King Richard's Faire: Ticket Giveaway!

Every year my family and I look forward to attending King Richard's Faire. The kids love to marvel at all the sights and sounds.

This year is no different, and we can't wait to check out some new acts while seeing some of our "old" favorites! King Richard's Faire is the biggest Renaissance fair in New England and one lucky reader will win 3 free tickets to the fair for opening weekend.

2017 Faire Dates 

Saturdays & Sundays September 2 – October 22, 2017
Monday, September 4th Labor Day & October 9th Columbus Day
Caver, MA
Gates open 10:30am and close at 6:00pm
Click Here to Purchase Tickets in Advance!
Tickets purchased at the gate are cash only, ATM’s available.
Follow the King on Facebook to stay up to date! 

If you've never been before, check out my previous post "Things to Know Before Bringing Your Family to King Richard's Faire."

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win 3 tickets good for opening weekend - September 2, 3, or 4th.

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Disclosure: My family received free tickets to attend the Faire along with tickets to give away. As always, all opinions are my own.

The Wizard of Oz Live: Ticket Giveaway and Discount Code (Boston)

The Wizard of Oz is coming to Boston!

The Wizard of Oz will play a 2-week engagement at Boston’s Citi Wang Theatre, running April 12-24, 2016. This new production is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage. Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this production contains the beloved songs from the Oscar®-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. 

The Wizard of Oz had its world premiere at The London Palladium Theatre in March of 2011. After a successful West End run, the production had its North American premiere in Toronto in December of 2012, and then embarked on a U.S. tour beginning September 2013.

The Wizard of Oz plays at the Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre Tuesday, April 12 through Sunday, April 24 for 16 performances: Tuesday through Friday evenings at 7:00 pm; Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm; matinees at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, April 20 at 2:00 pm and on Saturdays; and on Sundays at 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Tickets start at $35.00; all prices include a $3.75 facility fee per ticket. Tickets are on sale at the Citi Center box office, through www.citicenter.org or by calling 800-982-ARTS (2787), or through Ticketmaster. Groups of 10 or more may reserve tickets now by contacting Citi Performing Arts Center Group Sales at (617) 532-1116 or groups@citicenter.org 

Discount Code:

Save 25% on tickets to see The Wizard of Oz at the Citi Wang Theatre!  Visit http://citicenter.org/buy/show-listing/wizard-of-oz and enter code OZMOM to buy your discounted tickets. Discount applies to select performances (4/12 7 pm, 4/13 7 pm, 4/14 7 pm, 4/15 7 pm, 4/17 6:30pm ) while supplies last. Valid on all levels, excluding Orchestra Pit.

Win It:
One lucky Dollops' reader will win a four pack of tickets to the opening night performance on April 13, 2016 at 7pm in Boston. This is a Wednesday night so please make sure you can attend before entering the contest. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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 *I received complimentary tickets to the show. As always, all opinions are my own. All photos courtesy of The Wizard of Oz and Daniel A. Swalec©   

The Big Apple Circus: Giveaway and Discount Code! (Boston)

The Big Apple Circus is coming back to Boston with their new show, The Grand Tour, and we couldn't be happier. My kids LOVE the circus! It's always a day filled with fun, laughter, and good times for the whole family. 

Playing under the Big Top at City Hall Plaza, Boston, the show runs from March 24-May 8, 2016. The Grand Tour transports audiences to the Roaring 1920s, the advent of the modern travel era, when the most adventuresome began touring the world in ships, planes, trains, and automobiles. With every seat less than 50 feet from the stage, audiences will be awed by the world-class entertainers as they perform breathtaking acts from the four corners of the globe. Clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and aerialists from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America appear with ponies, puppies and more; the troupe sets off on a whirlwind adventure, accompanied by the live, seven-piece Big Apple Circus Band at each performance. It's sure to entertain everyone!

 In addition to regular shows, the company will also present these special performances:

Circus of the Senses will take place on Tuesday, March 29 and Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 11am. Circus of the Senses performances are specially adapted to enable children and adults with vision or hearing impairments and other disabilities to experience the joy and wonder of the circus. Tickets for Circus of the Senses are $12.50 ($10 for groups of 10 or more). For tickets, please visit www.bigapplecircus.org/circus-of-the-senses to fill out a ticket application form. 

Big Apple Circus Embraces Autism will take place on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 11am. Big Apple Circus has joined with world-renowned Autism Spectrum Disorders experts to adapt The Grand Tour for families with members on the spectrum and create a joyful experience for all. The adapted show includes the same world-class artistry as the full performance with a shorter running time, adjusted lights and sound, a calming center, pictorial social narratives, and specially trained staff and volunteers to assure a memorable event for everyone! All tickets to this special performance, a 75-minute abbreviated show, are half price.

The Grand Tour Family Fun Day will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2016. The fun starts at 3:30pm with interactive entertainment by our Clown Doctors, followed by a full performance of The Grand Tour, and then dessert in the Ring with the performers. Plus free popcorn for all and free goody bags for the kids! Tickets start at $30. All proceeds support Big Apple Circus Clown Care^® at Boston Children’s Hospital, as well as our adapted performances.

Regular tickets for The Grand Tour start at $25 and are available at www.bigapplecircus.org, by calling (888) 541-3750, or purchasing them at the box office.

Order online or at the box office using the code BIGAPPLE* to save 20% on select performances.

One lucky Dollops' reader will win a family 4 pack of tickets to the (Easter) Sunday performance on March 27th at 4:30pm. If you are able to attend this show and feeling lucky then enter via the Rafflecopter form below!

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*Limited availability. Offer good on select seats and shows. Other conditions apply. Children under 3 are free on the lap of a paid adult, one child per lap.

**My family received complimentary tickets to the circus. As always, all opinions are my own. Photos courtesy of The Big Apple Circus.

Pay It Forward Challenge and Giveaway from Stop and Shop

So far in 2015, Stop & Shop has donated over $12 million and 300,000 holiday meals to hunger relief organizations and to those in need. They kicked off the 2015 holiday season by encouraging their neighbors to give back and create a stronger community throughout New England. By learning more about Stop & Shop’s commitment to being a better neighbor, they hope customers and families will be encouraged to bring back random acts of kindness and turn neighbors into friends, and neighborhoods into communities. Stop and Shop reached out to me to see if I would like to be a part of their Pay It Forward Challenge. They offered me a Stop and Shop gift card to use in any way that I saw fit to help benefit my local community. So cool, right?

I took this opportunity to support LYNN Ministries which stands for Love Your Neighbor Now. LYNN Ministries assists the local homeless population in the Foxboro/Attleboro/Brockton area. Each month, they deliver a hot meal, fresh fruit, fresh baked items, clothing, blankets, and personal care items to those without a permanent home. They also help facilitate a connection to resources, local churches, and provide one of the best gifts of all - hope.

I reached out to Debbie Snow, who runs the organization along with her husband, to see how Stop and Shop's donation might be able to assist them best. I know with charities they sometimes have an abundance of one item but are really low on others so I wanted to make sure that our donation was truly useful at this time. Debbie agreed to meet up with me and the kids after school at Stop and Shop (she must be a saint, right?) in order to tell us more about the organization and help us pick out items. The kids were really excited to be a part of the purchase and donation. 

We learned that LYNN Ministries hands out 150 baggies each month with necessary toiletries and supplies for the homeless. These individuals and families do not have a permanent place to put their things so travel sized items are what are needed most. Currently, the ministry was very low on toothpaste so we were able to pick up a bunch for them.

The kids were fascinated to hear that some people live in tents (year round) so Debbie was kind enough to share this photo with me of one of her friend's homes. I say friend's home because that is exactly what the people she supports are to Debbie - her friends.

The picture really helps put it in perspective.

LYNN Ministries also provides a meal each month that they cook fresh, package up in individual containers, and deliver to those in need. We were able to purchase pork for them to serve at their holiday meal. The money they save from not having to purchase the meat themselves, they will now put towards winter coats, gloves, and socks. I loved hearing how Stop and Shop's donation of toiletries and meat would then have a trigger effect of allowing them to purchase other items that are desperately needed.

Here we are heading to the check out - bunny ears and all!

Debbie and John Snow with the donations that we purchased courtesy of Stop and Shop's generosity (WOW!!)

If you are interested in learning more about how you might be able to help, you can check out the supply list of items that LYNN Ministries is in need of (year round) HERE. If you are local to Foxboro, MA, I'd be happy to help coordinate with you a pick up/drop off of any donations. This really is such a great, hands on ministry where donations go directly to those in need.

Feeling touched and moved? Awesome, because it's your turn! I am giving away a $50 Stop and Shop gift card so that YOU can help pay it forward this holiday season. You can choose to spend the gift card on however you see fit - donating to your local food bank, buying toys/books for children in need, the list is endless! Once you do spend your money, we would love for you to share your donation story with others so that they might be inspired to do the same. Share your story and photo using the hashtag #PayItForwardwithSS on Facebook, Instagram, etc so that we can all enjoy them!

Best of luck - I can't wait to hear how you're sharing the love this holiday season!

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prAna: Review, Giveaway, and Discount Code! #JustBeYou

Being part of the Stonyfield team, I recently was offered the opportunity to receive and review an item from prAna's organic cotton line. It's no mystery why Stonyfield and prAna pair so well together. They are both committed to creating quality products in earth friendly ways. They seek materials from sustainable sources, treat people fairly, and seek to improve industry processes. They do their best to recycle resources, reduce packaging, and help to jump start the next generation of organic farmers.

prAna prides itself on the fact that you can wear their clothing during every activity on every day. Their catalog is filled with amazing looking people doing awesome things.

I was asked to #JustBeYou while wearing and reviewing my item. So I wore the Peppa Jacket doing things that I do best. Now I want to say that I sported it while climbing a mountain or sailing the seven seas but my life is not quite as exciting as that. You know what? That's okay because the Peppa Jacket was soft and cozy for everything that I needed in my regular life!


I rocked it at the bus stop...

Look at those cuties!

and while out running errands.

Target, here I come!

It also kept me warm, comfy, and cozy while I (unfortunately) battled a cold!

Booooo!

I also enjoyed an Apple Cinnamon Oh My Yog! while recovering on the couch that day. The apple/cinnamon flavor is perfect for fall and it tastes like a treat even while getting vitamins!

My prAna item is soft, fun, wears well, and comfy! Want to try something from the prAna organic line yourself? One lucky Dollops reader will win one prAna organic item valued at up to $99. Don't fret if you don't win because everyone can benefit from the discount code below!

Discount: 15% off* at prAna.com
Discount Code: JBYF15DOD

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*Discount code not valid for prAna Influencers, on Gift Certificates, or with any other offers. Ends  Dec 15, 2015.

***Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Stonyfield. As a YoGetter Ambassador,  at times I receive free product and/or compensation. As always, all opinions are my own.

Davis Farmland: Ticket Giveaway!

I recently received 4 tickets to Davis Farmland in Sterling, MA. Our family has never been so I was pretty excited to go. I have heard nothing but great things about it and heard over and over again that it is well worth the money since you can easily spend the whole day there. I envisioned a good old fashioned, animal and pumpkin filled family day. However, life and other commitments have made that plan dwindle and now I fear we won't make it before Davis Farmland closes for the season.

What does this mean for you? Well it means YOU could go and have all the family fun that I imagined! That's right - I am giving away my family 4 pack of tickets to one lucky Dollops reader!

If you're unfamiliar with Davis Farmland, click HERE to check out fellow blogger, Gilda's, recent post about her family's trip there. It's filled with information, tips, and pictures!

The tickets expire on October 25, 2015 so this is a QUICK giveaway. Enter now so I can pick a winner and mail the tickets out to the lucky duck!

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Back to School and a Krusteaz Cookie Giveaway!

We are now on week three of back to school here at the Dollops household. Summer is (sadly) starting to feel like a distant memory.

Here they are off to1st, K, and 2nd!

September is not only back to school here but also back to homework and piano and soccer (x3) and Girl Scouts and what feels like a million other things. It often feels like there aren't enough hours in the day to get things done so I was excited when Krusteaz sent me a box of cookie mixes to try out. Now I actually really enjoy making cookies. If I had more time and more will power not to eat the dough, I'd make them more often. With the Krusteaz mixes though I don't need that much time. They're also the perfect amount of work needed for kids to help but not drive you nutty in the process!

Two bakers (and yes, a burnt wooden spoon)

Krusteaz cookie mixes come in the following flavors:

Triple Chocolate Chunk
Meyer Lemon
Double Peanut Butter
Brown Sugar Oatmeal
Oatmeal Scotchie
Butter Vanilla Sugar

So far we've tried out the Butter Vanilla Sugar that we enjoyed on movie night and the Double Peanut Butter as an after school snack. Both got two thumbs up from everyone!

To find our more about Krusteaz and all the yummy products they offer, click HERE.

Krusteaz has been gracious enough to allow for one lucky Dollops reader to get in on the baking fun, too. One winner will receive a Krusteaz prize pack including one of each of the cookie mixes listed above as well as some additional Krusteaz goodies. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win!

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*Disclaimer: This post was written in partnership with Krusteaz and I received complimentary products. As always, all opinions are my own. 

Ace Archers (Foxboro, MA): Review and Giveaway!

 *I attended a hosted event at Ace Archers and they are graciously giving away a prize to a lucky Dollops reader. As always, all opinions are my own.

I was recently invited to try my hand at archery at Ace Archers. Truth be told even though I live in Foxboro, I had never heard of the archery range before. Therefore, I was excited to check it and to try something new. I have never done any type of shooting or archery in my life so I was definitely a beginner!

We started off the class with the instructors/owners telling us about the equipment, going over safety precautions, showing us stances, more safety, showing us how to shoot, and you guessed it - more safety! I had never really thought about the whole risk factor of shooting the arrows. Clearly, I need to watch more Hunger Games. The bows were also way bigger than I thought they would be.

Totally a natural

I started off shooting way over the target but by the end I was hitting it (somewhat) consistently. They even put balloons on the bullseyes. There was definitely an added thrill when you heard it pop!

Things to Know About Ace Archers:

• They are located at 131 Morse Street, Foxboro, MA
• Ace Archers is family run and owned with USA Archery Certified Instructors
• Participants must be 8 years of age or older 
• Open range time is $14/hour with equipment included ($12/hour if you bring your own)
• No experience is necessary and all levels are welcome. Instructors happily help you with whatever you might need.
• Reservations are not required for Open Shooting but are recommended.
• They host archery classes, birthday parties, corporate events, bachelor(ette) parties, and more!

Want to test out your skills? One lucky reader will win a pass valid for 4-hours of range time during normal business hours. This can be broken up however you like - bring 4 friends with you for an hour session, attend yourself for 4 one hour sessions, bring a friend for 2 two hour sessions, etc, etc. Remember, archers must be 8 years of age or older. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Boston Ballet's Edge of Vision: Ticket Giveaway!

Last month I had the opportunity to attend my first ballet performance and now I'm passing along the opportunity to you!

Boston Ballet continues their spring Perception series with Edge of Vision, a triple bill program featuring three works commissioned by Boston Ballet: Jorma Elo’s highly anticipated world premiere, Bach Cello Suites; Helen Pickett’s Eventide, with new music, choreography, scenic designs and lighting; and Lila York’s rousing Celts which sets classical ballet, jigs, and speedy footwork to a mix of Irish music.  

Boston Ballet's Edge of Vision will run April 30 – May 10, 2015, at the Boston Opera House with tickets starting at $29. For more information, visit www.bostonballet.org or call 617-695-6955.

One lucky Dollops winner will receive a complimentary pair of tickets to the Saturday, May 9, 2015, 1pm performance. Whether you are a ballet veteran or a first timer, you are sure to have a great time! Winner must be able to attend this specific performance so check your calendar before you enter. Winner will be notified by May 3rd and will have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. This is a quick giveaway so enter now!

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*Tickets were generously donate by the Boston Ballet and this post has been written in collaboration with them. As always, all opinions are my own.

Stop and Shop's World Menu: Gift Card Giveaway!

Looking for an easy dinner tonight? Stop & Shop is offering its customers a new take on take out with the launch of its brand new World Menu product line. These internationally, inspired items feature quality ingredients and bold flavors, including many Italian and Asian favorites. Found throughout the store with a large variety in the frozen department, World Menu products bring the tastes from around the world to your kitchen for quick and easy meals in just minutes. What's not to love about that?

Meals include ricotta and spinach tortellini paired with broccoli rabe & smoked provolone - yum! Asian varieties include chicken pot stickers with sweet & sour chicken and shanghai-inspired sesame stir fry.

Enter to win a $25 gift card below to Stop and Shop so that you and your family can try out some of the new items for yourselves!
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 *Disclaimer: I received a Stop and Shop gift card so that my family can try out the new World Menu. I'm hoping to run into the Maven of Savin at the checkout like I did last week and have her save me lots of moola on my order.

Big Apple Circus (Boston): Giveaway!

 

Hurry, hurry! — Fly away to the magical ring, to the circus — to the Big Apple Circus! — where an All-New Show — METAMORPHOSIS — with astonishing acts and startling transformations will transport you to a realm of enchantment under the Big Top!

PHOTO CREDIT: Bertrand Guay/Big Apple Circus

For its 37th Season, Big Apple Circus soars on wings of artifice and illusion, to a dreamscape domain where no one sits more than 50 feet from the ring, and nothing is impossible! 

PHOTO CREDIT: Bertrand Guay/Big Apple Circus

Big Apple Circus presents METAMORPHOSIS in its annual Boston engagement at City Hall Plaza from Tuesday, March 24 through Sunday, May 10, 2015.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bertrand Guay/Big Apple Circus

To save 20% per order for select performances, use the code APPLE* when buying tickets online at http://www.bigapplecircus.org/  or by phone at  888-541-3750, and at the box office.

One lucky  Dollops reader will win a family four pack to the March 29th performance at 4:30pm. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below! 

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  *Limited availability. Offer good on select seats and shows. Other conditions apply. Children under 3 are free on the lap of a paid adult, one child per lap.

**Disclosure: My family will be attending the Big Apple Circus at no charge. As always, all opinions are my own.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical: Giveaway!

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL TO PERFORM AT BOSTON’S CITI SHUBERT THEATRE!

 One Week Only, Dec. 9 – 14, 2014

Rudolph Soars from Screen to Stage in a Family-Friendly Adaptation of the Highest Rated Christmas Special of All Time

In 1964, the beloved stop-motion animated television classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, made its network television debut delighting audiences across the country. Fifty years later, the longest running and highest rated television special comes to life, live on stage with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, featuring the world’s most famous reindeer and a holly jolly cast of iconic characters. Rudolph and friends, including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster, help Santa save Christmas this holiday season.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is so faithful to the original show that it practically transports audience members into the television special. The songs drive the plot while familiar and nostalgic set designs, costumes and characters are brought to stage. The cast brings new energy to the classic songs and dialogue, while puppets help showcase the charming “roughness” from the television show’s stop-motion effects.

The story tells the tale of a young Rudolph who, because of the appearance of his bright, shining nose, is ousted from the reindeer games in Christmas-town. He flees town, meets up with new friends Hermey and Yukon, and a series of funny and endearing adventures ensue including a visit to The Island of Misfit Toys. Rudolph journeys home, where a snowstorm of epic proportions is threatening Christmas. Can Rudolph save his family and friends and help Santa save the holiday?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical plays at the Citi Performing Arts Center Shubert  Theatre, 265 Tremont St., Boston, Tuesday, December 9 – Sunday, December 14, 2014, for 12 performances: Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm; morning matinees on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 am;  and afternoon matinees at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.  Tickets are priced at $28.00 - $68.00; all prices include a $3.75 facility fee per ticket and are on-sale  at www.citicenter.org  or by calling (866) 348-9738. Groups of 10 or may reserve tickets now by contacting Citi Performing Arts Center Group Sales at (617) 532-1116 or groups@citicenter.org   For more information, visit www.citicenter.org.

Want to win a 4 pack of tickets to opening night on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 7pm? Enter via the Rafflecopter form below!

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 *Disclosure: I am being provided with complimentary tickets to opening night in addition to hosting this giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own.*

Celebrating 25 years of Peapod with a Giveaway!

I recently had the opportunity to try out Peapod's pick up service at my local Stop and Shop. Not familiar with Peapod? Well here you go...

Peapod – an Ahold USA company – is the country’s leading Internet grocer, serving 24 U.S. markets throughout Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Wisconsin. Founded in 1989 by two brothers as a smart shopping option for busy households, today Peapod has delivered more than 29 million grocery orders. With over 15,000 products on its shelves for customers to choose from, Peapod strives to deliver convenience and value. Customers can order online or on Peapod’s free mobile app for grocery home delivery or car-side service at one of many Pick-up locations.

Now when Daniel was first born I had used the Peapod delivery service a few times but I was excited to try out the pick up service. I'm out and about every day anyway so for me it's easier to pick up. I love that I can pick a time frame and head there myself and get the groceries. For me, having to wait at home during a chosen time window for a driver to arrive is more annoying than helpful. However, I think the delivery service is magical for lots of other people in other situations. You know, people who are less anal and controlling over every detail of their day :)

So last Wednesday morning I went online and ordered my groceries. I ordered from my computer but you can also use an app to order the groceries directly from your phone as well. I like that you can sort grocery items by department, by what's on sale, and even find recipes. I always pick and secure my grocery pick up or delivery time first before I start shopping. That way in case a flood of people also start shopping I won't lose the time that I want. When I ordered on Wednesday morning the earliest time that I could pick up groceries was Friday morning. So timing is something you need to keep in mind. If you're going to be out of essentials before the end of the week, make sure to place your order a couple of days ahead of time. You can continue to add items to your cart until around the afternoon before (they tell you the specific end date/time when you order).

So on Friday, Daniel and I headed to our local Stop and Shop to pick up our groceries during our designated one hour pick up window. I parked in one of the "Peapod Pick Up" parking spots and Carson (an always helpful and friendly S&S employee in Foxboro!) waived me over to the front of the store. On the sign there was also a phone number to call for an attendant if for some reason someone wasn't there right away to help you. So either way, you never need to go in the store. The sign also said that they do not accept tips which I had wondered about so I loved that the sign made it clear. So I pulled up, Carson loaded the groceries in my trunk, he brought over an invoice for me to sign, and I pulled off on my merry way. It was seriously, so easy. The fee for pick up is $2.95 (min order $60) which I think is reasonable. It's definitely something I would recommend - I mean you don't even have to get out of your car!

Want to try out Peapod for yourself? Peapod and I are teaming up to offer a lucky reader a $25 gift card to use towards your purchase. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below!
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*I received a gift card from Peapod in order to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions are my own.*

The Parched Painter: Review and Giveaway!

When I went to a paint night over the summer at The Parched Painter in Walpole, MA I knew right away that it would be the perfect spot to have Isabelle's 7th birthday party. Although she can jump the day away with the best of them at a bouncy house party, it's not really who she is. She is a crafter. She is a drawer. She is a painter.

So I knew (well, anticipated) the party would be a slam dunk - and it was! The party was easy peasy to plan with the studio. They suggested several paintings based on the age of the guests and Isabelle got to pick the final painting. She picked a snowman which I think will be great for years to come. I then sent in a deposit and showed up day of with cupcakes/water and they did the rest. They provide invitations (although I did Evite instead), tablecloths, plates/napkins, balloons, and all the painting supplies.

Rich, one of the co-owners, led the girls (and one specially invited boy) step by step through the painting process. The kids were great and totally into it. They also had fun, party/age appropriate music playing for me (oh, I mean the kids) to sing along to.

 

So the kids painted for about an hour and a half and then we headed over to a separate table for some party fun. At the end of the party, everyone got to bring home their masterpiece. No need for cheap goody bag prizes when you get to bring these treasures home!

I honestly think it was the PERFECT place to have her party. Everyone had such a great time and it was something different to do. You can check out more about their kids parties HERE but standard pricing is $250 for 10 kids (or less) and $25 per additional child.

The Parched Painter isn't just for kids though. As I mentioned, I had gone there originally for a girls' night out around when they first opened. Here is me working on my masterpiece (wine in hand, of course)...

One of my favorite parts about the studio is that it is BYOB! You can bring in whatever food or drink that you like to enjoy while painting. They even have tables set up on the side so you can bring in chips and dip or larger items. You could also bring in a veggie platter, I suppose, if that's your thing (gag).

You can check out their calendar ahead of time (HERE!) and it shows what they are painting each night. You find a painting you like, sign up online, grab your friends, and you are set to go. It's low key, it's casual, it's fun! Oh, and yes, YOU can paint the picture. I have no painting history and no real artistic ability but my painting came out totally fine. This type of night is perfect for beginners up through experienced painters. The instructor walks you through step by step but everyone can put their own spin on their painting if they choose! Oh, and if you really mess it up, they'll totally help you fix it.

Okay, so in case it's not clear, I really dig The Parched Painter. My guess is if you go, you'll love it, too. Need an extra nudge to get there? How about 2 complimentary tickets to an adult class (value: $35 per ticket). Free tickets exclude fundraisers, private parties, and Paint your Pet nights. Enter for your chance via the Rafflecopter form below!

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 **We personally paid for both the birthday party and my night out. I simply loved my experience and am sharing it with you. The owners were gracious enough to offer free tickets to a Dollops reader. As always, all opinions are my own.**

Red Jacket Mountain View Resort Giveaway!

My friend, Sharon, of Viola Cay recently took her adorable family to the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort in North Conway, NH. The resort is also home to Kahuna Laguna, a 40,000 square foot water park. Sharon is now hosting a giveaway for a two night stay for a family of four (including water park passes) and I'm lucky enough to be a part of the action!

Photo Credit: Viola Cay

Don't know much about the resort? Well let me tell you...

The resort is located on 25 acres overlooking the Moat Mountain Range and Saco River Valley, this favorite New Hampshire resort is perfect for enjoying breathtaking scenery, deluxe accommodations, outstanding cuisine and fantastic service. 

For the ultimate vacation, choose from spacious family accommodations, townhouses, Jacuzzi rooms or pet-friendly rooms and enjoy spectacular mountain views from your own private balcony or patio.
The Red Jacket is well-known for its festive events, live entertainment and outstanding dining. Champney's Restaurant serves signature New England cuisine with a continental flair. For more casual dining, Palmer's Red Ridge Grille offers a mix of lighter fare and award-winning specialties.  

Minutes away from the resort are more than 100 tax-free outlets and specialty shops, as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding and whitewater rafting for the outdoor adventurer. And the Mountain View is home to Kahuna Laguna, a 40,000 square-foot indoor water park. Dive into a tropical adventure with the entire family for splash-tacular fun!

Sounds amazing, right? Well enter for your chance to win via the Rafflecopter form below!


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*Giveaway includes a two night stay for a family of four at Red Jacket Mountain View Resort in North Conway, NH and passes to Kahuna Laguna indoor water park. Restrictions: Not available on holidays, holiday weekends or school vacation weeks. Valid through October 2015. Other terms may apply. 

Breakfast for Dinner with Krusteaz!

What's for dinner? It's always the nagging question of the day. I want to say that I am one of those people who has meals planned out a week ahead of time and a balanced meal ready to heat up each night but I'm not. I'm far from it. Between school, activities, and life in general, I'm fried by dinner time. Prep ahead meal planning is really something I need to work on but in the meantime I'm grateful for Breakfast for Dinner nights! It's a huge hit in our household. I mean come one, who doesn't want pancakes, or waffles, or french toast for dinner. I basically want them every day of the week for every meal. YUM!

Breakfast nights are easy and the kids love to help (which I only honestly sometimes let them do based on how much patience I have left!). We recently received a package of Breakfast Night supplies from Krusteaz and couldn't wait to use them. We decided to try out the Krusteaz Belgium Waffle Mix since the kids love when I bust out the waffle maker.

The mix makes it so easy - you just add oil and eggs. It's so easy that a four year old could do it...

Or even a five year old...

So with just the mix, oil, and eggs and a few minutes in the waffle maker and voila! We had a great, easy, super yummy meal on the table!

Want to try out some Krusteaz products for yourself? One lucky Dollops reader will win a prize pack including a Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix, a Blueberry Pancake Mix, a Belgian Waffle Mix, and a Wild Blueberry Muffin Mix (We LOVE this one!) as well as Krusteaz coupons for free product. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below!
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*I received a complimentary box of Krusteaz products to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions are my own.*

Summer Shape Up With Balance Bars

It's no secret that I try to live a healthy lifestyle. The key word there is TRY.  Most weeks I exercise regularly and eat somewhat healthy. Of course, I'm a sucker for ice cream and wine which always seem extra plentiful over the summer. Oh, and vacations are just a killer - so much yumminess all rolled up into one week. So I was really excited when I was asked to participate in the Summer Shape Up collaboration between Balance Bars and Walmart. I feel like I've definitely fallen off the wagon over the last couple of weeks and needed a push to get back on.

So I headed off to Walmart to pick up some Peanut Butter and Cookie Dough Balance Bars.

Oh, and yes, there are some Cheez Its in the cart, too. Those are a staple in our household! Now say what you will about Walmart but you can't beat their prices on most products. I was able to pick up the 6 pack box of Balance Bars for just $4.56 - a total steal.

I had actually never tried Balance Bars before even though I have tried a decent amount of bars in the past. They have over 20 vitamins and minerals, a low glycemic index, and are an excellemt source of antioxidants. But how do they taste, you ask? Well I'm happy to report that they are yummy - not chalky or just plain gross like some energy bars can be!

I love nutrition bars because they are so easy. You will often find me eating one while trying to dress an unruly preschooler or while driving around town running errands. I always seem to have time to feed the kids breakfast but never myself which is why bars are always in stock at my house. The Balance Bars also kept me full all morning which is a must. I find if I eat one in the morning it helps to prevent me from snacking. Snacks are a huge downfall for me so any way I can reduce them is a plus!

How about you? Would you like to try out Balance Bars? Well one lucky Dollops reader is going to receive a variety box of Balance Bars as well as a $10 Walmart gift card. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below!

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**Disclosure: I was provided with a Walmart gift card as part of a sponsored collaboration with Balance Bar in order to purchase Balance Bars and other summer, fun items for my family. As always, all opinions are my own.