Collage.com One-Click Photo Book ~ Review

If you are like me then I am assuming you have a ton of pictures-not printed but sitting in your phone, camera, or computer.  You always say you will do something with them but they are probably accumulating, by the hundreds.  If you have kids you know I am not even joking.

With my first child I think I printed 200 photos or more and put them in albums that first year and I love them.  By the second child I wanted to do this but it is definitely not a priority, just a wish.  I am very, very good though about uploading them to Facebook and putting them into albums on a regular basis.  This came in super handy when given the opportunity to make a couple of photo books at collage.com.

I loved how easy it was to just upload directly from Facebook.  I was able to select an album and then upload all the pics from that album.  I chose the easy route and had it place them all and then sorted from there.  Within 20 minutes I had my perfect photo book of our most recent vacation.

I love how they take all of the photos and make a collage on the cover.  I added a background to all the pages, a title, and voila!  My kids LOVE looking at it and it is perfect to take and show family.

I love how easily it fits on our bookshelf and they make even better gifts.  Grandma lives out of state and doesn't have a Facebook so sending her picture books of the kids is the perfect gift.

Right now you can make a large hardcover 20 page photo book for only $25 which is a steal.  Think about it.  By the time you pay to print photos, purchase a photo album and actually put those pictures in the album you have spent as much or more.  This is simple and you have a book that lasts forever.  I love the quality and had my book in my hands in about a week!

Create a professional photo book with a single click using Collage.com's One-Click Photo Book. Select photos of any size from Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, or your computer and they will instantly suggest a clean, professional layout that you can further customize.

Deal: Use this link for 51% off a 20-page 11.5"x8" Hardcover Photo Book From Collage.com: http://bit.ly/collagepbdeal

Disney Junior Live! Rosemont March 14-17

Chris is absolutely going to flip out when he finds out we are going to Disney Junior Live on Tour!  He has seen the commercials and tells me constantly he wants to go there.  He is a huge fan of both Jake and Sofia so the Pirates & Princesses theme is just perfect.  I think I might be more excited then him at this point and I cannot wait to see Sharky & Bones!!

If you have any Disney fans in your house be sure to get tickets soon as seats are selling out fast!  Details:

Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, IL. March 14-17, 2014 

Grab your tiaras and doubloons and join us for Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure. Mickey and Minnie are taking their seats too at this never-before-seen live show featuring your favorite characters from Disney Junior's hit series, Sofia the First and Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Get swept up in the excitement as Sofia and her family prepare for a royal celebration that helps us all learn the true meaning of being a princess with a special appearance from Cinderella. Then it's off to Never Land where Jake and his swashbuckling friends Izzy and Cubby, with a little help from Peter Pan, battle Captain Hook to unlock treasure hidden inside a mysterious volcano. It's danger and dueling on the high seas as Jake discovers what it takes to be a true hero. Filled with new music, amazing effects, thrilling action and endless surprises, your whole family will sing, shout, and soar into the action when Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure sails into your town.

My readers can Save $5 on all weekday shows by using code MOM. Get Tickets Today- http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/32892/1860109

Discount does not apply to Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.

Monster Jam @Allstate Arena through Feb 9th!

Disclaimer:  My family was provided with tickets to the even for purposes of this review.  All opinions are still my own.

Last night the boys had an awesome time going to Monster Jam at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.  This was Chris's second time and as soon as he heard we were going to see Monster trucks he was so excited.  He is 4 years old and remembers going to it last year and just how awesome it is.  My husband went for the first time this year and he had an awesome time too.  He claims he had more fun then the kids but I'm not so sure.  Chris has been setting up a Monster truck stage with his cars and talking about it non stop.

If you ask Chris what he liked the best he will tell you when the giant T-Rex came out and started eating the cars.  Um yeah trucks and dinosaurs you are talking about little boy heaven!  If you ask my husband what he liked best he will say the dirt bikes, four wheelers, and the monster truck crashing!  Yes they got to see a crash which was a first for everyone.  So pretty cool.

Overall the show is a great experience for everyone young and old.  I think it triggers the man gene in all the boys and gets their adrenaline going just hearing the motors revving their engines, and they are loud!  I highly recommend if you are going to bring ear plugs and noise canceling headphones for everyone in your group.

There are still awesome seats left.  We sat pretty far back, row M in the second level, but had no problem seeing all the action.  It was a great time and I can't wait to go again next year.

Allstate Arena, Feb 7-9, 2014 

Approximately 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, monster trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, monster trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster trucks can fly up to 125 to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air. Monster Jam, sanctioned by the United States Hot Rod Association, is the most popular monster truck tour, performing to over 4 million fans annually at the most prestigious arenas and stadiums throughout the world. Monster Jam shows consist of three main fan-favorite elements - the pit party, racing and freestyle.

Save 30% on all performances using code MOM. Get Your Tickets Today- http://www.ticketmaster.com

Discount does not apply to Front Row VIP or Gold Circle seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply. All tickets $2 more day of show.

Disney on Ice-Let's Celebrate! #DisneySide #Review

Disclosure:  My family was provided tickets to the event but all thoughts and opinions are always my own!

 Anything related to Disney is magical.  I cannot explain it but it just is.  Their Disney on Ice shows are no exception and their current show Let's Celebrate brings a piece of the Disney Parks straight to your doorstep.  Chris was so excited and all day he had been asking me when we were leaving for Mickey on ice.  It was finally time and he was practically dragging us out the door.  I have never seen him so excited.

When the show starts it is very exciting for me so I can only imagine how it feels to the children.  The arena gets dark and it starts with a huge opening number with a huge cast of characters from Alice to Belle and of course all your favorites like Mickey and Minnie.  The show goes on with a great celebration story line.  Chris loved seeing his personal favorites like Captain Hook and Buzz Lightyear.  He even enjoyed all the princesses - I think he is in love with ALL of them.  

I always leave wanting more and can't wait until the next event.  Chris had so much fun he cannot wait to go back either.  If you haven't make sure you get your tickets and be sure to use the discount code below!  There are still awesome seats left and parking is FREE!

Allstate Arena in Rosemont Jan 22 - Jan 26 & United Center in Chicago Jan 29 - Feb 9 

It's one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends! Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; Mardi Gras with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen; a Royal Valentine's Day Ball with the Disney Princesses; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe.  Come join the party when this spectacular ice show visits your hometown!

Parking is FREE in all official arena parking lots. Visit official arena websites for more information.

Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. Jan 22 - Jan 26, 2014
United Center in Chicago, IL. Jan 29 - Feb 9, 2014

Save 40% on all weekday shows and Save 20% on all weekend shows using code MOM. Get Your Tickets Now- http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/2q2yrx

Weekday is defined as any show Monday through Thursday or Friday matinee, not including holidays. Discount does not apply to Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.

Monster Jam is Coming to Rosemont Feb 7-9!!

*Disclaimer:  My family and I will be given tickets to the show but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

My boys, including my big boy Josh (a.k.a. my husband), all nearly lost it when they found out Monster Jam would be coming to Chicago in less then a month.  February 7th-9th the Allstate Arena in Rosemont is going to be taken over by the coolest thing ever to these guys, MONSTER TRUCKS!!!  I took my older son Chris last year when he was 3 and he had a blast.  He was mesmerized by the huge trucks that seemed to fly through the air.  I have been looking forward to taking him again and it is finally here.

Allstate Arena, Feb 7-9, 2014 

Approximately 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, monster trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, monster trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster trucks can fly up to 125 to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air. Monster Jam, sanctioned by the United States Hot Rod Association, is the most popular monster truck tour, performing to over 4 million fans annually at the most prestigious arenas and stadiums throughout the world. Monster Jam shows consist of three main fan-favorite elements - the pit party, racing and freestyle.

Save 30% on all performances using code MOM. Get Your Tickets Today- http://www.ticketmaster.com

Discount does not apply to Front Row VIP or Gold Circle seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply. All tickets $2 more day of show.

Don't wait get your tickets now as these shows fill up quick!!  If any of the boys in your life love cars or trucks they are sure to be thrilled by Monster Jam.

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.

Ringling Brothers Presents Built to Amaze!

Ringling Brothers Built to Amaze will be arriving in Chicago in less then a week and I can't wait!  I am so excited that my boys will get to go to the circus for the first time.  It is exciting and to lead up to our trip I have some fun activities planned.  Click here for a coloring sheet your kids (or you!) can color to get ready for your outing.

Since it is almost Halloween I also have three super cute carving stencils for all those pumpkins you have sitting around.  Just click here!

Don't worry if you haven't gotten your tickets yet they are still available and make sure you use the coupon code! The best part parking is FREE!!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ^® Presents Built To Amaze! will be at AllState Arena November 1st to November 11th and United Center November 20th to December 1st. Get Your Tickets Today!

My readers can Save 40% on weekday shows and 20% on weekend shows.  Use promo code MOM to receive savings. Plus, get even MORE value with FREE PARKING in all official Allstate Arena and United Center parking lots.

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Baily presents Built to Amaze!

 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ^® Presents Built To Amaze!, the 143^rd edition of The Greatest Show On Earth^®. Surprise and wonder delights audiences with over-the-top feats of strength, agility and courage. As the momentum builds so does the anticipation. Magnificent elephants, ferocious tigers, astonishing acrobats and awe-inspiring aerialists are engineered into one spectacular performance. Celebrate the tradition TODAY and experience its modern flair of twists and turns where excitement and suspense are so intense you’ll be tempted to cover your eyes. 

 From the blueprints to the band, the crates to the clowns, the hammer to the high wire, witness the spectacle as we measure out the perfect mix of marvel and majesty in an imagination equation where the impossible comes to life. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Built To Amaze!

 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ^® Presents Built To Amaze! will be at AllState Arena November 1st to November 11th and United Center November 20th to December 1st. Get Your Tickets Today!

My readers can Save 40% on weekday shows and 20% on weekend shows.  Use promo code MOM to receive savings. Plus, get even MORE value with FREE PARKING in all official Allstate Arena and United Center parking lots.

Weekday is defined as any show Monday through Thursday or Friday matinee, not including holidays such as the day after Thanksgiving.  Discount does not apply to Circus Celebrity, Front Row, or VIP seats.  No double discounts.  Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.

Zevia a New Kind of Soda ~ Giveaway

The average american drinks a soda a day and I was probably in those statistics until several years ago when I cut back, way back, on my soda drinking.  I tried to avoid soda all together but would find myself craving it especially with meals such as burgers or tacos.  I decided I would allow myself a soda a week and have been pretty good with that until recently where I have found myself drinking it more and more.  One of the major reasons I stopped was it was an easy way to lose weight for me and now that I am drinking it more I can see those pounds coming back.  This is why I was thrilled when Zevia showed up at my door!

Let me start off by saying I am NOT a fan of diet soda at all.  I would rather go thirsty, but with flavor choices from cola to strawberry I was willing to give it a shot.  I am a stickler for following directions and Zevia recommends drinking it as cold as possible and straight from the can so I decided to try the grape and actually threw it in the freezer for about 30 minutes.  I was honestly pleasantly surprised and it was quite tasty!  Zevia would definitely satisfy my soda cravings.  And I really think that having it extra cold made it taste better.

With Zevia, not only is it an easy choice but the smart choice for my family.  We are a busy household and it is nice to have a go to product I know is the healthier option.  I may not be able to say no to that special treat but Zevia makes up for it with 0 grams of sugar and no artificial sweeteners.  So what gives it that sweet taste?  Stevia!  It is all natural and grown here in the United States

Now for the fun part :)  Zevia has offered to let 5, yes FIVE, of my readers try Zevia soda for FREE!!  Just fill out the rafflecopter below and make sure you check out Zevia here to see all the wonderful flavors they offer.

If you are not a winner or just can't wait to try it for yourself make sure you head over here to grab a $1.00 coupon for yourself!  Good Luck. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fun Times at All Seasons Orchard

I was given tickets to facilitate this review but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This weekend my family and I had the chance to experience All Seasons Apple Orchard in Woodstock.  It was about an hours drive from our house and definitely worth the time.  It was the perfect day for a trip to the orchard, the skies were clear and it was in the upper sixties my idea of a perfect fall day.  I was worried that it would be super muddy from all the rain we had the day before but surprisingly it wasn't.  One of the first things my boys saw was the corn crib and they were super excited to jump in and play with the corn.  It must of felt awesome because they begged to come back to it later!

After we played in the corn we hopped on a tractor that took us over to the apple orchards were there were tons of apple trees to pick our apples from.  They loved picking their own apples and your ticket includes a bag you can fill up with a lot of apples.  We came home with plenty to share with family and my smallest couldn't resist eating one while we were there.  This was my favorite activity and something I cannot wait to do again.

Next we went over to the play area were they had a sandbox (I say sandbox but it is like a large fenced in sand area) filled with diggers and two tube slides.  Nick and Chris were in heaven and could of played here all day long so we probably spent a good hour there just digging and going down the slides.  I grabbed Nick for a few minutes to take him over to the petting zoo and goat bridge since he is obsessed with animals and he got some kisses from the goats.

I had to drag Chris away from the slide & sand but both Nick and Chris had a fun time riding around on the goat train, swinging on the swings, and playing with the other kids in the duck races.  Josh even sneaked off to go shoot the awesome apple and pumpkin canons and had a blast, literally!  There was so much to do that we didn't even get around to everything partially because they are a little young but mostly because they were having so much fun with all the activities we did do.  There is also an assortment of bounce houses, jumping pillow, pony rides, a huge corn maze, and zip lines!  You could easily spend an entire day at All Seasons Orchard.

After grabbing some lunch from the farm house and playing in the sand some more we finally went to pick out our pumpkins.  Chris wanted to buy all of them as you can see by his wheelbarrow.  All in all it was a great time and the best pumpkin patch time we have had by far.  Chris proclaimed as we walked to the car, "I had so much fun!", at the top of his lungs.  Stuff like that just melts my heart and I can't wait to do it all again next year.

You can plan a visit to All Seasons Apple Orchard by clicking here.  And don't forget they have a coupon too just click here.  You will not be disappointed!

Purex UltraPacks Plus Oxi ~ Review & Giveaway

"The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex UltraPacks plus Oxi in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own."

I was recently given the opportunity to try Purex's new UltaPacks Liquid Laundry Detergent plus Oxi and I must say I was not disappointed.  With 3 boys that love to get dirty on a daily basis my laundry is not lacking in the stain department.  By the end of the day their clothes smell of all of the days activities as well.

I personally love laundry pods because of their simplicity.  Just toss and go!  No measuring, dripping, or trying to get the last bit out of the bottle.  One less minute doing anything is a plus.  I also love that they are filled with concentrated detergent.  You wouldn't think that you need such a tiny amount of detergent but it really gets the job done.  Dirt is no match for Purex plus Oxi!  I have to mention the scent too because the clothes smelled so clean and fresh when I opened the door to my washer. 

An important reminder with all laundry pods is to keep them away from small children.  My rule is high out of reach or locked down below.  Like any chemical they are dangerous but laundry pods are overall more appealing to a small child. 

Now the fun part!  One of my wonderful readers can win a coupon for a FREE bag of Purex UltraPacks Plus Oxi.  You know I like to share right?  So enter in the rafflecopter below and good luck :) Sorry but this is for U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All Seasons Orchard ~ Coupon

My family and I are very excited to be visiting All Seasons Orchard this year.  They have so many activities it is sure to be a fun filled day with my boys!  I am personally excited to go apple picking as this has always been on my bucket list and I will finally have the opportunity to pick my own apples straight from the tree.  Here are some of the great activities you can participate in at All Seasons Orchard:

U-Pick apples, pumpkin patch, corn maze and loads of fun activities including wagon rides, petting zoo and barnyard play area activities! Make sure to stop by our country restaurant and farm market for orchard goodies like pulled pork sandwiches, freshly baked apple donuts, apple cider, caramel apples, pies, raw honey and much more! Open daily September and October. Check our website for picking schedules and special events.

Here is a coupon for 25% off your visit when you purchase Barnyard or Combo Tickets! So what are you waiting for, plan your visit today.

Fall Festivals, Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches & Fun!

We started a family tradition of going to a pumpkin farm every fall since Chris was born.  It is always a great time and gets me in a great fall mood.  Well the temperatures may still be hot it is a great time to check out some of the many local farms in your area or plan ahead for a fun filled fall activity.  You will be surprised all there is to do for every age!

Ready for some Fall Festival Deals!  I have put together a great list of Corn Maze Coupons and Fall Festival savings nationwide.  Download valuable coupons for Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches and Fall Family Activities.  Visit as many as you can before the cold of winter is here!

Arizona
Schnepf Farms - Queen City

California
Forneris Farms - Mission Hills

Colorado
Anderson Farms - Erie
Flat Acres Farm - Parker
Fritzler Maze - La Salle
Sunflower Farm - Longmont
Mile High Farms - Bennett
Wishing Star Farm - Calhan
Harvest Farm - Wellington

Texas
Devine Acres Farm - Devine
Fiesta Farm - San Antonio
Yesterland Farm - Canton
South Texas Maize - Hondo
Dewberry Farm - Brookshire
Brazos Valley Maize- Brenham

Louisiana
CM Farms - Dry Creek

Georgia
Lane Southern Orchards - Fort Valley
Poppell Farms - Odum

Michigan
Farmer Charley's Corn Maze Adventure - Monroe

Indiana
Amazing Fall Fun - Waterloo
Harvest Tyme Pumpkin Patch - Lowell
Hobson's Fun Farm - Rockville

Illinois
All Seasons Orchard - Woodstock
Kuipers Family Farm - Maple Park
Odyssey Fun Farm - Tinley Park
Siegel's Cottonwood Farm - Lockport

Maryland/DC
Summers Farm - Fredrick County

Massachusetts
Sauchuk Farm - Plympton

Missouri/Kansas
KC Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze - Gardner
Shuck's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch - Pleasant Hill

Mississippi
Seward Farms Maze - Lucedale

Minnesota
Afton Apple Orchard - Hastings

Montana
The Maize at Grandpa's Farm - Billings

Nebraska
Camp Fontanelle - Nickerson

NewJersey
VonThun Farms - Monmouth Junction
Sahl's Father Son Farm - Egg Harbor City

New York
Wright Family Farm - Warwick
Harbes Family Farm - Mattituck

North Carolina
Patterson Farm Market and Tours - Mount Ulla

Ohio
The Corn Maze at the Sharp Run Market - Millersburg
Meadow View Growers - New Carlisle

Pennsylvania

Hurricane Hill Farm - CoatsvilleTriple B Farms - Pittsburgh
Reillys Summer Seat Farm - Pittsburgh

Rhode Island
Confreda Greenhouses & Farms - Hope (Western Cranston)

Virginia
Cows-N-Corn - Midland
Wayside Farm Fun - Berryville
Belvedere Plantation - Fredericksburg

Utah
Cornbelly's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Fest - Spanish Fork

For Daily Updates on these coupons and coupons for other family attractions please visit and bookmark:http://www.usfamilycoupons.com