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.