Hill's ideal balance Dog Food

So my pup has been enjoying this food from Hill's called ideal balance for over a week now.  Hill's is a premium dog food brand, so I was excited to test out this food with him.  Despite his size, my pup Bronco is picky about what he eats.  His previous dog food was not his favorite, and he picked at it to avoid starvation I suppose, losing several pounds over the month that he ate it.

When I introduced ideal balance food and treats to him, he ate like it was a holiday.  This obviously tastes good to dogs.  I like the list of ingredients.  We don't need to fatten our animals up on grains.  I like the real meat and veggies that are included in this nutritionally balanced food.

Bravo Hill's -- this is a dog food we are both excited about!

Here is a lovely picture of my 4-year old feeding Bronco the new ideal balance treats.  Notice her black eye.  I suppose I am out of the running for Mom-of-the-Year.  Really though, she fell off her scooter.  My kids are accident prone...

Suave 3-in-1 Wash for Kids

I was pretty thrilled to get a sample from Suave in the mail of this new 3-in-1 kids wash.  It cleans my toddler from head to toe, leaving shiny hair and nourished skin.  What is not to love?  The scent is fun too, and it lathers like a dream.  I wasn't aware of this product before and now that I have used it, I wonder what took them so long?  Two thumbs up Suave.  Another affordable quality product

Organization With Buttoned Up

I was sitting on my back porch with my husband recently remembering our situation a year ago.  He had just accepted a job in our current city, we had just got a contract on our new house, and we were about to receive an offer on our old home.  It was a stressful time and something we are glad we did, but we hope we don't have to repeat it anytime soon!

I remember the process of packing.  It was good because it forced me to go through what we had and donate, throw away, or pass on our unwanted items.  It was nice to unpack boxes in our new home and not have to find a place for all of the clutter we left behind.  For this reason, it would be nice to move regularly, but that isn't about to happen!

I recently accepted an opportunity to partner with Buttoned Up and test out their online program Buttoned Up's Kickstart Boot Camp.  It is like being forced to go through all of my stuff again, but not actually move.  What an awesome idea!  I have been doing it for a couple of weeks now, and I must say it is pretty amazing at all I have accomplished.  Each day I have a task emailed to me - something like a entry way clean up, kitchen clean up, or bedroom closet organization.  Not only am I told what to do, but they explain how to go about cleaning up a certain area.  Just one thing a day is easy enough to accomplish - right?

Better yet, I have been given a website to go to where I can connect with others going through the Buttoned Up's Kickstart Boot Camp.  There I can ask questions, get ideas, and share what I might be struggling with.  It really is a community all striving for one thing - to declutter!  

Check it out, let me know what you think.  I would love to know!

Buttoned Up's Kickstart Boot Camp

As a little token of my thanks to you for checking it out, here is a coupon code for you to use:  LFMT15
This coupon gives you a 15% discount on the Kickstart Boot Camp - DIY, Personal Accountability or One-on-One coaching level. You are welcome!

As a note of disclosure, I was given a free trial of Buttoned Up's Kickstart Boot Camp in return for my honest review of the program. I wouldn't recommend something I don't personally believe in, so trust that my opinion is sincere.

TastyKake

What is TastyKake? It is like a special treat made for adults. I received a sample of TastyKake in my Influenster VoxBox to try, and what a treat! Sometimes you want to indulge in something sweet but don't want to make a huge cake. This is a great idea on how to get a portion of yummy cake without guilt (well too much guilt at least!) I shared my TastyKake Peanut Butter Creme filled cake with my daughter. We agree - yummy! I think these would be fun for a picnic. Check them out!

Kandy Bar Kakes are the best of both worlds. Light and fluffy chocolate enrobed cakes come in a unique kandy bar shape with a delicious créme filling made with your favorite candy flavors. Available in S'mores, Peppermint, and Peanut Butter flavor.
tastykake.com

Secret Outlast

I used Secret deodorant when I was younger.  I loved the smell and the great protection against wet marks and odor, but had a hard time with the white marks it would leave on my clothes.  Since then, I had switched to Dove Deodorants.  The smell was equally as great, the protection adequate, and the white marks, well better at least.

I was excited to receive a sample of Secret Outlast completely clean clear gel.  On the packaging it stated that it worked for 48 hours.  It was an impressive claim that I intended to check out.  I wore this deodorant to my favorite cardio workout class - one that is guaranteed to make me sweat.  Not only did I have no marks left on my clothes, but I found this Secret to work better than anything I had used before.  I was sweating pretty good during the class, but my underarms were dry, and the only smell coming from me was that of the deodorant.

I would recommend this deodorant, and I intend on sticking with it for a long time coming.  It is perfect for that black dress that you want to go party in!

I received a sample of Secret Outlast through the Influenster VoxBox program.  I was not compensated for this post, but wanted to share my review with you.  Thanks for reading!

Secret Outlast Deo Dance! 

Red Envelope, Shari's Berries, and Mother's Day!

I have had the pleasure of working with the online company Red Envelope Brands for several months now.  Through this program, I have been able to sample items for sale from Personal Creations, ProFlowers.com, and Shari's Berries.  I have yet to be disappointed, and this month's review will follow this trend!

I just got back from an amazing vacation.  My hubby and I went away for a few days to enjoy life in Las Vegas.  We picked this past weekend to go because Bon Jovi was in town for his Because We Can tour.  After our tickets were purchased, we found out that Kenny Chesney was going to be at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel the night before.  Two concerts in two nights is a lot.  Lucky for me, we were able to stay with my mother who lives just a short drive away from the strip.  There is something great about being able to go on a vacation while also have all of the comforts of home.  It really was the perfect situation.

So how do I thank my mom for helping to make our trip so wonderful?  With all of the options available through the Red Envelope Brands, I don't have to struggle with finding something unique, fun, and easy.  The strawberries I had ordered last time were AMAZING!  I remember that they were super big and ripe.  I wouldn't worry about sending them to a warm climate like Las Vegas, because they are shipped overnight with ice and enclosed in a cooler to keep them in an ideal environment.
Do you remember how I mentioned that they add new stuff all the time?  I did notice that they have chocolates for sale now through this site.  Gourmet chocolates, some hand made can all be delivered to your mother this Mother's Day.  One option caught my eye right away - The Deluxe Ghiradelli Chocolate Rush.  I love Ghiradelli Chocolate, and the idea of a gift basket was perfect.  I chose my delivery day and waited for my basket to arrive.

I received just what I ordered.  The communication through the site is wonderful.  They email you to let you know that your gift is ready to be shipped, and again the next day after the delivery has taken place.  For those of us with mothers in a different state, this type of option is great.  I also like the ability to purchase an item today, but pick the exact date for it to be delivered on.  How many places allow you to buy your Mother's Day gift 3 weeks in advance and have it delivered the Friday before Mother's Day?  I know ordering your Mother's Day gift from Shari's Berries in advance will save many people from the headache of getting a gift at the last minute.Do you remember how I mentioned that they add new stuff all the time?  I did notice that they have chocolates for sale now through this site.  Gourmet chocolates, some hand made can all be delivered to your mother this Mother's Day.  

One option caught my eye right away - The Deluxe Ghiradelli Chocolate Rush.  I love Ghiradelli Chocolate, and the idea of a gift basket was perfect.  I chose my delivery day and waited for my basket to arrive.
I received just what I ordered.  The communication through the site is wonderful.  They email you to let you know that your gift is ready to be shipped, and again the next day after the delivery has taken place.  For those of us with mothers in a different state, this type of option is great.  I also like the ability to purchase an item today, but pick the exact date for it to be delivered on.  How many places allow you to buy your Mother's Day gift 3 weeks in advance and have it delivered the Friday before Mother's Day?  I know ordering your Mother's Day gift from Shari's Berries in advance will save many people from the headache of getting a gift at the last minute.
I received just what I ordered.  The communication through the site is wonderful.  They email you to let you know that your gift is ready to be shipped, and again the next day after the delivery has taken place.  For those of us with mothers in a different state, this type of option is great.  I also like the ability to purchase an item today, but pick the exact date for it to be delivered on.  How many places allow you to buy your Mother's Day gift 3 weeks in advance and have it delivered the Friday before Mother's Day?  I know ordering your Mother's Day gift from Shari's Berries in advance will save many people from the headache of getting a gift at the last minute.

This month I was asked to review Shari's Berries again which made me super happy.  I had ordered from this site a few months back, and I was excited to see all of the new options available since the last time I had visited.

So are you ready for the good part?  I have a coupon link for you to use to receive your choice of 20% off your order over $39, or 40% off the Fancy Berries, and more.  Check it out, find something perfect for mom, use a coupon to get a great deal, and your work is done!  You'll thank me later.

I was offered a choice of products at Shari's Berries in return for my unbiased review.  I found it difficult to narrow down what I received, and I would freely choose Shari's Berries as a site to purchase fun gifts to send for any occasion.  Opinions in this post are my own, and I will only recommend products and services that I believe are worth sharing.  Thanks for reading and make sure to share something sweet with your mother this Mother's Day!

 

The Fast Metabolism Diet

I have been a subscriber to various Craveboxes over the past year.  It is a fun program where you are sent a box for a small fee.  You know the theme of the box, but have little idea of exactly what is inside.  Last week I received a Bikini Ready Cravebox.  Inside where different goodies including a Zone Bar, a gift membership to GymPact, wax strips, lotions and oils, and a copy of this hard copy - just released book by Haylie Pomroy.  I actually watched the author on Dr. Oz last month as she explained the theory for her book.  Ms. Pomroy is well educated in nutrition and believes that the simple idea of calories in and calories out is the wrong way to manage weight.

This book is designed to lead the reader through 28 days of food that will reset the metabolism, allowing the dieter to ignite his or her fat-burning metabolism.  Critics warn that the food offered in the book is very low - calorie, and practically void of fat.  I know anyone trying to lose weight on a low-calorie and no fat diet is going to be extremely hungry.  However, I want to decide on my own.  If the food is healthy and the diet makes sense, why not give it a try?

I will admit, I am not going to start on this diet right away.  I have a vacation planned next week, and dieting is supposed to be accomplished prior to that vacation!  I guess I will see if the book and diet do well to get me back on track when I return home.

If you are interested in Cravebox, I would recommend it!  I think it is a fun way to send yourself or someone you love a fun surprise.  The cost for the boxes changes, but I love the option of signing up for only the boxes you are interested in.  Boxes can be food related, for those with kids or pets, and even boxes for cleaning.  Costs are usually $12-$16 per box and you can save a few bucks if you want to put your name in a lottery to possibly receive a box.  Do me a favor and list me as a referral if you do sign up for a box as it allows me to get a free referral box.  Thanks!

I will let you know what I think of this book in a little over a month.  Until then, I am off for a vacay!  Thanks for reading.

ProFlowers.com - My Fun Review!

Flowers aren't just for Valentine's Day.  They mark occasions of joy and sorrow, love and loss, celebrations and expectations.  I have found myself at the store in the late afternoon and have often stood in line behind a man buying flowers.  I like to imagine a reason he is picking up the bouquet - is he surprising his wife on her birthday or anniversary, apologizing for hurting his love, or could he be delivering a little bit of beauty to someone who is suffering a loss?  I recently lost someone dear to me, and just seeing the delivery truck pull up in my driveway was enough to bring me to tears. The thoughtful gesture of giving flowers to another lives on and fortunately, we have more options of what and how we give them. 

In order to give an accurate review of the site ProFlowers.com, I had to order something from the site.  I must say, I had a hard time choosing just what I would order.  In the end, a special offer caught my eye - For $29.98 I ordered the Premium Grower's Choice.  I didn't know what flowers I was going to receive, but  I did upgrade my order for their Romantic Version which came with a box of chocolates, a premium vase, and a cute teddy bear.  The upgrade was just $9.99 more.  I was super impressed at all of the flower varieties, and they had some great sales on different flower options.  I chose my delivery date, and waited to see what the Grower's Choice was going to include. 


I knew when the FedEx truck pulled up, my flowers had arrived. They were expertly packaged with the stems kept moist and the roses (yes roses!) enclosed in a box protected from harm. They were arranged perfectly in the box, and I didn't quite do them justice as I placed them in their vase. I received 2 dozen red roses, a beautiful red vase, a small box of chocolates, and a super-soft bear. It was more than I hoped for, but exactly what I wanted! It took a little explaining to get my husband to understand how this beautiful arrangement came to me.

Premium Grower's Choice from ProFlowers.Com with upgraded vase, teddy bear, and box of Chocolates

I love roses, but I have never had a bouquet last more than 3 days.  One thing I just love about ProFlowers.com is that their flowers are GUARANTEED to last 7 days.  I was going to put them to the test!  Here is a picture of me and my roses a week after they arrived at my house.  They are still beautiful and fragrant.  I have moved them around to different locations in my house just so I can enjoy their beauty.  There is nothing that can compare.

 Here we are at the end of March with Easter just about to spring on us.  What comes next? - Mother's Day of course!  I think ProFlowers.com is a great option for sending gifts to our moms.  I know I would count myself lucky to receive a ProFlowers.com box from my husband and children.  ProFlowers.com not only offers beautiful flowers, but amazing plants as well.  A few that I found included Azaleas in a cute Birdhouse container (just $34.99).





I also found an orchid complete with a teacup pot ($29.99).  This dainty gift would bring delight to any mom.  The last of many that caught my eye would be for the mom who loves gardens and spring, the French Market Bulb Garden complete with French Garden Trug ($44.99).  LOVE IT!

There are just so many options available on ProFlowers.com.  It is just one of those sites you have to try out for yourself! 

There are some great COUPONS available for you to use at ProFlowers.com.  You can save 15% on any order through the coupon site or 20% on any order over $39.  Just click on this LINK to see the many coupons offered.  The current coupons on the site expire on April 7th but don't fret, the coupon page is often updated with new offers!  I can't recommend ProFlowers.com enough.  There are no lines to wait in, beautiful flowers arrive at the destination you choose on the date you choose, and the flowers that are delivered are of the highest quality.  When you factor in their incredible prices and selection, ProFlowers.com is a great option for many gift-giving opportunities. 

I was offered a choice of products at ProFlowers.com through the Red Envelope Great Gift Program in return for my unbiased review. I found it difficult to narrow down what I received as the site has so many wonderful options.  I would freely choose ProFlowers.com as a site to purchase flowers and plants to send for any occasion. Opinions in this post are my own, and I will only recommend products and services that I believe are worth sharing. Thanks for reading and make sure to share joy through beautiful gifts with those that you love!

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil Review

I have thick frizzy hair that is hard to control so I was really excited to be chosen by Bzz Agent to test out the new Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil by Garner Fructis. I am impressed that the product is meant not only for hair, but also for skin. It’s perfect for everyday application and how it’s the first product of its kind made available in stores like Target and Walmart.

I see a huge improvement in my hair.  This solution does a great job of moisturizing my hair while reducing the frizz.  The smell is great too!  It doesn't take much for a great result, and I would caution others not to use too much as it can leave your hair looking greasy if too much is applied.  I have also found that it works well on my arms and legs - no more dry looking skin.  My skin now glows.  This is a great 2-in-1 product at a great price.  Two thumbs up from this mom!

I received the Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil from Bzz Agent.  I was asked to give my unbiased opinion as you read above.  I was given a full sized sample for free, but the opinions of the product are completely my own.  You too can test out products through Bzz Agent - check out BzzAgent.com for more details.

Personal Creations - My Review

Valentine's Day has come and gone, but every year the holiday reminds me to give thanks for those that are important in my life.  It seems like holidays that celebrate those we love and love itself demand our attention (and subsequent gift giving) each spring. Birthdays always require thought and attention, and then there is Mother's Day and Father's Day in May and June.  Before we know it, summer is upon us and wedding season is in full swing.  I don't know about you, but I struggle to find great gifts for those that I love.

My mom always is a tough one for me when it comes to gifts.  She is hard to shop for because she is at that stage of her life where if she wants something, she just buys it!  One thing that she does love though is being "Oma" to her grandchildren.  We have named our grandmas "Oma," "Nana," and simply "Grandma."  The kids never get confused as to which person we are talking about.  All of the grandmas love gifts that celebrate their grandma-hood, and we are constantly looking for a gift to fit that mold.  Gardens are something that they all tend, so when I found these Garden Fairy Stakes on the Personal Creations website I was super excited.  They are perfect for the garden, all metal so they can handle the weather, and they each come with a metal stake so they can be placed in the perfect spot.  I bought this set of 2 for $29.99 and two grandma birthdays were covered.  I love original gifts that can be personalized!

I love to celebrate the love I have with my husband whom I married in 1996.  We moved into a new home last fall, and I have had a spot above our bathtub that I wanted to decorate with something special.  I found this cool Faith Hope Love Wedding Slate on the Personal Creations website, and I knew my search was over.  The plaque measures 8"L by 8"W and comes with a leather cord to hang it with.  While I bought it just because, I think it would make a great wedding gift.  At $24.99 this gift would be not only unique, but very reasonable!



There are so many cool things to purchase and personalize on this website.  The options are endless, and their are gifts that would be perfect for many different gift-giving occasions.  I found some Personal Creations Website Coupons that would make your purchase even more awesome so check those out.  Have fun and make sure to bookmark this site for future purchases.  I know you will use it!  Here are some other great examples of what is sold on the Personal Creations website!

I was offered a choice of products at Personal Creations in return for my unbiased review.  I found it difficult to narrow down what I received, and I would freely choose Personal Creations as a site to purchase fun gifts to send for any occasion.  Opinions in this post are my own, and I will only recommend products and services that I believe are worth sharing.  Thanks for reading and make sure to share the best gifts with those that you love!

Morning Star Farms Veggie Burgers

I have been involved with BzzAgent for quite some time now.  I have gotten to test out some pretty exciting products, so I love getting emails asking me to join in on testing something new.  There are some programs I have turned down because I don't feel they are a good fit for me.  The most recent program I was invited to required a little bit of thought.  I almost turned this one down, but I am SUPER happy that I didn't.



I tried veggie burgers many years back.  I found them to be dry and tasteless.  No amount of cheese and toppings could made them palatable.  Since BzzAgent was going to allow me to test the veggie burgers out with no cost to myself, I decided to give them another try.  All that was asked of me was to give my honest opinion.  No problem there - I was ready to lay it all out there.  When I went to the store, I was surprised at the selection.  I went with the Tomato and Basic Pizza Morning Star Farms Veggie Burger, well because it did sound good.

You can cook these burgers in the microwave, so I zapped it for a couple of minutes, and noticed a heavenly aroma begin to fill my kitchen.  I paired the veggie burger with some mixed greens and salsa.  I was won over by the wonderful taste of this garden burger.  It wasn't dry and it had a great pizza-taste. I really am surprised at how good these taste.

At the beginning of the year, I made a conscious decision not to eat meat at my noon meal.  These veggie burgers are a great alternative.  I look forward to trying out all of the different varieties.  They are easy to find.  I bought mine at Walmart.

Shari's Berries - A Fun Valentine Gift Option!

If you are like me, Valentine's Day can present a bit of a problem.   When it comes to buying something for my hubby, flowers are out, and those boxes of tasteless chocolates will never enter our home.  I want to give him a gift that shows a little bit of flirt, but doesn't deviate from his style.  I discovered a cool gift that is romantic and fun.

I recently made a purchase through Shari's Berries which is an online store that has an awesome selection of gifts that can be romantic and fun.  I ordered their specialty - chocolate dipped strawberries along with a Gourmet Cheese and Snack board.  I was able to pick the delivery day and include a personal message.

 My order was shipped overnight, and arrived carefully packaged.  I opened the box containing my strawberries to find them in an insulated box with an ice pack on top to keep the strawberries in an ideal climate.When I opened the box with the berries, inside I found huge, beautiful berries.  They were almost too beautiful to eat, well almost.  I shared with my kids and hubby that night, and the berries were sweet and fresh.  

The next night, we sampled the Cheese and Snack board.  It included tea, salami, spreadable cheese, crackers, almonds, a mustard dip, pretzels, along with the board and a spreading knife.  I found it easy to display the treats with our company, and everyone gladly sampled while we chatted over wine.

Take a look around the Shari's Berries and look at all they have to offer.  I found the website easy to maneuver   Options and prices are easy to find.  Shipping costs are a bit high, but that is because the orders are shipped overnight with packaging that keeps the berries and other goodies fresh.  Other options include cakes, cookies, and nut packages.  I know many men would love getting a Shari's Berries gift from their love this Valentine's Day!  

I even got a link for some awesome Shari's Berries Coupons that include up to 20% off or $15 off an order of $59 or more.  These coupons expire soon, so check them out!

I was offered a choice of products at Shari's Berries in return for my unbiased review.  I found it difficult to narrow down what I received, and I would freely choose Shari's Berries as a site to purchase fun gifts to send for any occasion.  Opinions in this post are my own, and I will only recommend products and services that I believe are worth sharing.  Thanks for reading and make sure to share something special with those you love this Valentine's Day!

Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition Presented by Pureology

I love this program sponsored by Pureology. Global Green USA is letting us sponsor our local schools to benefit from learning in a healthier environment that come from modern green upgrades.

When a school goes green, children benefit—as well as the environment! Green schools lead to:

Improved student performance. When children learn in classrooms with natural daylight, improved sound quality and non-toxic building materials such as non-VOC carpets and paints, test scores can improve as much as 20%. Attendance also improves!

More funds for student resources. When green upgrades are made to a school, water and energy costs can be reduced by as much as 40%. These savings can be channeled back into resources that directly benefit students, such as textbooks, computers and other essentials.

Reduced carbon footprint. Greening a school significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming.

Take action and nominate a school for Global Green USA’s Green School Makeover Competition Presented by Pureology! From January 1 to March 31, 2013, visit Pureology.com/GreenSchools to learn more and nominate a school. If you need help, work with your school principal or school facilities administrator to complete the application. Remember to think about the types of green upgrades your school needs and why.

I am sending in my kids' school for this contest. I think most schools could benefit from a green upgrade. Learn more by clicking HERE.

Zicam Rapid Melts Cold Remedy

I received samples of Zicam Rapid Melts Cold Remedy as a member of Crowdtap.  They sent me enough to try for myself and to share with friends and family.  They are small white discs, about the size of a nickel.  You simply let them dissolve in your mouth and then don't eat or drink for a short time afterward.  I personally used them and found them to shorten the length of my cold.  I was excited not only to try the Zicam Cold Remedy Rapid Melts, but to share them with others. 

My Aunt works for a homeopathic doctor and has sent me homeopathic remedies for years now. At first I was skeptical, but after using them, I found them to be helpful. I have used them in the past to prevent the flu, treat colds, and for pain management. I even used a homeopathic remedy to ease pain during labor.

I am the proud momma to three children, two of which can take Zicam when they start to feel a cold coming on. They have gotten in the habit of asking me where the Zicam is when they feel their throats get sore. So far they have each gotten over a cold in record time by taking Zicam in the first few days of symptoms. I am sure with school starting back up, they will be using these again this week!

My third child is 2 and I take her with me to the gym nursery when I work out. She typically catches a cold from her friends there and shares it with me every other week. I know exercise is a great way to keep our bodies healthy and avoid colds, but adding Zicam at the first symptoms is extra helpful!  I found that after using Zicam for just two short days of a cold starting, my symptoms disappear.

I also gave out samples to my hubby who has frequent meetings and contact with those he manages. He reluctantly tried them at first, but I insisted when he came home with a headache and sore throat. He is an awesome provider, but a terrible patient! He claims that he would have gotten over his cold within a few days even without the Zicam, but I know better :)

Overall, I think this is a great product that works well. I like how quickly they dissolve, and I am excited to use a product that helps prevent a cold from getting worse instead of just treating symptoms.

Healthy Choice Baked Entrees

I was put on a mission through Crowdtap to test and share some excellent coupons for the new Healthy Choice Baked Entrees.  I think the favorite in my family was the Lasagna.  I shared a frozen meal with a relative who is pretty sick.  He enjoyed having a fresh and healthy meal that didn't require a lot of preparation.  I think Healthy Choice frozen meals are perfect not only for someone who is looking for a quick meal while at work, but also for those that are elderly or sick and can't cook healthy meals easily.

Healthy Choice Baked Entree - LASAGNA!!!

I have some great coupons for the new Healthy Choice Baked Entrees to share!  Get yours HERE before they are gone.  This is for a limited time since the coupons are such a high value.  Enjoy!!

There are several varieties of these new entrees to try:  Chicken and Rice Cheddar Bake, Fettuccine Alfredo Bake, Four Cheese Ziti Marinara, Italian Sausage Pasta Bake, Roasted Chicken and Potatoes, and of course Lasagna with Meat.Sauce.

I am an active member on Crowdtap where I receive compensation for my participation.  I did receive coupons and minimal compensation for my activity with the new Healthy Choice Baked Entrees, but my opinions are all my own.  If you haven't had a chance to try out Crowdtap, here is a link to get you started!  Crowdtap Invitation

Wet Ones Sticky Situations Facebook Contest

I don't know about you, but Wet Ones remind me of my childhood.  It seems my mom always had a tub of them available to wipe down my hands and face whenever I made a mess of myself.  I naturally use Wet Ones with my own family.  When preparing for camping season every year, a tub of Wet Ones is purchased.  I buy them to keep in the camper to clean messy hands after digging for bugs in the dirt and clean-up after eating s'mores.  They do an amazing job of removing things like tree sap and dirt, not to mention GERMS!

I buy the single-use wipes to keep in my car.  I can't resist getting ice cream for my kids on hot summer days, but eating ice cream cones in the car creates sticky fingers.  My Wet Ones supply has come in handy on many occasions during our family outings.  Unlike basic wipes, Wet Ones kill 99.99% of germs so hands can be cleaned with comfort, knowing germs will not remain.  




Wet Ones is having a contest through the end of the month.  They are looking for your sticky situations. I had a lot of fun remembering all of our sticky situations, and narrowed down the best one to enter in this contest.  It is easy to enter, just click: Wet Ones Sticky Situations Contest




One of my favorite sticky situations happened when I had a few minutes of peace.  You know those times when you get busy doing something and then realize that you haven't heard anything from your normally loud toddler for a while?  You immediately know she is up to no good.  My little girl didn't fail on this occasion.

Yes - what you are seeing here is my mascara, my adorable little girl, and her once clean baby-doll.  Lucky for me she didn't attempt to put the mascara directly on her eyelashes, and apparently she couldn't quite get the mascara on her doll correctly either.  A Wet One did a great job of cleaning her up, and luckily it worked on her doll too!  

Wet Ones has launched a Sticky Situations Facebook contest asking Moms to share their best helpful and creative tips on how to get out of a ‘sticky situation.'  I entered this picture in the contest, and I am sure you have a favorite picture to enter in the contest as well!  Simply log on and share your story and tips, and you can be entered to win an iPad Mini or Six Flags Tickets!   Here is the link:  Wet Ones Sticky Situations Contest


I think I enjoyed going through photos looking for the best one to submit for this contest.  It was super easy to enter once I chose which sticky situation I was going to use.  Go enter and good luck! 

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Wet Ones. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.  Please visit Mom Central for more information.

My Dog and Eukanuba 

I am in my new town and my new home.  It is time to get to blogging again.  I have missed it and every day that goes by I think how I need to get back to this site again.  I am far behind on sharing my love for the products I get to test.  This is one I just couldn't let go by!

I received dog food from Eukanuba as a Bzz Agent.  They sent me a coupon for a free mid-size bag and $5.00 off a full size.  I cashed in both coupons and am prepared to tell you what I think.  In fact, I am super excited about this task!  First a little background.

When I got married 16 years ago, my hubby and I adopted a dog.  He came from the local pound and he was with us through moves, children, and all the changes that come with life.  We lost him only 2 weeks ago. I have such good memories of him.  There are also many things I learned.  He had terrible teeth and starting at the age of 10, we had to get his teeth cleaned by the vet on a yearly basis.  That was a $300 bill per year that we had to pay because we didn't take care of his teeth.

A few years ago we brought home a companion for our old-timer.  This new spry pup is a great addition to our family.  I plan on doing things different with him.  For one, we are feeding him higher-quality food.  Secondly, I want to make sure his teeth are well taken care of.  Because of this, I am totally excited to see what he thinks of the Eukanuba food with 3-D Dental Defense.  It encompasses both goals in one nutrition powerhouse.

Eukanuba is not only perfect nutrition for my dog, but it provides something that we have not seen before - a formula that protects teeth.  So far, he loves the taste, and I am excited to report I can already see a  difference in his mouth.  Since he is young, he has little dental issues, but I intend to keep it that way!  For that reason, I think Eukanuba food could be a great fit for our family.  I will keep you posted.  I also look forward to sharing this with friends and family of dogs that are a bit older.  I think it could save some vet bills!  Check out this handsome guy!

MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE'S MOST WANTED IS COMING TO THEATERS JUNE 8!

In celebration of the release of Madagascar 3, I hosted a party!  We had 11 kids show up along with our own kids for a fun celebration.  To start off the party, the kids created masks - but not the kind you wear.  These masks were made with pizza dough.  The kids were able to decorate their individual sized mask-pizzas with all of the fixings.  We then popped the pizzas in the oven for a fun dinner treat.

There were lots of crazy games- dodge-ball under the big tent and just acting like a bunch of wild animals were favorites.  I had some fun nail kits that the girls used to decorate their nails.  They were able to choose from zebra print, giraffe print, or they could make up their own designs.  This was a big hit, and their nails turned out great!

We finished off with some ice cream, and the boys were able to have a sleepover.  They watched the first two Madagascar movies before fading into the sunset of course!  Thanks to Crowdtap for this fun party idea.  We look forward to seeing Madagascar 3 in theaters this weekend.

A Love Affair with Greek Yogurt and Granola

I have been using Greek Yogurt in place of regular yogurt in my household for about the last 6 months.  I love the creamy texture, the rich taste, and the health benefits.  Greek Yogurt is higher in protein than regular yogurt and is fat-free which is hard to believe with its creamy consistency.  This variety of yogurt is more expensive than its plain yogurt counterpart, but it is well worth it!  I have started buying it in bulk at Costco with their Kirkland Signature brand which reduces the cost quite a bit.

I have used Greek Yogurt in place of sour cream in many recipes.  I love to serve it to my toddler mixed with some honey.  It is one of her favorite treats.  I enjoy it for breakfast with granola mixed in.  I was recently sent several sample bags of granola from Love Grown Foods.  You can tell from my picture that I have already been snacking on this wonderful granola.  It is disappearing quickly, so you are lucky that I snapped a picture of what I have left before it is gone altogether!  As an add-in for my Greek Yogurt, I enjoy the Simply Oats variety which is flavored with honey and agave.  The cinnamon and crunch make my morning yogurt sublime!

When I am craving an afternoon sweet snack, I grab the Cocoa Goodness from Love Grown Foods.  This variety is also sweetened with honey and agave, but there is also cocoa powder and dark chocolate mixed in.  It is super good and when I mix it with Greek Yogurt, I am able to indulge my sweet craving and get some protein mixed in.  I think it is better than ice cream!

I haven't tried the Sweet Cranberry Pecan variety yet, but I look forward to the dried cranberries, coconut, and pecans that are in this bag.  I appreciate what is not in these bags of granola from Love Grown Foods - No High Fructose Corn Syrup, No Hydrogenated Oils, Free of Preservatives, and Free of GMO Ingredients.  For those that are on a gluten-free diet, these are a great choice too.

You can learn more about the Love Grown Foods and see the other flavors they offer by visiting their website: Love Grown Foods

As a note of disclaimer - I received the Love Grown Foods granola as a prize from a Twitter Party.  I was not asked to post a review, but I have chosen to share the love of Love Grown Foods with my blog readers.

Dr. Scholl's for Her

OK, a little about me.  I am 5'9 inches and I have never wanted to make myself look taller.  High heels are not something I have ever worn.  Some day though, I hope to slip on a pair to see what the hype is about.  I just have to work on getting my calf muscles a little more toned first!

Oddly, Bzz Agent thought I would be a good fit for their newest campaign - Dr. Scholl's for Her.

Ultra-soft FabuSTEP^® Gel Arch shifts pressure off ball of foot 

Immediate and long lasting comfort guaranteed, or your money back

Practically invisible, even in strappy heels 2" and up

Slim design won’t make shoes feel tight

I received my BzzKit the other day, and discovered what these insoles are all about.  They are designed to be worn inside of high heels, offering extra support and cushioning to these notoriously painful types of footwear.  The insoles themselves feel really neat.  They are a gel-like material - not something that would flatten with use. They have an adhesive on the back so that they will stay in place with wear.  With heels, this can be very important, otherwise you will be messing with your insoles constantly.  Plus, those little insoles could peek out of your shoes giving away your need for help.

You may ask, what do I plan to do with them since I do not own any shoes with any sense of a heel?  My oldest daughter has been having heel pain when she runs.  For a while now, I have been wanting to buy her insoles to see if they may help.  With it being summertime, she will be wearing her Keen shoes on a daily basis. I have put these insoles in her Keens and I am excited to see if they resolve her problems.  I think the arch support from these insoles will be helpful.  I have several $4.00 off coupons for these insoles so let me know if you want me to mail you one!