Enter to Win $20 Amazon eGift Card

As a year end thank you to my readers, here is an opportunity to win a $20 Amazon egift card.  Enter with each option as you choose.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Please note that all entries will be verified!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls are Perfect for Busy People

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyWayToVeg #CollectiveBias

The new year is forthcoming and there is also a renewed interest in a healthier lifestyle in my family. After visiting my 80 year old father, I realized it's time to make some healthier choices so I can enjoy living to 80 or beyond. I've been searching for alternatives to eating healthier without sacrificing taste nor taking a hit on my budget. The grocery stores are full of many choices but this time, I tried MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls as I've never tried a MorningStar product. There is a misconception that MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls are only for vegetarians rather they are for really for everyone. Much to my surprise, I also found that my children liked it too along with my husband. Working and trying to juggle homeschooling children can be tricky and trying to find time to cook can be a struggle. Having these MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls are the perfect choice given how busy we are and our desire to be healthier. Our path to move forward has been well thought out not only for my husband and younger children but also for my older daughter who has ovarian cancer and a son-in-law preparing for basic training. We decided to take a step by step process in getting healthier.

Step One:

Since these veggie cuisines are ideal for me given the convenience in helping me maintain the balance between family, work and life goals in a health-conscious way, this is the way we will go. After a trip to Florida and determining post my wedding pictures this past week, it's more than time to start taking steps in promoting healthier choices. My first step in this process was recognizing the need for changes. With MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls, I can easily substitute veggie for meat in a meal and because the bowls are complete as my "as-is" meal solution, I don't require adding sides which also equates to less time! There are many choices as well and they are easily found in my local Jewel grocery store.

Step Two:

I plan my meals on a weekly basis and given the Veggie Bowls are made with Chik’n Strips, Steak Strips and Veggie Sausage Crumbles™, I have variety for each day of the week if I choose to make MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls my nightly meals or even if I want to choose one or more each night to ease into our healthier lifestyle goal. I like the variations MorningStar Farms® offers given the amount of protein and the low caloric count:

• The lightly seasoned 100% vegan Chik’n Strips have 23g of protein and only 150 calories.
• The lightly seasoned 100% vegan Steak Strips also have 23g of protein and only 150 calories.

I chose the Italian Sausage Bake and loved the abundance of flavors. It was a perfect medley of tastes and seasonings and especially loved the sauce. It was very filling and the perfect size meal for one. 

With many choices to choose from, I also can have my family decide which Veggie Bowl they want:

• Chik’n Pot Pie
• Chik’n Tikka Masala
• Italian Sausage Bake
• Japanese Soba Noodles
• Moroccan Medley

Step Three:

Now that I know what I want our meal plan to include, I will consider easing my family into exercising since it has been something missing in our lives. With the ease of the Veggie Bowls, it will free up some time to at least incorporate 30 minutes of exercise whether it's night time walks or even playing interactive video games to get us moving while encouraging fun family time.

Incorporating MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls has already helped me plan a weekly menu that makes me feel better about my choices while giving me the convenience to spend more time with my family as well as time to exercise. It's important to teach my children good eating habits by example. I love cooking but to be able to have a healthier alternative that meets my goals is paramount to my happiness which ends up being for everyone's happiness as the old saying goes, "if mama ain't happy, ain't no one happy."

Don't forget to visit MorningStar's Facebook page, @MorningStrFarms on Twitter, @morningstarfarms on Instagram or Pinterest!

What is your biggest struggle for night time family menu planning?

The Shepherd’s Treasure: An Alternative to Elf on the Shelf and Giveaway/Win $500 Details

Win $500!  Contest starts December 1st!  The Shepherd's Treasure is a Christian alternative to Elf on the Shelf and they are giving away $500 to the most creative photo shared.  $250 for you and $250 for your church!  The four top photos will be chosen and then fans will vote on their favorite to win!  This contest is lots of fun, but the best part about it is we are bringing back the true meaning of Christmas and teaching our kids that it's not all about receiving gifts and behaving well just to receive material things. Join us in the fun!  Here's how:

Step 1: Order The Shepherd's Treasure book with doll set (and advent cards if you choose) by NOVEMBER 20th to ensure delivery by December 1st. Link to buy in comments.
Step 2 (optional): Get your church involved -  The more people from your church who participate in the contest, the bigger the chance to win! Just send people to The Shepherd's Treasure Facebook page for details.

Step 3: Make sure to LIKE @BLOGGERSPAGE and @The Shepherd's Treasure Facebook page to receive contest next steps on December 1st!

#spottheshepherd #theshepherdstreasure

Click the link in the comments to get your copy before all are sold out!  This is going to be so fun!

ORDER HERE by November 20th to get in time for December 1st. Two options below - one with the advent cards and one without:

Option 1:  Book + Doll Set + Advent Cards:  https://www.sleepingbaby.com/ collections/shepherds- treasure/products/the- shepherds-treasure-book-doll- set-and-advent-cards

OR

Option 2: Book + Doll set: https://www.sleepingbaby.com/ collections/shepherds- treasure/products/the- shepherds-treasure-book-doll- set

SEE QUEST IDEAS HERE: https://www.theshepherdstreasure.com/pages/ideas-for-your-quest

My Review

Every Christmas is special to me and I want to ensure that I teach my children not only that it's a special time but to fully understand why it's special. Finding activities that reinforces the meaning is important to me as it's not about receiving presents. I was very pleased to participate in this sharing on my review of the The Shepherd’s Treasure. We started December 1st, by placing "allowing" our Shepherd to travel by night throughout the month in search of Jesus and each morning, my children are put to the task of finding him. Also included are the Shepherd’s Treasure Advent Cards which correspond with fun activities the Shepherd can do throughout the month. Each card features a Bible verse and message from the Shepherd! Little ones will follow behind their Shepherd along his journey until on Christmas morning, they will find him kneeling before the greatest Treasure of all time: Jesus!

This is wonderful in encouraging my children to continue their path to finding Jesus daily. My youngest already proclaims she will grow up to spread the word of God as she does already. It's such a cute and fun tradition that I can begin with all my children and grandchildren and to see the smile on their faces each morning is priceless. You can see the video firsthand by clicking on The Shepherd's Treasure video link.

Enter to Win!

There's even an opportunity to win your very own Shepherd's Treasure on their Facebook page by liking the page and leaving a comment in the raffle section on why you are excited about this Christmas.

GEMMglam Christmas Sale: Sunglasses and Patent-Pending Unique Gems

GEMMglam Christmas Sale

* Buy 2 sunglasses - get a 3rd pair FREE
* Buy 2 Paris cuffs $45 each - 3rd Paris cuff & 3 Fleur de lis gems FREE (limited cuffs left)
* Buy 1 pair gems at $34 - get any 2nd pair for $15

PM me or send an e-mail to gemmorders@gmail.com

*Host an online Facebook party and earn your choice choice among these 100% UV Protection sunglasses and wonderful gems to match your personality.

**Pictures does not represent all the various sunglasses and gems to choose from.

*Host gifts are dependent on total sales with potential for bonuses.

Chicago Toy & Game Fair - November 18 & 19 Family Pass Giveaway - Ends 11/18 #chitag

It's almost time for Christmas so what better time than now to have some fun with the coolest trendiest toys around by coming to the Chicago Toy & Game Week this weekend.  There are going to be so many fun things to do and there will be a special Star Wars event!  My family loves Star Wars and this is right up there with Disney's Star Wars events. 

If that isn't enough to trigger your desire to attend, look what else they have in store for participants:

• Walk inside the World's Largest PomPomWow!
• Super Power Sensory Hour 9:00 am – 10:00 am hosted by The National Lekotek Center providing early access to families of children with special needs 
• Inventor Meet and Greet throughout both days!! Want to meet the inventor of BopIt? Operation? Jenga? Nerf? Twister? You can say “hello” and get inside knowledge from all – they’ll at the Fair. Also meet upcoming inventors and try their products out. You’ll be able to say you knew them before they were hot!
• Yo-Yo Championship - Contestants from Coast to Coast
• Attend the Star Wars Lunch
• Enter the Young Inventor Challenge & Young Tech Challenge (free!) Amazing Prizes & Meet Toy and Game Executives and Inventors
• Test drive vehicles from Razor, Peg Perego and RadioFlyer Mini Tesla!! 
• Mommy & Gracie Show Unboxing! Did you catch last year’s unboxing?? https://youtu.be/wslvGlPjDQs 
• IllumiCraft STEM-based Craft Party with Gift
• Upon A Craft Line Holiday Project
• Be entertained by Ben’s Giant Bubble Show
• Test out New Products Before They Hit Retail Shelves
• Shop for the Hottest New and Classic Toys for the Holidays 
• Interactive Exhibits
• Giveaways, Stage Events, Magic Shows, Contests, Laser Tag, Crafts, Characters, GameTruck, Knockerball and much more!

In case you don't win, check out this $3 coupon off ChiTAG Fair Admission. Follow the link, register online and use the promo code CHITAG3:  CLICK HERE CHICAGO TOY & GAME WEEK DISCOUNT

Now is your chance to win the FAMILY WEEKEND PASS GIVEAWAY (value $92). To enter, complete the entries below.  One winner will be selected and notified ASAP on Friday evening.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Three Key Benefits of an Unlocked Phone & Best Buy Specials Now Through 11/5/2016 #ad

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

Purchasing cell phones have become complicated over time and it's almost comparable to buying a tube of toothpaste with all the variations, brands, features and more. I had never broken or lost a phone in the entire time I have owned cell phones until this year. I not only broke one phone but I broke TWO. Now that I am on the path of replacing yet another phone as my renewal isn't up until May of next year, I'm going to seek out an unlocked phone thanks to this post as I really didn't know too much about unlocked phones and had an image of someone shady selling one they stole. It's not that way att all however.

Unlocked phones are becoming a popular choice here in the U.S. Why? Because nothing beats the freedom of an unlocked phone when it comes to choice of models, carriers or plans. It makes no sense to get locked into a certain brand just because your carrier only sells a select number. You can click on Best Buy Unlocked Education Sheet to learn more.

If you are like me, you are probably wanting to know what is an unlocked smartphone? An unlocked smartphone is a phone that isn't tied to a specific carrier or contract. Therefore, you have the freedom to shop for the latest phones and plans as often — or as infrequently — as you like. And when it comes to international travel, unlocked phones can't be beat.

If this sounds interesting to you or you have a Christmas gift you need to purchase, Best Buy has an Unlocked Smartphone savings event going on right now with sales on Samsung, Huawei, Moto, Sony, BLU, Alcatel and ZTE smartphones.

Three Key Benefits of Unlocked Phones:

• They offer freedom and flexibility from carriers and contracts
• Save money
• Great for International Travel

To learn more, click on each brand link to get more details:

Moto:

• Offer: Save $50 on Select Moto Mods with purchase of Moto Z Play
• Valid Dates: 10/30/16-11/5/16

Huawei:

• Offer: Save $50 on the Honor 8 by Huawei plus get a free case 
• Valid Dates: 10/30/16-11/12/16

Samsung:

• Offer: Save $100 on the Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
• Valid Dates: 10/30/16-11/12/16

BLU:

• Offer: Save $40 on the BLU Life XL
• Valid Dates: 11/6/16-11/12/16

Sony:

• Offer: Save $100 on the Sony XPERIA X Compact
• Valid Dates: 10/30/16-11/12/16

Disclaimer for all offers listed: Offer valid 10/30/16-11/12/16. Phones, service and coverage not available in all markets. Available in New Jersey. No dealers. See a Blue Shirt for details. 4G/4G LTE not available in all markets. Products must be purchased on same receipt to receive bundle/package savings.​​​​ 

@BestBuy

#bbyunlocked  #ad

10 Photos on Why to Visit Beautiful Monterey Bay

“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Traveling to not going anywhere but just to go would be a dream existence to many. I am one of those that loves to travel not for the purpose of being able to proclaim I've been there rather to experience the site, the culture, the beauty and all there is to learn about.  I've been to many states throughout my adult life and have resided in over five.  I am grateful for the experience to be able to determine what I want or need from life.  I found my true desire in life is to travel and explore.  I have many favorite places and many of them revolve around beaches, warm climates and Disney.  I am a person who thrives in the sun, the hot temperatures and water.  As part of my journey in exploring different areas, I went to Monterrey Bay and Pacific Grove and I immediately fell in love with the area.

One of my first stops was at Cannery Row which is famous thanks to the author John Steinbeck.  Cannery Row (1945) was made into a movie and it's been one of the most read fictional pieces around. It's a cozy area with a moderate level of tourism and plenty of things to do whether it's just casual strolls around the neighborhoods or store fronts or to shop, eat or visit the attractions. It truly is a picturesque charming area that will captivate just about any age.  Aside from the numerous dining places, which none disappointed, there was great views to be had.  A favorite was getting a hot chocolate from a local coffee shop and sitting on the dock watching the sail boats pass as the water rushed over and beat at the shores just underneath the restaurants.

Whether you want to go beachside, enjoy the nightlife, sip some wine or take in some live music, it has everything. 

Another fun place I visited was the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  I'm not a huge aquarium fan but I have to say this place changed my mindset.  It had amazing exhibits, views and great educational messages to deliver.  My favorite was the visit with the person inside the tank and the interaction with the volunteer guide.  It was fun, entertaining and educational and seemed to be quite a hit with the visitors.  One thing to note is all the workers are volunteers from what one worker told me.  It's definitely worth the trip to see as they did a magnificent job with this aquarium.  You can even dine there!

My last favorite spot was the drive to Pacific Grove and the spots along the way.  It was absolutely gorgeous and Pacific Grove would be the ideal retirement spot.  The downtown was lined with nice boutiques and eateries that provided choices that I had not experienced.  Being so close to the ocean was what drew me as well.  It's an old town that includes many activities such as a monarch butterfly habitat sanctuary, beaches, the oldest continuously-operating lighthouse and nationally recognized 18-hole golf course.

It's a beautiful area to see and I hope when I go back to California in November, I'll get to add to my list of great places to visit.

Ghostbusters on DVD with Cute "Boo It Forward" Campaign at Walmart

There was quite a bit of talk about the reboot of Ghostbusters both positive and negative so it was with anticipation that I had a chance to watch it with my children.  I'll have to backtrack on that as my children were actually afraid of the ghosts as they have been sheltered a bit and not exposed to scary or even slightly spooky movies.   If you watched the first Ghostbusters, you will see they didn't stray far from the plot, characters and story.  The actors chosen were a well blended mixture of women that worked well together.   I'll reserve whether or not it's good to your own viewing pleasure as it's now available online digitally as well as in stores such as Walmart.

Walmart is now offering to help others continue the tradition of "Booing your Neighbor" which has been around for several years now and it has really grown in popularity as a fun, safe, family-oriented activity. It's also known as "Ghosting" or "Boo-gramming."  It's easy to participate in and worth an unexpected smile from whoever it is you surprise.  My girls loved the Boo It Forward bucket of sweet treats and what a wonderful surprise this would make at a nursing home too!  

It's easy with the kit at Walmart to get the fun started.  Put together some home decorated or made treats coupled with some inexpensive Halloween treats at Walmart along with a note of instructions on how to "boo" someone else.  The poem is cute and will cheer up anyone that you decide to ghost!

You can always turn to alternatives to sweets by choosing more natural or organic type of foods if you like to take the healthier route.  I was just in Walmart yesterday and there are so many cute ways one could boo it forward.

Don't forget to remind the recipient they have 48 hours to do it to their next door neighbor or friend which creates a chain throughout the neighborhood.  What a great way to bring some Halloween cheer to others!

Just had to mention as an update, my six year old granddaughters LOVES this movie!  She wants to watch it all the time!



*Disclaimer:  I received a copy of the DVD and a sample "Boo It Forward" campaign treat.
 #booitforward 

New Exclusive Offers from Zazzle - 30% Off Select Products

Discover something new - up to 30% off New Arrivals | USE CODE: NEWEXCLUSIVE Click the link below to start shopping!

Invitations, Military and Epilepsy Related

Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park & Finding Dory – Shedd Aquarium Package

Summer is finally upon us and although to me, it doesn't seem like it started yet given the very long winter, I'm ready to get moving with some homeschool and summer vacation plans.  Getting to Shedd Aquarium is not so hard thanks to all the public transportation options Chicago has to offer.  Chicago has a special sort of unique feel to it given it’s in the Midwest and the culture is different from other big cities.  Military life provides a wonderful opportunity to experience many places across the country as well as around the world. 

The Shedd Aquarium is a perfect homeschool trip to plan on any day.  It’s a great way to introduce fun and education all in one and what better fun is there than to plan an overnight stay in a hotel to relax the night before you venture out to an oasis of activities.  The package deal at the Fairmont Chicago is a great way to bring the magic to the children while not breaking the bank.

Shedd boasts its 20^th century charm that endures with a modern 21^st century attention to ecological awareness, care and interpretation.  John G. Shedd was the one time president of Marshall Field & Company and loved the city so much he decided to build the world’s finest and biggest aquarium.  As a non-profit, forming in 1924, its purpose was for education and scientific purposes exclusively.  The Aquarium has only expanded twice since 1930 cautiously ensuring the original architecture design wouldn’t be compromised thus earning a National Historic Landmark destination.

Shedd was also the first inland aquarium with permanent saltwater exhibits as well as freshwater ones.  The saltwater was actually brought in during the early 30’s via insulated railroad cars that circulated between Key West, Florida and Chicago for a total of a million tropical gallons of ocean water.  To learn more, visit the Shedd Aquarium website for the latest exhibits, hours, and other special events and information.

For more information:

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, 200 North Columbus Drive, is making sure every member of the family, including four-legged ones, enjoys summer in the city with three new family and pet-friendly packages. The Bark Near the Park Package caters to every pampered pooches needs, while the Finding Dory - Shedd Aquarium and Family Getaway Packages keep kids of all ages entertained during a stay in the Windy City.

The Bark Near the Park Package, created, in part, by Fairmont Chicago Team Member Chinook (the Hotel Manager's four-year-old Golden Retriever) includes overnight accommodations in a luxurious Fairmont guest room, two hours of dog sitting, Chinook’s Doggie Biscuits and favorite toy, the Tug Rope, plus all of Fairmont’s doggie amenities including a bed, bowls and bags. The package also includes the pet cleaning fee. There’s even in-room dining available from a new, dog-friendly a la carte menu that includes items like rotisserie chicken and poached Atlantic salmon. Finally, should Fido need a suggestion on the best doggie sightseeing spots, Fairmont’s new “dog-cierge” is available to offer recommendations. The Bark Near the Park Package starts from $249 USD per night, is available year-round, and subject to availability.

For families looking to entertain to the kids, the Finding Dory - Shedd Aquarium Package includes overnight accommodations, four VIP tickets, including Express Priority Entry, to the nearby famed Shedd Aquarium and a $100 AMC gift card so families can end their day of sea creature fun by relaxing and watching the new and largely anticipated Disney sequel, Finding Dory. Rates for this package start at $419 per room per night, and is subject to availability.

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park is also offering a new Family Getaway to Chicago Package that includes overnight accommodations for up to four guests, breakfast for two adults (children 12 and under are complimentary), and valet parking (a $70 value). Rates for the Family Getaway to Chicago Package start at $309 per night. This package is also available year-round, subject to availability.

More information on Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park or any of its packages, please visit http://www.fairmont.com/chicago/.

About Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park is an AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel located in downtown Chicago.  With 687 guestrooms and 63,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel provides contemporary elegance and gracious hospitality. Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park is also home to THE BAR in the Lobby and aria restaurant and bar, taking guests on an “east meets west” culinary experience. In addition to uniquely inspired dining and stylish accommodations, the hotel features an exclusive lifestyle spa. mySpa affords eight treatment rooms and provides the perfect urban sanctuary from the busy and bustling Chicago streets.  For more information on Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, call 312-565-8000 or visit fairmont.com/Chicago.

About Fairmont

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts connects guests to the very best of its destinations, providing travelers with memorable travel experiences, thoughtful and attentive service and luxury hotels that are truly unforgettable. Each Fairmont property reflects the locale’s energy, culture and history through locally inspired cuisine, spirited bars and lounges and distinctive design and decor. With more than 65 hotels globally, and many more in development, the Fairmont collection boasts some of the most iconic hotels in the world, including The Plaza in New York, The Savoy in London, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai and Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hotel company that operates more than 125 hotels and branded residential properties under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands.

For more information or reservations, please visit fairmont.com.