5.29.2013

Soy Vay sauce...yum

Check out this sauce I recently tried, thanks to Meijer and Soy Vay.  The flavor I sampled was Veri Veri Teriyaki.  The website says "this sauce has a flavor so nice, we had to name it twice!"  Love it!  It is no ordinary teriyaki sauce.  Veri Veri Teriyaki includes a combination of garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame seeds with preservative-free soy sauce to bring out one great flavor.

I had some pork chops on hand, so I decided to marinate these for my husband to cook on the grill.  I put 5 pork chops in a zip close plastic bag and added about 1/2 cup of the Veri Veri Teriyaki sauce.  I closed up the bag and made sure all the chops were coated with sauce.  Then I let it marinate in the fridge over night. 

Here is what they looked like off the grill.  They had a nice flavor on the outside but we decided to try some more of the sauce for dipping too.  Great for marinating and dipping...yummo! 

If you sign up on the Soy Vay website you can get a $1.00 coupon!


5.28.2013

I'm at Disney World...Now What?!

Here are just a few more tips to help you get the most out of your Disney vacation!

If you are new to Walt Disney World...do your research!   Some websites to definitely check out are touringplans.com and easywdw.com. You can see what park is the best choice to go to on what day.  Plus you can put in what rides, characters, etc. that you might want to do and it will give you a plan for your day.  Sometimes we don't always agree with the order they put things in but if you are new it is definitely a good place to start! 

When we get to each park we have a specific area/ride that we speedily head to first.  Here are our top choices for each park, keep in mind that we are traveling with an adventurous yet girlie 5 year old ;)...
Magic Kingdom | New Fantasyland...Enchanted Tales with Belle {Well Enchanted Tales with Belle was ok but not worth the wait we had...the second day at Magic Kingdom we went straight for Under the Sea and it was a much better choice!}
Hollywood Studios | Pixar Place...Toy Story Midway Mania
EPCOT | Future World...Soarin'
Animal Kingdom | Africa...Kilimanjaro Safaris

 
Get to the parks early!!!  Arrive in plenty of time to get from the parking lot, get your tickets, get bags checked, take picks outside or whatever you need to do.  Getting there a little before the opening time allows you to walk right in and get on just about any ride you want to with minimal waiting!  It's usually a little congested right by the entrance but people filter out and then you are ready to ride...or seek out characters....whatever suits your fancy!  ;)

Make sure you use fastpasses!!!  If there is a ride you know has long lines and you definitely want to ride it...either ride it first thing OR get a fastpass.  You can only have one fastpass out at a time and it gives you a specific time frame to come back to the ride and walk right on with minimal waiting.  Not all rides have this option but most of the more popular ones do.

 
Make sure you are enjoying yourself!  I really don't think you can be in a Disney park and not enjoy yourself, but don't run yourself so ragged that you aren't having fun.  Also, don't come in so unprepared to where you aren't getting anything done.  You have to find that happy medium...especially if you are going with kids.  Put yourself in their shoes and think about what would make them grin from ear to ear!

Check out my other posts with more Disney travel tips...
Planning for Disney
Things to Pack
Traveling with kids

5.21.2013

TP winner!

Kendahl....you won the Quilted Northern giveaway!  She said her favorite way to start the morning is "Lay in bed while my husband gets the baby :) Then a little coffee and breakfast while the little one watches his morning episode of Thomas!"

Congrats!  Contact me with your address so we can get your winnings out to you! 

Thanks to all who entered and also thanks for following my blog!  ;)

5.16.2013

Quilted Northern toilet paper giveaway!!!

Toilet paper...gotta use it.  It's just one of those necessary items that always seems to make its way onto my shopping list.  Well how would you like to not have to worry about buying toilet paper for a while?!  I have been given the opportunity to try the new Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong and give some away to one of my lucky readers!  

Courtesy of Meijer and the makers of Quilted Northern, I received this awesome goodie box full of things to help start the day with a spring in my step!  Along with the toilet paper there was coffee, tea, eye mask...and isn't that blue mug just perfect!  It looks even better filled with some decaf coffee and vanilla creamer.  ;) 

 

Now, I am not one of those people who thinks "oh toilet paper is toilet paper" but I'm not a huge snob about it either.  I just think it needs to be a happy medium between way too thin and way too thick.  My current favorite toilet paper is one that I felt met this requirement fairly well and had a pretty good price tag.  After trying Quilted Northern I might be a convert!  It really is ultra soft and strong, just like the name says...and flexible too.  It is just the right softness and durability for all your bathroom needs.  ;)

One lucky blog reader will receive toilet paper for a year!...or however long 96 rolls of toilet paper will last in your house!  ;) The winner will receive 2 - Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong 36 double roll packs and 2 - 12 double roll packs...for a total of 96 rolls of tp!  All delivered straight to your door!  No shopping trip required!  All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post telling me what your favorite way to start the day is.  You have until Monday, May 20th to enter.  

Learn more about new Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong at Facebook.com/QuiltedNorthern.  Also, pick some up to try for yourself at your local Meijer

5.15.2013

traveling to DISNEY...

Continuing with my all things Disney posts, I thought I would share a few fun things we do while traveling to Disney.  We have flown the last couple times and will be flying to Disney on this upcoming trip, while this gets us there in WAY less time than driving there is still quite a bit of travel time.  So I like to have some fun things to keep Little Bit entertained. 


I created this Mickey matching game a couple years ago.  I used paint chips from Home Depot.  If you don't have a Home Depot close {or if these aren't available anymore} you could always make them by hand.  You could find a Mickey head punch or just print a template off the computer.  This memory game was a fun new game and great way to pass time at the airport or even on the plane. 

I really like to introduce NEW items while traveling because it is exciting and helps keep Little Bit entertained longer.  I also like to make them Disney themed.  This time I found a few things in the Target dollar section...Alice in Wonderland coloring book, journal and some markers.  I also found a Cars themed Etch a sketch for like 35 cents on clearance and have been saving it for something like this!  The Dollar Tree is also another great place to find goodies.  I usually give a few things on the way there and save a couple for the way home. 

Other fun things we like to bring are pipe cleaners.  Little Bit loves to twist them into various animals, objects, etc.  These are also cheap and can provide great entertainment for your little ones...and you too!  ;) 

A couple favorite books and magazines usually find their way in the travel bag too.  Make sure the books are ones you don't mind reading over and over!  

We also make sure to load a few movies and games that she loves on her phone.  She has the hubs old phone that isn't activated but is great for loading with her own stuff...and she loves it!  I pack ear buds just for her and she wears them like a pro. 

Of course some time will be spent eating, looking out the window and just chilling!  How do you like to keep your kids entertained while traveling?

Check out my other posts...
Planning your trip
Things to pack

5.13.2013

winner!

Thanks to those who entered the art print giveaway!  Sorry I'm late in getting the winner posted...but without any further waiting...

Jackie you are the winner!

Email me with your address and which print you would like! 

Be on the lookout for another giveaway this week...it's something everyone can use!  ;)

Menu Plan Monday










Monday ~ chicken patties, cheesy rice & broccoli, grapes
Tuesday ~ turkey burger tacos, refried beans, chips & salsa
Wednesday ~ sausage cups, scrambled eggs, banana
Thursday ~ teriyaki pork chops, mashed potatoes, salad, bread
Friday ~ orange ginger tilapia, green beans, quinoa & brown rice

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

5.12.2013

happy mothers day!

I feel so blessed to be a mom to my wonderful Little Bit!  She always knows how to make me smile... and often laugh hysterically.  There are definitely trying times but I love every moment!  

I also am so lucky to have the best mom and mother-in-law!  So thankful for this weekend and the time we had together! 
Girls road trip!!!  My mom, 2 sisters, Little Bit and I drove to Paducah Saturday morning to visit with my grandma & grandpa.  We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Olive Garden and a teensy bit of shopping before heading back home.  

 
Then I joined my mother-in-law and sis-in-law at the movies to see The Great Gatsby that just opened this weekend!   Here is my mil with her favorite character.  
 
Becca and I had to get our turn by the adorable Leonardo!   We had fun dissecting the movie as we enjoyed dinner at Panera!  Thanks to all my favorite ladies for a wonderful day!  

Wishing you all a happy day...enjoy every moment!  :D

5.10.2013

Things to pack for Disney

Since we are gearing up for Disney in a few weeks I decided to share some tidbits I've learned over the past couple trips.  I shared about planning your trip last week.  Today I'm sharing some things that I pack to help save money and be prepared while in the parks.  So here you go...


glow sticks | These are a must if you plan to be in any of the parks at night.  They sell fancy light up gadgets but you will pay a pretty penny for them.  So I usually pick up a pack of like 10-15 glow sticks for a buck at Target or the Dollar Tree and we are set.

travel spray bottle | Disney has these fan/spray bottles that are way pricey.  We saw them the first year and learned super quick to bring our own.  I started off with just a cheap dollar spray bottle filled with cold water.  Then last summer I found a water bottle/spray combo.  You could drink the water and/or spray the water.  These are great on the HOT days and good entertainment for the kiddos.


ponchos | There is a good chance you will get rained on for a bit while you are at Disney.  I found 2 packs of adult sized ponchos at the Dollar Tree and keep those in my park bag.  If you don't use them great, but it's better to have them and not get soaked!  Plus you could use them to throw over your stroller to keep it dry if you are on a ride or taking cover somewhere!

stroller | Even if your child is older and think they can walk...take a stroller.  Little Bit is 5 1/2 and we are still taking a stroller for her.  You do ALOT of walking at Disney and they will get tired.  There are times when I wish I had a stroller for me to ride in!  ;)

autograph book & pen/sharpie | This is a must for us because one of Little Bits favorite things is to get character's names in her book.  From our first trip when she was not quite 3, she has been loving getting autographs.  This is something that I make for her each time. If you forget one or aren't sure your child will want to do it, there are places to buy them in the park.


pins for trading | Last year was our first time pin trading and we all had fun with it!  We just bought some off ebay and let Little Bit choose which ones she wanted to keep and trade.  There are also various places throughout the parks that you can purchase pins.  The come individually or in sets.  In 2011 we were in Magic Kingdom on their 40th anniversary, so I picked up a fun pin that day to remember the occasion! 

To trade pins all you have to do is approach a cast member who is wearing pins and ask them to trade.  This is a fun scavenger hunt for your kids to find that perfect, new favorite pin! 
We just used a lanyard we had already and stuck our pins to trade on it.  Make sure you put the backs on good, because the pins can fall off fairly easy. 


ziplock bags | These are great to have when you go on water rides.  Keep your phone, camera, glasses, wallet, etc. in the ziplock so they will stay dry.  Also great to keep your autograph book in to keep it safe.  Plus many other uses...wet clothes if you or your child needs to change, snacks, pins for trading.

first aid kit of sorts | sunscreen, chapstick, bandaids, tylenol, hand sanitizer/wipes, gum/mints

small bag cooler | I have one that just folds flat and I can smush in my suitcase, not taking up much room.  We usually shop at Wal-mart or somewhere when we get to Orlando and buy some snacks, water bottles, etc that we will need for our stay.  We try to eat breakfast in our hotel to save some money...usually just cereal or donuts.  Then we pack snacks like cheese sticks, crackers, fruit, and snack bars to have in the park.  Plus we freeze water bottles and then take them with us.  We also pack flavoring for the waters.  This helps lessen the dirty taste of the Disney water...if we have to drink it.  Water bottles are a must for us!

pre-bought souvenirs | Months before our trips I am on the lookout for Disney things that I can get fairly cheap to keep Gracie entertained on the plane, in the hotel room or while waiting in line at the parks. We have also shopped at local shops off Disney grounds and found some great deals that way too.  In September when we went it was over her birthday, so I packed 5 small gifts {since she was turning 5}.  She opened 1 each day until her birthday.  Then she got to pick something from the park on her birthday.  This trip she has been saving money in a special castle bank to buy her own souvenir.  She knows exactly what she wants too...a Vanellope doll, from the new movie Wreck it Ralph!
Here is an example of one of the gifts we had for Little Bit last trip.  They are some fairy dolls that I found at Goodwill!


camera | A no brainer but just had to throw that in there!  I take most pics on my smart phone but it is nice to have our good camera for some shots as well.

Any must haves on your Disney packing lists?




5.07.2013

a fun new shop and {art print giveaway}!

My friend Kendahl from Beautifully Esoteric Life has just launched an Etsy shop!!!  She has designed some uber cute nursery/kids room prints that you will want to hurry over and check out!  I super love this adorable elephant print.  It would be perfect for my sister, who loves elephants and is having a baby in July!  There are several other cute animals to choose from, along with some fun family prints.  

Kendahl has also designed alphabet bible verse prints!  Each letter is highlighted with a cute chevron print and a bible verse beginning with that letter.  What I love about these is that while they are geared towards nursery and kids room decor, they would be perfect for other rooms of your home too!  

ABC Chevron Alphabet Bible Verse Nursery Print "A" 
I just love this verse.  I could totally see it hanging in the living or family room!

ABC Chevron Alphabet Bible Verse Nursery Print "C" 
Or what about this one for the laundry room...where you are making everything pure and clean!  ;)

ABC Chevron Alphabet Bible Verse Nursery Print "L" 
Also love this one for the master bedroom...or anywhere really!  They are just too cute and too perfect for every room in your house.

Kendahal just designed these prints that would be perfect for a last minute Mother's Day gift!  And at just $5 for the download you can't go wrong.  Just print at your local Walgreens, Target or even your own home computer!
 

Now...how would you like to win one of these prints for yourself?!  Just leave a comment on my blog telling me which one you would choose.  You have until this Friday to enter. 

Oh but there is more...to celebrate her shop launch, Kendahl wants everyone to enjoy 10% off your print purchases.  Just enter LAUNCH10OFF at checkout!

5.06.2013

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ grilled hamburgers, chips, salad
Tuesday ~ orange chicken, quinoa & brown rice, fruit
Wednesday ~ pizza night!
Thursday ~ honey teriyaki salmon, green beans, potatoes
Friday ~ dinner on the go...

Linking up with Org Junkie...check them out for more recipes.

5.03.2013

house number {planter}

I have been wanting to get some spring decor up on the porch for several weeks now and this weekend I finally got around to it!  I got out a tiered plant stand that I had sitting in the garage and looked for things to fill it up.  We also had several clay pots waiting for some attention.  I had seen this pot with vinyl numbers on it on Pinterest and knew I wanted to do something similar.  

Well I didn't have any black vinyl on hand so I improvised! 

I simply cut the letters out of cardstock, using my Circut and the Cuttin' Up font cartridge.  I then used this as a stencil.

I placed it on the pot where I wanted it, traced around the template with a black Sharpie and then carefully shaded in the space.

Then a quick trip to Menards for a few plants and it was good to go!  I just LOVE how it turned out!

Here is the whole decorated porch entry!

Linking up with...

 
Skip To My Lou

5.02.2013

VALUE SIZE vitamins at Meijer

Meijer is now offering new, value-size vitamins.  They range from 100 to 600 count and are available in 14 varieties!  We all take multivitamins at our house, so I'm always looking for the best deal! 


Here are some product benefits on the 2 vitamin varieties that I received as samples...

Animal Shaped Children's Vitamins 300 ct
  • same great product, an even better value
  • compares to Children's Flinstone's Complete
  • 67% savings on Meijer's current largest size
  • promotes: 
    • support of healthy brain functions
    • building strong bones and teeth with calcium, Vit D and Phosphorus
    • support of healthy eyes with Vit A, C and E

Century Multivitamin 500 ct

  • same great product, an even better value!
  • compares to Centrum Multivitamins
  • 51% savings on Meijer's current largest size
  • Meijer will match competitor's prices without the membership fee
  • promotes: 
    • overall well being
    • immune support
    • energy metabolism
    • oxidative stress

Thanks to Meijer for providing me with these samples!