Color Me Mine Pottery

Years ago Curtis and I found this fun little art studio chain called Color Me Mine. It is a pleasant little place where you can go and pick out ceramic pieces to paint and Color Me Mine will fire them for you and get them ready.

Curtis and I have enjoyed this place several times. The first time we went Curtis was taking me to be nice... he knows that I enjoy that kind of "artsy fartsie stuff" and he was just trying to be a good boyfriend by taking me. And it did score him brownie points he was looking for.

But as the years have past and the more we have gone, the more Curtis has gotten into it. We go about once a year and we always make some kind of mug. Our goal is to never have to buy another mug again; we will only want to have these hand painted family mugs. Curtis's goal is to have our children fight over who gets what mug when we kick the bucket. A warm sentiment, right?

Color Me Mine makes pottery fun and simple. They provide anything and everything you can think of and are more than happy to help you along the way. You pay $8 as the studio fee, this will cover the cost of all paint that you want, brushes, sponges, puff paint, and firing fee. Then you can pick and pay for what piece you would like to paint. The pieces can cost anything from $5 to $100... they have animals, mugs, plates, pitchers, cookie jars, platters, giant gargoyles, and much much more. Curtis and I usually go for a simple $8 mug.

The employees there love to help you out and much as they can and seem to like a challenge. This last time we went, Curtis decided that he was going to pre-plan what he wanted to put on his mug before we got there. We are really into a card game called Killer Bunnies, so Curtis figured that he would make a Killer Bunny mug and brought in some pictures to copy. When we got there they were so helpful and help Curtis copy his photo, enlarge it, and turn it into a transfer where he could simply trace the image onto the mug. It turned out great and Curtis was thrilled with it.

We have been thrilled with that place every time we have gone. The only down side we have faced is that we never seem to plan enough time there. As we get more and more into it, we have spent more and more time trying to get our mugs perfect.

Color Me Mine is just a great place for people of all ages. I have seen little 3 & 4 year olds there painting animal figurines with mommy and adult parties taking painting lessons. They offer classes, birthday parties, and even have school programs. So go and check out if there is a Color Me Mine in your neighborhood, it is a fun family activity/date night/girls hang out.

Movie Mania

We are huge movie people. The best thing that has happened with us lately has been a $3 movie theater that has opened up in town... yep.... the best thing that has happened to us!! Not that things have been hard and that is the only thing we have to look forward to, but we just love movies. It has saved as a bundl for date nights.. And the best part is I have just seen great movie after great movie.

UP

This was just a wonderfully cute movie. I am a little bit of a hard person to please when it comes to family feel good movies. To me there is a fine line between heart warming and cheese ball central. This family movie actually had both my husband and I tearing up and cracking up through out the whole time. I can't really go into the movie at all without giving up too much information, but this has been one of our favorite movies this year.

The Time Traveler's Wife

I saw this movie on a girl's night out and I was not looking forward to it. The only reason I was going to go see it was because I wanted to hangout with my girls friends. I usually don't like these kind of chick flick movies. World, please don't hate me... but I hate the "Notebook". I just do, I'm sorry.... but as for The Time Traveler's Wife.... totally different. This movie was not only sweet, sad, and feel good, but really interesting. This movie had such an interesting take on time traveling in a realistic way.... as weird as that may sound. How could someone have anything of a normal life if they were forced to time travel? How could they have any relationship, job, family? This movie follows the meeting, dating, marriage, and life of a man that has the ability to time travel, but no control over it. I went in thinking there was going to be a little too much sexual moments, but it was fairly safe. There was a little bit of tushy... but other than that.. fairly clean.

Julie & Julia

I never knew much about the chef Julie Childs, but afterward this movie I wish I knew even more. This was a delightful movie that kept me smiling the whole time. The movie follows the true story of the self made chef Julie Child and a no-name government worker that wants to improve herself by forcing herself to follow through with one thing in life. Julia decides to cook all of Julie Child's recipes in a year.... 500 something recipes in 365 days. The movie goes back and forth in and out of their lives. Any scene with Meryl Streep was just wonderful and I found myself just entranced with her.

My Sister's Keeper

I just saw this one last night and all I can say is that I hope I never have to go through what this family did. This is the story of a family that has a child dying of cancer. The only way to help save their daughter Kate is to find a donor. So, mom and dad agreed to conceive a genetically perfect daughter, Anna, that could help donate what their other daughter Kate needed. Anna is asked to donate a kidney and she has come to a point where she wants a say in the matter and sues her parents. I can't say it was a feel good movie, but it definitely was a good movie. It pulls at your heart strings and also really makes you think about your own family. I don't know if I would recommend this movie for anyone who has gone through anything like this, I think it might be a little too real. I was a little disappointed that it didn't do better. And I never thought I would ever say this, but... Cameron Diaz is a really good actress. She did an amazing job as playing a mom with so much on her shoulders.

So, if you have been going through a movie dry spell, then hopefully a couple of these might give you the pick-me up you have been looking for.

Organizing Clothes

My child is almost a year and a half, but I still don't feel like I have a handle on everything. I still find myself underestimating how long it takes to get us all out the door, how much stuff to pack in my diaper bag, how many socks Lucy will go through and how much time I will spend looking for a matching top. But hey, at least now I can cross one of those off.

I have finally found a way to keep my kids clothes organized and not just organized, but sooooo organized that even my husband can find something for Lucy to wear and I can guarantee that it will coordinate!

I was over at Target and was checking out some tubs to help organize my crafting supplies and stumbled across some hanging closet shoe organizers, which gave me a great idea. I bought one and used it for Lucy's clothes. Every compartment can easily hold one outfit, complete with socks, hair bows, and shoes.

It is great, I don't have to think about what will go with what, where are her socks, and do I have a clean onesie? All I do is grab! It has been a life saver and helps me keep my house more organized, which is something that I always need.

You can get these organizers at any Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, or Bed Bath and Beyond and you can find them for about 19.99.

P.S Congrats to Beth at A Mom's Life for winning the Shopping List giveaway! Everyone give Beth a big congrats!

Molly McButter's Powder Butter

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I think of myself as a pretty healthy eater. Don't get me wrong, I love my pizza and could probably down a good chunk of it if needed (I probably shouldn't be proud of that). But I do try to use turkey instead of beef, throw in fiber where I can, and use fat free everything. So you can imagine why I would be over come with joy when I discovered MOLLY MCBUTTER!

This in only the best cooking trick I have discovered yet. It is a powder butter... yes.... I said it.... powder butter. Well, better yet... Fat-Free powder butter with only 5 calories per serving. I know... amazing isn't it? We have just fallen in love with it. You can use it to replace the calorie packed, fat filled, food that is butter. We use it a lot with corn, vegetables, baked potatoes, and even as a replacement for butter with mac n' cheese. We especially love it for home made pop corn. Simply pop some kernels in a little bit of olive oil and then sprinkle with Molly McButter and salt; then you will have some of the most delicious pop corn you have ever tasty and a lot healthier too as you are using olive oil.

So feel free run out and buy some guilty free pleasure or to help make those sin foods a little nicer. Sprinkle some butter on and cut back on fat. What is a health food trick you use for cooking?

Carcassonne

FAMILY MOMENT MONDAY
Us Rappleyes are board game people... we love em! Curtis and I spent many of our nights, while dating, playing card games and Life (we were so cool :) ). Once we got married we started throwing in Sorry, Monopoly, and Scene It. And now... well... we are game snobs that party with the elite like Settlers of Catan, Bohnanza, and Spy Alley. We love finding games people haven't heard of, learning new ones, and introducing them to people.

Our latest fetish right now is Carcassonne and don't let it fool you that it is made by the Germans... cause I don't know about you, but when I think of Germans I don't usually think of a fun jovial bunch.... but apparently they sure do know their way around board games.

Carcassonne is a fairly simple game about farmers, monks, knights, and robbers. Players will take turns grabbing tiles of land and laying them down to build a valley. As you lay your tile down you also place people to do actions. There are farmers who feed the cities you build, monks that watch over the monasteries, knights that guard a city, and thieves that plunder the roads. Players will try to give their lands as many tiles and points as they can while also trying to block off and upset the other players fields as much as possible. This game definitely keeps you on your toes cause the board and situations change with ever turn.

This game is truly addictive and fun to play. We especially like it because it is just as fun two player as it is with a whole group. The game says it is best for children 7 and up and can be played two to five players. You can find Carcassone on Amazon.com for about $22 right now and it seems to usually go for about $30 most places.

What are some favorite family games that you play?

Wilton Chocolate Melter

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This is the time of year where cheer is spread and so are waist sizes! And all I can say is.... don't fight it.... EMBRACE IT! Gaining weight and eating sweets is part of the holiday tradition like the... singing carols, decorating the tree, and opening presents. And a way that you can help embrace your holiday weight is with the Wilton Chocolate Warmer.

The Wilton Chocolate Melter is a life saver around Christmas time with all the goodies being made and drop off. And I know that you might be asking yourself, "Do I really need a chocolate melter?" Oh my friend, the answer to that questions is a big "YES". Not only is this baby great for obvious reasons, like making chocolate covered strawberries, but you can make and store chocolate covered pretzels, home made truffles, and even use it as a fondue pot for cheese or chocolate.

These treats are not only tasty, but fun to have around and entertaining to make. They make great gifts too. I just finished making some home made truffles as a "thank you" to a friend for helping me out...granted, a bit of them never made it to my friend (We may have eaten a few). But because of the melting pot they were really easy to make, plus the melter helped the truffles have a nice professional look and is it wrong to admit that I felt pretty cool dropping off from-scratch home made truffles, because, honestly, who doesn't want truffles? :)

Some Great Ideas For Dipping
Strawberries
Cherries
Pretzels
Gummie Bears (my personal favorite)
Rice Crispy Squares
Make Your Own Chocolates with molds
Fruit
Marshmallows
Gourmet Carmel Apples
Rasins

Scene It DVD game

FAMILY MOMENT MONDAY

Finding a game that is great for all ages can be hard to do. With kids varying in ages and interests, it is tough to get them to agree on a game to even play sometimes. So, instead of fighting over whether the family is going to play Polly Princess Dress Up or fight for global domination in Risk, have your family try one of the "Scene It" games.

In "Scene It" players answer trivia questions about films or pop culture. The game comes with a DVD that shows clips, puzzles, word scrambles, and pictures that have to do with movies. Players must answer and move their pieces around the board to win. It is a simple enough game, but truly one that Curtis and I have enjoyed.

The original "Scene It" isn't really appropriate for younger children, because they probably won't know the movies, but the company has other "Scene It" editions that are appropriate for all ages. These ones include fun family themes of, Harry Potter - edition 1 & 2, Disney editions 1 & 2, Nickelodeon, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Disney Channel.

They are really as much fun, or even more, than the original "Scene It". Curtis and I have played the Harry Potter one many times with friends and with our nieces and nephews. It's fun to see how they have made each edition themed with the game. For example, in the Harry Potter one, you can play as Hedwig, the Sorting Hat, Hogwarts Express, or the Snitch. You can win House Points for your team and answer muggle facts. It is really fun to see the creativity that is put into each game.

You can find the games at most places like Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, or anywhere on-line and they cost anywhere from $14.00 to $34.00. That can depend on what edition you get to where you buy it from. Amazon.com is a great place to purchase them for a good price normally. I would suggests the Harry Potter, Disney , or Scene It Jr. edition if there are children playing. To check out a list of all their editions, check here, they have them listed for their age suggestions.

One Cool Mama

The older I get, the more I realize that I am sooooo not as cool as I use to be. I am starting to get irritated with the noisy crowds, clothes kids wear these days, and how can I keep up with their slang and lingo?! I am slowly slipping away from young, fun, hip, Melissa... and turning into home-body, quiet weekends, take my kid to the park Melissa. WHAT HAPPENED TO ME!? I use to be a social butterfly and planned parties, had fashionable clothes, and always new hot music.

It hit me that things were changing a few months ago. Curtis and I were visiting his family in Logan and we were hanging out with one of his sweet cousins. We were heading out to go snowboarding and she had brought her iPod. I was curious as to what music she liked so I asked if I could see it. She said , "Oh (insert slang I didn't know) yea, I have some pretty (insert more slang I didn't know) music on there, you will love it." So, I put on the head phones and got listening.... I was mortified! I didn't know ONE SONG! I had no idea what was on there. It then hit me.... I was out of the loop. Don't get me wrong, it isn't like I don't want to grow up. I like that I spend more weekends home with my honey curled up on the couch, but there are some things I liked and I didn't want to change.... my love of music is one of them. So, this post is for all of you moms out there that have noticed that you are finding it harder and harder to relate and connect with the young and hip. Here is a post to help give us moms back a little slice of cool. I have here a list of great bands that can help us ween ourselves out of the everyday mommyhood and out onto the edge :)

Jason Mraz - "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things"
I liked Jason Mraz from the beginning with his fun upbeat song "The Remedy". Who can resist that fast lyricing temptation? He definitely has some fun songs, but they all kind of sound the same, until he broke his own mold when he made "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things". It's a very different mellower version of the Mraz we loved. Songs To Look For - I'm Yours, Lucky, The Remedy.

Matchbox Twenty - "Exile On Mainstream"
With many great CDs, "Exile On Mainstream" is great because it has a few new songs, but mainly a collection of some of their greatest. This is a great CD especially if you are looking to find someone new to like. This CD will win you over. Songs To Look For - How Far We've Come, Disease, Unwell.

Jack Johnson - "Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies For The Film Curious George"
Yes, you read that right. This CD is the Curious George soundtrack. Jack Johnson is a one of a kind musician that mixes reggae like rhythms with tongue tying lyrics. He is one of my all time favorite artists. Songs To Look For - Upside Down, Flake, Taylor, Better Together, Sitting Waiting Wishing.

Coldplay - "X&Y"
Coldplay is a great band that has released several amazing CDs. Whether you like rock, country, oldies, whatever... you will find a Coldplay song that you like. I'm not sure if it is their music, lyrics, or just their persona that they give off, but Coldplay is one of my favorite bands. Songs To Look For - Fix You, Speed Of Sound, Til Kingdom Come, Vida La Vida

50 First Dates Soundtrack
Okay, I know this isn't a band, but this is a great CD. Most of the songs are remakes that now have an island mellow feel to them. This is one of Curtis and mine's favorites. Songs To Look For - Hold Me Now, Drive, Your Love, Every Breath You Take.

The All-American Rejects
With two great CDs, "Move Along"(my personal favorite) and "The All-American Rejects", this is for you out there that like a little more rock. I am a fan of rock with a little punk in it and so I do love The All-American Rejects. But even if you aren't into rock or punk, just give a couple of their songs a try. Songs To Look For - Move Along, It Ends Tonight, Dirty Little Secret, Swing Swing.

Colbie Caillat
I can't comment on her CD, because I haven't heard the whole thing. But the songs I have, I love. Her voice is gorgeous and tunes delightful. Songs To Look For - Bubbly, Realize, Lucky.

Maroon 5
They have two great CDs, "It Wont Be Soon Before Long" and "Songs About Jane". Besides the main singer having some deliciousness about him (Sorry Curtis), his voice is unlike anyone else. His unique voice just makes their songs. Songs To Look For - I Wont Go Home Without You, Wake Up Call, She Will Be Loved, Harder To Breathe.
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Nickelback
This rock band has had hit after hit. With their scratchy voices and rockin' guitars, they seem to do no wrong. From songs about remembering the good old days, making fun of rock stars, and trying to give credit to the people who try to make a difference, they are truly a unique rock band. Songs To Look For - If Everyone Cared, Photograph, Far Away, Rock Star, Savin' Me,

Mika
This strange British singer can easily be compared to singers and artists like Queen, Elton John, or Scissor Scissors. His peppy happy songs are hard not to like and get easily stuck in your head. I haven't heard his whole CD but he does have some serious winners. Songs To Look For - Grace Kelly, Love Today.
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Sara Bareilles
She is a talented singer/writer/pianist. Her songs are simple but pleasant. With her voice and piano playing leading the songs, it is hard not to resist. Songs To Look For - Love Song, Bottle It Up.

The Killers
Here is an interesting band... they definitely go to the beat of their own drum. I have both of their CDs "Sam's Town" and "Hot Fuzz" and they're good, only because the songs that are good, are FANTASTIC. This is a band where I think most people don't love all their stuff, but definitely hit up iTunes and download a good chunk. Songs To Look For - When You Were Young, Mr Brightside, Read My Mind, Somebody Told Me.

Free Long Distance With Skype

WFMW

These days the song, "Its a Small World After All" is really true. The world so quickly has become so connected. Talking, visiting, seeing, and receiving things from all around our planet is as easy as a click of a button. There is technology for emailing, instant messaging, texting, sending photos, and pretty much anything else that you can think of.

The best part is that this kind of technology has made it possible for people to keep in contact with loved ones easier. We know this well because with my parents living over in India and Curtis's parents living in Chile....we don't get to see our family as much as we would like, but luckily for us, we have Skype.

Skype is a free program that allows you and other Skype users to talk to each other.....for FREE! That's right... I said it... free. F-R-E-E and I mean completely free. (as you can tell I am excited about it being free) and when I say talk.. I don't mean typing, I mean talk. Skype is basically a telephone for you computer. You simply download it, have it recognize your microphone/web camera, and there you go.... one free phone/video. You now can call anywhere in the world and talk as long as you want for free. Skype has been the life saver for our family. It has helped us be able to see our parents and for our parents to not miss the changes in their grandkids.

The program isn't just for calling other skype users, you can call any number you want, which does cost money; but it is definitely cheaper to use Skype then your long distance provider. Skype is also a instant messenger too. So, if someone can't talk on the computer/phone right then, you can talk with them through instant messaging. Your program even comes with a answering machine too. If you are not available, someone can leave you a message and show you who called and what time.

Skype even offers some other amazing things. They realize that not everyone is at their computer all the time. Sooooo.... Skype has come up with a phone that is completely compatible with Skype. It is specially designed to have a screen that is exactly like the program. You can look at your phone's screen and see everyone who is online and with a push of a button call them for free from your land phone, with the help of internet. This is a nice option because then you are not tied down to your computer when you want to chat. The phone gives you some nice free agency.

So, if you have family over seas, a husband in Iraq, a sister in the next state over, or a husband that goes on business trips.... then download Skype and pass it around to your friends and family. You can see and chat with your loved ones for free and help stay connected. If you would like some more information here is a link their info website.

Ticket To Ride

FAMILY MOMENT MONDAY

Need to teach your child how to build a railroad stretching from California to New York? WAIT... no, you don't? Well, then.... you need to to play the game Ticket To Ride and then you'll think other wise.

Ticket To Ride is a wonderfully fun and easy game where players are trying to travel to as many cities as possible, all along trying to complete destination goals where players connect/build a railroad between two cities.

The game can be played by 2 - 5 players and recommended for ages 8 and up, but I think that some younger children could play it. Besides being playing Ticket To Ride for just the pure pleasure of it, it is a nice way to have the children learn cities, color and strategy.

It has won the Orgins Award for Best Board Game of 2004, Diane Jones Award in 2005, the International Gamers Award in 2005, and several others. I definitely cho cho choooose this game (insert chorny laugh here). You can get in online anywhere from $25.00 to $39.00

Please remember to add your link only if you are participating in Family Moment Monday. Family Moment Monday consists of people who are sharing crafts, activities, lessons, ideas, service projects or anything else that you can learn/do/enjoy as a family in your post. Please remember to link back to Motherhood For Dummies, so others can learn about F.M.M. and participate too.

Fun Cheap Toys For Children

Finding toys for children can be tough. For me, I have a hard time because Curtis and I decided that we weren't going to give Lucy a lot of toys, that we wanted to let her learn to be productive with what she has and not be over stimulated... pluuuus.. we are kind of cheap and can't justify droppin' a $124 on a Leap Pad Frog baby Blackberry-laptop-iPhone. So, I am pretty picky with what toys I get for Lucy because, hey, if the poor girl isn't going to get showered in toys, then the ones she gets are going to rock. So here are a couple really fun cheap toys that I have found for several ages.
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Cranium's Bloom Shop & Match
Bloom Shop & Match (which has one Parents' Choice Award) is a sorting and matching game that takes place at a grocery store. The game has a basket, food, reusable grocery lists, dry-erase marker, spinner, and game board. This game is great because it encourages color recognition, sorting and classifying, object identification, pretend play, teamwork, and turn taking. What is also really nice, is that the pieces are well designed and sturdy, so you know the pieces can handle your toddler throwing/shoving/biting/burying/and toilet flushing. The game has activities in the four categories of discover, perform, create, and connect involving counting, categorization, and color hunting. And wait... here is the best part... it even comes with a little working scanner that you use to purchase and scan your items... how cute is THAT!? This is just a great game to help get your little ones thinking, organizing, color recognition, taking turns, and object identifying. It is great for kids 3 and up and suggested retail is $19.99
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Laugh & Learn-My Learning Tools
My Learning Tools puts Bob The Builder to shaaaame. This cute talking tool bag is filled with songs, tools, and instructions to help teach your child how to open/close, use all the tools, sing a long, numbers, and even about opposites. This Fisher Price toy has three different play modes that aims for encourage, imagination, and musical fun. Great for letting your child learn with the toys or simple play by enjoying the music. And hey, if you have a little girl that wont like playing with a toll bags, then don't worry, because they even have a My Learning Purse it is practically the same thing, just a purse with keys, wallet, lipstick, and a zipper instead of a ruler to figure out. This is good for as young at 6 months to 36 months and the suggested retail is $17.00
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Wok' n Roll
This is just a cute game that helps your kids hand-eye coordination, also while helping to teach them colors and organizing. In Wok'n Roll players use plastic chop sticks to grab their colored food and simply place it into the matching bowls. When you child has master that, players can they kick it up a notch and turn the wok on, which then allows it to spin and turn as players try to grab their matching colors. This game has been suggested for 3 and up, 4 and up, or even 5 and up, so you can use your judgment if your child should play with it or not. I don't think it is because of the skills so much, but more if the child will be tempted to swallow the colored pieces. It's suggested retail is $19.99.
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eeBoo's - What Time Is It?
These little tickers are here to help your angles how to tell time. With smiling clock, different levels of difficulty, and moveable hands your children can easily learn how to read a clock and tell time; both digitally and the good ol' fashion way. You can be assured that your child will learn because eeBoo is one of the most respected names in children's educational products. There are so several levels of difficulty; so beginners won’t get frustrated and players with more advanced skills will still be able to feel challenged. Suggested for ages 4 and up and retailed at just $16.00.
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Are there any toys/games out there that you have just loved as a parent or even a certain company that you like?

Apple Fries

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It is nice to have so many options these days. Never did I imagine that at McDonald I could actually order a SALAD... my old version of a healthy choice at Mc-a-D's would be asking for a diet coke instead of a regular (it did NOT help me loose weight) :)

Places like Burger King, Wendy's, McDonalds, and such are all starting to offer some healthier choices... especially when it comes to the children. Burger King right now has been introducing a fun new option called "BK Fresh Apple Fries" and they are how they sound. It is honestly genius! Burger King simply took apples and cut them to look like fries. My husband and I tried them and it was crazy how much they looked like french fries, until you pick them up and it is cold and wet (like an apple). They look like fries so much that it was kind of odd trying them, I kept waiting for that potatoie-fry taste.
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I really love these Apple Fries not just because they are a healthy option, but a fun one too. With the apples cut like fries it is definitely more interesting then a boarding old apple. Also it helps to keep the mess down. Your children get to eat an apple without having to worry about old apple cores rotting away int he back seat.

The Apple Fries even come with some yummy packaged carmel sauce; it is a healthy low-fat carmel sauce. I find this especially nice because it also helps to eliminate spilling in the car when you are on the go. Can you tell I worry about the neatness of my car?

So, if you are looking for a health fresh option for a quick meal, the Fresh Apple Fries are something you might want to try.