Learn how to drive!

Living in the city of Chicago there are many horrible drivers.  Here are just a couple of errors I see people make a lot that really irritate me.

1.  If you are on a one way street and you want to turn left please be on the left side of the street!  Don't sit on the right side blocking me while I wait for you to turn left!

2.  If there is an ambulance, fire truck, or other emergency vehicle behind you honking it does not mean sit there!!  Even if the light is red move out of the way.  Proceed cautiously out of the way of the emergency vehicle in any way possible so they can get to their destination.

3. The signs that say stop for pedestrians are NOT stop signs.  They mean stop for pedestrians not stop in the middle of a busy street for no reason.

4. If you are in the left lane you may not turn right.  Especially if there is a car in the right lane!!

5. If you are in the left turn lane please pull up to the white line.  If you sit a car length or more behind the white line the left turn signal will not turn on as most signals are set to sensors in the ground.  PULL UP!

These are my 5 current pet peeves about driving that make me an angry driver.  I live on a street that requires a permit to park here and two weeks ago my block had no parking at all due to people parking without permits.  I called and had everyone ticketed.  I have lived her 7 years and never done this but I was pushed to my limits.  With over ten cars parked illegally when I pay to park here I was pissed.  

And don't expect me to let you in/turn when you are talking on your phone either.  If I see you on your phone I will intentionally not let you in.  

End of rant. 

Creekside at Beaver Creek

Vacationers looking to leave everyday life behind and enjoy remarkable skiing and the grandeur of a modern alpine ski resort should head to Beaver Creek, Colorado.

Creekside at Beaver Creek is a luxury ski-in/ski-out property located within the heart of Beaver Creek village. Nestled right up against the bubbling Beaver Creek, guests are steps away from world-class restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. In the morning, you can ski right to the lifts and access nearly 1,900 acres of skiable terrain including immaculately groomed green cruisers to steep powder-filled Aspen groves and chutes. At the end of the day, after a relaxing dip in the hot tub, unwind in a comfortable two or three bedroom condominium, elegantly decorated to make oneself at home.

Whether you are visiting Colorado to ski/snowboard or just take in the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, you’ll find your stay at Creekside at Beaver Creek a memorable one.

Book by Opening Day and Save up to 30%!

Book your winter 2013/2014 vacation to Creekside at Beaver Creek by the time the lifts start turning and save up to 30% off regular rates for the 2013/2014 ski season! (Beaver Creek opening day is Nov. 27, 2013)

Book now! http://creeksidebeavercreek.com/rates/deals or call (800) 910-3240.

Del Monte Fruit Burst™ Squeezers & $50 Walmart GC Giveaway!

 “The Del Monte products, information, gift pack, and gift card have been provided by Del Monte.”

When I was given the chance to try Del Monte's new Fruit Burst Squeezers I was thrilled because my children LOVE any type of food they can squeeze from a pouch.  I love anything that incorporates more fruit and veggies into their diet.  Children have mall stomachs so it is important that every bite they eat is nutritious as possible.  Here is a little info about their new line of squeezers:

About Fruit Burst™ Squeezers

Made in the U.S.A., Del Monte Fruit Burst™ Squeezers contain 1 ½ servings of fruit or fruit and veggies and are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. In addition, Del Monte Fruit Burst™ Squeezers contain no artificial flavors or high fructose corn syrup.

                Fruit + Veggie Varieties:

-          Peach-Mango: Pear puree concentrate, water, pumpkin juice concentrate, peach puree concentrate, pear juice concentrate, carrot juice concentrate, carrot puree, mango puree concentrate, natural flavors, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), citric acid.

-          Blueberry: Pear puree concentrate, water, pumpkin juice concentrate, pear juice concentrate, natural flavors, carrot puree, blueberry puree concentrate, fruit and vegetable extracts for color, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), citric acid.

Simply Fruit Varieties:

-          Apple Cinnamon: Pear puree concentrate, water, apple puree concentrate, pear juice concentrate, natural flavors, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), cinnamon, malic acid.

-          Mixed Berry: Pear puree concentrate, water, pear juice concentrate, natural flavors, strawberry puree, red raspberry puree concentrate, blueberry puree concentrate, fruit and vegetable extracts for color, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), malic acid.

-          Strawberry: Pear puree concentrate, water, pear juice concentrate, strawberry puree concentrate, natural flavors, carmine, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), malic acid.

 I love snacks that are simple, require no thought and are easy for a mom on the go!  I can just throw Fruit Bursts in their lunchbox, diaper bag, my purse or hand them to the kids as we are walking out the door.  They are happy and mom is happy.  My favorites are the fruit/veggie combos.  My kids will not touch, look at or even allow on their plate veggies of any kind.  So I have learned to be sneaky.  My boys think they are getting "applesauce" when they are really getting fruit and veggies.  Shh, don't tell them because they absolutely loved all the varieties and they are now a staple in my hidden veggie rotation.

The package came with cute little signs with suggested ways to eat them.  Day 1, an after school snack.  Day 2, on-the-go.  Day 3, lunch box favorite.  Day 4, mom's treat (these are not just for kids, I love them too!).  Day 5 was your own idea so I chose before bedtime snack.  Its inevitable that when bedtime comes around your kids decide they are hungry so reach for something healthy and easy.

Del Monte Fruit Burst Squeezers are available at your local Walmart, be sure to add these squeezable snacks to your cart while picking up essentials for your family!  I am even giving away a $50 Walmart gift card to one of my readers thanks to Del Monte!! (Think of all the Fruit Bursts you can get with that!?!?!)

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An Evening at Ringling Brothers Built to Amaze!

I was excited as soon as I heard we were getting tickets to Ringling Brothers Built to Amaze!  I have not been to the circus in about 15 years and always enjoyed it as a child so I was thrilled to see my boys experience it for the first time.  Aside from the boys it was also my husbands first time going to the circus.  Ringling Brothers did not disappoint!  The opening act was breathtaking with acrobats and clowns.  Chris was instantly mesmerized and his eyes didn't look away at all until the intermission.

My one piece of advice would be do not bring an almost 2 year old boy.  He liked the circus for about ten minutes and then just wanted to run around so the 2nd half daddy took Nick outside to do so.  Chris on the other hand was so excited to see the tigers, elephants, dogs and all the incredibly amazing acrobats,  The acts were amazing.  They can do things I never imagined possible and are something you need to see to believe.

Despite my energetic two year old we had a fabulous time and I highly recommend taking your kiddos to the circus.  It is an experience they will remember and enjoy and as we left Chris let out his energetic "the circus was so much fun!"  His happiness makes everything that much more enjoyable.  The circus is at the Allstate arena through November 11th and then it heads to the United Center from November 20th through December 1st.  Get your tickets here and don't forget to use the coupon code MOM so you can save 40% on weekday shows and 20% on weekend shows.  Parking is my favorite word, FREE!