Hot photo deals from Shutterfly

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If you are in need of some updated photos, photo books, calendars, or photo gifts, now is a great time to take advantage of some great promo deals from Shutterfly!

Exclusive offers for ALL customers:

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Receive free shipping on orders $39+ or more with promo code SHIP39. 

Use promo code CARD4U to get a free card and try out any style you want.

NEW customer offers (if you've never ordered from Shutterfly): 

Receive a $15 discount off orders $60+ or more using promo code 150FF60. 

Go here to redeem. Offer good 2/11 - 2/18.

15OFF60: Offer expires February 18, 2015 (11:59 P.M. PT). Offer is good for $15 off one qualifying merchandise order $60 or more (after any other discounts and before taxes, shipping and handling) through shutterfly.com. Valid only for new Shutterfly customers (those who have never purchased from Shutterfly). Offer cannot be redeemed more than once per account and/or billing address. This particular offer code can only be redeemed once. Taxes, shipping and handling will apply. Not valid on prepaid plans, gift certificates, videograms, mailing services, prior purchases, orders placed for in-store pick up, purchases made on the Shutterfly iPhone, iPad and Android apps or Shutterfly Pro Galleries. Valid for the intended recipient only. Cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with other offers or credits. Not valid for resale.

NEW customers receive 50 free 4x6 prints with promo code 50FREE. 

Go here to redeem. Offer good 2/11 - 2/18.

50FREE: Offer expires February 18, 2015 (11:59 P.M. PT). Offer is good for 50 free 4x6 prints through shutterfly.com. Valid only for new Shutterfly customers (those who have never purchased from Shutterfly). Offer cannot be redeemed more than once per account and/or billing address. Taxes, shipping and handling will apply. Not valid on prepaid plans, gift certificates, videograms, cards sent using mailing services, prior purchases, orders placed for in-store pick up, purchases made on the Shutterfly iPhone, iPad and Android apps or Shutterfly Pro Galleries. Cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with other offers or credits. Not valid for resale.

ALL customers choose between 1 free magnet, 1 free mouse pad, or 1 free small luggage tag with promo code YOURCHOICE.

Go here to redeem. Offer good 2/15 - 2/16.

YOURCHOICE: Offer expires February 16, 2015 (11:59 P.M. PT). Offer is good for one free magnet, one mousepad or one small luggage tag through shutterfly.com or our mobile-friendly site. Must select one of the three products. Offer cannot be redeemed more than once per account and/or billing address. Taxes, shipping and handling will apply. Not valid on glass magnets, large luggage tags, other products, prepaid plans, prior purchases, orders placed for in-store pick up, purchases made on the Shutterfly iPhone, iPad and Android apps. Cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with other offers or credits. Not valid for resale.

Burgh Baby Diaper Drive

It is very difficult to see when the smallest and most innocent among our society do not have the basic necessities to keep them healthy and safe. If you follow my blog, then there is a good chance you are a parent and have experienced first hand the financial challenges that can come with children. One of the biggest expenses for babies and young children is diapers. The cost of a child in diapers is around $100/month and the reality is that there are many, many families who simply cannot always afford the amount of diapers they need for their child. This February, the Burgh Baby Diaper Drive has been created to ensure that we do everything we can to help little ones here in Pittsburgh! 

Did you know we have a Diaper Bank here in Pittsburgh? Read more about its conception and how it works here. 

Currently, one in three Pittsburgh mothers struggle to provide their babies with a basic necessity—diapers. Each day, these moms must choose between diapers, which cost up to $100 per month per baby, or other essentials, such as food. This is called diaper need, and there is little help or government assistance for it. Therefore, many mothers are forced to keep their children in soiled diapers, exposing them to health risks or preventing them from attending daycare. This is a huge concern in Pittsburgh, which has the nation's sixth highest poverty rate for African-American children.

My friend and fellow blogger, Heather Hopson, is working in partnership with the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank (WPDB) and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank who will be able to get these diapers to the families who need them the most. The WPDB partners with non-profit organizations and supplies them with free diapers to distribute to low-income or poverty level families.

The goal is to bring in 50,000 diapers in this drive which will help a lot of little ones! 

If you are Interested in helping in this drive, you can drop off packages or boxes of diapers of any size at several local churches, including the Smithfield United Church of Christ in Downtown Pittsburgh, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Wilkinsburg and Shiloh Community Missionary Baptist Church in Homewood. A full listing of donation sites is available here with more locations being added! Larger sizes (3, 4, 5) are most needed. Pull-ups are also being accepted. You can also make easy, online donations that are tax-deductible here.

Please consider adding an extra box of diapers to your cart next time you are shopping and help us ensure that  families can have the resources they need to keep their little ones healthy and safe!

The Burgh Baby Diaper Drive is accepting donations through February 28.

#‎BurghBaby‬

Getty images used by permission with DiaryofaFirstTimeMom.com.

Ticket Giveaway for Monster Jam

Monster Jam will be rolling into CONSOL Energy Center for a fun and loud show! My son loves the fun and excitement of Monster Jam. The event will feature the return of Grave Digger, Storm Damage, Backdraft and Instigator. And coming to Pittsburgh for the first time are Backwards Bob, FOX Sports 1 Cleatus, Doomsday and Hurricane Force. (Subject to change without notice.)

Monster Jam will be performing at CONSOL Energy Center on:

• Friday, February 13 – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, February 14 – 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. *11am Party in the Pits (2pm event ticket and Pit Pass required for entry)
• Sunday, February 15 – 2:00 p.m. *11am Party in the Pits (2pm event ticket and Pit Pass required for entry)

Feld Motor Sports® tickets for Monster Jam®, the world’s premier Monster Jam truck series coming to CONSOL Energy Center February 13-15, are now on sale. Monster Jam events are affordably priced for the whole family with seats starting at $25 for adults and just $12 for kids. Tickets are available at the CONSOL Energy Center box office, all Ticketmaster retail outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by Phone at 800-745-3000.

Approximately 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, Monster Jam trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, Monster Jam trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster Jam trucks can fly up to125 to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air.

The Party in the Pits on February 14 and 15 at 11:00 a.m. give fans the opportunity to get a view of the trucks up close and meet the drivers of the massive Monster Jam trucks. Pitt Passes are $10 and are only available to ticketholders of the Monster Jam event immediately following the Party in the Pits.
For more information on the Monster Jam, log onto www.MonsterJam.com. To follow Monster Jam on Facebook at Twitter, log on to Facebook.com/MJOnline and Twitter.com/MonsterJam.

*Please note that this is a very loud show. Ear plugs/noise canceling headphones are highly recommended for kids!

BTW, if you are heading to The Outer Banks, NC during the summer,  you might want to plan a pit stop at Grave Digger's home, Digger's Dungeon. See the Monster Truck up close, ride kids jeeps, enjoy a petting zoo, bounce house + more!

And I have 4 tickets to give away to the opening night, February 13, 7:30 p.m. at CONSOL!

Go here to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Feld Motor Sports®
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports productions include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross and Nuclear Cowboyz®. Feld Motor Sports is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

Why is everyone giving my kids sugar??

I do believe that we could change the name of Holidays to Candydays and they'd basically be the same! Between Valentine's Day, Halloween and Christmas, it seems we have a never ending flow of treats cascading into our home year round. 4th of July, please don't lose your claim on watermelon. :)

*This post is not intended to be judgmental in any way towards those who may choose different foods to feed their kids. I'm not here to fuel the mommy wars!! As I view it firsthand, I simply want to bring awareness to what foods we are giving out to children in general. 

We don't eat a perfect diet. My kids eat their share of treats & goodies. But since the moment I became pregnant for the first time, I have become much more aware of what I am putting into my or my kid's bodies.  The items I work the most to keep out of our diet are high fructose corn syrup, artificial food dyes, msg & nitrates. (Thank you, Trader Joe's & Aldi's for making this possible on my budget.) This is just a guideline we use for our family to help make better food choices. I am not a medical professional and am not here to say these ingredients will make your  kids do or act in a certain way. But from my research, I've come to the conclusion that they are vastly bad for our bodies and unnecessary for good food, so why mess with it?! You can read why here, here, here, & here. If we're going to eat a treat, I'd prefer it's made with real sugar and/or natural food dyes. Should be pretty simple, right? But as my kids have gotten older and participate in more events & activities, it seems like candy is being shoved at them from all directions.

We've been to libraries, hardware stores, church, school, doctor offices, banks, thrift stores and more where my kids are offered candy. Before you judge me about being the mean mom and one little piece won't hurt them, let me just share that the issue is not one little piece. The problem is that it's offered EVERYWHERE. I want to say to any teacher, director, leader, employer, organizer out there....before you stock up on the candy to pass out, please reconsider! Handing out candy or sugar treats to someone else's child should not be a right that anyone takes for granted. Kids love stickers! Choose stickers!! If you really, really want to do suckers, then please consider these as a better option. Pencils, pretzel rods, rubber balls.....check out Oriental Trading. They have an amazing assortments of kids items for cheap!

My husband and I were at a catered dinner where we had a lovely menu of chicken marsala, vegetables, & fruit. The kids of all the parents were given pizza and cookies. Something seems wrong with this picture! My son recently came home from a birthday party and told us he had 2 cups of coke. My husband and I looked at him and in unison said "real coke?!!" Wow, I just wasn't expecting that to even be an option at a 6 year old party. Besides the pizza, ice cream & cake, needless to say, he was not feeling well! However, it was a great learning experience for him to see what a difference he feels in his body and I'm glad he has really become more aware of it. 

As foster parents, we have to watch our foster kids go to visits with their birth family and get fed junk food and candy and then have upset tummies for the next 48 hours. My foster son recently had to miss Sesame Street Live because it was after a visit where he had been fed junk food that made him sick. It is terrible to watch and feels so senseless! I watched this pattern go on for months until we were able to get the courts involved in what they were being fed. Since then, they are no longer sick after their visits. It makes such a difference. 

While I don't make a big deal of food choices being offered when it is out of my control, I feel the pressure because of my preference on whole foods. It's not convenient....it's not what is being offered.....it's not what everyone else is eating...... Someone even told my son, "we need to ask your mom because she is very particular". (Oh, not cool!) If we as moms don't raise our concerns and BE concerned about the many horrible food choices that are all around us, who will? 

Our bodies feel better when we are eating well and we want our kids to feel well. The less sugar we eat, the less we crave it. Obesity is so prevalent in America and if we don't teach our children not to crave sugar constantly, the problem is only going to get worse. Treats in moderation? Absolutely. But please don't expect for parents to feel excited next time you wave a sucker in front of a child's face and then "ask" the parents if they can have it.

*Although this post mentions some companies and products by name, it is not sponsored by any of them and all opinions are my own. 

Ticket Giveaway from Chuggington LIVE!

Do you have any CHUGGINGTON fans in your house? The Great Rescue Adventure LIVE, steams into Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center on Saturday, January 31, 2015 for two performances, at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. 

CHUGGINGTON LIVE! The Great Rescue Adventure brings the familiar series television to the stage featuring a variety of human characters and full costume characters-Wilson, Brewster, Koko, Jackman, Hanzo, Zack and Skylar.  The characters perform well-known songs from the television series along with new ones created for the tour.  The production also features impressive trains with working features and movements.  Additional characters, animated locomotives and action sequences are staged on a giant LED video screen backdrop. For more information about CHUGGINGTON LIVE! The Great Rescue Adventure tour, visit www.chuggingtonlive.com.

This tour is presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, as part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series.  Go here to purchase tickets. 

I have 2 tickets to give away to the 6:00 p.m. show on Saturday, January 31! 
Tickets will be held at Will Call. Go here to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Life Like Touring has been delivering quality live family entertainment to international audiences for over 10 years.  During this time, this Australian-born Production Company has written, produced and toured live theatre shows for many of the biggest brands in family entertainment.  

Winter Vacay Giveaway

The winter months are here in full force! Many of us dislike being cold and it can be easy to fall into the "winter blues" as we stay inside more, get less Vitamin D, and begin to feel cooped up as the winter months drag on. My solution is to embrace the fun parts of the outdoors that winter brings us! Taking a little getaway in the middle of winter is another way to break up the monotony and bring some extra excitement into these cold days. So I began the hunt for the perfect winter family getaway to share with not only my family, but also YOU. And I do believe I found it! Hidden Valley Resort was very gracious to work with me in this promotion and I can't wait to share the fun of our family getaway and give you the chance to win this experience as well!

Hidden Valley is a sister resort to Seven Springs Resort, but a little smaller, which means a little less crowded! It is located in the heart of the beautiful Laurel Highlands, and just over an hour from Pittsburgh. It includes 26 slopes and trails to ski or snowboard, snowsports school, three on site restaurants, a fitness center, pool, The Trillium Spa which offers manis, pedis, massages + more, and an 18-hole golf course in the summer.

Loved the beautiful stone buildings!

All rooms include a small refrigerator, sink, microwave, hair dryer and a Keurig coffee maker (boy, did I love not having terrible hotel coffee!) A suite will include a living room with a beautiful fireplace. There is nothing better than coming in from snow sports to a toasty fire!

Although we were there for the snow, it sure was a bonus to have the indoor pool. My kids loved their swim time! And mom & dad enjoyed warming up in the sauna afterwards. :) 

Continental breakfast comes with your stay and includes cereal, oatmeal, pastries, fruit, juice, milk  and coffee. 

Are your kids new to skiing? Hidden Valley has you covered! My son enjoyed The First Time Experience lesson with his instructor and really loved his first time on the slopes.

For children that are 5 and older, you might be interested in dropping them off at Lil' Rippers School for a several hour experience in learning and fun! (This also might give parents a chance to hit the slopes.) :) The entire ski staff was extremely kind and helpful to all of us. 

 

My kids are 2, 3, almost 4, and almost 6. Yes, it's a lot of work just to get everyone outfitted and up the hills. We weren't without the cries of I'm hot! and my neck is itchy!! They are apparently allergic to layers of clothing. :) But without a doubt, all the craziness was more than worth everyone getting this fun experience. I'm embracing this quote I recently read: Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure. Sometimes I have to remind myself of that multiple times. :) 

Riding the ramp up the bunny hill!

We were so very grateful to have our beloved babysitter with us which made it possible to not only get all the kids on the hill, but mommy & daddy got to sneak in a few runs during nap time as well. It's so tranquil riding up the lift and being at the top of the hills. We felt so refreshed and renewed being outside in the crisp cold and quiet. It was a perfect short date. :) It is so gorgeous at the tops of the slopes!

Snow tubing is another fun option at the resort! Kids must be at least 4 years old, 4-9 must be accompanied by an adult. Tubing is closed Monday - Wednesday.  

Photo courtesy of Hidden Valley Resort

Hidden Valley has three on site restaurants, Clock Tower Restaurant, Glaciers Pub, and Sunrise Sunset Cafe. Glaciers Pub was definitely our favorite. Pickle fries? Oh yes. :) 

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We chose to do our trip Sunday - Tuesday because we knew the resort would be quieter and less crowded (definitely a good choice for our season of life!). However, the on-site restaurants close a lot earlier on the weekdays and so you definitely want to check with them for closing times or you might find yourselves showing up to a dark restaurant, as we did. Twice. :) Somerset is about 25 minutes and Donegal is about 15 minutes away and they both have quite a few options. We definitely recommend Tall Cedars in Donegal for the excellent pizza! Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant in Somerset was also highly recommended. 

Vacation in the winter definitely means some inside time, so don't forget a few things to keep them occupied! The matching game and Uno were also some of our favorites. 

My threenager. What more can I say? :) 

And now it's time to pass the fun on to you! Hidden Valley Resort has generously offered to give away the Valley Family Memories Package to one lucky family! 

Package Includes:

• Two nights of lodging in a standard room at The Inn at Hidden Valley. Inquire about suite rates.
• Unlimited skiing/snowboarding at Hidden Valley the day of your arrival until close the day you check-out. Please note – slopes close at 4:30 p.m., Monday and Tuesday
• Complimentary continental breakfast
• One family-size one-topping pizza
• One $15 gift card per adult
• Up to two children age 11 and under receive free lodging, free skiing and free inclusion package when sharing a room with paying adults

Some blackout dates will apply. Winner will be notified on how to redeem their package. Prize package must be redeemed by March 31, 2015. 

Please note: only complete entries will be accepted. This includes leaving a blog comment and complete contact info, thank you! 

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Thank you, Hidden Valley Resort, for sharing your family winter vacay with us! 

Hidden Valley Resort generously sponsored this post and provided my family with all the mentioned amenities. All opinions remain my own. It truly was fantastic. :) 

In Review: Jazzercize ( + free classes! )

I've always loved sports & fitness. Team sports, running, exercise classes....I'm in! But then this little thing happened called children and wow, it is so hard to find the time, energy and venue that is a good fit around taking care of my 4 little ones. Maybe you made a goal in the new year to try to be more fit or maybe you fall into those "winter blues" that is so easy to do in the long, cold months of winter.  Exercise is such a good way to keep yourself feeling better both mentally, emotionally and physically! This past week I was invited to participate in my first Jazzercise class. What made this possible? Three little words: free childcare provided. YES.

I really didn't know much about Jazzercise and it can be hard to picture how physically challenging a class can be when it is set to Jazz. But what I found out is that they actually use a wide variety of music. Dance, hip-hop, country, and yes, a little jazz during cool-down time, it all makes for a fun and lively class!

 I attended the Dance Mixx class which promises to torch fat, sculpt lean muscle, and crush calories with its high intensity workout that mixes dance-based cardio with strength training. Fresh, pulse-pounding music and body-blasting moves bring the intensity to transform your body, boost your mood and ignite your energy.j I would definitely say it lives up to its claim! It was high movement, an intense core workout and FUN! Kim was a great instructor who stayed engaged with everyone and kept it energetic.

I attended a class in the North Hills where they offer 10 classes a week (morning, afternoon & evening options). As I mentioned, they also offer FREE child care (for the morning class) in a room stocked with books, blocks & toys. One of the great things about Jazzercise, is that you can pay a monthly fee and your classes are unlimited for the month! Miss your usual class? Not a problem, just try one on a different day. Take one, three, five or ten classes a week, it's all up to you! Go here to put in your zip code to find your nearest class location. Many locations offer even more classes a week. Childcare will vary by location. 

One thing I really enjoyed about the class is the variety of ages. Seriously, I love taking a fitness class with women who could be my children's grandma, they're so motivating and fun!! But don't worry, there is a variety of attenders from young moms to the older group. Or you could be like this mother/daughter duo and take it together!

So here is the coolest news! You have the opportunity to get the month of January for FREE when you sign up a 6 or 12 month membership. There is also no joining fee when you sign up for a membership this month. Not sure about committing to a membership? Classes are $10 each, try a few to see if it's a good fit for you! 

I definitely encourage you to consider Jazzercise. Group fitness is always a great way of accountability to keep you consistent and is usually way more enjoyable than working out by yourself. I always do better at "momming" when I've had a good workout. It magically extends your patience level as well, haha! Here's to banning winter blues, feeling fit, and maybe making some new friends in the process. Sounds like a win-win-win. :)  

This post sponsored by Jazzercise. All opinions remain my own.