good news for parents from general mills...

if your new year's resolution has been to reduce the amount of sugar that you and your kids take in, general mills has some good news for you:  they have made a commitment to reduce the amount of sugar in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving.  they are also increasing key nutrients, like calcium, vitamin D and more whole grain.

cereal is a top source of nutrients in children's diets already, so reducing the amount of sugar in the cereal can make you feel even better about your choice.  i did not know that ready-to-eat cereal is the number one source of whole grains in a child's diet today, and that more frequent cereal eaters tend to have healthier body weights and lower body mass index measures.

we all know that eating breakfast is an important start to the day, for us and for our children.  what good news to find out that we have even healthier options available to us. 

i have started using some sweetened cereal as a part of our snack time, to add in extra nutrients and whole grains that chips, pretzels and crackers do not have, while still making snack time special.  tate loves to have cheerios and kix mixed in with his dried cranberries and raisins.

if you would like a coupon to help you with your shopping bill, you can find one here.  give the new general mills reduced sugar cereals a try.

i received this information and coupons for 4 free boxes of general mills cereal from general mills and my blog spark.  i felt like this information was worth passing on to those of you who share my concern as a parent for healthier kids.  

disney on ice is here again...

...happy days are here again!

i can't think of an event we as a family have enjoyed more than our last experience of disney on ice (tessa has already started poring over the program from the last time).  the show is very well done, lasts just the right amount of time, and doesn't fail to wow and astound.

the kids are still talking about the last show we went to, and now we are excited to learn that disney on ice is back in town.  this time, we will have an opportunity to enjoy a winter wonderland with mickey and minnie, a halloween haunt with the disney villains (i'm wondering how tate will handle this part), a royal ball with the disney princesses (sure to be the highlight of the show for the girls) and even an introductino to princess tiana from the princess and the frog.  in all there will be over 50 different characters from 16 different disney stories.

the show will be at the united center from january 20-31 and at the allstate arena in rosemont from february 2-7.  if you are in the chicago area, and are interested in going, once again there is a discount available to you.  for the weekday shows (monday through thursday, and the friday matinee) and $4 off the weekend shows (friday night through sunday).  just use the code "mom" in the promotion box on the website.

i know our family does not want to miss this fabulous event.  hopefully, we will see you there!

our family will receive free tickets to this show from feld entertainment but we have in no other way been compensated for this post.  the opinions expressed here are purely our own. 

trying a little nescafe... (and giveaway)

if your new year's resolutions included saving money this year, i have a treat to tell you about.  you may believe you are addicted to a certain coffee chain's expensive coffee (maybe even their instant variety) but now you can take advantage of an affordable new option: nescafe taster's choice now offers single-serve packets. 

these packets are available in 5 delectable options:   decaf, original roast, 100% colombian, vanilla and hazelnut.  while i have given these samples a try and enjoyed the ease and availability of the instant single-serve packet, i was most curious what bill's response to the coffee would be.  he is the true coffee connoisseur.  i'm can't tell much difference in any of the coffees i drink.  bill has never been interested in instant coffee, and knows exactly which kind of roast and blend he prefers.

he is actually really enjoying the instant option.  he likes the taste, although he cautions that you need to stick to the recommended 8 ounces of water or it tastes too watered down. 

i think these packets are great to have for on-the-go (assuming you are going somewhere with hot water available of course!), and they are a much more affordable option, especially than the chain-store instant brand.

if you think this is something you would like to try, you can get a free sample here.  or, you are welcome to leave a comment here.  i am giving away a set of sample packs along with a nescafe mug to enjoy them in.  leave a comment here telling me your favorite hot drink, and i will draw a winner next monday.  this is for united state residents only (sorry beloved canadians!).  please make sure i have your email address so i can get your address if you win.

i received some sample packets of nescafe single-serve variety to try out for this review.  regardless, the opinions expressed here are purely my own and bill's.  we would seriously tell you if we didn't like it; but we do, so we can recommend them to you with honesty and integrity.