SnackWell's Fudge Caramel Popcorn

As a Kraft Foods Delicious Byte Blogger, I've had the chance to sample a lot of different products.  Only one product has completely reduced me to hiding said samples and it is this one.  A box of SnackWell's Fudge Drizzled Popcorn comes with five 130 calorie packs.  That, for the record, is just enough to act as mid afternoon much awaited snack all 5 weekdays provided you hide them from your kids.  I admit it.  While most people might consider me a generous and even semi selfless mommy, these snacks are mine!

Anamalz Wooden Toys

In my years as a reviewer I have learned that when it comes to toys buzzwords like "sustainable wood", "handmade", "formaldehyde free", and even "award winning" mean nothing if a child isn't inspired to play when they encounter said perfectly constructed play item.  A toy can be made of all the right stuff yet if it doesn't really resonate with the child, it's just another item to clutter ones home. In a world of rapidly growing technology, a simple wooden toy faces no small challenge harnessing this inspirational moment in a child.  Yet, it can happen and the latest evidence of this is a line of toys called Anamalz.

Sprite #SparkParks Project (Giveaway)

As many readers already know from my prior postings, I recently returned from a family vacation in Colorado. Much of our time there was spent at the plethora of wonderful parks and playgrounds the area has. These parks are a novelty for my family, as our southern chicago suburb is severely lacking in the playground department.  My children's school comes up short with only a blacktop surface for play as well. With this in mind, I was more than happy to get the word our about a project Sprite holds near and dear, the Sprite Spark Parks Project.

Educational Insights: Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

We were recently invited by Educational Insights to join their blogger review team.  A relationship with a company that places an emphasis on fun in learning?  Say no more.  The offer seemed like perfect timing with the twins heading to preschool for the first time this year and our other three kids preparing to head back to school this fall as well.

Our first review and giveaway is a game for the 3-5 age group called Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel.  (Say that 10 times quickly.)

"The Help" Movie - August 10th (Giveaway)

Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, THE HELP is a provocative and inspiring look at what happens when a southern town’s unspoken code of rules and behavior is shattered by three courageous women who strike up an unlikely friendship.

I read the book and can't wait to see "The Help" movie when it arrives in theaters on August 10th.  Here's the movie's trailer to wet your whistle:

Back to School: Disney Themed Crunch Paks

Packing healthy convenient foods that pass the fun & cool test with your kids just got a little easier this year with the help of some Disney themed options from Crunch Pak.

Back to School: LockerLookz Locker Decor (Giveaway)

Hard to believe, but it's that time of year again! Time to shop for school supplies, order uniforms, buy new shoes, and secure all the items your child will need to have the most stylish locker in the school.


We were sent everything Cordelia could ever crave for her locker shown in the 2 photos. On the left you'll note her shoes are placed on a shaggy black locker rug that perfect matches the Black and White Key Scroll locker wallpaper she picked out.

Frank's RedHot THICK Sauce

If you are a Frank's fan or just like things spicy, you'll be excited to hear that Frank's now offers a thick version of their famous RedHot sauce.  Our family tried a bottle for review and we discovered it has the same taste as Frank’s RedHot Original, but with a thicker consistency more like ketchup.

Coca-Cola’s Summer Fun Initiative (Giveaway)

While our family may have just returned from our big Summer Trip, Coca-Cola reminded us with a fun gift pack that Summer's far from over.  

To celebrate Coca-Cola’s 125th anniversary, Coca-Cola has created a summer-long program, available through My Coke Rewards, designed to help busy moms to continue to create summer fun for their families by offering a variety of rewards. To help busy moms get the most out of summer, My Coke Rewards has created an interactive and fun summer treasure map. The treasure map will help lead you to uncover creative summer activities and tips, recipes, how to donate to your child’s school and much more!  If you are not a yet a My Coke Rewards member, simply log on to www.mycokerewards.com and follow the prompts for new member registration.

Family Movie Night Aug. 6th - Who is Simon Miller? (Giveaway)

Thanks to Walmart and P&G, great family movies are now being broadcast FREE on network TV as part of the Family Movie Night. These movies are intended to provide quality movies that are good for the whole family and these same movies contain some teachable moments I've grown to love. To further the viewing experience, family friendly commercials have even been selected.

I've previously watched Change of Plans, Truth be Told, and Field of Vision with my family.  We loved all 3!  On August 6th, Family Movie Night will be back with an Action Adventure style movie called "Who is Simon Miller?"

Keeping Cool with New Ice Cream Products

Our Colorado Vacation required hoodies and sweaters at time, but we've now found ourselves back at home in Chicago with all time high temperatures.  Yikes!  Who's idea was it to turn off the air conditioner?  While the air conditioner was working overtime trying to cool this old house, I pulled out the emergency ice cream rations to cool off our entire crew.  

And the winner is ...

The lucky reader who has won a $300 American Express Gift Card from Pampers to throw a Baby Shower is # 469 Jacqueline G.  Congrats!

CURRENT GIVEAWAYS:

• 4 tickets to Adventures of Pinocchio Musical in Chicago
• Manhattan Toys Game Giveaway
• Kraft Parmesan Seasoning Packets & Wolfgang Puck Pan
• Learning Resources Ice Cream Shop

Goodbye Colorado - Heading Back Home

The bad news is it was time for most of us to head home, but the good news is we'll like be back for the winter season at Christmas time.  Until we meet again, Colorado.

Mountain Biking and Tennis in Arrowhead, CO

While the little ones explored nature and playgrounds around the Vail Valley area, our older kids kept with various sports.  Frisbee Golf, Tennis, Mountain Biking, Zip Lining, running, and some regular golfing were among the mix.

A Visit to Beaver Creek Stables

The twins met ponies and horses at the Beaver Creek Stables.  One pony named Gonzo was particularly friendly.  In fact both boys gave him a kiss.

Sylvan Lake in Eagle, CO

Sylvan Lake is beyond words.  The whole area was so incredibly quiet and peaceful even with our twin toddlers along for the trip.  I was beyond in love with the way the lake acted as a mirror to the mountain and forest backdrops.

Sylvan Park in Eagle, CO

While the Lake itself is an incredible sight, it's not the only thing of beauty in the Sylvan Park.  There is a breathtaking meadow area, some incredible aspen forests, and some well sculpted Beaver Dams.

Hanging Out in Beaver Creek, CO

A 5 minute walk from the slope-side is playground area we visited.

Nottingham Lake in Avon, CO

One can take a pedal boat on Nottingham Lake, walk around it, or simply lounge around and enjoy it's view.  

Fun at Ford Park in Vail, CO

Ford Park in Vail has an amazing playground area for the under 12 crowd.  It also features some very natural pieces of art.

Betty Ford Gardens in Vail, CO

Just a few photos I took of the beautiful flower-scapes in the Betty Ford Gardens in Vail.  Among those pictures are Sneezeweed and Columbine.

Throwing Stones

The twins could have thrown stones in this Vail creek for hours if it wasn't so cold on their little toes.  Who says one needs to plan lavish activities on vacation to have a good time?

Join the Outstandwich.com Road Trip

Visit the Kraft Foods “Outstandwich Road Trip” at Outstandwich.com beginning July 18th and enter for a chance to win one of four $3,750 cash prizes in the “Outstandwich Road Trip” sweepstakes – one given out each week!

And be sure not to miss my sandwich in the Midwest Section representing Chicago!

Contest Details:

• Everyone can enter once per day on the site
• Daily Bonus Entries: Once you enter you will have the opportunity to tell a friend about the sweepstakes. By doing so, you will automatically receive one bonus entry. 
• One new winner is chosen every week (four weeks total) beginning July 18, 2011 and ending August 14, 2011.

Edwards Park and Water Pad

We had some fun keeping cool at a local park with a water pad feature.

Destination Colorado Reached - Vail Farmer's Market

Potatoes on a stick, a custom portrait, mimicking statues, and crepes were just a few of the kids favorite things at the Vail Farmer's Market this Sunday.

First stop - Iowa

We visited a few out of the way places in Iowa as we made our way to a few colleges.  A favorite stop was this park in Oskaloosa, Iowa not far from William Penn.

On The Road - Our Summer Trip Begins

Chicago Suburban life was quickly left behind as we passed many corn fields in Iowa and again in Nebraska.  Time was passed in the car playing iPad apps, coloring with crayons, and watching our DVDs.  Onward to Colorado!

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment releases HAVE A LAUGH: Volumes 3 & 4 on DVD

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment recently released HAVE A LAUGH: Volumes 3 & 4 on DVD. HAVE A LAUGH: Volumes 3 & 4 feature Classic shorts featuring Mickey, Donald, Goofy & Pluto are fully restored and re-mastered. Both volumes also include brand new "Re-MICKS" features, which are comprised of modern musical hits under classic cartoon clips.

We found these Disney shorts to be perfect viewing for in the car!  Instead of the stop and go of one long movie while running errands, the kids were able to catch full shorts without any disappointment.  Another plus, is the shorts really appealed to adults and older children as much as the littler ones.  Who doesn't love classic Mickey Mouse?  The cartoon music video feature was a particular favorite among my daughter.

Top iPad App picks for Mommy (July 2011 Edition)

So July is all about "on the go" summer fun and travel for this Mommy of 5, thus my top iPad picks listed are with that in min.  Speaking of "on the go" if you are hitting the road with your kiddos don't miss our July iPad picks for the kid.

But first, here's the apps for you:

See "The Adventures of Pinocchio" @ Chicago Shakespeare’s Theater (GIVEAWAY)

Attention Chicago Area Readers:

I'm excited to announce that the new family musical "The Adventures of Pinocchio" will be making it's world premiere in Chicago Shakespeare’s Courtyard Theater today!  The show will make Chicago Shakespeare’s Courtyard Theater it's home from July 13 – August 28, 2011.

The Adventures of Pinocchio musical is based on Carlo Collodi's classic tale which illuminates the bond between parents and children in a magical performance that is sure to enchant audiences of all ages. The traditional Italian story of a wooden puppet yearning to be a real boy springs to life with inventive and awe-inspiring puppetry on CST's Courtyard Theater stage. Carved out of wood by the lonely toymaker Geppetto, Pinocchio tumbles from one slippery situation to another in search of adventure—only to discover that, in the end, all he really needs is an unselfish heart and the love of his father.

Getting into the Swing of Things

Why is it that by the time I get into the swing of things, my calendar shows it is half over?  Am I a slow learner or is summer super fast?  My mom and dad use to always be the ones saying semi corny things like this.  They were famous for adding on two more days to a vacation at the last second because no one wanted it to end.  Too bad I can't just tack on another month to summer!

And while I'm already reflecting on this whole "Where did the time go?" thing ...

Today is the day I need to start packing for our mid-summer road trip.  I've navigated my way around this one long enough.  Can you believe that this year the road trip will include a few quick college campus visits for our oldest son?  He will start his junior year of high school this fall.

Wait!  How on earth is it that high school is half way over point too?  I just got into the swing of that whole parent of a high school student as well!  And now our youngest, the twins, will head to preschool this fall with other siblings beyond the half way point in their elementary years.

Ok, so there is the answer, I'm clearly not the slow learner.  There is a conspiracy of things happening in a blink of an eye.  It's clear that time just goes by awfully fast *most of the time.

*The noted exceptions being when you are packing the suitcases (of 5 kids and yourself) for a trip or driving through that one long stretch of I80 in Nebraska.

New KRAFT Parmesan Cheese Seasoning Blends (review & giveaway)

Pork Tenderloin with Cracked Black Pepper and Toasted Onion

When it comes to weeknight meals, it’s sometimes difficult for busy families to find the time to step outside of the ease of frequently making the same dishes week after week. My oldest would refer to this drudgery as the "chicken, pork, chicken, pork syndrome" However, I find that easy to use new products really help me mixed things up. My latest find is the KRAFT Parmesan Seasoning Blends line. These pantry stored seasoning packets of pre-mixed parmesan cheese, herbs and seasonings can really give instant flavor to day to day meals. 

I loved how easy they are to have a few on hand too! The small packets take up minimal space in my crowded pantry making it easy to stock up on a couple of each for those last second dinners I find myself constantly throwing together.

Crystal Light On The Go

Flavor over Fizz?  Fancy verses Flat?

This past weekend we went with a Crystal Light theme around home and around town.  I just love adding the many flavors to a bottle of water for an instant splash of sweet refreshment.  Our family of 7 can never agree on a single favorite flavor, but there is no reason we can't get them all.  I adore that I can stock up on every flavor of Crystal Light on on the go packs without the need for an extra fridge.  Having a variety of cans or juice boxes takes up some serious room and with 5 kids, who has extra space?

Walk a Mile in Declan's Shoes

There is an old saying about how you never really truly know someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes.  The concept is a strong one, everyone clearly has their own set of gifts and challenges. I've yet to meet anyone who can say with full confidence they have NEVER formed an opinion about someone based on external appearances alone.

With that in mind, would it be wrong for me to point out that to walk a mile in my 3 year old son Declan's shoes, one would would need to wear them BACKWARDS?  Don't Judge me.

Top iPad App picks for Kids (July 2011 Edition)

A recent addition of an iPad 2 in our home as sparked an interest in apps for everyone in the household.  Watch for this Mommy's favorite apps for Daddy and Her soon, but in the meantime here are great apps for your kiddos.  You can now check back monthly for additional round-ups. 

Summer Time Weekends

Last weekend we visited the zoo and these animals were among our many favorites. Don't you just love visiting the zoo with little ones? Their faces as they observe the various animals are almost as fun to watch as the furry and feathered critters themselves.

Not every weekend is a visit to the zoo though, this weekend it is a bit of a laundry-palooza as we prepare for our upcoming road trip to Colorado. This year we'll be making some fun stops along the route that will include a few quick college campus views for our oldest.

How are you spending your weekends this summer?

Kraft Mac & Cheese Veggie Pasta (Review & Coupon)

Kraft Mac & Cheese is considered a staple in our home, especially in the case of my 10 year old daughter.  She's always been a picky eater and while here self maintained list of approved foods has recently expanded to things like salad, it's still a challenge to feed her at times.  That challenge is further complicated by her jam packed competitive dance schedule that sometimes makes a meal before or after everyone else necessary.

Busy Bug Count & Match Dominoes Game (Giveaway)

Manhattan Toy Parents' Busy Bug Count & Match Dominoes

Manhattan Toy Parents Travel Collection recently provided me with the Busy Bug Count & Match Dominoes Game for review.  This toy is designed with the 3+ age group in mind and with twin 3 year olds, I was able to put that to the test with ease.

Upon arrival, I was highly impressed by the quality and look of the game pieces and it's rugged packaging. The box includes 27 wooden dominoes with cute-as-a-bug illustrations for each number. To add to the adorable and practical factor, the wooden box doubles as a portable bug habitat with sliding mesh window and rope handle.

Win Your Shopping Bag @CompanyKids or @TheCompanyStore

Start your back to school shopping early!  Load up on those backpacks, lunchboxes, sheets, and etc.

Now through August 8th, Company Kids will be selecting five lucky purchasers daily to receive their entire online shopping bag for FREE! All shoppers can fill their bags with desired Company Kids goodies, checkout, and complete their purchase. Once the purchase is submitted, shoppers are automatically entered to win.  Find all the giveaway details here.

*Please note, Company Kids provided us with a product as thanks for posting this contest info.

Review of the New Pampers Cruisers

My Twins putting the new Pampers Cruisers to the test

Frequent readers will likely recall that I am a member of the Pampers Baby Board. Five kids have afforded me a good deal of familiarity with diapers and a visit to Pampers headquarters a year or so back furthered my knowledge of the inter-workings of diapers all the more. And while I'm not likely to mention at cocktail parties that I've seen a Pampers disposable diaper be made by hand, a post on diapers certainly can gain a boost by that rare experience. Last month, the Pampers Baby Board was invited back to Pampers Headquarters for the first official Blogger Day event but I was unable to attend. Five kids - what are the odds I can escape easily, right?

Dairy Queen Celebrates National Ice Cream Month with Blizzard Treat Coupons

To celebrate July as National Ice Cream Month, the Dairy Queen® system is offering for the first time ever in the summer a Buy One, Get One Free Blizzard® Treat coupon exclusively for Blizzard Fan Club members. 

In addition, anyone who joins the Blizzard Fan Club from Friday, July 1 through Tuesday, July 12 will receive a Buy One, Get One Free Blizzard Treat coupon for joining AND will receive a second Buy One, Get One Free Blizzard Treat coupon that all Blizzard Fan Club members will receive in July. The coupons are good for all Blizzard Treats on the DQ® menu including the new Triple Chocoholic Blizzard of the Month for July. 

To become a Blizzard Fan Club member, visit BlizzardFanClub.com.

Splashing Good Time

We had a splashing good time during out three day weekend with highlights that included swimming, good food and a visit to the zoo.  Hope your weekend was a wonderful one too!

Oven S'mores Recipe & Giveaway Winners

Happy 4th of July Weekend Everyone!

The two winners of the Kraft Stackermallows giveaway are #9 (Elaine L.) and #11 (Royalegacy)!

Congrats to you both!  I just love these flatter marshmallows.  We just put another bag of Kraft Stackermallows to use last night as we made S'mores to celebrate my Aunt's July birthday.

Make a whole sheet of S'mores in the Oven for guests:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
• Lay out Honey Maid Graham Crackers in 2 piece sections on ungreased cookie sheet and place 1 stackermallow on top of each section
• Bake until marshmallows are just starting to turn golden
• Remove and place 3 sections of Hershey's chocolate on top of each stackermallow layer
• Return to oven and bake until chocolate is melted slightly (2 minutes give or take)