We love them dearly, but it is always a relief when the kids are tucked up safely in bed. This is the time when you can really enjoy a little me time and take the opportunity to do the things that you want to do for yourself. Whether you just want to relax, engage in your favorite hobby, or do something creative, it doesn't really matter. You will feel better for having done so and you will find that you are a better parent for it. As they say, “all work and no play makes Jill a dull girl”. If you are stuck for ideas, here are a few suggestions of things to do online when the kids have gone to bed.
What could be more therapeutic after a busy day looking after the kids than a little online shopping?  Retail therapy really does work and a recent study carried out by psychologists has proven it. When you treat yourself to something really nice it has a long term positive impact on how you feel and your general mood. More importantly, unlike many other mood boosters, a shopping high doesn't result in a come down or leave any negative emotional side-effects, that is as long as you don’t spend too much money.
Playing at an online casino
If you have never played at an online casino, then why not give it a try? It is a great way to switch off from the humdrum and escape into a different world.
You can try your hand at some of the traditional casino games such as roulette and blackjack.

Welcome to the Keep the Germs at Bay Giveaway!

Prize: Crane Germ Defense Cool & Warm Air Humidifier

Sponsored by:  Crane

Hosted by: Gloriously Green Gal & Savory Savings

Co-hosted by: Bloggie Away, Monica’s Rants, Raves & Reviews, Dividing by Zero, Her 3 Little Thinkers, Joy Makin’ Mamas, Profit From Sweepstakes Giveaway & Review Blog , Mixed Nuts Mommy, and To Be A Better You

This winter has been particularly long and full of colds, sinus infections and other ailments for many.  Krista over at Gloriously Green Gal and Savory Savings, has been struggling with sinus infections all winter and as a result, a dry nose and dry cough.  With the help of the Crane Germ Defence Cool & Warm Air Humidifier, she could rest easily and inhale again (without nose pain!).  Check out the full review of this humidifier and see why it might be a good fit for your home, too!
If you would like to win a Crane Germ Defense Cool & Warm Air Humidifier, enter with the Giveaway Tool below. One lucky US, 18+ winner will receive a Crane Germ Defense Cool & Warm Air Humidifier!  This giveaway will run from February 19, 2014 through March 4.  If you have won a Crane giveaway from any blog in the last 12 months, you are not eligible to win.  All entries will be verified.  Winner will be emailed (consider adding gloriouslygreengal@gmail.com to your safe list) and will have 48 hours to respond or prize is forfeited and a new winner will be selected.
Good Luck!
 
 
Krista from Gloriously Green Gal/Savory Savings received products from this sponsor to facilitate her review, no other compensation was received. All participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment.  This giveaway is in no way associated with social media sites including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
-- Krista www.savorysavings.com www.gloriouslygreengal.com Visit me on social media! Facebook SS Facebook GGG Twitter SS Twitter GGG

Mom Among Chaos loves this giveaway!  With all of this cold weather we need something to put humidity in the air and keep germs at bay.  Hopefully one of our followers will be the lucky winner.

Valentine’s Day Recipes! When I think of movie night, the first thing I want to know is... What are the snacks? Here are three easy and fun recipe’s perfect for your Valentine!


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Valentines Day DVD Chosen at Random via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Happy World Thinking Day

My daughter's brownie girl scout troop celebrated World Thinking Day by having every girl bring in a sample of a food or drink from their choice of country. My daughter requested I make these sweet biscuits from Australia. It was nice that I had all the ingredients on hand and it only took about 30 minutes to finish them. The girls and parents liked them so much that they even asked me to email them the recipe.
ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. During my research I read about how these biscuits were sent to soldiers during WWI because they don't spoil easily. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ANZAC_biscuit

Australian Anzac Biscuits
Ingredients:
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of coconut
1 cup of rolled oats
1/4 tsp of salt
1/2 cup butter or coconut oil, melted
2-3 tablespoons of honey (or golden syrup)
1 tsp of baking soda
1 tablespoon water
Preparation:
Heat the oven to 350F. Line or grease 2 baking trays.
In a small saucepan melt the butter over a medium heat. (Or microwave until melted.) Add the honey, baking soda, & water to the butter and stir well. Set aside.
Mix together the flour, oats, sugar, coconut, and salt in a mixing bowl.
Add the melted butter mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. The finished dough will be crumbly.
Roll about 1 tablespoon of dough into small balls and flatten between the palms of your hands. Place dough on baking tray.
Bake the biscuits for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them sit on the baking tray for 5 minutes.
Remove the biscuits from the tray and cool on a wire rack.
Yield: 20-24 biscuits
Store biscuits in an airtight container.

*Disclosure: This recipe was adapted from other recipes, including the website here.

I was not thrilled about going to see The LEGO Movie.  How could those little action figures keep me entertained for 90 minutes and be worth paying $5 for a movie ticket?  My daughters ended up with another snow day (big surprise) so we decided to go see this movie as a family.  My husband, Matt, grew up playing with LEGO® bricks, so he was super excited to see the movie.

Here is the trailer.  Check it out!
The movie is about Emmet, a construction worker LEGO guy, that follows all of the rules.  Emmet is mistaken as the "special", the person that is suppose to save the world.  Emmet learns to believe in himself during his adventure to save the world.

The movie features a really catchy tune.  My husband has sung it all weekend.   It is called Everything Is Awesome, by Tegan and Sara.
I was pleasantly surprised about this movie.  It was adorable to the eyes.  It was bright, fun, and super cute.  I loved all of the adult humor.  There was tons of it.  Batman was hilarious.

The movie is packed with stars.  I am a huge Will Ferrell fan. I was super excited when I heard his voice in the film. It also stars Chris Pratt, Morgan Freeman, & Liam Neeson.

Would I recommend this movie?  I sure would!  Even if you're not a LEGO fan, you will enjoy it.

For more information visit The LEGO Movie website.

The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to town and we have $7 Off Tickets for you. Please, share with your friends. Save $7 per ticket - USE PROMO CODE: USFAMILY
For dates, times, and venues click on the links below.
http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets

It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends! Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; Mardi Gras with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with the Disney Princesses; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe. Come join the party when this spectacular ice show visits your hometown!

Disney on Ice 2013

Tickets are only $18 with code 18MOM.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stuck indoors during this cold winter? 

For more info: http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/buy-this-restaurant.html
http://blog.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/tag/after-buying-this-restaurant/

1.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so make sure you don't skip it.  Are you always in a rush?  Try grabbing a Fiber One Meal Bar. They contain 10 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber, and only 6 grams of sugar.  They keep you full until lunch time.  Visit Fiber One for more information. #GotItFree

2.  I recently met with a personal trainer to find out that I've been working out wrong for years.  My focus was always on cardio, when my focus should have been on lifting weights.  Building muscle may in the long run make you add a few pounds, but you also burn more calories.

3.  Take time for yourself.  Try to get in at least 30 to 60 minutes a day of something you want to do.  I know as a Mom I'm often spinning in a million different directions.  Take time to center yourself.

4.  Take the time each day to be thankful.  I have a gratitude journal.  I try to write 10 things a day that I am grateful for.

5.  Kick start your metabolism with Dr Oz.  This plan lasts two days and will help you get on track after you have overindulged.  http://momamongchaos.blogspot.com/2014/01/dr-oz-2-day-holiday-detox.html

6.  Learn about what food that you must buy organic.  Here is the list:  http://momamongchaos.blogspot.com/2013/05/jillian-michaels-maximize-your-life.html

7.  I love my coffee drinks, but make them an every once in awhile treat. Or, make sure you have them made skinny.   Some of those yummy blended coffee drinks can have all of your daily calories in one drink.  Make water a habit.  It can boost your metabolism when you drink it ice cold.

8. Take time out of your busy schedule to take care of you.  Get your yearly physical, mammogram, pap, dental exam, and don't forget an annual full body check at your dermatologist.

9.  I am a girl that is at high risk for skin cancer.  So please, please, slather on the sunscreen.  It's so easy to make this a routine.  I apply mine in the morning after I wash my face.

10. Love yourself!  We are our hardest critics.  When we learn to love ourselves we treat the people around us better.  It's karma!

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam®, starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam monster trucks! The 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 or smash through! Monster Jam provides a massive night’s 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.

My kids meeting the Northern Nightmare driver in January.

PARTY IN THE PITS from 2-5 PM. Meet the drivers, get autographs! Pit Party tickets are normally $10 each but come FREE with this package deal! If you choose to buy regular tickets, pit passes can be purchased with your order on ticketmaster.com or on the day of the event at the Ford Field Box Office.

The newly designed Raminator truck

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Need For Speed in Theaters March 14, 2014
Framed for a crime he didn't commit, muscle car mechanic and street racer Tobey (Aaron Paul) gets out of prison determined to settle the score with the man responsible for his false conviction. #NFSMovie


Muppets Most Wanted opens in theatres March 21!
In Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” Steve Rogers teams up with Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, to battle a powerful yet shadowy enemy in present-day Washington, D.C. The First Avenger returns for an all-new cinematic adventure April 4!
Let us know in the comments which movie you are most looking forward to.

Welcome to the You Deserve It Valentine’s Giveaway!

Hosted by: Savory Savings & Gloriously Green Gal

Sponsored by: Maggie Bags, Moody Sisters, Slim 45 and Artisan Scents

Co-hosted by: Monica’s Rants, Raves & Reviews, Dividing by Zero, Lisa – Queen of Random, and The World of ContestPatti

Hey ladies!  Valentine's Day is right around the corner and sometimes, we have to stop the "dropping hints" act with our significant others and just take care of ourselves!  That is right - with this giveaway event, we want you to realize that YOU DESERVE IT!  So we are bringing you some fabulous and fun prizes to win!
(Men, if you are reading this - take note, these are fabulous gift ideas for your special someone if you need some hints!)
Prizes include:
Campus Tote from Maggie Bags - this fun and functional purse made from upcycled seat belts can work for day to day, or be dressed up for a night out!  Interested in purchasing a bag for yourself or someone else?  Use coupon code SAVORYSAVINGS18 between now and March 31, 2014 to save 18% off your order!
Slim 45, It Works! Independent Distributor Amanda is giving one lucky winner a chance to slim down for that little black dress with a wrap, make yourself fabulous with some spa products and then celebrate the night with a hotel voucher!
Artisan Scents - Enjoy the relaxing scents and soothing qualities of lavender with their amazing lavender balm!  You will wish you could snuggle down for a nap when you use this!
Moody Sister's Coffee Body Butter - Reduce the appearance of cellulite with this all-natural coffee-infused body butter by the Moody Sisters.  Your skin will be softer and you will love these results!
If you would like to be one of the four lucky winners and pamper yourself for a change, enter for a chance to win with the Giveaway Tool below! If you have won a giveaway from any of the sponsors above anytime from another blog or Facebook in the last 12 months, you are not eligible to win this giveaway.  The giveaway will run from February 1, 2014 through February 14, 2014 at 11 PM CST.  Entries will be verified.  Winner will be notified via email (consider adding gloriouslygreengal@gmail.com to your safe list) – winner will have 48 hours to respond and claim prize or another winner will be selected.
Good Luck!
Krista from Gloriously Green Gal and Savory Savings received products from these sponsors to facilitate her reviews, no other compensation was received. All participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment.  This giveaway is in no way associated with social media sites including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Crystal and Stephanie of Mom of Among Chaos know that sometimes our men forget about getting the perfect Valentine's presents. So, take matters into your own hands and apply to win these gifts. We hope one of our readers wins this one!