St. Patrick's Day fun

Our next big weekend of holiday fun is just around the corner in St. Patrick's Day! 

The St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Pittsburgh is the second–largest St. Patrick’s Parade in the USA. There are 23,000 participants, 18 marching bands, floats and many other groups representing several Irish heritage and other ethnic heritage organizations. In 2012, the Parade drew over 350,000 spectators on a warm, sunny day. Participants will include the 2016 Grand Marshal Sarah McAuliffe, and the yet to be announced Miss Smiling Irish Eyes 2016, along with St. Patrick Himself. The parade runs 10am - 1pm on Saturday, March 12. 

We sure are hoping for a beautiful day as it lends itself to a day of downtown family fun for the family! Following the parade (or when your little ones have tired), head over to Fifth Avenue Place. 

St. Patrick’s Day Family Fun at Fifth Avenue Place

Saturday, March 12 ~ 11am-2pm

Show your Irish spirit with live music by Steven Vance, create “Leprechaun Paintings and Shamrock Prints” with the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, face painting with a cheery leprechaun and bean bag toss.  Your family will be sure to get into the Irish spirit at Fifth Avenue Place. All events are FREE and open to the public.

There is also an indoor food court and bathrooms for family convenience at Fifth Avenue Place. 

Enjoy a great day of family fun in our beautiful downtown!

This post sponsored by Fifth Avenue Place. All opinions remain my own. 

Starting Something New

We've all stood at the brink of something scary and intimidating. Whether it's a big move, job change or just your very first labor pains when it hits you "this is really happening!" For me, that biggest life-changing moment was becoming a foster parent. We had 2 biological children, ages 4 and 2, when we received our first placement. A social worker came, dropped off a 5yo, 3yo & 8 month old, waved and said goodbye! That was really a daunting moment. Those precious lives were with us for five weeks. After that, a 2yo and 4 day old were the next to join our family for a short time. Then came a 23 month old and 11 month old. These sweet one were with us almost a year when the news came that they were being moved to another state to live with a relative. We received the news on a vacation at the Outer Banks,NC. Those comments you hear of "I could never foster because I couldn't give them up" were in real time. The only choice we had was to trust God in the process and pray for the protection and love for our littles as they moved away from us.

The purpose of this post is not to share our complete story, but let me fast forward over a year later through many, many details and miracles to this.....they did leave, but they came back. Permanently!

Something did overwhelm my heart when new kids came to us. Foster kids came to us with nothing or a few items thrown in a trash bag. So I felt compelled to do something to help ease the hardship of transition for kids in foster care. This something became the Foster Love Project where my goal was to provide a bag with pj's, a blanket, stuffed animal, book, soap, toothbrush & toothpaste to give them some tangible needs as well as items of comfort during very confusing times.

My goal our first year was to bring in 300 bags....... and 1,300 were donated! Pittsburgh stepped up in such a big way when they heard of this need and I was so very grateful. This year was our second drive and 1,800 bags came in filled with love and goods to distribute to kids in foster care in 6 counties in Western PA! You can learn more about our bag drives here.

The awesome thing about the Foster Love Project is that I've been able to coordinate it in the midst of parenting four kids, ages six and under. I've also had a team of rock star moms who have volunteered their time to keep things flowing smoothly! Flexibility was a key component in what I was able to manage. Many moms are looking for ways to either fill a need or bring in extra income without compromising the ability to stay home with sick kids, volunteer in their classrooms or go on field trips.

Several months ago I was invited to an evening with Northwood For Moms where we met a lot of moms who hold careers as a realtor with Northwood Realty Services here in our Pittsburgh region. We met moms of kids with special needs, moms who grew up with their mom as a realtor, and moms with multiple kids. All of them told us their story as well as how this was the only business model that truly worked for them in the income they wanted to bring in for their family.

Northwood Realty Services understands that entering or re-entering the work force can be daunting and provides support, education and training to make it less overwhelming:

• When you make the decision to start a career in real estate, Northwood Realty Services will help you schedule a meeting with a recruiter so you know exactly what to expect in the journey to becoming an agent.
• Once you decide a career with Northwood Real Estate Services is for you, Northwood offers classes to help you prepare to take your real estate exam. Including real estate principles, laws and terminology, these classes – plus a special cram course right before the licensing exam -- will help you feel confident.

An important aspect of the Northwood culture is their mentor and coaching programs. New agents are paired up with an experienced, successful agent for mentoring and shadowing opportunities. This relationship helps new agents work with seasoned professionals to develop their own skills and techniques.

Northwood understands the juggling that moms have to do between work, home, kids, appointments and so much more. They place significant value on moms as employees and they provide built-in flexibility to help moms succeed. They fully believe that many of the attributes that make moms exceptional also translate to success as agents.
Here are some of the components they put in place to be family-friendly work environment:

• You can manage your own schedule and work it around your family's needs. If you have a sick child or need to attend an afternoon school play? Northwood Realty Services enables moms to make this happen.
• “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” As many moms know, there is only one of you, so you have to figure out a way to get everything done. With real estate, you have to juggle a lot of balls at the same time – an open house and a closing on the same day, for example! Moms have a ton on their plate, and they’re some of the best time managers and multi-taskers out there, making them well-suited for a real estate career.
• Buying and selling a home is a huge decision that greatly impacts a person's life and finances. Clients appreciate when someone is able to listen to their concerns, understand their needs and keep them calm throughout the home-buying process. Who better to practice patience and grace under pressure than moms?
• Besides family and friends from before kids, many moms participate in playgroups, mommy and me classes, go to playdates, etc. This is a great way to get connected to new friends and build or expand a network of potential clients.
• Mothers are passionate for what they care about and will fight for things that matter. Northwood Realty Services seeks out people who advocate for their clients and are passionate about what they are doing and helping people.
• Moms are tough. There are tough days and great days as a mom. Being an agent is the same.
 

Does this sound like a company you would like to pursue for a career? Connect with Northwood Realty Services here. 

          #NorthwoodForMoms

This post is sponsored by Northwood Realty Services and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.

Ticket Giveaway: Disney on Ice FROZEN

photo credit: Feld Entertainment

It's that favorite time of year again when Disney on Ice is rolling into Pittsburgh! This year will be extra fun for lots of Frozen fans with the addition of many of our favorite characters. My kids can't wait for the show and I can't wait to hear an entire crowd singing Let It Go! :)

Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond all imagination at Disney On Ice presents Frozen Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. The heartwarming Academy Award®-winning tale you love is now LIVE and skating into your town. You’ll be magically whisked away into the wintry world of Arendelle, where you will be dazzled by amazing special effects and astonishing skating. Sing and dance along to inspiring songs, including “Let It Go.” Join royal sisters Anna and Elsa, the hilarious snowman Olaf, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven and the mystical trolls as they journey to discover that true love is ultimately the most magical power of all! 

Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, with special guest appearances by your most beloved Disney Princesses and characters from favorites like Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Disney’s The Lion King, this unforgettable celebration of love and friendship will leave your family with memories to last a lifetime.

photo credit: Feld Entertainment

Performance Schedule:
Thursday, March 10 at 7:00pm
Friday, March 11 at 10:30am and 7:00pm
Saturday, March 12 at 11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm 
Sunday, March 13 at 11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm

Ticket Purchase Information:
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

photo credit: Feld Entertainment

Some fun TRIVIA QUESTIONS to quiz your kids!

Q. In which kingdom do Anna and Elsa live?
A: The Kingdom of Arendelle.
Q. Who helped Young Anna recover from being hit by Elsa’s powers?
A: Grand Pabbie.
Q. Who likes “warm hugs”?
A: Olaf.
Q. What is Kristoff’s profession?
A: He is an ice harvester.
Q. What phrase does Elsa repeat when trying to control her powers?
A: “Conceal it…don’t feel it…don’t let it show.”
Q. Why do the guards open up the gates of the palace?
A: Elsa’s coronation.
Bonus: How long have the gates been closed?
A: 13 years.
Q. How many salad plates do Anna and Elsa own?
A: 8000.
Q. Anna and Hans finish each other’s ______.
A: Sandwiches.
Q. What is the “amazing smell” Anna and Elsa detect at the coronation celebration?
A: Chocolate.
Q. Who does the crazy dance with Anna at Elsa’s coronation?
A: The Duke of Weselton.
Q. Why doesn’t Elsa want Anna to marry Hans?
A: Because Anna and Hans just met.
Q. What does Elsa build during the song “Let It Go”?
A: An ice castle.
Q. What is Sven’s favorite snack?
A: Carrots.
Q. Which animals chase after Anna, Kristoff and Sven when they begin to search for Elsa?
A: Wolves.
Q. What is Olaf’s favorite season?
A: Summer.
Q. What animal does Olaf dance with in his song about summer?
A: Seagulls.
Q. What is the name of the enormous icy snowman Elsa creates?
A: Marshmallow.
Q. Fill in the blank. “Some people are worth ______.”
A: Melting for.”
Q. When Elsa breaks Arendelle’s eternal winter, what does she do to keep Olaf from melting?
A: She creates a snow flurry that follows him everywhere he goes.
Bonus:
Q. What part of Anna’s body did Elsa hit with her powers when they were young?
A: Her head.
Q. Who does Anna tell to “hang in there” during the song “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”
A: Joan of Arc.
Q. During the song “For the First Time in Forever” how many pictures does Anna pass and imitate?
A: 5.

GIVEAWAY:
We have a family 4-pack of tickets to give away to one lucky family! Head to link to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Go here to download this coloring sheet. 

Pgh Momtourage is the sponsor of this giveaway. Neither the Walt Disney Company nor Feld Entertainment, Inc., nor any of their respective affiliates or related companies, is a sponsor, endorser, or administrator of this promotion. No purchase necessary."

Giveaway: LuLaRoe for kids + moms

I was recently introduced to the clothing line of LuLaRoe and Lularoe by Liz Manganello was kind enough to send me a box of goodies that my girls couldn't wait to try out! The first thing that caught my attention was the softness of each item. I don't know about your kids, but my kids take the texture of their clothes VERY seriously. If they can't declare an item to be "comfy", there is a good chance it's going to be a fight to get them to wear it! The texture of each LuLaRoe item we received was perfection. Soft, cozy, definitely comfy! :)

My girls love trying out new clothes and were thrilled with their new dresses. These dresses are silky, smooth, and best of all, TWIRLY. 

"Mama, it's a twirly dress!" Just a girl in her element. :)  

 

Leggings are another favorite around here and my girl is pretty in love with these. Again, the softness is awesome!!

 

LuLaRoe Clothing is only available through independent consultants! Check out the next pop up shop with Lularoe by Liz Manganello. A awesome chance to feel, browse and shop for their amazing products!

Saturday February 13

12:30-2:30 PM 

Pilates Rx'd

835 Western Avenue 

Pittsburgh, PA 15233 

 They have boy clothes as well! These shirts are the cutest and also passed the comfy test (whew!) My boy makes them even cuter though! :)

What mama doesn't live in her comfies most of the time? Pretty sure that's all of us! These leggings pass the test and I love all the fun and colorful options by LuLaRose. Love the designs on this pair!

It's been just over 6 months since the adoption of our two youngest kiddos. I'm so grateful to have the love of this little guy. I'm so proud of the challenges he has already and continues to overcome. 

GIVEAWAY:

Lularoe by Liz Manganello is generously providing one winner an opportunity to win $25 off a $50 purchase! Enter at link below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My girls say, "Thanks, Liz, we hope our mom will be shopping with you more in the future!" :) 

Connect with Liz to follow all her chances to see more LuLaRoe products: 

Lularoebylizmanganello - Instagram 

Www.facebook.com/lularoebylizmanganello 

Lularoebyliz@lizmanganello - Twitter 

Mobile - (412) 915-4481 

I was provided products for my review. All opinions remain my own, I don't endorse items I don't love!

14 DIY tips to keep your home bug-free

We all want to think of our home as a safe, clean environment for our family and friends. But when
bugs get inside and infest your home, your peace of mind can disappear quickly.At Custom Turf, they are dedicated to keeping Pittsburgh families safe and their homes pest­ free!
The best way to avoid an infestation of bugs such as ants, fruit flies and stink bugs is not to let them
inside in the first place, and that's where their ​perimeter pest control service​ comes in. As
the seasons change, so do the bugs you have to protect against, and these small insects can get clever. Custom Turf wants to help Pittsburgh homeowners by providing useful do­-it-yourself tips on how to prevent bugs from getting in your home, and what to do if they do happen to get inside.

Ants
These pests are extremely opportunistic and will come by the thousands. If possible, try and follow
ants back to their nests, so you know where they live. Here’s what you can do:

• Seal your home.​ To start, walk around your home and try to seal any holes you find, no matter how small. Without any matter how small. Without entry points, pests won't be able to get inside!
• Be tidy.​ Don't leave crumbs on the kitchen counter, and always immediately clean up any spills - even water. Sticky substances like honey are major attractants for ants, so keep it in a closed jar, or even better, the refrigerator. 
• Cucumber.​ While they're healthy for us and an excellent addition to a salad, ants hate them. If you think you know where ants might be getting in, slice up some cucumber and put it in those areas. 
• Mint tea.​ Like cucumbers, mint tea is a natural deterrent for ants. Place these tea bags in areas where you see anys or anticipate they could get inside. 

Fruit flies
These flying nuisances have been pestering people for as long as anyone can remember. To stop flies from getting inside and buzzing around your food, you need to protect their entry points: doors and windows.  

• Hang deterrents. ​Bay leaves and cloves are great fly deterrents. Wrap these in cheesecloth squares and hang them from open doors and windows. 
• Eucalyptus oil.​ Put some of this on a small cloth and lay it where flies are already becoming a problem. 
• Sweet basil.​ Hang this above your pet’s food and water to stop these scents from attracting flies. 
• Homemade trap.​ Mix some maple syrup, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a bowl and let it sit overnight. In the morning, dip brown Kraft paper in it and hang these strips outside to help cut down on the population. 

Stink bugs
They really do smell, so be careful! Luckily, stink bugs are slow so if you find them in your home,
don’t just squash it. Put it in a paper towel, take it outside, and if you don’t want it coming back in,
spray it with soapy water.

• Soapy water. ​Take dish detergent and mix it with water. If you spray this at entry points, stink bugs won't dare come inside.
• Garlic powder.​ Sprinkle garlic powder on windowsills, or cut cloves of garlic and put them in bags and hand them near windows and doors. They can't stand the smell. It might be a good idea to cook lots of Italian food! 
• Catnip.​ Apply catnip just like garlic, by using either a powder or its pure form.  
• Dryer sheets.​ Rub these on any screens in your home and stink bugs won't be able to tolerate walking on them. This will help keep them out and also help your home smell like fresh laundry!
• Damp towel. ​At night put a moist towel outside, in the garden if you have one. Come morning it will be full of stink bugs, and if you put the towel in soapy water, they'll die. 

Enjoy Your Pest­Free Home!  

These tips will help you maintain a bug-­free household all year long. We know your family will appreciate your food and belongings no longer being invaded by bugs! If you are uncomfortable doing any of these tips yourself, or you have additional questions, contact Custom Turf today and they'll be glad to help you rid your home of pests for good.

Thank you, Custom Turf, for sponsoring today's post and sharing these great tips to keep our homes bug-free!

Chick Fil A: new superfood side!

As a mom, there are two things that draw me in quickly: healthy and convenient. Fast food is often known for it's convenience....but healthy? Not so much! To walk into a fast food restaurant and see a plate of fresh fruit goodness is not a regular occurrence. Unless you're at a Chick Fil A, of course! 

I'm not a big proponent of fast food....in fact, I've turned down other fast food companies that wanted my promotion because I just couldn't in good conscience endorse their products. This past year I've had the chance to work with Chick Fil A and I've been amazed each step of the way! Their quality, customer service, restaurants and food stand far above any other chain in their competition.  

And Chick Fil A is listening to moms. They are listening when we say we want convenient AND healthy and they are paving the way to give us those options! I was recently invited to come check out the launch of their new superfood side: the new kale salad. This new salad includes: kale, broccolini and dried cherries, all tossed in a sweet maple vinaigrette dressing. Roasted nuts come separately packaged for those with allergy concerns. 

I'm not a huge fan of kale. To me it often has a bitter flavor and I'm more likely to throw it in a smoothie than to eat it raw. So with some trepidation, I was ready to try the kale salad! But it was awesome. Truly. Washington, PA operator, Kory Kaye, gave us a demonstration on how they make it (fresh daily in the store) and gave us the secret! It marinates in the sweet maple vinaigrette for 30 minutes before it is served. This seems to take any bitterness of the kale away and between the dressing, the sweet cherries and the nuts, it is so delicious!

 4 ingredients, made fresh. As food should be! Pair with their grilled nuggets for a (healthy) and (convenient) lunch on the go! You can also substitute it for fries on your next order.  The kale salad with an order of grilled nuggets is only 320 calories. And I can attest to the fact that it definitely fills you up. So next time you're feeling cooped up in the house and the Chick Fil A kid's play area is calling you out (it does that, right?!), you don't have to sacrifice eating something healthy!

Chick Fil A is also the only fast food restaurant that is now offering organic juice drink for their kid's meals. 

The Washington, PA store is brand new and is part of the new Heritage design. This design incorporates a variety of finishes and has unique custom features such as light fixtures make from recycled Coco-Cola bottles as a nod to their home base in Atlanta. It's interior is so warm and inviting!

If you've ever tried to stand in line to order with toddlers running in circles around you, then Chick Fil A is again thinking of you! Some CFA restaurants offer the option to order in the drive thru and have your food delivered to a table inside (varies by location) or you can place an order online and have it ready at the restaurant as well. I am excited and thankful to try those options! 

So, go, try the new kale salad, you won't be disappointed! And hey, that leaves more available calories for ice cream, right? :) 

#SuperFoodSide

#CFAPittMoms

This post is sponsored by ChickFilA and The Motherhood. All opinions remain my own as I don't endorse products that I don't love!

Ticket Giveaway: Monster Jam

It's just about time for one of my son's favorite shows of the year: Monster Jam! A roaring, loud show which is guaranteed to fascinate your kids. Don't miss your chance for the Party in the Pits where you can meet the drivers + more. Not only can I give you the chance to win tickets, but I also have a $5 coupon code to share with you as well!

Monster Jam® is the most action-packed live event on four wheels where world-class drivers compete in front of capacity crowds in both monster truck racing and freestyle competitions. Monster Jam® combines high-octane, spontaneous entertainment with the ultimate in off road, motorsport competition. Monster Jam features the most recognizable trucks in the world including Grave Digger®, Max-DTM, El Toro Loco®, Mohawk Warrior®, Monster Mutt® and many more. With no two shows the same, Monster Jam events leave fans on the edge of their seats as these competitors thrill fans with jaw-dropping displays of gravity-defying feats.

Metro PCS presents Monster Jam

February 12-14, 2016

CONSOL Energy Center

Special Offer

Save $5 on select tickets.* Code: MJPITT

Restrictions, exclusions, and additional fees may apply. Not valid on Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. All tickets $2 more day of show. Offer expires 2/11/16.

2016 Monster Jam Truck Line Up (Competitors subject to change without notice): Grave Digger, Backwards Bob, Stinger, Instigator, Backdraft, Raminator, Rammunition, and Bad News Travels Fast

Event Schedule
Friday, February 12 at 7:30pm
Saturday, February 13 at 2pm and 7:30pm; Pit Party at 11am-12:30pm (must have ticket to 2pm event to attend)
Sunday, February 14 at 2pm; Pit Party at 11am-12:30pm (must have ticket to 2pm event to attend)

Ticket Prices: $55, $35, $25
Kids just $12 (Ages 2-12. Valid on select price levels. Must purchase 1 adult ticket for every 4 kids tickets)! (Restrictions and additional fees may apply. All tickets $2 more day of show).
Ticket Purchase Information: Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Party In The Pits:
The Monster Jam® Pit Party provides unprecedented access to the Monster Jam trucks and drivers – you can meet the drivers, get their autographs, take photos and check out the trucks up close. It’s a unique experience in the world of motorsports.
There will be two pit parties; one on Saturday and the other on Sunday prior to the 2pm events. Pit parties start at 11am and end at 12:30. Passes to the pit parties are $10 each and available in advance via Ticketmaster or at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center. You must have both ticket to the 2pm event on Saturday or Sunday AND pit party pass to enter the pit party.

TICKET GIVEAWAY:
I have tickets to give away for Friday night's performance. Enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here are some fun facts for your kids!
1) How tall is a Monster Jam truck?
Answer: Monster Jam trucks stand 12’ tall and 12’ wide.

2) How much does each Monster Jam truck weigh?
Each Monster Jam truck weighs10,000 pounds.

3) How tall are official Monster Jam truck tires?
Each tire must be 66 inches tall.

4) How many yards of dirt are needed to set up a track for one Monster Jam Arena show?
1,500 yards of dirt is used to construct the track for each event.

5) What was the combined weight of the trucks appearing in the 2015 Monster Jam World Finals competition?
107 Monster Jam trucks appeared for a combined weight of 1,060,000 pounds and 159,000 combined horse power.

6) Who judges each Monster Jam competition?
Judges live in each community, are trained in advance and are typically selected through local radio and television promotions.

7) Who holds the most Monster Jam World Finals Championship titles?
Tom Meents holds the record for the most Monster Jam World Finals Championships at 11. Second to Tom is Dennis Anderson at 4.

8) How many drivers hold two or more Monster Jam Championship titles?
Since the inception of the Monster Jam World Finals, only 7 drivers have two or more Championships to their credit.

Pgh Momtourage is the sponsor of this giveaway. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. and its affiliates and related companies are not sponsors, endorsers, or administrators of this promotion.