Straight Talk Makes Me Jolly!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Christmas is coming, and the goose might be getting fat but my wallet? Is getting SLIM.  One place I can make myself feel less like a scrooge and more like Santa is with Straight Talk.

There are great Monthly Plans, such as:

• The “All You Need Plan” meets even the needs of heavy phone users with 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 30 MB of web data.

• Unlimited Monthly service is only $45, and includes calls, text, picture messaging, and web.

• Imagine unlimited calls, text, picture messaging and web for a whole year, for only $499.00!  You'll never wonder if you have enough minutes left to Call a friend

Even better, 411 calls are included at no extra charge and there are no activation, reactivation, or termination fees.  Straight Talk International Long Distance Service is flexible, prepaid, and allows you to make international calls from your home, cell or office phone at low rates.

The phones are sweet, too. Reconditioned phones are available from $10.00 with camera, mp3 player, mobile web access, and blue-tooth capability. There are also Amazing smart phones; touch screen phones, and app capable phones with features like voice navigation, camera, video recorder, music player, instant messaging, and Bluetooth®.  You can even get Android on Straight Talk

They got me Hook, line and sinker smiling all the way to the bank!  Check out this , and remember - 'tis the season for savings!

Let Me Give It To You Straight...

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love to feel rich, but my wallet doesn't feel the same way.  That's why I love Straight Talk. I cut my cell phone bill in half. You have to be crazy to be on a contract these days when you can get everything you need without one.

There are no contracts, no surprise bills and no credit checks. Great nationwide coverage and excellent reception/connectivity. Finally, Straight Talk only uses trusted phone manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung.

They even have great monthly plans to choose from.  Which one works best for you?

• The “All You Need Plan” meets even the needs of heavy phone users with 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 30 MB of web data.

• Unlimited Monthly service is only $45, and includes calls, text, picture messaging, and web.

• Imagine unlimited calls, text, picture messaging and web for a whole year, for only $499.00!

• 411 calls are included at no extra charge.

• Free from activation, reactivation, or termination fees

International Long Distance:

• Straight Talk International Long Distance Service is a flexible prepaid calling service that enables you to make international calls from your home, cell or office phone at low rates.

They also have a great phone selection! Reconditioned phones are available from $10.00 with camera, mp3 player, mobile web access, and blue-tooth capability. There are amazing smart phones; touch screen phones, and app capable phones with features like voice navigation, camera, video recorder, music player, instant messaging, and Bluetooth®

You know that mom knows best.  So why don't you try it? See how easy it is to call a friend.

Check out what these folks had to say about Straight Talk:

Straight Talk. That's smart!

#DigestiveHealth Update!

Remember when I told you that my husband started taking a new probiotic to help with his stomach problems? I have an update and I am THRILLED to share it with you!
One of the, um, more unpleasant side effects of a troubled tummy is gas.  Oh. My. Goodness.  Not since I was 8 and my brother sat on my head and farted have I been exposed to the assault on my olfactory senses.  But when my husband's stomach is unhappy, everybody is unhappy.

Fortunately, the inverse is true.  Once the stomach is settled, the amount of gas it produces goes WAY down, or it has in my husband's case anyway!

My husband is happy that his stomach feels better from taking Member's Mark 4X Probiotic (it's from Sam's Club).  His doctor is happy that his digestive system is in better shape.

And I am happy that I don't have to hold my nose when his stomach is upset.  It's a match made in Heaven!

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions are my own. 

Where will Straight Talk Take YOU?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I LOVE to travel.  It makes me feel rich.  But, I'm not - and we all know how expensive traveling is! So in addition to scouting out great travel deals, I look for places to save money in my budget. 

I love the idea that I also feel rich with Straight Talk because I cut my cell phone bill in half. With NO CONTRACT.  Woot!

There are also no surprises on your bill, and no credit checks. They also have great nationwide coverage (important for a traveler like myself so I can call a friend from another city and tell them what a fabulous time I am having) and I get excellent reception and connectivity wherever I go.  If I need to book a hotel in Paris {a girl can dream, right?, I get Straight Talk International Long Distance which is a flexible prepaid calling service that enables me to make international calls from your home, cell or office phone at low rates.

I even get to use a phone from a trusted manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung. Reconditioned phones are available from $10.00 with camera, mp3 player, mobile web access, and blue-tooth capability.

There are amazing smart phones; touch screen phones, and app capable phones with features like voice navigation, camera, video recorder {so I can leave the flip camera at home!}, music player {so I don't get too bored on the plane}, instant messaging, and Bluetooth®

It really has everything you need!

There are lots of different plans to choose from too. 

• The “All You Need Plan” meets even the needs of heavy phone users with 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 30 MB of web data.

• Unlimited Monthly service is only $45, and includes calls, text, picture messaging, and web.

It's amazing - you get unlimited calls, text, picture messaging and web for a whole year, for only $499.00!  Also, 411 calls are included at no extra charge and you can 'take a permanent vacation' from activation, reactivation, or termination fees

For more information on what these phones offer, check out this YouTube video:

 

For a real Straight Talk customer testimonial please check out how this guy is sold on Straight Talk hook, line and sinker

Find out where Straight Talk Will Take YOU!

Pan Roasted Salmon with Black Bean Garlic Sauce

Look at this amazing recipe.  Doesn't it sound good? We love salmon and we are definitely going to try this one!

Pan-Roasted Salmon with Black-Bean Garlic Sauce

Serves 4 to 6 

INGREDIENTS
1/4-cup NAKANO Seasoned Rice Vinegar Red Pepper
2-teaspoons soy sauce
2 -teaspoons Asian (toasted) sesame oil
4-skinless salmon fillets (1-3/4 to 2 lbs)
Freshly ground black pepper
1-tablespoon vegetable oil
4-teaspoons black bean garlic sauce*
3-medium green onions, minced
1-tablespoon minced fresh ginger

DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil; set aside. Pat salmon dry with paper towels; remove bones. Lightly season salmon with pepper.  In a 12-inch non-stick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook salmon on one side until well browned, about 4 minutes; remove skillet from heat. Carefully turn salmon over; spread 1 teaspoon bean sauce over each fillet. Drizzle vinegar mixture over salmon; sprinkle with onions and ginger. Cover; cook over medium heat until salmon is done as desired, about 2 to 4 minutes.  To serve, spoon sauce in pan over salmon.  *Note: Black bean garlic sauce is available in Asian markets and the Asian section in supermarkets.  Nutrition information (Per serving): 310 calories, 29 g protein, 4 g carbohydrate, 0 g dietary fiber, 19 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 95 mg cholesterol, 650 mg sodium

Barney Butter!

We recently had the chance to try Barney Butter.  What the heck is Barney Butter?! Well, I'm glad you asked!  It's an almond nut butter!

At the beginning of the school year, the kids get a list of their classmates.  They also get a list of 'food allergies', and since they eat lunch in their classrooms it's important that some foods just not show up.  At all.

While my kids don't have peanut allergies, inevitably there is someone who does, and our staple sandwich of peanut butter and honey which my kids eat at least three times a week during the summer - is forbidden!

Until now, that is.

With Barney Butter, I hope that my kids can have their 'peanut butter' and honey sandwiches without putting their airborne peanut allergic friends at risk for a bad reaction. 

The samples I had were in packets, and like natural peanut butter, the oil and butter separate somewhat.  They aren't supposed to (according to the label), but ours did. At the same time, the label does say to 'knead', which you don't have to do with regular peanut butter.

It was actually easier to knead it in the sample packet (by just 'squishing' it) than it would be in the jar, and my kids have firmly rejected the natural peanut butter in the past.  So the sample worked well for us, but we will test it again when school starts.  I have to see if 1) it's hard to re-mix in the jar and 2) if it separates in a few hours while the sandwich is in the lunchbox waiting to be eaten.

I REALLY hope it works for us in the fall, because it would be an easy fix!

Disclosure: I was sent a sample of Barney Butter.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

For Better Or For Worse, Even In #DigestiveHealth!

My husband suffers from stomach problems, which means that as his wife? I suffer from his stomach problems too!  No one is fun to be around when their stomach is upset, and it can also be embarrassing. Certain foods sometimes trigger an upset stomach for him, but not always.  Sometimes it seems to come out of nowhere. 

I eat a lot of yogurt, but unless it's the frozen variety with chunks of candy in it - my husband doesn't touch the stuff. In fact, very little in his diet contains the probiotics I keep telling him he should try.  But the reality is; he isn't going to.

Fortunately, I was sent a sample of Member's Mark 4X Probiotic, which is sold at Sam's Club.  It's to be taken once daily, and just so you don't forget {or so your spouse can double check and make sure you've taken your pill today...}, each 'sheet' of pills comes with the days of the week printed on the back. 

It took just under one week of taking the 4X Probiotic for him to notice a difference.  My husband said his stomach wasn't as 'rumbly' as usual, and that immediate and embarrassing need to run to the bathroom - sometimes right during a meal - decreased a lot. 

For some reason, my husband gets Strep throat fairly often which means he takes a lot of antibiotics.  His doctor said that probiotics can really help with the stomach problems caused by antibiotics and he definitely noticed an improvement in how he felt during this last round.

My husband has been taking Member's Mark 4X Probiotic for a few weeks, and we are looking forward to finding out of his digestive health continues to improve as he continues taking this supplement.  I will let you know.  Stay tuned!

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions are my own. 

Sinus Problems? No Problem!

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

I get a ton of sinus headaches and it gets expensive to keep buying the medications for it.  Fortunately, my Walgreens Pharmacist recommended one of the Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products "Sinus Congestion & Pain." It works GREAT - because it uses the same ingredients as the national brand; and it costs about 25% less.

Do you have any recurring non-prescription medications you have to buy? Check and see if there is a Walgreens Brand - I'll bet there is! And with a 100% money back guarantee you don't have anything to lose.

Right now, several bloggers are giving away Walgreens gift cards.  Check out all of the giveaways that are going on!  You can check out which Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products work for them and also try to win!

And even better; every purchase of , which provides free preventive healthy tests and other health and wellness services and education. Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products supports bringing preventive wellness services to local communities through the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™ Every year Walgreens will contribute up to $3 million to the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™

Now THAT should make you feel better :)

DaGeDar - Coming Soon!

How FUN would these be?

The new DaGeDar battle balls (made by the folks who brought us ZhuZhu Pets) each contain a  special code number that when registered on the DaGeDar™ website reveals the "true spirit and hidden powers" of the ball.

We can't wait to play with these!

Oh, The Places You'll Go!

I graduated from the University of Georgia with 3000 of my closest friends.  At a school that size, you don't walk up and get your diploma.  You simply stand up in the bleachers of Sanford Stadium when "Franklin College of Arts and Sciences" is mentioned.  It seems impersonal, but I didn't mind for a couple of reasons. 

First; in Georgia it's already pretty hot by June.  Second, Athens never misses even the smallest chance to party and a huge event like graduation throws the whole place into a city-wide celebration.  Sitting in the southern heat with a hot black robe and a hangover made staying still seem like a pretty darn good idea. 

I looked forward to graduation, although I have looked back many times since then and wondered why.  For some reason, I thought I would have greater control over my life.  All of these assignments with deadlines; crappy jobs with crappy pay and crappier bosses; room mates.  

I didn't know that deadlines wouldn't go away, the stakes would just get higher.  Or that while the pay would improve dramatically, it's possible to have a terrible job with a ridiculous boss in any industry and at any level of success.

I'll take living with my kids and husband over living with room mates though, even if I still have to clean up after them and they eat all of the good snacks. 

The opportunity to share this memory was provided by Tiny Prints, which provides stylish, modern and unique graduation stationery including graduation announcements, graduation invitations,and thank you cards for teens. When graduation season has come and gone Tiny Prints will still be here to fill all your stationery needs with their exclusive designs from the nation's top designers. You'll find summer party invitations, personalized greeting cards, thank you cards, business cards, and even custom wedding invitations. Come try the easy card personalization, powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality for yourself! With Tiny Prints by your side commemorating every holiday and momentous occasion is a cinch!

Honest Tea (Honestly)

I had a chance to sample the Honest Tea.  I chose Pomegranate Blue, and just assumed it was tea. I don't read labels well, evidently.  It is Honest Ade. I did read that this is organic though and that is awesome.

It was actually a juice, but it had a really refreshing flavor.   Pomegranates are kind of strong but there are other juices mixed in and it is light without being watery. It wasn't strong at all, and I am being honest because today, April 30, is Honesty Day.  Apparently. 

My kids have tried the Honest Kids juice pouches, but I had never tried any of the Honest Tea (or Ade) varieties.  I'm glad I did! Honest.

One Tough Cookie!

As the Royal Wedding countdown continues, the world will tune in to watch as Prince William of Whales marry Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey. To help commemorate the Big Day, accomplished pastry chef and owner of One Tough Cookie in New York, Gail Dosik, has created one-of-a-kind cookies – including an edible replica of the bride-to-be’s diamond and sapphire ring, the royal crest, a wedding bouquet and of course, the British flag. And for those who didn’t make the guest list, Dosik also has party tips to help throw your own Royal Wedding reception:

1.    Break out the china – In the U.K., the Royal Wedding will be acknowledged as a public holiday, which means only your finest dishes will suffice.

2.    Skip the black tie – Unless your living room rivals Buckingham Palace, opt for less formal attire, like pajama gowns. And since coverage begins at 4am in the U.S., guests won’t even have to change.

3.    Make it a tea party – The British are known for their love of tea. Offers guests a large assortment of teas and don’t forget English Breakfast Tea!

4.    Serve lighter fare – Since this is a morning celebration, consider serving light treats, such as crumpets, pastries, scones and of course, our Royal Wedding-inspired cookies.

One Tough Cookie can also turn any simple pastry for any special occasion into edible art.  From traditional to eccentric, One Tough Cookie creates custom-made couture treats – which include cookies, cakes and cupcakes adorned with hand-decorated, whimsical designs that symbolize any personal celebration or corporate event.  Through word-of-mouth and a loyal customer base that is quickly growing, One Tough Cookie’s delectable treats are sought after by New Yorkers, celebrities, and news personalities.

15 Frugal Wedding Tips

Sound the trumpets! After eight long years, Prince William and Catherine ("Waitie Katie") Middleton will walk down the aisle Friday in a fairytale wedding. Contrary to all the pomp and circumstance, the happy couple actually lead a very modest life in a $1,200-a-month farmhouse in Angsley, Wales. If William wasn't heir to the throne, one gets the feeling they might plan a more intimate and reasonably priced affair. That doesn't mean they'd have to forgo all the bells and whistles, however.

If you're planning a wedding and would like to exchange vows in a more royal fashion on a limited budget, read on for 15 tips to help you tie the knot in style without sacrificing your savings.

1. The Proposal  Prince William took Kate all the way to Kenya to propose over a champagne dinner. While you can't replicate the location, you could pop for champagne and cook your own dinner. If you're looking for something a bit more romantic, try Michael Scott's incredibly romantic, candle-laden proposal on "The Office."
2. Princely Invitations  The royal invite is a relatively simple 8-inch-by-6-inch card that says the Lord Chamberlain has been "commanded by the Queen" to invite the holder to the wedding. Eliminating all the extra envelopes, tissue paper and fuss of traditional invites is both very modern and much less expensive. To save even more, opt to create the invite on your home computer or visit sites like PrintRunner.com which offer easy-to-follow directions on custom wedding invitation cards.
3. Pre-marital Counseling  Once the question has been popped, it's wise to seek a bit of advice. The royal couple will meet with both the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of Canterbury, but you can turn to your own spiritual adviser or check with your county mental-health center for a recommendation to a counselor who charges on a sliding scale.
4. Wedding Rings  The royal couple will exchange wedding rings made with gold from Wales' Clogau Mine. William is also having Kate's ring engraved inside, a sentiment common couples can easily duplicate. For an excellent price on rings, check out pawnshops and discount jewelry merchants, like Amazon. Watch for promo codes for even more savings on jewelry.
5. Teeth Whitening  Want to know a secret? Kate donned invisible braces and had her teeth whitened for the wedding. (She also lost weight, but that's another topic.) One of the cheapest ways to purchase a teeth-whitening session is via one of the group-buying services, such as Groupon and LivingSocial. Otherwise, try a more affordable drugstore product like Crest White Strips to make your smile dazzle on the big day
6. Flowers  Catherine's floral selection is easy to duplicate as she's planned a white pallet reminiscent of an English garden. While hot-house flowers are nice, it's much less expensive if you ask a variety of friends to share the bounty of their backyard gardens. Or you might use silk flowers, which can be repurposed to decorate your happy new home.
7. Bouquets  Queen Victoria created a tradition when she included a bit of myrtle in her bouquet to symbolize "constancy in affection and duty." Her highness later planted the sprig so future brides could share a piece of her bouquet. Not only is this an inexpensive and lovely idea but planting the sprig is very eco-friendly.
8. Tuxes  An all-tuxedo ensemble at the altar has become rather passe. Follow Prince William's lead and wear your military uniform, or go your own way with a simple suit. Don't have a suit? Thrift shops have some surprisingly good deals on quality jackets, pants and two-piecers.
9. Dresses  Lucky Catherine has her choice of gowns, from Vera Wang to J. Crew, and she can wear what she likes as there's no protocol on bridal wear. Everyday brides, however, can save by renting, borrowing or hitting second-hand shops. For those looking for a gown online or in-store, plan to buy discount gift cards before checking out to help lower the cost by up to 30-percent off.
10. Tiaras  Not everyone wants to wear a tiara, but it would be hard to forgo this headwear if, like Kate, you could chose from 80 stunning tiaras in the royal family collection. Brides who want to look more like a princess than a pauper might check out costume shops for realistic-looking tiaras at rock-bottom prices.
11. Music  Princess Diana rode to her wedding in a glass carriage. Trumpets sounded upon her arrival and three choirs serenaded her walk down the aisle. While that might be overdoing it just a touch for your wedding, there's no reason you can't replicate the sound with recorded music. For a more personal touch, ask a friend to play and sing.
12. Location  Commoners might find it difficult to fill St. Paul's Cathedral, but you don't want to overlook the many low-budget locations open to you. A nice backyard, local church, public park, community garden, historical building on your local university campus...there's no end to low-cost locations if you begin to think outside the box.
13. After Parties  Queen Elizabeth is hosting an intimate luncheon for 700 at Buckingham Palace, then the oldsters will clear out and 400 of the younger guests will enjoy an evening of dining and dancing. While you might need to scale down the numbers, you can follow the same blueprint. Hold a small champagne reception directly after the wedding for the senior crowd and, if you'd like to go really low cost, a potluck dinner followed by dancing to your favorite iTunes.
14. Honeymoon  Princess Diana and Prince Charles spent their honeymoon in Hampshire, England, but it looks like Kate and William will head to equally chilly Canada. Not all of us have a former colony to tour, but we can get away for a nice hiking weekend or time at a friend's cottage. If your budget has been destroyed by the wedding itself, there's always the option of a staycation. Turn off the phones and computers and turn your home into a spa, movie theater or whatever suits your fancy. Just don't tell anyone where you are.
15. Trousseau  Despite having a millionaire's bank book, Kate is an economical clothes shopper, which can't be easy when you have to wear all those hats. The soon-to-be-princess also doubles her wardrobe by sharing with her sister. You can follow Kate's tips or hit thrift shops, second-hand stores and the big boxes for your trousseau. Target, in particular, has a comparatively upscale clothing selection at very reasonable prices.

Mum's The Word!

AOL and Chef Boyardee have teamed up to present you with Club Mum! 

 

Taking care of your family can be pretty challenging. We're here to help! Club Mum is where mothers everywhere come together to share their stories and their secret tips to raising healthy, happy kids! Our dedicated group of Mum-bloggers takes the time to write about what it's like to adjust to mommyhood, transition from a career, and the challenges they encounter every day when it comes to making sure the children eat right! 

Don’t we all need a place to unwind, learn and, get treats?  Club Mum understands!  That’s why starting on February 28, Club Mum began a rewards contest where you can enter to win a $250 American Express Gift Card every week!  Go to http://www.themumclub.com/rewards-program/ for your chance to win. 

 

Even better, there will be an instant win sweepstakes with prizes available every day! Check out the rules and more details at www.theMumClub.com/official-rules/. 

 

The sweepstakes started at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on February 28, 2011 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT on May 31, 2011. (There's still plenty of time!) It is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older (19 years or older if a resident of AL or NE) at the time of entry. 

 

Rewards Contest Prize: One (1) $250 in American Express Gift Card per Weekly Entry Period

Instant Win Prizes: 93 American Express Gift Cards will be available to be won each day: 39 $25 cards, 26 $50 cards, 13 $75 cards and 15 $100 cards. 

 

Beyond the contests, there's so much more we offer to moms; we've got recipes, stories, and community!

Arbor Day - Every Tree Counts

Celebrate Arbor Day, April 29, 2011, at the original home of all things green – The Morton Arboretum – and discover why every tree counts. 

“Arbor Day is not like other holidays. Each of those reposes on the past, while Arbor Day proposes for the future.” said J. Sterling Morton, Arbor Day founder.

J. Sterling Morton, the father of Joy Morton, founder of The Morton Arboretum, understood the value of trees. And this year, more than 500 trees in high-traffic areas of downtown Chicago, Yorktown Mall, and at The Morton Arboretum prove their worth by donning Value Tags on Arbor Day. These tags, totaling a value of $620,005, show people the value that trees provide in everyday life. The most valuable tree tagged at the Arboretum is an American Elm, valued at $4,988.

The ‘Every Tree Counts’ message continues at The Morton Arboretum with a fun-filled weekend of events.

Curious George is hanging out at the Arboretum Store greeting little and big tree-huggers before leading the procession to the “Arbor Day Tree Planting” by Meadow Lake. After helping plant a tree, families can find a grassy patch to hear Arboretum tree scientist and children’s’ book author Dr. Andrew Hipp tell the story of “Curious George Plants A Tree” with the help of Curious George.  Curious George is around from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and tree planting is at 11 a.m.

A visit to the Children’s Garden offers bunches of tree-loving activities the whole weekend. Kids can plant seeds, play with tree cookies and go on a hunt for unique trees in the “Arbor Day in the Children’s Garden” self-guided discovery activity from April 29 to May 1 between 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Introduce kids to the importance of recycling with the games and crafts of “Treasures from Trash.” This self-guided activity is available weekdays in April from 1 to 4 p.m. On the weekend from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., learn why “We (heart) Trees!” See some of the wonderful products that trees give us. Kids will make a recycled plant container and plant a tree seed to take home to watch grow. All activities are weather permitting.

For the older nature-loving crowd, head over to the Arbor Day Plant Sale!  Support your local Arboretum while choosing from more than 350 plant selections under a 10,000 square-foot tent. Pick from old favorites and recently introduced hybrids ideal for Chicago-area gardens and Proven Winners® of the Chicagoland Grows® section to create a one-of-a-kind landscape. From shade-loving plants to tasty edibles, this sale offers plants you can’t find in traditional garden centers. Arboretum experts are on-site to help enhance your yard, patio or apartment balcony and get help loading up your car with newly acquired purchases. Times for April 30 are noon to 4 p.m. and May 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Feel the soil in your hands! Spend time with family or friends planting trees and shrubs from China in the Arboretum’s collections on April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon. You’ll discover why trees from Asia need to grow in Illinois and about the Arboretum’s plant explorations. This “Arbor Day Tree Planting” opportunity is free with admission. Advance registration is required. Please call 630-719-2468 or visit www.mortonarb.org/education under Youth and Family. Recommended for ages 8 and older.  

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,128 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. Central Time until sunset. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February.

Cat Cora San Francisco

CELEBRITY CHEF CAT CORA UNVEILS SOPHISTICATED CULINARY EXPERIENCE IN SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’S NEW TERMINAL 2

Cat Cora San Francisco Offers Travelers Fresh, Local and Organic Dining Option

Celebrity chef Cat Cora has partnered with one of the nation’s most respected airport food service operators, Hojeij Branded Foods (HBF), to create Cat Cora San Francisco, a tantalizing restaurant and lounge located in SFO’s dazzling new Terminal 2 (T2).

Cat Cora offers travelers the finest in airport dining with a menu featuring innovative tapas and finely crafted cocktails, made with artisan quality ingredients from local suppliers.  From Baked Jalapeño Poppers stuffed with Feta to Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, to Chimichuri Chicken Skewers, there is something for everyone on the menu.  Specialty drinks from the lounge’s ‘cocktail chemists’ are full of flavor and unique to the last drop with specialties like, the Ouzotini made with pomegranate and pineapple juice, vodka and fresh lime to the Cucumber Martini made with fresh cucumber juice, gin and mint, to the Airmail Cocktail made with rum, fresh lime juice, prosecco and honey.

“SFO is doing something ahead of the curve by revolutionizing the way people travel and I’m thrilled to have my first airport restaurant be a part of that,” said Chef Cora. “By using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, I can offer clientele a delicious and environmentally sound dining experience while they are between flights.”

“HBF is proud to be the operating partner for Cat Cora San Francisco to improve the quality of restaurants in airports across the country,” said Regynald Washington, COO of Hojeij Branded Foods.  “Our company has a reputation of delivering the highest quality food concepts to airports, which we are doing once again with the opening of Cat Cora restaurants that will offer travelers an unparalleled dining experience.”

Travelers will not only be taken with the menu of Chef Cora’s namesake restaurant but also the view with tables that line large windows overlooking San Francisco’s famous bay. Adding to her current culinary destinations that include the Greek-influenced Kouzzina at Walt Disney World and CCQ (Cat Cora’s ‘Que’), a healthy bar-b-que concept restaurant in Costa Mesa, California, the launch of the market-to-table focused Cat Cora San Francisco marks Cora’s third restaurant opening.

Prankster Planet Starts May 2

THE ELECTRIC COMPANY  POWERS MATH LITERACY LEARNING WITH NEW TRANSMEDIA EXERIENCE, “PRANKSTER PLANET,” PREMIERING MAY 2, 2011 ON PBS KIDS GO! ®

New Animated Transmedia Story, Interactive Web Game and Outreach Experience Lets Kids Put Themselves IN The Electric Company

The Electric Company, will re-launch its third season May 2 with an all new transmedia story, “The Adventures of The Electric Company on Prankster Planet.”  Airing in a new segment at the end of the TV series and a new area of the website, this transmedia story engages and immerses participants in an experience through multiple forms of media, each element making a unique contribution to the story. Produced by Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, The Electric Company uses this formula to transport viewers from the television show to the website and back again, putting kids in the middle of the adventure, side-by-side with The Electric Company.  

Appearing at the end of each of the episodes in season three, “Prankster Planet” stars Electric Company members Jessica and Marcus as comic book heroes in a 12-part animated adventure. Their mission?  Get to Prankster Planet ASAP and stop the pranksters from stealing all the words from earth! 

Jessica and Marcus discover the pranksters are using Manny’s latest gadget – the Wordsuckeruppernator – to suck up all the words on earth, giving them total word domination. Upon arrival, they learn that the only way to turn off the gadget is to find the 13 buttons that Manny has hidden all over the planet. As they get close to each button, the pranksters try to prevent them from reaching their goal. The heroes need help! They turn to the viewer and shout “Hey You GUUUUUYYS!”  Then, the narrator steps in asking the kids to go online and help!

“The Adventures of The Electric Company on Prankster Planet” will air at the end of each of The Electric Company broadcast episodes everyday starting May 2.   The online adventure will go live that same day at PBSKIDSGO.org/electriccompany.  

The Electric Company and “Prankster Planet” are part of Ready To Learn, a joint initiative of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS, and funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Ready To Learn is a national initiative focused on using public media content to improve math and literacy skills of children ages two to eight, especially those from low-income families.

One Stop Shopping for Fomula on Diapers.com!

This post brought to you by PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

When you have a baby, the easier your life is, the better! Guess what you can buy on diapers.com ?

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Before you buy on diapers.com, make sure you check out Bright Beginnings on Facebook so you can stay on top of the latest happenings, offers, and information.  This is going to make a lot of mommies out there very happy!

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This post brought to you by Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.

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