Build-A-Bear Workshop Farmers' Market Collection Review and GIVEAWAY!

We were excited when the Build-A-Bear Workshop sent us a Sheep to review from their new and upcoming Farmers’ Market Collection which debuts on May 4^th 2012.  When the Sheep arrived, we took it straight to our 2 ½ year old son for him to open.  Curiosity struck as the box was put down in front of him.  

When he pulled the Sheep out of the box it was love at first sight.  His expression and ours both turned to smiles as he wrapped the Sheep in a huge hug. 

 He kept yelling, mine, mine, mine, as his older brother wanted to take the Sheep away.  He named him Sheepy Baby.  It’s so cute how little ones speak.  The Sheep was so cute, soft and cuddly that everyone wanted a turn holding it.  Our 5 year old now wants to go to a Build-A-Bear Workshop so he can make one for himself.  It’s great to see our son be tucked into bed every night and have him curl up with the Sheepy Baby right next to him.

The Farmers’ Market Collection at Build-A-Bear Workshop consists of a horse, cow, pig and sheep.  Two Farmers’ Market smallfrys will also be available – a pig and cow.  The will also have two online exclusives with the collection which will consist of a llama and a billy goat.

Remember, this new collection is available May 4^th.  Guests who make a purchase of $20 or more will receive a FREE Farmers’ Market reusable tote. 

If the Farmers’ Market Collection is not your taste, go to www.buildabear.com or visit a Build-A-Bear workshop and make your own personal creation.  You can even create a superhero with The Avengers collection.  With the amount of clothes, accessories, shoes and sounds, you are guaranteed to make a friend for life.

Keeping in contact with the Build-A-Bear Workshop is easy.  Just choose one or all of the following methods:

· Join them on www.facebook.com/buildabear to stay up to date on the most current promotions      and receive exclusive offers.

·   Follow them @buildabear on Twitter!

·  They are also on Pinterest! Here you can get great ideas for kids crafts, gifts for all seasons, kids food    and much more! www.pinterest.com/buildabear

· Get Build-A-Bear Workshop updates on your iPhone by downloading their FREE app http://www.buildabear.com/app

Thanks again to the Build-A-Bear Workshop for sending our “Sheepy Baby”.  We look forward to making more bears for our boys!!


Now is your chance to win your very own Build-A-Bear, yes, I said it, a Giveaway for a chance to win a new Farmers' Market creation!  Click on the link below for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Not your average Smore

One of the best parts of camping is making smores over a fire, especially on a cold evening.  This past weekend, we took an average smore, and learned to make it extraordinary!

What you'll need:
Marshmallows
Graham Crackers
Favorite chocolate candy (Reese's, Symphony, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, High 5, Caramello, Crunch, 3 Musketeers, whatever you love, you get the point)

Why do you have to use a hershey bar?  Answer, you don't!!!  We had a Reese's on ours, and OMG, it was phenom!!!  I will never eat another smore with a Hershey bar, (sorry Hershey, there are just too many options)

Thanks to Lori at Hocking Hills KOA for the idea, it is amazing!!  We'll be telling you more about our trip soon.  Hope you have a delicious day!

Birthday wishes

I wanted to use today to wish the most wonderful husband and father a very Happy Birthday.  I am truly blessed to have such an amazing man in my life!  He busts his butt to provide for myself and my boys.  He makes sure that we have not only what we need, but all the things that we want.
Today is one of those days that it hurts my heart that I don't make money to provide all of the things that he deserves to get on his birthday.  He doesn't ask for much, but I would love to buy him those things that he mentions in passing throughout the year. That would be one heck of a surprise on his birthday!  I know though, that one day, when the boys are older and all in school, and I'm making money again, he will have all those things he wants too.

I love you sweetheart!  I hope that you have an amazing birthday!  You are the BEST, and thank you for all you do!

New Easter Basket Idea

This year I thought it was finally time for the boys to have matching Easter Baskets.  Steve saw baskets that he thought would make good baskets for the boys to have for years and years. I found out that these baskets happen to be on the Today show, so it took me a little while to find matching ones.  These cost less than $20.00 to purchase and put the boys initials on them.  All in all, I think they were a great purchase, they will last for years to come!

Here is the basket to begin with

we bought stencils and fabric paint for the initials

(we were going to get them embroidered, but they couldn't get a hoop on it)

The finished product

Big enough for all of their Easter treats, and durable enough to last through the years. 

Plus they can use them as picnic baskets when they grow up.

Pasta e Fajioli

Happy Tuesday all!  I thought I would share my recipe for Pasta e Fagioli with you all today.  I don't make mine completely traditional, I add a little meat in it, for a little something extra, but it's super yummy!

I had the privilege to try Knorr's new 4-tub pack of Homestyle stock free, and this was the first recipe that came to mind.  I love how small the tubs are.  It makes them so much easier to store, they don't take up nearly as much space.  Here, check it out.

Big difference, right?  Anyway, with a recipe like this, I couldn't really taste any difference, but I sure do love the size!  I would recommend the tubs for space saving.  You do have to boil water and melt them for a stock, which wasn't that big of a deal, I did that while I browned my meat.  If you are in a hurry, then the pre made stock would be a better option.

What you'll need:
1 pound ditalini macaroni
2 cans cannelloni beans (white)
1 clove garlic, cleaned and sliced thin
2 Tbs tomato paste
1 chopped onion
1-28 Oz. can diced tomatoes
3 Tbs chopped Parsley
1 quart of chicken broth
1 lb of beef or italian sausage

Brown meat, onion and garlic.  Add tomato and parsley with the liquid from the tomatoes to the onion and garlic.  Dissolve the tomato paste in the broth.  Add this to the tomato and seasoning mixture.  Empty the beans (do not drain) to the mixture.  Cover and simmer for one hour.  In a separate kettle, cook the macaroni and drain it,  add to the bean and tomato mixture, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.  Before serving, salt and pepper to taste.

Thank you to Knorr's for letting us try your stock.  I would recommend it to others, and will be getting more often to use!