Awesome Giveaway Sponsored by Sodastream and Shutterfly

We are so excited to share with you all this years St. Patty's  Day Giveaway hosted by Take It From Me and sponsored by Shutterfly and Sodastream!

St. Patricks Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate and make memories and there is no one better to help make this happen than Shutterfly and Sodastream.

Sodastream is guaranteed to make every occasion more exciting! The ability to create your own soda from scratch will have guests of all ages entertained. As long as you have running tap water you will never run out of soda and since Sodastream has over 100 different syrup flavors available there is no doubt that everyones tastebuds will be satisfied! You can read an in depth review of the Sodastream HERE.

Netflix and Roku are a Perfect Match! #NetflixKids

I am so excited to share the news that I am officially part of the Netflix Stream Team!  We watch Netflix a lot, and I mean A LOT!  I just received my welcome kit which contained a Roku 3.

The Roku is super easy to set up and you can start enjoying all your favorite shows and movies instantly. Since I already had a Netflix account, all I had to do was log in and we were good to go.  My favorite part about Netflix, besides the fact that it has all my favorite shows, is that there is a Just For Kids section.  I know my kids will never accidentally click on something inappropriate or watch something I don't approve of.  

If you are not familiar with Netflix or streaming, here are some FAQs

What is streaming? 

Movies and TV shows are instantly streamed (played not downloaded) via a Netflix-ready device. You can watch on the go or snuggled together in the family room.  Families can watch what they want, anytime, anywhere with Netflix.

Where can I watch Netflix? 

You can get instant access to Netflix on hundreds of devices, including TVs, tablets, mobile devices, game consoles and computers.

How do I find TV shows and movies for my kids? 

With Netflix, you have the power to choose what your kids are watching. There's even a dedicated section for kids where the only titles you'll have access to are pre-screened and appropriate for kids aged 2-12. Netflix works with Common Sense Media to provide ratings, reviews and information so parents can easily make choices for their children.

Who is watching on Netflix? 

Just a few months ago, Netflix unveiled a new feature that makes it easier for everyone in a household to enjoy Netflix. Members can create individual profiles within a single Netflix account, allowing everyone to have their own personalized suggestions based on what they watch and rate.

If you love sports and are did not get enough of the Winter Olympic Games, check out these awesome titles on Netflix now:




1. The Short Game
2. The Kid
3. The Pistol
4. A Mile in His Shoes
5. Winning Favor
6. The Mighty Macs
7. Like Mike 2: Streetball
8. Air Bud: World Pup
9. Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch
10. Air Bud Spikes Back

Champions of Care Challenge #HealthMartCares

Are you working hard, or do you know someone that is, to improve the health of your community?  Do you have a friend or neighbor who is organizing sports, coaching or taking care of an elderly person?  Health Mart is recognizing hard working individuals accross the nation, and to say thank you,  independent Health Mart pharmacists are awarding $50,000 in grants!   Grants are being awarded  to community health non-profits and and your nominee could win the chance to choose the organization that the money goes to.

If you want to nominate someone, or yourself, entering is simple.  Just tell Health Mart your story about the good deed you or someone you know has done, and you could win the right to select the non-profit of your choice to receive thousands of dollars to continue critically important work for the health of the community.

Health Mart’s Champions of Care Challenge will shine a bright light on those unsung local heroes whose everyday actions have built healthier families, workplaces, neighborhoods and communities.

• $30,000 grant chosen by the grand prize winner
• $3,000 grant chosen by the 2nd place winner
• $2,000 grant chosen by the 3rd place winner
• $1,000 grants chosen by each of 15 finalists

Need some ideas for who to nominate?

Health Mart is celebrating the unsung Champions of Care in your community who are:
Coaching adult/youth sports or starting sports leagues
Taking extra special care of a sick loved one
Bringing meals to the elderly
Starting a violence prevention program in the community
Paying for much needed medicines for someone who can’t afford them
Or countless other examples!

Here’s How It Works:

Visit www.healthmartcommunity.com today to nominate someone or yourself for the Champions of Care Challenge from Health Mart!

Starting on March 17th, the public will have two weeks to vote for their favorite so hurry and submit your entry!

This is a sponsored post with the Niche Parent Network & Conference. All opinions are my own.

Taco Shells and Cheese #CookinComfort #CollectiveBias #shop

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

We are an extremely busy family so dinner is sometimes a challenge.  Most nights I want to cook something that is balanced and delicious but is also quick and easy.  What I really like is taking foods that my family already loves and turning them into brand new family favorites.  I came up with this Mexican style, taco shells and cheese on a whim one day and it is so delicious!

Most people already have a box or two of Kraft shells and cheese in their pantry.  If you don't then head to Walmart and pick up a couple of boxes.

At the Walmart here in town, you can find it in the same isle as soup and rice, on the lower shelves.

There are several different flavors but grab the original.  For this recipe I used two boxes of the original Kraft Shells and Cheese.

So here is what you will need:

2 boxes Kraft Shells and Cheese

1/2 lb of ground beef

1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies 

Some green onion

taco seasoning

Directions:

Brown the ground beef and season with the taco seasoning as you cook.  I do not follow the directions on the taco seasoning packet because it says to add water.  Omit the water adding or your beef will have a sauce.

While beef is cooking cook the pasta as directed on the box.  While both of those are on the stove, open the can of tomatoes and pour into a colander to drain the liquid.  Let that sit for a while.

Next, chop up some green onion.  You really don't need much, I happen to have some growing at home.  If you do not know how to grow green onion, it is super easy, just stick an onion into a cup of water.  The onion will grow roots and green "leaves".

Once the pasta is fully cooked, drain and add the cheese.  Add the ground beef, and some of the tomatoes. You might not need the entire can so don't add all of it at once.  Throw in some green onion and mix it all up.

#CookinComfort #CollectiveBias #shop

$100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Hosted by:

NYSavingSpecials

Sponsored by:

Gazers

Co-Hosted by:

Simple Sherryl, Barbara's Beat, Capri's Coupons, The Deal Match Maker, Rainy Day Pennies, Giveaway Lovers, Kaisy Daisy's Corner, Libby's Library, Posh On A Budget, The Minister's Wife Stamps and Saves, The Crafty Side Of Sarcasm, Jenny Saved A Penny, My Devotional Thoughts, Merlot Mommy, Maria's Space and Health, Beauty, Children and Family

Fountain Jet Soda Stream Starter Set Giveaway

Welcome to the Fountain Jet Starter Set Giveaway

Hosted by Conservamom

 

Making carbonated soda water and soft drinks just became simple! Don't settle for sodas that lose their flavor right away or come in plastic that you just toss once you've drank it all. Turn tap water into sparkling water in under 30 seconds, with no clean-up. Enjoy the freshness and convenience of homemade soda and protect the environment at the same time. With fizz to your taste, add the flavor of your choice to make your favorite drink.

Simple to clean and reuse. With a variety of colors and silhouettes, you'll be sure to find a soda maker to match with any decor.

This is a great solution for parties and get togethers, you will never have to deal with leftover 2 liter bottles of flat soda drinks ever again.

Not only will you fall in love with the ease and convenience of this product but you will definitely enjoy the huge variety of flavors from their Natural line to Diet line, everyone in your family will find a favorite!

To find out more about this fantastic product, head over to Conservamom's Page for her review!

One lucky reader will win their very own starter kit

This set includes:

Fountain Jet – winner’s choice of color (black/silver, red/silver or white)

- 1 carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years

- Reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda

- Variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors

- 3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice

Retail value: $99.99

Giveaway open to US residents only. Ends on 2/28 at 11:59pm.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This blog is not responsible for the fullfilment of prize, Conservamom was compensated either by free product or payment. I have not been compensated for this post. This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network.All opinions and experiences are my own. Open to the US, must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of the giveaway. Sponsor will be responsible for prize fulfillment. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions you can contact Elia At Conservamom

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Buy One Get One Free Admission to Rockford's Discovery Center Museum

The amazing Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, IL,  is full of over 250 exciting hands-on exhibits spread over a two-floor area.  Out in the museum's backyard, visitors can explore Rock River Discovery Park, a giant, multi-level science park with a hands-on twist! The museum also hosts traveling exhibits, special events and programs throughout the year.

My readers can Buy One General Admission and Get One Free.

Click HERE for coupon.  Not valid with other offers. Offer valid up to 3 free admissions.

I May be in a Lobster Induced Coma #BestLobsterFest

My husband and I were invited to a Red Lobster Lobsterfest kick off party last night.  We were really excited to try out some of Red Lobster's amazing dishes, I mean who could turn down lobster.  We were definitely not prepared for what came next.  The staff brought out not one but three amazing appetizers for us to try.  My favorite was the Lobster pizza but my husbands was the Sweet Chili Shrimp.

I knew we had the main courses coming but it is really hard to pace yourself when everything is so delicious. The first main course that was served was the Dueling Lobster Tails, which is a new item at Red Lobster. These yummy tails were served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Next came a flavor that you would not expect when eating lobster, but it really made my taste buds dance!  It is called Lobster in Paradise, because that is how it tastes, and is also a new item on the menu.  It is a split Maine lobster tail fried in coconut batter, served with spicy grilled shrimp and a lobster and shrimp bake topped with toasted crushed macadamia nuts.  This also came with a delicious sauce that tasted like it may have had pineapple in it.  

This was my husbands favorite dish of the night, its one of those flavor combinations that you really have to try for yourself.

If you are not already drooling, just wait.  Nest came the Ultimate Surf and Turf, because nothing goes better with lobster than some steak.

Oh folks we are not done yet, Red Lobster really out did themselves with all of these beautiful dishes, and everything was cooked to perfection.  Not to mention the presentation was just beautiful.

We were also treated to the Bar Harbor Lobster Bake and the Lobster Lover's Dream.  These two dishes are perfect for pasta lovers, or lobster lovers of course.  I wanted to taste everything and by the end of the night I thought that they might have to roll me out of the restaurant.  Our table mates were a lot of fun, Wayne kept us very entertained with many funny jokes!

Just when we thought we couldn't eat another bite, dessert was brought out.  Key Lime Pie, Chocolate cake and the seasonal Red Velvet Cake in a jar.

Even though all the desserts were delicious, my favorite was the key lime pie.  The flavor was very light and refreshing after our amazing meal.  

If you are craving some tail, head on over to Red Lobster for their spectacular Lobsterfest, it would make a great Valentine's Day date!

The Morton Arboretum's Summer Science Camp Registration Opens February 3rd

Registration opens on February 3rd for The Morton Arboretum’s highly-regarded Summer Science Camp. This summer’s lineup features more than 100 camps for kids in kindergarten through 8th grade, with 13 new camps added to keep the experience fresh for repeat campers. Taking place from June 9-August 8, each week-long camp will engage and educate kids as they explore bizarre bugs, wriggling frogs, fairy worlds and more. 

The Arboretum’s Summer Science Camp sessions take place at the Arboretum, letting kids explore the outdoors, having fun while they learn. Each session is taught by a highly qualified educator and follows an age-appropriate and engaging curriculum.

“The Morton Arboretum’s Science Camp offers a chance to introduce your children to nature’s wonders through hands-on exploration at the Arboretum,” said Director of Education Anamari Dorgan. “We’re excited to introduce our newest camp sessions, which were developed in response to parents’ feedback.”

This year, The Morton Arboretum is offering more than 100 camps for kids in kindergarten through 8th grade. Favorites from previous years like Fishing Fun, Bike & Hike and Forest Forts will be back, along with more than a dozen new camps to choose from.

NEW Camps This Year: 

Kindergarten 
 * Where the Wild Things Are (half day): Explore the woodlands of the Arboretum and discover coyotes, spiders, hawks and other wild things that live in our woodland.

Grades 1-2 
 * Gotta Grow (half day): Get ready to dig in the dirt! Examine flowers up close with microscopes, watch seeds germinate and decorate flower pots.
 * Nature’s Neighborhood (half day): Discover the world that can be found in your own backyard and uncover fascinating creatures and plants from trees.

Grades 3-4
 * Feathers and Scales (half day): Discover the amazing adaptations of birds and reptiles including how hawk feathers and owl feathers are different, how turtles shed their scales and more!
 * Flower Fairies (half day): Search for fairies hidden in the gardens at the Arboretum. Create a fairy, decorate flower pots, plant seeds and explore the flowers that fairies like most!
 * Outdoor Adventures (full day): Get outside and explore! Set off on a different adventure each day and explore geocaching, letterboxing, survival skills and more.

Grades 5-6 
 * Eco-mythbusters (half day): Do you get warts if you touch a toad? Does moss always grow on the north side of a tree? Examine these nature myths and more while exploring the Arboretum for answers.
 * Enchanted Forest (half day): Delve into the worlds of Ents, Ratatoskr, Dryads and other mystical and mythical creatures that come from the forest.
 * Exploring Energy (full day): Explore the science behind solar, wind and water power. Build a solar oven, harness hydro-power at Lake Marmo and conduct wind power experiments.
 * Nature’s Architects (half day): Explore animal homes around the Arboretum’s woodlands, wetlands and prairie to design and build a mini-architectural marvel.

Grades 7-8 
 * Amazing Race (full day): Learn survival skills while trekking through the Arboretum. Explore woodlands, wetlands and the prairie to discover how these ecosystems function and figure out clues to win the race.
 * Nature Illustrators (full day): Get inspired by nature and create a nature artist toolkit. Learn techniques to use the tools of contemporary artists to create a book of nature images.
 * Nature Photographers at Night (night camp): Use nature-observation skills and get creative with digital photography at dusk. Practice composition, subject placement, lighting, moving targets and more. Participants must bring their own digital cameras.

Teens 14 to 16 years old can apply by April 7 for the Counselor in Training (CIT) program to become a volunteer Summer Science Camp assistant.

The Morton Arboretum’s Summer Science Camps are supported by a grant from Molex Corporation. “Innovative youth programs contribute to improving the quality of life in the communities where we operate," said Martin Slark, CEO, Molex. "Furthering our commitment to promote science and education, we are pleased to renew support for The Morton Arboretum programs that promote healthy activities, encourage respect for nature, and foster science knowledge among children and youth."

Camp fees are $165 for members ($195 for nonmembers) per week for half-day sessions and $295 for members ($350 for nonmembers) per week for full-day sessions. To better fit parents’ schedules, the Arboretum will continue to offer morning and afternoon supervised play from 8-9 a.m. and 3-5:30 p.m. as well as supervised lunch in between half-day camps for an additional fee. Payment is due in full at time of registration. Registration fee includes a FREE Summer Science Camp t-shirt.

Click here for a copy of the 2014 Summer Science Camp brochure, including details on all 100+ sessions being offered.