A few weeks ago we were invited to see the Philadelphia Orchestra for the Carnival of the Animals is a fun, interactive musical program presented by The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall. My daughter and her friend adored the program. The Kimmel center is beautiful.
During the Canival of animals we saw: Charlotte Blake Alston, a nationally-recognized storyteller, instrumentalist and singer who performs in venues throughout North America and abroad, will be narrating the performance—helping children learn about different instruments in the orchestra and their animal counterparts. In the magical musical adventure, woodwinds transform into delicate birds; double-basses imitate thundering elephants, and cellos paint an audible picture of beautiful and graceful swans.
Both the girls that concert was amazing the sat on the edge of there seats. They were very wided eyed and loved it. I thought the girls age of 7+ was perfect for the performance. They had the prefect attention span to listen to the performance. Also after the preformance the girls got to meet the performers.
A new performance is arriving on March 23rd. There family series is great because each month it is offered the performance is new and different.
THE FUN BEGINS AT 10 AM
The Philadelphia Orchestra, they are passionate about educating children and nurturing their love of classical music – from little tots to tweens and everyone in between. That’s why before each and every Family Concert, we host a pre-concert adventure. This music begins with a pre-concert adventure at 10 AM (although seating is continuous so arrival is encourages any time before 11 AM)—an interactive program .
For more information, visit http://www.philorch.org/family-concerts
Disclosure: I received the tickets in exchange for this review. The opinions in this post are of my own.
I was so excited when I received the NutriBullet to review.The idea of a smoothies as a meal has always been a good idea but a lot of work with a traditional blender. I have been using the Nutri Bullet NBR-12 12-Piece Hi-Speed Blender/Mixer System
for a few weeks. I really love how smoothly the Nutribullet blends the ingredients, with less clean up. The Nutribullet has so many uses in my kitchen, from a apple,kale, and avocado smoothies or blending oats fine to be part of a meat loaf. I keep finding new ways every day to use it. The Nutribullet keeps all the nutritional value of the food so I can add or blend it in my families food.
NutriBullet comes with 2 different blades one that keep the food in pieces and one that purees. I find that I am finding uses for both on a daily basis. They nutribullet system comes with 3 different cups, so I can make many different shakes for my family in the morning to everyone in the house. Also since all the parts are easy clean and dishwasher safe it is a breeze to use. I am leaving the Nutribullet out on the counter since take up little space and get used so often.
Since I started using the Nutribullet I noticed that I have had an easier time maintaining my weight. Actually I have been noticing a lower weight than normal. So I am excited to see the long term results (I will keep you posted)
I have been replacing one meal a day with the Nutribullet smoothies and really feel better. I have been following the smoothie recipe book that was included with the NutriBullet System. I also like creating my own treats for the family. Like these all natural fruit pops.
NutriBullet Strawberry Banana Ice Pops
2 bananas
5 strawberries
1 cup of milk
Blend using double Nutribullet blade
pour in to molds
freeze for 4 hours , enjoy
Overall Opinion: The NutriBullet is a great blender/smoothie maker. The600rpm power of this product is amazing it is fast and efficient. The cost is over $100, I think the unit is worth the price because of how finely and smooth it makes the food it process. Which make tougher greens palatable and enjoyable therefore being healthy. I am really impress with the Nutribullet. I did have a friends Dad tell me all about the NutriBullet prior to me reviewing it. He said it changed his life, making him healther so I had high expectation going into the review. I have to say the Nutribullet did not disappoint. I would recommend the Nutribullet.
Disclosure: I received the Nutribullet to review, this review is of my own opinion, This post does contain affiliate links.
This is my recycled St. Patrick’s Day wreath made from an old plaid skirt, foam wreath, straight pins and felt. Super easy to , no sew, and makes a statement for the St. Patrick’s Day. Show off your Irish:
How to make a Recycled Wreath
Materials:
1 plaid skirt- I picked up this one at the thrift store for $1
Foam Ring: Ac more $7-8
Straight Pins
1 safety pin
1 of each color of craft felt green, lime, orange,off white (9X12 sheets) $.59 each
To Recycle the skirt: Place the skirt flat on a table cut diangle making a 1 1/2″ strip. It does not have perfect.
Continue around the skirt making one continuous piece of fabric strips
Roll continuous fabric strip in to a rolls so make easier to use, when wrapping wreath .. do not twist
Attaching with pins the end to foam wreath form start wrapping the fabric around the wreath (this is why you need the ball)
Over lapping the wraps to hide the foam shape
Cut and Pin end when the entire wreath is covered.
To make felt flowers:
Take a piece of felt cut 4″4″ square, round off corners
The cut a spiral from the other edge moving towards center
Then roll from the center the flower shape, securing end , when pinning to wreath
Add as many flowers as you like, you can make smaller spirals or larger<
Make hanger 2″ x 9″ from felt Strip with notches, use a safety pin to hang on door.
Enjoy your Irish decor. Have fun upcycling that old skirt. You can make one in anay colors.
Easy linguini and clam sauce great for a quick meal. General Mills sent me a Box Top pantry stock up and with the food that was provided was Progresso® Recipe Starters Roasted Garlic. I normally make my Linguini and clam sauce from scratch. I decided to try the Recipe Starter, because I want a quick meal with less oil.
Ingredients
Progresso® Recipe Starters Roasted Garlic
2 Cans of clams minced – Drained
1lb of Linguini or Pasta
1/4 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/4 teaspoon Oregano
Make pasta following instructions
To make clam sauce Add the Progresso® Recipe Starters, drained Clams, and cheese to a pot heat till warm
Drain pasta once cooked .. do not rinse (it wash away the starch that holds the sauce)
Pour the Sauce over pasta.. sprinkle cheese
Eat and enjoy!
Less oil then a traditional linguini and clam sauce. Great with a salad and bread.
I really thought it was yummy and quick, not all the oil and butter as a normal clam sauce.
Other ideas: use the Progresso® Recipe Starters, would be good as a base for a Mushroom soup or mushroom pasta. Using a variety of mushrooms oyster, buttons and portables. Just a thought for a vegetarian option.
Check out to see if there is a coupon for it on there site.. Progresso Coupons Save the Box Top on the can to give to a Local School for education.
If you want to Win a Box Top Pantry stock up? Head on over to my my Box Top Pantry giveaway ends 3/8/13.
What are you making for dinner?
Disclosure: I did receive this product from General mills, all the opinions in this post are my own.
So I was going to write this brilliant recipe and show great planning.. yea that is not happening this week. I am a late today on my post and I only planned for tonight’s meal. When it came to me spuds..this is the week I have been celebrate all things Irish..
I have some great Irish posts this week crafts and fun.
Monday: pork chops, green beans and mash potatoes
Tuesday: Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup (from Copy KatRecipes Soup) and fresh bread (make and Take)
Wednesday; Shepard’s pie with leftover mash potatoes from Monday
Thursday: Gnocchi pasta and salad (I might try to make my own)
Friday: Tacos, rice , re-fried beans
I am linking this post up to I am a Organizing Junkie Menu Planning Monday Link Up
Listerine 21 day challenge. So if you recall my family took on the Listerine 21 day challenge. The Listerine challenge has been great for our family. Everyone sign on and committed to using the Listerine for the full 21 days (we are still doing it). My daughter and son used Reach tooth brushes and Listerine’s Smart Rinse. My daughter loved the pink Barbie rinse. We visited the Listerine web site and learned about proper dental care.
My husband I brushed with the Reach Tarter control tooth brush. We used Listerine whitening tooth paste which I loved. Then we rinsed after every brushing with Listerine Total Care. I also use the great Reach floss and Reach Access flosser which helps reach my back teeth. From my observation my teeth are actually cleaner and with less tarter. Feeling like my teeth are whiter and I find I am smiling more.
Dentist: We actually had a dentist appointment this past week, The dentist said the kids teeth look clean and healthy. The dentist did say that regular adult Listerine should not be use in a child mouth, because it is too strong. . She said the Listerine Kids Smart Rinse is a great choice.
Tip from the dentist: She also recommend to my son who does not like minty toothpaste to dip his Reach tooth brush in the Listerine Rinse and brush.
Thanks Listerine for a great check up at the Dentist.
Did you know brushing alone misses 75% of your mouth? That’s right—and believe it or not, even if you brush twice a day, you’re likely missing a majority of your mouth, leaving plenty of room for germs to grow.
By using a LISTERINE® Antiseptic mouthwash twice a day for 30 seconds, you can clean virtually 100 percent of your mouth. In fact, you can get:
Up to 5 times healthier gums in 2 weeks
Up to 9 times healthier gums in 4 weeks*
That’s not just lip service, either! The makers of LISTERINE® know that users will feel a difference—or their money back**.
Participating in this challenge offers the added benefit of joining the makers of LISTERINE® ULTRACLEAN® in helping Oral Health America impact the lives of children nationwide this year through the Smiles Across America® program. Shockingly, oral disease is now the most chronic childhood illness in the U.S.[1] It impacts kids of all backgrounds, but especially the millions who are unable to afford, or otherwise get access to, regular professional care.
Here is our video reviews so you can see the clean :
Want to join me in the 21 day head over to Listerine Facebook page and sign up for the LISTERINE 21day Challenge
also check out the Listerine kids website they have are coupons to save on Listerine and Reach Products.
For every person who signs up for the challenge, the LISTERINE® Brand will make a contribution to help Oral Health America’s Smiles Across America® program toward their goal of connecting 210,000 children with needed oral health services in 2013***.
Disclosure: “I received products from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the LISTERINE® 21 Day Challenge. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.”
St Patricks Day Cookies: Chocolate Leprechaun Hats using a chocolate marshmallow and sugar cookie. Cute little treat for the family on St. Patricks day. Easy to make. They are also a no bake cookie. Here is how.
Dip the end Marshmallow in to chocolate a place in the center of the cookie this fused the marshmallow with the cookie
Allow the chocolate marshmallow cookie to cool in the fridge for 10 minute till set
Roll the hat on the side in the chocolate till covered. I use a spoon carefully Place on wax paper to cool or place in fridge..away from blower to avoid bubbles
When cook decorate with band and clover- I used glitter icing for my black it did not dry so I would use the same Betty Crocker icing for both the black and white.
You can buy little bags to protect the Chocolate Leprechaun Hats
You could also do Easter bonnets and use pastel chocolates.
My daughter and her friends got to experience Barbies Mega Bloks. The girls spent about 2 hours building the Barbie Mega Bloks house and the pool. They love also they decorated the house and pool with the stickers and all the accessories. They read and followed all the easy to understand instructions no parental help required.. which was a real bonus for me. Team work is what it took to build this dream house. The girls built it there way as team and dividing the process, there was complete cooperation from all involved int he Barbie Mega Bloks building process. A truly lovely afternoon.
The Mega Bloks® Barbie® collection line-up will allow fans to be in control of their dreams in a buildable world of fashion and fantasy. Girls can feel empowered to build ‘n style their very own Mega Bloks Barbie world, with over 300 specially-designed pieces and tons of detailed accessories. Collect up to 19 mini fashion dolls — including Barbie, Teresa, Nikki and of course Ken — with changeable hair, accessories and clothing styles! There’s lots of great places to shop, like the Fashion Boutique and the Pet Shop. Hang out at home in the personalized Luxury Mansion, relax at the pool or hop in your convertible and head to the beach house!
The girls loved the Mega Bloks sets. I think they were prefect for the 7+ girls we had at our party. They like the building and the play. The mega block also has an online world so the children can continue they play virtually. The online Barbie Mega Bloks site has games and videos. My daughter loved checking it out. Here is a video so you can get a closer look.
I love that Mega Block has other smaller sets in the $10 range so they make great birthday gifts.
I can recommend the Barbie Mega bloks my daughter loves it she has been run late to school every morning because she is playing with them. Great gift. Also I wanted to mention the blogs fit with other building systems. She has been building furniture and accessory for other full size Barbies.. so every toy in her room is in on the Barbie Mega Blok party.
Disclosure: I received a MommyParty kit from via the promotional program with MomSelect. No other compensation was received, and all opinions are mine alone.
Tonight was International Night at school. My daughter identifies with the Irish side of my family .. (My Irish grandmother thinks she is a hoot) My daughter was born near St. Patricks day, so every thing is irish to her. I am not really sure what it was about international night but my daughter talked about it all week. She wanted to wear a “Irish” costume? I don’t have any Irish costumes laying around. I guess I could have give her a shamrock cape? So I dressed her very last minute as a peasant, green tee with a shamrock quick embellishment I found on Pintrest, apron, and a shawl.
It was very reminiscent of when my mother dressed me as a Polish peasant in 1979- were are the same age in the photo.
I am 1/3 Irish, 1/3 German/Scottish, 1/3 Polish but so we are a typical American mutt. As a kid I was always Polish.. no one could every say my name.. it has a “ski” on the end. Every year at the beggining of school tired of people not being able to say it Ry….ski. So I did change my when I got married, and I did not hyphenate (it is 9 letters..way too long to write.) It took my kids till they were 4 before they could say my maiden name. To this day I still identify my inner Pollock.
On St. Patricks day when my son was 2. I told him he was Irish, lets wear Green. He started to cry saying ” I don’t want to be “Irelish” he thought it was like an illiness.. it took him 2 years before he accepted it.
Tonight my daughter told me I was polish and she was Irish.. Love Kid Logic.. She saw the picture
I love my Irish/Polish child- she is still Polish
Did you get dressed up for international night?
Check out my pinterest for great Ideas as we head towards St. Patricks day.
When My husband I 1st met. His parents came to visit NJ, they were from PA. My mother decided to host a dinner for my husbands parents (they were not inlaws yet). My parents just moved in there new house days earlier and decided to host this last minute dinner. My Mom made her baked chicken, which was a standard in my family’s house growing up. My Mother in law asked repeatedly for the recipe. Directions are rub with oil put seasoning and toss in the oven till the skin is crispy about 40 minutes. So here is a picture of how to make baked chicken. For me it is a beginners cook winning recipe.
A few weeks ago we were invited to see the Philadelphia Orchestra for the Carnival of the Animals is a fun, interactive musical program presented by The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall. My daughter and her friend adored the program. The Kimmel center is beautiful. 
Disclosure: I received the tickets in exchange for this review. The opinions in this post are of my own.
