We had the best day at Carowinds and their Howl-O-Fest’s Boo Blast!
I was only aware of Scarowinds (which is Carowinds turned into a haunted amusement park at night) until Thursday when I was told about the kids version- Howl-O-Fest’s Boo Blast. It is tucked away at the side of the main entrance of Carowinds near the amphitheater and is loads of fun for everyone!
Starting at 12 p.m., Howl-O-Fest’s Boo Blast activities begin. Your kiddo can meet Charlie Brown and friends, plus some other friendly costume characters; play in a Foam Pit; go through the Great Pumpkin Patch maze; pick a (free) pumpkin from the Mumpkin Patch; play ghostly games; get their face painted; color; and more! I was really impressed E zipped right through the maze by herself.
Starting at 2 p.m. there is trick-or-treating in the Boo Blast- plus in 5 other areas in the park. You are given a Boo Blast Treasure Hunt map to find the treasures throughout Carowinds. There are other special events going on at the Boo Blast at different times like the Fraidy Cat Show, Kiddie-oke, Peanuts Dance Party, and the attraction closes with a Costume Parade at 4:45 p.m.!
Howl-O-Fest’s Boo Bash would make an excellent pre-Halloween party to take the kiddos to next weekend! October 29 and 30th are the last 2 days Carowinds is open until Spring 2012. Howl-O-Fest’s Boo Blast is truly the perfect farewell to the amusement park fun.
We spent around an hour and a half at the Boo Bash then headed into the park to ride the fun rides. E got to experience her first front seat roller coaster ride- and now she is hooked!
If she was tall enough, she would have been on the upside down roller coasters. 🙂 She was 2 inches too short to ride some of the rides when we visited in April, so we waited the perfect amount of time before returning.
Throughout Carowinds, there are skeletons and other Halloween decor. The super scary stuff that is saved for Scarowinds was closed down so the kiddos couldn’t see. But there were some graveyards, broken skeletons, ghosts, grim reapers, and creepy clowns- which were very frightening to me! (I am terrified of clowns.) There was also a Boo Blast ride where you have a “boo blaster” to aim and shoot the ghosts which wasn’t very scary. E laughed and said it was like Ghost Busters.
If you are in the Charlotte area, I highly suggest checking out Howl-O-Fest’s Boo Blast at Carowinds before it closes! If not this year, definitely check it out next year.
*I was given free admission for this review. This is no way alters my opinions. These are my thoughts, feelings, and results.
This giveaway has ended. Thanks to all that entered! Congrats to Erin N.!!
There is nothing like homemade potato chips, fried zucchini, fried ravioli, and fried chicken. We very rarely eat fried foods, but I usually get a craving once a week. We were using a “smart oil” but then I realized it wasn’t organic and contained canola- which means it could be made with GM canola. I switched to olive oil, but not only is it expensive, it leaves the food with a weird taste. I’ve heard a lot about coconut oil over the past several months, so I finally decided to see what all of the hype is about.
I have several foodie friends who are pretty incredible people. They eat very strict diets and I look up to them for the choices they make. I asked them what was the best coconut oil and they told me to try Tropical Traditions. They also told me to buy by the gallon because it’s worth it and saves money in the long run. But since I had never truly tasted coconut oil, I asked Tropical Traditions if they’d like a review.
I was sent the Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil to review and I’m now hooked for life!
You want to cook the oil at a lower temperature when frying. I mixed a little bit of organic soy when I was steaming the coconut oil with chicken. Here are some of the yummy dishes I’ve created using the Tropical Traditions Gold Label Extra Virgin Coconut Oil:
Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST November 6, 2011 to enter. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced after they respond to the winning email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email, or a new winner will be chosen. You must leave your email address! This contest is open to the US and Canada
How to Enter: Tell me a coconut oil recipe you want to try! Go Click on “Comments” to leave your post. Make sure to leave your email address!! I cannot contact the winner without it!
*Disclaimer: I was sent the item reviewed free of charge. This in no way alters my opinion. These are all my thoughts, results, findings, and opinions.
I’ve been dreading this day for the past 2 weeks. I’ve been working with Earth Mama on their newsletter and Facebook pages for the last week about loss and it’s been really hard- yet extremely therapeutic. If you haven’t followed my blog for very long, you might not know that I lost twins earlier this year. I went through the “losing them” process twice before I finally had them surgically removed in March. I have now lost 6 angels.
With my previous miscarriages, I never fully grieved. Don’t get me wrong, each and every loss took a piece of me, but I buried the sadness. No one tells you how to grieve or how you are supposed to feel when you lose a baby at 6-9 weeks. People who haven’t experienced a loss might undermine your feelings which can make you feel like your grief is invalid- especially if your loss was early on. I’ve recently heard many stories of this happening. It was easier for me to hide the pain and move on. But the problem with that is that it always comes back in different subtle ways.
This miscarriage was different because I knew from the beginning I might lose them. For one, I was high risk and two, at the first early ultrasound showed no fetal pole. We didn’t see the second sac until the 2nd ultrasound. I didn’t tell many friends or family members just because I thought it would be easier for everyone. I began to bleed 2 days before Christmas and just assumed it was a full miscarriage since it was exactly like my last 4. I tucked away my grief yet again so my daughter wouldn’t see my pain during the holidays.
I looked at websites recommended from the Healing Hearts grief resources webpage, but wasn’t ready to find comfort in them and other people’s stories. Earth Mama Angel Baby had sent me a care package with Harmony Tea, a Light of My Heart Candle, and Healing Heart Mist which were soothing. But I knew I was about to break, so I sought out a guru to teach me how to meditate. My goal was to learn how to control my thoughts and to just be silent. There was so much going on in my world that my inner voice was soo loud. I needed peace to have the strength to face this loss.
At the time I didn’t want to face the fact that I “lost” the twins- so much in fact, I put off going to the Dr. for the final check up for another month. I was gaining strength from the mediation, so I made an appointment to get checked out in early February. The ultrasound showed they were still there- undeveloped. I opted to finally take the meds they had offered me in November when we saw the fetal poles had stopped growing. During this, learning how to meditate became a chore instead of a therapy. I couldn’t keep silent enough to meditate. My third week on the miscarriage drug, I began to bleed heavily which put me in the ER.
This was one of the worst experiences of my life. The staff was cruel, heartless, insensitive, jerks- I could go on. When I told them I was miscarrying I was asked, “could you be pregnant?” “what makes you think that are you pregnant?” I mean seriously! I didn’t even have a Dr. look at me until 4 hours after we had been there and I had soaked through 6+ pads. When the radiologist told me the sacs were gone, I argued that no, I see them right there. Even 2 other Dr.’s looked at the ultrasound and said they were gone. Of course no one listened to me. I was sent home with nothing. No I’m sorry’s, no literature about dealing with grief from a loss. Nothing.
3 days later I showed up at my Dr. and asked her to do another ultrasound- that I knew they were still there. So they did, and they were. They scheduled a D&E for the next week. I was numb/crushed that I had to go through this a third time. I have lost my other angels from 6 weeks-19 weeks and this was my first D&E. After the D&E I still wasn’t given any literature or sources for grief. I have a huge problem with this and want to start something to educate hospitals and Dr.’s. Honestly, if it weren’t for Earth Mama, I would have never known there were grief sites dedicated to pregnancy loss. I have no clue why I never Googled it- but I didn’t.
After my surgery, I went back to work the next day. Granted- I worked from home. I started the bury the pain- again- because it was too sad and hurtful to really feel. I was learning peace then I lost them two more times. I have lived comfortably numb for the past 7 months, focusing on life and how to get through it. Trying to breathe and find peace. On their due date, I lit the Light of My Heart Candle and said the prayer included. I also planted 2 trees for them.
Mama Melinda challenged me to help with the Earth Mama newsletter that was dedicated to Pregnancy and Baby Loss Remembrance Day. I’ve been preparing myself for the past couple of weeks- terrified of putting my story on paper. I am a writer- yet I haven’t been able to find words to describe what I went through until now. And I am forever thankful that she gave me this task. I feel like a weight has been lifted- especially since I haven’t shed a tear while writing this. I want to share my story in hopes someone out there reads it and knows they aren’t alone. I want to do more- but first I want to heal. Take a deep breath and carry on.
If you know someone who has lost a baby- no matter at what stage- reach out to them and let them know you are here to listen if they need to talk. I’ve had 2 friends lose a baby & and another friend lost her toddler this week. Miscarriage and baby loss are sadly common, yet no one wants to talk about them. If you don’t know what to say, check out the Healing Hearts page dedicated to “What Do I Say.”
You can read My Story on Earth Mama’s website and see my Q&A with Jhene Erwin writer/director of the short film The House I Keep.
Thank you Melinda. (and now the tears start…)
I am a proud member of Blogtricity and was thrilled when they told me about the Appalachian Outdoors Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Crew women’s socks up for review. Wool is an amazing fabric- especially with its wicking properties. Wool is also sustainable and I’ve read that Smartwool is very friendly to their sheep!
Appalachian Outdoors has been providing excellent outdoor clothing since 1974. They sell clothing and equipment for snowsports, hiking, climbing, fitness, travel, and more.
“The women’s PhD Outdoor Light Crew is one of Smartwool’s most versatile outdoor socks. Whether you are hiking, biking, running or just walking around town your feet will be comfortable all day long.”
PRODUCT FEATURES:
I am in love! The merino wool feels completely different on my feet, so I will just keep them away from my hands. 😉 The Light Crew Socks are tight on my feet and feel like warm soft slippers. My feet haven’t become sweaty when wearing them, even in warmer weather. I can’t wait to go hiking in them! The socks go up to my mid-calf and offer support from top to bottom. I highly recommend!
You can get the Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Crew socks at Appalachian Outdoors for $19.95.
*disclaimer- Appalachian Outdoors sent me the Smartwool socks at no charge. This is no way alters my opinion- these are my personal thoughts & results.
It’s time to dance!! In 2 weeks E gets to go see YO GABBA GABBA LIVE! THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY, presented by Kia Motors, in Charlotte and we are beyond excited! Last year we had a blast! You can read my review of the 2010 tour here. Of course any time I get the chance to review anything YO GABBA GABBA related, I jump on it. I love the social lessons, songs, art, and uniqueness.
YO GABBA GABBA LIVE is visiting 50 cities this tour! This is from their website: “Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! is going on the road again! The It’s Time To Dance! Tour Presented by Kia Motors is traveling to more than 50 cities! But this time, it’s an all new show. Come see all your favorites like DJ Lance Rock, Brobee, Foofa,Muno, Plex, and Toodee, with special guests Hip Hop Legend Biz Markie and Razzle Dazzle Superstar Leslie Hall. You won’t want to miss it!”
Check out what’s left on the tour:
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October 14
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New York
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Beacon Theatre
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October 15
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New York
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Beacon Theatre
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October 16
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New York
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Beacon Theatre
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October 18
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Scranton, PA
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Scranton Cultural Center
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October 19
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Norfolk
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Chrysler Hall
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October 21
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Charleston, WV
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Municipal Auditorium
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October 22
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Richmond
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Landmark Theater
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October 23
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Greensboro
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War Memorial Auditorium
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October 25
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North Charleston, SC
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North Charleston Performing Arts Center
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October 26
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Columbia, SC
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Township Auditorium
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October 28
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Charlotte
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Ovens Auditorium
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October 29
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Charlotte
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Ovens Auditorium
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October 30
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Atlanta
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Fox Theatre
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November 1
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Raleigh
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Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts
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November 2
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Knoxville
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Tennessee Theatre
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November 4
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Memphis
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Orpheum Theatre
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November 5
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Tulsa
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BOK Center
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November 6
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Kansas City
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Music Hall
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November 8
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Denver
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1st Bank Center
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November 9
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Salt Lake City
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Kingsbury Hall
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November 11
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Vancouver
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Queen Elizabeth Theatre
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November 12
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Seattle
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Paramount Theatre
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November 13
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Seattle
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Paramount Theatre
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November 15
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Sacramento
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Memorial Auditorium
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November 16
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Reno
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Reno Events Center
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November 18
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Fresno
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Save Mart Center
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November 19
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San Jose
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San Jose Civic Auditorium
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November 20
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San Diego
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San Diego Civic Theatre
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November 22
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Bakersfield
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Rabobank Theater
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November 25
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Los Angeles
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Nokia Theatre
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November 26
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Los Angeles
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Nokia Theatre
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November 27
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Las Vegas
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Orleans Arena
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November 29
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El Paso
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Abraham Chavez Theatre
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November 30
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San Antonio
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Lila Cockrell Theatre
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December 2
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Houston
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Verizon Wireless Theatre
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December 3
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Dallas
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Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
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December 4
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Austin
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Cedar Park Center
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December 6
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New Orleans
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Mahalia Jackson Theatre
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December 7
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Tallahassee
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Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center
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December 9
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St. Petersburg, FL
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Mahaffey Theater
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December 10
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Fort Lauderdale
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Broward Center
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December 11
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Fort Lauderdale
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Broward Center
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GIVEAWAY: YO GABBA GABBA LIVE would love to give 1 lucky reader a special CD/DVD that is only available on the tour!! The CD is the Music Is Awesome Vol 3 disk (available on Amazon) but the DVD is a LIVE show at the L.A. Nokia Theatre which can only be purchased at YO GABBA GABBA LIVE.
Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST October 29, 2011 to enter. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced after they respond to the winning email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email, or a new winner will be chosen. You must leave your email address! This contest is open to the US
5. “Like” Yo Gabba Gabba on Facebook
6. Sign up for the Yo Gabba Gabba newsletter
This giveaway has ended! Thanks to all that entered!! Congrats to Emily 🙂
Mkokopelli’s submission to Healthy Child, Healthy World Recommended Books
Hope everyone had fun at their local costume swap yesterday! The Charlotte swap was awesome!! I was so impressed with all of the costumes. Here are a few pictures of the swap:
Check out Celebrate Green‘s website for other great tips, blog articles, activities, BUY the book, and some other neat stuff to make your world “greener!” Also, they are having 31 days of green giveaways going on- so be sure comment each day on the Green Halloween blog!
If the Rafflecopter widget doesn’t show up- click on the link to the giveaway. It will be there! Sorry for any troubles!
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<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js">You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.
This giveaway has ended. Thanks to all that entered! Congrats to Lana!
*Mkokopelli’s submission to Healthy Child, Healthy World Recommended Books
Anni Daulter is my new idol. 😉 She is an amazing author, chef, mother, editor, and human. She’s creative, conscious, nurturing, wholesome, and 100% natural in every way. I have loved following her work over the past year and a half and look forward to what is next! (Hopefully more cookbooks! She truly inspires me in the kitchen!!!)
Anni Daulter is the author of the Organic Family Cookbook, Ice Pop Joy, Organically Raised: Conscious Cooking for Babies and Toddler , editor of bamboo magazine- conscious family living and is the mom of 4 children. (Be sure to check out her sites for recipes!) Anni taught herself how to cook and then continued learning at a Zen Buddhist retreat- Tassajara. She also opened a fresh organic baby food company- Bohemian Baby.
I was sent a copy of Anni’s newly released work of art, the Organic Family cookbook: growing, greening, and cooking together, and I am truly blown away. Not only does the cookbook include the most delicious wholesome recipes, it is a work of art with the photographs by Alexandra DeFurio. Anni has incorporated the normal cookbook stuff with a unique taste of her lifestyle. She talks about her family, how they are green, how they cook together, what her children like, and even some of their recipes! It has seriously raised the bar for cookbooks.
There are 7 food categories in the Organic Family cookbook: Naturally Tasty Breakfasts, Simple Snacks, Wholesome Lunches, Family Favorite Dinners, Savory Sides, Refreshing Desserts, Homespun Extras. Each chapter includes 9-12 recipes with stunning full size photographs of the dish, and litte personal extras throughout the chapter that are either about Growing Together, Greening Together, or Cooking Together.
I spent my weekend cooking different recipes from the Organic Family Cookbook, and coming from 2 people who have SPD/texture issues- YUMM!! I love the natural ingredients and how most recipes are low in sugar and are made with unique flours. I like trying new things and my pallet thoroughly enjoyed the new flavors!
GIVEAWAY: Anni would love to give 1 lucky winner a copy of the Organic Family cookbook!
Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST October 23, 2011 to enter. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced after they respond to the winning email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email, or a new winner will be chosen. You must leave your email address! This contest is open to the US
5. Like Anni’s pages on Facebook: The Organic Family Cookbook, bamboo magazine, Ice Pop Joy, Organically Raised, Delicious Gratitude Food Styling
6. Try a recipe from Anni’s and let me know which one (5 entries- you can find them on her book’s websites)
7. Subscribe to bamboo magazine
*disclaimer- I was sent a copy of the book for free. This in no way changes my views. These are my thoughts, views, opinions, and results.
Mkokopelli.com 