Friday, August 2, 2013

Back-to-School Shots and Baby Vaccines - Wait and Educate


 

Well… it’s that time of year again.

It’s back-to-school time and with back-to-school time comes school supply shopping and school registration. Of course with school registration comes school shots. I’m sure you’ve all heard that big fat lie that the school system tells you, “Your child can not attend school without having their vaccinations up to date”. Yes, that is a big fat lie. Every single state has exemptions. Either religious, medical or philosophical exemptions gets you freed from school shots – if you so choose.

Babies is a whole other story. Babies will get given their very first round of shots in the hospital on the day they are born, or the day after.

My recommendations is to wait.

Wait and educate yourself about vaccinations before blindly listening to your doctor who is telling you nothing of any intelligence, other than to do it because it’s safe.http://www.naturalhealth365.com/vaccine_dangers/back-to-school.html

How do they [doctors] know it’s safe?

They don’t. Doctors do not know anything about vaccines other than ‘diseases are bad and shots are good’ – they just repeat what they hear from the FDA and CDC. They do not know about  diseases in detail. They have not done relevant research on the disease. They do not know the ingredients of the vaccines or the adverse effects that these ingredients can cause. Of course they may know a few of the ingredients, but surely not the long list of toxins that will go directly into your child and potentially cause irreversible damage.

Doctors Spend Very Few Hours Learning About Vaccinations

Dr. Sears says:

"Some people feel that vaccine books aren’t necessary, because to read one implies you don’t trust your doctor or the medical community. After all, why not just ask your doctor if vaccines are absolutely necessary and safe and leave it at that? It takes all of one minute, then you’re done. No research or effort on your part is needed. Here’s the problem with that approach. Doctors, myself included, learn a lot about diseases in medical school, but we learn very little about vaccines, other than the fact that the FDA and pharmaceutical companies do extensive research on vaccines to make sure they are safe and effective. We don’t review the research ourselves. We never learn what goes into making vaccines or how their safety is studied. We trust and take it for granted that the proper researchers are doing their job. So, when patients want a little more information about shots, all we can really say as doctors is that the diseases are bad and the shots are good. But we don’t know enough to answer all of your detailed questions about vaccines, nor do we have the time during a regular health check up to thoroughly discuss and debate the pros and cons of vaccines. That’s why I’ve written this book. I did the research. I’ve spent the last 13 years learning everything I could about vaccines and the diseases they are designed to prevent and put it all together in one place so you could get all your questions answered."

It’s clear that your doctor probably does not know what is being injected into your child but Do you know? Do you know what ingredients are being shot into your child? You should. You are your child’s only advocate and you are their only protector, so you should know what is getting put into their blood stream and brain.

COMMON TOXIC VACCINE INGREDIENTS/CHEMICALS:

Vaccines Ingredients

There are many, many more!

Don’t believe me?

Check out the list of each vaccine and each and every ingredient in each vaccine… along with each vaccine-associated reaction and condition.

flu package

VACCINE INSERTS DO NOT LIE -

How many parents go to the doctor appointment and before letting their child be injected, they ask for the vaccine insert and READ IT? I have a feeling that if parents did read the inserts, they most certainly would not go through with the vaccine.

Vaccine inserts list SIDS and Autism as adverse events:

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/ucm101580.pdf –

Here are the rest of the inserts:

http://www.immunize.org/packageinserts/

Thursday, August 1, 2013

#WIN a FlattenMe Personalized Children's Book in the Back 2 School Giveaway Event #Bck2SchlHop2




Welcome to the Back 2 School Bash 2 Giveaway Event!

 Hosted by Andersons Angels and Joy of Momma Joyner.

This Event features a little bit of everything you need to send your kids back to school!

Each blog has gathered up a unique Back 2 School Prize Package of $25 or more so be sure to visit each blog from the linky below and enter for your chance to win some really amazing prizes!

This event will end on August 17th at 11:59pm EST.

FlattenMe is generously giving an ABC & 123 Personalized Children's Book to one lucky winner!
(winner will be responsible for the $3.99 flat rate shipping or $9.10 in Canada).
If you get a chance, check out my FlattenMe Review Post!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Andersons Angels, and the Back 2 School Bash 2 bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that fail to fulfill their prizes.

Personalized Kids Gifts from FlattenMe


I know I’m not the only one who loves personalized gifts for my kids!

This is why I am excited to tell you about FlattenMe.com. FlattenMe creates the cutest books, journals, shirts and more… all with your child’s photo. With just a simple photo of your child, a magical story begins.

FlattenMe sent us their ABC 123 Book and their water bottle.

Personalized Childrens Gifts

"Naturally Nursing" Giveaway Event for World Breastfeeding Week | Ends 8/15


  It's World Breastfeeding Week! Let's Celebrate!
 
Welcome to the
"Naturally Nursing Giveaway Event"

In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, Our Knight Life is giving away a prize pack full of products designed to help support breastfeeding! The Naturally Nursing Giveaway Event Prize Pack is packed full of amazing products from companies you will love! I wish I could enter this giveaway and win these awesome prizes.

Also... will you be attending The Big Latch On in your area? In honor of 2013 World Breastfeeding Week, moms in many cities all around the world with gather to breastfeed their babies all at the same time. Check and see if there is a location near you!

Ready to Win?

"World Breastfeeding Week" "Breastfeeding Giveaway" "Breastfeeding Event"
 

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Mount Dora Historic Inn and Cottages, Florida


Ready to hear about the end of our vacation?

If you haven’t had a chance yet, be sure to read all about or week on Sanibel Island, Florida or our Not-So-Magical Visit to Disney. It was one heckuva vacation so arriving in Mount Dora, Florida was a huge blessing and we very much needed the relaxation time before heading back in the car for the trip up to Illinois.

Mount Dora, Florida

The town of Mount Dora is actually a pretty big town located about an hour northwest of Orlando, but the downtown historic village area is so charming and quaint. The Historic Downtown Village is within walking distance from the Mount Dora Historic Inn and Cottages, which is perfect. It’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world. Just driving through heading to our cottage, we were in awe. I just kept on saying, ‘this is so cute!’

Mount Dora Historic Inn B & B and Cottages

Mount Dora Historic Inn B & B is a quiet place to relax and would be perfect for a romantic getaway. The cottages are more private and spacious than the B & B and are equipped just like a home would be with full kitchens, family rooms with cable TV, private bedrooms and bathrooms and outdoor porches. There are ten cottages to chose from and all are located within just a couple blocks from the historic downtown area.

Mount Dora Historic InnMount Dora Historic Inn

Isn’t it cute?!?

Wordless Wednesday w/Linky | Childproofing


Happy Wordless Wednesday!

I have always loved this picture, and just found it on a tin sign.
I am so so going to get this haha…

This is totally me!

Childproof

If you get a chance, check out my other Wordless Wednesday Posts!

Do you have a Wordless Wednesday Post?

 

wedonthaveitall.com

Do You Bookoo? Online Community Yard Sale the Safe Way


Do you use Craigslist or other online classified services to buy and sell? What about to advertise your service or do you look for service from listings on the site?

Makes ya nervous, doesn’t it?

Bookoo can help!

Do you wait all week long for that community yard sale… hoping you’ll find what you are looking for? Or do you spend weeks getting ready for your own yard sale and when it’s over, you still have lots of items you were hoping to get rid of?

Bookoo can help!

If you’ve never been involved in an online scam, then you’re lucky. I have and it’s not fun. Unfortunately, when you have items laying around your house that you’d like to sell, the quickest way to get rid of them is to list online. I also do home child care out of my home and one of the easiest ways to advertise this service is with an online ad site like Craigslist. Even with something as safe as home child care, I still get email scams. Each and every single time I would get emails, I would instantly be nervous and afraid to email any important info back.

Bookoo with Me

Well now I’ve found Bookoo!

No reason to be nervous with Bookoo because it’s local and family run.

Bookoo started with brothers Adam and Austin, who were the 7th an 8th kids of a family of 9… that makes me wanna have a couple more haha. Anyway, they grew up living the frugal lifestyle, as us big families tend to do. They learned how to use and repurpose and hand-make. They learned the very important life lesson of living resourceful and how to avoid debt. And this is how Bookoo was born!

“The recipe was simple: make it easy to use, keep it family-friendly, and top it off with a big dollop of old-fashioned community. It turns out that millions of others wanted the same thing, and we couldn't keep the hobby to ourselves.”

Bookoo

Monday, July 29, 2013

We Have It All... is Under Construction!


Just a quick FYI...

Under Construction


The lovely Tree from Pearl Tree Designs is giving my site a make over and I'm making the big switch over to WordPress - woohoo!

Just in case you happen to click over here and get some sort of error -- that is why :)



Redecorating with Frette


I’ve mentioned a few times that we recently moved and with moving comes redecorating! I’m really excited to be able to redecorate for the first time in… forever. For the longest time now, (over ten years) I’ve had our home leaning towards a country theme. My décor consisted of a lot of wood and the county blue’s and red’s and plaid (I know, WHAT was I thinking?!?).

Well… it’s time for a change.

Last month when we moved, we also went on vacation. We stayed on a beachfront condo on Sanibel Island, Florida for a week and right then and there – I decided that I wanted to change all of our décor to a beach or costal theme.

I decided that I want the room to be super bright with whites, sandy colors and a splash of light blue. Oh I can see it now! I’ve been searching Pinterest and pinning away. I’ve ordered new curtain rods and bright white curtains. I have a paint color picked out for my living room walls and I’ve even started stocking up on new picture frames and some cute little signage.

Once the living room is finished, I need to finish my bedroom and one of our bathrooms. Our bedroom is almost complete. It has a great color on the walls but the bedding and curtains need to be changed out. I’ve been searching through Frette for bedsets and comforters. I’ve also been peeking around at their bath towels and home décor. Frette has been around for 150 years with their unforgettable patterns, textures, fabrics and jacquards and I am bound to find what I am looking for. They even have clothes and gifts too. I love this Mabrouka Bordo set, can you picture this in a big, bright room. I can imagine looking out my window and seeing the beach and waves.

Bedding Collection from Frette

Do you have any tips for beach or costal décor or any DIY tips for me?

I have not redecorated in a long time… I could use all the help I can get!

wedonthaveitall.com

2013 World Breastfeeding Week | The Big Latch On


2013 World Breastfeeding Week – August 1-7

Failure

On July 27, 1997 I delivered my first baby. I was determined to breastfeed, I read everything I could get my hands on and I thought I was prepared. I assumed it would be easy and come naturally, but little did I know, I would have such a struggle.

I only breastfed my son for a little over two months.

I failed and I didn’t know why. All I knew was I tried and tried and it hurt. I had cracked nipples, I bled. It hurt so bad and I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong. So I quit.

My second baby came in late 1998 and I had the exact same experience. I only breastfed her for 6 weeks… and I quit.

My third baby came in 2000 and I was determined to make breastfeeding work. I continued reading over those 3 years and was sure this time I could make it… and I did. I breastfed for an entire year and I loved it, however those first few months were not easy. I wished I could go back and try my breastfeeding experience over with my first two babies.

Breastfeeding just does not come as easy for some people as it does for others and I do not know why.

Success

I successfully breastfed my 3rd, 4th and 5th babies for an entire year. In fact, my Baby Jack is over 13 months now and I am still exclusively breastfeeding him. Was it easy? No. Even though I succeeded with these three, it was still a struggle in the beginning. It takes me almost 3 months to be able to breastfeed with no pain. I have no idea why, but it hurts so bad in the beginning. It takes my nipples that long to finally toughen up. I have figured out through trial and error – if I can just make it to that 3 month mark, it will be a breeze after that and I will love it.

2013 World Breastfeeding Week

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Buzzworthy Books of Summer | iPad Mini Giveaway Event | Ends 8/14


iPad Mini Giveaway
When it comes to summer reading, indie authors offer a refreshing alternative to predictable plots from big name writers.
 
Here’s a list of ten titles from emerging indie authors, pick your favorite and vote on Facebook for a chance to win an iPad Mini!

Sponsored: Headfirst! Expert Advice on Lice – A New Head Lice Website Resource for Parents


The below content is sponsored by Sanofi Pasteur’s Headfirst! Expert Advice on Lice campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.


When sending the kids off to camp this summer, it’s important to think about a common and hard-to-treat problem: head lice. Luckily, expert information parents need for dealing with and treating head lice is in one place at ExpertAdviceOnLice.com. Get educated by the Headfirst! Experts and have the information to battle head lice with confidence!


Save on Back-to-School Supplies with White Cloud Facial Tissue Mulitpacks


This post brought to you by White Cloud. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's about that time again...

Back-to-School time!

Ugh, those words make my heart skip a beat, I can almost feel a panic attack coming on. I guess that's what I get for having six kids haha. Every single year I tell myself to do things differently the following year and purchase back-to-school supplies throughout the whole summer so that when the end of August comes along, I won't have to purchase everything at one time and become so overwhelmed.

My Advise: Stock Up Over Time

This year I didn't do so bad. Over the last two months, I've stocked up on things like spiral notebooks, folders, pens and pencils. These are the things that the kids need in bulk. The other supplies I will do when we are ready for them. I've also purchased White Cloud Facial Tissue multipacks too. With so many kids to school supply shop for, it's nice to be able to purchase the White Cloud Facial Tissue boxes in packs of three or six all in one convenient package. Purchasing a little each week sure beats having one big huge bill at once!

Save with White Cloud!

The National Retail Federation found that parents spent almost $700 on back-to-school shopping last year! That's crazy, isn't it?!? Well, White Cloud wants to help. We know that even small discounts can add up to big savings and that's why White Cloud is offering a coupon for $0.75 off our Facial Tissue multipacks.

If you remember, I posted about White Cloud Diapers... we've become partial to White Cloud in this household lately. White Cloud Facial Tissue multipacks are perfect if you have multiple kids going back to school. They are soft and soothing and the epitome of Pure Comfort™.

 photo
7f369360-18b1-43d0-b5c8-91598650562d_zps76f5c659.jpg

Find a Store Near You

White Cloud Facial Tissue mulitpacks are exclusive to Walmart. You can visit the White Cloud Store Locator tool to find out if this product is carried in their area.

Support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

You can even help make a difference in the life of a child when you purchase the limited edition White Cloud CMN Facial Tissue boxes, which are designed by kids at the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. White Cloud will make a donation to three CMN hospitals in the areas that sell the most boxes.

Connect with White Cloud
Don't forget to visit mywhitecloud.com/school-supply-list/ to print your $0.75 off coupon!

What tips do you have to make Back-to-School shopping easier?



Visit Sponsor's Site

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Things to do for Families in Las Vegas


If you are visiting Las Vegas then why not take the family with you? You can still spend some time in the casinos but there are many other attractions there too, many of them suitable for children. Here are a few things for families to do in Sin City.

There are several playgrounds and theme parks, but if you want to provide your kids with an unforgettable experience then remember there are many more things in Nevada than Las Vegas, so hire a Hummer and head out across the Mojave Desert to the Death Valley National Park for some amazing sights and vistas. The kids will love Death Valley and so will you. Furnace Creek is the hottest place on the earth’s surface, and lies many meters below sea level.

Hang on to that Hummer and head out to the Grand Canyon National Park. This is another wonder of nature and is entirely unique. The canyon is a mile deep and many miles wide. It is a massive fissure and can be visually overwhelming with its intricate shapes and wonderful colours that change throughout the day. Treat yourselves to a helicopter flights into the cannon depths; it is a really spectacular experience.

The Hoover Dam is another great place to visit as is its lake. Called Lake Mead it is a great place for swimming, boating and water sport and a fantastic antidote to the busy world on the Strip.

Wordless Wednesday w/Linky | Babies and Bugs


Happy Wordless Wednesday!
(on Tuesday)
 
Last week I told you about a creepy spider I found on my porch, so I will share that with you... beware - it's creepy!
 
And then this week we had some birds hatch. I've been watching and watching this mama birdy waiting and waiting for these little baby birdies to make their appearance and it finally happened. Unfortunately, it's up near the roof so my pictures are not that great.
 
Oh and then I have some random shots of the kids.
 
big brown spider in IL

Monday, July 22, 2013

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe


This past week I stumbled upon a Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe from Simply Real Moms but could tell right away that I had to tweak it a little bit. My family is super picky and almost everyone hates most veggies. The recipe at Simply Real Moms calls for onions and mixed veggies. I had to reduce the amount of veggies and I also had to ditch the onions. This recipe sounded so easy that I had to give it a shot!

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
 
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Our Not-So-Magical Visit to Disney


Our Magical Visit to Disney

Okay so that isn't exactly the truth, we had some complications... but we made the most of it and most definitely have a vacation to remember! Like I always say, 'we don't have it all together, but together we have it all'.

Just a little general disclaimer... besides the disclaimer that Disney provided us with media passes to facilitate this post, I'd like to disclaim that this will be a very long post. Very. Long. If you read it all, you're amazing. Thanks.

Heading Out

We had dropped off my three older kids with their grandparents on the way to Disney. The kids haven't seen them in a couple years and were planning on spending a week at their house. Those three kids have been to many of the Disney parks more than once, so I didn't feel bad not bringing them with us.

I mentioned in Simple Tips for Visiting Disney, we left home without our double stroller... and like I mentioned in My Visit to SeaWorld, we made the huge mistake of renting a stroller at the park. Poor Baby Jack couldn't lay back and relax and he had just started sitting up on his own the week before. So we purchased two umbrella strollers on the way to Disney. There wasn't much to chose from so we were stuck with what we got, but it worked out. It was a hassle using two separate strollers, but more convenient than using the park stroller.

We packed a good sized backpack filled with diapers, wipes, sunblock, water bottles, first-aid stuff, ponchos, a clip-on umbrella for lawn chairs the stroller, and a few other things. We brought two cameras, a little point and shoot for Mike and I had my DSLR. That way we didn't miss a thing!

Disney provided us with one-day park hopper media passes and we wanted to make the most of our day so we tried to hit more than one park and tried to arrive as early as possible. We also happened to be one of the very last guests at the park too, but not by choice haha.

Simple Tips for Visiting Disney that I Wish Someone Told Me Ahead of Time


Our Magical Time Visiting Disney

Okay, that's a lie.

No, we did not have a magical time visiting Disney... and like usual, it kinda goes along with the famous saying, "we don't have it all together, but together we have it all". This was our very first real family vacation so it was awesome, regardless of everything that went wrong! We usually take little 'get-a-ways' that last 2-4 days but never a real vacation like this. This was awesome.

We drove from Illinois down to Florida. Stopped at Rock City Gardens in Georgia, and then made our way to Sanibel Island, Florida for a week. After that week was over, we spent a few days visiting Orlando. We visited SeaWorld, Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. Not a whole lot went right in Orlando, but we most definitely have a vacation to remember!

This is why I want to share some simple tips for visiting Disney with you. If I would've known a few simple tips for visiting Disney, our visit may have been much better. Some of these tips we learned as we went along so I definitely want to share with you.

Tips for Visiting Disney

Our Quick Visit to SeaWorld


Yep, that's what I said... our QUICK visit to SeaWorld. We planned on staying at SeaWorld all day and doing everything possible but it just didn't work out.

We had issues.

Florida just didn't like us this week haha.

We left home without our double stroller so I carried Baby Jack into the park with my Boba... and it was hot. Since it was so so hot, and very uncomfortable to baby wear, we decided to rent a stroller right away before doing anything else. We actually didn't think that was going to work out very well because they ended up being they hard plastic type that will not recline and does not have a good buckle. Baby Jack had just started sitting up the week before, so he was still weak and would get tired quickly.

Check out the pictures from our visit to SeaWorld...

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

G930 Wireless Gaming Headset from Logitech


Gamers - what's your favorite headset?

My husband and son love playing online games like Call of Duty Black Ops 2 on the PS3, Xbox360 and computer. Unfortunately, I do not like hearing them play these games because it's noisy and frankly, annoying. Of course, I'm sure that's because I am a mom but this is one reason I love wireless gaming headsets. The boys can do their thing and I don't have to hear it haha.

I was fortunate enough to review the Logitech Wireless Headset F540 back in October of last year. We loved this wireless headset and easily became Logitech fans. We were very interested in trying another Logitech wireless headset, but this time one for the computer games rather than the PS3 or Xbox 360 game systems. The Logitech Wireless Headset F540 ended up sticking with my hubby so we really wanted to find one my son could appreciate as he plays computer games also.

Logitech sent us the G930 Wireless Gaming Headset to use and try out... and once again, Logitech did not disappoint.

Gaming Headset

Wordless Wednesday w/Linky | Baby Jack Giggles


Happy Wordless Wednesday!
 
Yes, I know it's only Tuesday...
but I put this up early so that you can be at the top of the linky, you're welcome :)

I happen to have some really awesome close-up pictures of a big huge creepy spider that we found on our porch a few days ago...  but my Baby Jack giggles wins the spot for Wordless Wednesday this week.
You'll all have to see the spider next week haha.

Baby Jack and Daddy rough-house.
Mommy does not.

When I get Jack to giggle, it's because the itsy-bitsy spider is climbing up his tummy and tickles his neck... not because I'm tipping him upside down and rolling him around on the floor.

So I think it's super cute when Daddy can get him to laugh in a way that I won't.

Down Syndrome Baby Jack
 

 
Now, if that doesn't bring a smile to your heart, nothing will!

If you get a chance, visit my other Wordless Wednesday posts.
 
LINK UP!

Monday, July 15, 2013

Measure Body Fat with the AccuMeasure 3000 Fat Caliper and MyoTape Body Tape Measure


For almost two months now I've been talking a lot about the Revolt Fitness program I am participating in and blogging about each week. Before I started this program, I had to record my weight, all of my measurements and I had to figure out the percentage of body fat I had on me.

In order to find out the percentage of body fat I was storing, I had to get a body fat caliper. There are different kinds of calipers, but I used the Accu-Measure® 3000 from AccuFitness. AccuFitness also sent me their MyoTape Body Tape Measure to record all of my measurements.

AccuMeasure 3000 Fat Caliper and MyoTape Body Tape Measure

If you've never used a body fat caliper, it's just a little hand-held device that pinches the fat on your belly (or where every you choose to measure) and it gives you a reading. The Accu-Measure® 3000 is a basic plastic body fat caliper that is very easy to use.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

#WIN a KidKraft Pirate Sandboat #Giveaway | Ends 7/20


WIN a KidKraft Pirate Sandboat!
 
The Giveaway will be from 7/15- 7/20 and open to USA
 
  KidKraft Sandboat Sandbox
 
KidKraft Sandboat Features:
  • Two convenient storage compartments for keeping buckets, shovels and other sand toys together in one place
  • Steering wheel, Colorful pirate-themed artwork
  • Shady canopy helps keep kids in the shade and out of the hot sun
  • Large enough that multiple children can play at once, Made of wood
  • Sturdy construction, Packaged with detailed, step-by-step assembly instructions

Trace Adkins County Lineup at the RiverEdge Park | Aurora, IL


Trace Adkins County Lineup at the RiverEdge Park
Aurora, IL

Earlier in the week I told you about Trace Adkins coming to the RiverEdge Park in Aurora, IL. and I was giving away a family 4-pack of Preferred General Admission tickets. Well... the concert was last night and it was awesome! I want to tell you about it and share some amazing pictures!

RiverEdge Park
The 30-acre park was designed in a way that would serve many purposes. From the canoe/kayak launch and natural landscaping to the VIP Rooftop Deck and 10-acre music venue, this is the new recreation and entertainment destination of the suburbs. Bring your kids and fly a kite. Enjoy a local band in the music pavilion with friends. Spread out a blanket and watch fireworks with the family on the 4th of July. RiverEdge Park is your backyard away from home.

I know this makes no sense, but I'm from the Aurora area and I have never been to the RiverEdge Park - crazy, huh?!? The RiverEdge Park is located literally on the Fox River and is right across the street from the train station - so convenient. The 'park' is really spacious, I really loved this location and the whole park set up is perfect. There was a handful of vendors there so we had a fantastic selection of food and drink.

Take a look...

Trace Adkins County Lineup at the RiverEdge Park
Above in the top two pictures you can see all of the General Admission seating on the grass and the bottom two pictures you can see the Preferred General Admission bench seats. 

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Who's Up for a Scavenger Hunt in Downtown Chicago? Save $10 Here!


Scavenger Hunt in Downtown Chicago
with
Urban Adventure Quest!

Urban Adventure Quest is a company that offers Urban Scavenger Hunts that are guided from any Smart Phone.  This Family Friendly adventure lets you and your kids experience the fun of the Amazing Race in 2-3 hours.  You solve clues and complete challenges while learning about the city in a fun new way.  The game keeps track of team points and you can start when you want and play at your own pace. This family friendly adventure is appropriate for ages 7-70 and is perfect to get the family out on a day of doing and learning. You can go on a scavenger hunt in many cities!

You decided when and where to play and you chose the pace!

Scavenger Hunt with Urban Adventure QuestScavenger Hunt with Urban Adventure Quest

Tell me this doesn't sound like such a blast!?!

I can't wait to go and give this a try... I think we will split up into two groups. Mike and Austin vs. me and the girls!

You can register on-line at www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com 
 
Be sure to save $10 with promo code: USFAMILY

Cost: $39.20 for a team of 2-5 people after Promo Code: USFamily

Play anytime during daylight hours!
 
If you live within a couple hours of downtown Chicago, be sure to join in the fun... or if you know you will be visiting the area sometime in the future - make sure to drop in and learn a bit about the city!

If you don't live in the Chicago area (or won't be visiting anytime soon) - check to see if there is one near you!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Have Fun in the Sun with the Aeromax Fire Power Super Soaking Fire Hose with Backpack


Aeromax Fire Power Super Soaking Fire Hose with Backpack

Keeping kids outside is hard sometimes. These days, things are not like they used to be when we were growing up. When we were little, we would eat breakfast and go outside to play and would come in for lunch and dinner... but the kids growing up now sometimes need a little push to get out of the house. Why is that?

Well since we're in the middle of summer, it's fun to play outside in the water. If Gracie is having a lazy day and I want her to get out and play - all I have to do is mention water and she's excited to get out! She especially loves water toys!

This is why I love to keep water toys around like the Aeromax Fire Power Super Soaking Fire Hose with Backpack. Water toys like this are so much fun.

We were sent the Aeromax Fire Power Super Soaking Fire Hose with Backpack to try out. It looks like a firefighter backpack but you fill the backpack up with water. It shoots out of the fire hose just like a real firefighter.


Fire Power Super Soaking Fire Hose with Backpack
  • For Ages 5+
  • Soaker shoots water over 30 feet with one pump of the hose.
  • The tank holds a liter of water.
  • Over 50 pumps per fill up
Fire Power Super Soaking Fire Hose with Backpack

Grace and my daycare boy love this water toy. They fill up the backpack over and over and love to shoot the hose all over the yard. They squirt everything that crosses their path. Gracie loves shooting water in the garden, and all over herself and she even loves shooting bugs. Of course my daycare boy loved just being a fireman haha.

I love the Aeromax Fire Power Super Soaking Fire Hose with Backpack because Gracie loves playing with it and it helps keep her outside and active. I also love this water toy because it holds so much water. Most water toys do not hold as much, so you end up refilling in a million times.

The suggested retail price of the Fire Power Super Soaking Fire Hose with Backpack is $12.95 - what a fantastic price to keep the kids outside playing in the summer heat!

If you get a chance, connect with Aeromax on Facebook.

How do you keep your kids playing outside during the summer?


Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Wordless Wednesday w/Linky


Happy Wordless Wednesday!

As you probably know, we went to Florida last month. We left as a family and came back only half of a family. Sounds weird... let me explain...

We left with 5 of our kids. Got to Florida and then spent a week of vacation with them all. After that week was over, my 3 older kids stayed down there with their dad to have vacation with them. After that week was over, two of them came back with him and came home and the third kid stayed down in Florida with her grandparents. I have not seen her in about 3-ish weeks!

She flew back into town today!

Yay!

I was watching her flight and so happy when she landed...

Protect Your Childrens Teeth with Orbit for Kids Chewing Gum


 Help Protect Teeth with Orbit for Kids Chewing Gum


I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Orbit for Kids. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating
 
Forming healthy oral hygiene habits is hard enough for adults, we forget to floss or don't brush long enough... but when it comes to forming healthy oral hygiene habits in our kids, we need to start early and keep it fun. I believe keeping it fun is what will keep oral hygiene from being looked at as a chore and keep them excited about it.
 
Keep It Fun!
 
I have always let my kids pick out their own toothbrush. Most of the time they picked out a character toothbrush or sometime they picked out one of those vibrating singing toothbrushes. Gracie happens to have 3 toothbrushes right now and that's just fine with me - if that's what it takes to keep her love for brushing, cool beans!
 
Our Struggle When it Comes to Oral Hygiene
 
Our biggest struggle is flossing. If we have the little floss picks, that helps. The kids (and us adults) love those. They are easy and convenient and help quicken the process. The kids thin the flossing picks are fun - I just think they are convenient. But when we run out, nobody wants to use regular floss. So I really should keep up on those and make sure not to run out.
 
Orbit for Kids Chewing Gum
 
We were sent an awesome gift bag of oral hygiene items like toothbrush, floss picks, mouthwash and Orbit for Kids chewing gum. I didn't even know that Orbit made gum for kids, but they do. Orbit for Kids is sugar free and comes in two flavors and two different sized packs.
 
Orbit for Kids
 

Monday, July 8, 2013

#WIN a Family 4-Pack to Trace Adkins Concert in Aurora, IL | Ends 7/11


WIN a Family 4-Pack to the Trace Adkins Concert Saturday!

I know you're used to my giveaways being a few weeks long but this will be a super quick so HURRY and enter to win Trace Adkins tickets before it's too late!

Here are the details...
  • The Show: Trace Adkins Country Line Up
  • Date: Saturday, July 13th
  • Time: 4:00-10:00pm (Gates open at 2pm)
  • Price: $50-35
  • Location: RiverEdge Park - located at 360 N. Broadway, Aurora IL 60505 – just 3 miles off I-88.
Trace Adkins Country Lineup Concert - Aurora, IL

The Country Lineup Includes:
  • Drake White - 4:00pm (Kid Rock/Country sound)
  • Blackberry Smoke - 5:30pm (A true southern rock country band. Imagine Lynyrd Skynyrd with a little twang. Blackberry Smoke’s country-rock singles include “Good One Comin’ On” and “Pretty Little Lie.” Having opened for Zac Brown Band, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd)
  • Aaron Lewis - Aaron Lewis (from the rock group Staind, but he’s turned country with hits like “Country Boy,” “Forever,” and “Endless Summer.)
  • TRACE ADKINS - 8:30pm - Need I say more?!?

For more information about this Trace Adkins Country Lineup visit the RiverEdge Park website.

Now Who's Ready to Win?!?

Our Sanibel Island Cruise with Adventures in Paradise


Our Sanibel Island Cruise with Adventures in Paradise, Inc.
Fort Meyers, Florida
 

Ready to hear more about our vacation?

We arrived on Sanibel Island, Florida on a Sunday with my Dad and Step-Mom and my sister and her family. My sisters family has been to Sanibel Island a few times before and my Dad and Step-Mom have 'been around the block' a few times - but it was our first time as a family seeing the Gulf of Mexico beach. We spent Monday relaxing and swimming with the kids. They loved the beach, the waves, the shells... and all of the cousins loved playing with each other (they don't get to see each other very often).

On Tuesday we had a shelling and lunch cruise booked with Adventures in Paradise, Inc. and we couldn't wait! Unfortunately, my Dad and Step-Mom couldn't make it. Such a bummer, we were looking forward to going with them, but they ended up sick and stayed in that day.

Adventures in Paradise

Adventures in Paradise was born in 1986 after Craig and Evelyn Stewart spent two weeks vacationing in the islands, falling in love with the island life and eventually finding Sanibel Island some six years later. Adventures in Paradise has been going strong for over 27 years now and the team includes their three sons, a dog and a parrot! They offer many different kinds of cruises like the shelling and lunch cruise we went on. They offer morning, afternoon and sunset dolphin cruises, sea life cruises, wildlife cruises, fishing cruises and even offer holiday cruises.

Sanibel Cruises

Sanibel Trolley Shuttle

Adventures in Paradise offers transportation from Sanibel Island to Fort Meyers via the Sanibel Trolley! We were stoked that we could walk out of our condo and down the drive way to hop on the trolley. The kids thought it was the neatest thing too. At the end of our day, after our cruise and lunch, we hopped back on the trolley for the shuttle 'home' back to our condo. It was really great too... after being out in the sun and heat all day, still a little wet from swimming, we didn't have to worry about a thing. The Sanibel Trolley is definitely a great plus to Adventures in Paradise!

Shelling and Lunch Cruise

We chose the Shelling and Lunch Cruise with Adventures in Paradise because it's a daytime cruise that brings you out to a couple of different islands. One is a 'naked' island where we were dropped off to swim and go shelling and another island having a restaurant to have lunch.

We were picked up by the Sanibel Trolley around 8-ish, just outside of our condo and shuttled over to Fort Meyers... and ready for our cruise at 9am.

Sanibel Cruises

Saturday, July 6, 2013

It's Time to Sell My Stuff and Get Some Cash


Sell My Stuff Online or Locally, that is the Question

We recently just moved so when we packed, we tried to keep a separate area for the things we'd like to sell or get rid of. We're tossing around a few ideas at the moment to get rid of things like furniture, baby items and DVD's and video games. I'd love to sell my stuff and make a little extra cash on the side, especially considering Mike doesn't start work again until the end of next month. Is it easier to sell locally or sell online? I believe that certain things sell easier and quicker online. Selling DVD's, CD's and video games online might be a better bet, while furniture, clothing or baby items would sell better locally.

Free

I'm big on giving things away. My favorite is Freecycle. I list what I have and someone responds if they'd like the item and when they can pick up. This is the most convenient option and makes me feel good. I've also listed free items on Craigslist, but that site worries me sometimes. If you've never heard of Freecycle, I suggest signing up for sure! They have groups in every area and it's just like garage sailing - but it's all free. We've gotten a lot through Freecycle folks. Of course, only problem is you're not making any kind of profit - and at the moment we kind of need the money.

Place Ads

I do use Craigslist for bigger items. I have some furniture that I'd like to get off our hands. The girls want new bedroom sets and so do I - so we've got that listed along with some other bigger items like baby stuff. I also belong to Facebook groups where I can list my items to local people who live nearby.

Sell Online

sell dvd's onlineI think that if you have DVD's, CD's or video games to sell - I think your best bet is to sell them online. Mike likes to trade his video games but that just the problem... he's trading. Not selling. I'd rather he sell video games rather than trade. Same with the CD's and DVD's. I know of one store that will take them, but only for store value. I would rather sell DVD's online and make a little bit of cash. Another benefit to selling stuff online is you have less chaos. It's easy and quick and done - no hassle.


Garage Sale

Whatever we don't sell between now and August, we will stick in a garage sale. Our neighborhood is having a huge garage sale in August. I'd really just like to get rid of a lot around here, just so I don't have to look at it anymore haha.

How do you sell your stuff?

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Our Vacation in Sanibel Island, FL at the Sundial Condo


Vacationing in Sanibel Island, Florida at the Sundial Condos

Well...

We've been back from our Florida vacation for two weeks now so I suppose it's time to get back into the swing of things and start sharing some of our vacation with you. I have a handful of reviews to write and share with you, so I figured I'd start from the beginning.

Sanibel Island, Florida

Our first week of vacation in Florida was spent on Sanibel Island. We arrived in Sebring, Florida at my dad and step-mom's house along with my sister and her family. We all stayed over night with my dad -  a total of 6 adults and 8 kids. We woke up the next morning and we all headed out to Sanibel Island.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are at opposite ends of the island (Sanibel is one side of the island and Captiva at the other side). Sanibel is basically part of the Fort Meyers area and you need to take a 3 mile long bridge to get over to the island. Entering the bridge costs $6 but there is no cost to come back off, so that's good. We grocery shopped before we got to Sanibel so our condos would be stocked up with food. The shopping on Sanibel Island is pretty pricey.

Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island, Florida
This is only a small portion of the 3 mile bridge leading from Fort Meyers to Sanibel.
 

Once arriving at our Sundial Condo... and unloading the car, we checked out the rooms. It almost felt like MTV's Real World or Bad Girls Club as we were hearing the kids yelling "this is my room!" or "this is my bed" and throwing their luggage on it to claim it haha.

Sundial Condo - Sanibel Island, FL

The Sundial Condo's are U-Shaped, so no matter which unit you stay in - you can see the pool and beach. Our unit was directly in the middle looking out, which had a fantastic view! We had a 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Fully equipped kitchen with everything you'd need to make any meal. It has a nice little porch out through the sliding doors along with a spiral staircase that takes you down to a screened in cabana area.  This 'downstairs porch' is awesome because the door leading outside leads you right past the pond, to the pool area and then to the boardwalk that takes you directly to the beach. This 'downstairs porch' is also awesome because that is where we left our sandy beach shoes, chairs and toys. That way, no sand made it to the upstairs porch and into the condo.

I was very happy that the online photos looked exactly like the condo looked in real life. Here are the photos directly from VIP Vacation Rentals site.

Spacious living room and dining room and totally equipped kitchen.

Sanibel Island, Florida - Sundial Condo 
 
Our master bedroom was huge! It's much more spacious than it looks here on the far left.
Emma and Becca shared the room with two beds and Austin took the room with the single bed.
Of course Gracie and Jack slept in our room.
Sanibel Island, Florida - Sundial Condo 
 
As you look out the sliding doors, you can see over the pond, to the pool.
Past the pool is the boardwalk that leads directly to the beach.
Sanibel Island, Florida - Sundial Condo
Gosh, I loved waking up and grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting here in the screened in porch. Listening to the waves was so relaxing and peaceful.
 
My Thoughts:

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Our Visit to Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain, GA | Review


Rock City Gardens
Lookout Mountain, Georgia

If you're a regular reader here or if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, than you know that I spent two weeks in June traveling from Illinois down to Florida and back up.

We left home on a Thursday night at 11pm. Packed the car -solid- with five out of six of our kids and we headed off. We stopped for breakfast and munched in the car in between gassing up the car and feeding Jack.We arrived in Lookout Mountain, Georgia the next day around 11-ish. Really, I am not sure of the time because we lost an hour at some point when the time changed and it totally threw me off haha.  I say we did pretty good with Jack still being so little and Gracie being four years old - oh and three teens side-by-side-by-side! Rock CityGardens came at an absolute perfect time! We were able to get out of the car, stretch and walk around for a couple of hours... and it's just what we needed after a 12-ish hour trip and so many more to go.

Before I show you all of our awesome pictures, let me tell you a little about Rock City Gardens!

Rock City Gardens

Rock City is located at the very top of Lookout Mountain in Georgia, which is six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Rock City Gardens is an enchanted, 4100-foot walking trail showcasing soaring rock formations, caves and lush gardens.

Rock City Gardens Features:
  • 60 to 90-minute, self-guided walking tour along The Enchanted Trail that gently meanders through the 14-acre property.
  • Massive rock formations estimated to be 200 million years old
  • Gardens featuring more than 400 different species of native wildflowers, plants, shrubs and trees.
  • Panoramic views of seven states from 1,700 feet above sea level
  • View of the Chattanooga Valley and Missionary Ridge-Civil War battlefields
  • Some points of interest along The Enchanted Trail include: 
    • 100-foot waterfall
    • 1,000-ton balanced rock
    • Swing-A-Long Bridge (ideal for pictures)
    • Legendary view of seven states from Lover's Leap
    • Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village
Now... let me show you some pictures of all of this at Rock City Gardens. Beware... way too many pictures are a-comin'! But I can't help it, we had such a great time and saw so many awesome formations and views.

We were SO HIGH UP - the views were amazing!
Rock City Gardens - Lookout Mountain, GA

BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY EVENT - Sign Up's Open! #BackToSchool


Back To School Giveaway Event
 

DON’T MISS OUT!

Back To School Bash 2

Blogger Sign Ups are now OPEN

Trista from Andersons Angels and Courtney from Joy of Momma Joyner have teamed up again to host an awesome BACK TO SCHOOL blog hop! Details Below...
 
 
Dates: August 2 - August 17
 
Blogger Rules: Blogger must get a minimum prize or package of $25. Of course it could be more if you'd like. Each prize must be 'BACK TO SCHOOL' related.
 
Cost: Participation is FREE with announcement post and button.
 
Bloggers - Join Here
 
SPONSORS:
 
If you would like to sponsor this BACK TO SCHOOL event - please contact me at Danielle@wedonthaveitall.com.