New Fiber One Chewy Bars Giveaway

Looking for a snack that combines the taste kids’ love with the nutrients they need?

Be one of the first to try new Fiber One® Chewy bars, the perfect wholesome snack that the whole family will enjoy! Available in Chocolate and Strawberry PB&J varieties, these chewy bars are perfect for in-the-house, on-the-go, and everywhere in between. Complete with a peanut butter or chocolate bottom and yummy drizzle in every bite, kids won’t be able to resist the taste and parents won’t be able to resist the nutrition of this enjoyable snack.

Fiber One Chewy bars contain 20% of the Daily Value of fiber and 10% of the Daily Value of calcium

These 100 or 110 calorie bars contain no high fructose corn syrup, and only 7 or 8 grams of sugar

According to the results of a recent taste test*, kids prefer Fiber One Chewy Chocolate bars over Quaker Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Want to know how new these are? The final packaging has yet to be produced, so in order to offer a true sneak peek, I received plain sample boxes in the gift packs! And soon they will feature the added bonus of Box Tops for Education on-pack, truly making Fiber One Chewy bars an ideal snack for school-aged children.

Enter to win a prize pack of:

• (1) Box of Fiber One Chewy Chocolate Bars
• (1) Box of the Fiber One Chewy Strawberry PB&J Bars
• Drawstring Sack Pack
• Water Bottle
• Flexi Flyer
• Soccer Ball
• Sidewalk Chalk

Leave a comment telling me which of the two flavors of Fiber One Chewy Bars you predict will be your family's favorite.  I'll pick a winner on May 31 and they will be notified buy email, so make sure you leave one in your comment.

*Based upon independent taste tests, with kids aged 8-12, of Fiber One Chewy Chocolate versus Quaker Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. Quaker is a registered trademark of the Quaker Oats Company. All trademarks property of their respective owners

Disclosure:  The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample 

have all been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Mother's Day 2012

Let's Cheer for Cheerios! -- a giveaway

As a savvy Club member, you can recognize the value of buying Cheerios® cereal at your local Costco, Sam’s Club or BJ’s. While buying Cheerios at Club is already easy and affordable, new 2 box Cheerios packaging format makes Cheerios an even better purchase!

What’s so exciting?

New 2 box Cheerios contains two individual boxes, making them easier to store and easier to pour! Not to mention…by reducing the amount of air in each individual bag, these enhanced containers fit 10% more cereal than before and use less packaging. While each box contains more cereal, packaging material has been reduced by over 200,000 lbs, saving 1,000 trees and taking 130 Cheerios trucks of the road, decreasing CO2 emissions.

 Check out all the benefits of new 2 box Cheerios packaging!



New and improved 2 box Cheerios are now available on the shelves of Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s nationwide.

Here's your chance to win a prize pack containing: (2) new 2 box Cheerios packaging (four boxes) 

Leave me a comment below telling me whether or not you've shopped at the club stores mentioned above and if you have, tell me which one.  I'll choose 2 winners on Friday May 25 and they will be notified by email, so please leave one in your comment!

Disclosure: Cheerios® cereal, information, and giveaway 

have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Plan an Unforgettable Mother's Day

Check out these recipes and ideas from UnitedHealthcare to help make this Mother's Day unforgettable!

   
A Healthy Twist on Breakfast in Bed
Fix her a healthy morning meal that she can enjoy from the comfort of her bed:

• Raspberry-Banana Yogurt Salad
• Tropical Banana Nut Parfaits
• Stuffed French Toast

Friends and Family Brunch
Spice up brunch with these delicious new dishes:

• Raspberry Chicken Salad
• Edamame-Black Bean Salad
• Lemon Meringue Pie Bowl

Delicious Dinner
Give her a break from kitchen duty and end the day with these tasty dinner options:

• Honey-glazed Chicken Breasts
• Stuffed Pasta Shells
• Herbed Fish
• Bulgur Pilaf with Pea Pods

Now that you're feeling inspired for Mother's Day, visit the Solutions for Caregivers website to download these recipes, find more tips, and learn about providing care for a loved one.

It's also important to take charge of your health and look out for your loved ones. Dr. Reed Tuckson explains how to keep yourself and your family healthy in his new book, Dr. In The Mirror.

I was entered to win a copy of Dr. Tuckson's book by posting about UnitedHealthcare Mother’s Day Recipes and Ideas

Farmer's Market Guide for South and Western Suburbs

Every year I misplace the newspaper pullout section and miss out on the nearby Farmers' Markets.  This year I'm sharing the information here so I can easily locate it.  And just so you know, the Farmer's Market is not just a place to buy fresh fruits and veggies.  Last summer I got a really cool zebra print purse for $29.  I got compliments everywhere I went.  You're not going to get that from an ear of corn!

SOUTH SUBURBS

Bolingbrook. Promenade, on Sandburg Way across from the Village Green. 3 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, June 7-Sept. 13. (630) 296-8340.

Channahon. 24856 W. Eames. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, June 5-Aug. 28. (815) 954-9788.

Crete European Market. 1321 Main. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, May 19-Oct. 6. (708) 672-0729.

Country Club Hills. City pavilion, 4100 W. 183rd. 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 1-Aug. 10. (708) 798-2616.

Evergreen Park. Yukich Field, 89th and Kedzie. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays, June 7-Oct. 25. (708) 422-1551.

Flossmoor. Flossmoor Public Library parking lot, 1000 Sterling, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, June 15-Oct. 12. (708) 335-5411.

Frankfort Country Market. 100 Kansas. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 28. (815) 954-9788.

Highland, Ind. Main Square, 3001 Ridge. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, June 9-Oct. 20. (219) 838-0114.

Homer Glen. Behind Village Hall, 14933 S. Founders. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, May 5-Oct. 15. (815) 954-9788.

Joliet. City Center. Chicago Street and Van Buren Plaza. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, June 8-Sept. 30. (815) 774-6066.

Kankakee. 100 E. Merchant at Merchant and Schuyler, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 27.

Lansing. Plaza Park, Ridge and Grant. 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 6-Aug. 29. (708) 474-8552.

Lemont. Old Town Square, Stephen and Talcott. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, June 7-Oct. 25. (630) 243-2700.

Lockport. East side of Village Hall, 222 E. 9th. 4 to 8 p.m. Mondays, June 4-Aug. 27. (815) 954-9788.

Manteno. Division and Main. 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays, June 28-Oct. 11. (815) 954-9788.

Mokena. Front Street Market, on Front along Wolf Road and Division Street. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 28

New Lenox French Market. Village Hall parking lot, One Veterans Parkway. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, May 12-Oct. 6. (312) 575-0294.

Oak Lawn. Parking lot east of public library, Dumke at 52nd. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, June 6-Oct. 10. (708) 499-7738.

Orland Park. Village Center, 14700 S. Ravinia. 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, June 3-Oct. 7. (708) 403-6140.

Palos Heights. Municipal parking lot, 12217 S. Harlem. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, May 9-Oct. 10. (708) 361-1800;

Palos Park Womens’ Club. Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church parking lot, 123rd Street and 88th Avenue. 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays, June 27-Oct. 5. (708) 448-5580.

Park Forest. 271 Lakewood. 7 a.m. to noon. Saturdays, May 5-Oct. 27. (708) 748-1118.

Thornton. Hubbard Park, Hubbard and Margaret. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, June 20-Oct. 12. (708) 877-4454.

Tinley Park. Metra parking lot, 173rd Street and Oak Park Avenue. 7 a.m. to noon. Saturdays, June 2-Oct. 13. (708) 532-6588.

University Park. One University Park. 1 to 6 p.m. Thursdays, June 2-Sept. 29. (708) 534-4982.

WESTERN SUBURBS

Aurora. Wilder Promenade, 350 N. River, 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, June 2-Oct. 27. West Plaza Shopping Center, 1901 W. Galena, 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, July 11-Sept. 12. Spring Lake Park, McCoy Drive, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 11-Sept. 12. (630) 256-3370.

Batavia. 28 S. Water, between Wilson and First. 8 a.m. to noon. Saturdays, June 16-Oct. 27. (630) 761-3528.

Brookfield. Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, June 2-Oct. 27. (708) 268-8080.

Burr Ridge. Village Center, McClintock and Burr Ridge. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, June 14-Sept. 13. (630) 920-1969.

Downers Grove. Main Street Metra parking lot, 1000 Burlington. 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, May 12-Oct. 20. (630) 968-8400.

Elmhurst. Parking lot, northeast corner of York and Vallette. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, June 6-Oct. 31. (630) 832-4550.

Geneva. Metra parking lot. South and Fourth. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, May 6-Oct. 28. (312) 575-0286.

Geneva. Green Market, 75 N. River. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, June 7-Oct. 25. (630) 377-0373.

Glen Ellyn. Main Street parking lot, (adjacent to Giesche Shoes). 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, May 25-Oct. 26. (312) 575-0286.

Hinsdale. Burlington Park, on Chicago Avenue, between Garfield and Washington. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, June 4-Oct. 8. (630) 323-3952.

La Grange. Parking lot, Sixth and Harris. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, May 10-Oct. 25. (708) 387-7550.

La Grange Park. 31st Street and LaGrange. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, May 8-Oct. 23. (708) 387-7550.

Lisle. Commuter lot, west of Village Hall, 925 Burlington. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 28. (630) 222-3403.

Lombard French Market. Metra parking lot, on St. Charles between Garfield and Martha. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, June 2-Sept. 29.

Lombard. Yorktown Mall, Highland and Butterfield. 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 6-Sept. 12. (630) 235-1376.

Maywood. Maywood Public Library, Fifth Avenue and St. Charles. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, June 4-Oct. 15. (708) 865-8028.

Naperville. Fifth Avenue Station, 200 E. Fifth Ave. 7 a.m. to noon. Saturdays, June 2-Oct. 27. (630) 369-5638.

Oak Park. Parking lot of Pilgrim Congressional Church, Lake and Elmwood. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, May 19-Oct. 27. (708) 358-5780.

Oswego. Tripp Insurance parking lot, 5 N. Main. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, June 3-Sept. 30. (630) 554-4433.

Riverside. 27 Riverside Road. 2:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 13-Oct. 3. (708) 447-2700.

St. Charles. Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, Fourth and Main. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, June 1-Oct. 26. (630) 584-6680.

Sugar Grove. Village Hall, 10 S. Municipal. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, June 2-Oct. 20. (312) 575-0286.

Villa Park. Park and Ardmore. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, May 6-Oct. 28. (312) 575-0286.

Western Springs. On Hillgrove, between Lawn and Grand. 2 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, May 3-Oct. 25. (312) 575-0286.

Wheaton. Municipal Parking Lot 3, Main and Liberty, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 10. (312) 575-0286.

Winfield. Prairie Trail Center, southwest corner of Geneva and County Farm. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, June 6-Oct. 31. (630) 682-3712.

Yorkville. Town Square, Illinois 47 and Church. 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, June 9-Oct. 27. (630) 553-4357.

Bright Starts Ultimate Baby Shower Giveaway

Welcome to the Bright Starts Ultimate Baby Shower Giveaway!

Bright Starts and Mom to Bed by 8, the Iowa-Mom have teamed to offer an amazing Bright Starts Sunnyside Collection giveaway to one lucky reader!

This includes the Sunnyside Safari™ Chair Top High Chair, Playard, Plug in Sway & Swing, Portable Swing and Saucer making this truly the Ultimate Baby Shower Gift.

Special thank you to the wonderful bloggers who made this possible including our co-hosts: To Sew with Love, The Lucky Ladybug and Mom Blog Society.

I'm really excited to be included in this fantastic Baby Shower Giveaway.  One lucky Mom or Mom to Be is going to be very pleased when she wins this amazing prize package. Come to think of it, this would be a great prize for the Grandma to Be as well.  Everything you need to keep Baby happy at your house while mom and dad catch up on sleep or go out on a date. 

Big smiles and bright adventures go hand in hand in this exciting, fun-filled collection!

Take a walk on the sunny side-where baby gear goes together in delightful new ways. It's a win for infants and parents alike, with irresistable jungle characters adorning an array of fun coordinated products you'll use every day. Each piece of the collection does its job charmingly, with non-stop fun at an unbeatable value.

The Bright Starts Sunnyside Collection is available at Wal-Mart!

 

Sunnyside Safari™ Chair Top High Chair

A good high chair is a must for moms, and Bright Starts™ Sunnyside Safari™ Chair Top High Chair is as good as they come! It does what a full-sized model does and more, adjusting to four different heights (and nearly any table), reclining to three positions, and converting to a booster seat for smooth transition to the toddler years.
The reversible seat pad is made of stain-resistant fabric you can wipe clean or machine-wash. The removable Stay Level Tray™ remains flat even when the seat is reclining. All this, plus the friendly characters of the Sunnyside Safari™ Collection. Make mealtime and snack time more enjoyable for baby and you. Start the fun with Bright Starts!™

Product Features:

• Convenient 2 piece reversible seat pad is made of stain resistant fabric that is wipeable and machine washable
• 4 height positions to fit most table sizes
• 3 position recline
• Removable Stay Level Tray™ remains level even when seat is reclined
• 3 locking positions to grow with baby
• Built-in holders are convenient for drinks or snacks
• Converts to booster for easy toddler transition
• 5 point convertible safety harness

Sunnyside Safari™ Playard

A bright, sunny place for baby to rest, play, get a quick diaper change and spend a few moments with some friendly jungle pals! That's the Bright Starts™ Sunnyside Safari™ Playard. This playard includes a removable bassinet with our time-saving One Less Step™ feature for easy fold-and-go mobility.
There's a convenient changing table, a handy side storage pocket, easy-roll wheels, a travel bag, plus a colorful toy bar to delight baby. And like all Bright Starts™ products, this playard is an unbeatable value. Part of our coordinated Sunnyside Safari™ Collection. Start the fun with Bright Starts!™

Product Features:

• Removable bassinet with One Less Step™ to quickly fold and go
• Convenient changing table
• Toy bar with 2 fun toys
• Side storage pocket
• Wheels for easy portability
• Includes travel bag

 

Sunnyside Safari™ Plug in Sway & Swing™

Some swings go back and forth. Some go side to side. This one does both—and does it with music, toys, and delightful jungle style. With a seat designed for 180° rotation, allowing three swing directions, the Bright Starts™ Sunnyside Safari™ Plug in Sway & Swing™ uses our unique TrueSpeed™ technology to sense baby's weight and adjust for consistent speed—so it grows along with baby.
The swing also boasts a volume-adjustable 20 minutes of melodies and nature sounds, an overhead mobile—even an AC adaptor to save on battery expense. And it features the fun and engaging characters of the Sunnyside Safari™ Collection. Start the fun with Bright Starts!™

Product Features:

• Seat rotates 180° for 3 swing directions
• TrueSpeed™ technology maintains 6 speeds as baby grows
• Mobiles with 2 playtime toys easily pivots out of the way
• 20 minutes of melodies and nature sounds with volume control and auto shut-off
• AC adaptor saves money on batteries
• Swing time with 3 settings: 30, 45 and 60 minutes
• Whisper Quiet™ operation
• 5 point harness
• Machine washable seat pad
• Non-slip feet

 

Sunnyside Safari™ Portable Swing

Find baby's favorite speed with this innovative portable swing. The Bright Starts™ Sunnyside Safari™ Portable Swing is a win for parents and babies—from its machine-washable padded seat right down to its bright yellow, non-slip feet. With six distinct speeds to choose from, you'll find it easy to suit your little one's mood—and our patented TrueSpeed™ technology keeps those speeds consistent even as baby grows.
The Comfort Recline™ seat gives you a choice of two positions, and WhisperQuiet™ operation makes this swing silent in use. Wrap it all up in the super-fun animal decor and you've got a perfect travel companion. Part of Bright Starts™’ Sunnyside Safari™ Collection. Start the fun with Bright Starts!™

Features:

• TrueSpeed™ Technology maintains 6 speeds as baby grows
• Comfort Recline™ seat with 2 positions
• Whisper Quiet™ operation
• Easily folds for storage or travel
• 5 point harness
• Machine washable seat pad
• Non-slip feet

 

Sunnyside Safari™ Saucer

This is where babies go for serious fun. A Walmart exclusive, the 7-activity Bright Starts™ Sunnyside Safari™ Saucer offers entertainment options galore—and a lighthearted jungle theme with fun characters you'll adore.
The seat rotates a full 360° for endless interaction with the activity stations. Twin overhead toy arms provide even more entertainment options. And the three different height positions make this one saucer your baby won't soon outgrow. Four link loops mean still more toys can be attached. Part of the Sunnyside Safari™ Collection, this saucer will quickly become a family favorite. Start the fun with Bright Starts!™

Product Features:

• 3 adjustable height positions allows entertainer to grow with baby
• Seat rotates 360° for nonstop interaction with 7 activity stations
• 2 overhead toy bar arms with mirror, hanging toy and fabric crinkle leaves
• Hanging elephant toy
• Bendy giraffe teething stalk
• Bead chaser with easy to grip textured beads
• Lion popper with spiraling beads
• Rotating ladybug barrels with fun textures and beads
• Rocking toucan on leaf stalk
• 4 link loops for attaching more toys
• Lays flat for storage
• Built-in toy tray is easy to clean

Giveaway starts on May 7 at 12:01AM and ends May 28 at 11:59PM. Open to the US residents only; must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Enter to win the Bright Starts Ultimate Baby Shower Giveaway including the Sunnyside Collection on the rafflecopter form below.

Good Eats at Bakersfield Restaurant - Westmont

Let me start by saying, I'm not a foodie blogger...but I love food.  Especially food that I don't have to cook.  So when I was invited to lunch at the soft opening for Bakersfield Restaurant this weekend, I was all HAIL YEAH.  Sunday afternoon, no cooking for me!  Whynot needed a bit more persuading, as the last 'soft opening' we went to together was, um...a bit of a disappointment.  And well, Whynot, he's just not comfortable living in the limelight of the bloggy world.  He came along reluctantly and of course he poked along while getting ready, which always causes me to stress about being late.  And when I stress, I forget things...like a camera or a phone or even cash!  Only I don't realize these things until we're about halfway to our destination, at which point it's turn around and be even more late or drive on.  We drove on as I practiced deep breathing to try and relax.

We actually arrived on time and pulled into the parking lot where we were offered valet parking.  Pretty snazzy, not sure if it will be an option at all times or just for this event, but yeah, a nice touch.  Inside the restaurant were two lovely hostesses checking names off the A-list.  A look around and I noticed that the restaurant was not overly crowded - seems like they did a good job so far of spacing out the reservations so there wouldn't be a terribly long wait.  The space was very modern and open and it sure would have been nice to insert a picture or two here.  Casual, but not..a bit like crisp white button down shirt meets dark indigo jeans with a grey pinstriped apron for added class...which is exactly what every waiter was wearing.

Our server, Katja was all smiles and so very pleasant without being overbearing and just a bit nervous as she rehearsed for the big opening on May 1.  She took our drink order first and described a few favorites on the menu.  Purple carrots!  I would have loved to try those, but they weren't an option with my entree.  Whynot and I agreed to share the Smoked Salmon appetizer...think a huge chunk of salmon, lightly smoked, not lox, served with bagel crisps.  Some of the other items that caught me eye were Tuna Poke and Crispy Thai Shrimp.

Choosing our main entrees was a bit more difficult.  Bakersfield offers entree-style salads such as Crab Cake Salad and the Four Farmers Grilled Chicken Salad as well as hearty sandwiches like the Lobster Knuckle Sandwich and Mustard-Honey Chicken Sandwich.  Everything on the menu is a little out of the ordinary.  The signature entrees included steaks, chops and fish all prepared on a wood fire grill.  Tempted by names like Barrel Cut Filet, 72 Hour Marinated Cajun Ribeye and Honey Roasted Prime Rib I think I drooled on the menu.  I decided to go with the ribeye, served with seasoned fries and Whynot chose the Prime Rib which included a loaded baked potato as big as his head!  Portions are extremely generous and we both asked for take home boxes, leaving room for dessert.

Katja highly recommended the Fried Oreos, battered and deep fried Oreos beautifully arranged around a scoop of vanilla ice cream made to look like an Oreo cookie, then drizzled with vanilla custard and  chocolate sauce.  I spied the Tres Leches cake covered in whipped cream, fresh fruit and caramel sauce and was smitten, so of course we ordered both and shared!  It was a taste so amazing that I cannot even describe it, but I want to have more! 

Our entire dining experience was awesome and I look forward to returning.  Maybe next time we'll dine outside on the patio.

If you'd like to visit Bakersfield, it's located at 330 East Ogden Avenue in Westmont, IL.  Hours are Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For reservations, call 630.568.3615 or visit www.bakersfieldrestaurant.com.

Disclaimer:  Whynot and I were invited guests and our meals and drinks were complimentary,

 although I was not asked to write them, all opinions are my own

Whitney Farms: 100% Natural Plant Food

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Whitney Farms for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.



    I think it's safe to say that all signs of frost have disappeared and that it's finally safe to plant those veggies I've been overpaying for all winter long.  Tomatoes, green beans, dill, squash, cucumbers.  Mmmm, I can taste the goodness already.


    Last year I cleaned up a large flower bed and thinned out the perennials then planted several annuals for instant color.  I stuck a few tomato plants in the ground and a pepper in a pot and hoped for the best.


   


    This year the pernennials are more established and should have a little more substance than the sticks in the ground they were last year. I saved the seeds from marigolds and various other annuals and will plant those in bare spots as a filler.  I've decided to make the vegetable garden a little larger, so it will reside in a spot across the yard.  I have bush bean seeds and squash and sunflower because I think those will be fun for the boys.


    I want my garden to flourish but I'm worried about using all those nasty pesticides on something we're going to eat.


    Instead, I'm thinking of using  Whitney Farms®, a mixture of organic soil and organic plant food.


   


    Whitney Farms® has a full line of 100% natural plant foods and soils with no additives, nothing artificial, just ingredients from the Earth, designed to give you big, beautiful flowers and veggies.


   


    Whitney Farms® has 25+ years of leading gardening experience and has improved their products to have low to no dust and no manure odor.  It's easy to apply and also contains beneficial microbes and specially designed protein-based blends provide your plants with both macro and micronutrients they need to grow and thrive.


    Right now, you can get a special $3 off coupon to try Whitney Farms®

One More Mile

Today marks the seven year anniversary of this phone call, received by my friend Sue Rylko and shared here with her permission.

The phone rings. “Hi Sue.” My doctor. “I can’t believe I am telling you this, but you have breast cancer.” I’m sure she said more than that, but I honestly don’t remember. I was so fortunate. It was early. It was non-invasive. I had a wonderful husband who had terrific health insurance. I had a doctor who would soon be named one of the top breast cancer surgeons in the country. 

Seven years later, I still consider myself fortunate! I remain healthy. I still have my wonderful husband and family! And I “graduated” from my surgeon’s semi-annual care! I kind of miss her, but truthfully, I hope I never see her again! All this is why I walk in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It’s a joining of thousands of people with common goals: to research the cause of breast cancer; to find a cure for breast cancer; to offer screenings to those who otherwise would not have access; to provide care for those who are diagnosed with breast cancer, but are not covered by insurance. 

I walk for my mom, a two-time breast cancer survivor. My aunt is also a survivor and I walk for her. My sister-in-law, Barbara, fought her way back from Stage 3 breast cancer! She kicked its butt big time! I run a little for her!! I walk for Ed’s cousin’s daughter-in-law, Janet, who lost a long battle with breast cancer two and a half years ago. She left behind a beautiful family who still miss her terribly. I keep a picture of Janet close by to keep me motivated when I don’t feel like putting on those walking shoes. “One more mile,” she seems to tell me! 

My goal is to raise $3600 in the fight against breast cancer. I’m asking you to please help me so that someday no one will have to hear those words, “I can’t believe I’m telling you this, but you have breast cancer.”

One More Mile is the name we choose for our team in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.  One More Mile is what we'll chant as our mantra as we walk 39 miles on June 2 and 3.  I'll walk one more mile in my shoes so that hopefully one day, one person will not have to walk in her shoes.  One more mile, so that someone's mother, sister or daughter won't answer the phone and hear that message.