I made chicken with a quick and easy creamy dijon sauce.  The recipe is based on one for Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Dijon Sauce from Cooking Light.  I amped it up a little and made it more to our taste.  The recipe is super easy so it would make for a nice meal during a busy week!  Here is what I did:

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Some Serenity: Asha Spa

Yesterday, it was finally time to break out a gift certificate that my husband had given to me ages ago. And, I do think it was ages ago because I think that I have been holding on to this bad boy for a year and a half. Now, I have been to the spa during that time. However, this particular certificate was for a pedicure. I am not a big fan of pedicures, so I have been delaying using it. My husband actually had bought this certificate in error and had meant to purchase one for a facial, which I totally love!

So, yesterday morning, I headed to Asha Spa and Salon in Schaumburg for some pampering. I have had facials there several times and really loved them! When you enter the spa area, you are immediately able to relax. The lighting is just right and the music is soothing. While you wait, you can have tea, lemon water, or cucumber water. I find each to be something soothing to sip on while relaxing. Their mint tea especially puts me in a calm, relaxed mode.

The facials at Asha are particularly relaxing. I almost fall asleep every time! You start your facial with a foot bath, which I think is a nice touch. Then, you choose an essential oil that is relaxing to you. The oil will be used throughout the facial. The use of massage, masques, warm, and cold are just right and enough to transport you away from the world for a bit while clarifying your skin. The treatments left my skin totally refreshed! After my facial, I headed over for my pedicure.

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Campbell's Printable Coupons! Check Them Out!

 I know some of you probably by Campbell's.  These coupons seem pretty good, especially if you combine them with a sale.  The links are there for you:

$1.00 off five Campbell's Condensed Soups:


$1.50 off 3 cans Campbell's Select Harvest Soups

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PopOLicious Gift Certificate Winners

I am happy to announce the winners of the PopOLicious Gift Certificates. They are Vanessa and Susie!  Congratulations!

I will be contacting them so that I can get them their gift certificates.

Thanks to everyone who participated in Two Moms first ever giveaway!

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Easter Bunny Breakfast at Whole Foods

Instead of spending a fortune on an Easter brunch, I decided to take my daughter to a much more reasonably priced Easter breakfast at Whole Foods Market in Schaumburg. (I know, it is shocking to call Whole Foods reasonably priced!)

Overall, I liked that the event was very low key.  However, I left expecting a little more from Whole Foods.

The breakfast was held in a separate room, so we were not sitting out with the shoppers.  Since there were at most 10 kids there, everyone had ample time to take pictures with the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny treated each child with a bag full of cookies and jelly beans. Whole Foods provided each family with a picture which was a nice touch. The staff was great and really friendly with the kids!

Whole Foods had a decent spread---scrambled eggs, french toast, asparagus quiche, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, strawberry salad, fruit, fruit, and more fruit. Beverages included coffee, orange juice, and water. The food was served buffet style. 

I was very impressed by the sheer amount of fruit at the breakfast. I was especially excited that Whole Foods did not skimp on the berries. I am a self-confessed berry addict so I loaded my plate with them---strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries--yum!

Unfortunately, there were several hiccups at the breakfast.  First, the food took awhile to come out. Not a good idea with kids! My daughter seemed like a broken record, asking over and over again, "When are we going to eat?"

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PopOLicious Giveaway Ends Today

For anyone interested in entering the PopOLicious giveaway for a $10 gift certificate to use at PopOLicious in Arlington Heights, today is the last day to enter.  Check this post for information on how to enter. Remember, we are giving away two!!!

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Grandpa's Cider Mill Presses On

Grandpa's Cider Mill in Coloma, MI proved to be a must-see attraction on our recent trip to Michigan. Right off of 94 (less than 2 hours away), this mill in an unassuming red building is home to a large apple pressing operation, and some of the best cider we've ever tasted.

Walking in, you are greeted by a 50-foot glass wall on the left that allows you to see the entire pressing process. (Grandpa's presses apples from early Sept. through November, so we missed the season). On the right, there is a free cider tasting bar, which my daughter (and my husband and I) most enjoyed. You are given a cup and given, I think, about six sample pours, from friendly cider bartenders. Grandpa's has more than 30 different flavors of cider to choose from. The variety of mix-ins is a little mind-boggling: caramel, fudge, ginger, maple, kahlua, lemon, pumpkin, ... horchata (!). My daughter loved the strawberry best; my husband and I most liked the almond. They can blend up your preferred flavor to take home: $2.75/pint, or $4.99/half gallon.

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Bruises from the Rink

My daughter has come a long way from painting the floor with her face while skating. She can now skate adeptly without a problem and can even throw a little jump in here and there without a spill. Her lessons at the rink are now about slightly different skills.

Yesterday, my daughter and I went to the rink for our customary school's out--let's skate day.  The day was not quite typical, and, honestly, was a little comical in the end.

My daughter immediately befriended a little girl about her age. (Which she does everywhere we go, of course.) The little girl had a brother, also about my daughter's age. Out of nowhere, he seemed to develop a stalker-like fascination with her. He could not skate as well as her, so he would stumble trying to reach her. My daughter, with her nimble frame and swift feet, was able to navigate through other skaters to stay away.

It was actually a bit funny to see this transpire as the boy, in his large, red hoodie, would stumble on his skates as he pursued my daughter.  He apparently wanted to talk to her.  She would have none of it because she was "concentrating."  At some point, the boy began to squabble with my daughter and his sister.  His grandmother and I intervened, and he ended up spending the rest of the skate sitting out. 

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Coupon for Alexia! Yum!

I love Alexia's Sweet Potato Fries. I just ran across this coupon so I thought that I would share!



$1.00 off any Alexia sweet potato item!:

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Pineapple-Sage Relish

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Sweet Times in Hershey, Pennsylvania

While traveling through Pennsylvania last week, a stop in Hershey was a must for us chocoholics. My husband and I opted to surprise our daughter with the visit--she had no idea that we were going. She lit up when she saw some cheerful Hershey characters welcoming her at the entrance of Hershey's Chocolate World.

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Rest Like an Early Settler at the Jean Bonnet Tavern

Whenever I travel to the East Coast, I like to take in something historical.  On our way back from New Jersey, we stopped at the Jean Bonnet Tavern in Bedford, Pennsylvania for a bite to eat.

The Jean Bonnet Tavern has been a stopping place for travelers since the 1760's.  Since we were on the road back home, it seemed appropriate to stop where so many travelers before us had.

Immediately, upon entering the Tavern, we knew that we would like it.  The stone walls and smell of a wood burning fire not only transported you back in time but gave the place a warm, homey feel. The tavern presents a decent menu with selections typical of a tavern such as burgers as well as some more refined options like lobster ravioli.  We were also very happy to find that they have an ample children's menu!

Every table sported a lit candlestick, further adding to the ambiance.  We enjoyed our meals.  I had the crab cake, which was actually broiled, not fried.  I prefer not to eat fried food, so I was delighted to find out that not only are the crab cakes broiled but they taste great!  The bread was also delicious--it was a little sweet which I really liked.  My husband had the French dip and a baked potato and loved it!  Our daughter had buttered noodles---always her fave.

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Need a Gift for Easter or B-day: Here is a Hot Wheels Coupon!

Hello!  I found another deal that I thought I would pass on.  I am sure that some of you are looking for Easter gifts or birthday gifts.  Click here for a Hot Wheels coupon that you might be able to use.

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Pump It Up with Purpose--Help Two Worthy Charities

For those in the Chicago area, there is a charity event at Pump It Up in Schaumburg on April 5th benefiting the Maison de Naissance Foundation, that helps with care for pregnant and new moms in Haiti, and the Hope for Women International Cancer Center in Liberia, which helps impoverished women receive cancer treatment. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. tomorrow and is suited for kids 2-12 years old. The cost for the event is $12 per child and $7 per adult. Pizza and drinks are included in the price and you will be helping a good cause.

For more information, check out ShesWrite's post on the AH Moms website.

You can register here, at Pump It Up, or by calling 847-885-7867.

The Pump It Up in Schaumburg is located at 1230 N Roselle Rd.

Thanks to ShesWrite for spreading the info along!

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Chocolate Treats for the Road: The South Bend Chocolate Company

This Spring Break, we took a trek East to visit family in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  Over the next couple of weeks, I will be profiling some of our discoveries--some old favorites and some new wonders.

My daughter has been wanting us to drive out to the East coast for a long time.  Since we had a lot of items to transport out East, this year was the year to grant her wish.

While driving through northern Indiana, my husband discovered that one of my favorite chocolate shops, The South Bend Chocolate Company has small shops at rest areas.  Normally, rest areas are quite frightful places to me.  However, the prospect of picking up some of my favorite chocolates softened the blow of stopping at one.

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There's Going to be an Eggstravaganza!

Easter is such a fun time for kids.  Everything is so brightly colored announcing the great spring weather to come.  Kids love visiting the Easter bunny and greatly anticipate Easter egg hunts and receiving Easter baskets on Easter morning.

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What Happens When Your Child Loses A Tooth Away From Home

My daughter has lost 5 teeth now and has pretty much hit every tooth loss scenario possible--or at least, she is really trying to!  She has swallowed one, lost one at school and could not find it, and just lost two on our Spring Break trip.

Courtesy of http://free-clipart-crafts.blogspot.com/

Dealing with these situations takes some quick thinking.  When my daughter swallowed her tooth, we had her draw a picture of the tooth for the Tooth Fairy.  We placed the picture under her pillow. When she lost one at school and was unable to find it, she drew a picture for the Tooth Fairy and wrote a letter to her telling her where she would most likely find it.

The teeth that she lost on our trip posed two different situations.  The first one, she lost during the middle of the trip.  She actually lost it when we were in transition moving from our location in New Jersey to a new location in Pennsylvania.  I had her put the tooth in a plastic bag so we would not lose it and told her that the Tooth Fairy could find her anywhere.  I reminded her to put it under her pillow that night.

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