GiftBirdy.com #giftbirdy @giftbirdy

Have you heard of Giftbirdy.com?

GiftBirdy.com is a new site that has arrived just in time for Christmas. On Giftbirdy you can make and send your wish lists to friends and family, shop, and play games for free.  Besides making gift wish list Giftbirdy is a fun place to hang out, especially for kids. They have several fun games that even I enjoyed and collectible pets.

Here is a video that explains it a bit more

I love that my kids can go through and pick items that they like.  It's like making their Christmas list and I don't have to worry about them clicking on an ad.  Because GiftBirdy.com is ad free.  Once their wish list is created you can easily email the list out to family and friends.  This is helpful to me because the Grandparents are always asking for ideas on what the kids would like for Christmas and their birthdays.

The site is super easy to navigate. Just click on the Start Now button and you have a super quick form to fill out and then you are on your way to making your wish list or playing games.

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Using GiftBirdy is safe.  With my kids being on this site safety is very important to me.  I have let me kids play games on other sites before that had ads, which my kids don't quite understand.  They would click on an ad thinking it was a game and pretty soon they were on sites that had nothing to do with the games they were playing.  That is one thing I love about GiftBirdy - no ads so I don't have to worry.

Also purchases made on Giftbirdy are through their affiliate partner Amazon so you can trust the orders.

Here is another quick video on how to get started - see how simple it is!

Here are some pictures of my daughter Adison creating her wish list and playing on GiftBirdy (please excuse the mess that you will see in the pictures - my desk is quite messy)

Creating a Wish List

First thing she searched for was play dough - and she added a bunch of these to her Wish List

Second thing she searched for was Monster High Dolls - she added several to her Wish List

Adison having fun with making her list and playing some games!!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from One2One Network and Gift Birdy. All opinions stated are my own.


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Christmas Countdown Tutorial

Yes I know it is quite not yet Thanksgiving but I need time to get all of my Christmas projects done so I always start way before Thanksgiving.  I just finished this cute Christmas countdown and just love how it turned out. 

My kids have already had so much fun erasing and rewriting the days until Christmas on the chalkboard vinyl circle.  This projects is super simple to make.

Paint a piece of wood board black and cut a piece of Christmas scrapbook paper just a bit smaller than the size of the board.

Brush a coat of Mod Podge onto the board and adhere the scrapbook paper.  Push firmly on the paper to get out all of the air bubbles and wipe off any excess Mod Podge (It does dry clear)

Cut your vinyl words out of black vinyl and a circle out of Chalkboard vinyl - If you don't have chalkboard vinyl you can get it from the Vinyl Outlet.

I can't wait to get my other Christmas decorations and put everything out.  I think this will look really cute with the other fun stuff I will have on my mantle.  I will have to share the picture once everything is decorated.

When do you start your Christmas countdown?  Do you wait until after Thanksgiving?


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Menu Board with Dry Erase vinyl

I have been wanting to add a menu sign to my kitchen for some time now, so when I found a wood tray at the DI for $1 I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it.

The kids are always asking what's for dinner so I plan on putting the menu on here for them.  It's cute and functional!  I love that it is made with dry erase vinyl so I can easily change what is written.

It was super easy to make - here is how:

Start with a wood tray, board or anything cute that you would like to hang on your wall and paint it.

Cut a piece of dry erase vinyl to size and put it in place.  If you don't have any dry erase vinyl you can get it at the Vinyl Outlet.

Cut the word Menu out of black vinyl and place it at the top.  And you quickly have your own Dry Erase Menu board!

Do your kids ask you a million times a day what you are having for dinner?  If so this should help fix that!

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Almost Homemade Stuffing and Caramel Apple Crisp

I just love all of the wonderful baking and yummy food at Thanksgiving time.  Turkey, potatoes and gravy, homemade rolls, stuffing, pies - the yummy food list goes on and on.  Today I would like to share two of the recipes that I like to make for our Thanksgiving dinner - Almost Homemade Stuffing and Caramel Apple Crisp.

Almost Homemade Stuffing


I love homemade stuffing but I can often get so buy making everything else that I needed to come up with a quicker option for stuffing.  So I came up with my Almost Homemade Stuffing.  I let a box mix help out with the rest of my fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:
2 boxes of stuffing mix
1 onion, diced
Chicken Broth
Fresh Mushrooms, chopped
1 pound Sausage
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter

1. In a saucepan melt 2 Tbsp. I Can't Believe its not Butter.  Add your onions and mushrooms and saute over medium high heat and onions and mushrooms are nice and soft.  Once cooked drain on a paper towel lined plate to soak up any excess moisture (mushrooms give off a lot of moisture once cooked).
2. Brown the sausage and drain.
3.  Cook the stuffing mix according to package directions.  Except substitute Chicken Broth for the water and I Can't Believe It's Not Butter for the vegetable oil or spread that it calls for.  I like to use I Can't Believe It's Not Butter because it helps me save a bit in the calorie department but doesn't take away from the wonderful flavor.
4. Once the Stuffing mix is cooked (takes like 5 minutes) add in your onions, mushrooms and sausage.
5. Enjoy your wonderful, flavorful stuffing with your Thanksgiving Dinner.

Caramel Apple Crisp


I love desserts on Thanksgiving Day, they are perfect to enjoy several hours after stuffing yourself with delicious food.  We love pies, and that is what we mostly have, but we also enjoy this Caramel Apple Crisp.

Ingredients:

6 Large Apples (I used Honey Crisp)

1/2 cup caramel topping (like the ice cream caramel topping)

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 1/3 cup flour

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup (or 2 cubes) I Can't Believe It's Not Butter - Cold and cut into small pieces

1 1/3 cup oats

1. Preheat oven 375 degrees.

2. Peel apples and core and slice.

3. In a small bowl mix together until well blended the caramel topping and cinnamon.

4. Pour the caramel mixture over the apples and mix until all of the apples are evenly coated.

5. Pour the apples in a 13x9 inch ungreased baking dish.

6. Make the crumb topping by mixing together with a pasty blender the flour, brown sugar and cold I Can't Believe It's Not Butter.  Once mixture looks like a bunch of crumbs add in your oats than sprinkle over your apple mixture. Please note that this crumb topping recipe makes a ton - my family likes a ton of crumb topping.  You can half this recipe.  Also I sometimes forget to make sure my butter is cold - if this happens the crumb topping sometimes turns out more into dough than crumbs - still tastes just as delicious.

7. Bake about 40 to 50 minutes until the topping is nice and brown and the apples are tender.

8.  I like to service with Vanilla Ice cream drizzled with more caramel topping.  Enjoy!

Thank you to Good to Know & Unilever Spreads for being a sponsor. I was selected for this opportunity as a member ofClever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Summer

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Macy's Santa Tour @Macys @Makeawish #Santa

Join Santa at Macy's for his Whirlwind National Tour!

Santa is coming to town and hitting a bunch of Macy's stores along the way.  Join Macy's for some holiday fun.  Meet Santa and his elves as they roll into town on their magical holiday tour bus!  The Big Man is only at Macy's for a limited time, so catch him while you can!  A list of tour locations/dates is provided at the end of this post.

Does your family visit Santa during the holiday season?  My children have always loved to do this. They spend some time writing letters to Santa (sometimes it takes several days as they like to add to their letter as they think of things).  Once the letters are all written we head over to visit Santa and drop off our letters.  Afterwards we stop for hot chocolate and walk or drive around looking at Christmas lights.  It has become such a fun family tradition!  Here are some pics of them last hear talking to Santa at our Church Christmas Breakfast

Kayden (who is a bit shy) didn't wish to talk to Santa last year and I didn't make him - so there is no picture of him with Santa.

While you are at Macy's help make wishes come true!  Bring your stamped letter to Santa with you, addressed to Santa At The North Pole, and drop it into Macy's special Santa Letterbox.  They will count up all the letters and for each letter received, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish(R) (Up to $1,000,000) then they will be delivered to the Post Office and mailed to Santa!

We have already started our letter writing here and will be sure to drop them off at Macy's as soon as the kids have finished writing their letters.

Tour Dates & Locations:

November 24th at 1pm
Macy's West Acres
Fargo, ND, 58102
Kids Department
Santa will arrive at the North Door facing 13th Ave

November 26th at 6pm
Macy's Fox River
Appleton, WI, 54913
Kids Department
Santa will arrive at the North Door facing Wisconsin Ave

November 27th at 6pm
Macy's Bozeman Gallatin Valley
Bozeman, MT 59718
Kids Department
Santa will arrive at the South Entrance

November 28th at 6pm
Macy's Birchwood
Fort Gratiot, MI, 48059
Main Floor
Santa will arrive at the East Door

November 29th at 6pm
Macy's Twin Falls Magic Valley
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Kids Department
Santa will arrive at the West Entrance

November 30th at 6pm
Macy's Walden Galleria
Buffalo, NY, 14225
Lower Level
Santa will arrive at the Women’s Shoes & Cosmetics Entrance

December 1st at 2pm
Macy's Sacremento Downtown Plaza
Sacramento, CA 95814
Kids Department (Level 3)
Santa will arrive at the 4th and K Street Entrance

December 2nd at 2pm
Holyoke Mall at Ingleside
Holyoke, Massachusetts 01040
Santa will arrive at the East Entrance by Women’s Shoes

December 3rd at 6pm
Macy's Santa Ana Mainplace
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Third Floor
Santa will arrive at the Courtyard Doors

December 4th at 6pm
Macy's Cape Cod
Hyannis, MA 02601
Kid’s Department
Santa will arrive at the Route 132 Entrance

December 5th at 6pm
Macy's Chula Vista
Kids Department (Level 3)
Santa will arrive at the Cosmetics Entrance

December 6th at 6pm
Macy's Providence Place
Providence, RI 02903
Santa will arrive at the Francis Street Entrance

December 7th at 6pm
Macy's Chandler Fashion Square
Chandler, AZ 85226
Kids Department
Santa will arrive at the Main Level Shoe Department Entrance

December 8th at 2pm
Macy's Christina Mall
Newark, DE, 19702
Kids Department, Level 2
Santa will arrive at Men’s Department North Entrance

December 9th at 2pm
Macy's Valley Fair
W. Valley City, UT 84119
Kids Department
Santa will arrive at the South Entrance

December 10th at 6pm
Macy's Motgomery Mall
Bethesda, MD 20817
Kids Department
Santa will arrive at the Ladies Suits Entrance

December 11th at 6pm
Macy's Park Meadows
Littleton, CO 80124
Second Floor
Santa will arrive at the Entrance facing Park Meadows Drive

December 12th at 6pm
Macy's Peninsula Town Center
Hampton, VA, 23666
Second Floor
Santa will arrive at the Jewelry Department Entrance

December 14th at 6:30pm
Macy's Vista Ridge
Lewisville, TX 75067
Level One
Santa will arrive at the Women’s Shoes Entrance

December 15th at 6pm
Macy's Oak Court
Memphis, TN, 38117
Main Level
Santa will arrive at the Cosmetics Entrance

December 16th at 1pm
Macy's Woodland Hills
Tulsa, OK 74133
Second Level
Santa will arrive at the Men’s Entrance facing Memorial Street

December 17th at 6pm
Macy's Brookwood Village
Birmingham, AL 35209
Second Floor
Santa will arrive at the East Entrance on the Lower Level

December 18th at 6pm
Macy's West County
St. Louis, MO, 63131
Main Floor
Santa will arrive on the Main Level I-270 Entrance

December 19th at 4pm
Macy's Town Center at Cobb
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Lower Level
Santa will arrive at the South Entrance on the Main Level

December 20th at 6pm
Macy's Cherry Vale
Rockford, IL, 61112
Main Floor
Santa will arrive at the East Entrance on the Main Level

December 21st at 6pm
Macy's Edison Mall
Fort Myers, FL 33901
First Floor

For more info on all of Macy's Holiday Events, visit macys.com/holidayevents

Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere provided me with compensation for this post about Macy's Holiday events.  However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own. 


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PUR Water Filter Review and Giveaway!

Do you drink a lot of water in your home?  Well we do here and sadly most of it isn't from the tap.  My husband and one of my kids don't mind the taste of our tap water but my other two kids and I can't stand the taste of it.  We will simply do without water rather than drink the nasty tasting water that comes from our tap.  So we buy large amounts of bottled water.  I know this is bad for the environment but it has been a necessity because of this guy

This is my Kayden.  I have to watch out for him constantly that he is drinking enough water.  He has passed out once (which the Dr.'s think was due to dehydration) and suffers from migraines often - which some healthy food and water often help.  On top of that he has been hospitalized twice due to dehydration.  I always have to make sure water is available for him and he refuses to drink the water from the tap.

So I was truly honestly feeling blessed when I was contacted by PUR to do a review of their New PUR water filtration faucet mount (and giveaway for my readers!!!)  It is funny how life works sometimes.  I have been eyeing the PUR water filtration systems at my store and have discussed with my husband on several occasions about getting one for our home.

The PUR water filter system was super easy to install.  I literally had it on within one minute  The instructions are super simple.  The longest part of the whole process was that before the first use you need to run cold water through the filtration system for 5 minutes.

We also were able to try out the PUR 7 cup Water Pitcher.  This was also super simple to put together and is a great way to keep cold water in the fridge.

Not only improving the taste of our water it is nice to know that PUR water filters reduce many contaminants found in tap water, including trace levels of pharmaceuticals.  Not only is this helping to improve our help but this will help us from not purchasing as many waterbottles.  The faucet mount I was able to review is PUR's newest and most advanced water filter.

Fun Facts

• Available in chrome and black
• No tools required to install
• Reduces chlorine (taste and odor) and many contaminants including 99% of lead and microbial cysts.
• Also removes 99% of trace levels of pharmaceuticals.
• Leaves behind beneficial fluoride.
• 1 Filter filter 100 gallons/lasts up to 3 months
• With the purchase of this PUR Water Filtration System you donate a week's worth of clean drinking water to children in developing World countries through the Children's Save Drinking Water Program visit www.csdw.org for more info.

The real test for me?  Will Kayden drink it?

You bet he will!!!! He gives it two thumbs up and has happily been drinking this water ever since.  Yea!!

And now for the giveaway!

PUR is going to send one of my fabulous readers a PUR Water Filter faucet mount just like mine!  Awesome right!

For easy entry into the giveaway enter via the Rafflecopter widget below.  If you have a hard time seeing the rafflecopter entry form I have heard it sometimes doesn't work well with Internet Explorer so you may need to try a different browser.

• Odds of winning are based on number of entries.
• Winner will be chosen at random using Rafflecopter. 
• I do verify entries.
• This giveaway begins right now and ends on 9/23/12.
• Winner will be emailed and winner must respond within 48 hours or  a new winner will be picked.
• Only US residents eligible to win this prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  I received a Put Water Filter faucet mount and 7 cup Water Pitcher for the purpose of review.  PUR is also providing the same for one of my readers.  All opinions are 100% mine.


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Thanksgiving/Fall Wood Blocks

I just added two new wood blocks to my Etsy shop that will be great for Fall/Thanksgiving.  One says Gobble Til Ya Wobble and the other says Give Thanks.  I would love for you to check them out.

Thanks!

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Outlets at Traverse Mountain Grand Opening

If you are local to me (Utah) then you might be interested in this.  Have you heard of the Outlets at Traverse Mountain?  Well they are about to open and are having a grand opening on Friday/Saturday November 16th and 17th.  The grand opening is free to the public.

Here is a schedule of events:

Friday, November 16

10:30 a.m.           Flying Aces (will also perform at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.)

Winter and Summer Olympians, World Champions, and top-ranked acrobatic athletes perform skills on a trampoline that have earned them positions at the top of their sports. An all-star show that is much more than an athletic performance.

6:30 p.m.             Eclipse – Performs until 8:00 p.m.

All originally from northern Utah, Eclipse has performed their signature sound featuring tight harmonies, driving percussion, and infectious energy all produced using just one instrument—the human mouth. Since 1999, they have released seven albums and have performed for audiences throughout the world. Eclipse has been named “Best Vocal Group” at Utah’s Best of State Awards and they are the recipients of four Pearl Awards, including “Group Recording Artist of the Year.”  Eclipse was the winner of both the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regions of the harmony Sweepstakes.

7:00 p.m.            Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa

7:30 p.m.             Fireworks

Saturday, November 17

6:00 p.m.             Conn Curran – Performs until 8:00 p.m.

Conn’s smooth baritone voice and versatile interpretation of great pop standards provides an experience that will be, as one of Conn’s vocal inspirations Nat King Cole sings it, “Unforgettable.”

**Additional performances will be scheduled throughout the weekend. Follow Outlets at Traverse Mountain onFacebook for updates and more!

I will definitely be there - will you??

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A Saucy Italian Evening Cooking class at Taste - Delicious!

I mentioned last month that I had the opportunity to go to a cooking class at Taste Culinary Boutique located in Gardner Village in West Jordan, UT.

This was my first cooking class so I didn't know what to expect.  My expectations were met and I left with a full and happy tummy.

Before heading to the class I browsed their shop that contained so many fun and awesome kitchen gadgets and goodies.  Here are some pictures of there shop

A shelf full of Local Utah Products

A wide assortment of fun kitchen gadgets - there were so many that I wanted!

A wall full of many spices.

I was able to sit comfortably at a table while Laila Hardman taught the cooking class.  She was so cute, informative and a very fun teacher.  This was a demonstrator only class so I didn't do any of the cooking myself.

I watched and learned and if anyone wanted to go up there and help they were more than welcomed.  Several dishes were made and we were given a sample plate of each item to enjoy after it was made.  Here is what I was able to enjoy:

Butter and Sage Sauce over Butter Nut Squash Ravioli - This was my favorite of the night.  I never have really tried Butter Nut Squash so I was a bit hesitant.  I am so glad I tried this.  I loved the flavor combinations.  It was very delicious and I have been craving it ever since.

Lemony Artichoke Pesto

Traditional Pomodoro Sauce over Gnocchi

Spaghetti Alfredo with Prosciutto (this was divine and tied for my favorite)

We also tried a sauce called Penne Arrabiata with Polenta but I don't have a picture of it for some reason.   We were also given a print out of all of the recipes so we can make and enjoy these at home.

Here is a group shot of everyone in the class - it was such fun!

I would love to take another class here.  It would be fun to go with a girlfriend or a date night.

Here is the fall schedule:

Fall & Holiday Cooking Classes

Chillin with Chili	Wed 07-Nov-2012
Healthy Tamales	Thu 08-Nov-2012
Thanksgiving Starters and Sides	Fri 16-Nov-2012
Savory Pumpkin and Squash recipes	Tue 27-Nov-2012
Holiday Baking	Wed 28-Nov-2012
Holiday Entertaining with Cheers!	Fri 30-Nov-2012
Hand wrapped Sushi Making Class	Fri 07-Dec-2012
Warming Holiday Breakfast	Tue 11-Dec-2012
Pantry Friendly Chinese	Thu 13-Dec-2012
Simple and Satisfying Indian	Wed 19-Dec-2012

Register for Cooking Classes here

Taste shared a yummy recipe that I would like to share with you - let me know if you make it!

Sweet Potato & Sausage Soup Recipe 

Bon Appetit, October 2007

Makes 8 servings

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 10- to 11-ounce fully cooked chorizo sausage, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
2 medium onions, chopped
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 pounds red-skinned sweet potatoes (yams; about 2 large), peeled, quartered lengthwise, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1 pound white-skinned potatoes, peeled, halved lengthwise, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
6 cups low-salt chicken broth
1 9-ounce bag fresh spinach

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage; cook until brown, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Transfer sausage to paper towels to drain. (I poured off some of the oil in the pot at this point, but the original recipe doesn't think this is needed.) Add onions and garlic to pot and cook until translucent, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add all potatoes and cook until beginning to soften, stirring often, about 12 minutes. Add broth; bring to boil, scraping up browned bits. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until potatoes are soft, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Using potato masher, mash some of potatoes in pot. Add browned sausage to soup. Stir in spinach and simmer just until wilted, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls and serve.

And here are some great coupons from Taste that I am happy to share with you

Do your Holiday shopping early! Spend $25.00 and receive $5.00 off purchase (valid only on regular priced items)	Please present coupon in person. Only one coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offer.
Offer Expires: December 31, 2012

Spend $25.00 on merchandise receive a FREE warming winter drink ! (regular priced merchandise only)	Please present coupon in person. Only one coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offer.
Offer Expires: December 31, 2012

Spend $100.00 onmerchandise  receive a FREE Cooking Class	Please present coupon in person. Only one coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offer. ($35 value)
Offer Expires: December 31, 2012

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