Master Lock Portable Key Safe Review {& Giveaway 2/8/15}

**Disclosure: We did receive one key safe for the purpose of conducting an accurate review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Ever need to leave a key for someone but feel a little reluctant to leave it in the mailbox or somewhere else near the door? Or, do you constantly lose your key and would like to leave one where you can find it quickly just in case? Well, Master Lock has a solution for that and we had a chance to check it out! Cue the Master Lock Portable Key Safe:

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Red Gold Tomato and Laura's Lean Beef Winner!!!!

Congratulations to the winner of our Red Gold Tomato and Laura's Lean Beef Giveaway: Lucky Jen! I will be emailing Lucky Jen and she will have 48-hours to respond to my email or her prize will be forfeited. Thank you to everyone that entered our giveaway! We have another great giveaway coming up so be on the lookout!

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Raupp Museum: A Hidden Treasure in Buffalo Grove

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

An afternoon on a cold, snowy day inspired us to make an afternoon visit to one of our favorite spots for a little aside, the Raupp Museum. The museum is tucked away in residential Buffalo Grove so it is very easy to miss. However, it is really worth veering off the normal paths through the area.

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Birdseed Ornaments {Family Activity}

Looking for a craft that is fun for the family and functional as well? This week we worked on Birdseed Ornaments! They were pretty easy to do and will surely make our resident birds pretty happy!

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Le Chocolat du Bouchard: A Piece of Paris in the Chicago Suburbs

If you are looking for a little bit of chocolate heaven in the suburbs, Le Chocolat du Bouchard is the place to go. Le Chocolat Bouchard satisfies both those looking for a little dessert out or searching for a decadent gift or even those desiring something tempting to bring home.

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Fox and Hound Holding Benefits for WINGS and Ronald McDonald House January 29, 2015

Fox and Hound in Arlington Heights will be holding a charity event on January 29, 2015 to benefit WINGS. The same day, Fox and Hound in Schaumburg will be holding a benefit for Ronald McDonald House. Both are great local charities and a reason to get out and have some fun!

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Our New Mexican Lasagna Recipe for Red Gold's Lasagna Party and {Giveaway 1/26/15!}

**Disclosure: We received complimentary product from Red Gold to bring you this recipe and giveaway. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Red Gold is celebrating lasagna through February 3, 2015 and we are getting in on the fun with our new Mexican Lasagna Recipe!

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Hot Chocolate and Family Time at Christie's Dairy Delights {Palatine}

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

Christie's Dairy Delights is a new addition to downtown Palatine and a very welcome one I must add! Christie's is a nice place to sit back and relax while enjoying a warm cup of hot cocoa or a coffee creation and spending time with the family. Additionally, Christie's has baked treats from local favorite Deerfield's Bakery and hard to resist Baraboo Candy Company chocolates and Ashby's ice cream. Treat time!

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Snowshoeing in the Chicago Suburbs

We first experienced snowshoeing a few years ago. Since then, it has either been a.) too cold or b.) not snowy enough. This year, we are hoping to break our streak and be able to snowshoe again! You do need at least 4 inches of snow on the ground to snowshoe, so hopefully we will find a free weekend day with the right amount of snow and decent weather! There are few places in the area to snowshoe so here are a few of our picks for this winter. To make it easy for you, we are listing places with rentals available. Be sure to make sure you have your Driver's License with you for renting.

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A Weekend Exploring Rockford, Illinois Museums

As a contributor to Wisconsin Parent, I ventured to Rockford, Illinois to explore their cache of indoor fun awaiting winter exploration. I have to tell you that my family was blown away by the amazing museums that are all with close proximity of each other in Rockford and only a little over an hour from us here in the Chicago suburbs. If you are looking for a little winter road trip, I do recommend a day or two in Rockford. If you are feeling the cabin fever a little too much this winter, here is a run down of the wonderful museums in Rockford that will ignite curiosity and inspire exploration:

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Sipping Hot Chocolate at Leonidas Chocolate Cafe in Northbrook

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

This winter, I have decided to focus on hot chocolates. I am not a fan of cold winter temps but I also get stir crazy and need to get out of the house. So, I am going to check out some different hot chocolates in the area for a little *sweet* winter fun! Last weekend, we went out to Leonidas Chocolate Cafe to try some of their concoctions. Chocolate is certainly a big motivator for leaving the house despite a bit of snow!

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Fall Leaf Window {Family Craft Time}

This fall was particularly glorious with plenty of vibrant colors. We managed to pick up a few leaves for pressing for projects. Time got ahead of us and we did not complete our fall project until a snowy afternoon. After we finished our Fall Leaf Window and hung it up, I realized that our timing could not be better because the new addition on my real window added quite the pop of color to a more dreary winter scene.

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