SOCIAL MEDIA

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Philips Avent Giveaway

When you have a baby, it's extremely important to provide them with the best of everything.  It's essential to make sure their bottles are beneficial to them, along with letting them play with toys to help their growth and development.  Make sure you choose the brands that will help your baby be the best they can be.




Philips Avent is a leader in parenting and baby products.  The product line-up includes breastfeeding, bottle feeding, toddler feeding, baby monitors, and newborn gifts. When I think of bottles, one of the first brands that comes to mind is Philips Avent.  If you know anyone who's having a baby, any Philips Avent product makes a wonderful baby shower gift, as well as a new baby gift. Every baby needs bottles and pacifiers.  The products are made well and built to last.  I'm expecting my first child in December and will be surely using many of their products with my baby.

If you plan on bottle feeding, I'd like to recommend the Philips Avent natural bottle.  This is the most natural way to bottle feed and provides babies with the best start in life.
With a design inspired by nature, this bottles allows infants to feed as close to breast as possible, making it easier to combine bottle and breastfeeding.  

I know I plan on bottle feeding, so this would definitely be a bottle I would be using.  The wide "breast-like" shape makes it easy to latch on, and the unique comfort petals inside nipple increase softness and flexibility without collapse.  A wonderful feature about the bottle is that its advanced anti-colic system with innovative twin valve allows air into the bottle-not baby's tummy.  The bottle is available in glass, as well as polypropylene, a BPA free material.  If style is important to you, the bottle is featured in pink, blue and clear, as well as elephant, monkey, and flower designs.  

Another baby essential that all newborns need are pacifiers.  The Philips Avent free flow pacifier is a wonderful choice for the natural development of baby's palate, teeth, and gums.  

This pacifier features orthodontic, collapsible, and symmetrical nipples that respect baby's growth and development.  As with all Philips pacifiers, the free flow pacifier is made of silicone and is taste and odor-free.  

If you're looking for a pacifier that truly takes into account all areas to make baby comfortable, this is surely the one for you.  The six holes in the curved pacifier shield minimize skin irritation.  The flat, drop-shaped nipple respects the shape of baby's palate, even when the pacifier is positioned upside down in the mouth.  It's durable and long-lasting, and guaranteed to not become misshapen or discolored over time.  It is sterilizer and dishwasher safe too for convenience.  For babies 0-6 months, the pacifier is offered in green/purple and yellow/blue designs, while 6-18 month old babies have a choice of pink/orange or blue/green designs.

If you want to make the best possible choice for your baby's earth growth and development, Philips Avent will be there for you every step of the way.




Thursday, May 29, 2014

Bounce Review and Giveaway

My favorite part about laundry is when it's in either the washing machine or the dryer.  Of course I love this stage of laundry because I don't have to fold the clothes yet.  I do enjoy when the clothes come out of the dryer looking and smelling fabulous. Nobody likes folding laundry but delicious smelling laundry makes the folding process that much easier.  I believe that great laundry starts with quality products.

Bounce allows you to enjoy fresh and soft laundry each and every time with their fabric care products. The product line-up includes dryer sheets, dryer bars, lint and freshness rollers, ironing spray, and 15 minute dry cleaner. Growing up my mom always used Bounce dryer sheets on our laundry.  I remember the fantastic scent that permeated the laundry basket when she used to bring in our folded clothes.  The fresh scent stayed with the clothes even when you wore them.  Now that I've been on my own for many years, I routinely buy Bounce. Their quality product and results keep my clothes smelling wonderful and leaving me a satisfied consumer.  

Recently, Bounce has introduced a new product in their laundry family, Bounce Bursts. I was able to try this new product along with classic Bounce dryer sheets.



Bounce Bursts are very easy to use.  When you're ready to do laundry, simply shake a few bursts into the washing machine.  Once you close the lid, the party really starts! After the party is over, you're left with the freshest smelling clothes in history.  I used Bounce Bursts for the first time last night.  I am familiar with in-wash scent boosters and have previously used them.  I was very interested to try Bounce's since the products always provide superb results.  The packaging is very festive and really catches your eye.  The bursts are even orange which is Bounce's signature color.  Once I took my clothes out of the washing machine, I could instantly smell the freshness.  My heart melted and B's formed where my iris's used to be.  My washing machine was very happy too.

For the ultimate in freshness, I transferred my clothes into the dryer and threw in a Bounce dryer sheet to really up the scent factor.  What I love about the dryer sheet box is that you can smell them through the box, that's how powerful they are! Once the clothes were done and dry, I took them out to fold them.  That's when my whole world stopped.  I had never smelled anything that fabulous before! The combination of the Bounce Bursts and the dryer sheet propelled me on a rocket ship right into Planet Laundry.  I'm not sure I'll be coming back! 

I was so happy with how my clothes came out and extremely satisfied with the products.  Both products now sit high and proud on the shelf above my washer and dryer.  If you're looking to revolutionize laundry, I highly recommend Bounce.  



Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Heluva Good Giveaway

Summer brings lots of opportunities for snacking.  Lazy days at the beach, pool parties, and BBQ's are all invitations to indulge in yummy food and treats.  When I think of summer foods, chips and dip are the first snack and appetizer I envision.  If you're planning on having a BBQ or party this summer, why not spice it up and delight your guests taste buds with a fabulous new snack or two? They will certainly appreciate it.



Heluva Good offer sour cream dips and cheese that are the perfect way to add flavor to any occasion. The product-line up includes dips in the flavors of french onion, buffalo wing, bodacious onion, white cheddar and bacon and many more.  If you're more interested in serving cheese and crackers, the cheese flavors waiting to satisfy you are mild cheddar, parmesan, sharp cheddar, taco blend, and italian blend among many others.  You also can't forget about the yogurt dips in tantalizing flavors including french onion, herb ranch, southwestern chipotle, and fire roasted vegetables.  As you can see, there is quite a variety of Heluva Good products waiting to make your tummy happy.  Make Heluva Good a main staple of your party food this summer to guarantee a fantastic get-together.

One of Heluva Good's newest products is the limited edition roasted garlic and caramelized onion dip. You have to be quick if you want to get your hands on this dip! The dip uses only the freshest ingredients and spices and never any oils or water. It combines the rich, sweet flavors of roasted garlic and caramelized onion, blended with the creamy taste of sour cream to create a big bold taste that pleases.  

Go ahead and try me.  One taste and you'll be in love.

If you're thinking of what to serve with the dip, you'll want to think of something that doesn't contain a lot of flavor already.  Leave the flavor to the dip.  How about pretzels, pita bread, wheat crackers, or plain chips? All of these items would be ideal for enjoying a dip that will leave you wanting to lick the container clean! Be prepared for more eating than talking.  Don't worry though, it's completely normal.  :)




Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Make Dad Feel Special this Father's Day at @Best Buy #GreatestDad

For the past 25 years, the only dad that I've celebrated on Father's Day was my own.  This year, it will be a little bit different since my husband and I are having a baby.  Not only will I be recognizing my own dad, but my husband too.  Best Buy is the perfect place to make any dad or dad-to-be happy this year.
Father's Day is approaching rapidly and will be here before you know it.  Instead of getting dad the same old gift each year, why not spice it up this year? I can't think of a more ideal place to buy a gift than Best Buy.  What dad wouldn't enjoy electronics, movies, and music? Not to mention their low-price guarantee and free shipping is an added plus. I absolutely love to give gifts and it's hard for me to wait till the actual day of to give the present.  I always want to give it days before because I'm so excited.




Since I'll be focusing more on my husband this year for Father's Day, I would categorize him as a Memory Maker.  He loves anything that helps create long-lasting memories that we can look back on with fondness in the years to come.  I would say that my husband is not a big tech guy and wouldn't be interested in the latest Blu-Ray player or smartphone.

One gift that Jay would absolutely love for Father's Day is the Canon Powershot ELPH IS 16.0 MP digital camera.


Preserve special moments with this Canon Powershot ELPH IS 16.0 MP digital camera which features 8x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom for high-quality capture of distant subjects.  The built-in WiFi makes it simple to share your photos and videos.

I think this would be a fabulous gift for Jay, especially with the baby coming.  I know he and I both will want to take a lot of pictures to share with our family and friends.  Memories are extremely important to Jay and I know he would really appreciate a new camera for Father's Day.

If the dad in your life is also interested in memory making, please consider the following list of gifts that would make them happy.


Nikon D5300 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens.


GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition Action Camcorder.


GoPro Headstrap Mount


Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 IS 16.0MP Digital Camera


Samsung Galaxy 2 Camera


Canon EOS 70D DSLR Camera with 18-135mm IS STM Lens.




Canon VIXIA HF R50 8GB HD Flash Memory Camcorder


Geneva 10 Camera Case


Newport 30 Camera Case


SanDisk 32GB Ultra Micro Memory Card


Canon SELPHY Wireless Compact Photo Printer


OlloClip Photo Lens for iPhone


mophie space pack


HTC One (M8) Amber Gold


$50 iTunes Card


As you can see, there's a variety of gifts just waiting to be purchased.  Make Father's Day this year extra special by purchasing him the gift he's always wanted.  Best Buy is waiting for you whether you visit in-store or online!

*DISCLOSURE*  The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.




Monday, May 26, 2014

Lipper International Review

One thing that I think is essential for a child is a playroom.  Yes, most children's bedrooms contain toys, but a playroom is a space where they can really have fun.  A basement or a loft area with a TV, games, toys, and coloring books and markers would delight a child of any age.  If you have a playroom, it's a great way to contain lots of toys without making your house messy which is an added plus.  Why not designate a room for your child to have fun and make lasting memories in today?

Lipper International is a leading wholesaler of products designed to improve your home and lifestyle. From entertaining guests to organizing your kitchen, their products are recognized for their durability and beauty.  The Lipper product line-up contains kitchen and food items, dining and entertaining, home office, home storage, and kids.  If you've just moved into a new home any organizational products from the kitchen and food and home storage category would come in handy.  What I like most about Lipper is that the products are so useful and provide great results.  If you have kids, why not put a toy chest in their room to keep all of their favorite toys close at hand? Whatever you're looking for, Lipper is guaranteed to make you happy, and their products also make fantastic gifts.

I just moved into my first home with my husband.  We're expecting our first child in December, and we knew we wanted to turn our third level loft into a playroom.  The loft is one big open space.  I can imagine my child in a few years playing there with friends.  It is essential for them to have fun in a creative outlet.  When I stumbled upon Lipper International and found out they have a table and chair set along with a toy box, I just knew it had to go in my loft.

I was generously sent a child's round table with shelf and 2 chairs in an espresso finish, as well as a child's espresso toy chest.  These pieces are just absolutely gorgeous and go with any decor.  Any child would be thrilled to have this set!

Sit right down here and color a beautiful picture from a coloring book. Don't forget to use bright colors. 

My husband put the table and chair set together first.  The box came with the instructions and hardware necessary to assemble everything.  The instructions were very clear and easy to follow.  I would say it took him about half an hour to have the whole set put together.  The deep espresso is beautiful and looks very rich.  The set is perfect for a playroom or child's bedroom, depending on your preference.  The table and chairs are sturdy and built solidly and are made from a combination of beech, pine, and medium density-fibreboard.  A great feature about this table is that it's round which eliminates sharp edges and corners for younger children.  What I like most about the spacious table is that it has four built in cubbies to hold coloring books, markers, pencils, etc for art projects.  Any built in storage always makes me happy! 

The toy chest was put together next and was done in practically no time.  I love how deep it is and can hold a variety of toys and games with ease.
What should we play with first? Maybe we should play a game?

The toy chest is made from the same materials as the table and chairs set. This is wonderful because they match perfectly.  The chest took a little less time than the table set to put together.  I love how spacious the inside of the chest is and how much it holds.  Your child can put toys, games, books, stuffed animals and anything they want inside the chest. The possibilities for fun are endless when stored in a bedroom or playroom.  Parents everywhere will be happy to know that there are two holes in the back panel of the chest to allow air into chest should little ones decide to climb in.  

As you can see, the chest is very deep inside.  Contain all of your child's toys in one chest and make your life less stressful.  

I'm very satisfied with the toy chest and the table and chairs set.  I think they were built with care and dependability and will last for years to come.  I'm very much looking forward to my child using the set and enjoying it.  A table with coloring books and colored pencils and a toy chest filled with toys is what I imagine.  Until this time, the set waits for them in my loft.

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Lipper International for providing with me this complimentary set in exchange for this review.  All thoughts are my own.  



Saturday, May 24, 2014

Nature's Moringa Wants you to Be Healthy as Possible

Let's face it, life can be hectic.  We're constantly on the go and we work or go to school on a full-time basis.  Don't forget all of the duties that come with raising kids and maintaining a home too.  It can be difficult to always lead a healthy diet when you're busy.  It's a lot easier to grab a quick high-calorie meal than it is to cook a healthy one from scratch.  It's important to try to have as many nutrients and vitamins on a daily basis as possible.

Nature's Moringa is the most powerful superfood. It is loaded with 90+ nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and all the essential amino acids.  The product line up includes extracts, capsules, oils, teas, and more.  If you're looking to make a difference in your life, it's time to get healthy.  Nature's Moringa is there for you every step of the way.  Why not start your day off with a cup of Moringa ginger super tea? A delicious cup of this ginger tea contains 100% pure moringa leaf exotic tea blend.  This beverage can be enjoyed by both men and women alike and will provide you with many health benefits.  This is one of the most nutrient rich plants loaded with everything your body needs on a daily basis.





The bridge to better nutrition is through better nutrition.  Nature's Moringa stands by this statement and wants you to lead as much of a healthy life as possible. The brand increases the natural defenses of the body, increases physical energy, mental and emotional balance, and gives a feeling of general wellness.
There's no better feeling than the feeling of complete wellness.  It's never too late to start leading a healthy life and put your old patterns behind you.  All you have to do is open your heart and mind to Nature's Moringa today.

Check out Nature's Moringa on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.




Thursday, May 22, 2014

Smart Wall Paint Giveaway

One of my favorite parts about elementary school was art class.  I loved being able to create artwork and projects that were full of life and personality.  The whiteboard was also a child's dream.  I remember my classmates enjoying doodling and drawing all over the board with the various colored markers.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a whiteboard in your own home? Just think of all of the hours of family fun it would bring.



Smart Wall Paint is a commercial grade paint that transforms smooth surfaces into write-on wipe-off whiteboard surfaces.  The white or clear paint is easy to apply and the kits contain everything you need to do the job. The kits come in either a 21 sq ft or 65 sq ft, depending on the room you want to use it for.  How cool would it be to transform a portion of your child's wall into a white board? Let their creativity flow as they draw to their hearts content.  You'll never have to worry about them drawing on the walls again and not being able to remove the pen! The whiteboard wall would also be great for making to do-lists or leaving notes for your family too. Turn a boring wall into a one of a kind wall.

Everything you need to be your own personal artist. 


The easy-to-follow kit will allow you to start writing and drawing in no time. It's time to stop writing on paper and make those walls come alive!





Monday, May 19, 2014

Reebok Review

I'm not the kind of person who wears sneakers on a regular basis, except to workout with.  I much prefer boots, flats, or sandals, depending on the season.  For me to be interested in a new style of sneakers, it definitely takes a lot.  The sneaker has to be comfortable and of course stylish too.  Reebok's sneakers recently caught my eye and it was love at first sight.

If you're into fitness, Reebok is the shoe brand for you.  Their product line-up includes men, women, and children's sneakers, as well as athletic apparel.  If you think Reebok only has one or two styles of shoes, you are wrong.  There are shoes catered to every aspect of fitness including running, walking, yoga, training and more.  Whatever kind of shoe you're looking for to be active with, Reebok is there to provide you with various styles and colors of the shoe of your workout dreams.  If you are an extra creative individual and want to design your own shoe, that option now exists for you.  How cool would it be to walk around town in a pair of shoes that nobody can buy in stores? You'll be your own walking artist! If you're looking for new exercise sneakers, Reebok is waiting for you.

I recently fell head over heels with Reebok's new line of Skyscape sneakers. It was a match that I knew would be serious.  The sneakers were everything I was looking for in a shoe.  When I saw the pink fusion shoes, I knew I had to own them.  What more could you want out of life than pink sneakers? Nothing, that's what.


These sneakers are just fantastic! I received them recently and have been wearing them everywhere I go.  If you know me, you know I don't wear sneakers anywhere besides the gym so I must truly love them.  They are so lightweight and comfortable that I sometimes forget I'm wearing them.  All the shoe weighs is 5.0 ounces! You can wear them to the gym, to the grocery store, or truly anywhere you please. I love how they look great with anything you wear too.  The bright pink upper with the white bottom is a good contrast, rather than making the entire sneaker pink.  The color is vivid and bold and just what I'm looking for in a shoe. A great feature of the shoe is that there is extra cushioning along the tongue and collar to prevent irritation to your foot.  I sometimes have this problem, but I won't anymore!

I've really been enjoying this shoe and look forward to wearing it for some time to come.  If you're in the market for a new pair of shoes for your closet to accept, Reebok's Skyscape sneakers are the pick for you.

*DISCLOSURE* I received a complimentary pair of sneakers in exchange for this review.  All thoughts are my own.
Sunday, May 18, 2014

New house!

Just moved to my new house.  So much unpacking to do. :( Hopefully I can have a post up for you tomorrow!
Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Nair Giveaway

With summer on the horizon, most of us are ready to have some fun in the sun.  With temps rising, BBQ's and spending the day at the beach are on our minds.  Summer is my favorite season.  Who doesn't love a season that is all about cute dresses and sandals? When warmer temps roll in, it's time to think about taking our swimsuits out of storage and getting ready to lay out at the pool.  Make sure you have that summer body ready to show off.  Nair is here to make sure you're looking fabulous from head to toe.



Nair is the #1 hair removal brand and the only brand I trust for removing unwanted hair.  The easy to use product is painless, quick and easy to use, and provides long lasting results.  Nair's product line includes hair removing lotions, soothing wax kits, bikini cream, face cream, Nair for men, microwave waxes, and so much more.  I've been using that trusty pink bottle of hair removing lotion on my legs for years.  I love that all you have to do is apply it and wait a few minutes and your unwanted hair is gone.  The fact that it's painless is also a huge plus because I have no pain tolerance! There is no reason to feel embarrassed this summer by unwanted hair.  Introduce Nair into your life and you'll be smiling as bright as the sun.

Hair-free and lovin' it. 


There have recently been a few new products added to the Nair family.  The Ultimate Roll-On Wax is a wax that can be washed clean with soap and water instead of oil.  Shower Power resists runoff while you shower, and Sprays Away allows a no-touch application.  Nair is the only US at-home hair removal brand to bring Moroccan Oil to its products, which is full of vitamins and minerals.  

Let Nair be that new best friend that's always there for you.  Anytime you need them, they'll just be in your bathroom cabinet waiting to make you feel comfortable and confident.  



A few tips on joining a Muay Thai training camp in Thailand

Muay Thai is a full contact sport that originated in Thailand. Although this sport looks similar to karate and kickboxing, Muay Thai is original in many ways and in fact a lot of MMA borrow some elements of Muay Thai. With the growing popularity of Muay Thai around the world, a lot of Muay Thai gyms and camps became available for all those who are interested in this ancient martial art. And although almost all of them are advertising their gyms as gyms that practice traditional Muay Thai the truth is that most of these authentic Muay Thai camps can be found in the homeland of Muay Thai – Thailand.

If you are looking for a good Muay Thai camp you should also find out more about the trainers working there. How many years are they working? Were they professional athletes before they started working as trainers? Were they part of some Muay Thai competitions? The fact is that learning Muay Thai is part of the educational system in Thailand and the trainers you will find there have dedicated their whole lives in mastering this discipline. On top of that you should find trainers that are able to work with different programs suitable for different types of students (recreationalists, athletes, semi-pros etc.).

Find a camp that is not specialized in only one category of Muay Thai students. Serious camps have their doors opened for beginners as well as advanced students. You should also look for a camp in Thailand that has some experience working with foreigners. These camps can offer you more than training sessions. The staff can give you some advice about visiting local attractions and make your stay there more comfortable in general.

Another good tip is to find a Muay Thai camp that is offering their services that are worth the money. Find some camp that has discounts or deals for certain packages and save your money.
If you are looking for a Muay Thai camp in Thailand that meets all these criteria and has few more things to offer than join Suwit Muay Thai. This camp has some exceptional reviews from foreigners and locals that were part of their training sessions. With their professional staff and their professional trainers you can be sure that you will use the time spend in the camp to the maximum. Suwit Muay Thai has some great packages so make sure you book your stay there on time!
Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Juzt 4 Kidz Review

Do you remember when you were a child and you had to have a hall light or nightlight on to help you sleep? I slept with a nightlight for years and was not a fan of the dark. Many children hate bedtime because they fear the dark.  When a child is comfortable and has a security item that makes them feel safe, everything is much easier.  Why not introduce them to Juzt 4 Kidz today? You can guarantee that they will absolutely love the products and take to them right away.


Juzt 4 Kidz offers light up pillows that play nursery music and lullabies.  Each pillow has an animal theme and some even come with blankets too.  How about a cow pillow with a cream colored blanket, or a bumble bee pillow that plays music? The multicolored LED lights will delight your child, and the soft furry animal will make them smile.  The pillows are meant for children ages 0-6.  Your child will love cuddle with the pillow at night as a bedtime buddy.  The safe LED lights do not get hot.  The soothing music automatically shuts off after 17 minutes, so you'll never have to worry about it playing all night.  The cover is machine washable and will be ready for snuggles as soon as the dryer stops.  A light up pillow makes a great baby gift or birthday present for an older child too.

I'm having a baby in December and I wanted something special for my child that I couldn't buy in stores.  I knew a light up pillow would be the perfect thing to put in their crib. The cow blanket was adorable and I knew that would be a great choice.  The colored lights will catch baby's attention, and of course they will love the big cow.

My cute and cuddly face along with the pretty lights will draw you in.

The extremely soft fleece of the pillow is impressive.  I didn't think it would be so thick.  You cannot feel the lights through the pillow, so there's no way your child can damage them. It is obvious that great detail went into this pillow and it was built solidly.  The attached blanket that the cows arm holds easily comes off and makes for a great nap blanket.  A great benefit is that when the blanket is not in use, let the cow do his job again by holding it.  You'll never have to worry about finding a place to put it. The lights are bright and vivid and change with the music.  I think the little bumble bee details on the top of the pillow are very sweet.

I'm hoping this will soothe my child at night and help them sleep.  I really like that the music and lights turn off by themselves so I wouldn't have to come in and turn it off myself. The music is easy to hear and very clear.  For older children, the pillow can act like a night light and help them feel safe and comfortable in the dark.  Cuddly pillow animals are there to help protect you! Children will also enjoy relaxing with the pillow while watching TV or a movie.  



For now, this pillow will remain in the baby's room until he/she arrives in December to enjoy it.  I highly recommend this product for parents of children who are uneasy in the dark, or who just love cuddly animals too!

*DISCLOSURE* I received a complimentary product in exchange for this review.  All thoughts are my own.  









Monday, May 12, 2014

Baby Update!

I don't think I've formally announced it on my blog yet, but I'm having a baby! Lynnie is very excited to be a big sister.


I am 10 weeks and 4 days.  I went to the doctor today and everything looks great.  The baby was moving its arms and legs a lot and the doctor said there was a party in my stomach!


I am due December 4th.  Hopefully we won't be in the middle of a snow storm when the baby is born or anything crazy like that.


So far I haven't been craving too many things besides fruit.  I love fruit and I tend to want a lot of strawberries and pineapple.  No food/food smells bother me yet.  Luckily, I'm able to eat anything. I haven't been sick at all but do get occasional random nausea.


My husband and I are very excited and can't wait to meet the baby!

10W4D


Friday, May 9, 2014

Maleficient in Theatres May 30!

The new clip “Awkward Situation,” IMAX poster and character posters from MALEFICENT are now available.


  YouTube Embed: 
 
All press materials (including hi-res versions of these posters) can be downloaded here: http://www.wdsmediafile.com/walt-disney-studios/maleficent/
 
Like MALEFICENT on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyMaleficent
 
Follow MALEFICENT on Twitter: @Maleficent
 
 
 
 
MALEFICENT is rated PG and releases in theaters everywhere on May 30th!





Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Skip Hop Giveaway

With summer approaching, parents are busy enrolling their little ones into summer programs and camps.  While parents are busy filling out questionnaires and paperwork, school kids are excited at the opportunity for arts and crafts, sports, and time away from desks and tests.  Backpacks and lunchboxes are an integral part of summer camp.  Why not delight your child this year with a backpack and lunchbox set that they will absolutely love? 



Skiphop is the headquarters for anything baby and child.  The brand offers designer diaper bags, developmental toys, zoo packs, bath toys, and nursery and crib decor.  Skiphop's products are adorable and will instantly get you many compliments.  Your child will surely love to play with their turtle island bath playset the next time they take a bath.  If you're expecting a new baby, why not outfit their nursery and crib with a treetop friends or spring birdie themed room? Skiphop is your go-to brand for making sure all of your kiddy needs are covered.

When I was a small child, I absolutely loved using a character or cartoon lunchbox.  I remember clearly having a red plastic Garfield one in kinder garden that I thought was so cool. Long gone are the days of tin or plastic lunchboxes.  The lunch gods at Skiphop have stepped up their game and brought you the most adorable backpacks and matching lunchboxes that you've ever seen.  How does having a hedgehog, bee, fox, frog, butterfly, cat, dog, and any other animal you can think of in a matching lunchbox and backpack set sound to your child? They will be so excited and proud of it!  One set in particular that I'd like to tell you about is the Hedgehog lunchie and backpack set.

Yes, Yes I know I'm cute.  My main goal is to have you finish all of your lunch though.

How cute is this lunchbox?! This soft bag has a roomy main compartment that holds sandwiches, snacks, drinks and more.  Feel confident sending your son or daughter to summer camp with a packed lunch and snacks for later that will keep them full.  They will be so excited to show their friends their lunchbox too! The insulated wipe-clean interior keeps food and drinks cold, plus an inside mesh pocket holds lunch money, an ice-pack or utensils. 

I will keep your crayons, change of clothes, and swimsuit for swimming in the lake safe.  My spikes won't hurt them.

Go ahead and put the lunchbox inside the backpack when not in use.  It's a perfect storage option for it.  This adorable bag holds all of the supplies your preschooler might need for a busy day of summer fun.  The mesh side pocket adjusts to fit a juice box, sippy cup, or water bottle.  The front pouch is perfect snacks and includes extra pockets for pencils and other necessities. Comfy padded straps keep your little one's shoulders from hurting too.

As you can see, this is one adorable set your child will instantly love.  All you'll have to do is figure out what to pack them for lunch!




Monday, May 5, 2014

Netflix High School Musicals #StreamTeam

Parents of school children and high schoolers all across the United States are preparing for the year to end.  Although I don't have a school age child, it wasn't that long ago that I was in school myself.  I remember all of the excitement that the end of the year brought, especially as the days drew closer and closer to summer break.  School plays and Spring musicals might be happening at your child's school in the next few weeks.


Netflix's theme for May is showcasing school musicals.  Whether your child is Sandy in her school's adaption of Grease, or your son is playing the Phantom in the Phantom of The Opera, Netflix wants everyone to get on board with plays and musicals this month.  I remember in my senior year of high school, my school had a retro musical called Rock N' Roll Revival.  It was different girls and guys who were chosen to sing different hits of the 60's and 70's.  It was a fun show that got the school together to see some students with great voices perform.  I remember a lot of Diana Ross and The Supremes songs, and of course the matching costumes! Of course I was not in that show.  My voice would scare people!


Even if your child is not performing, there's no reason why you can't bring some singing and dancing to your own living room.  Netflix has compiled a list of fabulous musical titles for both big and small kids.  All you have to do is pop some popcorn, pour some cold sodas into a glass, and get ready to be entertained!


Big kids can sing and dance to:


1. Shrek The Musical
2. High School Musical
3. Grease
4. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
5. Footloose
6. The Phantom of the Opera
7. Camp  Rock



Little kids will feel the excitement of:
1. Mulan
2. Pocahontas
3. The Prince of Egypt
4. Leapfrog: Numberland
5. Rock-A-Doodle

As you can see, there's quite a diverse list for each age range.  Parents, maybe you'll even find a new musical that you enjoy too! Netflix is always there to help you create long-lasting memories as a family.


*DISCLOSURE* I am being compensated as a member of Netflix's Stream Team.  All thoughts are my own.



Friday, May 2, 2014

Tide Review and Giveaway

When it comes to laundry, it's best to use a brand that will get the job done correctly the first time.  That brand needs to be at the top of its game and able to fight through tough stains and grime with ease.  Many fall short of this task, while only a handful can call themselves true laundry champions.  I've always viewed Tide as the most premium of laundry detergent brands and many will agree with me.  It's important to me that my clothes come out looking excellent each time.  Tide never lets me down.



Tide allows you to enter into the bright and magical world of clean clothing.  Tide has been making consumers happy since 1946 with their laundry detergent.  Fast forward many decades later and you'll see different varieties of Tide products lining your drugstore shelves.  If you want diversion from original Tide, how about Tide with a touch of Downy, Tide Free, Tide with Febreze freshness, or even Tide with bleach alternative? This is just to name a few of Tide's children! My clothes have been introduced to Tide for years now and they always enjoy the meet-up.  If you're looking for unparalleled results, please turn to Tide.

Recently, Tide has partnered with Oxiclean to produce a new Tide Oxi multi-purpose stain remover.  Go ahead and give those spring clothes you had stored away a brilliant clean so you can look your best this season. This true multi-purpose cleaner features the amazing cleaning power of Tide to fight stains.  When used as an additive to detergent, it provides better stain removal and brightens whites and colors without hurting them.  The best part about this stain remover is that it's multi-purpose.  So, while you can use it on your clothes, you can also use it to fight household stains on carpets and upholstery.  It's also ideal for tile and grout, bathtubs, and outdoor furniture! How's that for a product with many uses?

Stains, don't even think about it.

I had the fantastic opportunity to try both Tide Original, and the new stain remover.  Just a day prior to receiving the package, I had gotten a chocolate stain on my shirt. Chocolate isn't the easiest stain to remove, so I was not thrilled about it.  Fortunately with Tide to my rescue, the stain would be kicked to the curb.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

Laundry day arrived and I threw everyone into the machine.  I added the Tide original and the stain remover. I could hear all of the clothes talking to each other and getting re-acquainted.  Once the washing cycle was done, I went to switch them to the dryer.  As soon as I opened the washing machine top, I was hit with the fragrance of Tide.  My nose smiled, the stars aligned, the world was perfect.  Tide truly makes you happy.  I checked on the shirt with the stain and it was completely gone.  I knew that Tide would have no problem fighting it.  I've gotten chocolate stains before where the stain was removed 50%, but not all the way.  Tide and the stain removal kicked it to the curb!

As always, I am thrilled with Tide.  No longer will I continue to worry everytime I get a stain and wonder will this one be unremovable? I know that with Tide's power in my future, stains are no match.  I also look forward to using the stain remover on my tile and grout.  I highly recommend Tide and its products. Your household will thank you.

a Rafflecopter giveaway





Thursday, May 1, 2014

The Shower Blog-Write to Win More!

Remember when I introduced you to the Shower Blog last week? I told you about the opportunity to write and win money for your work? Well they have really stepped up their prizes this month!

The Shower Blog is waiting for you to be its newest member! They offer cash prizes to the best written entries every month.  Don't worry about any fees or membership dues, registration is free.  The blog hosts writing contests on a monthly basis, so that means you have a shot every month at winning cold, hard, cash! 



If you didn't already know, last month the blog gave out $200 in cash prizes.  They want to show that they are very serious about their writers.  To prove this, they will be increasing their prizes to $300, $200, and $100 for each of the 21 winners per month.  What would you do with an extra $300? I know I would use it to buy something fun or even go somewhere special.  As far as their magazine initative, they only hire from their site.  So, writing for them is like a monthly resume.  

Why not stop on over to their blog today and submit your best work?  Who knows you could walk away $300 richer!  Feel free to spread the word too.




*DISCLOSURE* This post is part of a campaign for The Shower Blog.  All thoughts are my own.  .