Celebrate July 4 With Masterbuilt!

Fireworks and cookouts come to mind when I think about 4th of  July celebrations. We always cook a feast, and most of it is cooked outdoors! I enjoy sitting on my front porch watching gorgeous displays of color flash across the sky. When we are all together, we feel so grateful and we enjoy the moment more. There are so many men and women that don't  have the night off, and some of those will be extra busy this year making sure we are all safe! This year, I wanted to do something big and bring a little joy to our local heroes! I contacted Masterbuilt and asked if they would be interested in providing our fire department with their very own smoker. When they said yes, I was thrilled! The smoker is ideal for firefighters because it is electric. If they get a call, they don't have to worry about the food left behind.
The smoker features:
RF (radio frequency) remote that controls temperature, time, internal light and on/off IN ADDITION to monitoring time, smoker temperature and meat temperature
Built in wheels and handle for EASY moving
Viewing window and internal light
Push-button digital time temperature & time control panel
Thermostat controlled temperature
Chrome-coated smoking racks
Convenient side wood-chip loader
Removable drip pan and rear-mounted grease pan

I delivered the electric smoker to our local fire department this week and they were excited and couldn't wait to use it. Before I left, they were already planning their next meal! Last year, we received a smoker from Masterbuilt and we use it often. We smoke everything, from meats and veggies to mac and cheese. We used ours weekly when we received it, and now we use it once every week or two, sometimes more! We enjoy using it and we know our fire department will too! Thanks Masterbuilt! You made their day!
Disclosure: Masterbuilt provided our fire department with their very own smoker. No monetary compensation received.

We All Scream For Eyes Cream SHADES!

 Logan and Sam love their new Eyes Cream Shades! When we went to Jekyll Island, it was really bright outside. Logan complained about the brightness and his eyes watered frequently. Before leaving for St. Augustine, I contacted Eyes Cream Shades and requested a pair of sunglasses for Logan and Sam.

 We were sent the blueberry ice for Logan, and the vanilla malt for Sam. They each came in a soft blue pouch, perfect for cleaning Sam's fingerprints off the lens! The frames fit them well and I didn't have to worry that they would slide off into the water when Logan and Sam laid down on the dock and looked over the edge, trying to spot  a few fish.

 Sam and Logan never complained about the bright sunshine in St. Augustine.Their delicate eyes were covered and they could enjoy the beach, sightseeing, and the boat. The shades are comfortable and stylish and are looking forward to using them on all of our vacations! Look for Eyes Cream Shades in future posts!
Disclosure: We were sent a pair for Logan and Sam in order to complete our review.

SnackTime Survival Kit Giveaway!

Food for Thought: The Nutrition Nanny™ Deirdre Pizzoferrato Educates Families on Healthy Eating & How to Fight Childhood Obesity

Introducing the Beanstalk Express® SnackTime Survival Kit, a Fun & Interactive Way to Teach Kids About Better Nutrition & Healthy Eating Habits!

New information from the US Department of Health and Human Resources reveals that despite national efforts to curb childhood obesity here in the US, rates are still climbing! Because the years of preventing childhood obesity are over by the time our children reach kindergarten, parents need products that offer a fun and practical approach to teaching their children balanced nutrition! And we have it!

Welcome to Beanstalk Express, the home of the world’s first snacktivity game, The SnackTime survival kit At Beanstalk Express, we’re parents too! And like you, we also envisioned raising fruit-and-veggie loving eaters, avoiding processed foods and “just saying no!” to drive through windows! But then something happened along the way … We had kids!

After enduring the preschool battles with picky eaters and around-the-clock requests for sweets and goodies, we realized what was missing when it comes to inspiring our kids with healthy habits that will last …Food marketers have been making junk food fun for decades. So what if we made healthy choices just as much fun? We decided to try it … and it worked! When you empower children with the ability to make their own choices, amazing things happen! At Beanstalk Express, we make healthy fun! And in the process, they become habit!


Wooden Clock Board

Features one working clock, 3 control clocks with moveable arms, and 3 corresponding hooks to hold snack cards in place.



33 Snack Cards

On the front are pictures of delicious snacks to choose from. On the back is important tips and information to learn from.



How it works!

1.Each morning, Mom or Dad selects between 4-6 snack cards that are available to make that day from the deck.

2.From these cards, kids can choose their 3 snacks for that day.

3.Mom sets the control clocks to the desired snack times and hangs the snack cards on the corresponding hooks.

4.And now it's up to the kids! By Keeping an eye on the clocks, the kids alert Mom to when it's SNACK TIME!

5.Mom takes the snack card off the hook and serves up the snack.

Deirdre Pizzoferrato, Registered Dietitian Certified in Child and Adolescent Weight Management & the founder of Beanstalk Express® - a child nutrition information and resource company promoting healthy habits, healthy bodies and healthy lives. “Children are subjected to the obese lifestyle from all sides. Many families have substituted high fat, high sugar junk food and soft drinks for regular well-balanced meals; or they have simply stopped preparing meals in the home.”

Lifelong Effects of Childhood Obesity

An alarming number of children are obese and developing diseases normally seen in adulthood. Overweight adolescents have a greatly increased risk of dying from heart disease in adulthood.

As with most health problems, the key is prevention, and the effort cannot be left up to the individual — parents need to be the first to take responsibility. “Dismissing childhood obesity as baby fat or relying on a kid’s will power is simply not a solution,” says Deirdre. “We cannot consider it just to be a cosmetic problem - it’s a health risk problem. We can no longer sit back and wait, and think a child may grow out of it.”

Overweight or obese adolescents may be at risk for many of obesity's health effects. These include:

Ø Type 2 diabetes

Ø Heart disease

Ø High blood pressure (hypertension)

Ø High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)

Ø Certain cancers

Ø Gallbladder disease and gallstones

Ø Fatty liver disease (also called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH)

Ø Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Ø Psychological and emotional effects



What Can Be Done About Childhood Obesity? Beanstalk Express® Teaches Parents that Prevention Starts At Home

Food for thought is taking on a whole new meaning. A slow but sustainable healthy food movement has been forming over last few years. Starting at local community levels and all the way to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (aka the White House), people are acknowledging that obesity is a global problem. “Politicians and lawmakers to parents and individuals are realizing that their own poor decisions about what to eat are shortening life spans and increasing health care costs,” says Deirdre. In the last two years, state legislatures have enacted or proposed measures that require or recommend nutritional guidance for schools nationwide. In 2010, the First Lady Michelle Obama launched a national campaign to end childhood obesity and promote general good health across the country.


“It is up to parents and other adults to teach responsible alternatives to the obese lifestyle,” says Deirdre. “Parents must first become aware of the problems with their own personal and family eating habits and activity levels, and then they must make adjustments that will have a positive lifelong impact on their children. If a child learns good habits for diet and exercise as children, they will very likely carry these habits and this knowledge into adulthood as well.”

Beanstalk Express® is a child nutrition information and resource company that gives parents the tools and information necessary to prevent their child from becoming another statistic of childhood obesity. “Founded by parents for parents, at Beanstalk Express®, we believe that childhood obesity begins at home,” says Deirdre. “We understand that the critical period of childhood obesity prevention occurs during the early and sometimes most challenging years of infancy, toddlerhood and preschool.”
 
 

Win a SnackTime Survival Kit!!!

To enter, share your favorite healthy snack in a comment below. Must be a US resident. Follow me on Google/Networked Blogs/Facebook/Twitter for one entry each follow. Links are on my sidebar. Follow my new blog, Away We Go, with Google/GFC for two extra entries! Giveaway ends midnight July 10, 2011. Good luck!

St. Augustine: Our Beach House

Recently, we were given the opportunity to stay at Our Beach House, an oceanside retreat that's steps from beautiful white sandy beaches. The house is a duplex with an entrance to "A" side in the front and "B" side in the back. It is easy to get to and there is plenty of parking for one or two cars. We stayed on "A" side and a wooden walkway led to the front door. Entering the beach house, I immediately noticed a large stone fireplace and a spacious living room, perfect for relaxing with my family. A television and DVD player were there to entertain us on rainy afternoons. Just in case we left our DVD's at home, there were plenty of cable stations! There was also a CD player so we would play our favorite music! A large sleeper sofa and two chairs offered plenty of of seating options.

The eat in kitchen was large enough for three or more, and it featured a toaster oven, coffee pot, microwave, range/oven, and dishwasher. I also found a hand mixer in one of the cabinets. The beach house boasts a full size washing machine and dryer too which is really convenient when you have kids! There were several beach towels on the dryer for us to use. A half bath downstairs kept us from walking up and down the spiral staircase each afternoon!

 Upstairs, I found a cozy sitting area and a desk. Wireless Internet made it easy to keep in touch with friends and family during our stay. While the spiral staircase leading to the top was beautiful, it was a little difficult to carry our luggage up to our rooms. If you have problems, consider carrying your luggage to the upper deck outside and then open the sliding doors and carry everything inside. The stairs outside are easy to manage!Sam, my three year old, didn't have a problem getting up and down the stairs and I wasn't worried about him falling. For those of you with smaller children, a baby gate really won't work, but you can easily slide something over to block the stairway opening to keep your children safe.

 

Upstairs, a room with two twin beds featured an attached bathroom with a large shower. Logan and Sam had no problems falling to sleep each night in the comfortable beds. The sheets were smooth and soft and they were welcoming after a long day spent sightseeing!

There was also a bedroom with a queen size bed and an attached full bath on the upper level. In the closet we found extra pillows, sheets, and towels. A television and DVD player lulled us to sleep one night! Each room had an alarm clock radio and a ceiling fan!

The upper deck had two lounge chairs and a table. The deck overlooks a quiet neighborhood and street. We couldn't see the ocean, but we could feel the cool salty breeze! The street is lined with beach style cottages and neighbors occasionally walk by with their surf boards and pets to enjoy the pet friendly beach! We met a few neighbors during our stay and they were friendly and welcoming.

Standing at the end of the walkway, which leads to the front door, I snapped the picture below to show how close this house is to the beach. The sign at the end of the road is where the sand begins. Walk through the dunes and there you are! The glorious blue water stretches before you! This beach may have some traffic because visitors may drive on it. I don't think it is very busy though. We only saw one truck on the beach during our stay, which was Father's Day weekend.

  A garage is shared by the two units and it contains a bathroom, beach toys, chairs, and a beach umbrella. A keypad is used to open and close the garage door. There is also an outdoor shower to the left of the front door.  We enjoyed our stay and found everything clean and well maintained. It was comfortable and it really felt like home! This beach has been one of my favorites for years. I love Anastasia Island and I love St. Augustine. They are both family friendly and quiet, compared to other places I've visited. This beach house would be great for family reunions and get-togethers. The setting is ideal and you can enjoy all the amenities offered to guests of St. Francis Inn! 

Disclosure: I was provided with lodging in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received.

Tumblegum

Logan and Sam love being outdoors and they especially love the beach. I always use sunscreen, but I like the extra protection of clothing that was made to block harmful rays. It doesn't wash off, so I know they are covered.

This year, Tumblegum sent Logan and Sam a rash guard and board shorts. The board shorts were roomy and longer than the shorts I've bought them before. That means more UPF coverage! The rash guards fit well and there is even a little room to grow! The material is my favorite feature. It's super soft with almost  a silky texture.

I also took a few pictures without the rash guards. I don't often see children on the beach with rash guards and I've often wondered why. Maybe they are not as popular on the east coast or maybe parents are not aware of them. I would recommend that you purchase a set. It gives me peace of mind to know my kids are protected!Tumblegum created a sun wear line of UPF 50+ garments ranging from surf suits to sun hats, designed  specifically for infants, toddlers and kids. The swimwear is irritation and chemical free UV protection! All fabric is light and breathable making it a fantastic fit for beach, lake and water adventures. I love the vibrant colors and fade-free prints! If ordering from the Tumblegum site and your experience problems, email Kim on the "contact us" page! You can also reach her at kim.tumblegum@gmail.com , klangford@tumblegum.com and/or the following phone numbers:

cell phone:  412 402 8125

home number is 724 782 0483.

Disclosure: I was sent a set of Tumblegum swimwear for Logan and Sam for the purpose of this review. No monetary compensation received.

St. Francis Inn...Your Special Wake-Up Call

 I am not an early bird and I cringe at the thought of getting up before 8. Spoiled? Maybe. While staying at the St. Francis oceanside property, Our Beach House, I eagerly set my clock each morning for 6am, just to make it in time for breakfast. It wasn't a requirement on my part, but after our first breakfast experience, I had to have it again and again! If I wasn't spoiled before, I am now!

 The Belgium Waffles were my favorite and we had them twice during our stay. These homemade waffles were delicious and they were unlike any I've had. The maple syrup and homemade whipped cream weren't even necessary, but how could I resist? One morning, I enjoyed a fabulous Strawberry Soup. It tasted like strawberry ice cream dripping off a sugar cone. Sweet and just a little intense, it was a delicious cold treat that showcased the exquisite freshness of the strawberries! Logan loved the yogurt (pictured below) and he had it twice during our stay!

We also enjoyed several other dishes including Cheesy Eggs and Country Ham, which Logan couldn't get enough of! Freshly squeezed orange juice called my name each morning. It was wonderful! Milk was also available along with cereal and granola options! A tea and coffee station offered many choices and flavored syrups took your cup of coffee from great to better with a simple pump! Packets of hot cocoa mix were also available!

 They thought of everything! I couldn't wait to get to breakfast each morning. Logan ate more than he's ever eaten in the past. I sat there amazed, watching him eat bite after bite, wondering where he was putting it all! Sam even surprised us! I didn't see one disappointed face in all the mornings I sat in the dining room!

 The food was plentiful and the staff kept it coming, making sure we were all satisfied and ready for new adventures in St. Augustine! The guests also played a big part in making us feel welcome. It was nice to be greeted by guests as if we were long time friends! If you are not staying at a Bed and Breakfast, that's just one of the things you are missing! Want to know what else you are missing? Check back soon!

Disclosure: Breakfast was provided to us as guests of Our Beach House!

St. Augustine: St. Francis Inn

I've never stayed at a bed and breakfast and I never thought I would. I always thought they were for couples and I also thought they were too cozy. When I go on vacation, I like to do things when I want, and I like to come and go when I please. My first experience at a bed and breakfast happened a couple of days ago. In the oldest city at the oldest inn, I fell in love with a bed and breakfast after tasting a few of the amenities and experiencing their warm hospitality! It was different from anything I had imagined!

The Saint Francis Inn is hosting my family for a few nights at their beach house, and we were given the opportunity to be pampered and spoiled by the Innkeeper and his staff.

When we arrived, we parked across from the entrance in the shady parking lot. After we crossed the narrow street, we entered the courtyard and admired the view!

Red rocking chairs and a swing welcomed us! The grounds were shaded by massive oaks and surrounded by lush landscaping. I could sit out there for hours and enjoy reading a great book ! It was peaceful and very relaxing. A breeze chased away the heat and humidity, making it comfortable and cool!

A Koi pond surrounded by stone was a favorite spot for Logan and Sam. Each and every time we visited, they had to stop and look. A turtle lurks here and my children tried to see who could find it first!

When we checked in, we were greeted by a smiling face. We were given a map, a book on dining options, coupons for a free dessert for two at select restaurants, and Lighthouse tickets! We were invited to dine and enjoy evening socials and desserts, and were were given our keys. I'll tell you more about Our Beach House later!

 On Sunday morning, we drove over for Brunch. Even though it was beautiful outside, we opted to eat in the Inn's spacious dining room. It was filled with friendly faces, each enjoying a thoughtfully prepared meal.

 The dining room has plenty of seating and it's furnished with beautiful antiques. There is more than enough room to walk around tables, so even if the room is full, it doesn't feel crowded!

Conversation flowed freely with other visitors of the Inn. We had fun, smiled at each other's kids, talked about our plans and gave each other recommendations on things to do!

 While we talked, I enjoyed the best Belgium Waffles I've ever had. I topped mine with syrup and delicious homemade whipped cream.  I also enjoyed a fruit salad and fresh squeezed orange juice! My husband raved about the greatest eggs he's ever had and he's talked about them every day since to anyone who will listen!

There was an assortment of cereals, granola, fresh breads, hard boiled eggs, sausages, and fruit parfaits. It was all beautifully displayed on the antique furnishings. The presentation was elegant and everything was spread out for easier service. The staff came in several times to refill platters and pick up dishes. They were caring and warm, and it gave us a wonderful start to our day!

 There was also a selection of teas and coffee. Our favorite was the water, which was loaded with mint and fresh fruit! It was crisp and refreshing!

On Sunday, we enjoyed the Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar! Homemade tomato juice put these Bloody Marys over the top! During our stay, we met Nancy, a member of the staff. She was so attentive and friendly! We enjoyed her stops at our table and also her special way of making us feel at home. I feel as though I made a new friend! We also met Mary. She is gifted in the kitchen and she can make your tastebuds sing with pleasure! I never believed I could enjoy a Bed and Breakfast and truly feel relaxed in this very intimate setting. After a few days visiting this Inn, I've had a change of heart. I have a true picture of what to expect and I know I'll be back. It's a beautiful place to stay and the food is divine! I have more pictures of the Inn to share. I also have some great pictures and memories to share from Our Beach House! Check back soon!

Disclosure: Lodging was provided in exchange for this mention. Honest opinions given.

St. Augustine: CHOCOLATE!

It doesn't get any sweeter than a tour of Whetstone's Chocolate Factory! This guided tour begins at 139 King Street. Tour times are:

Tuesday through Friday: 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:30 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am, 11:15 am, 1:00 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:30 pm
There is a limit of 25 people per tour, so reservations are encouraged during their peak months. When I found out about this tour, I had to go. It was in my top three list of places to see/things to do! If you've been following my blog, you'll know how much I love CHOCOLATE! Getting a behind the scenes tour and getting to sample delicious chocolate made this tour a priority!

We learned so much about chocolate, from start to finish. We learned about the ingredients needed to make perfect chocolate and we learned about tempering. We learned about milk and dark chocolate and creamy cocoa butter! We were given the chance to sample a few of the chocolates and we watched the chocolate products being made. I loved hearing about the molds and hollow chocolate techniques!

Logan and Sam loved the tour. My husband and I enjoyed it too! Our guide was as sweet as the chocolate he made, and he was passionate about the quality of Whetstone Chocolates. We were too, after the tasting! My favorite is their milk chocolate and it was the creamiest ever. It melted in my mouth and it didn't leave a funny residue like some chocolates do. It melted away and left me wanting more! While pregnant with Sam, I lost my taste for dark chocolate. It always seems so bitter, even the milder dark chocolates. I actually enjoyed the dark chocolate samples from Whetstone Chocolates and I can't wait to buy a box before we leave! Visit Whetstone Chocolates and enjoy the tour! If you have time before or after the tour, grab a gelato. It's the perfect way to beat the heat!
Disclosure: We were provided passes in exchange for this review.

St. Augustine: Black Raven Pirate Adventure!

 Last night I was so exhausted from our busy day I couldn't help falling asleep while checking my email. I wanted to post, but I couldn't keep my eyes open. We are having the time of our life. In St. Augustine, there is so much to see and do. And the food! Ahhh the food! More on that later!

 After arriving in St. Augustine, we put our boat in and docked at the marina. Immediately, I noticed the most colorful ship in the marina, a beautiful pirate ship that would take us on our first adventure of the day. The Black Raven, which is operated by Black Raven Adventures! This pirate ship cruise features the best dressed pirates in the city and they aren't lacking when it comes to pirate humor. The ship is located at the City Marina. They don't have their own parking lot, so parking might be tricky, especially during peak season. There's metered street parking and there are parking lots all over the city. Rates may vary.

 

After parking, make your way to the Black Raven Store. It is located in front of the marina. For departure times, look here! You need to arrive and purchase your ticket least thirty minutes before departure. Enjoy this time watching the boats coming in and going out. Before walking aboard the Black Raven, have your picture taken with pirates!

You will have the chance to purchase those pictures during the show. Just in case you are wondering, the pirates are respectful and we watched several interactions with guests. The pirates were never pushy about making a sale. I must admit, the picture would make a wonderful keepsake! After finding a seat, we listened to rules and learned about safety onboard. There are restrooms onboard, one for Wenches and one for Pirates. It would have been a little difficult to use them during some of the scenes because you would need to walk through the middle of an "act" to get to them! Other than that, there's plenty of bench seating and you can even change seats to get different views.

The skits are rehearsed, but never scripted, so each adventure is unique. Logan was really into it all and he sang along (we all did!) and he loved the interaction between pirates and passengers! We listened to songs and stories, humorous banter between the pirates, and one pirate even brought out a guitar and played! On our way back to the marina, we were given the chance to use the restrooms, move around, and buy drinks and snacks. Things are pricey, but you will appreciate an ice cold beverage after an afternoon on the water!

Oly Mackerel was my favorite pirate and he led the others through this amazing adventure. He was witty and charming! All of the pirates were, and they got into their roles and they seemed very convincing! The show is about an hour and a half long and they offer different tours so be sure to check their schedule! This was a wonderful start for our St. Augustine visit. It was a truly enjoyable experience!
Disclosure: I was given passes for my family in exchange for this review.