Mabel's labels back to school

School is back in session. Here in BC where we are that's saying a lot. You could say we had a bit of a rough start to the school year. I am not going to rehash it because I really don't want to but we are all really happy schools back. All of us :). On the kids first full day back I was off work and didn't know what to do with myself. I dropped them off at school, got them all settled, went and got a coffee and curled up with a blanket. I quickly forgot how I had spent my days without the kids back in June. I literally had no idea what I was going to do with myself all day. I quickly booked myself in for a massage for the following week. Gotta keep busy ;) and headed out to do some errands. It's funny how once you start thinking about what you have been meaning to so all of the sudden you end up with a list a mile long. In fact, I didn't even finish my list before I had to go back for pick up :)

Enough about my day. Once we heard that the strike was officially over I pulled out the bags of school supplies I bought a couple months prior. The kids and I sat down and got labelling. That process takes the longest but I enjoy it. I love putting cute or funky labels all over the kids stuff. Kristina really got into it as well. I do find it very satisfying come June when the kids bring home a bag of all their broken pencils and ripped up duo tangs and it's only made it home because of a great label. If it wasn't for that it would be at the bottom of the lost and found or even in the trash!

Mabel's labels are available to order online. You can personalize them and choose from so many designs. We received a back to school pack for Brandon and they are great. Like I said we have used them many times in the past and have always been super happy. The back to school packs are only available to order until the 30th of this month so if your thinking about ordering jump on it and get it done. 

The labels stayed on Brandon's shoes for the entire school year last year. That's very impressive. Dirty, stinky, smelly shoes and the label didn't even fade. They are easy to put on, stay on and stick to everything. They don't fade and are adorable. If your looking for tough labels that will stand the test of time and are affordable be sure to check out Mabel's labels. 

M&M Meats HOMESTYLE naturals

M&M Meats is the go to place for families on the go. If you have tball every Monday and Wednesday night or swimming lessons Tuesdays and Thursdays then you don't have much time to cook. I love tball nights but it's hard to get to the ball diamond by 5:30 and eat a full dinner. I don't want to start dinner at 4 or 4:30. It's weird and I usually have other things going on.

That's where M&M Meats comes in. Dinner in a box or bag. I realize how unappetizing that sounds. Premade meals can be gross at best but M&M Meats is seriously like home cooked meals just in boxes ;)

M&M Meats has come up with a new small line up of goodies. They are HOMESTYLE naturals. All of the HOMESTYLE naturals products are made with all natural ingredients and have no added preservatives or artificial flavours. So far in this line they have chicken strips, chicken burgers, chicken nuggets and angus beef burgers.  You can check out the products here on the website.

The kids and I reviewed the angus beef burgers. Brandon generally only likes homemade burgers. He doesn't usually order burgers when we go out to eat. He does at one fast food place but they are not his top choice. He loves my dads homemade burgers and milkshakes. Also to make it hard Kristina is on a wheat free trial run so that generally makes it harder to eat premade foods as so many contain wheat as a filler. 

I didn't tell the kids much about what I was making for dinner. Just told them I was making burgers. They loved them. I loved them. It was so easy and quick. Just pull the box out of the freezer and 6-7 mins per side in a frying pan or on a griddle. I don't have a BBQ which would be my first choice but I have a weird fear about them blowing up :). Anyways when they are cooking you can do up the buns and then whip up a bag salad. Yes I love a bagged salad. Dinner is done in 15 mins. 

Bottom line is when the kids are happy and love what you made it's a win. I enjoyed it and it was easy. Win win. 

Limeapple

Kristina had been a big Limeapple fan for a few years now. She lives in yoga gear and really who wouldn't if they could all the time? I know I would. She has owned a few pieces of Limeapple every year and they were the first pieces she always reached for in the drawer.

Kristina has always loved Limeapple for the comfort and style which was good and all but I am a fan of the quality. Kristina can do soccer Saturdays in her leggings from Limeapple or she can lounge all day and lay around with her friends and I know the fabric is breathable and wicking for when she's sweating up a storm. They are comfortable and look cool and stylish so she's happy. I love that she will wear them for a long time. The fabric just looks new forever. The black doesn't fade and looks new for the life of it. The leggings are great because they work as a full length legging and as Kristina grows they will become ankle length and then cropped length etc.

Kristina has had pieces that lasted her so long and then we were able to pass on to other little girls who loved them just as long. The availability of styles always blows my mind. There are so many styles as well as colours to choose from. Your sure to find something (or lots of things) that the girl in your life will love!!

Be sure to watch the Limeapple Facebook page as well as they are often announcing big sales they have going on. 

Limeapple sale

Limeapple is an awesome store and they are having a great sale. . They sell activewear for girls among other things. I have reviewed as well as bought things from them in the past and I have always been very happy with the products. Kristina of course is a big fan. She loves her yoga pants and I am ok with that. She's has years to wear uncomfortable clothes may as we'll be comfortable now. 

So right now if you purchase one item you get 20% off, two items 30% off, and three items you get 40% off. You really cant get a better deal than that. Time to stock up on some capris, shorts and tees for the summer and if your like me pants and hoodies for the fall :). Gotta plan ahead. 

Let me know what you end up with!

You can try and hide from colds and the flu but I would rather take my chances with COLD-FX in my back pocket!

 

Here I sit all curled up on my couch. Tucked in nice and warm under my blanket that my Mama got me for Christmas. Sniffling, sneezing, and sounding like a pre adolescent boy. I have always been a COLD-FX fan. I use it and it works. It makes my cold or flu go away faster and makes the symptoms less severe.  It doesn't hurt that there are usually great coupons out there to help bring the price down and it's always on sale this time of year which is nice because now is when you need it. 

 

 

This cold has changed every single day for me which makes me think it won't drag on. First day was runny nose, second day was scratchy tickley throat, third day was coughing and today is just raspy voice and flemmy.   To much info? Maybe but it's that time of year. Everyone seems to have it or be holding onto the end of it. Many people have told me that it's lasted them 4 weeks. I don't have time for that. Single Mama of two. Working full time and more on the side. No thank you. 

COLD-FX can be purchased anywhere it seems. Any drug store or Walmart or target store. Many grocery stores. It's one of those things like Tylenol that you just want to have on hand. The second that you feel like your getting sick take some. Take it until the symptoms are gone but please follow the instructions on the package. 

There are two main types you can get. Prevention which you would take all of cold and flu season to prevent yourself from getting sick in the first place and then the regular COLD-FX that you take once you get sick. Honestly I have tried them both many many times and love this product. It works for me and if something works I will use it time and time again. 

Has your home been hit yet with colds or the flu?

Here are some tips from the folks at COLD-FX

1.    Wash your hands regularly - soap and water or hand sanitizer. This is the best way to prevent the spread of viruses.

2.    Eat lots of fruits and vegetables - these foods are loaded with vitamin and minerals which support immune system function.

3.    Minimize sugar and refined starches - these foods hamper immune response.

4.    Drink plenty of fluids - to help the body eliminate toxins and prevent dehydration (dry mucus membranes can make it easier for viruses to enter).

5.    Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smoke. Smoke damages mucus membranes in nose, throat and esophagus making it easy for viruses to invade the body.

6.    Minimize alcohol - alcohol is hard on the liver - our key detoxifying organ - and it is dehydrating.

7.    Relax and de-stress yourself - stress can hamper immune function.

8.    Get regular, moderate-intensity exercise - it helps boost our immune response.

9.    Get enough sleep - proper rest is essential for immune health.

10. Take immune boosting supplements, such as COLD-FX, vitamin C, aged garlic extract and Echinacea. Consult your Pharmacist or Healthcare Professional for more information.

 

To track the flu in your area and more information about the cold and flu cycle, please visit www.cold-fx.ca. 

Florsheim Shoes

This Fall and Winter have been incredibly dry here on the island.  I am loving all of the sunshine and crisp cool days and can't get over the lack of rain.  I am for the record not complaining at all, just stating that I am nervous for Summer because what are we going to do without all that rain water then.  The big upside to all of this nice dry weather is that Brandon hasn't had to spend all of these last few months in winter boots.

He has been rocking these Quinlan Jr boots in Sand.  They are so grown up and handsome.  He loves looking like a big kid and the laces on them are great.  A bit thinner than standard laces but grippy somehow.  I guess its the material.  Brandon isn't tying his own shoes yet but they stayed done up, which of course I love!

 

 

My brother and soon to be official sister in law are getting married this Summer.  Brandon has been talking about what he is going to wear since they started planning it.  He was super handsome last Summer at my cousins wedding and wants to wear a full tux for my brothers.  The problem is that its a casual beach wedding.  I am sure Florsheim Kids will have something to complete his handsome outfit. 

 

Their shoes are made amazingly well, I am sure you know by now that I only like putting my kids in good shoes.  I want high quality, fair prices, and they have to last.  Florsheim Kids is all of this and more.  Brandon loves his boots and that makes me a happy Mama!

 

Great 40% off sale right now so check it out!

100,000 Air Miles giveaway with Old Navy

Old Navy is having an amazing contest right now!  The contest, running from January 16 to February 1, offers a grand prize of 100,000 Air Miles Reward Miles giving the winner the freedom to choose from any destination on the globe (and the ability to take their whole family)!  So, where would you go?
 
Personally I would take my parents and kids to the Disneyland, for like a month.  We could do Sea world, Disneyland for days on end, swim, go to the zoo.  Then we could go to Hawaii and spend a few weeks on the beach.  I don't know who would love that more.  Maybe a girls weekend in Las Vegas?  That would be epic. 
 
Simply present your Air Miles Collector Card at the time of purchase to automatically be entered for a chance to win! For all contest details click here.
 
So, if you could go anywhere where would you go?  Why?  Who would you take?

This contest is pretty easy because there are always so many good deals at Old Navy that it doesn't seem to matter that even when I need nothing, I go in and end up walking out with a bag full of goodies.  Now I will get to enter this great contest as well as get a great bag of goodies.  Last time I popped in just to look I walked out with 4 new tees for Brandon, they were on for $5.  You can't even get tees used for that! 

Best deal you ever got at Old Navy or latest greatest purchase?  I Love this sweater and jeans!

Google Nexus 7 from Staples

Were you hoping for a new tablet for the Holidays and didn't get one?  I have an awesome one to tell you about!  The Google Nexuus 7.  For the great price point of only $249 you can get a lot of bang for your buck.  I will show you some of the specs and then tell you what I think of it!

Need More information? Check out our in-depth Google Nexus 7 2nd Generation Tablet Review

• 7" WUXGA (1920* 1200), 400 nits, LED backlight IPS panel with Scratch resistant Corning Fit Glass
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro, 1.5GHz GPU: Adreno 320, 400MHz
• 2GB RAM; 16GB Internal Storage
• Wireless: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4G/5G) 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Cingo surround sound, NFC (Android Beam), Bluetooth 4.0 Techology
• Up to 10 hours active use
• microUSB with Slimport HDMI out, 3.5mm audio, Dual speakers, Microphone, Power and Volume buttons
• Dimension: 7.87" H. x 4.49" W. x 0.34" D.
• Product Weight: 0.64 lb .
• 1-year manufacturer's limited warranty (details with product)

The Google Nexuus 7 has 2 GB of Ram and 32 GB of storage so it runs fast and will store lots of pics and documents.  Whatever your doing. When you first turn it on you will notice the colors, they are amazing, so vibrant and crisp.  Watching Netflix on this compares to nothing.  Its better than my phone and my TV.   It has a backlit LED IPS panel, which offers high visibility in any lighting condition. The brightness adjusts automatically, enabling the battery to last up to 10 hours during active use.  That is a favorite feature of mine.  There is nothing worse than being half way through a movie and having the battery die because the battery wasn't totally full when you started. 

It has great speakers on it so listening to music is amazing, who needs a stereo now a days.  It has 1920 x 1200 resolution which makes watching movies and Netflix pretty awesome.  The operating system that the Google Nexuus 7 runs on is Android and its very easy to use.  It doesn't take much to pick up and I am not super technical.  I can do the basics, hook up new cable or Netflix and set up a new TV, usually ;) but that's about my level of expertise.  I was hopping on this tablet within 10 minutes.  It was easy to see where everything was and what it all does. 

Feel free to go into Staples and chat with the sales people.  They have so much more knowledge than I do, that's a given.  They can let you try it out and answer any questions that you have.  Check out the link to this tablet here and I would love to hear from any of you that have this, maybe that got it for Christmas.  Tips or tricks?

Full disclosure: Staples.ca provided met with these items for review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are strictly my own. Feel free to shop their entire line of Tablets online.

The Heat with Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock

The other night while the kids were with their dad I got a nice warm drink from my favourite coffee shop and put on my Jammie's. Then I curled up on the couch which my blanket and got ready to laugh my pants off. I love a good comedy. Sometimes I get down when the kids are gone and really get to missing them. I always miss them, don't get me wrong I always miss them but sometimes it's harder than others.  Back to The Heat.

The Heat stars Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock and is dubbed "the funniest movie of the year" and man that is a deserved title.  Think of the likes of Bridesmaids and Identity Thief.  Its great for all ages, my parents borrowed it and loved it, not for kids of course but all other ages.  Check it out or if you already have let me know what you thought!

It didn't take long for the story to unfold and the laughter to ensue. I loved that there was a nice moral of this story and you can relate to some part of them. Weather it's a trait in one of the main characters or one of the more casual characters or even the crazy family. Yup the family is kind of crazy ;)

I don't want to give to much away but I thought this was a must watch movie for sure. I feel somehow like I need to rate this movie so I would say its a 4 star. Can't wait to pull it out and watch it again which is saying a lot. Lots of movies you watch once and then that's that. Not The Heat.  I have seen this popping up in flyer's all over the place for great prices so pick it up, put on your jammies and get ready to laugh.

Tram Footwear - amazing boots for the cold weather ahead

Canadians know how to live with the elements, especially with snow and cold. Whether it is going to work on a rainy day, holiday shopping, driving to the rink, walking in the country or shoveling the driveway, we’ve learned to live with what the day brings and enjoy every sunny day as a bonus. 

Born in Montreal, crossroads of North-American and European cultures, Tram offers a new generation of waterproof, warm and comfortable three-season footwear. Inspired by urban life and fashion, Tram boots have been designed for those who look for function and sophistication, without compromising comfort or style.

Tram footwear designs boots for the stylish woman, urban man and ever playful kids.

Brandon got a pair of Tram boots in the blue rockets print below, they are awfully cute but I have to admit that the owls are my personal favorite!  If he would have worn them they were my first pick!  To bad he doesn't have the same taste as me.  Brandon wears these boots all the time. 

 

He loves how easy they are to put on and that they are warm, comfortable and of course they are cool.  They are his go to piece of footwear, I have to convince him to sit down and put on runners :)  Some other great features are the antimicrobial insole which with a boy is a must have.  The handles make them super easy to put on and the quality is awesome.  There are lots of knock offs out there but you can really tell the difference with the quality.  The "cheap" ones just don't last.  They end up in the trash after a month, ours did, and I am sure I will be able to pass along these Tram boots when Brandon grows out of them.

Check out how great these soles are!  Brandon has worn other boots and he has worn through the heel in them after a month.  These Tram boots have held up so amazing well, they are worth the money by far!  They are not slippery in the rain or snow, nice and grippy, easy to run in and waterproof.  I know when Brandon sees a puddle he goes for it, doesn't matter if we have to cross the road to get to it!

Tram boots are available at lots of retailers, just check the site!

Halloween is only 20 days away

Here is a great article from definitive deals!!

Halloween is right around the corner, and for many, that means decorations, pumpkins, parties and of course, finding the perfect costume for your little one. Since we all know what an expensive ordeal this can turn into, today we’re going to focus on 5 simple tips that can help you dress to impress this year, and all without breaking the bank.

 

Whether you’re looking for something scary, something funny or something unique, the most frightening part about costume shopping is the price tag. Fear not though, there are plenty of ways that you can find something that will make heads roll come October 31.

 

So what can you do? Here are a few tips:

 

1.

Avoid Seasonal Stores: You see them everywhere around this time of year, and as tempting as it can be to gather all of your materials from there, doing so can also turn this into a rather expensive ordeal. If you need one or two items, then by all means, go for it, but don’t get your entire costume from there. Especially if there are less expensive ways around you…

2.

Costumes With Friends: Whether it’s between friends, family members or even neighbors, many parents have discovered that swapping clothes (and in this case, costumes) is a great way to avoid spending money on something brand new. Plus, since most costumes aren’t worn on a regular basis, there is less wear-and-tear, meaning your kid gets a high quality get-up that’s just like new.  

3.

DIY: Why buy something new when you can make it yourself? Sometimes the best costumes are the ones that come from your own imagination or your own two hands. No need to visit the specialty stores, just a quick trip to a hobby shop for a few materials and you’re good to go.  

4.

Thrift Stores, Consignments, Second-Hand Stores: Of course, sometimes there’s no getting around buying a costume, and if this is the case, consider shopping for materials at a thrift store or a second-hand shop. Not only can you find a variety of materials and accessories that you can repurpose, but it will only cost you a fraction of what you would normally have to pay elsewhere.

5.

Online Coupons: Shopping online has its advantage. It gives you access to millions of stores, while also allowing you to scope out all of the deals you want. Of course, for those who refuse to pay full price, there’s the tried-and-true method of using coupons.

 

And one place will not only supply you with all of the deals you want, but they’ll do it all for free.

 

Since their launch in 2005, DefinitiveDeals has been dedicated to helping others live a better life without breaking the bank. To do so, they provide shoppers everywhere with a variety of free online coupons to thousands of different stores. Whether it’s costumes, decorations, or everyday goods and services, you’ll never have to pay more than you should ever again.

 

Because as we like to say, “life is meant to be enjoyed.”

 

To learn more, visit our website at http://www.definitivedeals.com

 

 

 

Kinder joins forces with Monsters University

Did you get a chance to watch Monsters University this Summer?  We didn't but the kids really wanted to see it.  Hopefully its out on video soon.  We had a crazy busy Summer here, super busy but lots of fun. Lots of day trips and lots of memories but that's what its all about!

Have you seen the great new Kinder eggs that are floating around out there?  They are Monsters University eggs!!!  How awesome is that.  Best part is that each and every specialty marked Monsters University Kinder egg contains a Monsters University licenced toy!!  My kids are loving them, and its making them ask for more and more Kinder eggs than ever before. 



Although we don't have any monster fears in our house, thank goodness, I have seen a really cool tool out there for those of you who have kids that struggle with this.  You just take a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of essential oils.  Fill up the spray bottle and then make a label for it.  You can do something up on the computer or do a scrapbook style or even just use a black marker.  You can label it Monster B Gone, Monster Spray, or what ever other creative name you can come up with :)  Here is the link to pinterest where I found some of these :)



Make sure you check out the Kinder Canada facebook page for great things.  There is always some fun stuff going on and once in a while a giveaway or two :)

Disclosure : I am part of the Kinder Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group.  The opinions on my blog are as always my own!

Spring picks from The Healthy Shopper 2013

So The Healthy Shopper is a free coupon book available for anyone who wants coupons for healthy, organic products that usually you can't find coupons for.  As I think you all know I like to coupon, I am frugal and love it.  It can be hard sometimes though to find coupons for things that are not processed or for fresh fruit, vegetables or meats.  Its not impossible just not as easy as it is to find coupons for processed foods and cleaners etc.

The Healthy Shopper has made a few picks for some of their favorites for Spring 2013

The first pick is 100% natural yogurt, certified organic Olympic Yogurt.  Its a nice creamy yogurt.  I love being able to give this to my kids and know that there is no chemicals hiding inside.  I tried making my own yogurt for a few months but it was time consuming, in a machine at that, and the kids didn't love it.  This they loved and I still no what is in it.  Not to mention the time I save :)

The second pick is Simply Natural organic salsa.  This salsa comes in a few different flavors.  Chunky mild, chunky medium, black bean and corn (my favorite) mango and pineapple.  I am not personally a fan of mango or pineapple salsa but I gave them to my girlfriend and she raved about them.  So that's all I needed to hear.

Pick number three is Natracare.  I have used these feminine products in the past as well and love them.  Nice and soft and natural.  I love knowing what is next to my skin and the last thing I want there is chemicals.  Kristina will be soon using products like this and the last thing I want to do to her young body is put chemicals all over it.  I actually believe that products like this should never actually be able to have chemicals in them. 

Pick four is Hylands restful legs which I love.  I randomly get restless legs and they are no fun at all.  I didn't even know that there was anything out there for this.  I have started taking iron pills which does help but it doesn't make them go away all together.  They have happened a few times since receiving this and oh my its amazing, totally made them stop and go away.  Priceless!

Make sure you order your free Healthy Shopper coupon book and check some of these out!

Crocs are not just holey shoes

Do you remember when Crocs first hit the market just over ten years ago?  They started out with just one style.  The shoes full of holes in all sorts of colors.  You either loved or hated them.  I loved them, so comfortable and in any of your favorite colors!  Crocs quickly expanded to include a now whopping 300 plus styles. 

With so many to choose from where do you start.  Well for starters they don't just carry shoes with holes.  They have beautiful wedges to leather work shoes to golf shoes that weigh only 10 ounces.  Depending on what you are looking for there is a good chance you can find it at Crocs.

The shoes I have the hardest time finding are work shoes.  I work in retail and I am on my feet for 8-9 hours a day.  As much as I would love to wear pumps and beautiful heels all day long that's just not realistic.  Personally I have difficult feet to fit, I have big feet, size 10 and wide feet.  Top that off with feet that sweat, like get wet, and are stinky.  I really know how to sell myself ;)

So I have to wear flat or a slight heeled shoe.  I refuse to suffer in uncomfortable shoes all day at work.  Crocs sent me the Patricia II and I fell in love. 

Patricia II Details:

• Fashion-smart mini wedge sandal with 2" heel for a little lift.
• A Crocs favorite with criss-cross strap design.
• Tiny massaging nubs across footbed to stimulate blood flow.
• Fully molded Croslite™ material women's sandal.
• Lightweight, non-marking Croslite™ material outsole.

The fit was awesome.  They were very comfortable and I worked all day in them no problem.  They were wide enough which was amazing because they are not a "wide" sandal.  The only thing that didn't totally work for me was that when my feet sweat they were a bit slippery ;)  The upside though is that they don't get smelly because a rinse and they are clean but with other fabrics that just not the case.

I am definelty going to be picking up a few more pairs of Crocs to add to my collection :)

Pink Pink Pink

Disclosure: I’m part of the KINDER® Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own and can not be bought!

We are Kinder fanatics in our house!  The kids love them and even I love to munch away on them.  Kinder has always been great with keeping things new and exciting.  The latest and greatest thing that they have come up with is the new Pink Egg!  Now pink eggs are not just for girls.  Boys love them too, including my boy.

I have always been big on trying not to stereotype my kids.  Not just pink and dolls for Kristina and just trucks and blue for Brandon.  This is another great time to talk about how things don't have to be just for girls or just for boys.  Girls love trucks and boys love dolls, mine anyways ;)

Now I am a little late on the ball this month but there is an amazing contest going on over on the Kinder Canada facebook page for a $250 Visa gift card!  How awesome would that be to win?!?!?  Make sure you check it out ASAP as it ends tomorrow :( sorry for the short notice.

 Brandon is missing his 4 front teeth but can still eat an apple without me having to cut it up ;)

Kristina is one of the kindest, more generous people I know

xoxo to my babies

What makes your kids unique?

Pasta Salad - a Summer favorite

I love pasta salad and rumor has it its a favorite among lots of folks in the Summer.  My girlfriend made up a batch over the weekend and invited me over for a bowl.  The great thing about Pasta salad is that you can have it on its own for lunch or a snack or as a side with lunch or dinner.  Pasta salad is something that you really don't need a recipe for.  Some of my favorite things to add to a pasta salad are ham, peas, corn, pickles, and cheese.

My girlfriend and I were discussing tips on making pasta salad and there were a few that stuck out for us.  First you can't rinse the pasta with cold water once you cook it.  If you rinse it with cold water the mayo won't stick and it goes dry the next day.  When you drain the pasta you just add the frozen peas and corn and mix.  While the peas and corn are defrosting in the hot noodles the noodles cool off. 

Then you can thrown in the rest of your ingredients and your good to go.  Nobody wants pasta salad where the mayo won't stick to the noodles.  Another great tip is to add some pickle juice to the mayo when your making the dressing.  It just gives it a bit of a kick.  The contrast in the different flavors does it for me.  Sharpness in the cheese, sweetness in the pickle and the kick in the dressing.  Love it. 

What is your tip for a really good pasta salad?

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own!

Dairy Queen and FREE Ice Cream!!!

I may go to Dairy Queen almost every week.  I hate to admit that publicly.  I am not a fan of packing lunches and work full time.  I am trying, sort of, to get better but in the meantime my friends at Dairy Queen always have a yummy pick me up available.  When I am craving something greasy I love a good basket of onion rings, with ketchup, lots of ketchup.  When I am in the mood for something on the healthy side I go for a nice big Orange Julius smoothie.  The mango pineapple is my favorite, well and I like the triple berry as well. 

I should not be writing this at 8:30 at night, this is just making me hungry ;)

Right now you can save a few bucks and still go out for a blizzard after dinner with the kids and grab a smoothie on the way to work.  If your kids go through cereal like mine then if you are sure to pick up the cereal with the special Dairy Queen coupons on it you can win win like me. 

Specially marked boxes of General Mills cereal like Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Oatmeal Crisp contain these great coupons.  The boxes all contain two coupons.  The first one is for a free small Orange Julius drink valid April 1-July 31 2012.  The second coupon is for a free small blizzard valid May 1-31 2012.

Start collecting, the cereal is on sale all over the place.  How can you not love spending $4 on cereal to get not only the cereal but also get the $8 worth of coupons :)

Enjoy

Disclosure: I am participating in the Life Made Delicious Ambassador program and receive special perks as part of my affiliation.

Spring Break 2013

Spring Break is two weeks this year and that couldn't have made me happier.  I got lots of time with my babies that wasn't all baths and homework.  Not that I don't like bath time but sometimes fun time would be awesome.  I was able to take my holidays this year for Spring Break, other than a couple of days that my Mom is kind enough to take the kids for.

The first week we spent 4 out of 5 days down in Victoria enjoying the weather, each other and the quiet.  Well the inner quiet because it certainly was not actually quiet lol.  We fed some seals, touched starfish and sea anemones, fed some ducks, took the city bus, went to a bug zoo, ate ice cream and did some shopping.  I loved it and I am pretty sure the kids did as well.

This week started out with some more amazing weather.  Today we made some bath bombs, you can get the super easy instructions here, and we played catch and did a lot of gardening.  Man is gardening ever relaxing, I never knew.  I always grow lots of tomato plants, the kids love tomatoes but man weeding for over an hour, I was dreading it but it was actually really awesome.

When it was time to cook up some dinner for the starving kids I wanted something easy to make.  I despise being stuck in the kitchen when its nice out.  If I can be sitting in the yard enjoying a nice cold beverage I would way rather be doing that than spending all night over a hot stove. 

My girlfriend has been keeping my freezer full of prawns and I have been trying to come up with different things to make with them.  So far I am loving a nice fettuccine alfredo with diced mushrooms, and some peas and of course the prawns on top.  This picture is when I made it a few weeks ago and tonight I even did the garlic bread homemade instead of store bought :)

Any suggestions for other prawn recipes? 
Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Kinder Canada for Easter 2013

I am so excited for making some new memories this Easter.  Last Easter was the end to my marriage, a blessing in disguise, but still a rough holiday.  This year the kids and I are going to create some great new memories and some new traditions.  I don't get them back from their Dads until 1:30 and we are going to walk into the house to a great big egg hunt.  I am pretty excited. 

This is for sure on my to do list!  I have read a few reviews on it and it looks like a lot of fun and easy.  The only hard part is finding Kool-Aid hahaha.  I can't wait to decorate eggs, maybe the house this year, I haven't done that before but get pretty into Christmas so maybe.

The kids of course are most excited about the chocolate!  Why wouldn't they be, its chocolate!  I am stashing Kinder chocolate left right and center in my closet, but don't tell the kids.  I am fighting the urge to chow down and try to save it.  I think my plan is to hide stuff all over the house and the bigger things I will label with a K or a B so they know whos is whos.  I know Kristina is thoughtful and kind enough to leave lots of the little stuff for her brother and not take it all herself.

Support to Children’s Miracle Network: Sharing is caring. This is what the celebration is all about for KINDER Canada, who will be donating $1 to Children’s Miracle Network of Canada for every new friend of their Facebook Page from March 1st to 31st, up to $25,000.  Be sure to like like like.

Also the beloved Easter bunny Harry is touring Canada! Keep your eyes peeled, Harry will be making surprise appearances at family events in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary & Vancouver this March to celebrate Easter and spread the joy with FREE samples of Kinder® Mini eggs. Stay up to date on where Harry will be by checking the Kinder Canada Facebook page!

Disclosure: I’m part of the Kinder® Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Pizza Hut is our new ritual

We have a new ritual on our Sunday nights!  Sunday nights is now the hardest night of the week for my little family.  Its hard for my kids when they come home from their Dads house, they are confused, needy, and oh so snugly.  I don't begrudge it, at all, don't get me wrong.  I can never have to many snuggles.  The only downside is that sometimes, when they have a not so great weekend, I literally can't get off of the couch.  I have one laying on me and one trying to lay on the other side of me.  Instead of fighting it and not giving my kids what they need I have come up with some alternatives to cooking a big meal.

I have started letting the kids decide what they wanted for dinner.  We either order in, or go to my parents, or sometimes my amazing Mama cooks us dinner and leaves it here for us to reheat when I get off work.  They have seriously been the best.  I don't know how I would have gotten through this last year without them.



Back to Pizza Hut.  For the last three, yes I will publicly admit this, we have ordered Pizza Hut.  Usually I like to change things up a bit but the deal they have going on right now is mind blowing.  To good to pass by.  For only $10 you can get a medium hand tossed style crust pizza with ANY three toppings.  That's right, any three toppings.  You can have shrimp, green peppers and tomato, or my personal child like favorite ham, pineapple, and extra cheese :)

Its only available for a limited time, so get it while you can, such a great deal!!  I can't order fast food for myself and the two kids for that price, and have left overs for breakfast, yup we get two :)  Will I see you there next week?  Maybe I should get more veggies next time :)  Tell your friends!