Farmtastic Food Trek with Illinois Farm Families

Illinois Farm Families recently launched a new fun activity that will provide families with an interactive way to learn about where their food comes from. Farmtastic Food Trek is a virtual scavenger hunt that will connect farmers to food at the grocery store by using Instagram.

Featured Illinois Farm Families will provide 15 scavenger hunt clues on www.WatchUsGrow.org, which you and your kids can then use at the the grocery store to locate the products containing foods grown and raised by Illinois farmers.  The project is designed to provide consumers with resources for learning more about where their food comes from, connect consumers with farmers and their products, and open the lines of communication between farmers and consumers.

Once families identify the food referenced in the clues, parents use Instagram to take pictures of their children holding the products and add the hashtag #foodtrek in the photo comment to qualify for the Family Farm Prize Pack. The scavenger hunt kicks off August 15 and ends September 30.

To win, each family needs to upload five accurate photos using the hashtag #foodtrek. Three random winners will be chosen and will be notified by a comment on their Instagram photo.  Prizes include a gift certificate for $500 in free groceries, a family farm tour and farm games and toys.  Go to www.watchusgrow.org for more details and complete contest rules.

Disclaimer:  This was a sponsored post.

Pretty Muddy Chicago

I just signed up for the Pretty Muddy Women's Mud Run on September 15th in Orland Park!  But I'm going to walk, because

I

DON'T

RUN!

But I've walked 20 miles over a weekend for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, so 3.1 miles should be a piece of cake.

Pretty Muddy is a 5k adventurous obstacle course mud run for any woman who wants to get outside, spend time with friends and have fun.

Here’s what you can expect at the event:

– 5k Course (3.1 miles, run or walk)
– Women Only (sorry, guys)
– Mud (lots of it!)
– Architectural Obstacles (much better than shabby hay bales and shaky plywood)
– Pretty Epic Finish Line Party (Entertainment, music, drinks &
celebration galore)

Who wants to join me?

Purchase your tickets for Pretty Muddy here.

Or enter to win one complimentary pass and t-shirt!

Just leave a comment telling me you're interested in walking with me and  random.org will help me choose a winner on August 14, 2012.  Be sure to leave your email so I can tell you you've won.

Disclaimer:  I received a ticket for sharing this information with my readers, no money was exchanged

Gutzy Gear Get Together #GettinGutzy

What is Gutzy Gear?  Well it's one of the hottest new trends for kids who love trying new things and expressing their individuality.  Or as this Mema likes to refer to it...don't buy a new backpack just because it's a new school year, the old one is perfectly fine, just accesorize it!

Gutzy Gear transforms a boring backpack into a statement-making personality pack! The Gutzy Gear strap covers fit around just about any type of backpack, messenger bag, or rolling bag. We've also found that it can cover a guitar strap or a seat belt. The straps can be decorated with a super fun and totally custom line of patches called "Gutzies" that require no sewing or ironing.  They're held in place with velcro.

Gutzies are meant to be swapped, traded, and shared between friends, for a custom look anytime that's as endless as your child's imagination. The great news is that Gutzy Gear is now available at retailers like Toys 'R Us, Target, K-mart, Walmart, Office Depot and select specialty stores.

We shared our Gutzy Gear party pack with the campers at TOF's camp.  After playing at the playground for a bit, the kids all gathered around to receive a special treat bag, which included a Gutzy Gear strap and some Gutzies.   The kids were really excited and attached their straps to their backpacks immediately.  Even the counselors had fun with Gutzy Gear as one's backpack strap was held together with duct tape.  C was happy to cover that up with a snazzy strap and Gutzies!  I left before the kids headed to lunch, but was told later that they were trading their Gutzies all afternoon!  Every morning I still see those straps and the big smiles and I like to think that I had a part in making the campers' day.  Thank you Gutzy Gear for sharing with us!

 

These are the remains of a successful Gutzy Gear Get Together.

Disclaimer:  I was sent a Gutzy Gear Party Pack to share with friends, the opinions are my own.

Costume Discounters Boys Costume Review

When I was contacted by CostumeDiscounters.com to review a costume, I was really excited.  Being a Mema to 2 boys, we don't have many items in our dress up closet.  I snatch up Halloween costumes at garage sales and resale stores when I can, but the choices are quite limited.

I immediately got online to check the site and see what was available.  I'm terribly indecisive and I was completely overwhelmed by the selection. Costume Discounters offers all the hottest trends in Halloween costumes like Hannah Montana, Power Rangers, Iron Man and Batman.  There is a huge selection of adult, toddler, youth and teen Halloween costumes!

Just what is a Mema to do?

Well I waited for TOF to get home after camp and sat him down at my desk to make his own choice.  He had it narrowed down to 3 costumes, Captain America, Hulk and Wolverine.  His final choice?

Wolverine!

Our package arrived quickly and the costume includes a jumpsuit with attached boots, a pair of claws, a belt buckle, and a mask.  It's made of 100% Polyester so it stretches easily over existing clothes and it's hand washable.  TOF was very happy with his choice and is all set for Halloween.

Be sure to like Costume discounters on Face Book for the latest Halloween updates.

Disclaimer:  I received a costume for review but all opinions are my own

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.