Reviews

Chicagoland: We have a NEW Mariano’s Store

November 2, 2013 by Sandra 8 Comments

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and their client. #MyMarianos

I’ve talked a lot about how much I love shopping at Mariano’s, so you can imagine how excited I was to find out that there was a new store being built closer to my home than any of the other locations.

I know. I know. It might sound a little crazy to want to smile wide and high-five the person closest to you when you hear that there’s a new grocery storing being built near your home, but Mariano’s is unlike any other grocery store. Just ask the people that shop there. They. love. it.

Why do we gush about a grocery store?
Because when you visit Mariano’s, it’s so much more than just your average, mundane trip to the grocery store. It’s an experience. You can literally stop in to get a few items on your grocery list, whip out your rewards card, check out, and leave…or you can bring your entire family, enjoy a delicious hot meal, grab a latte while the kids enjoy gelato, and then while the kids make a craft, you can finish your shopping.

Some customers spend 3 or more hours at Mariano’s.

Yeah…it’s that awesome.

The New Location
The latest Mariano’s is located in Wheaton, Illinois. And while I could write all about what’s featured in the store, I think it’s best to show you. I was there on opening day and had the opportunity to snap lots of pictures of the different areas that make this store special.

To begin, there’s a smoothie bar that serves up nutritious and delicious smoothies.

Then there’s a Trail Mix Bar that offers a large variety of options to create a trail mix that’s just right for you and your family.

I have to say that the trail mix bar is one of my favorite areas of the new Wheaton Mariano’s.

Along with the gelato…

And the lattes…I just tried their pumpkin spice latte. So good!

The sitting area is like nothing I’ve ever seen inside of a grocery store. I love it. It’s green and beautiful.

There’s a beloved Todd’s BBQ that serves up hot, tummy tempting barbecue. If you don’t live in Illinois but come here to visit someday — definitely try to make it to a Mariano’s store that serves up Todd’s BBQ.

Oh, and one of my absolute favorite things about this store (besides the other favorite things I mentioned) is their labeling system. With the labeling system at Mariano’s, you know when a food item is gluten-free, organic, vegan, etc…

I really love the labels. It makes shopping for certain categories of food even easier. It’s also a huge help to families with food allergies.

More about the Wheaton Mariano’s
This location also has a huge assortment of organic produce, a sushi bar, an amazing assortment of hot and cold at-the-ready foods, a bakery you must see to believe, caramel apples made while you watch, and so much more. I feel blessed to have a Mariano’s “in my backyard.”

And I can’t wait to go back. 🙂

Have you ever been to a Mariano’s store? What’s your favorite area in the grocery store?

Did you know? You can find great recipes and ideas from the Mariano’s Community. And you can follow Mariano’s on Facebook and Twitter for their latest updates.

A LeapReader “Ready, Set, Read & Write” Party!

October 31, 2013 by Sandra 2 Comments

A special thanks to LeapReader and MomSelect for the party kit I received to put together a fun party!

What’s better than throwing a party?

Throwing an EDUCATIONAL party. That’s what. 🙂

I recently had the opportunity to throw a LeapReader “Ready, Set, Read & Write” party that both kids and adults alike enjoyed. Partygoers had fun using the fantastic new LeapReader system that’s available right now. This new system not only helps kids learn to read, but it also helps them learn to write in a fun and interactive way.

Don’t worry, the special paper involved is mess-free, and even younger kids can practice their letters with ease…and guidance from the talking pen.

At the party, the kids enjoyed getting to know the new line of LeapReader products including the LeapReader Reading and Writing System. It’s pretty amazing.
With this new system, kids can learn to read, learn to write, and learn through listening to songs, games, and trivia that build their comprehension skills and vocabulary.

We’ve already started using the new system as part of our homeschooling routine, and my boys are definitely enjoying it. From the 3-D books that come with their own 3-D glasses to the “talking” flash cards, this way of learning is awesome and effective.

It’s just what I need to make teaching my own kids less challenging. I remember how helpful the LeapFrog videos were when my two oldest kids, Nathan and Breanna, were in kindergarten and first grade.

I’m excited to see that we’re incorporating even more practical and powerful LeapFrog products into our schooling. They really do work and make life easier for the teacher. 😉

Seeing Improvement
Isaac and David, my four and six-year-old boys, are already reaping the benefits of using the LeapReader system. Their handwriting skills are improving, and they actually enjoy learning with the LeapReader pen and audio books.

Back to the party, the kids enjoyed engaging in some fun printable activities that involved scissors and glue. As you can tell from the pictures, they were very focused.

Overall, the party was tons of fun; I hope my guests enjoyed it as much as we did.

Have you tried the new LeapReader Reading and Writing system yet? What’s one thing that’s effectively helped your kids learn to read and write? *Or, tell me about other LeapFrog products you love! 🙂

Recipe Video: Chicken Stuffed Peppers

October 26, 2013 by Sandra 2 Comments

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and their client.

I recently created a recipe video for chicken stuffed peppers using Kraft Recipe Makers Chicken Cacciatore. The stuffed peppers turned out wonderfully, and it was nice to have two whole pans of prepared food by the time I was finished taping. 🙂

That allowed for quick and easy meals this particular week.

Here’s the video:

P.S. Please excuse the clutter in the background. With all that’s going on with David and having to spend so much time away from home…well, I’ve wished for a cleaning lady more than once. 😉

Connecting with Family (and a Recipe for Pumpkin Scones with Pumpkin Spice Glaze)

October 22, 2013 by Sandra 9 Comments

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and their client. #LoveYourCup

My heart is busted.

For the past 3 months, I’ve watched one of my children goes through unimaginable pain and suffering I wish I could stop. I’ve been in desperate situations that I never thought I’d be in as a mother.

In tears, I’ve experienced many “I can’t do this!” moments.

But one thing that keeps me focused on moving forward and helps me to process this life is the fact that no matter what happens or whatever scary situation I find myself in, I can always talk to someone about it.

That means everything.

Moments of Connection
When I’m connecting with my family and friends and sharing the latest update on David (my four year old son with aplastic anemia), coffee and comfort foods are never too far away. Coffee, in particular, is a part of my everyday life, but even more so now. I start every morning with a cup of coffee as I talk about plans for the day with my husband and kids, and when I can’t be at home because I’m in the hospital with David…coffee keeps me going and helps me to stay alert and attentive to David’s needs.

Actually, when we’re in the hospital during yet another admission and Ruben and the kids come to visit, they almost always arrive with a hot cup of coffee.

They know…coffee is my love language. 😉

Then as I sip on coffee, we talk.

Pumpkin Scones
Lately, I’ve been drinking my fair share of pumpkin spice flavored coffee. But since my kids can’t really enjoy that with me, I decided to use Coffee-mate Pumpkin Spice liquid creamer to whip up a fun Fall treat — Pumpkin Scones.

These scones are truly delicious! They’re best served hot, shortly after you take them out of the oven.

I hope you enjoy the recipe:

Pumpkin Scones

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
6 tablespoons butter, chilled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/4 cup pumpkin spice Coffee-mate liquid creamer
1 egg, lightly beaten

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees, then grease a baking sheet and set aside. (I used coconut oil to grease the baking sheet, but you could also spray it with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper.)
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
Scatter the butter over the flour mixture and using either two butter knives or your hands, incorporate the butter. Once the butter is incorporated, set mixture aside.
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, liquid creamer, and egg.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir together using a spatula or spoon until the mixture becomes a soft dough. (May need to use your hands for this step as well.)
On a floured surface, roll the dough out so that it becomes a large, 3/4-inch thick circle.
Place the dough onto the greased baking sheet and using a pizza cutter, slice into eight pieces so that it resembles a sliced pizza.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown.
Once the scones are removed from the oven, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes, then drizzle with Pumpkin Spice Glaze (see recipe below) and enjoy!

https://thesensiblemom.com/2013/10/recipe-pumpkin-scones-pumpkin-spice-glaze/

Pumpkin Spice Glaze
What truly brings out the deliciousness in the scones is definitely the glaze. It’s easy to make and can be whipped up while the scones bake.

Here’s the recipe:

Pumpkin Spice Glaze

Ingredients

1 cup powdered sugar
2-1/2 tablespoons pumpkin spice Coffee-mate liquid creamer

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix ingredients together until smooth.

https://thesensiblemom.com/2013/10/recipe-pumpkin-scones-pumpkin-spice-glaze/

Family & Friends Make Traveling Down Bumpy Roads Easier
As the roller coaster ride continues with my little guy’s health, I know I can keep going and move forward because of the awesome friends and family I have to lean on. They always provide a listening ear, a hot cup of coffee, and many offers of something good to eat.

Do you have any favorite Fall recipes or traditions? Do you connect with family and friends over coffee?

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