I *heart* CHICAGO!

I really do.. and if it weren't for my children I would move there tomorrow. The city is so alive and it's always buzzing non-stop. Mr. Parks loves Chicago just as much as I do. I actually introduced him to the windy city when I met him.. We share a love.. I try to go at least three times a year and I think I will try to dash there again in July when it's hubby's b-day.. Oh! & perhaps because  the Taste of Chicago is that weekend :)
Here are just a few quick photos I wanted to share with you all..If you haven't been, you don't know what you're missing.. The shopping/food/atmosphere are amazing..
It also doesn't hurt, that we hop on Megabus.com which sometimes only costs us $6 for two - round trip. Hey..I'm all about a bargain!

We arrive at Union Station by bus or train normally.

Wow..Just take a look at this city, I'm ready to shop!

Heading over the bridge, made sure my walking shoes were on!

LOVE this city!

Hangin' out w/Ms. Monroe

Some of the best chocolate.. ever..

Headed to Wicker Park on the Blue line.

The Polo Store

Wicker Park, a fun, funky little morsel

The cashew Turtles @ Navy Pier were ridiculous, we bought three boxes !

The Trump Plaza Hotel



Time to go so soon? I looooovvveee this city!!

I'm not Irish, but Kiss me Anyway! The Parks head to the wildest St. Patrick's Day Parades in the city!!!

St. Patrick's Day, The day of The Festival of Patrick is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated on the 17th of March. It commemorates St. Patrick, the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.
It is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland), the Eastern Orthodox Church and Lutheran Church. Saint Patrick's Day was made an official feast day in the early seventeenth century, and has gradually become a celebration of Irish culture in general.
The day is generally characterised by the attendance of church services,wearing of green attire and the lifting of Lenten restrictions on eating, and drinking alcohol.
Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador and in Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora, especially in places such as Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Today, St. Patrick's Day is probably the most widely celebrated saint's day in the world

The Parks headed to the parade today in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. We took some great pics, enjoy!

Out on the street with Sebastian

Found my beautiful daughter!

Profilin' in the arcade!

Found a little leprechaun!

Check out this crowd!

And this one in the Arcade!

Window Seat!

Partaayy!

I was digging the wonderful afro on this little boy!

The Parade!

Oh, There were more than a few fashion DON'TS!

SheSpeaks Program is so *Simple*

How willing are you to  discover, influence and share products? If you are anything like me, I know how much you would enjoy the SheSpeaks community. This exclusive group is powered by women who love to be in the know and share the latest and greatest with the rest of the world.

I was a very lucky recipient of a fantastic skincare product made by Simple [The UK's #1 Facial skincare line] The Smoothing Facial Scrub was exactly what my sensitive skin needed! I was pleased to find that there was Pro-Vitamin B5 which helps to replenish your skin's condition in every way and Vitamin E, which I  swear by if you've checked my Pinterest! This product is affordable at under $10 and I also love the fact that it's fragrance free, and colorless with no harsh irritants. My skin felt so clean with no residue and I loved the rice granules that exfoliated my skin keeping it vibrant.

*Dermatologist tested
*Noncomedogenic
*Hypoallergenic

Product size is 5oz. Worth the purchase!

*I was thrilled to receive this free product sample from SheSpeaks and Simple!

Sealed with a *Kiss* (Nail Dress)

Hello! Just wanted to share one more of my exciting features in my lovevoxbox provided by Influenster.com. My *kiss* nail dress fashion that sticks!

This easy to use product lasts for 10 days and is for your tootsies as well as your fingertips!
Ease of use includes:
1.Selecting the size that fits your nail
2. Applying(avoiding your cuticle) and smoothing away from the center
3.Folding and shaping over nail edge and filing the excess
4. To remove, just peel product off slowly

There are so many cute & funky designs to choose from, and if you can't make it to the salon for a mani/pedi, it's the next best thing! They are available in 18 different styles, many with jeweled designs.
There are 28 strips to choose from, so it's also possible to embellish on your artificial nails for an added fashionista's flair.

Visit: http://kissnaildress.com/ today, you won't be disappointed!

**I was thrilled to receive this product complimentary for testing and review purposes through Influenster!!!

More from Influenster's lovevoxbox! ‘“Venus & Olay Razor"

I received another amazing item in my lovevoxbox provided to me by Influenster.com
The Gillette Venus & Olay Razor! Please visit www.gillettevenus.com to see for yourself.

Here are some things that I just loved about this razor:
1. Olay moisture bars that release skin conditioners that lock in moisture
2.5 razor blades that are perfect for getting the closest shave
3.Interchangeable refill cartridges & simple shower hook for easy storage
4.Soft grip handle for expert control


I do shave frequently, as I'm at the gym a few days a week, so smooth legs are mandatory for me.
Keeping my legs soft and getting the best shave for my efforts  is a must.

**I was thrilled to receive this product complimentary to test through Influenster’s VoxBox program!!!

Tried and Truvia! "Truvía® natural sweetener Product Review"

Well I was pleased as punch to receive a free sample pack of Truvia Sweetener in my lovevoxbox provided by Influenster.com. [Although I do know I'm sweet enough]

I was more than pleasantly surprised by the sweet flavor and here are the fantastic facts:

1.Truvia has 75% Few Calories per serving than sugar
2.Truvia is made of Natural Ingredients
3.Truvia bakes and browns just like sugar, has a great taste like sugar,and is recipe friendly and simple to use.

Take a little visit to Truvia's Site and see for yourself what these sweet little packages have to offer. I use Truvia in my tea and oatmeal, and any and everything that would normally require sugar. I was never one to try *sweeteners* because  I never liked the taste until now. Try Truvia today, you won't be disappointed ;)

I was happy to receive this product complimentary to test through Influenster’s VoxBox program !!! Join today!!!

**RE-CAP** BzzAgent.com has done it again, Bobbi loved her FREE sample of Ideal Balance!

Well Bobbi gobbled up her Free product sample I received so promptly through BzzAgent and Hill's Science Diet. She loved it and isn't even interested in her previous cat food anymore! As soon as I opened the bag, she was getting crazy in the bowl, I didn't expect the reaction I received from her and was very pleasantly surprised by how she attacked this food. I'm an investigator by nature, so I quickly read the ingredients which included fresh chicken, fruits & vegetables, including cranberries, whole grains, added vitamins and minerals among highly digestible protein.

This tasty food provides a balanced nutritious diet for your pet (yes, for dogs too!)

Check out the pet food comparison tool site here> http://www.hillspet.com/ideal-balance/ideal-balance-home.html

Visit BzzAgent today, and find out how to receive your free sample bag of Hill's Science Diet pet food, with free shipping. You won't be disappointed, Bobbi isn't!

Out little sweetie Bobbi (with an i, 'cuz she's a girl) is just as excited as we are to try:

Hill's Science Diet Ideal Balance Cat Food. I was chosen exclusively by BzzAgent.com to receive a Free sample bag for Ms. Bobbi w/free shipping as well. How can you beat that? This pet food is perfectly balanced to deliver maximum health for your pet.
 Take a look at http://www.hillspet.com/ideal-balance/ideal-balance-home.html for a comparison of your current pet food to Ideal Balance, and then anxiously download your FREE bag rebate! (This includes food for dogs too!)

Bobbi and I will let you know just how much she loved her Ideal Balance when it arrives!