The Key to Clear Communication: The Bean

October 30, 2013 By 10 Comments
the bean hearing device

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Etymotic (The Bean). I received a product to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating. Today is a bittersweet day. After 9 years of marriage, my divorce is final. I'm over shedding tears. That happened a long time ago. Now, my focus is moving onto the next chapter in my life. When I look back on our relationship, one struggle we had was communication. When I say he didn't hear what I had … [Read more...]

Filed Under: #spon, Health, Fitness & Beauty Tagged With: Mom Central

What I’ve Been Cooking – Recipe Roundup

October 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
shrimp scampi with sauteed tomatoes #shop

In case you missed it, these are just a few of the recipes coming out of my kitchen.... If you need a quick weeknight meal that has a ton of flavor, fresh veggies and butter, then this shrimp scampi with sauteed tomatoes is perfect for you! Substitute chicken if you're not a fan of shrimp. If you have some extra time, why not make this Asian Meatloaf? I use ground chicken since I'm trying to cut down on red meat. Instead of using traditional crackers, I use rice crackers to keep the mixture … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Food

So I Missed International Talk Like A Pirate Day

October 26, 2013 By 6 Comments
pirate talk game_1

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Pirate Talk. I honestly thought this game was going to teach me how to talk like a pirate and it did. I now know how to say gold "doubloon."  September 19th was International Talk Like A Pirate Day and I missed it. You would think since Brecken recently had a pirate birthday party, I would have been ON this. Instead, on September 19th according to Facebook this is what I was dealing with: Yes, some crazy My Little Pony app that was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: #spon, Reviews, Toys

My Secret About Captain America: The Winter Soldier

October 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Captain America The Winter Soldier

Disclosure: Earlier this year I received an all-expense paid trip to LA to attend the Iron Man 3 premiere where I was also sworn to secrecy about what I saw on the set of Captain America The Winter Soldier. Regardless of my oath in blood (ok, it was really just blue ink), statements below are 100% mine! I usually stink at keeping my own secrets. Usually, I'll be really good for about a day and then I have to spill. To someone. To anyone. Heck, I'd tell my dogs if they would listen. Last April … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Disney, Entertainment

Handmade and Cool Items from 9thandElm.com {Giveaway}

October 15, 2013 By 15 Comments
chicago_map

This is a Fashionista Event.  I was given a promotional item to review by 9thandElm.com to share my opinions about the website.  All opinions are my own.  Some secrets are made to be shared. Like when you land a new job or you find out you're pregnant. You just have to tell someone! Well, today I'm sharing a secret with you (and NO I'm not pregnant, get that thought out of your mind NOW) and you're going to love it. Because who doesn't love finding fashionable handmade and cool items from the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: #spon, Fashion

Are You Following My Food Blog?

October 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment
east9thstreeteats.com

What? You didn't know I started one? Well, shame on me for not telling you sooner. If you're a blogger, you'll get what I'm about to tell you. Many of us started out the same way and took similar paths. If you're not a blogger, either bare with me or skip over the next couple of paragraphs. When I started blogging it was all about sharing my point of view on certain subjects. I'd write about why taking your dog to the post office is wrong or why I think I'm a super mom. I never felt … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Kuipers Family Farm

October 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment
fall

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Kuipers Family Farm. East 9th Street received product &/or compensation in exchange for this post. Regardless, statements are 100% mine and yours may differ. I love everything about fall.  Leaves falling on the ground, football games on the television and eating anything with pumpkin spice. For all you beach lovers and sun worshippers, you can have summer with the heat and humidity. While you deal with your frizzy hair (yes, I see what … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Chicago

Join the Leash On 30 Day Challenge

October 3, 2013 By
Wrigley Girl

I have been and always be a dog owner. My dogs are like family members and are treated as such. I have two dogs: Rex and Wrigley. Rex is my baby. He's a 14.5 year old lab mix and every day, I see more and more gray on his little face. He's definitely slowed down in his old age but I know how important it is to keep him active. He hates having his picture taken, which means I have very few of him. I still remember finding him hiding under the stairs. Wrigley, my other black lab, is another … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Pets

The Brian James Ballet Flat

October 2, 2013 By 1 Comment
The Brian James Ballet Flat

Disclosure: Thank you to Brian James for sponsoring this post. As always, statements and opinions are 100% mine and yours may differ.   Comfortable shoes are a must for me. When I'm running errands, I want shoes I can easily slip on and off that are still comfortable. My go-to shoe is the ballet flat. They are typically lightweight, comfortable and come in fun colors. My only complaint about ballet flats is depending on the brand, they can slip off my back heel. I've had to resort … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion

Simple Ways to Go Green with Green Works

October 2, 2013 By Amanda Leave a Comment
green works

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Green Works. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and promotional item as a thank you for participating.” In a ideal world I think most of us would live as green as possible.   We all want the best for our families.  The sad reality is, we don't live in an ideal world.  Living a more natural, organic lifestyle can be very expensive.  There are many families that have the desire to make changes but simply put, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Household Tips & Tricks Tagged With: