This week, my goal was to use what we already had in the house which meant I needed to get VERY creative to make our meals, but I did it!  (That also meant I only spent $25 on groceries!!)  Because I was making things up as I went, I didn’t want the boys to help.  But to let James get some time in the kitchen, I let him make his lunch (Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups).  He doesn’t like much on them, so it’s just a tortilla, cheese and turkey.

James claims that the turkey & cheese roll-ups are better than regular sandwiches.  And really, if it’s healthy and he eats it, I am all for it!  I always pack some fruit & water to go with his lunch.

What do your kids love for lunch?

Did you have fun in the “kitchen” this week?  Did you try a new food or a new kid friendly restaurant?  Did your little ones use their snacks to count to 10?  We invite you to share your experiences, photos, stories or recipes that include your #kidsinthekitchen!

Come join me and my co-hosts, Melinda at Look What Mom Found and Paula at Frosted Fingers, each week by linking up a post, new or old, that features the theme Kids in the Kitchen.  It doesn’t matter what you are doing as long as you are doing it together, enjoying it and learning something along the way.

• preparing healthy snacks
• having a tea party
• counting skills with m&ms
• pouring from measuring cups
• discovering a local restaurant that your kids love
• creating new family friendly recipes

Don’t have a blog?  That’s ok!  Just share an Instagram photo or Facebook update.

If you look in my parent’s garage, you will see one side stacked (floor to ceiling) with coolers – most of them are Igloo.  If I need a cooler, I borrow one from Pop because if you come look in my garage, you will see two coolers – and neither of them are useful!  One is a soft-sided cooler bag and one is an OLD blue cooler and it doesn’t have a lid anymore (it came from Pop & my husband uses it to store ant bait).  It’s pathetic really!

Because my family and I are starting to spend more time outdoors (camping & whatnot), we really needed a cooler that would be conveniently located in OUR garage.  Igloo sent us the Yukon 150 to help solve our problems!

I an not sure what I was expecting, but I really had NO IDEA the Yukon 150 was going to be as HUGE as it is!

About: 

Rugged and ice cold, Yukon™ Cold Lockers deliver serious performance for the serious outdoorsman in the most extreme outdoor environments. Yukon™ outhauls, outchills and outlasts anyone.

Igloo Products Corp., the nation’s largest cooler manufacturer, has introduced a series of four new performance “Cold Lockers” that promise ultimate performance for the serious outdoorsman. The new roto-molded series, Yukon™, comes in 50, 70, 150 and 250 quart sizes and was designed by and for hunting and fishing enthusiasts.

Features of the Yukon 150: 

• Dual reversible, skid/anti-skid pads
• Rugged, wide grip, integrated handles accommodate large gloved hands, and double as tie-down loops
• Insulated with 3” foam in gasketed lid and 2” foam in the body
• Boasts 10-day ice retention at 90°F*
• Cool Riser Technology™ offers an elevated design to promote airflow underneath for improved cooling performance
• UV inhibitors and infrared technology   protect cooler against sun damage
• All stainless steel hinge pins and hardware
• Flexible yet durable rubber latches with finger grips
• Integrated fish keeper scale measuring tool on lid
• Constructed of ultra durable rotational-molded polyethylene
• Raised, textured work surface on lid
• Dual oversized tethered drain plugs for easy draining and cleaning
• Dual lid locks for maximum security

All four Yukon models are white and include a fully foamed lid with an integrated fish measurement ruler, UV inhibitors to guard against sun damage and infrared technology to reflect the sun’s rays on the body and lid. The MSRP for the 50-quart is $329.99. The MSRP for the 70-quart is $389.99. The MSRP for the 150-quart is $569.99 and the MSRP for the 250-quart is $639.99.

Our Thoughts: 

• I love that the Yukon 150 can hold ice for TEN days!  We only used it for 3 days and had no problems.  (We were camping with friends and their ice was gone by the end of the first day, so we made space in the Yukon.)
• The locks are super (they keep my kids out!) but can be difficult to open.  Although, now that I’m thinking about it, you probably WANT locks that are tight so that animals can’t get in your cooler!
• Additionally, on either side of the cooler there are lid locks which help keep your food safe.  You could also use these locks to chain the cooler down in the bed of your truck.
• There is a large drain on both sides of the cooler, which is great!  They make it very easy to clean & drain your cooler.
• I really need a TRUCK (not an SUV) for the Yukon 150, but the back end of my car closes, so in my opinion, it fits!
• The handles on the cooler are so COOL – they are long and wide and don’t move when you do.
• My favorite feature is that it’s made in the USA!
• There is a 5-year warranty on the Yukon 150.  I like that it’s longer than a 1-year, but I’d like to see a 10 or 15 year warranty.
• The cooler comes with a large sticker on top (you can kind of see it under my kid in the photo above) which I liked at first because it gave you all the information you’d need.  But when we took it off, it left a HUGE sticky residue which I have had a ton of trouble removing.

All in all, I’d say the Yukon 150 is an excellent product and I’d recommend it!  (Though, I’d say go with the 50 if you don’t have much space in your vehicle!)

What would you use the Igloo Yukon Cooler for?

Connect with Igloo on facebook and twitter!  (Make sure to watch for giveaways on both!!)

When I heard about the Get Up & Glow 5K, I knew I wanted to be a part of it!  And not just for me, but for my kids, and maybe my parents, as well!  My husband agreed after I told him we could put Colin in the stroller and my Mom even said yes!  (I am still trying to talk my Dad into it!)  I cannot wait!! 

Here’s the info you’ll need to get yourself (and your family) registered:

Saturday, May 25, 2013

8:30 pm

1 Retama Parkway, Selma, TX

Early registration is $20 per person through May 17th.  ($25 per person May18th through race day.)

All participants will receive glow in the dark t-shirts and a finisher award.  There will be GLOW STATIONS along the route to add to your luminescence as you run along the 5k route.  The post-race will include good eats, great music and free door prizes!

Register NOW!

Pick up your packet at Soler’s Sports (2589 Jackson Keller – 210-366-3701) Friday, May 24, 2013 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm or before the race starting at 7:30 pm.

About the race:

• Race begins in Lot #4 at Retama Park
• 1.5 mile out and back – two loops (view the route)
• Water & electrolyte at 0.75 and 2.25 mi
• Minimal traffic and lots of glowing
• Simple route is perfect for kids

**Note: This is NOT a chip-timed event!

**All proceeds from this event support local gymnasts competing at Aerial Athletics through the AA Parents’ Association.

We went camping last weekend!

Happy Wednesday!!! 

I am so picky about all sorts or things – lotion & creams are one of them.  I don’t like a lotion that’s TOO “lotion-y.”  I want something that’s thick and absorbs well without being leaving that just-lotioned feeling.  In the past, I’ve found it’s hard to find something that fits my criteria.  I got to test out the entire line of AmLactin, but before I tell you what I thought, let me give you a little info about the product(s).

About: 

AmLactin^® Moisturizing Body Lotion - has a special formula with clinically proven 12% lactic acid that’s pH-balanced for the skin. Don’t let the word “acid” concern you. Especially since lactic acid is a naturally occurring humectant for the skin with a certain affinity for water molecules to help keep skin hydrated. And the more moisture that can be retained deep within the skin, the softer and smoother your skin feels.

AmLactin^® Cerapeutic™ Restoring Body Lotion - combines our clinically proven, intensely hydrating, triple action, patented ULTRAPLEX^®formula to gently exfoliate, and three essential ceramides to quickly strengthen the skin’s protective moisture barrier. So what’s in it for you? Noticeably softer, more resilient skin. With regular use, long-lasting locked-in moisture helps prevent dry skin from returning.

AmLactin^® Ultra Hydrating Body Cream - is specifically formulated for severe, persistently dry skin areas needing extra attention. With our patented ULTRAPLEX^® formula, this clinically proven cream gently exfoliates and intensely hydrates for long-lasting moisture and serious relief.

AmLactin^® Foot Cream - Recognized as the ultimate dry skin treatment, our triple-action alpha-hydroxy therapy works to transform extraordinarily dry skin into the smooth, soft skin of movie stars. All by promoting natural skin cell renewal through exfoliation. AmLactin^® Foot Cream utilizes our ULTRAPLEX^® formulation to create one of the best dry skin creams available.

After reading a little about AmLactin, does it sound like something you’d like to try?

What I Thought: 

• AmLactin^® Moisturizing Body Lotion – The first thing I notice about the body lotion is that I don’t love the bottle – I really had to shake the lotion to get it to move.  This lotion is thinner, but easy to rub it.  It has a little of that oily feel that lotions can leave, but it’s not nearly as bad as some other lotions and I could really only feel it on my hand.  Once my skin absorbed the lotion, I couldn’t really tell it was there.
  
• AmLactin^® Cerapeutic™ Restoring Body Lotion – I love that this lotion has a pump on it.  This one is my least favorite – it has a definite oily-lotion feeling to it and smells kind of funny.  And, a little goes a long way – I used half a pump and managed to lotion up my entire arm!  I could feel this lotion on my skin for quite awhile after I applied it.
• AmLactin^® Ultra Hydrating Body Cream – This cream is VERY thick – it feels a lot like butter.  A little goes a LONG way, and you’ll probably look a little like a ghost when you first apply it!  But, it’s nice!  Very smooth and not too “lotion-y.”  I like to use this one on my legs when I get out of the shower.  You’ll have to squeeze quite hard before you see the body cream.  I like the container the body cream comes in.
• AmLactin^® Foot Cream – Another very thick cream, but it leaves your feet feeling silky smooth without the oily lotion feel of other brands.  The foot cream rubs in easily.  I like the bottle the foot cream comes in.
• Most AmLactin products have a safety seal under the lid (the exception is the Restoring Body Lotion).  Make sure you remove that before you try to apply your lotion/cream!
• Would I recommend AmLactin?  YES!

BUY IT!  Purchase AmLactin at retail stores like Target, Walmart and Walgreens!  Check the store locator to find a store near you.  I saw a $4 off coupon on the AmLactin Facebook page, too!!

Connect with AmLactin on Facebook and Twitter!

Do you have a favorite lotion?  What makes it the best?

When I was (MUCH) younger, my grandparents got a block of wood with modge-podged photos on four sides an the words “A Chip off the Old Block” on the top from my uncle & his family.  I always loved that block of wood.

Recently I was browsing Shutterfly’s Home Decor section and found that same concept, except lighter and so much easier!!  Shutterfly calls them Photo Cubes and I think it’s the PERFECT name!

When I was given the opportunity to create my own photo cube I had a hard time deciding which direction I wanted to go, but ultimately, I decided to use photos of my boys.

About: 

High-quality photos laminated on solid wood.

5 panels on each cube (Each panel measures 4×4).

Choose from girl, boy, birth announcement and holiday designs.

My Thoughts: 

• I adore the photo cube!  I could sit here and look at it all day!  
• The edge of the photo on top folds down onto each of the side pictures.  I don’t love it, but I can live with it.
• If you were to spill on the cube, it’d be easy to wipe it off.
• The bottom of the photo cube is open (which is fine with me) but if you spill there, I am not sure it would be easy to clean up.
• I like that it’s not overly heavy.  It’s easy to move and the boys can pick it up and look at it with no trouble.

I just love the Shutterfly Photo Cube!!  I am keeping this one for me (though my husband might steal it for his desk at work!) but I will definitely be ordering more for Christmas gifts!

BUY IT!  Purchase your photo cubes for $24.99 each!

{Prize: One (1) Shutterfly Photo Cube + Shipping!}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!

Only one person per household/IP address may enter.  This giveaway is open to US residents only and will run through midnight CST on Monday, May 27, 2013.  The winner will be randomly chosen using random.org and an email will be sent.  The winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.  The giveaway item will be shipped directly to the winners from the sponsor.  NOTE:  The prize cannot be delivered to a P.O. Box.

Apparently I am the go-to for providing a birthday treats for my husband’s co-workers and since one of them was celebrating a birthday this week I needed to throw something together.  I needed something quick because this week has been nothing but busy.

When I asked Colin if he wanted to make Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookies with me, I was not surprised this his answer was YES!

I measured out the ingredients and put them in a bowl so he could dump them into the mixing bowl.

I cracked the eggs and dropped them in, but I let Colin put the mixing head back down and turn it on.

I turned on the oven and then it was time to add in the chocolate chips.  I let Colin pour them in, but I warned him not to pour TOO many in.  He was overly cautious and I had to add a few more!

At this point Colin was done helping.  I did give him a few chocolate chips for being such a great helper!

I had a little leftover dough, so I scooped it onto wax paper, put it in a Tupperware container and threw it in the freezer!  (Doing this is awesome for those days you want a cookie, but don’t want to dirty many dishes.)

What’s your favorite cookie??

Share photos, stories or recipes that include your #kidsinthekitchen.  I would love for you to join me and my co-hosts, Paula at Frosted Fingers and Melinda at LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too, each week linking up a post, new or old, that feature the theme Kids in the Kitchen.  It doesn’t matter what you are doing as long as you are doing it together and enjoying it and learning something.

• preparing healthy snacks
• having a tea party
• counting skills with m&ms
• pouring from measuring cups
• discovering a local restaurant that your kids love
• creating new family friendly recipes

Don’t have a blog, then share a photo you uploaded to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.  Share whatever you have, we want to see it.

linky rules:

1.  Link up only your kid friendly recipes, stories, pictures or cooking lessons here.  (No Etsy stores or giveaways please).

2.  Link directly to a specific post, update or tweet – not your homepage.

3. Please add a Kids in the Kitchen button or link on your site or blog post or share through social media so readers know you are participating.

banner size 

http://lookwhatmomfound.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/kids-in-the-kitchen-banner.jpg

button size 

http://lookwhatmomfound.com/wp-content/uploadsnofollow/2013/01/kids-in-the-kitchen-button.jpg

4.  Click through and comment, pin, like, tweet or share with other participants.  We love to share inspiration and ideas with each other, don’t link and run.

5. Follow the hosts of this feature: Paula at Frosted Fingers, Melinda at LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too and Sara at Sensibly Sara.

I can’t wait to see all of the fun food themed ideas, excursions and photos you have to share.

Link up below!

When I accepted my Shaklee180 ambassadorship, I thought for a bit that I was CRAZY because I’d have to do vlogs.  For the first two, I just used the webcam on my computer.  It wasn’t nearly as hard as I’d thought it would be but the lighting in my house isn’t ideal for vlogging.  Then I was given the opportunity to review the JOBY Grip Tight GorillaPod Video!

With the GorillaPod, the way I vlog has changed for the better!  I just clip my phone in and hit record.  Now, I can vlog from anywhere – my kitchen table to my backyard to the park – and use awesome lighting!

About the JOBY Grip Tight GorillaPod Video:

• Mount and flexible tripod for your iPhone, Android, or Windows phone.
• The adjustable grip fits phones with or without a case.
• Made for smartphones between 2.1 – 2.8 inches wide.
• Rubber grip pads keep your phone in place, even when it’s sideways!  The grip pads fold flat when not in use!
• Detach the smartphone mount and use it on any tripod.  OR attach a mini camcorder using the included quick release clip with tripod screw.
• Use the pan (360°) and tilt (135°) handle to smoothly capture your video.  Adjust the position of the handle by using the blue button and fold it flat for easy storage.
• 180° leveling head allows you to shoot in portrait or landscape orientation while still being able to capture 360° pan and 135° tilt. 
• Flexible, wrappable legs allow you to secure your camera to almost anything!  Rubberized ring and foot grips provide stability on uneven terrain. 
• Super strong magnetic feet attach to any ferrous metal surface (like poles, fences or refrigerators). 
• Unscrew the GripTight Mount and use the GorillaPod Video with your mini camcorder or point & shoot camera instead.

My Thoughts: 

• I love how easy it is to use the JOBY Grip Tight GorillaPod Video!  There’s not a lot of set up and/or “tear down.”
• The magnetic feet are awesome!  They stick to the screws in my fence table and that makes me feel like it’s nice and safe in its position.
• I like how flat the GorillaPod folds.  I can throw it in my purse with no trouble!  (Although, I don’t like to throw it in my computer bag because it has magnetic feet.)
• You can seriously manipulate the JOBY so that it sits/stands where ever you want it to go.  It’s AWESOME!

BUY IT!  Purchase your very own JOBY Grip Tight GorillaPod Video for $39.95!

{Prize: Two (2) Winners!  Each will receive the GripTight GorillaPod Video}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!

Only one person per household/IP address may enter.  This giveaway is open to US residents only and will run through midnight CST on Thursday, May 23, 2013.  The winner will be randomly chosen using random.org and an email will be sent.  The winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.  The giveaway item will be shipped directly to the winners from the sponsor.  NOTE:  The prize cannot be delivered to a P.O. Box.

My husband and I enjoy taking our boys out to eat – but it’s usually our choice and there isn’t anything for the boys to do (other than coloring).  So when I was asked to review Chuck E Cheese’s new ‘Say Cheese’ app, of course I said yes!

One Sunday after church, my husband and I loaded James & Colin up in the car and headed off to our closest Chuck E. Cheese.  We didn’t tell them where we were going (this is my favorite way to surprise them!) but as soon as we turned into the parking lot, there was cheering from the back seat!  Can you tell we don’t go to Chuck E Cheese often?!  Mostly because other kids can be rude but also when we do go, it’s a great treat and completely unexpected!

The ‘Say Cheese’ app is free Apple & Android phones.  I downloaded it on my android phone with no problems but once there, I couldn’t get the app to take a photo.  I blame this on my phone (it was OLD and I’ve since upgraded).  I do love the concept of the app, though, and I can’t wait to go back and try it again!

How it works: 

Download my new Say Cheese! app from either the iTunes App Store or Google Play, depending on your mobile device.  It’s free!  The next part’s the fun part: Go to your nearby Chuck E. Cheese’s!  It’s simple to use; just turn on the app and point your camera at one of the “Say Cheese Here!” signs located throughout the store, then watch as I come to life!  It’s kind of like magic, only cooler.

There are multiple signs throughout Chuck E. Cheese’s.  So be sure to find the pink, orange, and blue versions to check out all three of my different poses.  Have a favorite picture? Awesome! My app makes it easy to share your picture on Facebook and Twitter, or by email.  You can even share your picture with ChuckECheese.com for a chance to have your photo posted right here on my website! Or why not make a print of a picture and put it up on the fridge!

Remember: 

• My app only works at Chuck E. Cheese’s.

• All photos taken with my Say Cheese! app are automatically saved to your device’s photo album.

• No photos will be shared without an adult’s consent.

From now until June 1, 2013, when you submit your snapshots from our new, free app to our Facebook page, you’ll have a chance to be a daily or weekly prize winner.  You could win prizes like a free visit to Chuck E. Cheese’s, a $200 gift card, or various Chuck E. toys for your kids!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!

Only one person per household/IP address may enter.  This giveaway is open to US residents only and will run through midnight CST on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.  The winner will be randomly chosen using random.org and an email will be sent.  The winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.  The giveaway item will be shipped directly to the winners from the sponsor.  NOTE:  The prize cannot be delivered to a P.O. Box.

James is trying to talk me into letting him catch one for his bug cage.  It’s not happening, though!!

Happy Wednesday!!