Wordless Wednesday - Merry Christmas 2013

Life is not measured

by the number of breaths we take,

But by the moments

that take our breath away. 

Merry Christmas from our house to yours. 

May you bask in the true joy that comes from knowing the true meaning of Christmas.

Tips on Tuesday: From Peanuts

On this Christmas Eve, I wanted Linus to share Tips on Tuesday with you.

$200 Visa Gift Card #Giveaway

Hosted by:

NYSavingSpecials

Co-Hosted by:

Barbara's Beat, Quick Tattletails, 

Romania and Missions, Rainy Day Pennies, Thriftymommastips.com and  Simply Sherryl

Could you use a little post holiday cash? Have something on your wish list that you didn't receive. Want to have a fun night on the town? 

If you answered yes to any of those questions, be sure to check out the giveaway below. 

One lucky winner will win a

$200 Visa Gift Card

Details:

Dates: Dec. 21 to Jan 4

US. Resident only

All entries are optional

We appreciate the support of our co-hosts and bloggers promoting, please show your support by following them on their social medias pages.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Disclaimer: Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts is not responsible for the awarding of the prize.  If you have any questions about this giveaway, please email the host at nysavingspecials@gmail.com.

Monster Jam Discount Code - Shows at the Mid-America Center Jan 2-5

I don't really think of myself as a "Monster Jam" kind of a girl. Nor do I think of my family as "Monster Jam" fans. But when I asked my kids if they wanted to go to the monster truck rally, the teenager said, "Go without me" (he's 16--we get this a lot), the 7 year old wanted to look at a video and when she saw pink trucks, she was all in. 
The one who surprised me the most was the 11 year old--the one with autism--where the conversation went like this:
Nathan: Is it a Monster Truck show?
Me: Yes, it's called Monster Mash or Monster something...
Nathan: Do you mean Monster Jam?
Me: Yes, that's the right name.
Nathan: Well, that's the most famous one, if you can get tickets for us, we should go. 

Since then, he's told me we need to take his earplugs (no kidding!!) and he asked if we can give away our tickets if it's too scary to go. I told him no, we have to go for at least a little bit so I can post a review of the day. He's deemed that he must attend for 30 minutes and then we decide if he's handling the noise well or not. If not, we agreed to leave. I'm stunned that he's going to give this a go. I never thought of all the kids that NATHAN would say yes. Just a testimony to how much he has worked to overcome and how hard he tries to do everything (and more) that any other non-autistic person would do. I think once he's there he's going to love it...I'm a little more worried about me. So we're going to give it a whirl and see what the kids think. 

About the show:  Mid-America Center, Jan. 2-5 Welcome to Monster Jam, an incredible family-friendly experience starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam monster trucks. These twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over and smash through. Monster Jam provides massive entertainment tailored perfectly for your family's budget, and these colorful, larger-than-life beasts are sure to capture the hearts of both young and old.


If you want to go, too, I've got a discount deal for you. Save $4 off per ticket - Click here to Use code: UFG4OFF. Not Valid on Premium Seating. Not Valid on Kid's tickets. Not Valid on Opening Night. No Double Discounts. 6 ticket Limit. Additional Fees May Apply


Disclosure: I will receive free tickets in exchange for a review of the Monster Jam. 

Save 50% at Babo Botanical's with Promo Code

Looking for a last minute gift for anyone on your list? Are you down to that 'hard to purchase for' person? Why not get 50% off of terrific products that are all natural and good for you to use? Check out Babo Botanicals where every available gift is 50% off. Use the promotion/coupon code: HOLIDAYBABO

You will find lots of products for everyone on your list. And their products are natural and safe--gentle enough for newborns and safe for anyone of any age. I appreciate products that are safe to use, natural (and a bonus here--organic, too), and still get the job done. In a world where chemicals are used in everything, it's nice to find a company with natural products. Enjoy your discount! Just make sure you note the expiration date is 12/18/13. 

Babo Botanicals offers a full range of natural and safe skin, hair and suncare products for newborns, babies, kids and the entire family! Babo products are made on a certified organic farm in upstate New York and are ultra-rich in vitamins A, C and D delivering maximum nutrients, protection and moisture to your child's hair and skin. Babo's mission is to provide the perfect balance between optimum results, natural ingredients and family fun.

ENTER PROMOTION CODE : HOLIDAYBABO at check out to benefit from this amazing offer: 
Offer available through Dec 18th. Coupon does not apply to VIP Gift Basket.

Disclosure: I will be receiving Babo Botanical products to try in exchange for a review of their products. 

Zike Z100 Scooter #Giveaway

Welcome the the Zike Z100 Scooter Giveaway!

Sponsored By: Zike

Hosted By: Mami's 3 Little Monkeys

 

Have you seen a Zike? They are amazing contraptions to watch in use. This is one of the scooters that is recommended for children like my son when he was going through OT. It helps develop BOTH  leg muscles and stamina. I'm very happy that I get to be a part of this giveaway to encourage other families to get fit and have fun at the same time.

Zikee LLC is a revolutionary company that has a passion for creating the next generation of revolutionary human powered products! They have combined an innovative new scooter and bicycle creating their freestyle hybrid scooters. Their scooters are unlike any others on the whole planet. They hope to make a positive difference in people's lives by combining fun and fitness as well as environmentally friendly transportation. As you may know mainstream bikes have basically been the same for over 100 years, but with 27 patents pending, Zike has pioneered a radical rethink of these bikes. 

Read Mami's 3 Little Monkeys review here.

Giveaway! 

One lucky reader will win their own Zike Z100 Scooter ($249ARV). The Z100 is recommended for children from 5 to 8 years of age and can support up to 150lbs. This giveaway is open to residents of the Continental US whom are at least 18 years of age at the time of entrance. Giveaway will end on December 28th at 11:59pm CST. For your chance to win, simply complete how ever many entries in the Giveaway Tools entry form below, the more you complete, the better your odds of winning! The winner will be chosen at random, winning entry will be verified and winner will be notified via email in which they have 48 hours to respond to or a new winner will be chosen. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts is not responsible for the fulfillment or shipment of this prize nor have I received any form of compensation for this post. If you have any questions or would like to see your product/brand/etc promoted similar to this one please contact Sarh at mamis3littlemonkeys@yahoo.com. 

Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar #Giveaway and Review

I was so excited when I saw this box in the mail. Have you ever used Fels-Naptha before? I have!! This has been my go-to bar for making laundry detergent and as a stain remover. It really does a nice job of cleaning clothes when I use it in my detergent recipe. I can use the bar to remove greasy stains by wetting the bar and rubbing it into the fabric where the stain is. 

If you would like to learn more about my economical laundry detergent, please see my Making Laundry Detergent post. My homemade detergent is better for our clothes, better for our skin and only costs between $0.03-0.06 per load. Fels-Naptha is a Purex Product. 

The Giveaway

Enter to win two coupons. Each coupon is good for one free bar of Fels-Naptha. 

And remember, if you click on the top right of the Giveaway Tools box, you can select to open all entry options. 

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: Purex provided me with a sample of Purex Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own. 

Are you watching #SoundofMusic Live on Thursday night? #faithandfamily

Did you hear about the new Sound of Music--done Live. Carrie Underwood is starring as Maria and Stephen Moyer will be Captain von Trapp. I love "The Sound of Music" and have watched it repeatedly over the years. I'm excited to see how Carrie Underwood portrays Maria. I think she will do a marvelous job--and I love listening to her sing. 

To see the show, tune in on Thursday, December 5 at 8pm eastern/7pm central. It will be on your local NBC station. Great news--everyone can see it. You don't have to be on a certain cable company to be able to see this. 

I'm already humming "Edelweiss, edelwiss. Every morning you greet me..." I am really excited to share The Sound of Music with my children. We've seen it in the theatre, but I look forward to sharing this live production with them on TV (their preferred medium). Be sure to join me as I'll be tweeting during the show. Let me know what you think (be sure to join the fun by tweeting using #SoundofMusic and #faithandfamily).   

From the producers:
THE SOUND OF MUSICFrom executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron ("Smash," "Hairspray," "Chicago") comes an instant holiday classic: "The Sound of Music," based on the original Broadway musical. Carrie Underwood and Stephen Moyer star as Maria and Captain von Trapp in this beloved story of the young novice who falls in love with Captain von Trapp and his seven children, set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Austria. The jewel in the Rodgers and Hammerstein crown, "The Sound of Music" contains some of the most famous songs ever written for the stage, including "The Sound of Music," "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," "Climb Every Mountain" and "Edelweiss."

This new version of "The Sound of Music" will be a faithful adaptation of the original stage musical, to retell the story for a whole new generation. And more than that, it will be broadcast LIVE, adding a whole new level of immediacy and excitement. Get ready to reintroduce your family to the most joyful, most emotional and most musical family adventure of them all. 

Disclaimer: I will be provided a gift card to purchase food for a viewing party in my home and I may win a Sound of Music prize pack in exchange for my review. Receiving these items does not affect my review and all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

The Nativity Story App Review

The Nativity Story iPad/iPhone app is quite the hit in our house. Rebekah started playing with it and when Nathan saw it, he got right in on the action. Between the two of them, they figured out (without reading instructions) how to make the story go, make the characters speak and move different people/animals/objects all around. They are having a blast with the app and I'm happy to see them engaged in the Nativity Story. 

The app is available for iPad ($3.99) by searching the app store for: The Nativity Story - Popup DELUXE Edition https://itunes.apple.com/app/id579941573

The iPhone app ($1.99) is available by sarching the app store for: The Nativity Story - Popup MINI Edition https://itunes.apple.com/app/id681638132

Geared for ages 2-10, it's easy to use and boasts several languages. 

About The Nativity Story

Where will baby Jesus be born? At the market? At a restaurant? At the inn? Readers of this book app can follow Joseph and Mary on their search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Along the way they encounter a variety of colourful local people and animals. This is a fun and engaging way to share the original story of Christmas with the young generation and remind them what Christmas is all about.

From the promoter:  Why Kids Love This App

•  It's like a vintage pop-up book, with classic woodcut-style illustrations
• By tapping and swiping, kids can help Joseph and Mary find a place to stay.
• Knock on doors... Pull on the rope... Ring the bell... Open windows... Make people talk...
• Create music! Help a band of angels play their instruments.
• Lots of characters to get to know: Innkeeper, Merchant, Shepherds, Chef, A Band of Actors, Neighbourhood Children, Mary's Donkey, Farm Animals and of course... Angels!
• Funny sound effects!

 Why Parents and Grandparents Love This App

• Nostalgia. It feels like a classic pop-up book, bringing back memories for parents and grandparents.
• Optional Narration: Listen to the old-timey narrator tell the story, or read the story yourself.
• EXTRA Feature: After the story, explore the original Bible text that tells the Nativity Story.
• Amazing Visual Quality: Support for retina display

How is This Christmas App Different?

• Production Values - It is a work of art: a rich visual and sound experience.
• Interactive - We use the touch technology and animation to engage the reader in the story in an enchanting and educational way.
• Age approach - The classic Bible story is retold here with an original and creative approach that appeals to young kids as well as adults.
• Original - The app is designed like a vintage popup book
  and includes unique features such as interacting with a band of angels and playing instruments like trumpet and harp.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the app in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

WICKED Ticket Sale Dates Announced

BROADWAY’S BIGGEST BLOCKBUSTER RETURNS TO OMAHA’S ORPHEUM THEATER MAY 7 - MAY 25, 2014

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014

After record breaking engagements in Omaha in 2009 and 2011, WICKED, Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, will return to Omaha’s Orpheum Theater for a third engagement May 7 through May 25, 2014. Tickets for the return engagement will go on sale to the public through www.ticketomaha.com* on Friday, February 7, 2014. Tickets may be purchased prior to this single ticket on sale date by adding the show to a season package or as part of a group of 15. (Robyn's note: see my post about getting a 30% discount this weekend only.)

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, WICKED is directed by two-time Tony® Award- winner Joe Mantello and features musical staging by Tony® Award-winner Wayne Cilento.

Tickets for WICKED start at $35 and will be available beginning Friday, February 7 online at TicketOmaha.com; by phone at 402.345.0606 or at the Ticket Omaha box office in the Holland Performing Arts Center, 13th and Douglas streets, Omaha, Neb. Groups of 15 or more may purchase tickets by calling 402.661.8516 or toll-free at 866.434.8587. Ticket Omaha is the official ticket outlet for all performances of WICKED.

“Omahans have a special place in their hearts for WICKED as demonstrated by the positive audience reaction and strong ticket sales we’ve had in the past,” said Joan Squires, Omaha Performing Arts president. “I’m pleased that we have secured a return of WICKED. We welcome this high-quality show back to the Orpheum Theater.”

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One – born with emerald-green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

The Grammy Award®-winning cast recording is available on Decca Broadway. For more information about WICKED, log on to www.ticketomaha.com or www.wickedthemusical.com.

*Ticket Omaha is the official retail ticket outlet for all performances at the Orpheum Theater and the Holland Performing Arts Center. Tickets purchased from other ticket retailers such as secondary ticket agencies or brokers may be more expensive and may not be valid. Due to the nature of live entertainment, all programs, performers, prices, dates and times are subject to change.

Black Friday deals from Omaha Performing Arts

For those who don't know this about me, my degree is in Theatre - Acting. Additionally, my husband's degree is in Theatre - Technical. And while neither of us work in our degree field, we have a true love and appreciation of the arts. We do all we can to support the arts locally and when I was able to partner up my blog with Omaha Performing Arts, I was thrilled. 

So please take advantage of the arts in Omaha and think ahead to shows you would like to see. Buying tickets at 30% off is something that never happens in the world of theatre. I'm just thrilled to bits that I get to share not only a discount, but hopefully a love of live theatre. Enjoy!

Omaha Performing Arts is holding a once-a-year 30% off Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale!* To take advantage of the sale, go to the promo page and enter in the promo code BARGAIN13. 
The sale runs Nov. 28 through Dec. 2.

Here are the shows:

BROADWAYMillion Dollar Quartet, Feb. 18-23 (inspired by the true story of the night Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash recorded together)Sister Act, March 18-23War Horse, April 8-13Wicked, May 7-25

HOLIDAY SHOWSThe Sounds of Christmas starring Elisabeth von Trapp with the Carolian BrassBallet Nebraska’s The Nutcracker (discount to The Nutcracker is 15% off)Tonic Sol-fa Holiday Concert

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENTSid the Science Kid Live!Polar Obsession with Paul Nicklen, wildlife photojournalistTAO: Phoenix RisingERTH’s Dinosaur Zoo™The Dinosaur Hunter with Paul Sereno, paleontologistExploring the Red Planet with Kobie Boykins, NASA engineer

DANCEMartha Graham Dance CompanyRonald K. Brown/Evidence Dance CompanySwan Lake featuring Moscow Festival Ballet

JAZZ & BLUESCount Basie Orchestra featuring New York VoicesDr. Lonnie SmithSean Jones QuartetWayne Shorter QuartetDelfeayo Marsalis

POPULAR ENTERTAINERSThe Priests
ELVIS LIVES
Christopher O'RileySoweto Gospel ChoirZoë KeatingItzhak Perlman in Recital

* Special offer begins November 28, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. and ends December 2, 2013 at 11:59 p.m.  Offer of 30% off good on tickets to select shows and price levels only. Quantities limited for select shows. Subject to availability. New orders only. All productions, performances, prices, dates and times are subject to change. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.

Happy Thanksgiving 2013

Happy Thanksgiving from our house to yours.

May we remember our many blessings not only today,

but also every day throughout the year.

God's blessings to you on Thanksgiving and throughout the year. 

Love, Coolestmommy and Family

Save $7 off tickets for 2014 Harlem Globetrotters Tour

Looking for an awesome event 

the whole family will enjoy? 

I've got just the ticket for you! Our family got to go see the Harlem Globetrotters last year and we will be back again this year! Last year, they introduced the "Fans Rule" tour. This year, it's been updated for even more fun. Keep reading to find out how you can save $7 off of every ticket! Find out when the tour will be in your city at their ticket website. For Nebraska friends, they are here April 4 & 5, 2014. 

Bring your family to the Harlem Globetrotters brand new "Fans Rule" tour. The Globetrotters had so much fun letting fans vote for what they wanted to see in the game last year that they're doing it again! Only with brand new exciting rules like the Trick Shot Challenge and Hot Hand Jersey. Take your kids to harlemglobetrotters.com/vote and vote for which rule sounds the most fun to you. 

After the game, come down to the court for pictures and autographs with the Globetrotter stars! The only thing better than finding an event for the whole family, is getting a great deal on it and I've got a special discount code for you. You can get your tickets here  and don't forget to use the promo code USFAMILY to save $7 on every ticket! 

*Discount available on select seating levels

Disclosure: I will be given tickets to the 2014 Harlem Globetrotters Tour in exchange for my blog post and promotion of the discount offer to fans. No other compensation will be given and all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Lancome #DreamTone Review

I was given the opportunity to try a new product called Dream Tone. In order to do so, I had to agree to share my #BareSelfie with all of you. In this case, 'bare' means without makeup. 

This product is formulated to help reduce color spots and imperfections in skin and skin tone to give you a more even-looking skin tone. I thought it helped fade some of the acne scars I have so that my skin was more even in the coloring. I also thought it did a nice job of making my skin look healthier overall. The only downfall that I had with the product is the price tag. The Dream Tone serum is $98 per bottle which is much spendier than I usually will be. But, the results were good and so I will think about continuing to use when I run out of my sample. 

Would you like to take part in Lancôme's #DreamTone #bareselfie challenge? 
You can find out more through these social media outlets:
Program Hashtags: #DreamTone, #bareselfie
Lancôme on Twitter: @LancomeUSA 
Lancôme on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lancomeUS
DreamTone website: http://www.Lancôme-usa.com/dreamtone 
Click HERE for more info on Project #bareselfie.

From the manufacturer:About Lancôme DreamTone: DreamTone is the next generation in dark spot correction. This customized skin tone correcting serum is so powerful, 72% of women dare to bare their skin.* The new DreamTone is 3 barely-tinted serums formulated to visibly correct dark spots, color imperfections and give you a more even-looking skin tone. It comes in 3 serums customized for your skin tone: 1- Fair, 2 – Medium, 3 – Dark.The results: IMMEDIATELY: • 74% saw glowing skin*7 DAYS: • 70% noticed a more even skin tone*4 WEEKS: • 69% saw the appearance of dark spots reduced*8 WEEKS: • 78% saw color imperfections reduced**All results based on global self-assessments of women of multiple ethnicities in an 8-week study. 72% reflects 8 weeks of use.How to Use: For best results, apply the product twice per day, in the morning and evening under your moisturizer. Purchase Information: Lancôme DreamTone retails for $98 for a 1.3 fl oz. bottle and is available for purchase at Lancôme.com and department stores nationwide.

Disclosure: I was provided a free sample from SheSpeaks and Lancôme in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide #Giveaway with 11 Winners

Welcome to the 2013 Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway

Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts is pleased to join in this awesome giveaway hosted by Tammie's Reviews, Giveaways and More and sponsored by the following wonderful companies. Each is listed with their respective prize.

Brylane Home- Double Toaster Oven
Key Ingredient - Key Ingredient Recipe Reader
LUGZ- Zen Lo Boots
FagorAmerica- Platino Slow Juicer
GameDay Scoreboard- A GameDay Basketball Scoreboard
AutoRight- 4" Buffer and Auto wash sticks
Rejuvenator- Micro Bubble Shower Head
Aroma- Digital Rice Cooker/ Food Steamer
GIANT microbes- Box of ornaments
Easy Sheets- Set of Easy Sheets
Barbar- 2300 Ionic Flat Iron 1.5"

You can read Tammie's review on each of these products by going HERE. Please give our sponsors some love by visiting their sites. We appreciate their help in finding the perfect gift to give to your special someone.

This is one of the biggest giveaways I've ever had the privilege of participating in. There are well over $1000 in prizes for this giveaway. Make sure you visit some of these sponsors to see what you could win. I'm drooling over the Double Toaster Oven and the Easy Sheet Set. If you are still looking for that perfect gift for someone (even if you are your own special someone), be sure to take a look at these amazing products.


Eleven readers will win one of the prizes mentioned above. First winner will have their choice of all prizes, second winner will have choice of what is left and so forth until all prizes are exhausted.

• This giveaway will be live from 11/24 to 12/15, starting and ending at 7 p.m EST.
• This is open to residents of the U.S. only.
• Winner must be 18 years of age or older.
• The winner will be chosen by Random.org. All entries will be verified.
• Winner will be notified by email.
• Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email. Complete terms and conditions are on the Widget.

Please enter using the easy Giveaway Tools widget below and Good Luck.

Entry-Form

Disclosure-Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts is not responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is not associated nor does it have anything to do with Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest or any other social media sites mentioned. For any issues or to see your product promoted here, please contact Tammie at pankuch1605@hotmail.com. Each sponsor is responsible for their own prize fulfillment.

Disney Live - Three Classic Fairy Tales Review

My kids have learned to appreciate the fact that their mom dogs every step they take with a camera in hand. It's where this blog came from and now they get to enjoy some perks for all the time I've put into growing this blog. I was able to go see Disney Live - Three Classic Fairy Tales with my family today. (I only got 4 tickets so the teenage boy graciously allowed his little brother and sister to go instead.) We were also tapped as the blogger family who was invited to attend the meet and greet. 

Before the meet and greet, they had us wait at tables in the room. We didn't know who we would get to meet. 

It was Cinderella. Here she is asking Rebekah about her gown. Cinderella wondered if Rebekah's Fairy Godmother made it for her?

Rebekah and Cinderella

Nathan meets Cinderella.

Big smiles. This kid learned at an early age that hanging with a beautiful princess isn't a bad thing if you're a guy. They like to hug and kiss the boys as 'future prince' material. 

We were backstage for the meet and greet. I know it's hard to see but on the right is rack after rack of costumes used in the show. The tent top you see is (I believe) a changing room or green room for the cast during the show.

The stage from our seats...in row 13. Oh yeah!

Rebekah and Nathan in front of the stage.

Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy open the show and move us from story to story.

First is Snow White.

Dwarfs

Poison Apple

With the Prince

Cinderella with the mice.

Mean Step-Mother, Drisella and Annastasia

My favorite princess gets her happy ever after...

Belle

Belle and Cogsworth

  

The Rose

Beast transformed with Belle

Curtain Call with Minnie and Mickey

We had a fabulous time. I've seen many Disney stage shows over the years. Let's face it, I started going to Disney Live before I had kids. I'm that big of a fan. This was one of the best productions I've ever seen. High quality costumes, sound was terrific and the show moves fast enough to keep even the littlest ones involved. There were children of all ages singing along and cheering the stories to a happy ending. If you ever want to see a high quality production that isn't exorbitant in pricing, be sure to look for Feld Entertainment's Disney Live. Well worth it for Disney fans of all ages. 

Disclaimer: I was given free tickets in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was given. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

#OCALICON2013 and Le Chocoholique

I was blessed to be able to attend OCAILICON2013 this week in Columbus, Ohio. It's a national autism convention/conference and is considered one of the premier conferences in the nation. I took in many sessions and gleaned a lot of wonderful information to help not only my son, but people with autism living in my state. I was also able to make some personal connections with leaders from other states. It was an action packed, lots of learning, meeting new folks kind of a week.

One evening I was invited to dinner with the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) Team from our state. We went to a lovely Italian restaurant where I got to talk in depth with a person from the ARC about transition services and ways to improve them. After dinner, a couple of the gals mentioned a chocolate shop and I decided to check it out. 

I entered Le Chocoholique expecting some fudges and some turtles and some chocolate. I did not expect to see art in food. Below are some photos of the chocolates available that night. I tried the dark chocolate covered bacon (I've always wanted to try chocolate bacon...and it is GOOD!) I bought gifts for my family. Chocolate covered bacon for Sean & Andrew. A peanut-butter penguin for Nathan. A pink chocolate birthday cake for Rebekah...and because I was worried she wouldn't like it (and she didn't), I got her chocolate covered peanut butter graham crackers. She loved those. 

Chocolate covered bacon.

Sean gave a mixed review on the bacon. He's not a salty/sweet fan. I am. So I cheerfully ate his portion. Andrew had too much dinner and didn't want to eat last night. He plans to have chocolate bacon for breakfast. 

I had so much fun in their shop. It was absolutely amazing. If you ever find yourself in Columbus, check out Le Chocoholique.

Disclaimer: I was not asked to post nor was I compensated in any way. I just had fun at their store and wanted to share. 

Pumpkins and orange ladybugs.

Bit o Bailey's--can you see the chocolate shell is a teacup?

Christmas chocolates.

Christmas - The middle one looks like peppermint on top.