Update on Life Changes and Winner of Gift Card!

Hey friends! 

Soooo, since I posted about my food addiction I've been busy making some life changes.

The main thing is praying about changing the way I see food, and then actually putting that into action.

I signed up for a program called Advocare.  I knew a lot of people who were doing it, and most of them were having success.

Not just with weight loss, but with feeling their best.

So, I decided to give it a try.

They have this thing called a 24 day challenge, and so that's where I'm starting.

I like it because I am eating real food, but the kind of food I should be eating....whole foods, things that will help my body instead of hurting it.

It is helping to teach me about what makes my body feel better and run better.  And the best part is, I have never felt hungry, which is something I was afraid of.

I have finished the "cleanse" portion, and am now on to the "max" phase.  Basically, I'm on day 12 and so far, I've lost 16 pounds and 8 inches!!!!

Oh.  My.  Word.

BUT, even better than that, is that I feel great!!

My mind is clearer.

I am not tired all the time like I used to be.

I am not craving sugar or fried foods.

I am not having all the stomach issues I have struggled with for so long.

And I feel good about myself.

It has been a long time since I could say that.

But it's true.

Because, you see, I realized that for so long, I have not even been looking at myself.

I mean, of course I do my makeup and hair in the mirror, and I check my outfit before I leave the house.

But I never really look at myself.  Like, look into my own eyes and actually see me.

Why?

I don't know.  I think it's just because I was afraid I wouldn't like who I saw there.

But the other day, when I realized this, I just took a moment to really look at myself.  And you know what?

I like me.

I try to be kind and giving whenever I can.

I really care about other people and how they feel.

I am a loyal and true friend.

I have a pretty good sense of humor (if I do say so myself...and I do :)  )

I try to stay positive.

I am smart.

I am always trying to be a teachable person.

I am a good mommy.

I am a faithful and loving wife.

And I genuinely love Christ with every fiber of my being.

So maybe I don't exactly love the physical part of my looks, and I know I still have things that I need to change, (like this food addiction I'm working through), but overall, I can honestly say that I like me.  And that is a HUGE step.

Not afraid to really look in that mirror anymore.

And, if after all of this, if that's the only thing I get...I feel pretty great about that!

So there you have it.

My first "update".

I'd say it's a pretty good one. :)




And NOW, are you ready for the results of the $50 Visa Card Giveaway??

Congratulations to...

GRETCHEN!!!!

I hope you enjoy your $50 and spend it on something to spoil yourself!!!!

Please send me your address at thefamilyfunmom@yahoo.com and I will send it off to you!



And thanks again to all of you for continuing to read and for all the encouragement!

I Love My Followers {Giveaway}

As most of you know, this has been a pretty depressing summer for me.

BUT, one of the brightest spots has been this blog.

And recently, I have had a lot of new followers, and especially, a lot of new 'LIKES' on the FamilyFunMom Facebook Page.

Sooooo, to celebrate, and to thank you, I'm doing a GIVEAWAY!!!

Want to know what you can win??

A $50 Visa Gift Card!

That way, you can get exactly what you want!

How do you enter to win??

LIKE the FamilyFunMom Facebook page...

and then,

make sure to leave a comment letting me know you like the familyfun mom page!

That's it!!

How easy is that?? 

Ohhhh, you want more chances to win?

Okay then refer a friend to like FamilyFunMom on FB and when they do, leave a comment letting me know you did (and their name!)

You can also tweet about this giveaway (also, leave a comment), or link to the giveaway on your FB page (you know the drill....leave a comment).

The Giveaway will go through September 30th, and on October 1st, I'll reveal the winner!

Good Luck, and thanks again for reading this little blog of mine that makes me so happy :)

My Ultimate Mother's Day

In case you've been too busy to remember, Mother's Day is just a couple weeks away.  But you should probably start giving your husband and kids the heads up now.  Because otherwise, you'll end up with last minute drug store gifts like store brand hand lotion and the second book in a series, (that you haven't read the first of).

Trust me on this one.

To make it a little easier for my family, I made a pin board on Pinterest for my hubby and girls to look at so that they don't have to guess what mom wants for Mother's Day.  Yay for them, and yay for me!

My Ultimate Dream Mother's Day looks something like this:

My husband and kids let me sleep in until the smell of hot blueberry french toast casserole wakes me.  I am served breakfast in bed, along with beautiful bright spring tulips, (my favorite!)

After I eat, I am given all kinds of "mommy, we appreciate you" goodies, like a homemade craft from my girls,  a gorgeous chevron bag, a Lisa Leonard bracelet, a beautiful and totally girly bike, and a hot new pair of Nike's!  I slip on my new shoes and we go out for an afternoon family bike ride and I get to ride my new and fabulous bike.  Then we come home and my loving husband sends me to the spa for an hour massage while he cleans the house.

I come home completely relaxed and take a nap.  And later, while hubby grills dinner, I sip on some Riesling, sit in a comfy chair, and read a sappy love story just for fun.  When dinner is ready, we eat together on the back patio and after a yummy dessert of peanut butter pie, we watch the girls play until dark. 

It sounds like complete perfection to me.  A dream and complete wishful thinking, but perfection nonetheless.

But wouldn't you like to help me make some of my wishes come true??  If you would PLEASE OH PLEASE click the image above (which links to my picture on Tend), and click 'Love', which is a vote for my board, I am registered for a $500 Visa gift card!  PLUS, if I win, I get a Mother's Day Goodie Basket to give away on my blog, AND I'll personally be giving away a $100 Visa Gift Card!!

It can be perfection for all of us!  Each 'Love' click is one raffle ticket into the drawing, and it's only going on through May 9th!

Plus, if you haven't ever been to Tend, be sure to stick around and check it out.  It's a great community with lots of info. for moms and families. 

So Go Now and Vote for me!  Pleeeeeeeeeease!!!!!!!

And then tell me, what does your Ultimate Mother's Day look like??

And The Winner of The Hershey's Easter Basket is...

Congratulations to Su Nela!!!! 

You are the winner of the AWESOMNESS that is the Hershey's Easter Basket!! 

{I will be emailing you soon to get your shipping address!}

And if you didn't win, no worries...Hershey's has you covered!!  Make sure to check out their site to get lots of ideas on making your own creative Easter Basket and lots of other crafty, (and yummy!), ideas!

source

Who's Ready For Easter Baskets? {Hershey's GIVEAWAY}

source

I am!

I'm ready for pastel colors, baby chicks, peeps, chocolate bunnies, and the decorated eggs.

I love Easter and especially The Easter Baskets!

For our girls, we fill them with eggs, toys, books, and a little candy, too.

Because, after all, what's an Easter basket without candy?

And Hershey's is the perfect candy for Easter!  The Peanut Butter Eggs, (MY FAVE!), the Chocolate Bunnies, The Hershey's Kisses, Twizzlers...It's everything your kids want!

source

And I am Giving Away A Hershey's Easter Basket filled with these yummy treats to Celebrate!  It's a Green Basket with green grass, (gender neutral!), with all the Hershey's goodness you can imagine!

Want to Win?

Here's How: (And Don't Forget, you can enter as many times as you like!! Just leave a comment for each entry!)

-Sign up to Follow my blog and leave a comment below!
-Like Family Fun Mom on Facebook (see the Like button on the right?) and leave a comment below!
-Follow Family Fun Mom on Twitter (also on the right) and leave a comment below
-Like Hershey's on Facebook and leave a comment below
-Follow Hershey's on Twitter and leave a comment below
-Leave a comment telling me what you like in your Easter Baskets!
-Visit The Celebrate With Hershey's site, look around, and come back here and comment on what your favorite products/ideas are!

But HURRY!  The winner will be announced on the blog Next Wednesday, March 14th!  (Plenty of time for me to get it to you before The Big Day!)

Happy Easter, and I'll see ya on the bunny trail :)

I have received this basket as a promotion from Hershey's.  Read my full disclosure policy here.

Winner of The Nutcracker Tickets!!!

Congratulations to......


Real Life Motherhood of 4 for winning tickets to The Nutcracker!!!

Email me your name and mailing address to thefamilyfunmom@yahoo.com and I will send you your voucher!

I KNOW that you will love this show!!

Congratulations and I hope you have a FANTASTIC time!

Things I Love Thursday: The Nutcracker {GIVEAWAY}!!!!

One year when I was about 15, one of my church youth leaders took some of us girls to see The Nutcracker Ballet. 

It was beautiful.

I knew that one day I would want to take my kids to see it too.

And when Addy was 3, we took her to see it, and she loved it too.

It is so much fun to get all dressed up, go out for a fancy dinner, and then go to The Schuster Center.

The Christmas decorations were up, the Holiday music was playing, and there was a fabulous anticipation in the air because it was just one of those magical moments.

You know, the kind that almost make you want to cry.

(Okay, so maybe I'm a little over-emotional right now.  But it *is* just so special!)

I wish everyone had the chance to see this beautiful and special ballet, but I realize that it can be a big expense during a time of year that is already kind of tight.

Not that it's not worth it, because it TOTALLY is!  But I'm just saying that I can definitely see why sometimes people just can't fit it into the budget.

But if you have thought about going, but have been holding off on getting tickets, TODAY'S YOUR DAY!

I am giving away 4 FREE tickets to The Dayton Ballet's Performance of The Nutcracker!!! And one of the BEST parts is that you get to choose the date you want to go!

There are several ways to enter for your FREE tickets AND YOU CAN ENTER AS MANY TIMES AS YOU LIKE!  But make sure to leave a comment for each entry.

-Follow This Blog
-Follow Family Fun Mom on Facebook
-Follow Family Fun Mom on Twitter
-Follow The Dayton Ballet on Facebook
-Follow The Dayton Ballet on Twitter
-Tell us about your favorite memory of seeing The Nutcracker
-Tell us why you want to win the tickets
-Blog about this giveaway
-Link a post from your Facebook or Twitter account to this giveaway

But Remember, LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

The Giveaway will run through November 17th and a winner will be announced on November 18th! 

I am SOOOO excited to be doing this giveaway, you don't even understand!  I just know that you'll have a fabulous time!

Good Luck!

Disclosure:  I have received tickets for my family and to giveaway for this promotion of The Dayton Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker.  All opinions in this post are completely my own!

Back-To-School Week One Target Giveaway!

Now that we have finished our first week of the Back-to-School series, I want to celebrate!

And the best way to celebrate is to give back to my readers!

SOOOOO, in the spirit of back-to-school shopping, I am giving away a $20 Gift card to TARGET!

You can spend it on all your back-to-school supplies, clothes, or whatever else you want.  But it's all yours!

All you have to do is enter to win, and you can do so more than once!

Here's how:

-Sign up to follow my blog and leave a comment letting me know you did!

-Visit the Target site and shop around.  Let me know what you would buy with the gift card!

-'Like' Target on Facebook and come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did.

-Follow Target on Twitter and leave a comment here letting me know you did!

-'Like' Family Fun Mom on Facebook and leave a comment here letting me know you did!

-Follow Family Fun Mom on Twitter and leave a comment here telling me!

Winner will be drawn next Sunday, one week from today!  Good Luck!!

Linking up with Smart and Trendy Moms for the Monday Giveaway Linky

Winner of The Etsy Giveaway

And the winner is......

CARRIE! 

Congratulations Carrie!  Please email me your information to thefamilyfunmom@yahoo.com and I will get you set up with Christine for your personalized towel!

And if you didn't win, but still want your own towel, be sure to check out Purse-O-Nals Etsy store and order yours today!

So I'm taking a break from Mix it Up Monday today to enjoy the day with my family, but I *will* be posting in the What I Wore Wednesday post and linking up with The Pleated Poppy, so be sure to look for that!

Happy Memorial Day everyone!  Have fun and be safe!

Papa John's Winner

A Big Congratulations goes out to Gail Hawley for winning the $20 Papa John's gift card!  Hope you enjoy your Family Pizza Movie Night!

Gail, please email me at thefamilyfunmom@yahoo.com with your address, and I will get that gift card in the mail to you.  After all, I'm sure you're gonna want to use that card ASAP!

Also Peeps, don't forget to check out the updated Upcoming Events page (you can always find it to the right!).  There are a lot of fun things going on around the Dayton area, so you don't want to miss out.  And remember that if you know of an event going on that is not listed, please email it to me!  We want to list as many options available to families as possible!

AND, the Disney Deals page has been updated, (also to the right!), and there is a new deal available offering a FREE Disney Dining Plan with your trip!  You can save Mucho Dinero!!

Congrats again to Gail, and if you didn't win this time, no worries!  There will be another Giveaway coming soon, so stay tuned :)

Don't Forget...

to enter the Papa John's Giveaway for a FREE $20 Gift Card!  You KNOW you don't want to miss out on your chance for some yummy pizza goodness!  Soft dough, zesty sauce, gooey cheese, a mound of toppings of your choice...makes you want to order some right now, doesn't it? 

Today is the last day, and the winner will be announced tomorrow.  There are a few ways to enter, but make sure to click here to leave your comment.  They must be on the original post to be a part of the drawing. 

And remember that you can enter more than once!  The more you enter, the better your chances to win!  Good Luck!

It's a Win Win for Everyone!

My friend, Julie, gave me the heads up about this event in Oakwood and I wanted to pass along the details to my readers. 

You see, I have A LOT of friends who are in the adoption world, which is AWESOME!  I sincerely believe that God uses Adoption to change lives in all kinds of ways.  Of course, there is the obvious, but He uses it also to grow people's hearts, to challenge their faith in new ways, and to show us a picture of the kind of love He has for us.  I have seen lots of families become whole through the process of adoption, and it has been truly amazing!

So when Julie told me about this fundraiser, called Molly's Shower of Hope, to benefit the adoption of a nine-year-old little girl named Molly from China, I was glad to help in any way I could. 

Maureen and Bill Wagner felt called to adopt Molly last fall, and while there is definitely a cost involved in adopting, there are additional expenses for Molly due to the medical needs she will face.  Molly is in a wheelchair due to muscle atrophy in her arms and legs, and will require medical attention and therapy once she is here.  All proceeds from this event will help cover medical expenses.

So tomorrow, Sunday May 1st, the fundraiser will be held at 118 E. Dixon Ave. in Oakwood, OH at the home of Linda Woods from 1-4pm.  This will be a time to socialize with friends while shopping and taking part in various raffles.  And the raffles sound GREAT!  Just take a look at these:

Raffle #2:  Homestyle Meal and Irish Jokes – what could be more fun?

·         Papa Bob’s Crockpot dinner for four (priceless)

·         12 pack of Smithwick's

Raffle #3:  Take Me Out to the Ballpark

·         Six tickets to Dayton Dragons game, upper deck directly behind home plate, Sunday June 5^th at 2:00, donated by Jennifer and Bill Almoney

·         Various Dragons fan gear, and a Dewey’s pizza gift certificate ($30)

Raffle #4:  Cincinnati Reds Fanatic

·         Four Club Section tickets for Wednesday May 18^th 7:10pm game with parking pass ($225+)

·         Two Reds players autographed prints (Ryan Hanigan and George Foster, priceless for the avid fan)

·         Reds straw hat, water bottle, slinky, and ladies t-shirt

·         And, to make it a truly Cincinnati experience, a Skyline basket ($30)

Raffle #5:  Nuts about the Nutcracker

·         Four tickets to the Dayton Ballet’s 2011 Nutcracker, you pick the date ($200+ value)

·         Gift certificate for lunch or dinner at The Dayton Racquet Club donated by Maria and Vince Russell

·         And, for your own ballerina, a handmade tutu and wand from The Mystic Moor ($40 value)

Raffle #6:  Ladies, Pamper Yourselves

·         Annette White Holistic Health Counseling, three hour package including an in-depth health assessment, a one-hour food consultation and a one-hour lifestyle consultation (priceless)

·         Holistic health gift basket

·         Makeover, anti aging cleanser, unwrinkled pads, canvas bag, and candle donated by Preen

·         One hour massage, Tudor Day Spa ($70)

·         Yoga card from Practice Yoga donated by Dr. Kristy Zechiel

Raffle #7:  Too much coffee?  Red wine?

·         Oral B supersonic toothbrush ($125) and Whitening System (impressions, trays, & whitening compound to do at home, $350)  donated by Dr. Zak Hallock

Raffle #8:  Mom’s Treat

·         Eden Salon – woman’s cut and style and assortment of Aveda products ($60+)

·         Jewelry by D’sign, handcrafted sterling silver beaded bracelet ($50)

·         Stephanie Dawn Bags (tote, wallet and cosmetic case, $80)

·         Organize-it-All 3 hours of personal organizing services, ($120)

Raffle #9:  Date Night

·         Siam Pad Thai gift certificate ($25)

·         Two bottles Sterling Vintner’s Collection 2009 Chardonnay

Raffle #10:  Revive Your New Year’s Resolution

·         Nutrition consultations as needed, Lori Kelch (priceless)

·         Fusion Fitness Bootcamp or Personal Training ($50 gift certificate)

·         EAT Food for Life Farm – 10 lbs local, organic, grass-fed meat ($100+)

·         Chiropractic Health and Wellness Center Complete Evaluation ($150)

Raffle #11:  Beauty Begins Here

·         An amazing Arbonne basket donated by Erica Kovach ( $250)

Raffle #12:  Pink Power

·         Mary Kay gift basket donated by Tina Frantz

·         Vintage jewelry bracelet/necklace (can wear as either, $60)

Raffle #13:  Girls Night Out

·         Meadowlark gift certificate ($50)

·         Wine gift box donated by Michele Schoen

Raffle #14:  Experiencing God’s Grace

·         Gift basket from Common Ground Coffee Shop at Fairhaven Church, including a pound of coffee, the books Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby, Seasons of Grace by Beverly Lewis, and Total Abandon by Gary Witherall and more ($50+)

·         Wild Olive Tees (see co-hosts wearing one of the many designs), $25

·         An Angel for You by PJ Armocida

Raffle #15:  Spread the Word

·         Ahni art canvas, God’s word for God’s world, ($45-60) donated by Amy Kirk

·         Wild Olive Tees (see co-hosts wearing one of the many designs), $25

Raffle #16:  Dress Them Up While You Can

·         Kid’s haircut, Vanity hair salon

·         Detangling spray, Vanity hair salon

·         Handmade hair bows by Karen Wonders from the Maple Tree Cancer Alliance

·         Girls Mom and Me smocked summer dress, size 2T ($42)

·         Boys Mom and Me smocked summer romper, size 3T ($42)

Raffle #17:  Celebrate the Ones You Love

·         Family Portrait Package, Red Leaf Photography including sitting fee, one 8x10, one 5x7 and two 4x5s ($245)

Raffle #18:  Kid’s Birthday?  It’s Done!

·         Milano’s gift certificate ($25)

·         One hour of face painting for birthday party from JOY Entertainment, ($80)

Raffle #19:  Math Rescue

·         Five hours of math tutoring by Heidi Acuna ($125+)

Raffle #20:  House Need a Spruce Up?

·         Peach Orchard Design, two hours interior design service with Cindy McHugh ($100)

·         Planter from Oakwood Florist

Raffle #21:  Dream it Up

·         Lula Bell “Dreams do Come True” original art ($50)

·         SPARK Art Studio, one five-week session children’s art class ($50)

·         Kitty cat craft kit donated by Blue Turtle Toys ($15)

Raffle Ticket Prices:

$50 for 10

$25 for 4

$10 for 1

For every $50 spent on raffle tickets, get one blue ticket to enter door prize drawings:

1.       2:30 pm:  Two bottles of Hazlitt wine from the Finger Lakes Region

2.      3:00 pm:  Dorothy Lane Market gift card ($25) & bottle of 2007 Epicurean Bistro Grenache

3.       3:30 pm:  Starbucks gift box including French press coffee maker, 1 lb coffee, 2 mugs and coffee scoop ($65)

It only takes 1 Ticket to Win, and participants don't need to be present to win!  Plus, there are Silent Auction Items!  These include:

1.       Hilton Head Vacation – Minimum bid $500

Up to 10 days in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo 2 blocks from the beach and right on the bike path.  This is a private condo rented only to family and friends, so many 2011 dates are still available! ($1200+ value)

2.      Mickelson and Woods Golf Outing – Minimum bid $150

Need a Father’s Day Gift?  Golf hat autographed by four time major winner Phil Mickelson ($100 value) and a round of golf for three at NCR Country Club plus lunch with the other golfer named Woods…Kevin that is, of 118 E. Dixon Ave ($210 value)

3.       I70 Poles – Minimum bid $250

Original oil painting by local artist Annica Damico ($500 value)

4.      Sangria and Small Plates – Minimum bid $400

Dinner for eight hosted at the Hick residence by Kelly & Eric Hick, Stephanie and Sean Geehan and Margot and John Hadley (priceless) AND five hours babysitting from each of four babysitters: Sarah Geehan, Grace Geehan, Sarah Moulton and Allie Beach ($200)

As you can see, this event is definitely a WIN, WIN!  The Wagoner's get to bring their beautiful daughter Molly back to her Forever Family and you get some Fantastic Prizes!  I hope you can stop by, but if you can't but would like to purchase raffle tickets, please contact Linda Woods at lwoods@woh.rr.com

If you would like to donate, but cannot attend, you can make a donation to Molly's Hope Fund and mail to The Wagner's at 103 Spirea Dr. Dayton, OH 45419.

Papa Johns Giveaway!

One of my family's favorite things is Family Pizza Movie Night.  Usually, this takes place on a Friday, but we have also done Saturday's and the occasional Sunday evening, (we're Crazy like that...).

Most of the time we get our movie from the Library, (which is FREE...and you KNOW how I love FREE!).  But Redbox is also a great deal, and since they are just about everywhere, it's also very convenient.  Other options we have taken advantage of are On Demand (Pay-Per-View), a movie we own but haven't seen in a while, OR a movie I recorded on the DVR for just such an occasion.

Now, the other important element in our Movie Night is the PIZZA!  It just doesn't sound as cool when you say 'Casserole Movie Night' or 'Baked Chicken Movie Night', and since we are definitely the coolest family in town (you've figured that out by now haven't you?), we have to get Pizza!

We are a little picky about our pizza choices here, and since we all have different tastes, it sometimes makes our decision a little difficult. 

My husband won't eat any pizza with veggies, which happens to be my favorite.  And Addy always insists on Pineapple, and Faith only wants cheese.  We also have varying opinions on crust.  I like thin crust (think Marions or La Rosa's).  Jeremy likes a good tossed crust, and Addy likes Pan pizza.  Faith only eats the toppings off of her pizza, so if there were a pizza with no crust, that would be her choice.

So what we do most of the time is mix it up.  One week we do Jet's Pizza, which has a really good pan (they call it deep dish), and we do half pepperoni and half cheese.  Then another week we do La Rosa's and use a buy 1 get 1 free coupon (always available on their website!).  And if you are ordering La Rosa's then you MUST order the Boneless Barbecue Wings!  They use Montgomery Inn Sauce and they are AMAZING! 

But the pizza we come back to most often is Papa Johns!

Everyone in the family is happy with Papa Johns.  We either get 2, (when we have a coupon of course), or we get 1 Extra Large, half Pineapple and half Pepperoni.  And if we're really feeling like livin' on the edge, we add bread sticks which the girls LOVE (there is just something about dipping sauce...)!

And I must admit, we have never had a bad experience with Papa Johns.  They get it right every time, and consistency is something this momma really appreciates. 

So, to get you started with your own Family Pizza Movie Night, I am giving away a $20 Gift Card to Papa John's Pizza!  There are a few way's to enter, but make sure to leave a comment for each one!  And don't forget that you can enter MORE THAN ONCE!

1. Sign up to Follow My blog (you will need to create a blogger account if you don't already have one)

2. Link this Giveaway on your Facebook

3. Link this Giveaway on your Twitter

4. Visit the Papa Johns Facebook Page and 'Like' it (make sure to leave a comment on my blog to let me know you did it)

5. Leave a comment about this Giveaway on the Papa Johns Facebook Page (again, leave a comment here too!).

6. Comment on how much you want to win this Giveaway OR about your favorite Papa Johns Pizza.

7. Comment on your own Family Movie Night traditions.

But Hurry, because you only have through Thursday to enter.  Winner will be announced on the blog next Friday  Good Luck!.

Drum Roll Please...

The winner for the Thirty-One Picnic Tote and Key Fob is:  Beth Pierce!  Congratulations Beth, and thanks for entering! 

If you didn't win, be sure to check out Mary's page for all the great Thirty-One items.  And if you host a party in May,  you'll earn DOUBLE the free products! Because, we all Love free stuff! 

And don't forget to stay tuned to the blog for the next Giveaway coming soon!

Thirty-One Giveaway!

One of my family's favorite things to do when the weather is nice is to go on a picnic.  Usually we pack up sandwiches, fruit, chips, carrots and drinks and head out to one of the many fabulous parks we have around us.

There is something about eating out in the open air that we just love.  And the fact that the girls can eat a little, go and play, come back and eat some more, and dash off again...well they just think that's the best thing since sliced bread!

We have used coolers in the past, but honestly, I get tired of lugging that big, bulky thing around.  This year, I decided to purchase the Market Thermal Tote from Thirty-One Gifts, AND IT IS AWESOME!  I got it in the Circle Spirals Pattern and it is so huge, and it's insulated, so it keeps all of my stuff cold, (or warm depending on what I'm toting around). 

The reason I got the large Market Tote is because I like to be able to carry lots of stuff inside, because not only will I be using this for family picnics, but also for carrying food to my house church, carry-ins at the pool this summer, and family get togethers.  And it seriously holds A LOT OF STUFF!

But if you are looking for something a little smaller, the Picnic Thermal Tote would be perfect. 

And lucky for you, I AM GIVING ONE AWAY!  Thanks so much to my friend Mary, who is a Thirty-One Consultant, for this fabulous Giveaway!  It's the Picnic Thermal Tote in the Impressionist Dot pattern, (with Lunch embroidered on the front), and a cute little Wristlet Key Fob in the Chains Ahoy pattern.  A $39 Value!

   

I am half tempted to keep them for myself, but since I LOVE my readers, (mmmwha), I am setting aside my selfish own desires.  There are a number of ways to win this fabulous giveaway, but make sure to leave a comment for each one! (And, you can enter more than once!)

1. Sign up to Follow My blog (you will need to create a blogger account if you don't already have one)

2. Link this Giveaway on your Facebook

3. Link this Giveaway on your Twitter

4. Schedule a Thirty-One Party with Mary

5. Order from Mary's Thirty-One page here

6. Comment on how much you want to win this Giveaway OR about other Thirty One products you like

7. Comment on some of your favorite Picnic spots around town.

But Hurry, because you only have through Tuesday to enter.  Winner will be announced on the blog Wednesday morning.

Also, be sure to check out Mary's Thirty-One page for all the great products from Thirty One.  Click here to see the current catalog.

Good Luck!

Dayton Dragons Winner

Congratulations to Amy! You won the 4 tickets to the Dragons game on Saturday, April 30th.

For those who did not win, have no fear! I will do another drawing for tickets in the summer, plus, you can always get lawn tickets here for $8 each!

Thanks to everyone who participated and don't forget to 'Follow Me' so you don't miss out on the next giveaway!