Sam's Club and Chex Mix for the Holidays (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

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Who doesn't love Chex Mix? Well, okay...I don't. At least not the traditional kind. BUT! There are so many other varieties and other things to do with Chex that I do love! Like Muddy Buddies...Mmmmmmm I love those!

Sam's Club and Chex want to let you know that there are a TON of different ways to spice up your Chex Mix. They have an interesting idea they're calling a Sam´s Club Chex Party Mix-Change. It's like a cookie swap...but with Chex Mix! Sam's Club has everything you'll need for your party. And since most Chex Mix recipes can be made in fifteen minutes or so, you'll have more time to actually enjoy your party and guests!

Here is all you need to know to host a fabulous Sam's Club Chex Party Mix-Change:

• Set the date and spread the word. Announce your Chex Party Mix-Change using some of these festive invites.
• Mix it up. Use these mouth-watering Chex recipe cards including Chex Pumpkin Pie Crunch and Hot Buttered Yum Chex Mix and this shopping list to make party prep a snap.
• Share the fun. Use some of these easy tips & tricks to add some extra flare to your party and check out some of the packaging ideas so your guests don´t go home empty handed.

Visit ChexPartyMixChange.com for even more party-planning tips and be sure to also check out Sam´s Club, your one stop Chex spot that has everything you need to throw a Chex Party Mix-Change!

Our schedule doesn't allow us time to host a party, but I sure to plan to make some Chex Mix for our holiday road trips! I think it would even make a great Christmas Eve snack! I'm leaning towards the Chex Peanut Butter and Chocolate Blast!. Which sound good to you?

******************************WIN IT!!!*************************************
Winner has been notified. Thanks to all who entered!


One of you will win a prize pack that will get you well on your way to hosting your own party. You'll win a $25 Sam's Club gift card and a big Sam's Club size box of Chex.

To enter, leave a comment letting me know your favorite thing to do with Chex.

Comments will close at midnight EST December 20, 2011. A winner will be randomly selected and notified on December 21, 2011. Winner will have 48-hours to claim their prize. If not claimed, prize will be considered to be forfeited and a new winner will be selected. Open to US addresses only, please.

Keeping it real: We received the prize pack pictured above for review purposes. Disclosure: The Sam´s Club gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by Sam´s Club, Chex Party Mix and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Last Minute Toy Gift Guide: CAT Iron Diesel Train Set

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Are you still looking for those last minute gifts? I know...time has a way of sneaking up on you this time of year! if kids are on your gift list, I've got you covered with three gift ideas I'll be sharing over the next three days. Today I'm going to tell you about the CAT Iron Diesel Train Set.

This is a great starter train set for any kid who loves trains and/or construction vehicles. The small scale train comes with over seven feet of track. The train itself features a flat bed car with two snap-on CAT mini machines (dump truck and wheel loader), an engine, a crane car with moving crane, and a container car.






Here is a short video demonstrating the train in motion. As you can see, we set it up on carpet and it worked fine, so don't worry about needing a flat surface for the train. (Subscribers, please click through to view video)

As I mentioned, this is a pretty basic train set. The fun is in the removable construction vehicles and movable crane. Those pieces are what is going to give longevity to this toy.

The CAT Iron Diesel Train Set is suggested for ages five and up and retails for approximately $15.00. The best online deal I could find as of December 14 was at K-mart. They have this train on sale for $14.24 and can have it delivered in time for Christmas as long as you order by 12/21.

Keeping it real: We received the CAT Iron Diesel Train Set for review purposes as members of Team Mom. All opinions are my own.

Last Minute Toy Gift Guide: Zillionz Talking Cash Register

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It's day two of my Last Minute Toy Gift Guide! If you missed Day One, check out the CAT Iron Diesel Train Set!

Today I'm going to tell you about the Zillionz Talking Cash Register. This is such a fun toy, but it has lots of learning potential, which I LOVE! It's an all in one design, so it's pretty compact. You can also change the language it speaks in from English to Spanish or French, and considering my son loves to watch DVDs in Spanish, you can guess what it's probably going to stay on in my house!

You can ring up purchases in a few different ways. First, you can touch the keypad to enter a price. The machine says each number as you enter it, and also announces keys such as "plus" or "total". Alternatively, the Talking Cash Register comes with bar code stickers and a working scanner. You place the stickers on your item, and simply scan the bar code with the attached scanner.
When paying, you can use the included debit card and simply swipe it. Or you can pay with the included play money, and open the working cash drawer.
There is also a built in microphone, for any price checks your little shoppers may need. Admittedly, the microphone isn't very loud and you can barely hear it...but that's not exactly a bad thing, right parents? *wink*

Here is a quick video demonstrating all the features of the Zillionz Talking Cash Register. Subscribers, please click through to view video!

I really appreciate that this one item will not only serve as a fun toy, but also as a great learning tool. I can easily see us adding it to our math games when we play store, or our lessons on money. The only potential negative I can say about this toy is that at first our cash drawer would not open. We tried and tried and finally decided it must be broken. A few nights later we brought it out, planning to break it just so the kids could use it...and before we broke it we tried one more time..and it worked! Totally bizarre, but we've not had any further problems with it after that first night. So I would just suggest you take it out of the box and try the cash drawer before wrapping it up...just in case!

The Zillionz Talking Cash Register is suggested for ages five and up, and retails for approximately $39.99. The best online deal I could find as of December 15 is on Amazon. They have it listed for $36.75 with free Super Saver Shipping (will arrive by December 24).

Keeping it real: We received the Zillionz Talking Cash Register for review purposes as members of Team Mom. All opinions are my own.

Last Minute Toy Gift Guide; Backyard Safari Outfitters

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Today is the third (and final!) day of my Last Minute Toy Gift Guide. If you missed the first two days, check out the CAT Iron Diesel Train Set and the Zillionz Talking Cash Register. Today I'm going to tell you about some of the new items in the Backyard Safari line.

I really like the Backyard Safari line of toys. They encourage kids to get outside and explore and learn about nature, and there really isn't anything better than that! Previously we reviewed their Cargo Vest, Periscope, and Bug Vacuum. All are still in use by our kids, over a year later! Over the last few weeks we've been playing with some of the newest items in the Backyard Safari line; Storm Chaser Mobile Weather Pod, Bird Watcher's Field Kit, Expedition One 3-in-1 Compass Tool, and Butterfly Habitat.

Storm Chaser Mobile Weather Pod This handy little device tells you the current air temperature and wind speed. It has a built in compass, and weather vane to show you which direction the wind is blowing. The bottom unscrews and can be used as a water gauge to measure rainfall. Everything is self-contained in this portable device, so you can take it anywhere your explorations may lead. I'm really excited about the possibilities with this Weather Pod once we start studying weather in our homeschool!

Bird Watcher's Field Kit
This kit includes 5X30 powered binoculars, a tripod, and three different bird callers. My son really thought it was neat to use the binoculars outside. Keep in mind though, that these are toys. If you're serious about bird watching you'll probably want to invest in real binoculars, letting your kids start off with the Backyard Safari ones. The tripod clips on easily to the binoculars, and was quite study. It folds down so it's portable too, which is a plus.

Expedition One 3-in-1 Compass Tool


This functional little device is a compass, an LED signal light, and magnifying lens all in one. You can use the LED light to flash Morse Code messages, and there's even a Morse Code alphabet cheat sheet printed inside the compass lid! Expedition One is attached to a carabiner clip by a retractable, self-winding string, so your kids can clip it onto their Cargo Vests and go on their way. My son had a BLAST pulling the compass out and trying to determine his direction all around our yard. Unfortunately, the string connecting the compass to the carabiner clip broke after one day, so he's going to have to carry it in his pocket from now on. I really like this tool though, even with the broken string, because it's small and portable and really useful.

Butterfly Habitat
This habitat expands to 16", and folds flat when not in use. It includes directions for catching and releasing butterflies, and also comes with a mail-in-coupon for live caterpillars. I'm really looking forward to using this Habitat more in the Spring.

Approximate Retail Prices
Storm Chaser Mobile Weather Pod: $14.99
Bird Watcher's Field Kit: $24.99
Expedition One: $14.99
Butterfly Habitat: $14.99

Best Current Online Deals as of December 16:
Toys R Us has the Mobile Weather Pod for $10.49
Toys R Us has the Bird Watcher's kit for $13.99
Bass Pro Shops has Expedition One for $14.99
Target has the Butterfly Habitat for $11.19
Each retailer has shipping options that will get your items to you in time for Christmas!

Keeping it real: We received each item pictured above for review purposes as members of Team Mom. All opinions are my own.

Ringling Brothers And Barnum & Bailey Present DRAGONS!

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This weekend my family was invited to see Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey's newest show DRAGONS at the Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Arena! I haven't been to a Ringling Bros show since I was a little girl, so I was excited to go and introduce my kids to The Greatest Show on Earth. And it didn't disappoint! The show celebrates the Year of the Dragon:

Dragon tribes from the far reaches of the earth are brought together in a single performance, displaying their breathtaking skills in a circus tournament of champions. Each tribe must prove that they have virtues of Courage, Strength, Wisdom and Heart to arouse dragons which appear right before your very eyes!

Before the show we were given a Behind the Scenes tour with some other Jacksonville area bloggers. I wasn't sure what to expect from this tour, but I was super excited when we rounded a corner and I realized we were no joke backstage! We passed by dressing rooms, with performers in sparkly costumes or comfy robes. We passed a makeshift sewing station set up in the middle of a hallway, with a woman doing some serious last minute sewing. And of course, we passed by some incredible props.
Then we were taken to the animal's area behind the arena. First we met some horses, goats, and other small animals.
My daughter was really excited about the horses; I don't think she's ever seen one up close before!
We were able to view the tigers and lions as they caught a pre-show cat nap.
And finally, we got to meet the elephants, my favorites!
We met the Assistant elephant trainer, who told us all about each elephant and how they train them and care for them. I had such a great time watching the elephants; they were so social and kept sticking their trunks out towards us. And the three year old, Barrack, kept bouncing up and down like an excited toddler. They were just too cute.
We made it back indoors and onto the main stage, where the FREE pre-show was just getting started. Every ticket holder is welcome to the pre-show, which begins about an hour before show time. You can meet and greet with various circus celebs and see some of the animals up close. You can even watch an elephant paint. Yes! For real!
They have dress up stations for the kids...
free temporary tattoos...
and a bounce house...
And then, right on time, the show began! And folks, it was truly something to see. My husband and I have been talking about it the entire weekend! Amazing acrobats, impressive animal acts, hilarious clowns, jaw-dropping martial arts, and a hold-your-breath-exciting motocross performance in the Globe of Steel. And at the end......the dragon!
You can see all the photos I took in my Facebook album!

My husband and I agree that this is a DON'T MISS show. The acts are absolutely amazing, the props and costumes are gorgeous, the music is fresh and modern and catchy...it's truly one of the best shows I've seen in my entire life.

Visit the Ringling Brothers webpage to learn more about the show and check the touring schedule. If DRAGONS is coming to a town near you, GO! You absolutely will not regret it! You can also keep up with Ringling Brothers on Facebook and Twitter.

Keeping it real: My family received complementary tickets to DRAGONS. All opinions are my own.

Disney Junior "Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Summer Adventures" at Simon Malls hosted by Radio Disney

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Disney Junior is celebrating summer with fun, interactive events themed around the hit series "Jake and the Never Land Pirates;" May 2012's #1 cable TV series among kids 2-5 and #1 cable preschool series in women 18-49. The "Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Summer Adventures" family events will be hosted by Radio Disney at over 25 Simon Malls across 10 markets beginning SATURDAY, JUNE 23 – SUNDAY, JULY 1.

Kids and families are invited to take part in a pirate adventure and collect gold doubloons, the series’ signature treasure, by completing themed activities. Kids will receive "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" bandanas and treasure maps before setting out on a variety of fun, interactive activities including creating treasure chests, Pirate Pal coloring sheets, a 'Never Land' photo opportunity and a 'Look for Hook' game, where kids will search for Captain Hook decals throughout the mall.
The Radio Disney Road Crew will provide entertainment inviting kids to sing and dance to popular Radio Disney Junior songs from their favorite Disney Junior series including "Jake and the Never Land Pirates," "Doc McStuffins" and "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse." Additionally, there will be a special viewing area where families can watch episodes of "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" and "Doc McStuffins." The Radio Disney Road Crew will give away Disney Junior themed prizes at each event.
"Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Summer Adventures" events details are as follows:
Saturday, June 23Atlanta, GA                     Town Center at Cobb       1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Boston, MA                     Solomon Pond Mall                   1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Chicago, IL                     Orland Square                12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Dallas/Fort Worth, TX      Grapevine Mills               1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.New York, NY                  Roosevelt Field                2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Philadelphia, PA              King of Prussia Mall         3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.Philadelphia, PA              Oxford Valley Mall           10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 24Los Angeles, CA              Westminster Mall            11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 28Philadelphia, PA              Lehigh Valley Mall           1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.New York, NY                  Smith Haven Mall            3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday, June 29Los Angeles, CA              Brea Mall                         1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Miami, FL                        Dadeland Mall                 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 30Atlanta, GA                     Mall of Georgia                1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Charlotte, NC                  Concord Mills                  11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Chicago, IL                     Gurnee Mills                    2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Denver, CO                     Town Center at Aurora    2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Los Angeles, CA              Ontario Mills                    10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Los Angeles, CA              Del Amo Fashion Center  3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.Miami, FL                        Miami International Mall  10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Miami, FL                        Coral Square                   3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.New York, NY                  Ocean County Mall                   12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.New York, NY                  Rockaway Town Square   12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 1Los Angeles, CA              Shops at Montebello        2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.New York, NY                  Newport Centre               1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.New York, NY                  Menlo Park Mall               1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

A Happy Father's Day from Pampers and "MVD" Eli Manning!

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Our family is packing it's bags and heading to New York City this weekend to attend a very special Father's Day Pampers Event.  P&G Pampers has partnered with MLB and the NY Mets to host a "Play Pen to Bull Pen, Father's Day Event" on Sunday, June 17 (Father's Day).  
It gets even better!  We are going to have the opportunity to meet Eli Manning, NY Giants QB and "MVD" (Most Valuable Dad). 


Eli Manning will be there to celebrate all of the ways fathers enrich the lives of their own little athletes! Alongside his daughter, Eli Manning will be saluting dads nationwide by throwing out the first pitch at this Father’s Day Mets vs. Reds game. 


Above find a Father's Day greeting from Eli Manning himself ...  Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there!

Disclosure:Please note that I am a member of the Pampers Baby Board.  Additionally, my travel expenses are being provided by P&G Pampers.  All opinions expressed are my own.