2 Monsters and A Princess: June 2013

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Hiring Cleaners For Your Professional Space

A workplace is like a home, you need there to be a certain level of comfort and security. With the amount of information, equipment and personal belongings at any given work space, it is essential to be careful who has access to what. The last thing anybody wants is to have a questionable or dishonest person wandering around, especially if they are cleaning after hours or while someone isn't present.

For this reason alone, it is vital to carefully screen those you hire to clean your business space. There just isn't time to follow someone around while they do their job, and honestly, who would want to? For your purposes, you want a professional cleaner who can do the job right. Not only can this save you time and money by avoiding possible issues, it minimizes stress too. You hire the company, they deal with the rest.

You wouldn't hire anyone off the street to do your accounting or manage your office, so why would you trust your entire empire to a second rate cleaning service. First impressions are lasting ones, and you want customers to walk away smiling, not thinking of the dirty office they just left. A high end work space needs a high end cleaning provider. You want quality work from people with experience. A professional cleaner should leave your space just the way you want it, in a timely fashion. You have to trust and rely on your janitorial service just as you do any regular employee.

First Choice Cleaning and Restorations is a great example of this type of service. They handle jobs ranging from janitorial services to water restoration, ceiling cleaning and more.If you live in, or near, the Greater Grand Rapids, Holland or Zeeland Michigan areas, you can visit http://www.firstchoiceclean.com/ to schedule an appointment or find out more about their services.

Friday, June 28, 2013

New Weekend Coupons 6/28/13

Dessert

$2.00 off any Rich's Ice Cream Cake or Dessert

Feminine product

$1.50 off ONE Always Pad AND ONE Always Liner

Baby product

$1.00 off any JOHNSON'S Baby Washcloths product

Household Products

Health & Wellness

JENNIE-O

Zaycon Foods- America's Drive Thru Meat Market

How does Zaycon Foods manage to provide such high quality super fresh meat and produce to its customers at such low prices? The answer is strength in numbers. And not our numbers, yours!

Zaycon Foods can sell its products at bulk rate prices to individual consumers and families because our unique sales event business model brings lots of people together, adding all their purchasing power into a combined bulk food purchase. And when you buy as part of a group that’s committing to such a large purchase, the power is in the hands of the purchaser! It’s the ultimate group buy in terms of both price and consumer empowerment.

You can pre-select exactly what you want to order from a given Zaycon sales event – sometimes you may want to stock up on our amazing meaty back ribs and sometimes it might be all about the Zaycon bacon – and then, on the day of the sales event, you and a whole big bunch of your neighbors will find yourselves in a nearby parking lot watching as an entire tractor trailer’s worth of high quality natural food is unloaded into all of your cars! You will be amazed at how quickly one of our refrigerated trucks goes from being filled with natural, fresh chicken or hundreds of gallons of grade A non-homogenized milk to being empty and back on its way to the farm!

A Zaycon Foods truck sales event often lasts less time than you would spend on a trip to the grocery store, yet you will leave with a whole lot more food than you’d get at the market, and for much better prices, too!

When you use the Zaycon Foods sales event as your preferred place to purchase meats, milk, and any of our other fine products, you get advantages even beyond the bulk pricing that comes with our special sales model. You also have the peace of mind of knowing exactly what you’re going to get! A trip to the grocery store can involve wasted time wandering around looking for various foods spread out across the store; at a Zaycon Foods parking lot meat truck delivery (or milk or berries or fish delivery, too!) you have pre-ordered your foods, so all you have to do is show up and wait for our friendly staffers and volunteers to load up your car.

Also, unlike in the grocery store, the prices you will pay for a Zaycon Foods product are locked in on our website, so you will know how much you are going to spend before you have committed to a purchase.

At a supermarket, you might pay one price for chicken on one day, and then a higher price on another day. With Zaycon, you decide that you want to order a case of our fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts, you check the price and then you commit to it, knowing that from that moment on, we are committed to getting you your fresh, natural food!

To Get Started Click on this link - https://www.zayconfoods.com/refer/zf237877

Hersheys Cookies and Cream Cereal and Gift Pack Giveaway

If your kids are anything like mine, they will probably eat anything with the word Hershey's on it. From plain chocolate to syrup, my kids are all over it. I assumed when they saw the name on the new Hershey's Cookies and Cream Cereal, they would be dying to try it, and I was right. The minute my gift pack arrived, and they saw what was in it, they wanted a bowl. Since they had just had lunch, I told them they could have some the next day for breakfast instead. They weren't too happy with me, but they had no choice, so when morning came, they were scrambling to be the first to taste it.

I wasn't surprised that they liked it, it is Hershey's after all. I was surprised by how much they liked it. The ate it all in just a couple of days and asked for more before it was even finished. It didn't spend too much time in the new Cereal-to-go containers either, but we did get a chance to try them and see how they worked. The kids loved being able to take breakfast with them and not make a mess. The cute bowls feature spoons that snap off one portion of the bowl. You click it open to eat and snap it closed when finished. You pour the milk into the lidded section, our the cereal into the lower one, fit the lid on, place milk section into it and you are ready to go. These are cute and do work well, but I would not suggest letting a younger child open the spoon without trying it first. If you bend it too far, I am sure it will break but so far we haven't had that issue.

Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme cereal is made from 100% whole grains with at least 14g of whole grain per serving (at least 48g recommended daily). Best of all, Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme cereal has only 9 grams of sugar per serving and is a good source of Calcium, Vitamin D, and 10 other essential vitamins and minerals.

Now one of you can win a prize pack like mine. I already had a cereal dispenser, so I gave this one to a friend. It is sitting on her counter and her teenage boys love it!

Your gift pack will contain:

Box of Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme Cereal

Cereal storage container

2 Cereal-To-Go containers

a Rafflecopter giveaway

While you wait to see if you win, or if you just don't want to wait, you can go here to grab a coupon for $1.10 off of one box now!

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are my own.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

A Ton of Coupons Ending Soon!!!

Candy

$1.50 off any two (2) Wonka Stand-Up Bags

Breakfast

Snacks

Juice + Beverages

Lunch + Dinner

Beauty + Feminine Products

Hair Products

Health + Wellness

Personal Care Supplies

Household Cleaning + Air Freshener Supplies

Pet Supplies

Diapers + Baby Supplies

Magazines + Multimedia Entertainment

OxiClean 2 in 1 Stain Fighter

With it being summer, my kids always seem to make more messes, create more chaos and ruin more clothes than any other time of year. I hate ruined clothes in summer because it means buying more that will only be worn a few weeks before it is time to go back to school again. I try to spot treat when I see a stain right away, but there are always some that get thrown in the wash before I see them.

I used to use Oxi Clean powder, but that always resulted in a mess when the kids did laundry. I don't know why, but they got powder everywhere, every time they used it. Thankfully now I can use the Oxi Clean 2 in 1 Stain Fighter instead.

This easy to use liquid with Color Safe Brightener allows me to get nice, clean laundry with no powder mess. You use this right along with your normal detergent for extra stain fighting power. I just toss in a laundry pod, add the Oxi Clean and go...simple and fast.

So far I have been pleased with the results. Our laundry has been coming out nice and clean and my laundry area is all clean too!

* No compensation was received for this post. I am sharing my experience as a member of #Smiley360.

Children's Claritin Recipes- Fresh Fruit Smoothie

This is a recipe from our Children's Claritin Party...

Fresh Fruit Smoothie

1 fresh or frozen banana
1/2-3/4 cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries or blackberries)
1/3 cup fat free milk
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate
1 tablespoon honey

1. place all ingredients in the blender or food processor.
2. cover and blend on high speed about 30 seconds or until smooth
3. pour in tall glass, garnish with a fresh berry or mint sprig and serve

What's for Dinner? - Chicken and Vegetables Stir Fry

I did the grab and go kind of shopping this week, so that means going through the cabinets and freezer to see what I can make out of it all. I had plenty of options, it was just a matter of deciding on one certain thing each day. This is one of my menu selections from the week.

I began with seasoned chicken breast from the meat counter at Kroger. I used Bourbon flavored chicken in mine, but other flavors may work just as well or you could use plain chicken breast, steak or turkey too.

I added mixed vegetables including green beans, carrots, cauliflower, onions and peppers. I sauteed the vegetables in olive oil and seasoning in a Green Pan on the grill. I diced the chicken and made a foil packet with butter and seasoning for the chicken and grilled it too. Once they were finished, I added the chicken to the veggies for a great skillet stir fry meal.

I used baking mix to make biscuits, Bisquick or home made biscuit mix works just as well. I add a little butter, garlic salt and sliced cheddar to mine before dropping on the baking sheet for cheesy garlic butter biscuits.

I sliced Idaho potatoes and deep fried them for yummy fries seasoned with a little salt, pepper and parsley.

I went the easy way and made Kraft Mac and Cheese Spongebob version with this. Since that was a box food I'm not including photos of it. Not bad for a totally winged meal on a weekday night right?

Pickaway County Fair and Derby 2013

My husband and I went to the Pickaway County Fair this weekend to watch the Demolition Derby. Let me start by saying, the derby is not my idea of a good time. I only went because my husband, his boss and a group of guys he knows and has worked with,were all going and bringing their wives. That meant I got to go and try to have a good time so he didn't look bad in front of the guys. No I didn't have to go, but you all know how that goes.

When we arrived it was around 90 degrees and there were people everywhere. This is a small town so the fair is a big deal for many people. That and the Pumpkin Show...ugh. We walked around for a few minutes before heading down to the grandstand for the show. I stopped for a frozen lemonade and off we went.

Of course, they just had to sit in the pit. Yep, right beside the action where all the noise and mud are...just fantastic. After trying to to break an ankle and getting thoroughly covered in lemonade, we found the group and waited for the show to start.

I guess if you are into this sort of thing, it was probably fun. I spent most of the time chatting with the bosses wife and trying not to kill people who allow their screaming children to run wild. Even better, ones who strap them in a stroller and take off to chat with people clear across the bleachers, while the kid yells steadily 3 feet away from me.

The derby consisted of a heat of lawnmowers followed by three heats of cars and finally it was over. We got drenched with chunks of dirt but other then that, all was well and we took off to find something to eat before heading out to have drinks with the group. On the way out I grabbed a few headbands for my daughter and some scrunchies for me for $1 each. Not bad, and by far the best part of the day!

Monday, June 24, 2013

NEW COUPON TIME!!!

Paper products

Breakfast items

Pet Supplies

Fruit of the Loom

Fragrance

Claritin Spring In Your Step Moms Meet Up

With summer upon us, I know it is time to start watching my kids for runny noses or watery eyes.As a Claritin mom, I always keep some on hand for just those moments. When my new summer package arrived from Claritin, I knew it was going to include some backup medication too. Claritin has worked with all of us to promote safe summer fun with quick tips and tricks, easy to use products and simple to follow directions.

As always, I was thrilled with the contents of my box, which did indeed include some new Claritin products,but my favorite were these fantastic heat/ice packs. I love that these can be strapped around an arm or leg, across the neck or even circle the back. This makes them great for anyone, and so easy to use too. Just pop them in the freezer or microwave and you are done. The directions are even printed on the back of the pack for reference.

We received fabulous Preparedness Checklists for keeping track of needed things. You can refer to it to see when you had your last doctor visit or automobile check. It reminds you to toss out old medications or check the batteries on smoke alarms. I never thought of doing that myself, but it really is a simple way to make sure the important things are done on time. I will share the checklist with you later so stay tuned!

At our party, we discussed the things that cause our kids allergy attacks and what we do to prevent them. We also talked about places that have many allergy triggers and where it is best to take your children to avoid them. Of course, you cannot outrun every germ out there, so that is why we rely on Claritin to step in and fix the issue.

I think our Spring In Your Step Meet Up went quite well. We got to spend time with other moms, discuss important issues and enjoy snacks and drinks too. Each of the ladies was able to have an ice pack and chart to take home as well.

Red Robin to the Rescue

If you follow my blog, you probably read my post about my previous visit to Red Robin. To say the least, I was less than pleased with my experience, but to their credit, they did contact me to apologize and send me a gift card for a future visit.

It has been a few months, so I decided to go back and see how things went this time. Upon arriving, I noticed they were terribly busy, but we decided to go in anyway. The line was clear, with everyone having been seated or placed on the list, so we were able to walk right up to the server stand. We were told it was a 20 minute wait, and that the manager I wanted, who had sent me the letter, was not working.In the end it only took a few minutes to be seated.

We ordered pretzel bites with the beer cheese dip for a starter. This was a new selection for us, so we were thrilled when the pretzels were soft and the dip was delicious. Brad ordered tea and I got this yummy Cherry Coke. It was made with grenadine, which the waitress told me when I ordered, I assume in case that was an issue. This was delicious and the cherries were even better after soaking for a few minutes..yum!

My husband ordered a Tavern Burger with fries...

..while I opted for the Nantucket Seafood Scatter.

Brad said the burger was great, and cooked exactly as ordered too. The sauce gave it a nice kick and the veggies were nice and crisp. He liked the fries and the fact that the food didn't take forever to reach us like the last time. I was delighted with the variety on my plate, and that my food was perfectly cooked. I hate overcooked seafood, especially the battered kind. My shrimp and clams were amazing and the fish was just right, not too dry or slimy on the inside. I am not a big fan of fries, but these big, fat ones are a nice change. My only complaint about it at all was the slaw. I really do not care for it. The mix is too crunchy and the dressing doesn't stick well to it, leaving you with a hard slaw that has basically no taste.

My favorite part of this visit was our server, Jenna. I told her about my previous visit, and my extreme unhappiness with it. Not only did she take time to answer my questions honestly and politely, but she did everything possible to make this visit better than the last. We never had to wait for her or ask for a refill. Every time she passed, she made sure to stop and ask if we needed anything, and when I asked for more of the cheese dip from the starter for my fries, she made sure to get that too. When she had a free moment, she stopped and chatted for a second about our visit and inquired if there was anything else she could do for us. Plus she brought me a box to go, without my having to ask for it, when she saw how much food I had left on my plate.

I was sorry to have missed Paul, the manager from the first visit, but I want to thank him for the chance to come back and try them again. I also want to thank Jenna for allowing us to have a great experience at her table. I was pleased with everything this time and plan to go back and see them again.

Happy Zombie Birthday Gage!!

My oldest child, and first son Gage turned 12 last week. He is the biggest Walking Dead fan that I know and, of course, he wanted that to be the theme of his birthday.

He selected a photo of a scene from the show to have printed on his cake.I knew someone was sure to have comments about it, but I always let them choose their cakes, so I went ahead and got it.

The first time they made it, they drew the picture in 3D with icing. It looked really great but it wasn't what he wanted so we had them do another one and it was perfect.

Gage didn't really want much this year, he asked for a tablet and a bunch of drawing supplies, along with a few other small things. He ended up receiving all of the art stuff he wanted plus a huge pack of markers for drawing, some candy, snacks and jerky he likes, clothes, a Nerf Rapid Fire gun, some toys and other assorted gifts and lots of money to get his tablet.

The kids all played in the bounce house and we had a zombie target water balloon game and a water balloon fight. In the end, I think he was pretty happy with everything and he had a great day.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

A Guide for an Illinois Staycation

Are you ready to get out and enjoy the delights of your own backyard? Illinois offers a bounty of exciting places to visit for residents of The Prairie State who opt for a staycation. From unqualified thrills to intellectual satisfaction, you’ll find something to satisfy your need for recreation.

Amusement Parks

With thrill rides with names like Raging Bull, Wipeout, and THE DARK KNIGHT Coaster, 6 Flags Great America in Chicago is one park where you’re sure to lose your voice from screaming in delight. If you want to cool off, dive into the fun offered by Hurricane Harbor, the water park inside 6 Flags Great America.

If 6 Flags seems like old hat by now, why not check out some of the other water parks in Illinois? Choose from Knight’s Action Water Park and Caribbean Adventure in Springfield, Raging Waves Water Park in Yorkville, or Splashdown Water Park in East Peoria.

Natural Attractions

Let the striking natural beauty in Illinois steal your breath away. If the outdoors calls your name, visit the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, where you can camp, swim, boat, and hike.
Another natural attraction worth your attention is Starved Rock State Park, where you can feast your eyes on masterpieces of nature that took millions of years to form. Gorgeous canyons, waterfalls, and trees wait you at this peaceful retreat.
Craving to connect with Illinois’ native wildlife? The Wildlife Prairie State Park near Peoria contains 50 different species that naturally find their home in Illinois. See mighty bison and black bears, otters, elk, and cougars, among others. You can even hop on a train to get a faster-paced perspective on the park.

Other Places Worth a Visit

Sometimes it’s all too easy to take nearby wonders for granted. Have you taken the time to check out Skydeck Chicago? The Sears Tower is the third tallest building in the world, and the view from the 103^rd floor will give you fresh perspective on Chicago and the surrounding areas. If heights don’t scare you, step out onto the Ledge, a glass-floor balcony that extends four feet out from the Skydeck.
While you’re in Chicago, don’t pass up the opportunity to see other landmarks like Wrigley Field and the Buckingham Fountain. Or, stop by and feast your mind at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Make the trip to Metropolis, Illinois to see everyone’s favorite superhero. The Super Museum houses more than 20,000 items, all of them related to the icon in blue and red. Not far from the museum is a 15-foot tall statue of the man himself. What a great photo opportunity for the family!
For those who stand in awe of mankind’s ingenuity, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park is worth a visit. See the home of the famous architect, the place where some of his most famous designs came to birth, including the Robie House and the Unity Temple.
Your longing to explore your home state is easy to fulfill when you know where to go and which Illinois hotels best fit your budget and your itinerary. Enjoy your staycation!