tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55657884912073708942024-02-22T01:42:30.193-08:00I'm Living the Good LifeI used to work full time, travel and spend my free time shopping....sounds like the good life! Now, I stay at home with my kids and help them discover new things. Sometimes I even discover a few things myself. That's really the good life!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.comBlogger276125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-84256320412758961862013-11-27T09:33:00.001-08:002013-11-27T09:33:03.680-08:00Aronoff Center Cincinnati: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tonight we are kicking off Thanksgiving break at <strong>Cincinnati's Aronoff Center</strong> to see <strong><em>Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical</em></strong> I loved the animated version when I was a kid, and also enjoyed the film version as an adult. The whole family is thrilled to see this beloved classic on stage at the <strong>Aronoff Center</strong> tonight. <br />
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Tonight's show features one of my favorite <strong>Grinch</strong> songs..."<strong>You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch</strong>." I was just singing this to the kids the other day. Don't worry, their ears have stopped bleeding. Another favorite song from the original animated special is <strong>"Welcome Christmas."</strong> <br />
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Tonight, Max the dog narrates the show as the Grinch tries to ruin Christmas for all of those cute little citizens of Whoville. <br />
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<strong><em>Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical</em></strong> is at the Aronoff November 27th thru December 1st, so check your schedule and get your tickets now! You can get tickets <a href="http://cincinnati.broadway.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> or you can call the Aronoff Center at (513) 621-ARTS.<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: My family was provided free tickets for tonight's show. Rest assured all opinions are my own.</span></em><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-4376963714866159742013-11-25T14:30:00.001-08:002013-11-25T14:30:29.835-08:00Holiday Reading for Kids and Adults<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Are you getting into the holiday spirit? What better way to get in the mood for Christmas, and spread the cheer with your family, than to read holiday books? Reading can really put you in a certain frame of mind, or mood. Why not grab a peppermint mocha, hit the library and curl up with a holiday book?<br />
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This month, our book club has chosen <em><strong>Blue Christmas</strong></em> by Mary Kay Andrews. It's a short and sweet story about Weezie Foley and her Savannah antique shop. All she wants for Christmas is a blue ribbon in the shop decorating contest, an engagement ring from her fiance and to find out who keeps sleeping in her shop display window every night with her teddy bear. Not a tall order, right?<br />
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One of my all time favorite holiday reads is <em><strong>Holidays on Ice</strong></em> by David Sedaris. <br />
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I especially love <em><strong>Santaland Diaries</strong></em> from <em><strong>Holidays on Ice</strong></em>. If you have not read it, this hilarious story details the holiday season that David Sedaris spent as an elf in Santaland at a New York City Macy's department store. Just imagining a grown man in tights with the elf name "Crumpet" doing Santa's bidding makes me giggle. Then imagining David Sedaris read it aloud in his famous dead pan nasal voice makes me belly laugh. <br />
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<em><strong>You Better Not Cry: Stories for Christmas</strong></em> by Augusten Burroughs is also a funny Christmas memoir, but a little darker. It opens with a story of how the writer's curiosity of his family's decorative wax Santa lands him in the hospital after he eats off it's face...I said it was a little dark.<br />
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As a family, we are reading <strong><em>The Best Christmas Pageant</em> <em>Eve</em>r</strong> by Barbara Robinson. I remember my grade school teacher reading this to our class. I loved it and so far, the kids do too. The Herdman kids take over the church Christmas pageant because everyone else is too afraid to audition against them. In the end, everyone learns a little something about the Christmas spirit. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJqm_vVuAflMZFvxsJl8CxUX07jv7NfnhY4Ormg17hFKQYuRIyjhE8aa2VlvrFZvsDiBrycr2OznZ3mPiDbye3X9C5D6uHYrs0vifVX1TZa3FIvlHbcxTUTChANAmSNayVKoCXPAzYbY/s1600/Holiday+Reading+3+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJqm_vVuAflMZFvxsJl8CxUX07jv7NfnhY4Ormg17hFKQYuRIyjhE8aa2VlvrFZvsDiBrycr2OznZ3mPiDbye3X9C5D6uHYrs0vifVX1TZa3FIvlHbcxTUTChANAmSNayVKoCXPAzYbY/s320/Holiday+Reading+3+done.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dtJQAf9R6x8RC266TEXRCMYuoOxU09xa9pwO52nt1dZUDl8WKeVT3JWQvzzHpeIWPlcr4Vl2XB76zom_NCaSN0AP6xQWbkFleM4_fh2tDztE2nmXJNQVf0HoRStTMS6Quse7JhBQvu8/s1600/Holiday+Reading+1done+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dtJQAf9R6x8RC266TEXRCMYuoOxU09xa9pwO52nt1dZUDl8WKeVT3JWQvzzHpeIWPlcr4Vl2XB76zom_NCaSN0AP6xQWbkFleM4_fh2tDztE2nmXJNQVf0HoRStTMS6Quse7JhBQvu8/s320/Holiday+Reading+1done+.jpg" width="222" /></a>Check out some of these great holiday themed books I found at the library last week:</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dtJQAf9R6x8RC266TEXRCMYuoOxU09xa9pwO52nt1dZUDl8WKeVT3JWQvzzHpeIWPlcr4Vl2XB76zom_NCaSN0AP6xQWbkFleM4_fh2tDztE2nmXJNQVf0HoRStTMS6Quse7JhBQvu8/s1600/Holiday+Reading+1done+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><strong><em>Five Alien Elves</em> by Gregory Maquire</strong>: When aliens land in a small town in Vermont, they mistakenly think the Santa suited mayor is "Santa Claws" and fight to free the 'slaves' (otherwise known as elves) from the evil workshop. This is a funny, fast paced read for kids grades 3-5. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTonopHLb08K1i81B2pR49uC1ACRfGiIdX1P4_Xtb0ws5BBItllbyH2D07EzELst2tRqXyBTdXOGRMxNwj1ylF7Bx3al094JNTLjpHP4QaF4RIcGrOOVPTZzI6IDnslHNinJhBmBh-0M/s1600/Holiday+Reading+2+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTonopHLb08K1i81B2pR49uC1ACRfGiIdX1P4_Xtb0ws5BBItllbyH2D07EzELst2tRqXyBTdXOGRMxNwj1ylF7Bx3al094JNTLjpHP4QaF4RIcGrOOVPTZzI6IDnslHNinJhBmBh-0M/s320/Holiday+Reading+2+done.jpg" width="217" /></a><strong><em>A Little House Christmas Treasury Festive Holiday Stories</em> by Laura Ingalls Wilder:</strong> When I was in 4th grade, I loved the Little House books. I could not get enough and read them all. I was excited to find this on the shelf in our local library...a collection of holiday stories from the<em> Little House</em> Books! This collection features six short stories and one Christmas Carol. Some of the stories included are<em> Christmas in the Big Woods</em> and <em>Christmas on the Prairie</em>. I will probably save this one for when Baby Girl is a bit older and maybe we can enjoy it together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF46m-me9ftSPXbRAO47G40f8Ip2IvMQsBjHZT4SnQTtwDvweQg-SfRUlIcZSp6ug1wGIeh_FftK6bn-_3YyBfIqvpDWhc9y7LJDzGvCcTDSJgnuFa5SMxw60IVcS7M5n4p5d0t2_-4RI/s1600/Holiday+Reading+4+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF46m-me9ftSPXbRAO47G40f8Ip2IvMQsBjHZT4SnQTtwDvweQg-SfRUlIcZSp6ug1wGIeh_FftK6bn-_3YyBfIqvpDWhc9y7LJDzGvCcTDSJgnuFa5SMxw60IVcS7M5n4p5d0t2_-4RI/s320/Holiday+Reading+4+done.jpg" width="241" /></a><strong><em>Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday</em> by Megan McDonald:</strong> When The Fourth Grader was in first grade, he loved the Stink books by Megan McDonald. We read all of them and listened to some on CD. In this book, all Stink wants for Christmas is snow. Unfortunately, it hasn't snowed in Virginia in more than 100 years. With a new mailman who has an odd resemblance to an elf...and his name is Mr. Jack Frost...who knows what will happen?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4nDbcOV45QkNDztn0GjxMhZ3MrNPasRzg3AXz_PBljfjkIfa28NcITyd5ANwmBbWj3TEi1JbnKAZa_QMSE0CxCoXMsrCascHS5GgAkF3EwieSrdt8-swKF0bBFmIu1OcO7uY-74KuXg/s1600/Holiday+Reading+6+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4nDbcOV45QkNDztn0GjxMhZ3MrNPasRzg3AXz_PBljfjkIfa28NcITyd5ANwmBbWj3TEi1JbnKAZa_QMSE0CxCoXMsrCascHS5GgAkF3EwieSrdt8-swKF0bBFmIu1OcO7uY-74KuXg/s320/Holiday+Reading+6+done.jpg" width="240" /></a><strong><em>Flat Stanley's Christmas Adventure</em> by Jeff Brown</strong> In this Flat Stanley book, Santa has decided he is done with Christmas and the kids don't appreciate him. Enter Sarah Claus, Santa's daughter, who calls the Lambchop family to save the day!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngzvvtv8EuMuKkb3LT7Sd64b0y9RLCqo8_FtumtgHITKxhNwBXKM1mdaLSum8OItYrZ4NM7RsoflpXg-dxAYCTqKb5kVoAcw1cIiMRMxxE2nVGJXOWzRrJLripp87_3LDw9zYP939UCQ/s1600/Holiday+Reading+5+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngzvvtv8EuMuKkb3LT7Sd64b0y9RLCqo8_FtumtgHITKxhNwBXKM1mdaLSum8OItYrZ4NM7RsoflpXg-dxAYCTqKb5kVoAcw1cIiMRMxxE2nVGJXOWzRrJLripp87_3LDw9zYP939UCQ/s320/Holiday+Reading+5+done.jpg" width="238" /></a>Since I loved the Little House books in grade school, I was drawn to the Dear America book <strong><em>Christmas After All: The Great Depression Diary of Minnie Swift</em> </strong>by Kathryn Laskey. Minnie, a twelve year old in Indiana, keeps a diary during the month before Christmas. It details the ups and downs of their family and shows that the Christmas spirit prevails. After we finish <em>The Best Christmas Pageant Ever</em>, I'd love to read this before Christmas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTEg8ubS1AHuC1bK0zvlnXYDGCDvMsfWjSIy1G0Gpw4lRH7rGSQt-W-EMhgyb-YeY4w79TQlh3iepebzduuzjdoB-fEG9-1ST19CQwxDtvwvHTjefc4ufUFxebgDb9N2b53HgRw65AEE/s1600/Holiday+Reading+7+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTEg8ubS1AHuC1bK0zvlnXYDGCDvMsfWjSIy1G0Gpw4lRH7rGSQt-W-EMhgyb-YeY4w79TQlh3iepebzduuzjdoB-fEG9-1ST19CQwxDtvwvHTjefc4ufUFxebgDb9N2b53HgRw65AEE/s320/Holiday+Reading+7+done.jpg" width="217" /><br />
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<strong><em>Peiling and the Chicken-Fried Christmas</em></strong> by Pauline Chen looks hilarious. It is the kind of book that, if it were an adult read, that I'd snatch it off the shelf. So, along with my other two picks for the kids this holiday season, we'll be reading it as well. Poor Peiling Wang has never celebrated Christmas, even though her family has been in America since she was a toddler. With the help of her uncle, the 11 year old tries to convince her family to join in the holiday festivities. I was hooked when Peiling asked her grandpa if he had ever celebrated Christmas in Taiwan, and his response was that the chocolate the American soldiers distributed gave him the runs. How can you not love that? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6b98ifFaqcAr28WbvLkiRXEFQBag0ocKIFErTklL9yX8o-YSq1xW1SyKaWrg5eUmSh1S85VT3DfPLxMiOo3TxXh1QJNG4uoLs1_HrWbsSuwaJulidYN7o6kYtYNpbaJUMt2T2ePWOI4/s1600/Holiday+Reading+9+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6b98ifFaqcAr28WbvLkiRXEFQBag0ocKIFErTklL9yX8o-YSq1xW1SyKaWrg5eUmSh1S85VT3DfPLxMiOo3TxXh1QJNG4uoLs1_HrWbsSuwaJulidYN7o6kYtYNpbaJUMt2T2ePWOI4/s320/Holiday+Reading+9+done.jpg" width="254" /></a>One of my favorite movies is <em><strong>Arthur's Perfect Christmas</strong></em> by Marc Brown. This year, we are reading the book. Join Arthur and his friends as they wish for snow, special presents and spend time with their families. This book explores both Christmas and Hanukkah.</div>
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Do you have a favorite holiday book that you read every year? Or maybe a special one from your childhood that you share with your kids? Feel free to share by leaving a post in the comments below! </div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-60666338528568312392013-11-21T19:53:00.002-08:002013-11-21T19:53:33.058-08:00Affiliate Sponsor: Retrofit Weight Loss Program<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<em>Disclosure: Retrofit is an I'm Living the Good Life affiliate sponsor and as such, should any of my readers choose to join Retrofit using the above affiliate links, I will receive compensation for introducing you to the site. However, I believe that Retrofit is a wonderful program and all opinions expressed above are 100% my own. </em></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-67048076956186197072013-11-17T19:18:00.001-08:002013-11-18T05:49:26.512-08:00Menu Plan Monday: BzzAgent Chicken Florentine Skillet Meal is a Hit!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tonight, thanks to BzzAgent, we tried Kroger Skillet Meal Chicken Florentine. It was surprisingly delicious. I am not a big fan of processed bagged or boxed meals but thought we'd give this a try since I had the chance to review it on BzzAgent. It took 10 minutes to make and tasted fresh. The chicken was white meat and the sauce was super creamy and delicious. You should definitely give it a try. And, it's on sale this week at Kroger!<br />
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Here is our complete menu for the week. Super easy and fast. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldOuLZIFvSNBLoFYLmSYdEwj-g-oWViqD6836w-CDa1pANijQN1QBRMX4atFUAPaPEUiVkTXzFDtpRPUOQqNkXMc6uRtRpQnEPtRb-oSwDR8s7zvCnfCgR5nPasLQasIjzxNBZqCYbas/s1600/467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldOuLZIFvSNBLoFYLmSYdEwj-g-oWViqD6836w-CDa1pANijQN1QBRMX4atFUAPaPEUiVkTXzFDtpRPUOQqNkXMc6uRtRpQnEPtRb-oSwDR8s7zvCnfCgR5nPasLQasIjzxNBZqCYbas/s320/467.JPG" width="320" /></a>Kroger Skillet Meal Chicken Florentine, Salad and Garlic Bread (thank you <a href="http://www.bzzagent.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BzzAgent</a>)<br />
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<a href="http://familyfriendlycincinnati.com/2013/10/10/fall-recipe-post/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #5421bb;">Truck Stop Chili</span></a> (again, because it was awesome)<br />
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Bean Soup (using dried navy beans and ham)<br />
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Keilbasa and Cabbage<br />
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<a href="http://familyfriendlycincinnati.com/2013/10/10/fall-recipe-post/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #5421bb;">Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff</span></a><br />
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If you need more inspiration, check out <a href="http://www.orgjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #5421bb;">The Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday. </span></a><br />
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Happy menu planning!<br />
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<i>I am a BzzAgent and get to try products for free or at a deep discount to review. All opinions are my own and all reviews are honest!</i><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-50551930357257180332013-11-13T07:21:00.001-08:002013-11-13T07:23:13.580-08:00Menu Plan Monday: Goulash, Chili and More!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last week I was a little busy. <br />
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Putting kids in jail.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locked up for 'Crimes Against Cleaning'...or maybe just for singing that stupid 'What Did a Fox Say' song a bazillion times.<br />
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Actually, that was for the school Fall Festival. But, I'm considering building one of my own.<br />
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Anyway. We were busy last week so we ate out a lot. But, we are back on track and here is our menu. It's really simple. I also write for <a href="http://familyfriendlycincinnati.com/2013/10/10/fall-recipe-post/" target="_blank">Family Friendly Cincinnati </a>and did a compilation post of some great Fall recipes earlier this season. From that post, we are eating:<br />
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<a href="http://familyfriendlycincinnati.com/2013/10/10/fall-recipe-post/" target="_blank">Beef Goulash Soup</a></div>
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<a href="http://familyfriendlycincinnati.com/2013/10/10/fall-recipe-post/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff</a></div>
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<a href="http://familyfriendlycincinnati.com/2013/10/10/fall-recipe-post/" target="_blank">Tortilla Soup</a></div>
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<a href="http://familyfriendlycincinnati.com/2013/10/10/fall-recipe-post/" target="_blank">Truck Stop Chili</a></div>
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We've already had the goulash and chili. Both were fantastic. Even my picky chili eatin' husband loved the Truck Stop Chili. Today we are trying the Tortilla Soup and I'm roasting the chicken as I type. <br />
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These are great recipes for cool Fall weather. I hope you enjoy them.<br />
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If you need more inspiration, check out <a href="http://www.orgjunkie.com/" target="_blank">The Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday. </a><br />
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Happy menu planning!<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-82183136051893307472013-10-28T21:22:00.000-07:002013-10-28T21:25:35.291-07:00Buddy Valastro: The Cake Boss and The Family Celebrations Tour in Cincinnati<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Oqbt6xg4rWwqctEqX2_loWWyudbpMVFjh2YmoAwCJDhILun5DRtYjnwsEYsfryei0WSmB14T4n9qsN7-VwBPxKP6_BhqZC5kgrMezshZMrHGHBdVrSyHayyYvUU-eDg9ZiCx4FVRXlw/s1600/buddy+cake+boss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Oqbt6xg4rWwqctEqX2_loWWyudbpMVFjh2YmoAwCJDhILun5DRtYjnwsEYsfryei0WSmB14T4n9qsN7-VwBPxKP6_BhqZC5kgrMezshZMrHGHBdVrSyHayyYvUU-eDg9ZiCx4FVRXlw/s320/buddy+cake+boss.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA;">Buddy Valastro: The Cake Boss</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA;">The Family Celebrations Tour</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA;">Last year, Buddy Valastro visited the Kroger store right down the street from me. This year, he is coming to the Aronoff Center in downtown Cincinnati. I love watching the creations he and his family come up with on the show, and cannot wait to see him in person. I missed him the first time around, but will be sure to catch him this time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA;">Would you like to see Buddy Valastro live at the Aronoff Center? It's sure to be an awesome show! This is a one night only performance on Monday November 18th at 7:30pm and I have a discount for you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA;">Here is more information about the show:</span></div>
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<em>"Join America’s favorite baker, Buddy Valastro, Monday, Nov 18<sup>th</sup> at 7:30 PM, for an all new show of cakes, stories, and fun. In this live, interactive event, TLC's Cake Boss will share stories from his highly popular TV shows (Cake Boss, Next Great Baker), his family at Carlo’s Bakery, will answer audience questions, and most importantly, will give lots of live cake & cupcake decorating demonstrations, sharing tips and techniques in a high-energy experience for the whole family!"</em></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA;">Readers of I’m Living The Good Life receive $5 off on tickets. Just </span><a href="http://www.cincinnatiarts.org/index.jsp?eventDetail=1&event_id=1429" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA;"><span style="color: blue;">click here</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA;"> and use code ‘BUDDY’.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA;">Hope to see you there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><em>Disclaimer: I received 2 tickets to see Buddy Valastro: Cake Boss and The Family Celebrations Tour in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.</em></span></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-22041989422944691552013-10-25T14:32:00.002-07:002013-10-25T14:32:41.400-07:00Covington Library Renovation Celebration <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We love the library! I was so excited last week when I was invited to check out the <strong>newly renovated Covington library in Kenton County</strong>.<br />
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It had been a while since I'd been to the Covington location, since the Erlanger branch is where we consider 'home.' <br />
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But, after taking my younger two children to see the renovations, they are already begging to go back to the 'new library.' <br />
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See how happy this little guy looks? That's after story time, crafts, and songs! Woo hoo! The library sure knows how to treat the kids right!<br />
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The <strong>$12 million renovation</strong> touched nearly every aspect of the 39-year-old facility. The building, constructed in 1974, and was in need of major infrastructure improvements. <br />
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Not only did the redesign include adding a sprinkler system and updating wiring, but it also incorporated designs to make the building more <strong>environmentally friendly</strong>. <br />
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Check out these cool things that the library did!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New reading garden</td></tr>
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~ <strong>Rain gardens</strong> to put water back into the ground, not the sewer.</div>
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~ More<strong> natural light</strong> to heat the building and provide visual light.</div>
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~ A <strong>HUGE fan</strong> in the stairwell for air flow.</div>
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~ More <strong>efficient heating and cooling</strong> systems.</div>
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~ Refurbished tables from The Carnegie.</div>
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~ Trees removed from the parking lot and much of the metal removed were <strong>recycled.</strong></div>
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~ Furniture no longer needed was donated to local churches, schools, fire departments and state offices.</div>
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One of the first things we noticed was the size of the new children's area.<br />
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It is <strong><em>three times</em></strong> as big as before. <br />
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The new design takes advantage of <strong>loads of natural light</strong> and incorporates a <strong>nature theme</strong>, influenced by the Licking and Ohio Rivers, that the kids can enjoy with fun animal themed chairs. <br />
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Two things most commonly requested by the community and staff were a drive<strong>-thru window and more meeting space</strong>. The library did this! Personally, the drive-thru window is one of my favorite additions. With three kids, we don't always have time to run into the library and grab a book that's been reserved...let's be honest, I don't really run in anywhere real quick. </div>
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My kids are small, so I love the new children's area, but what if you have teens? There is a <strong>very cool teen room</strong> that is for teens only during after-school-hours. It is glass enclosed and full of chairs, tables, books and computers. </div>
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What will my husband love most about the renovations? The <strong>new and improved Local History and Genealogy Department</strong>. There are stacks and stacks of books, old maps, donated artifacts, over 8,000 reels of microfilm, census records, online resources and more. </div>
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Check out this artifact donated by St. Elizabeth Hospital.</div>
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Creepy, right? The picture is blurry, but it is some type of medical equipment.<br />
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If you'd like to <strong>check out the renovations, take a tour and receive a gift when you check out an item</strong> (while supplies last). Here is the schedule of events at the Covington library on Scott Boulevard, for tomorrow, Saturday October 26th. The celebration will be held indoors.<br />
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<strong><u>Renovation Celebration at the Covington Library this Saturday</u></strong>9:30 am Ribbon Cutting<br /> 10:30 am Cincinnati Zoo visits<br /> 10:30-4:30 Tours of the Library<br /> 10:30-2:30 Genealogy computer workshops <br /> 11-noon Introduction to KCPL Databases<br /> Noon Unveiling of the Children's Department Art<br /> 12:30 pm Job Search Central Resources<br /> 1:30 pm Job Search Central Resources<br /> 1-2 pm Jazz Music with The Tim Watson Trio <br /> 1-2 pm YA Manga Art Unveiling<br /> 2-3 pm Celebrate Favorite Book Character Day!<br /> 2-3 pm Overview of Covington’s Computer Classes<br /> 3-4 pm Elementz Studio Kre8v Hip Hop Dance <strong></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Enjoy!</em></strong></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-34985609011369417332013-10-23T12:31:00.003-07:002013-10-23T19:06:15.553-07:00How to Live Forever: The Fountain of Youth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We've been thinking about death way too much around our house.<br />
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Why?<br />
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Well, it's October...close to Halloween. <br />
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There are spooky decorations everywhere. <br />
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We are reading some scary books.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em><u>My selection::</u></em></span></strong><br />
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Go ahead and laugh.<br />
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<em><strong>Ghouls Gone Wild</strong></em> (you can stop laughing now) is a very fast, campy read. I normally don't read books like this because they are kind of far fetched. But, I do love a good ghost story. <br />
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I'm also reading <strong><em>Rebecca</em></strong> by Daphne DuMaurier for book club. It's also a tad creepy. A girl marries a guy twice her age and can't seem to live up to the standards set by his dead wife...which are evident everywhere around the giant mansion in which they live...in the entire wing of the house they keep as a shrine to her like she never left. It's a spooky Downton Abbey...at least that's how I see it in my head.<br />
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<strong><u><em><span style="font-size: large;">Here is what The Fourth Grader is reading::</span></em></u></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohTDal_uxj3dFm6Dvq5RsDg6PJ-uhyphenhyphenQ3auLGfwmDwtfyNhgGkO7ZB0y2yqSgX7aEcVe9-W8_6uLfqG7OVrO_XAUQ2tW3PywWapbEpW0BGOph3xp4hA7DLdtUi2fDH4irIcA6lD6hJX8U/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohTDal_uxj3dFm6Dvq5RsDg6PJ-uhyphenhyphenQ3auLGfwmDwtfyNhgGkO7ZB0y2yqSgX7aEcVe9-W8_6uLfqG7OVrO_XAUQ2tW3PywWapbEpW0BGOph3xp4hA7DLdtUi2fDH4irIcA6lD6hJX8U/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
He is reading any one of these at any time. Sometimes he reads all the way through, sometimes not. Some are choose your own adventure, which is cool.<br />
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He's also been watching <em>Goosebumps</em> and <em>R.L. Stines The Haunting Hour</em> on tv. Creepy stuff. It's like<em> The Twilight Zone</em> for kids.<br />
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With all of this creepiness, it's hard to not think about death and the afterlife. The other day The Fourth Grader told me he'd figured out why we don't live forever.<br />
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"The thing is, our skin. Our skin rots and we need to prevent that. If we could just come up with some chemical to coat our skin, we could preserve it! And, we'd live forever!!" <br />
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<strong><Insert evil laugh here></strong><br />
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I had to explain to him that's not how things work.<br />
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Apparently, he blew off my knowledge and decided to continue his research on his own. In the back of the van, I heard him explain to his brother that he had found the secret to living forever:<br />
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"I know what we need to do to live forever. I've found the chemical we need to put on our skin to preserve it forever."<br />
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Wait for it....<br />
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Wait some more....<br />
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Are you really ready?<br />
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The secret to living for ever is Chapstick! <br />
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Simply rub it all over your body, from head to toe, and you are covered...literally. You will live forever, and your skin will be supple and silky smooth. <br />
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Win, win.<br />
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You are welcome.<br />
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I'm also wondering if Lansinoh will do the same thing...you can read about how my daughter covered herself in that gooey sticky concoction<a href="http://imlivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2012/09/invasion-of-pod-people-or-why-lansinoh.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> HERE</a> (and see a cool picture of her also).<br />
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Live long and prosper people!<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-75658356708777769162013-10-20T19:55:00.000-07:002013-10-21T06:07:40.343-07:00Menu Plan Monday: Farm Vegetables, Eggplant, Cabbage and Quiche<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The next couple weeks mark the end of our delicious farm share vegetables. <br />
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Tomorrow we should be getting some great stuff...cabbage, broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots and more. I'll miss picking up my fresh vegetables every week and have enjoyed learning new recipes and trying some different crops. <br />
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I had no idea what celeriac was until a few weeks ago, but loved it in our beef stew. I also had never made edamame but now cannot wait to make more of this salty, nutty snack! <br />
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Here is what we are having this week, with lots of our farm vegetables! (Thank you Rains & Sun Hilltop Farm for the Quiche and Heuvos Ranchero recipes!)<br />
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Quiche with Farm Vegetables </div>
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(sautee 2 cups of vegetables, mix with 1 1/2 cup milk and 3 eggs, bake in a crust until done) </div>
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and Salad</div>
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Chili</div>
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Huevos Ranchero </div>
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(roast some peppers and onions, then sautee with a couple eggs, put in a burrito)</div>
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<a href="http://www.paintandtofu.com/2013/06/13/healthy-pad-thai-w-shredded-cabbage/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pad Thai with Shredded Cabbage</a></div>
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Beef Tacos and Salad</div>
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Broccoli Enchiladas and Sweet Potatoes</div>
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Remember my "<a href="http://imlivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2013/09/got-eggplant-make-hummus-or-babaganoush.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What to do With Eggplant</a>" post? Well, last week I had more eggplant and I was a little tired of hummus. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrZ4nCV6GdDbArWXnY6YB1jEwzX61p_l_-xLsEqgDS-3YRO-JFxHObFvKusx8oL_Hk2yigRhTq1bE33pvLGgQb_oS0e4HXOB-Ks6J15kT7J8-A61V-KF1u3z1ULEK6UlKdjNeRjKOoz4/s1600/eggplant+pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrZ4nCV6GdDbArWXnY6YB1jEwzX61p_l_-xLsEqgDS-3YRO-JFxHObFvKusx8oL_Hk2yigRhTq1bE33pvLGgQb_oS0e4HXOB-Ks6J15kT7J8-A61V-KF1u3z1ULEK6UlKdjNeRjKOoz4/s320/eggplant+pin.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imlivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2013/09/got-eggplant-make-hummus-or-babaganoush.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check out the babaganoush I made</a>.</td></tr>
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I made mini pizzas using eggplants as the crust. Just peel the eggplant and slice about a half an inch thick. Sprinkle on salt and pepper and bake at 400 until just toasted. Then cover with a little pasta sauce and cheese. Bake again until cheese is melted. The kids loved them and surprisingly, so did my husband.<br />
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If you need more menu ideas, check out the <a href="http://www.orgjunkie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday</a> for hundreds of other menu plans. <br />
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Happy menu planning!<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-37954924311588639272013-10-11T20:56:00.002-07:002013-10-11T20:56:40.725-07:00Disney on Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! ~~Giveaway~~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Did you get the <a href="http://imlivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2013/10/disney-on-ice-celebrates-100-years-of.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">big scoop the other day that Disney on Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!</a> is coming to Cincinnati's US Bank Arena this month? Would you like to win tickets? Well, you are in the right place!<br />
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"Join the celebration as more than 60 of Disney’s unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in <em>Disney On Ice </em>celebrates <em>100 Years of Magic! </em>You’ll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and many Disney Princesses. Be thrilled by exciting moments from <em>The Lion King; Mulan;</em> and Disney/Pixar’s <em>Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, </em>and<em> Toy Story </em>films; in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you’ll remember forever as <em>Disney On Ice </em>celebrates <em>100 Years of Magic!</em> "</blockquote>
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This show is sure to be awesome. Every Disney on Ice show I've seen has been fantastic and this one can only get better since it's such a huge celebration! <br />
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If you'd rather order tickets at a discount rather than wait to see if you are a winner, check out my <a href="http://imlivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2013/10/disney-on-ice-celebrates-100-years-of.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">previous post</a> for a family discount package!<br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: #cc0000;">WIN!!</span></u></strong><br />
Are you ready to try your luck for a <strong>FAMILY FOUR PACK</strong> of tickets to the show of your choice at <strong>US Bank Arena in Cincinnati</strong>? You have four ways to enter. With each entry, please leave a comment with your email address. You must be 18 years of age to enter and live in the local area. Please leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry, with your email address. Once drawn randomly, via <a href="http://www.random.org/">www.random.org</a>, the winner will have 24 hours to respond or another will be chosen. The winner will pick up tickets at Will Call with a valid picture ID.<br />
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<strong><u>Entry #1:</u></strong> Tell me your absolute favorite Disney show.<br />
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<strong><u>Entry #2:</u></strong> Who is your favorite Disney character?<br />
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<strong><u>Entry #3:</u></strong> Check out I'm Living the Good Life on Facebook.<br />
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<strong><u>Entry #4:</u></strong> Share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter.<br />
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A winner will be drawn Friday October 18th at 3:00pm. Good luck!<br />
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<em>Disclaimer: Feld Entertainment has provided my family with the same prize package as my winner. All opinions are still my own!</em><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com68tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-71075384268908961652013-09-30T18:28:00.000-07:002013-10-06T18:30:37.315-07:00Disney on Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! is Coming to Town<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My kids love Disney stage shows, particularly when they are Disney on Ice. It's the combination of that wonderful Disney magic, the colorful costumes and the talented ice skaters. </div>
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This year's <em>Disney on Ice</em> celebrates <em>100 Years of Magic! </em>promises to be a great show, full of wonder and excitement. We are thrilled to be a part of it, and hope that you will get to be too! </div>
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<em>Disney on Ice</em> celebrates <em>100 Years of Magic! </em>is coming to US Bank Arena in Cincinnati Wednesday October 30th thru Sunday November 3rd, with seven show times.</div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Stay tuned because Feld has given me a <u>family four pack of tickets to give away</u> to one lucky I'm Living the Good Life reader. </span></strong></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eS99WQbjB3Y" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Here is what Feld Entertainment has to say about the show:</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Join the celebration as more than 60 of Disney’s unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in <em>Disney On Ice </em>celebrates <em>100 Years of Magic! </em>You’ll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and many Disney Princesses. Be thrilled by exciting moments from <em>The Lion King; Mulan;</em> and Disney/Pixar’s <em>Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, </em>and<em> Toy Story </em>films; in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you’ll remember forever as <em>Disney On Ice </em>celebrates <em>100 Years of Magic!</em> </blockquote>
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If you can't wait for a giveaway, use this special discount :: Enjoy the Family Four Pack discount, no promotional code required.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">DISNEY ON ICE SUPER FAMILY 4 PACK</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";"></span></u></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Family Four Pack - $99.00 valid on non-VIP seats. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The offer excludes Weekday performances because of the weekday pricing discount of $12 flat non-VIP tickets.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 - $22.00 tickets (Cincinnati only)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 - 16oz Lemonade (in a <i>Disney On Ice</i> logo plastic cup)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 - REG Popcorn Box</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 – Disney On Ice Coloring Books</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><em><strong><u>RESTRICTIONS:</u></strong> </em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Valid from Now until Nov. 3 (Cincinnati) at midnight</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Good on non-weekday performances as noted above.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Not combinable with any other offer</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">$22.00 (Cincinnati) seating only</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Cannot use with Ticket Fast delivery method </span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><em>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></em></span></span><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><em>Valid online, phones, outlets, and box office</em> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif5-NxUJc-QSJ5twEkVEQYA9StX0XqdtyTxYJQp9gFQbCqd-6hlU7AFSTHScuJNVWicdQ2AGRx04hKGLB8C-L6Ndgaph9m9s_52fgWai7nW3XKaypk410dwmz9qYFDOzp-GBARVAk0kU/s1600/disney+100+years+of+magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif5-NxUJc-QSJ5twEkVEQYA9StX0XqdtyTxYJQp9gFQbCqd-6hlU7AFSTHScuJNVWicdQ2AGRx04hKGLB8C-L6Ndgaph9m9s_52fgWai7nW3XKaypk410dwmz9qYFDOzp-GBARVAk0kU/s1600/disney+100+years+of+magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif5-NxUJc-QSJ5twEkVEQYA9StX0XqdtyTxYJQp9gFQbCqd-6hlU7AFSTHScuJNVWicdQ2AGRx04hKGLB8C-L6Ndgaph9m9s_52fgWai7nW3XKaypk410dwmz9qYFDOzp-GBARVAk0kU/s1600/disney+100+years+of+magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif5-NxUJc-QSJ5twEkVEQYA9StX0XqdtyTxYJQp9gFQbCqd-6hlU7AFSTHScuJNVWicdQ2AGRx04hKGLB8C-L6Ndgaph9m9s_52fgWai7nW3XKaypk410dwmz9qYFDOzp-GBARVAk0kU/s1600/disney+100+years+of+magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Show times and regular ticket prices are:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><u><span style="color: #c00000;">Ticket Prices</span></u><span style="color: #c00000;">:</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Front Row: $56</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">VIP - $36</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">P1 - $22</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">P2 - $17</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">Show Times (7 total performances):</span></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">WED, October 30: 7:00 PM</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">THU, October 31: 7:00 PM - Halloween</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">FRI, November 1: 7:00 PM</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">SAT, November 2: 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">SUN, November 3: 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM</span></span></div>
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While you decide what show to see, let your kids have fun with this <a href="http://www.feldfamilyevents.com/uploadedFiles/Markets/Cincinnati/cin%20D20%20Coloring%20Sheet.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Disney coloring page</a>! Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><em>Disclaimer: Feld Entertainment has provided me with a four pack of tickets in exchange for a promotion and giveaway. All opinions are 100% my own.</em></span> </span><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-69564905808621406432013-09-30T06:00:00.002-07:002013-09-30T06:00:09.850-07:00Menu Plan Monday Featuring Quiche, Pizza and Beef Stew<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWExk0T9B1a4pTx_auxolxQQLYRCt72P2Dl8awZFpY4lBLNVkXxmjX4NG4pENORCT3qnXpw0wvBAMzreGMh6pqoVeITjqTR0cMF5LepVYT4SdIEdYCL5Vss1csAN3KbKdYyvTSVV53_w/s1600/farm+goodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWExk0T9B1a4pTx_auxolxQQLYRCt72P2Dl8awZFpY4lBLNVkXxmjX4NG4pENORCT3qnXpw0wvBAMzreGMh6pqoVeITjqTR0cMF5LepVYT4SdIEdYCL5Vss1csAN3KbKdYyvTSVV53_w/s320/farm+goodies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are picking up another great selection of vegetables from our farm share this week and I am so excited! Pictured above is last week's share and I snuck a lot of it into a quiche...even my husband who does not like okra ate it and loved it...including the okra.<br />
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Here is what we are having this week:<br />
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Vegetable Beef Stew (using okra, celeriac and chard from our share) and Crusty Bread</div>
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Pasta with Fresh Basil, Garlic and Olive Oil with Salad</div>
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Chicken Strips with Mac and Cheese and Veggies</div>
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<a href="http://imlivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/07/homemade-pizza.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Homemade Pizza</a> with (sauce from our tomatoes) and Salad</div>
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Vegetable Quiche (use 2 cups of chopped vegetables, 3 eggs and 1 1/2 cups milk)</div>
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Ravioli with Pasta Sauce and Shredded Cheese</div>
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<strong><u>For the quiche last week</u></strong> I used shredded potatoes, okra, chard and celery. Just sauté in a little butter or olive oil and then add milk and eggs. Pour in a pie crust and bake at 400 until done.<br />
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If you haven't checked out my recipe for babaganoush (hummus using eggplant), check it out <a href="http://bit.ly/1babjOB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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If you need more menu ideas, check out <a href="http://www.orgjunkie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday at the Organizing Junkie</a>. There are hundreds of other menu plans!<br />
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Happy Menu Planning!</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-71128038688492369532013-09-24T13:45:00.001-07:002013-09-24T13:45:50.440-07:00Got Eggplant? Make Hummus or Babaganoush!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPL-gFqUXP06NTPMMcWO4Kgmm7ZL1VAPwNZZgFBOV8kfj4j7yzHwXClemncmyIAcYqIE6v3iNWY8piiwX0TEunSVc19RSQVUY0EODq7-paPPlxEgGgNeCKL00NHxvDGgwJMkeT0j3MyZA/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPL-gFqUXP06NTPMMcWO4Kgmm7ZL1VAPwNZZgFBOV8kfj4j7yzHwXClemncmyIAcYqIE6v3iNWY8piiwX0TEunSVc19RSQVUY0EODq7-paPPlxEgGgNeCKL00NHxvDGgwJMkeT0j3MyZA/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Do you ever buy eggplant? <br />
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If you are like me, the answer is no. <br />
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I remember in fifth grade we grew eggplant from a seed. I brought it home and planted it next to the bird bath in the back yard. Only one eggplant grew and it got so big that the plant tilted and the eggplant laid on the ground. It ended up rotting because, like me, my mom had no idea what to do with it.<br />
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I bought eggplant once to make Eggplant Parmesan, and was not impressed. It could have been my cooking skills, but I wasn't about to try again. <br />
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Of course, an eggplant was included in our share from the farm the other week and I did not want to waste it. I am always determined to use every bit of vegetables we get out of our share. <br />
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What to do?<br />
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I discovered you can make hummus...or babaganoush! My friend told me about it and I had no idea what it was. I thought it was a pastry. Or just Vince Vaughn's nickname in Wedding Crashers. <br />
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It is like hummus! I made my own version and we all loved it. <br />
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Here's how:<br />
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First, roast the eggplant. Cut it in half lengthwise, like the picture at the top of this post, lay it face down on a backing sheet sprayed with cooking oil, and bake on 400 degrees until tender.<br />
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Next, scoop out the insides, seeds and all, and put in a food processor. Add the remaining ingredients, one at a time, and blend.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HoyJsC5dgYv2BpxG8WcGwm6FM3-b7JUBAP1xZCrB7rbbk4_NUluSFOGxsJ8tedV0suHCSFW4a0hGGPlX6QG-fJGAuX1bc6HeR_lD9fCLquyRbD1kMFuMrnPVzKW4790iGdrzMjWYI8I/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HoyJsC5dgYv2BpxG8WcGwm6FM3-b7JUBAP1xZCrB7rbbk4_NUluSFOGxsJ8tedV0suHCSFW4a0hGGPlX6QG-fJGAuX1bc6HeR_lD9fCLquyRbD1kMFuMrnPVzKW4790iGdrzMjWYI8I/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a><strong><u>Remaining ingredients:</u></strong><br />
1 can of chickpeas (do not rinse)<br />
2 cloves of minced garlic<br />
Cumin to taste<br />
Sea salt to taste<br />
Juice of about half a lemon<br />
1-2 Tablespoon of olive oil<br />
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You want it creamy, just like you see in the store. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4gAKjJCdlks3cSWV0163aHTJoxaCL0DvCqvm8NMtMF6GHbpz1ShhbVzjGNxUxfHttmZhB0WkghGx4ewQtI5Sd0KNoZVQmsr9FpZ6om6buU7-_ajpa0zLI6z7qC2L4BK0AyniyNA-TCw/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4gAKjJCdlks3cSWV0163aHTJoxaCL0DvCqvm8NMtMF6GHbpz1ShhbVzjGNxUxfHttmZhB0WkghGx4ewQtI5Sd0KNoZVQmsr9FpZ6om6buU7-_ajpa0zLI6z7qC2L4BK0AyniyNA-TCw/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying our eggplant with some peppers from the farm!</td></tr>
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Unlike most hummus recipes, I do not add tahini oil. This eliminates a lot of the extra calories. Sometimes I do add a little olive oil, but that's only if I remember or feel like it needs to be thinner. Also, I do not measure my cumin, salt or lemon juice. Just add it slowly and taste it as you go. <br />
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If you don't have eggplant but still want to try to make your own hummus, use a can of white kidney beans, rinsed. <br />
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Enjoy!</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-53496575511219043652013-09-22T19:22:00.003-07:002013-09-22T19:22:48.135-07:00Menu Plan Monday Featuring Yoplait Fruitfuls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhk1WhO-K3c_vzAo6Dhx69k19QxVPV5EA0dzTTkEaOjw4bje19tJ-alR7ERerAUl5RkXBDs_SmHgfeSYpuzOGLpbzCxHkDaVmt6KAjBy7BgIFdNYMGtnekpg3y-dS2zcEHaIPoyZwCwzg/s1600/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhk1WhO-K3c_vzAo6Dhx69k19QxVPV5EA0dzTTkEaOjw4bje19tJ-alR7ERerAUl5RkXBDs_SmHgfeSYpuzOGLpbzCxHkDaVmt6KAjBy7BgIFdNYMGtnekpg3y-dS2zcEHaIPoyZwCwzg/s1600/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Happy First Day of Fall! And get ready for eighty degree temperatures again this week! Despite the warmer temperatures, we are having an Autumn menu...chili and soup. <br />
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We are also enjoying oatmeal with fresh fruit for breakfast. Middle Child and I love steel cut oats while Baby Girl and The Fourth Grader prefer rolled oats. Either way, I love them with honey, walnuts and fresh blueberries and strawberries.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5c8OnbmPdb1hdh083V-L1maY18pOpw9GVIFsH_rXuM_WSHAoRotrDegYmHwJraAE15pe5HWIIC-Fj-CzONeNjiazu9hTue8kVJD6B1MlG7CtfWmGCkwpxpzK3QX3KTsAQFZHH7DYETU/s1600/oatmeal+pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5c8OnbmPdb1hdh083V-L1maY18pOpw9GVIFsH_rXuM_WSHAoRotrDegYmHwJraAE15pe5HWIIC-Fj-CzONeNjiazu9hTue8kVJD6B1MlG7CtfWmGCkwpxpzK3QX3KTsAQFZHH7DYETU/s320/oatmeal+pin.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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I also love yogurt with fresh fruit. If you haven't tried <a href="http://linqia.cc/b35cc88" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yoplait Fruitfuls</a>, here's your chance. I have a .30 coupon! <a href="http://linqia.cc/b35cc88" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> to print it. Each serving has 1/3 cup of fresh fruit and there are six different flavors. (Note: This is sponsored content from Yoplait)<br />
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Here's a great idea...mix <a href="http://linqia.cc/b35cc88" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yoplait Fruitfuls</a> with your oatmeal! Fresh fruit and the sweet taste of yogurt in one cup. <br />
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Alright, that takes care of breakfast, now for dinner:<br />
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Bloemers Chili (Yes, again. We love it that much.) with Grilled Cheese</div>
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Vegetable Quiche (whatever we get from our farm CSA) with Pancakes</div>
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Bean Soup and Corn Bread</div>
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Chicken and Vegetable Fried Rice </div>
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BBQ Mini Chicken Drumsticks with Celery and Lunch Box Peppers and Hummus*</div>
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Watch for the hummus recipe later this week. We have a couple eggplants from our farm share and discovered making hummus with them!<br />
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Make sure you check out <a href="http://www.orgjunkie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday on the Organizing Junkie</a> for hundreds of other menu plans.<br />
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Happy menu planning!<br />
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</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-77295797515926926322013-09-15T19:58:00.001-07:002013-09-15T20:00:05.961-07:00Menu Plan Monday: Lunch Box Ideas, Chili, and a Coupon, Oh My!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhk1WhO-K3c_vzAo6Dhx69k19QxVPV5EA0dzTTkEaOjw4bje19tJ-alR7ERerAUl5RkXBDs_SmHgfeSYpuzOGLpbzCxHkDaVmt6KAjBy7BgIFdNYMGtnekpg3y-dS2zcEHaIPoyZwCwzg/s1600/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhk1WhO-K3c_vzAo6Dhx69k19QxVPV5EA0dzTTkEaOjw4bje19tJ-alR7ERerAUl5RkXBDs_SmHgfeSYpuzOGLpbzCxHkDaVmt6KAjBy7BgIFdNYMGtnekpg3y-dS2zcEHaIPoyZwCwzg/s1600/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Do you have a favorite chili recipe? Do you like white chili with chicken or red chili with ground beef? Or, maybe you prefer vegetarian chili? <br />
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We love <a href="http://bloemerfoods.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bloemers chile base</a>. Ironically, we live near Cincinnati, where everyone loves either Skyline, Gold Star or Dixie chili. Every time we go back to Louisville to visit family in the Fall, we buy lots of Bloemers chile base...both the hot and mild. We use them separately or mix them half and half. Lucky for us, my mom came up this weekend and brought us some tubs of the base!<br />
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Here's our menu for the week:<br />
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Chili (With Bloemers chile base, of course)</div>
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Sautéed Chicken Breast with Herbs and Vegetables</div>
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Turkey Kielbasa with Red Beans and Rice</div>
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Chicken Soft Tacos and Salad</div>
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Breakfast! Pancakes, Eggs and Bacon</div>
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The kids have been in school for a month now and we've been great about packing lunches, thanks to our <a href="http://www.easylunchboxes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Easy Lunch Boxes</a>. I bought them right before school started and actually enjoy packing their lunches...well, I enjoy it as much as you can like packing lunch. The kids love the variety. Here's a sample of what I pack:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOPg7ZCQtVBpZlHt8Q5puWH7yP5D7DJk9PDUSbik-AkbPKi_bTlY7ezULnccu20KRJ4Ph08AZ93bIG6EN8VFukYD460pzoZtUWrF3ORl-wTQwxqGtO3mUUEXHj0s1T8q7gJSn_Hg8uuk/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOPg7ZCQtVBpZlHt8Q5puWH7yP5D7DJk9PDUSbik-AkbPKi_bTlY7ezULnccu20KRJ4Ph08AZ93bIG6EN8VFukYD460pzoZtUWrF3ORl-wTQwxqGtO3mUUEXHj0s1T8q7gJSn_Hg8uuk/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jelly Sandwiches cut like mustaches, sliced apples/grapes, pepperoni and a granola bar.<br />
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The kids also love getting yogurt in their lunch, and I have a great coupon to share with you. I <a href="http://imlivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2013/09/do-you-like-fresh-fruit-in-your-yogurt.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">posted the other day about Yoplait Fruitful Yogurt</a>, that has 1/3 a cup of fruit in each serving. Yoplait Fruitful comes in <strong>six flavors</strong> AND there are <strong>no artificial flavors or sweeteners. </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>If you'd like to try Yoplait Fruitful, <a href="http://linqia.cc/b35cc88" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">check out this coupon for .30 cents off!</span></a></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
It's great for a snack, breakfast or the kids' lunch boxes.<br />
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If you are still planning your dinner menu, make sure you check out <a href="http://www.orgjunkie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday from the Organizing Junkie</a>. There are tons of other menu plans! <br />
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Happy menu planning!<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-9258532073495082462013-09-08T21:06:00.001-07:002013-09-08T21:06:08.610-07:00Menu Plan Monday: Featuring Mini Pizza and Girl Scout Stew<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhk1WhO-K3c_vzAo6Dhx69k19QxVPV5EA0dzTTkEaOjw4bje19tJ-alR7ERerAUl5RkXBDs_SmHgfeSYpuzOGLpbzCxHkDaVmt6KAjBy7BgIFdNYMGtnekpg3y-dS2zcEHaIPoyZwCwzg/s1600/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhk1WhO-K3c_vzAo6Dhx69k19QxVPV5EA0dzTTkEaOjw4bje19tJ-alR7ERerAUl5RkXBDs_SmHgfeSYpuzOGLpbzCxHkDaVmt6KAjBy7BgIFdNYMGtnekpg3y-dS2zcEHaIPoyZwCwzg/s1600/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chili and Mini Pizzas </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Homemade Vegetable Beef Stew</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Girl Scout Stew</span></div>
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(4 cans of Campbell's vegetable soup with a pound of browned ground beef, plus 4 cups of water)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sautéed Chicken Breast, Green Beans from the Farm and Corn</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasta with Vodka Sauce and Salad</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Homemade Pepperoni Pizza </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Check out some of <a href="http://thelittlethingsjournal.blogspot.com/2013/02/our-favorite-pizza-recipes.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Katie's recipes</a>...we used her crust last week!)</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and Vegetables</span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Mini Pizza</span></u></strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReRSDV9GLfsrdBRcHEDXxV4Rd0PMkZLgfUXKmGh09uOwtXK6f1-O2Bsn0TD4UtatCxWX5PpjzV0-i_sNs0yz18iyXy1vqSWcifah7B3aC0v6WbxAhzQxJ5cTzgcz894txRfGnjlSkP_M/s1600/mini+pizza+pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReRSDV9GLfsrdBRcHEDXxV4Rd0PMkZLgfUXKmGh09uOwtXK6f1-O2Bsn0TD4UtatCxWX5PpjzV0-i_sNs0yz18iyXy1vqSWcifah7B3aC0v6WbxAhzQxJ5cTzgcz894txRfGnjlSkP_M/s200/mini+pizza+pin.png" width="200" /></a>Tonight we made chili and mini pizzas for the kids. These are great for picky eaters and are super <br />
easy to make. <br />
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I unrolled a tube of crescent rolls and folded over one triangle at a time to make the dough fit into a muffin pan. Place a spoonful of pizza sauce on each. Cover with a little mozzarella cheese and one pepperoni. Bake at 375 until the crust is toasty and the cheese melted. Delish.<br />
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What are you having this week? Make sure you check out <a href="http://www.orgjunkie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday on The Organizing Junkie. </a> There are hundreds of other menu plans to peruse!<br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">P.S.</span></u></strong><br />
Don't forget to post how you celebrated this weekend on the <a href="http://imlivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2013/08/deer-park-brand-natures-blends-fruit.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #5421bb;">Deer Park® Natural Spring Water Facebook Page</span></a>. Join lots of other fans to share your fun thoughts or pictures!<br />
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AND, if you are heading to the grocery soon, don't forget to try Yoplait Fruitful (1/3 cup of fruit in each serving)...get your <a href="http://imlivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2013/09/do-you-like-fresh-fruit-in-your-yogurt.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">coupon here.</a><br />
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Happy menu planning!<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-19558123657774750322013-09-05T05:40:00.001-07:002013-09-05T05:40:43.488-07:00Old West Festival 2013 *Giveaway*<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you ready for Fall? Not yet? Me neither. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>BUT</strong>, I am ready for the <a href="http://www.oldwestfestival.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Old West Festival</a>! And, if summer has to end, there's no better way to kick off Fall than by watching a rootin' tootin' gun fight (re-enacted of course), drinking some rootbeer, and dusting off my cowboy boots.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEvwh1sI6CICNU4Rpd7wiwAlanWRTKAbiVcBOAG2p1uCPR2cm7N4ClQSidneMN2VkMWtQp117cbn08NMTCqq70ea_1OL_mjqZJ_Xf_7LKNySCz-AJjueVlotpNvPe5wgLdz8cgRCX5d0/s1600/Old+West+Boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEvwh1sI6CICNU4Rpd7wiwAlanWRTKAbiVcBOAG2p1uCPR2cm7N4ClQSidneMN2VkMWtQp117cbn08NMTCqq70ea_1OL_mjqZJ_Xf_7LKNySCz-AJjueVlotpNvPe5wgLdz8cgRCX5d0/s400/Old+West+Boots.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went to the </span><a href="http://www.oldwestfestival.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #5421bb; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Old West Festival</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> last year and had a blast. We watched a horse riding show, got deputized, rode a covered wagon, collected wooden nickels and cowboyed up to the saloon for a rootbeer. Middle Child and I got to wear our cowboy boots and meander around the historically accurate old west town. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNmketVy0mUjA6rQHeNgdhxRTy-vqBhthDnyZxAnQTxxVs6Gw1phAMh8ZoCv9RKtcUqpno_WhZ8ytgMQKiixmuFuVSl_EQwTTqXQDn2aPTqdBniXKO9BTMLMT7rGJ1JIVnvPYPwnEPJc/s1600/Old+West+Horses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNmketVy0mUjA6rQHeNgdhxRTy-vqBhthDnyZxAnQTxxVs6Gw1phAMh8ZoCv9RKtcUqpno_WhZ8ytgMQKiixmuFuVSl_EQwTTqXQDn2aPTqdBniXKO9BTMLMT7rGJ1JIVnvPYPwnEPJc/s400/Old+West+Horses.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year the Old West Festival runs from September 7 to October 6 and is located at 1449 Greenbush Cobb Rd. in Williamsburg, Ohio 45176 (just off U.S. Rt. 32, near Greater Cincinnati). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>They are open Saturdays and Sundays only!</strong> Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Rain or shine).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for kids ages 6 to 12. Kids 5 and under are <b>FREE. </b>Parking is <strong>FREE. </strong></span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year get ready to:</span></u></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtQEVTPGB3Sm0ojOEcDFi9h_iRGYCUYwh-Y9Tn_ECK5mw_zEdCfhMAcXueTzrvH0t1JidQWkYTQ5mRmnCKv9D31TxA73jnW0cURaQvK4qcG57nSZWEwgi6WqK_TdaJCwQD5IgT3JhmZI/s1600/Old+West+Horses+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtQEVTPGB3Sm0ojOEcDFi9h_iRGYCUYwh-Y9Tn_ECK5mw_zEdCfhMAcXueTzrvH0t1JidQWkYTQ5mRmnCKv9D31TxA73jnW0cURaQvK4qcG57nSZWEwgi6WqK_TdaJCwQD5IgT3JhmZI/s400/Old+West+Horses+2.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<ul style="margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;" type="disc"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watch The Pickled Brothers Circus</span>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let the kids become deputies</span>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy a magic show</span>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out a re-enacted gun fight</span>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And more!!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><strong>Theme weekends are back:</strong></u></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sept 7-8 Cowboy Hero Weekend (first 1,000 kids receive a free cowboy hat! Active and Retired Military receive a $5 discount with military ID)</span>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">September 14-15 Native American Weekend</span>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">September 21-22 Steampunk Weekend</span>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">September 28-29 Villians Weekend (the first 1,000 children under the age of 12 receive a free bandana)</span>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">October 5-6 America’s Pastime Weekend --Watch the history of The Cincinnati Reds come to life through live, old-fashioned baseball games.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sound like fun? Want to win tickets? Well, you are in luck. The Old West Festival has graciously given I'm Living the Good Life 4 tickets to giveaway to one lucky reader. You can enter four times, and here's how:<br /><br /><strong><u>Entry #1:</u></strong> Check out </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Im-Living-the-Good-Life/254296877925493?ref=hl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #5421bb; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm Living the Good Life on Facebook</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Entry #2:</u></strong> Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest<br /><br /><strong><u>Entry #3:</u></strong> Check out <span style="color: #5421bb;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/oldwestfest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Old West Festival on Facebook</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #5421bb;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Entry #4:</u></strong> Leave a comment telling me your favorite type of Old West character.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>LEAVE A COMMENT</strong> below (on this post) for each entry. You must be 18 to enter. Please leave your email in your comment. The winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond. Another winner will be chosen if the winner does not respond in 48 hours. <br /><br />The winner will be picked using </span><a href="http://www.random.org/"><span style="color: #5421bb; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.random.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> on Thursday September 12th at 10:00pm. <br /><br />Good Luck!</span><br />
<em>Disclosure: The Old West Festival has provided my family with tickets to this event in exchange for this giveaway! Please know that, as always, all reviews and opinions posted are 100% my own.</em></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-81452579079903474622013-09-04T21:00:00.000-07:002013-09-04T21:25:18.995-07:00Do You Like Fresh Fruit in Your Yogurt? Try Yoplait Fruitful Yogurt :: Coupon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I loved picking strawberries with my mom as a kid. I remember eating the fresh berries right off of the plants in the middle of the field as we picked them in the middle of the hot summer.<br />
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These were such great memories, that I wanted to take my kids on a berry picking trip this summer.<br />
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As we are with many things...we were too late! The season ended the week before I thought of taking them. Maybe next year.<br />
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I do love fresh berries and nuts in my oatmeal and yogurt. So, I am very excited to share with my readers a special offer! <br />
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Have you heard of <a href="http://linqia.cc/19b34c7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yoplait Fruitful Yogurt</a>? There is 1/3 cup real fruit in every serving...blueberries, mangoes, strawberries, cherries, and more! If you like to mix fresh fruit in your yogurt, just let <a href="http://linqia.cc/19b34c7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yoplait</a> do it for you! <br />
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A few unique things about Yoplait Fruitful Yogurt...it's <strong>NEW</strong>. It is not like the other yogurts in the traditional Yoplait yogurt line. Yoplait Fruitful comes in <strong>six flavors</strong> AND there are <strong>no artificial flavors or sweeteners.</strong><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>For my readers, I have a coupon for .30 off one cup of this new yogurt.</strong></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can download it here >>> </span><a href="http://linqia.cc/b35cc88" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Yoplait Fruitful Coupon</span></a> <br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<em>Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Yoplait, but all opinions are 100% my own.</em></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-52740444076440984802013-09-02T18:24:00.001-07:002013-09-02T18:24:56.211-07:00The Cure Starts Now with Cones for the Cure -- Free Elena's Blueberry Pie Ice Cream at Graeters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://familyfriendlycincinnati.com/?attachment_id=35536" rel="attachment wp-att-35536" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="GraetersElenasBlueberryicecream" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-35536 alignright" height="212" src="http://familyfriendlycincinnati.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/GraetersElenasBlueberryicecream-200x133.jpg" width="320" /></a>A few weeks ago I took the kids to Graeter's for ice cream. I think it was 'one of those nights' and we were having ice cream for dinner. <br />
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Anyway...<br />
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We got to the menu board and The Fourth Grader asked:<br />
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"What is Elena's Blueberry Pie? What's that taste like?"<br />
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"Well, I imagine it tastes like blueberry pie. Do you want that flavor?"<br />
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"Nah. Maybe next time. Let's do that. Next time, okay?"<br />
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Two weeks later I learned about <a href="http://conesforthecure.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cones for the Cure</a>, a program supported by Graeter's for<a href="http://www.thecurestartsnow.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Cure Starts Now</a>. After reading about the organization, I saw it...<strong>Elena's Blueberry Pie</strong>. The founder of The Cure Starts Now, Keith Desserich, lost his daughter, Elena, to brain cancer at the age of 6. He started a foundation to support cancer research, and <strong>two times</strong> during the month of September participating Graeter's in Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Louisville, and Lexington will be giving away a <strong>free scoop</strong> of Elena's Blueberry Pie ice cream in a sugar cone to customers.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #a64d79;">This Wednesday, September 4th from 3:00pm-8:00pm local participating Graeter's will be giving away free scoops of Elena's Blueberry Pie Ice Cream in a sugar cone.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9jLDqkCqXPw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>During this promotion, you may also make a donation to The Cure Starts Now. Graeter's will offer a $15 savings booklet for donations of $5 or more.<br />
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How can you help? Make a donation and eat some ice cream! What a great way to support a worthy cause! <br />
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Cones for the Cure runs September 4th thru September 16th. You can stay tuned here at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Im-Living-the-Good-Life/254296877925493?ref=hl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I'm Living the Good Life's Facebook page</a> or at <a href="http://conesforthecure.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cones for the Cure</a> to learn about more ice cream giveaway dates and future promotions. And, I'll have a prize pack from Graeter's and The Cure Starts Now soon! <br />
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<em>Disclaimer: I received the same prize pack from Graeter's and The Cure Starts Now that the winner will receive.</em><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-18358858620680230042013-08-29T13:09:00.000-07:002013-08-29T13:09:28.741-07:00Deer Park® Brand Nature’s Blends™ Fruit Flavored Beverages: How We Celebrate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>This post is sponsored by Deer Park® Brand Nature’s Blends™ Fruit Flavored Beverages. Rest assured, all opinions are 100% my own.</em><br />
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It's almost Friday. I'm ready for a break. We've had homework, taekwondo, meet the teacher day, a dentist appointment, PTA meetings and more. Luckily, it's a holiday weekend! I'm looking forward to sleeping past 6:00am a couple of days.<br />
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As a part of the Celebrate Naturally campaign on the <a href="http://deer-park-brand-natures-blends-.linqiad.com/click/YLBXaGVjcHJk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deer Park® Natural Spring Water Facebook Page</a>, I thought I'd share how we celebrate. And, I'd love to hear how you celebrate!<br />
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Enjoy some shaved ice from our local candy shop...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Od1G9bzYQ7Y0qL06NndgmmaLgN6ZUE9NCyADlpSOpH1vu5XGPZtZrYlJp7yS3VOlQklWY4Z4ET62g9ksZmsz3rlcGOYZ07UiNU1LKfuJ14CYqAO-Kk4-RsOVEbCDwDPT52JW8OMpRL8/s1600/schneiders+iceballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Od1G9bzYQ7Y0qL06NndgmmaLgN6ZUE9NCyADlpSOpH1vu5XGPZtZrYlJp7yS3VOlQklWY4Z4ET62g9ksZmsz3rlcGOYZ07UiNU1LKfuJ14CYqAO-Kk4-RsOVEbCDwDPT52JW8OMpRL8/s320/schneiders+iceballs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Or maybe some ice cream...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQh4MoF0mIHOt8skIpQE_VgsYBLh6L-GcP0xIUhPbjm74gM1QKeZMqudurvNinzmxd33A-ClmOnM94WEjpHHWLNkbOb1eLcp9xUDOxQ4NiYDtaHUL2poMsvYOXuhS3bRZcIcG3WBjvCyw/s1600/celebrate+icecream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQh4MoF0mIHOt8skIpQE_VgsYBLh6L-GcP0xIUhPbjm74gM1QKeZMqudurvNinzmxd33A-ClmOnM94WEjpHHWLNkbOb1eLcp9xUDOxQ4NiYDtaHUL2poMsvYOXuhS3bRZcIcG3WBjvCyw/s320/celebrate+icecream.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Head to the pool for our last weekend swim...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgFqoJVKNCJe8WLJ1yzdhMrMl2JZZ6VAo6GlreSycThQYcXQH9M_GmQhvaT1FBFhp1LifAon8DrwRELMQ7NFiT-DCeEdqysrI7q5nb7OXdr0vUEh66fxGgDyOrw6QwUoxktW8eUz7-CY/s1600/ewan+swim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgFqoJVKNCJe8WLJ1yzdhMrMl2JZZ6VAo6GlreSycThQYcXQH9M_GmQhvaT1FBFhp1LifAon8DrwRELMQ7NFiT-DCeEdqysrI7q5nb7OXdr0vUEh66fxGgDyOrw6QwUoxktW8eUz7-CY/s320/ewan+swim.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Put underwear on our heads and act like ninjas...</div>
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Who knows what we will do!<br />
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What about you? <br />
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The next couple Fridays, <a href="http://deer-park-brand-natures-blends-.linqiad.com/click/YLBXaGVjcHJk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deer Park® Brand Nature’s Blends™ Fruit Flavored Beverages</a> is sharing beautiful ways that nature celebrates and they want to know how YOU celebrate. <br />
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Whether you are celebrating the end of a long week, a new job, a sharp haircut, or a special achievement, tell everyone how you celebrate! Check out the <a href="http://deer-park-brand-natures-blends-.linqiad.com/click/YLBXaGVjcHJk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deer Park® Natural Spring Water Facebook Page</a> and post your celebration. <br />
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I'd love to see how you relax, regroup or get your party on...I'm sure it doesn't involve underwear on your head. <br />
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Post your pictures on the <a href="http://deer-park-brand-natures-blends-.linqiad.com/click/YLBXaGVjcHJk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deer Park® Natural Spring Water Facebook Page</a> and share!<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-68040375415910591962013-08-27T20:22:00.001-07:002013-08-27T20:25:02.592-07:00Bluegrass for Babies Concert in Sawyer Point *Giveaway*<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivg46IdPw4IJFjibJDUgZQUYcfrw0ri6HAVcMzbvA6EuM-SspFZC2GQnzx3Sy5heBzkVR_kY2yhP_ptkGUzwGIxad6z504UlAPy5Ur4XhPurnCaGVYGjNHsmUm_Ckr2lcZ-7JyXIxqu5I/s1600/bluegrass+for+babies+benefit+giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivg46IdPw4IJFjibJDUgZQUYcfrw0ri6HAVcMzbvA6EuM-SspFZC2GQnzx3Sy5heBzkVR_kY2yhP_ptkGUzwGIxad6z504UlAPy5Ur4XhPurnCaGVYGjNHsmUm_Ckr2lcZ-7JyXIxqu5I/s1600/bluegrass+for+babies+benefit+giveaway.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) provided Matt and Anne Schneider's son, Nicholas, with a life saving surgery at less than two days old, they decided to give back to the hospital. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Combining their love of bluegrass music, gratitude for CCHMC and a desire to help other parents raise healthy kids, they expanded their annual backyard bluegrass party into </span><a href="http://www.bluegrassforbabies.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bluegrass for Babies, Inc.</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's what they say about it:</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Launched as an annual bluegrass benefit concert, Bluegrass for Babies has evolved into an organization that provides tools, resources, and year-round special events centered on helping parents create an environment to raise healthy children, right from the start. The organization supports the Perinatal Institute at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, which provides comprehensive care for infants before, during and after delivery so that all children can have the best start to life. More information is available online at </span></em><a href="http://www.bluegrassforbabies.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>www.bluegrassforbabies.com</em></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><em>."</em></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljUD7OLuHIv7idF20UJRmccuZOlUiynl_bz1o0CohmH7eUrLQ_MZIjmdbgyu9Wgk5Q1TN3J9ImTLOUAtni7flrIUf9-5eV25SDJSNeNkZYSBKOw15CXWh9VT87Fy2cv_dHWrxCXRNWkA/s1600/Bluegrass+for+Babies(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljUD7OLuHIv7idF20UJRmccuZOlUiynl_bz1o0CohmH7eUrLQ_MZIjmdbgyu9Wgk5Q1TN3J9ImTLOUAtni7flrIUf9-5eV25SDJSNeNkZYSBKOw15CXWh9VT87Fy2cv_dHWrxCXRNWkA/s1600/Bluegrass+for+Babies(1).jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the past five years, Bluegrass for Babies, Inc. has held a benefit concert to celebrate CCHMC. On Saturday September 21st, </span><a href="http://www.bluegrassforbabies.com/experience.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bluegrass for Babies returns to Sawyer Point</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in Cincinnati with <strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">fun for the whole family</span></strong>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Enjoy vendors, organic food, music, games, activities and learn about caring for your family and better health!</strong></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of this year's performers include <strong>-Comet Bluegrass All-Stars, The 23 String Band, and Wild Carrot.</strong> There will also be performances by children's singer, <strong>Jennifer Ellis</strong>, at 4:15pm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the festival, your family can experience five different areas:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Movement</span> </strong>-Check out Charlie Cooke Soccer School, Duke Energy Children's Museum and more!</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Special Needs</span></strong> -Art and Sensory Activities Sponsored by </span><a href="http://wealthmanagement.ml.com/wm/system/ViewFAPage.aspx?pageurl=YHSA_GROUP"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Merrill Lynch YHSA Group of Dayton</span></a></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Music and Art</span></strong> - Many venues including The Art Spark, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and The Carnegie.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Family Wellness</span></strong> - Check out Cincinnati Parent, cool dads, Moksha Yoga and more!</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Healthy Home</span></strong> - A few of the folks that will be there are BabyGanics, Greener Stock, and Cincinnati Zoo</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Farmer's Market</span></strong> - some of the vendors include Chipotle, Grateful Grahams and Green B.E.A.N Delivery</span></li>
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<u><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Kids Eat FREE!</strong></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kids eat FREE with the purchase of an adult meal from the Green B.E.A.N. Delivery Concession Stand from 3:00pm until 6:00 pm. One free kids meal per adult meal. Limitations apply.</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tickets</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tickets for the Bluegrass for Babies benefit concert are<strong> $15 for adults in advance and $20 on the day of the benefit. Children under 12 are free.</strong> Advance ticket sales end Friday, September 20, 2013 at 10:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at </span><a href="http://www.bluegrassforbabies.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.bluegrassforbabies.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Parking</u> </span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parking is $8 in the Sawyer Point parking lot. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 10 or more adults until Friday, September 20. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first 500 ticket buyers will also get </span><a href="http://bit.ly/1eDdKW1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buy One Get One coupons for Chipotle burritos.</span></a></strong></span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enter to Win!</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would you like to try to win tickets? One lucky </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Im-Living-the-Good-Life/254296877925493?ref=hl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm Living the Good Life</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> reader will win two<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> tickets to the Bluegrass for Babies benefit concert AND two coupons for a free burrito and two free kids meal coupons from Chipotle, one of the Bluegrass for Babies sponsors.</o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's how you can enter. <strong>Please leave your email address in the comment.</strong></span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Entry #1:</u></strong> Check out Bluegrass for Babies on Facebook. Leave a comment that you did so.</span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Entry #2:</u></strong> Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, email or wherever! Leave a comment that you did so.</span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p><strong><u>Entry #3:</u></strong> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span> Tell me what you will be most excited about at the festival...the bluegrass music, the arts activities, the organic food, supporting a great cause...what will it be? Leave your email in the comment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A winner will be drawn via </span><a href="http://www.random.org/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.random.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> on Wednesday September 4th at 10:00pm. The winner will be announced on facebook, contacted, and given 48 hours to respond. Another winner will be drawn if there is no response. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good luck!</span> <br />
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<em>Disclaimer: For running this giveaway, I received the same package the winner will receive. Rest assured, all opinions are 100% my own.</em></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-21541828767081881112013-08-25T18:40:00.001-07:002013-08-25T18:40:36.470-07:00Menu Plan Monday with a New Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Just a quick menu this week! Trying a new recipe (pork tenderloin) and some old favorites (Girl Scout Stew). Enjoy!<br />
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Chili and Grilled Cheese</div>
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Chicken Strips, Mac & Cheese and Green Beans</div>
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Girl Scout Stew (Campbell's Vegetable Soup with cooked ground beef added) and Sandwiches</div>
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<a href="http://laurassweetspot.com/2013/06/12/crockpot-brown-sugar-balsamic-glazed-pork-tenderloin/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crock Pot Brown Sugar Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin</a>, Baked Potatoes and Peas</div>
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Hamburgers, Baked Fries and Fresh Vegetables/Salad</div>
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Make sure you check out the <a href="http://www.orgjunkie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday</a> for hundreds of other menu plans. <br />
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Happy menu planning!<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-16440706689201199062013-08-23T20:38:00.003-07:002013-08-23T20:38:28.188-07:00Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati: A Weekend Adventure for Kids and Adults<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last weekend, we were tourists in our own town. The kids were driving me nuts, it was a beautiful day, and the Husband was at work. What to do?<br />
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I checked my favorite blog's weekend list of things to do...<a href="http://www.familyfriendlycincinnati.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Family Friendly Cincinnati</a>. Have I mentioned I'm an editor there? Check it out! Go ahead, you can continue reading this post in a second.<br />
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Ready to hear what we did this weekend?<br />
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Well, after checking the weekend happenings, I decided to venture outside of my comfort zone. We live in a suburb, so there is really no reason to get on a bus. There is really no reason to go downtown. We could do those things for fun, but why bother when we have a giant Wal-Mart and Target right down the road?<br />
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See how exciting we are? <br />
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My friend Katie, at <a href="http://www.thelittlethingsjournal.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Little Things Journal</a>, always treks around town doing cool stuff. So, I decided to follow her lead and head to Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati. <br />
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I got even crazier and took the <a href="http://www.tankbus.org/routes-schedules/southbank-shuttle.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Southbank Shuttle</a>, which goes back and forth from Newport, Cincinnati and Covington.<br />
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Crazy, I tell ya'.<br />
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I wasn't sure how all of this was going to play out, so I told the kids nothing.<br />
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<strong>Get on your shoes! Go pee! We are going on an adventure!</strong><br />
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What? Where? Are we going to the museum? To the library? To the zoo? To the ALC?<br />
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Huh?<br />
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That last one was from Middle Child. He is learning to spell and thinks he accurately spelled something to secretly ask me where we are going. <br />
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No, not the museum, library, zoo or ALC.<br />
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Just get in the car. <a href="http://imlivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2013/05/first-impressions-and-why-shoes-are.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wear shoes please</a>...<br />
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We parked at the corner of Fifth Street and Philadelphia in Covington, in a free lot. As soon as we got out of the car, the shuttle started to leave. I waved and he stopped. I yelled to the kids "Run! That's our bus!!" <br />
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They looked at me like I had just asked them to strip down naked and do cartwheels through traffic.<br />
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Mom has lost her mind. A bus?<br />
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We hopped on the bus and for a total of $2 rode across the bridge and got off in front of the Underground Freedom Center (thanks Amy of <a href="http://inagalaxy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In a Galaxy</a> for posting <a href="http://familyfriendlycincinnati.com/2012/07/06/summer-fun-at-the-new-smale-riverfront-park/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">THIS</a> about Smale Riverfront Park on Family Friendly Cincinnati last summer) <br />
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We walked about a block to <a href="http://mysmaleriverfrontpark.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Smale Riverfront Park</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7WDA9JGr4sNt3ZJmf8OmdiNGe7AGUZr3C2hwmr-cN5-RVyYPQeFUffhdduXDz9iZwnsfsnnA4-MSDRwJBvb2dUbZFz_KoOZ1TuDo_3zi_5M1d-Tiyiy7rG9ksi8AIxZ-xBcKBargEKQ/s1600/smale+park+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7WDA9JGr4sNt3ZJmf8OmdiNGe7AGUZr3C2hwmr-cN5-RVyYPQeFUffhdduXDz9iZwnsfsnnA4-MSDRwJBvb2dUbZFz_KoOZ1TuDo_3zi_5M1d-Tiyiy7rG9ksi8AIxZ-xBcKBargEKQ/s320/smale+park+bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Played at the spray park...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiQvtgmx4sXQ6D0z7QxX8GTAAc3vrTMTsP4KQ5idcry6sOXiO2xM_H145w4cI8X_ZRystMWk1UKuvzn5NGPLNd6wEeOT9YeA4lQ0b9ucIFgW0MnAykNkm4Ox-t8qiDs39ugRnKx114Co/s1600/water+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiQvtgmx4sXQ6D0z7QxX8GTAAc3vrTMTsP4KQ5idcry6sOXiO2xM_H145w4cI8X_ZRystMWk1UKuvzn5NGPLNd6wEeOT9YeA4lQ0b9ucIFgW0MnAykNkm4Ox-t8qiDs39ugRnKx114Co/s320/water+park.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Helped a magician...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IirZ8lkwAqyZX0-ASi4CtqQD7nA3BhpJzz6JxuWvcAksBmJwVFRI5PrLYALYjNPUDzNZXkahlWCRIIIJLNKgpF8tfDNgALqZ7itM04jCr-Y_ztgut70mywmcGpWTf-XKDKjg6-bBhaE/s1600/smale+park+magic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IirZ8lkwAqyZX0-ASi4CtqQD7nA3BhpJzz6JxuWvcAksBmJwVFRI5PrLYALYjNPUDzNZXkahlWCRIIIJLNKgpF8tfDNgALqZ7itM04jCr-Y_ztgut70mywmcGpWTf-XKDKjg6-bBhaE/s1600/smale+park+magic+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Played checkers...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVO3dt3oEt7BxWZOJ8ZzHQC78w3e1hZR5oMeJPBzul7iVYFAVh6WSAm5nkbLT3wtyR4RfqSCWWjF5BOSws36fh_6JcqOIexAC5kT36P8zMa5r2c4Ep2OIoYp7JDlmYjGtvcn7XnwiWZg8/s1600/checkers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVO3dt3oEt7BxWZOJ8ZzHQC78w3e1hZR5oMeJPBzul7iVYFAVh6WSAm5nkbLT3wtyR4RfqSCWWjF5BOSws36fh_6JcqOIexAC5kT36P8zMa5r2c4Ep2OIoYp7JDlmYjGtvcn7XnwiWZg8/s320/checkers.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Meditated in a labyrinth...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFEN0a6XfvjQQY-xB91J6xwFYSNiHVNOBKBnunf7Ltrdbv8nEvPWtkR2xkwBPPTffHJ3M3_LXgccxfrLjC-u3-Lrjy34Gdd2_Y9U49BGeOy-2MBYPPsie_8M3tWtnG6qSpSutDmzLhHk/s1600/smale+park+meditate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFEN0a6XfvjQQY-xB91J6xwFYSNiHVNOBKBnunf7Ltrdbv8nEvPWtkR2xkwBPPTffHJ3M3_LXgccxfrLjC-u3-Lrjy34Gdd2_Y9U49BGeOy-2MBYPPsie_8M3tWtnG6qSpSutDmzLhHk/s320/smale+park+meditate.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Swung by the river....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDVnReJYVKY2yLfktCjkUx6pDSrg-XsxLHoM9O9xkObtmcxkbsso3frmo2AFtHeNBRP0GSBztYaVAK3_ITYKhDxhgON30CEW9pvXKkHTv8kjG9wOs9uoFfCrcp2WJpEmh0rOgeXON5wc/s1600/smale+park+swing+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDVnReJYVKY2yLfktCjkUx6pDSrg-XsxLHoM9O9xkObtmcxkbsso3frmo2AFtHeNBRP0GSBztYaVAK3_ITYKhDxhgON30CEW9pvXKkHTv8kjG9wOs9uoFfCrcp2WJpEmh0rOgeXON5wc/s320/smale+park+swing+2.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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Crossed the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Newport-Southbank-Bridge/109269995759127?rf=114612658554610" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purple People Bridge</a>...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYYudWAKICpgJdpoLM__-zAK6xEVVTLwWWmzrleBaf5y2Z-oQUtynccmSQ6nHDyrDBZTSOvavOq4Bi-eHqcbkK0LxPLAPrltJAl18UJRCd5TVIF-X8K4AfTWkTdr_6YN7K6L12jBUaxk/s1600/bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYYudWAKICpgJdpoLM__-zAK6xEVVTLwWWmzrleBaf5y2Z-oQUtynccmSQ6nHDyrDBZTSOvavOq4Bi-eHqcbkK0LxPLAPrltJAl18UJRCd5TVIF-X8K4AfTWkTdr_6YN7K6L12jBUaxk/s320/bridge.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Took the shuttle back to the car...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m7FsxsCbMIciDyJXODhUTiCbQZfOTX4NEPn5hhxsSdtZTa8hnQlJh08FnE39irjBaFdUh0MAUoJQ6r4C235jju25cUOhAHEE_XrcRMeQ4eN3l_Ilg4e3sk0KnxyMcc-gh4oCfIviTuE/s1600/shuttle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m7FsxsCbMIciDyJXODhUTiCbQZfOTX4NEPn5hhxsSdtZTa8hnQlJh08FnE39irjBaFdUh0MAUoJQ6r4C235jju25cUOhAHEE_XrcRMeQ4eN3l_Ilg4e3sk0KnxyMcc-gh4oCfIviTuE/s320/shuttle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Whew! What a day! That whole trip cost us $4. The Southbank Shuttle is $1 per person and we were not charged for the younger two children. Everything at Smale Park was free. Make sure you watch their website as well as <a href="http://www.familyfriendlycincinnati.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Family Friendly Cincinnati</a>'s weekend posts because so many free, or super cheap, things are posted! Until I decided to dig deeper in the post, we were going to just play video games and do laundry. Glad I checked!<br />
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After our adventure, we headed to <a href="http://familyfriendlycincinnati.com/2012/03/27/salvadores-pizzeria-in-elsmere-kentucky/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Salvadore's Pizzeria</a> in Erlanger on Dixie Highway (my favorite pizza place because it combines two of my favorite things...low prices and delicious pizza) and then to Sweet Frog off of Buttermilk Pike in Crescent Springs (again, cheap because I had a 1/2 off coupon!).<br />
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Our entire day cost right around $25...for four people...total. Look at all the great stuff we did!!<br />
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And, had I planned better, it could have been cheaper. I could have packed sandwiches and just gone out for ice cream. But, we were starving and Salvadore's sounded oh so good. <br />
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I asked the kids their favorite part of the day.<br />
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<strong>The Fourth Grader:</strong> The shuttle and the spray park!<br />
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<strong>Middle Child:</strong> The bridge!<br />
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<strong>Baby Girl:</strong> The bridge and the bus (shuttle)!<br />
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They are already asking when we can do it again. Lucky for them, this week we are riding the Southbank Shuttle to the park to watch Shakespeare in the Park's A Midsummer's Night Dream.<br />
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So, if you find yourself bored or pulling out your hair one weekend, you can catch a Southbank Shuttle every 15 minutes! <br />
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Hop aboard!<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-81995442236015900622013-08-23T08:33:00.000-07:002013-08-24T12:24:52.421-07:00Get Your ArtsWave ArtsPass and Start Enjoying the Benefits!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2PgW_t76RUNDNLwP2vPKFK5kho6hIOoDADP9V-Kp7SiUTNFsC9y_OsAyws2IUs8q5VhVa5tMqMkjzR2TndOM_YLC774Z1LJJXmbyDtibsp0s8vfRKjF46p1wZXK_9U3ZuBpdH5RLTP0/s1600/ArtsPass_Graphic%2520CMYK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2PgW_t76RUNDNLwP2vPKFK5kho6hIOoDADP9V-Kp7SiUTNFsC9y_OsAyws2IUs8q5VhVa5tMqMkjzR2TndOM_YLC774Z1LJJXmbyDtibsp0s8vfRKjF46p1wZXK_9U3ZuBpdH5RLTP0/s200/ArtsPass_Graphic%2520CMYK.jpg" width="165" /></a>The following is a sponsored post. As an editor for Family Friendly Cincinnati, I get to help put together our weekend post, listing loads of activities happening around the city. Many of these activities are free, or super cheap. I love learning about the many events going on in our city. Last weekend, I did not write the post, but I read it on Saturday, desperate for something to do with the kids. We ended up at a Mad Cap Puppets show at Smale Riverfront Park. It was a blast. And, it was free.<br />
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We participate in so many free arts activities...puppet shows, library events, fun stuff at the park. Do you ever wonder how these free events are possible? Who pays for them? Why are they free? Why does anyone care?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8gQIlyduKMiMXvIWVeTmRSF4eiENFV9o_dTA0D_jMhdV2kGYytklYlovRkiq_pMwUjxW2rqKS7l7C72Vx3b5MHjqq-BcQ7iPdiJ6DfeZp7NglRMquU2gpngRca4AhpsHOvyzz4p3HU4/s1600/ArtsWave.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8gQIlyduKMiMXvIWVeTmRSF4eiENFV9o_dTA0D_jMhdV2kGYytklYlovRkiq_pMwUjxW2rqKS7l7C72Vx3b5MHjqq-BcQ7iPdiJ6DfeZp7NglRMquU2gpngRca4AhpsHOvyzz4p3HU4/s200/ArtsWave.gif" width="172" /></a>Enter ArtsWave...<br />
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<a href="http://www.theartswave.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ArtsWave</a>, formerly known as the Fine Arts Fund, works to enhance, support and promote the arts in the Cincinnati area. Originally founded in 1927, the goal was to “to further the musical and artistic education and culture for the people of Cincinnati.” When you enjoy free art programs or activities at a local park or event, you may be benefitting from ArtsWave! <br />
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Donations to ArtsWave makes these events free or discounted for the participants. <br />
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How can you help this organization AND benefit from their fantastic discounts and events? <br />
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Donate $75 or more to ArtsWave and you can chose to receive an ArtsPass. An ArtsPass allows you access to discounts and special offers from more than 30 local arts organizations across the region, AND restaurants and shops nearby. Check out the details <a href="http://www.theartswave.org/connect/artspass#Restaurant%20Offers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Just to name a few, you can get deals from The Cincinnati Reds, The Taft Theatre, The Children's Theatre, The Carnegie and many more! Check out the details on the ArtsPass to learn more about the special offers on the Arts, retail stores AND restaurants!<br />
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It's easy to supports ArtsWave and get your ArtsPass. Click <a href="https://artswave.sbgpayments.com/donate/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> to fill out your application and make your donation. Then, start enjoying your ArtsPass!<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565788491207370894.post-20728672751597466862013-08-19T06:18:00.000-07:002013-08-19T06:18:01.154-07:00Menu Plan Monday with Saucy Meatloaf and Roasted Garlic Chicken White Pizza<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1Ei7YnNMbEheA5064KMVtEuk9f5uQ_WZ9bP5Bws9pGUXoJDV8aj2YGR7q7lWPnxysR3QFeJRbXgBPO4Cp_QlBw-UF80-gET9VfgptKUj55o1zSqz5DmsGL8yrg7BoXrcaZyUPfrzCyo/s1600/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1Ei7YnNMbEheA5064KMVtEuk9f5uQ_WZ9bP5Bws9pGUXoJDV8aj2YGR7q7lWPnxysR3QFeJRbXgBPO4Cp_QlBw-UF80-gET9VfgptKUj55o1zSqz5DmsGL8yrg7BoXrcaZyUPfrzCyo/s1600/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" /></a></div>
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We are finally, kind of, back into the swing of things. School started last week, and we have a new kindergartner! So far, every day he has come off of the bus with his older brother smiling. Let's hope that sticks. He wasn't so fond of homework on a Sunday afternoon today...<br />
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With school back in session, we are gearing up for a busy Fall. This week we have taekwondo and book club. I am looking for easy dinners that are still tasty...who isn't? <br />
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Here is what we are having this week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnixljD955_u3pR6VpMVzyKKXfqgzzKt96Pbhx6pqeg3nNzA2tdIc2m7eOOHwXA3VfGpk_gyYFd3q_Oi9W9gv767G25miv98NGPb9Tanf1I2HVk0wsoYGjidhjXZwf5VGjHiCeyDnYY0/s1600/100_3497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnixljD955_u3pR6VpMVzyKKXfqgzzKt96Pbhx6pqeg3nNzA2tdIc2m7eOOHwXA3VfGpk_gyYFd3q_Oi9W9gv767G25miv98NGPb9Tanf1I2HVk0wsoYGjidhjXZwf5VGjHiCeyDnYY0/s320/100_3497.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping with the meatloaf!</td></tr>
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Vegetable Beef Stew and Grilled Cheese</div>
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Sloppy Joe Sandwiches (thank you Manwich)</div>
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<a href="http://imlivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/07/saucy-meatloaf.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grandma's Saucy Meatloaf</a></div>
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Roasted Chicken</div>
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<a href="http://dinnersdishesanddesserts.com/roasted-garlic-chicken-herb-white-pizza-sundaysupper/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Roasted Garlic, Chicken, and Herb White Pizza</a> with Salad (we had this pizza last week and it was delicious! Plus, I can use the left over chicken from the roasted chicken above)</div>
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Make sure you check out the <a href="http://www.orgjunkie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday</a> for hundreds of other menu plans. You'll surely be inspired.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: #cc0000;">Giveaway!!!</span></u></strong><br />
Also, be sure to check out my <a href="http://imlivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2013/08/red-gold-tomato-prize-pack-giveaway.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red Gold Tomato Prize Pack Summer Grillin' giveaway</a>! You could win 5 cans of Red Gold tomatoes (several varieties), recipe cards, a super cute apron and jalapeno ketchup! <br />
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Happy menu planning and welcome back to school!<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099204328423143763noreply@blogger.com2