Memories are made here - at the fair!

We took a trip out to the fair this weekend and the look on Bronson's face was pure joy for the entire day. This kid never ceases to amaze me at how fun and loving he is to be around - he is so full of innocence and genuinely super-excited about anything even slightly fun or awesome. 

Bronson is also GREAT for my daughter. He helped her get over her fears on some rides that go a little too high or fast for her liking and she, in turn, comforts him and makes sure he sits still on whatever the ride might be. I definitely think they are the best to have for one another and are both really lucky to have the bond that they do. 

The fair we went to had animals, showings, car races, bike races, a car show and fun and games that you usually find at the fair along with music to come in the week. We paid just $30 for a car load of us on opening day and took a picnic so we didn't have to pay $9 for a burger or $8 for fries, could avoid the deep fried oreos/pbj sandwiches and even deep fried cheesesteaks (what???). 

All the food did smell good though, but the food we took was way healthier. Fruit, light sandwiches, water and other low cal snacks and so on that the kids would enjoy (rainbow goldfish etc) and that we could snack on through the day. My dear friend Debbie was with us and looked out for my bag while I went on some rides with the kids, plus took my kids on rides, herself so we could all have a little go on something and mostly so that the kids could have fun. 

We avoided all the big rides - a little cause we had the kids, a little because of the ride fail in the news a few weeks ago (in Ohio) and also because one of us has a bad back and the other doesn't want to get sick, so between us we had a great time and didn't miss out on those crazy tumbling, rolling, you-must-be-crazy-to-go-on-that kind of rides, without really looking like a bunch of pansies. 

Did I mention the food smelt good??

The animals were a load of fun, they had pigs, goats, cows, sheep and even rabbits for the kids to look at, pet, talk to and what not. Both the littles really enjoyed the animal area and we did go back a couple of times through the day and sat and watched some of the animals being entered into the shows. 

We tracked the other side of the fair for the races and saw some cool kids having fun with their races - some with incredible talent and who would be more than welcome to drive me anywhere!! Some older kids and adults also races various vehicles and I did get a few shots. Bronson absolutely LOVED the races and loved all the noise that came with it. I learned so much about him in one day, my heart was melted. 

Autumn had a blast taking in all the animals, I think she would have been there all day if we'd have let her. She wants to be a singer and a vet when she's older, and an artist and a dancer, so I guess when she's ready to go to work as a dancing, singing, artistic vet she can take on her own business and fill it with all the crazy ideas she has and the love she has for these animals, but for now she got to visit with them a while and was happy. 

We did try and win a goldfish at the fair, but they weren't easy to win and I didn't want to spend any extra money so we went out and picked up a fish for $2.99 instead after the fact and she now is the owner of a little white Betta called angel (I got Bronson one, too and he's called "Fish" because at least Bronson can say that!). 

The kids plodded around the fair with Debbie and I for a grand total of 6 hours. One minute it was 1:30pm and the next it was 7pm! None of us knows what happened there, but we sure must have been having a lot of fun. After the fair we went out to eat at Red Robin on a gift card one of us had, thus the bill was lighter and finished off a really nice, long, fun day with the kids, which was something a little different to our usual "Debbie Days" for which Autumn gets super-excited for along with Bronson. 

We eventually made it home and the kids were almost the perfect kids all day. They didn't want the day to end and, once we had convinced Bronson to wave bye to Debbie (which he did for like 20 minutes) it was off to bed and goodnight! They slept for 9 hours total and it was utter bliss. I still got up at 3 or 4am though because I am a nut job, but it was such a great day out, a great night's peace and I would do it all over again any time. 

I am glad we got to go to the fair after all, this year as we had originally decided we just couldn't afford it. If you are thinking about avoiding the fairs this year, just think again and plan to take your own food, plenty of fluid, perhaps a change of clothes for the kids and look up your fairs to see if they have discounted tickets for different days of the week, you just never know!

Thanks so much for sharing this mini adventure with us! 

The next one is going to be a fabulous ride! 

Love and Pancakes...

-MGM xxx

Nutrisystem and where I am now.

Disclaimer: I was given products in order to give my best opinions of actual use and experience with the products. Your  results, opinions and experiences may differ to mine, thank you! 

So, it has been over a year since I first started on Nutrisystem and have definitely had more of a positive experience than a negative one and I would definitely have started Nutrisystem if i'd gotten a time machine, gone back to when I made the decision to start, and started again. It was worth it. 

Nutrisystem Breakfast Omelette.

I lost 40lbs in total with Nutrisystem and then hit a solid plateau, which has not gotten any better no matter which avenue I chose to take to get things rolling again - and believe me I stuck to this plan and tried everything that was suggested but with not much luck or change other than maintaining the weight once I had lost that 40lbs. 

Nutrisystem Ravioli and some veg.

Recently I was placed on some steroids, again and am now taking a new birth control pill and, since starting both of those, I have started to gain a few pounds rather than lose or even maintain and so even sticking to the plan religiously has not been helping over the last few weeks, at all. 

Nutrisystem Meatballs with some greens.

I have upped exercise, am drinking enough water, I am exercising and moving around, I am basically doing what I am told and I honestly love to eat healthy and so get all the fruits or vegetables, extras or whatever I am supposed to have and stear clear of the things I am not supposed to indulge in - heck, we just went to the fair over the weekend and didn't even touch any of the vendors other than to grab a bottle of water! 

The food on Nutrisystem has remained a constant success with me in terms of taste and I have been able to work the meals into something nice with veggies at every meal so it doesn't feel like a small portion AND builds up my daily need on those said vegetables - mostly with the veg I pick up at the farmer's market every Thursday. 

I have tried so hard on this plan, and I am even in a weight loss group with other people who are very encouraging to stay on plan, plus a separate group that helps to boost confidence and posts points when you keep up with certain aspects of losing weight (like avoiding sweets etc), yet as hard as I try the weight just doesn't seem to want to move. 

Healthy sides and snacks are easy on the plan.

I have decided that soon I will be coming off of Nutrisystem as I feel confident that I can actually keep portion sizes small and on point by myself, now and that I will be able to try and give my body yet another boost by giving other foods a try  for a while to see if that is the kick start that this annoying plateau actually needs. 

Either way, I am so grateful to Nutrisystem for allowing me to work with them and for the opportunity I have had to shift some of this weight that has been plaguing me for the longest time and to give me the confidence I needed to realize that I can do just about anything, even to lose weight, if I put my mind to it and pick myself up and get on with it. 

The left is me at over 300lbs and the right is me quite a few lbs down!

In all, I have definitely enjoyed 95% of the foods, with one or two foods not exactly the kind of food I would personally eat, but am satisfied that there was so much choice throughout the time I have been on this plan. My stand out favourite breakfast is the omelette. My favourite lunch is the white bean chicken chili and the best dinner, to me, is the fagioli. The top snack on my list are the cheese puffs and I do like the tiramisu. 

My overall opinion of Nutrisystem has been constant in that I think the choice is vast, the plan is easy to follow and if you follow it to a "T" the results that are advertised are not unrealistic. I was over 300lbs when I started this plan and I still have a lot of weight to go, but to have lost 40lbs on Nutrisystem when nothing else had previously worked is a great big hats off moment for me and I recommend at least giving them a go, even if you have tried other methods for losing weight. 

Nutrisystem gave me back a lot of confidence.

Thank you so much, Nutrisystem for showing me how to use smaller portions, how and what to eat to make a rounded meal and how to keep going through the day with the idea that keeping metabolism going through the day is a big key to losing the flab. 

My weight loss journey is ongoing and I will be keeping that in mind as I come off of some of the medications I have been taking, and trying hard to continue to eat right and exercise daily. I am more confident and happy to make better decisions and will continue to do so as I go into a new phase. 

Thanks so much to everyone for following my journey, so far - please continue to follow me to the end of my Nutrisystem one and do also let me know where you are at in your weight loss journey and what you do to kick that weight off, or maintain where you are now! I would love to hear from you! 

Kindly, 

-MGM

xxxxxx

Still didn't get Dad Something Yet? Gift an IOU with these...

Disclaimer: I was provided with products in order to give my opinions. Your experiences may differ to mine. Thank you.


Father's day is upon us and you will be wondering what to get dad if you haven't picked something up already - well, listen! What goes into a card better than an I.O.U for one of the following:

Davidoff of Geneva Cigars!

https://us.davidoffgeneva.com/fathers-day

Great for any dad that appreciates a good cigar! Let them place an order online and wait for delivery - any time of year, but best when chosen on father's day!

American Harvest Vodka - organic craft, all american "Farm to Bottle" organic vodka for the man in your life who loves a glass or two of a nice, clear and premium vodka.  }(about $24.99 a bottle})

Trail's End Bourbon - perfect for the man who likes a sip or two of bourbon for a celebration or to unwind of an evening. Subtle and nutty aromas, light on the tongue and goes down well with cola or on its own - you won't want to miss this!

The bourbon has been my favourite for some time and I would absolutely recommend it but if you have someone in your family who woul prefer a dash of whiskey in GLENCADAM or CAMUS Borderies XO for something a little milder, nutty, smooth and ready for a quick neat sip or three! This cognac is a delightfully smooth sip that you can't say no to and cost a little penny bit is well worth it and will make your gift all that more divine.

This 21 year old ages Glencamden is a perfect drop for the dad who likes a taste of oaky goodness - smooth on the nose, soft on the tongue and ready to go down smooth with a little dash of soda - nothing too fancy, not to drown it!

If you have a husband who likes a tipple and you want to make them happy with a late and appreciated father's day gift, that IOU in their card for any one of these is going to be so appreciated and they are going o get just what they wanted!

Which will you chose for that man in your kids' lives?! Let us know! 

Happy Sipping!! 

Ovation Brands Beyblade Burst Family Night Giveaway! Ends 6/28/17

Disclaimer: I was provided with products in order to bring you this giveaway. All opinions are my own and all prizes are shipped by the sponsor and not the participating blogger/s. Thank you! 

Ovation Brand's (Old Country Buffet, Ryan’s, Hometown Buffet, Country Buffet – and Furr’s Fresh Buffet) have a great set of family nights lined up again and this time it is in conjunction with Beyblade Burst! 

 

I remember when the original Beyblades came out years and years ago when my oldest was younger and so these have been in our house for a long time, now, and the Beyblade Burst toys were an instant hit with all the kids, and so will be the family fun nights! 

On June 8th, they kicked off with In It to Spin It and the rest of the calendar looks like this:

 

Beyblade Burst is as popular with girls as it is with the boys and this makes for a great family night for everyone to have a little fun, let off some steam and even to get involved in the Beyblade Burst Tournament to show off what you've got!
 

GIVEAWAY! 

To help you along with a family night out, Ovation Brands has teamed up with us to give one lucky winner a Beyblade Burst Stadium, 2 Beyblades and 4 free meal tickets at one of their many locations!

All you have to do, to be in with a chance of winning this prize, is to enter via the rafflecopter, below!

Winner will be picked at random and notified via email. Please use genuine email addresses so that we can get hold of you. Mom's Gone Bronson does not use your emails for anything other than contact should you win a prize, we never pass along your emails to a third party.

Entry is open to residents of the U.S and must be 18 years or have parents permission to enter. Giveaway ends on 6/28/17.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

- Good luck, and happy spinning!!

Nutrisystem update, and a little push from me! :)

I was provided with products in order to give my actual opinions. Your views and experiences may differ to mine.

Thank you!

I have been dealing with a lot of stress lately, which has been impacting my ability to stick to Nutrisystem as much as I would like, but I am still trying and still working on it! 

I didn't lose any weight this week or last, but I did have a dr visit today to get some things in order and to see if I have any issues that might be impacting my weight loss journey, and to rule anything out like Thyroid issues. 

SO! With that being said, I am still going strong on Nutrisystem and have been very open with my doctor about it and she sees the improvements I have made and is very honest with me when she doesn't think i'm on the right track, which as it goes, isn't how she feels right now, so i'm happy that I have her support behind me. 

I wasn't sleeping very well, so I bought a new bed, which has helped me get into a better sleep routine and that has had a positive impact on my day-to-day shinanigans, too.

I have started dance workouts, which do look quite amusing, actually, but my children like to do it with me and so that makes it more fun and a bit of a family giggle and wiggle. 

My current favourite Nutrisystem food has to be the Tuna Salad. I can't get enough of it, it just tastes so good. I like to add a little spice to it and boom, delicious! 

I have put in my order for the coming month and I am going to soldier on diligently and keep on trying! I know I have to have a break in the wall sooner or later - the Dr. did let me know that these walls can last a week or months, so I haven't lost hope, not yet! 

I would love to hear your stories if you are on Nutrisystem or if you are working at weight loss and have any tips for the rest of us - you can leave a comment, below, or drop me a message if you'd rather stay anonymous. 

For now, I want to let you all know that there is hope, you can do it, you will do it, and we will get there, together! 

Big love (and smaller pants!) - MGB

Fun Family Night's are Here! Win 4 FREE MEAL Tickets with Ovation Brand's AND Furr's Fresh Buffet!

Disclaimer: I was provided with products in exchange for my post, your views may differ to mine. Thank you! 

Ovation Brand's restaurants are at it again, with more fun and interactive activities every week from April 20th to May 25th and you can join in at all Ovation Brand's eateries and Furr's Fresh Buffet locations, too! 

Nancy Drew: Codes & Clues will promote STEM education and kids of all ages will be able to participate in activities featuring science, mystery, coding (and detective work) each Thursday evening throughout the promotional period, including: 

May 4 – A-MAZE-ING Detective!

May 11 – Invisible Ink & Ultimate Nancy Drew Journal Giveaway!

May 18 – Family Mystery!

May 25 – Code it with Robot Puppy!

To celebrate the latest events, Ovation Brand's and Furr's Fresh Buffet are giving one of our readers a chance to win 4 free meal tickets and a limited edition Nancy Drew note book and the entry couldn't be simpler - just use the rafflecopter below to tweet about this giveaway, leave us a comment or follow us on twitter and you'll be in for a chance to win.

This giveaway is open to all residents of the U.S.A. aged 18 and over. No participating bloggers are responsible for prize fulfillment - this responsibility falls to our sponsor.

Giveaway runs for 1 week from May 10th-17th and winners will be notified via email, so please enter with a valid email address. We never sell or use your information for anything other than to contact you if you are the winner.

Don't forget to come back daily to retweet for more entries!

GOOD LUCK!

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$75 Gourmet Gift Baskets Giveaway - Just in time for Mother's Day!

Disclaimer: Sponsors are responsible for prize fulfillment. This is a sponsored giveaway for which I did not receive any actual compensation. Thank you. 

Mother's day is upon us and, whether you love to gift to a mother, sister, daughter or even a single dad doing it all on his own, then Gourmet Gift Baskets has something for you - including this Happy Mother's Day Gift Basket! 

Including cookies, wafers, tea and more, this gift basket is a great thank you to any splendid mom and will be well received on the day. There are also a large selection of other gift baskets you can choose from to suit your own tastes and needs so it is always worth taking a look.

GIVEAWAY!

To make things even sweeter than already fabulous baskets, GourmetGiftBaskets.com is giving away a $75 gift code, good on the purchase of your choice, to one lucky reader, just in time for Mother’s Day! All you have to do is enter through the widget below.

U.S. Residents only, ages 18 and up; Ends May 7, 2017, 11:59 pm EST

What are you waiting for? Good luck!!

widget code -

Entry-Form

Nutrisystem Update!

Disclaimer: I was provided with products in exchange for my views. These views may differ from yours and all experiences with the products are individual to you. Thank you!

It has been a couple of weeks since I posted here about much of anything, mostly because there has been far too much going on in my life to actually get on and make sense of anything - let alone a few blog posts.

With things coming together and life figuring itself out (with a lot of hard work) I am back to give an update on my Nutrisystem journey.

Over the last few weeks I have had far too many moments of weakness with food and I was sad that my weight loss had come to a stand still. It is moving now, though and I'm feeling much calmer and happier about a lot of things and I am pretty sure that is helping with the weight as much as the food and exercise.

I have been eating some of the foods I don't usually go for on Nutrisystem - not because I don't like them, but just because they are things I don't usually go for in general, but I really do like the Sweet and Sour Chicken for dinner and most people who know me know I am not a super-fan of sweet and sour anything and there was a time I wouldn't eat it at all and so you know it must be good if I am eating it, now!



I have switched from having mostly egg and turkey sausage muffins, to having a bit of everything from banana muffins to cereal and french toast - lots of choices and I think better results as I switch it up.

I've dusted off some old exercise equipment and upped my game a bit there and, at teh same time, have convincedmyself that the best way to exercise is by watching a lot of TV at the same time - so definitely getting my money worth out of Amazon Prime right now, that's for sure - 10 Cloverfield Lane is very good if you're looking for something to watch (just so you know!).

The sunshine is out and more active now, which is making me more able to get out to the park, around the city and into lots of events, which is great for my mood, my goals and my all around health. I am used to the portions of Nutrisystem now and I look forward to eating my meals without having to worry that i'm eating too much and I am finding it easier and easier to put my flex meals together at lunch or dinner now that I have the hang of it.

I'll be back in a couple of weeks with another update - and hopefully with a new haircut! If anyone has any tips for getting rid of belly fat, i'd love to hear it! My work out needs to target the belly, it's my one spot I am a little annoyed with - send me in some suggestions!

Have a great weekend!

- B

Baby Cubby Look-See and $75 Gift Card GIVEAWAY!

Sponsored By: The Baby Cubby

Hosted By: Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom

As a child, did you have that special place where you would put your favorite toys & items? That was your cubby. The Baby Cubby is the cubby for new moms, now! The Baby Cubby has the best of everything baby. They cover all of your baby and mama needs from pregnancy through toddler-hood.

 

Baby Registry - Setting up a Baby Registry on The Baby Cubby includes some great perks - Closeout Discount, Cubby Expert Advice, Price Matching, and more! 

  Buying Guides - Need some help choosing the perfect baby product? The Baby Cubby offers buying guides for car seats, diaper bags, strollers, and a baby gear resource guide. 

  Shop Differently - Ordering online is the simplest way for anyone to shop at The Baby Cubby and it can be delivered to your door within a few days, with shipping free on orders over $49. You can also shop in their store in Utah. Each product has their rating displayed in a “good, better, best” format so you can quickly see a products’ star rating on Amazon with the number of reviews it has received. You can also scan a QR code with your smart device (or one of Baby Cubby's in-store iPads) to see more information or what colors/styles are available. 

  Drive Up Purchase - Local Utah customers can take advantage of Baby Cubby's “drive up stalls”. A team member will come to take your order then bring it to you. You can also order online or over the phone, then use the "drive up stall" to pick up the order. 

  Full Body Massage - This one makes me jealous that I don't live in Utah! Any purchase over $49 in-store includes a 10-minute full body massage in their massage chair. Say what?!

Save 15% on your Baby Cubby order with code nerdmom15 at checkout!

---

GIVEAWAY!

Baby Cubby is offering one lucky reader a $75 gift card to use online or (the luckiest local winner) in-store. Entering is simple using the widget below. Good luck! :)

*Mom's Gone Bronson is not responsible for prize-fulfilment, this falls to the giveaway sponsor*

The Baby Cubby $75 Gift Card Giveaway

US Residents only

Ends 4/19/17

Entry-Form

Terms and Conditions – Open to residents of the United States 18 yrs and older. Not associated with Facebook or any other social media platforms. Potential winners will be chosen by the Giveaway Tools application & will be verified. Winners will have 48 hrs to respond to email or another winner will be chosen. Promoting bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. It is the responsibility of the sponsor, The Baby Cubby.

Nutrisystem and the wall.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, though I have been compensated in product in order to give those opinions. Your views may differ to mine. Thank you. 


This week is bitter-sweet for me and Nutrisystem. I am thrilled to still be with them, I really like the convenience of the food, and really enjoy the meals I order. I haven't lost any weight since my last post, though, and it is grinding my gears a little as I am really trying to stay on track.

I have tried to jiggle things around a bit and that helped for a while (switching breakfasts for lunch etc) but now I am at a wall again and SO CLOSE to hitting the 40lb lost mark!

I am switching out my exercise routines this week and am going to start walking the park more as the sun has finally started to make an appearance and that has put my good mood through the roof, even with the trials and tribulations I have been through over the last couple of weeks that I won't bore you with details of just yet, on this platform.

Here's a story for you - I went to buy a new sweater last week, picked it up in a 2x, it is too big, I kept it anyway, silly really seeing as it adds pounds to me that I don't need! I really aught to start buying clothes that fit and stop to think about what now fits, how and why things have changed. My shape is most definitely different and I have to think about that, too. Who knew losing weight would be so mathematical when checking out the cuts and angles on all these choices for new clothes!

Here is a photo of me in the new sweater, you can see i'm trying to pull it in at the sides, but I think it'll be a one-and-done season for this bad boy. Shame I didn't find it smaller! Everything is just too baggy now, nothing fits right and I don't know how to work with that, but I sure am trying as I go. I am definitely more comfortable in myself, in general, so that's the main thing.

Roll on positive vibes, a good couple of weeks and some progress. If you are on Nutrisystem, I'd love to hear from you.

Follow Nutrisystem across social media with #NSNation #Nutrisystemsnaps and @Nutrisystem.

Let's get crackin'!

- MGB

#TossTheTube with Scott® Tube-Free Bath Tissue, and Savings on Amazon Prime.

Every year, as Earth Day rolls around, my friends and I usually get together and attend some Earth Day specific events where we pick up trash or get involved with the local community to make things just that little bit better, cleaner, nicer or to spread awareness about how the Earth could really benefit from us doing a little more to lighten its load.

We are happy to go out and pick up litter (along with other folk, annually at our local riverfront) and to inform our children at the local events with educational material and demonstrations on how to do just about everything from planting trees, to caring for animals, recycling AND causing less waste in the first place.

While it isn't always possible for you to get out and pick up all the trash you see in the street, there are things you can do to contribute and allow for less waste, like by switching to Scott® Tube-Free bath tissue, which rolls out like any regular roll, but doesn't have the wasteful tube inside - great!

Above is a photo of my bathroom after my kids have changed out regular rolls in the past and just towered them up in some bizarre game of bathroom stack-em-high: loo roll edition. This is no-more since I picked up the Scott® Tube-Free bath tissue, plus the kids think that the rolls are magic, all gone at the last pull of paper.

Making the switch is easy, and Amazon Prime has your butt covered with some prices to keep you smiling. You can find Scott® Tube-Free bath tissue on Amazon Prime here, saving a few bucks with a $2 off coupon applicable (after April 1st), which makes it an even better deal!

Amazon Prime gets even better when you buy more, too, so if you load up your cart with 5 qualifying Subscribe & Save products, you can get up to a 15% discount on all of those products, with a quick delivery right to your door! These products will vary, depending on what you need, but rest assured you can find other Scott® products on Amazon, here, when and if you need them, too. Super.

Ovation Brands Share's the IDIOTEST FAMILY NIGHT GIVEAWAY!

Disclaimer: I was provided with products in order to give my own opinions about the product or services. Your views may differ to mine. Thank you. 

So we went out to Old Country Buffet this weekend and the kids and my friend came along and everyone got settled in really quickly for a great meal, with lovely staff and great atmosphere.

It was very busy - busier than I've ever seen it, but  it was still so much fun that it is always a great time with friends and family no matter when we go. If you go on Thursdays, though, you can partake in FAMILY NIGHT with this months theme being the IDIOTEST FAMILY NIGHT, which is lots of fun for all the family with a trivia game earlier this month, then a game show night, kidiotest and, this week coming: ACT IT OUT.

If you head on over to Old Country Buffet, or their sister chains (Ryan's, Hometown Buffet, Country Buffet) or Furr's Fresh Buffet, then you can enjoy family night on THURSDAY 30th. You will be able to follow the following week on April 6th with the theme of SPIN TO WIN!

Family Night is every Thursday between 5pm and 8pm.

This series of Family Fun Nights gives you and your kids a chance to eat dinner together, get out of the house, enjoy some great food and maybe even learn something new.

To celebrate Family Fun Night's with Ovation Brands and Furr's Fresh Buffet, we are offering one of our readers a 4 pack of guest passes to eat free at one of the participating restaurants, plus a squishy stress reliever in the shape of a brain, a snap-bracelet and a pair of brainiac play glasses for the kids to have fun with.

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning this giveaway, please enter via the rafflecopter, below.

THIS IS A FLASH 3 DAY giveaway and the winner will be announced promptly with the prize being shipped directly from our sponsors at Ovation Brands.

Please enter via the rafflecopter, below, and share away!

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GOOD LUCK and HAPPY FUN NIGHTS!!

Don't forget to check out Ovation Brands at their website, for more information on their eateries and friends! Thank you!