Minted - Holiday Cards

I've been mostly absent from the blog for awhile. Goodness! It's hard to keep track of all the crazy and busy things that have been going on around here. I'm sure you all understand. The calendar at Christmas time really fills up with fun stuff and all the day-to-day, regular busy stuff doesn't really go away (including shopping for a new hot water heater and renewing the driver's license-ugh!). December is just seriously awesome.

One of the things on my to-do list this year has been to actually get Christmas cards sent out to my friends and family. I just spent several hours hand addressing the envelopes because it used to be one of my favorite things to do. It's been awhile but I found that I really enjoyed it again. I might have to get out my paper crafting stuff again -- some day.

So, while we're on the subject of Christmas cards . . . there are so many great options for printing beautiful Christmas photo cards. And Minted is one of the great ones. It's a partnership between independent graphic designers and a print shop. Seriously! You are going to need to check out the very beautiful holiday photo cards at Minted.

Then, while you're visiting the Minted website, check out all the other cool paper stuff -- stationary and journals and invitations and cards for every occasion. You're going to be impressed. 

** This is a sponsored post, but the opinions are 100% mine. Really. **

The Winner of the Shutterfly Give-away

OK, this post is later than I planned but better late than never . . .

The winner of the give-away from Shutterfly is . . .

Yvonne

Congratulations! 

Please let me know your email address as soon as possible so that you can redeem your prize.

Christmas Cards by Shutterfly - Give-away!!!

*** Cyber Monday:  visit Shutterfly's Facebook page  to get the 25% off unique code (valid on top of already discounted site wide - up to 50% off) *Offer ends November 26, 2012 (11:59 P.M. PST). ***

Oh, it is that time of year again when I start stressing about sending out photo Christmas cards and wishing I had better family pictures to showcase to our friends and family with our holiday greetings. We actually have a few semi-presentable pictures this year so I am much more excited about all the new designs and colorful cards from Shutterfly. From trendy to classic, fun to traditional, Shutterfly offers a variety of options for your Christmas card needs.

You are sure to fall in love with some of the very beautiful cards. And since I know some of you also have very beautiful family pictures (**wink wink to my photography clients**) you should definitely check out Shutterfly. Be sure to check out their special offers too.

The only thing better than Shutterfly Christmas cards are free Shutterfly Christmas cards. One of my readers can win an extra $50 off order of $50 or more (excluding tax and shipping & cannot be combined with any other promos (expire 12/14/2012 – no extensions).

Just enter here by leaving a comment on this post. The contest will end on Friday, November 30th at 11:59 pm MST.  One winner, chosen randomly, will be announced on Saturday, December 1st.

**This post is sponsored by Shutterfly. **

Disney On Ice 100 Years of Magic - Review

Last week the girls and I got all dressed up for our "Girls' Fun Night" at Disney On Ice. We had dinner at Applebee's where Lilly and Molly ate each other's dinner. And Amberly refused to order from the kid menu. Our waiter was friendly and the girls enjoyed talking with him. They pretty much told him our life story.

We were all excited to see the show and got there plenty early. The girls were very good about not asking to buy any of the over priced treats and paraphernalia/memorabilia that was pushed by the peddlers walking up and down our aisle every few minutes while we waited.

Then finally the lights dimmed and the show began. The girls were mesmerized by seeing their favorite Disney characters on the ice. The only thing Lilly said during the first half of the show was : "The boys would have liked this too, Mama."

Celebrating 100 years of Disney magic, so very many of the beloved Disney characters, including our favorites Mickey and Minnie Mouse and several of the princesses, skated to the delight of my dear girls. They also enjoyed seeing Nemo, Simba, Pinnochio, the Incredibles and Mulan. 

Amberly, Lilly and I were able to attend a different Disney On Ice production a few years ago. It was hard for me not to compare the two events. In the other performance, the show focused on just four Disney stories with spectacular productions filled with special effects and amazing shows. 

This event focused more on the characters. Instead of dozens of skaters doing a full-blown production, there were fewer skaters--only the main characters--with less special effects. I was disappointed. However, my children were just as delighted. They were able to see the characters that matter to them.

Overall, we had a wonderful Girls' Night Out at Disney On Ice. The girls loved it and were anxious to get home and tell their dad all about it.

** I am a Feld Family Ambassador and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I received these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine. **

Disney On Ice - & Ice Carving in Salt Lake City

DISNEY ON ICE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF MAGIC 

TO SHOWCASE ICE CARVING DEMONSTRATION

Salt Lake Community College Culinary Club Students to 

Carve Iconic Disney Ice Sculptures at The Gateway Shopping Center

on Wednesday, November 14

To kick off Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic coming to the EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City, members of the Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) Culinary Club will participate in a fun-filled ice carving demonstration depicting iconic Disney character images during the morning of Wednesday, November 14th at The Gateway Shopping Center’s Olympic Legacy Plaza. The event will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., with special appearances by the stars of Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic.

“We were delighted for the opportunity to participate in this event and showcase our passion for all things culinary,” said Stephanie Callison Tanner, SLCC Culinary Club President. “Our three competing members can’t wait to roll up their sleeves and get carving.”

The three carvers include SLCC Culinary Program students Gary Manoukian, 36, Oscar Villalobos, 25, and Jerry DeStafano, 29.  All three chose to partake in the demonstration to enhance their artistic skills and learn new techniques for ice carving.  When asked why he entered the carving demo, Villalobos said, “Ice and a chainsaw, what could be more fun?”

The fun will continue that evening with the opening night performance of Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic at 7:00 p.m. at EnergySolutions Arena, where more than 60 of Disney's captivating characters and their unforgettable stories will come to life in this commemorative celebration, produced by Feld Entertainment. In this lavish ice show, everyone's favorite sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, take audiences on a fun-filled adventure, sharing memories with Disney friends including Goofy & Donald Duck; the beloved Disney Princesses; Buzz Lightyear & Woody; Nemo & Dory; Pinocchio & Jiminy Cricket; Belle & The Beast; The Incredibles plus many more – and magical moments from Disney’s Aladdin, Mulan and The Lion King.

Don't forget to buy tickets to Disney On Ice in Salt Lake City. Use code : MOM to save $5 off each ticket.


November 14 - 18, 2012
Wednesday, Nov. 14      7:00 PM
Thursday, Nov. 15            7:00 PM
Friday, Nov. 16                  11:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Saturday, Nov. 17            11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 18               1:30 PM & 5:30 PM

                                                                                                                                             
EnergySolutions Arena – 301 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT  84101


Ticket price levels are $16, $23, $37 (VIP) and $50 (Front Row).  Opening Night tickets available for only $12 each (not valid on premium seating). All seats are reserved; tickets are available from the EnergySolutions Box Office and all SmithTix locations, charge by phone at 801-355-SEAT or
            800-888-TIXX begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            800-888-TIXX      end_of_the_skype_highlighting       and online at www.smithstix.com or www.energysolutionsarena.com.

Visit Disney On Ice online : www.DisneyOnIce.com


** I am a Feld Family Ambassador and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I received these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine. **

Community with Heart

We live in a neighborhood with hundreds of kids. Seriously. Hundreds. It's really very awesome.

This is was our playground.

Certainly better than nothing but just not enough to accommodate all the children in the neighborhood.

Meet Marion:

Marion saw the need. She and others knew that our kids needed a bigger and better playground.

That was over 2 years ago.

Marion has worked tirelessly. Gathering signatures on petitions to present to the city and the HOA.

Going to endless meetings.

Finally getting elected to the HOA board.

And mediating a compromise between the city and the HOA to buy a new playground for our kids.

Then Marion organized a neighborhood service project 

to install the playground and save money.

Today people from our neighborhood gathered to work together to install a

playground for our children.

Marion didn't have to worry that people wouldn't show up to help.

We're a community of helpers. Sharing potatoes, food coloring and even toilet paper with our neighbors. Babysitting each others kids.

Helping with yard work, finishing basements, move ins and outs, and drives to doctor appointments.

We all know--just post your need on our magic Facebook neighborhood wall 

and someone will be there to assist you.

The playground is just one very big, very exciting example of what our neighborhood can accomplish.

A fellow from our neighborhood provided entertainment and music to the work force. 

Several local businesses donated food to the workers.

Some guys from the city came to help.

We'll gather again this evening for a potluck dinner.

Marion for Mayor!

Then we plan to send her to congress.

This is one community organizer that deserves to be in the White House.

I love the neighborhood I live in!!!

Winner of 2 tickets to Disney On Ice & Discount Code

The winner of 2 tickets to Disney On Ice in Salt Lake City is . . .

monique_holladay

Congratulations! 

Please contact me as soon as possible with your information so that we can send you your tickets.

If you didn't win free tickets you can still save!

Save $5 off each ticket by using Code: MOM

Valid Performances:
Thursday at 7PM, Friday at 3:30PM, Saturday at 11AM, and Sunday at 1:30PM and 5:30PM
Valid Price Levels: $23 and $16

Happy Halloween!!

I hope everyone has enjoyed a happy and healthy safe Halloween.

I took my youngest four kids out trick r treating in our neighborhood this evening.

Utah Dad drove Neal over to his best friend's house. Now that they're in junior high they believe they should be able to go out by themselves. We're still waiting for him to get home.

The kids were cute.

They got loads of candy and saw all their friends.

I managed not to dress up once all season.

A successful Halloween.

Cornbelly's Pumpkin Smash!!!

Boot and Shoe - Book Review

Lilly came home from Kindergarten last Friday with some serious attitude! We recently moved her bed and we are wondering if she is consistently getting up on the wrong side of the bed now. Anyway, she was grumpy. We walked home from school and I was delighted to find a package on my doorstep. I ripped it open and discovered the beautiful new children's book Boot and Shoe by Marla Frazee.

If you've read my blog or know me in person, you might already know that one of my very favorite children's books is The Seven Silly Eaters by MaryAnn Hoberman and illustrated by Marla Frazee. While the words to this story are clever, funny and sweet, I really really love the illustrations. Marla adds so much more to the story with her beautiful artwork. Needless to say, I am a big fan. When I got the opportunity to review Marla's newest book, I was just so excited.

After Lilly threw her backpack in the closet, I pulled her next to me on the couch and we read Boot and Shoe. Soon Molly and Utah Dad had joined us. Before long, Lilly was laughing and Utah Dad was chuckling at the silly antics of two dogs--one a front porch kind of dog and the other a back porch kind of dog--and a very annoying squirrel.

I sat on the couch with Lilly and Molly and we read Boot and Shoe again and again. Then we read it some more with Amberly and Thomas when they got home from school. The story is sweet and endearing, funny and delightful. Boot and Shoe are likable characters in an uplifting and hopeful story. And the illustrations are, of course, beautiful and beneficial to the tale. It is exactly what I want from a children's book.

**I received a free copy of Boot and Shoe in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received.**

Disney On Ice - Salt Lake City - Give-away!

Disney On Ice 100 Years of Magic 

is coming to Salt Lake City on

November 14 - 18, 2012

And now you can have a chance to win

2 tickets to select performances!

Witness the beautifully choreographed skating, breathtaking production numbers, stunning costumes and toe-tapping songs that will inspire fond Disney memories.

It promises to be a night you and your child will not soon forget.

                                                                                                                                               

WHEN:               November 14 - 18, 2012
Wednesday, Nov. 14        7:00 PM
Thursday, Nov. 15            7:00 PM
Friday, Nov. 16                11:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Saturday, Nov. 17            11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 18               1:30 PM & 5:30 PM                                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                           
WHERE:   EnergySolutions Arena – 301 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT  84101


TICKETS:  Ticket price levels are $16, $23, $37 (VIP) and $50 (Front Row).  Opening Night tickets available for only $12 each (not valid on premium seating). All seats are reserved; tickets are available from the EnergySolutions Box Office and all SmithTix locations, charge by phone at 801-355-SEAT or             800-888-TIXX and online at www.smithstix.com or www.energysolutionsarena.com.

To enter to win the 2 free tickets to see Disney On Ice in Salt Lake City just follow the directions below:

1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. You can earn up to 3 additional chances to win by sharing the information about this give-away on your blog, Facebook or Twitter. Leave additional comments for each thing that you do.

The contest will be open to entries until Friday, November 2, 2012 at 11:59 MST. The winner of the 2 free tickets to see Disney On Ice will be announced on Saturday morning.


** I am a Feld Family Ambassador and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I received these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine. **

Seven Peaks Pass Of All Passes Discount Promo Code $19.95

After hearing only good things from our friends and neighbors, my family just bought the Seven Peaks Pass of All Passes and we are excited to start playing at the various venues. I'm especially excited to offer this exclusive Seven Peaks Pass of All Passes to my readers. You can now get the pass for just $19.95 using a special promo code. That is an amazing deal!

Below you will see the steps to buy your pass.

After step one, enter the promo code 2012utahmom

Start playing today!

This is offer is good through December 9, 2012

Disney On Ice Coming to Salt Lake City

DISNEY ON ICE

 CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF MAGIC

IS COMING TO SALT LAKE CITY FROM NOVEMBER 14-18!

 Be part of the festivities when Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic comes to the EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City from November 14 – 18!

More than 60 of Disney's captivating characters and their unforgettable stories come to life in this commemorative celebration, produced by Feld Entertainment.  In this lavish ice show, everyone's favorite sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, take audiences on a fun-filled adventure, sharing memories with Disney friends including Goofy & Donald Duck; the beloved Disney Princesses; Buzz Lightyear & Woody; Nemo & Dory; Pinocchio & Jiminy Cricket; Belle & The Beast; The Incredibles plus many more – and magical moments from Disney’s Aladdin, Mulan and The Lion King.

Beautifully choreographed skating, breathtaking production numbers, stunning costumes and toe-tapping songs will inspire fond Disney memories.  Families can share this once-in-a-lifetime skating spectacular as Mickey and the rest of the gang take the audience on a whirlwind tour of favorite Disney moments.

November 14 - 18, 2012
Wednesday, Nov. 14      7:00 PM
Thursday, Nov. 15            7:00 PM
Friday, Nov. 16                  11:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Saturday, Nov. 17            11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 18               1:30 PM & 5:30 PM

                                                                                                                                             
EnergySolutions Arena – 301 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT  84101


Ticket price levels are $16, $23, $37 (VIP) and $50 (Front Row).  Opening Night tickets available for only $12 each (not valid on premium seating). All seats are reserved; tickets are available from the EnergySolutions Box Office and all SmithTix locations, charge by phone at 801-355-SEAT or
800-888-TIXX and online at www.smithstix.com or www.energysolutionsarena.com.

Visit Disney On Ice online : www.DisneyOnIce.com

** I am a Feld Family Ambassador and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I received these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine. **

Hemingway's Girl - Book Review

In Erika Robuck's novel Hemingway's Girl, Mariella, a young woman supporting her family after the death of her father, is hired as a maid by Ernest Hemingway. There is immediate tension as Mariella fights against the intense feelings she experiences whenever Hemingway is near. These feelings threaten to destroy a newly formed relationship with Gavin, a vet who treats Mariella and her family with tenderness.

The setting of Key West during the Great Depression where Hemingway lived with his second wife Pauline and their two boys is brought to life in Erika Robuck's novel. Robuck effectively brings a near mythological character to life with all his bluster and immense personality, detailing the parties, the tension with his jealous wife, and his desire to always be the center of attention.

The fictional characters of Mariella and Gavin are likable and easy to root for. Their romance is innocent yet passionate. Fortunately, Mariella is a smart girl who ultimately makes wise choices for her own personal life. Observing the tempests in the Hemingway home may have inspired the healing of her own relationships.

The story moved a little slow in the beginning but an ending filled with a hurricane scene somewhat reminiscent of Hurston's hurricane in Their Eyes Were Watching God redeemed the book. Writing with intensity and passion, Robuck brings the horror of the hurricane that killed hundreds of people to life. Overall, I was pleased with the ending and made reading the book worth it.

**I received a complimentary copy of Hemingway's Girl in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received. **

Hand-Me-Downs

It's picture day at school today and while I don't buy those pictures, I do want my kiddos to look their best. I pulled out this outfit for Lilly this morning and had all that wonderful nostalgia that hand-me-downs can sometimes inspire.

Amberly's Picture Day, Kindergarten 2008

Lilly's Picture Day, Kindergarten 2012

By the way, we worked hard to get Lilly to do a "real" smile this morning. Hope she remembers not to scrunch her nose for the photographer at school today.