SOCIAL MEDIA

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Water Wipes Offer One Less Worry for Mom's Everywhere #WaterWipesBRU #ad #IC

“This post was sponsored by WaterWipes as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.”

As a mom of a 19 month old, I feel like I constantly have something to worry about with my child.  Whether I'm battling with her lack of talking or her addiction to the pacifier, It seems like I'm constantly consulting with either my mom friends or my pediatrician to make sure the issue is normal.  Even though caring for Scarlett is easier now than it was when she was a newborn, your worries as a parent never go away.  Wouldn't it be nice to have one less concern once in a while?

All parents want the best for their children including making sure they are as happy and healthy as possible.  I use a lot of natural products on Scarlett since she has sensitive skin, so it's important to me to try to keep as many chemical-laden products away from her.

If you have a child in diapers, you know how overwhelming it can be to go to the store and find the perfect wipes for your child.  The shelves are stocked with so many varieties that you're not sure which one to choose and use.  Do I buy regular wipes? What about that cucumber scent with the cute pictures on the package? A lot of wipes do your child more harm than good.  Do you really want something that's full of unnatural ingredients on your child's skin? I know I don't.

Water Wipes is a chemical free baby wipe that contains only two ingredients, 99.9% pure Irish water and 0.1% grapefruit seed extract.  How fantastic is that? The wipes are both durable and effective without containing any of the harmful chemicals that may be found in other baby wipes.  WaterWipes proves a safer, natural option for your little one.




I went to Babies R Us to make a purchase I knew I would feel good about.  I easily found the wipes on the shelf in the wipes section.  You can find them available in a value pack size, or individual packs to throw in your diaper bag for on-the-go use.  These are the world's purest baby wipes and certainly what you want to use to clean your child with.



In my opinion, they feel and look just like any other standard baby wipe. There's a faint fruit scent and it has just as much moisture as other wipes.  As a parent, it makes me happy to know that I'm making a smart choice for diaper changing time.


Moms everywhere will be delighted to use Water Wipes on their little ones.

Influence Central is hosting a contest for my readers to win one of 5 $100 Babies R Us gift cards.  The contest opens July 28th and ends August 18th.  Influence Central will randomly select winners from all entries and facilitate prize fulfillment.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

All Toy Boxes Need Fisher-Price Toys in Them

Scarlett's close to 20 months old now and is shying away from standard baby toys.  We're saying goodbye to toys that rattle and hello to large playsets and toys that are more for her age range.  She loves nothing more than interactive toys that light up, talk, and play music.  Even though her attention span is still short at this age, she seems to enjoy those toys the most.


Fisher-Price is the headquarters for all toys and baby gear.  I've known about this brand for years and moms trust and depend on it.  When I think of toys, Fisher-Price is the first brand that comes to mind for infants and toddlers.  The adorable toys promote learning, hand-eye coordination, and development.

If you're looking for toys to help your child learn and grow while having fun, this is your brand. For all moms who are pregnant or who have recently had a baby, why not check out Fisher-Price's baby swings and play mats? Your baby will certainly enjoy those.  There are certainly a large amount of toys for pre-school age too.  Most of our toys at home are Fisher-Price and I wouldn't have it any other way! Keep the brand in mind for baby shower gifts as well as birthday presents for a lucky boy or girl.

Scarlett's extremely into music lately.  Whether she's listening to music on the radio or sees a commercial on TV, she will start dancing.  My husband took her to the park about a month ago and told me that a car drove by blasting loud rap music.  What did my child do? She started dancing! I of course found this hysterically funny.  Her dancing is adorable and she likes to drop her tiny booty down low!

When I heard about Fisher-Price's Dance and Move Beatbelle, I knew it would be perfect for Scarlett.  A toy that dances and plays music? This is Scarlett's dream toy!



The adorable little pink robot packs a lot of play.  Press Beatbelle's tummy or any of the buttons on her feet to activate fun songs, learning content, and dance moves.  There's even a special button that you can push that allows you or baby to record a phrase and it becomes remixed into a special song! Three modes are included with BeatBelle including Dance 'n Move, Learning & Games, and Customized Sing-Along which allow your child to grow with the toy for years to come.  Your child will have hours of fun when they're introduced to letters, colors, counting, music, cause & effect and more.


As soon as I took BeatBelle out of the box, Scarlett was interested.  This futuristic friend is always ready to dance and sing no matter what time of day or night.  Scarlett enjoyed watching her new playmate shake her hips and nod her head at the same time.  I'm always interested in toys that not only promote education but fun at the same time, this one certainly fits the bill.

Scarlett liked pushing BeatBelle's buttons and seeing which buttons did what.  I recorded a special phrase for her and even I enjoyed hearing what BeatBelle did with it!


It didn't take long for Scarlett to get up and dance to the catchy and fun music.  She was dancing around and laughing and absolutely loved BeatBelle.  What child wouldn't love this toy? BeatBelle encourages children to be active and move around which is important.  I like that the toy helps get some of my daughter's endless energy out too. The lights and sounds are so engaging for little ones.

BeatBelle is beyond cute and well-made, especially for potential abuse from little hands!  Her tummy colors light up vivid and bright and Scarlett was interested in pointing to each color as it flashed and I told her what it was.

An added bonus is that you get two toys when you order Beatbelle, the actual toy and the box it comes in too! Scarlett was thrilled with the box.



I know BeatBelle is going to be one of my daughter's new favorite toys for years to come, and I have to give all the credit to Fisher-Price.

If you're looking for a new and exciting toy for your little one, why not order Dance and Move BeatBelle today?

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Fisher-Price for providing me with a product sample in order to facilitate this review.  All thoughts are strictly my own


Make Your Baby Smell Great with Baby Magic

Bathtime is one of the highlights of Scarlett's day.  She sits in a warm tub filled with bubbles and toys while splashing and being silly.  What child wouldn't love that? I always use delicious scented products that leave her smelling fabulous and clean.  Make sure to let your little one play in the tub as long as possible, it gives you a break from entertaining them!


Baby Magic has been creating magical baby smiles from one generation to another for 65 years.  As a family owned and operated business, they understand the importance of caring for little ones.  Their product line-up includes lotions and washes as well as eczema and diaper rash cream.  Your little one will love to get throughly clean from head to toe with the lavender and chamomile baby bath.  After bath time, make sure to moisturize your little one's skin with Baby Magic's calming lotion.  Any Baby Magic product will quickly become your favorite and makes a great baby shower gift.




I've previously used Baby Magic on Scarlett before and had great results. The wash lathers up nicely and rinses easily on both her hair and body.  She still smelled fantastic the next day too! Don't you just love products that leave a scent behind that lasts more than just a few minutes?

If you're looking for a new brand to use on your child for bath time, Baby Magic would be a great choice.  I can guarantee you'll always have a bottle of lotion or wash underneath your sink from here on out!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Monday, July 25, 2016

Try The New Wood-Fired Grilled Salads at Applebee's #NationalWatermelonDay

There's nothing I love during the warmer months of the year than salad.  It's very hot here in New England, as well as the rest of the country.  When it's hot outside nothing is more refreshing than a crisp and cool salad paired with a glass of iced tea.



Applebee's is everyone's favorite family restaurant grill and bar.  Sink your teeth into delicious hamburgers, salads, and sandwiches as well as fabulous lunch and dinner options.  The cocktails and drinks will keep you coming back for more.  Don't forget to end your meal with a delectable dessert that will curb that sweet tooth.  Find a location near you and stop in for dinner tonight.

If you're in the mood for salads, you're in luck.  Applebee's has recently unveiled their new wood-fired grilled salads that celebrate National Watermelon Day on August 3rd. Talking of grills, feel free to check out the camp chef woodwind grill review on SolidGoldEats!   



Starting at $8.99 at participating restaurants, you can delight your belly with the following wood-fired grilled salads: 

Southwestern Steak Salad: Hand-cut wood-fired USDA choice top sirloin steak paired with chimichurri, pico de gallo, corn and black bean salsa, cheddar, crispy tortilla strips and a creamy house-made cilantro ranch dressing. 

Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp Salad: Mixed greens, cucumbers, feta, almonds, and house-made creamy mint-Greek yogurt dressing.  Also available with spicy blackened chicken.

Spicy Blackened Grilled Chicken, Avocado, and Grapefruit Salad: Mixed greens, pickled in-house red onions, cilantro leaves and house-made champagne vinaigrette.

Crispy Chicken 'N Spicy Cornbread Salad: Mixed greens, made-in-house jalapeño cornbread croutons, grape tomatoes, shredded cheddar.  

Which salad sounds the best to you? I think I'd like to try the Southwestern Steak.  Anything Southwestern inspired is always fabulous.

From July 20th-August 3rd, you can enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Applebee's by submitting your favorite salad recipe via Applebee's Twitter or Instagram using the #WoodFired hashtag or their best #WatermelonSmile (use the fruit to make a smiley face!)

One lucky winner will have the chance to try the new salad's at Applebee's by winning a $50 gift card. 


Sunday, July 24, 2016

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches The Whole Family Will Love

If you didn't already know, I grew up in the south.  I love BBQ, grits, Cheerwine, and lots of Southern delicacies.  Now that I live in New England, the BBQ here is just not the same.  My favorite is when the meat is sweet, yet tangy at the same time.  There's nothing like bringing the south to the north and making your taste buds happy.

I like to use my crockpot all year round and create all sorts of delicious meals for my family.  Since I'm a stay-at-home mom, I don't always have all the time in the world to make elaborate meals.  The crockpot is such a time saver! What would I do without it?

If you're a BBQ lover, I have the best recipe for you.  It's so easy and will instantly become a family favorite.


You'll need:

1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup zesty Italian dressing
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce

Mix together in a bowl and pour on top of chicken breasts in the crockpot.  Cook on high for 3-4 hours.  Once time is up, you can shred the meat and put it back in the crockpot to soak up the remaining sauce for about 10 minutes.  Don't spend time shredding the chicken with a fork, it's time consuming and your hands will end up hurting.  To speed up the process, shred the meat in an electric mixer. It'll be done in a few seconds.



You'll be left with delicious and tender shredded chicken that will have the most amazing flavor.  Feel free to top the sandwiches with coleslaw and anything else you like.  I tend to like mine on the plain side with just a little more BBQ sauce on top.  Pair the sandwich with baked beans and chips for the ultimate meal that's not only delicious but easy too!


Thursday, July 21, 2016

Make Pizza Night a Success with Rustic Crusts

At the end of the day after taking care of a 19 month old, I don't always have a lot of energy to cook dinner.  On the those nights where my husband works late and I'm exhausted, we look for something quick and easy to make.  My favorite meals are those that pack a lot of flavor but don't require a lot of fuss.



Rustic Crusts are here to make your pizza night delicious and fun.  The ready-made crusts are made using traditional, old world baking methods.  They use wonderful all natural ingredients with select herbs and spices, no GMOs, or artificial ingredients.  With unbleached whole grain flours, no trans fats and no added sugar, they are healthy for the whole family to enjoy.  Add your favorite toppings like pepperoni with peppers, or sausage with onion for a crowd-pleasing meal.  Go ahead and get creative too! Don't forget tons of cheese for a pizza night you won't soon forget!

My whole family loves pizza and we eat it on a regular basis.  Scarlett loves regular cheese pizza and will happily gobble it up whenever it's served to her.  Although it's fun to order pizza from takeout or a restaurant, there's nothing like creating your own pizza yourself! I could eat pizza every night if given the opportunity.  If you turn down pizza loaded with flavorful sauce and cheesy goodness, there may be something wrong with you!


We decided to make pizza night tonight because there was no reason not to.  Rustic Crusts offers pizza kits featuring 12" crusts with pizza sauce that are large and definitely will make your belly happy.  With crust flavors like crispy Italian, seasalt and basil, and cheesy herb, how can you go wrong? I know the cheesy herb and crispy Italian is right up my alley! 

Since we had 3 crusts, my mom and I shared one while my dad and husband had their own.  I had the crispy Italian with Mozzarella cheese and sausage.  My mom had roasted red peppers on her half.  My dad had Monterrey Jack cheese, sausage, and roasted red peppers on the seasalt and basil crust.  My husband had onions, roasted red peppers, Monterrey Jack cheese, and olives on the cheddar and herb crust.  Each pizza cooked perfectly in just 10 minutes.  When that oven timer rang, my belly was happy!




I've had pre-made crusts before that taste very artificial and lack flavor. Rustic Crusts really surprised me with how fantastic the crusts were.  My sausage and cheese pizza was absolutely delicious. The crust was thick, airy, and flavorful.  It truly tasted like something that was freshly baked at a pizzeria! I was shocked.  There were equal amounts of sausage and cheese in each bite and it was pure perfection.  The sauce had a nice flavor and I really loved it.  Scarlett enjoyed a few bites of sausage and roasted red peppers 

My dad and husband enjoyed their pizza's as well.  They wanted to switch up the Mozzarella cheese for something different and opted for Monterrey Jack.  Both people said it was surprising how delicious the pizza's were for something that was pre-made.  They ate the whole pizza each so it's safe to say that they thought it tasted good! 

I can't wait to have a Rustic Crust pizza night again in the near future.  I think I'll do pepperoni and sausage this time.  I'm so looking forward to it!

If you're looking for a delicious way to ramp up pizza night, Rustic Crusts would love to be the star of the show.

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Rustic Crusts for providing me with pizza kits in order to facilitate this review.  All thoughts are strictly my own.  



Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Sink Your Teeth Into Margaritaville

If you're planning a family vacation in the near future, why not consider Hollywood Florida? The sun and sand await you for a trip you won't soon forget.  Hollywood has a beautiful beach that offers tons of outdoor activities ensuring you'll have fun in the sun.  You'll surely work up an appetite that can only be satisfied with delicious seafood and ice cold fruity cocktails.  Go ahead and start planning your trip to Hollywood today.


Margaritaville is a beach resort and entertainment complex that is inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffett.  The complex is located steps from Hollywood Beach, making it an ideal vacation destination for all.  Inside you'll find signature restaurants, a pool, spa, shops, and gorgeous hotel rooms to rest your head at night. Relax by the pool with a delicious cocktail and then later on head to the St. Somewhere spa for some de-stressing.  There's certainly something for everyone at Margaritaville, and it'll be a trip you'll remember always. 

My husband and I had the pleasure of visiting the Margaritaville restaurant, which is one of their signature restaurants.  The restaurant invites guests to take a bite out of paradise and to relax and enjoy themselves.  With coastal-inspired, made-to-order dishes and hand-crafted cocktails, there is no better spot to delight your belly.

We sat outside and were met by a gorgeous view of the pool and the beach.  The entire resort has such a laid-back beachy vibe that screams vacation.  I ordered a delicious cocktail that had coconut liquor in it along with blueberry and fruit purees.  I'm not a huge drinker, but it was absolutely fabulous.  It definitely went with the vacation vibe.  My husband enjoyed his watermelon margarita.


As you can see, there are options for everyone's taste and preferences.  If you're a seafood lover, this is the place for you since there's many seafood picks on the menu.



We ordered the Drunken Shrimp Skillet to start while we enjoyed our cocktails and time away from our 19 month old daughter! This was an interesting appetizer, and not something I would normally order.  It came with onions, peppers and shrimp in a special tequila lime butter sauce.  Bread was provided for dipping.  The juicy shrimp was perfectly cooked and paired well with the onions and peppers. The thick and chewy bread was ideal for soaking up that fabulous butter sauce.

We both opted for taco's for dinner to delight our bellies.  I had the fish tacos while my husband chose the carne asada.  The portions were large and certainly very filling.  My tacos had a nice grilled flavor and the sliced avocado inside the tacos was a welcomed addition.  I'm a big fish lover and loved how flaky and tender the fish was.  The entrees came with black beans and rice which is a classic duo together.  My husband said his steak was cooked perfectly and had a nice seasoned flavor that he loved.  We really enjoyed our meals and tried to save as much room as we could for dessert!



While we enjoyed our dinner, you could hear the band playing on the Hollywood Beach boardwalk stage.  It was nice to have live music while you enjoyed the ambiance of the resort and beach.  Our waiter was very attentive and made sure everything was to our liking.

I can never say no to dessert.  I tend to enjoy desserts on days that end in Y and today was no different.  The chocolate hurricane was the most decadent and luxurious dessert that I've ever seen at a restaurant.  This massive beauty consisted of vanilla bean ice cream, whipped cream, bananas, rich and fudgy brownies, shortbread cookies, kitkat's, heath bars, and more.  If you're a chocolate lover, this is something you shouldn't pass up by any means.  The chocolate hurricane is made for sharing, but if you don't want to share I completely understand, I wouldn't either.



Can you imagine anything more fabulous than the chocolate hurricane?  I felt like I died and went to heaven when this was brought to the table.  The unique thing about this dessert is that it's on a lazy susan and comes with a chocolate and caramel sauce.  One person spins the plate while the other pours the sauces over the dessert.  You don't know where the sauces are landing, but you can guarantee it'll be delicious! I loved the brownies paired together with the crunchy heath bar pieces and the ice cream.  It surely made my taste buds smile.  The portion was beyond gigantic and we both couldn't eat too much, but it was such an experience! Remember, you're on vacation and calories don't count!

This was definitely a great night that we surely won't forget.  Once you're done with dinner, walk around the hotel and explore everything it has to offer.  We made our way to the boardwalk and enjoyed live music that was playing on the boardwalk.

Spend a few days at Margaritaville and you'll be back time and time again.

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Margaritaville for providing a complimentary dinner in order to facilitate this review.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 




Monday, July 18, 2016

Upgrade Your Kitchen with KRUPS Products

As a mom of a young child, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen making meals.  I use the toaster many times a week toasting up my daughter's favorite blueberry waffles for breakfast, while I make myself a cup of tea when I can get a minute.  It's essential to have reliable and high quality small appliances in your kitchen to make your life easier.  KRUPS is just the brand you need to make your kitchen smile.


KRUPS products belong in all kitchens around the world.  The German engineered kitchen appliances provide functional quality and fantastic performance.  The K brand is known for its coffee and espresso products, but did you know they also offer smaller appliances like waffle irons, blenders, kettles, and more? If you know someone who's buying a new house, why not gift them with a fabulous KRUPS coffee maker? They'll be able to enjoy a fabulous cup of coffee every morning.  Keep the brand in mind for not only housewarming gifts, but a gift for yourself if you'd like to upgrade your small appliances.  It's always an upgrade anytime you introduce KRUPS into your kitchen.

There are some small appliances that everyone should have and are essential in every kitchen.  Besides a coffee maker and a blender, an electric kettle and toaster go hand in hand especially for making breakfast every morning! 

My current toaster has seen better days.  It's about 15 years old and on its way to toaster heaven.  I've been thinking about upgrading it lately and when I came across the KRUPS 4-Slice toaster, I knew it was just the replacement I needed.  This sleek and stylish chrome toaster with push button display would look fabulous in kitchens across America.  Since it's a 4-slice, there's ample room to toast up toast or waffles for the whole family. Don't forget the strawberries on the side!


This lightweight toaster looks absolutely fabulous in my kitchen.  I love the beautiful chrome and it matches everything well.  When you push your food down in the toaster, the display lights up blue which is unique. There's a button for bagel, reheating, and defrosting.  With a 6 level adjustable browning control, your food will come out toasted to your liking and ready to meet your belly.



In the morning, most people reach right for their cup of liquid caffeine or herbal tea.  Wouldn't it be nice to not have to wait for the water to boil on a regular tea kettle? With the KRUPS cordless electric tea kettle, you can have a steaming cup of your favorite beverage practically instantly.  Since it's lightweight and cordless, you can bring it right to the breakfast table too. The entire unit is cool to the touch ensuring the water inside stays piping hot to please your taste buds.


You'll love the beautiful stainless steel exterior and the automatic shut off when the water boils too.  Pair your morning cup of chamomile tea with a fabulous chocolate chip muffin for the ultimate breakfast.

If it's time to upgrade your kitchen, it's time to turn to KRUPS.

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to KRUPS for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own





The Importance of Teaching Your Child Manners

I witness so many parents today that don't teach their child manners.  Their little one is running around wildly hitting people, screaming, and stealing toys from other children.  The parents sit back and do little to nothing to correct it.  This type of behavior horrifies me and is something that I don't want my child to be influenced by.

To some, I may be old fashioned, but manners are extremely important to me.  When I see a friend or family member, I greet them by saying hello and giving a hug.  I teach this same philosophy to Scarlett.  I always tell her to "say hi".  She's not a huge hugger to people she doesn't know well at this age, but that's ok.  In the last couple of weeks she's started waving and smiling at anyone and everyone from babies to adults.  This is wonderful and I love how social she is.  It's important that as Scarlett gets older she says hello to people instead of ignoring them like I see most parents allowing their children to do.  Lately, Scarlett even waves bye-bye to people when she has to take a nap or leave a place.



It's imperative to my husband and I that Scarlett say please and thank you. Whenever anyone gives Scarlett a gift or even reads her a book, I tell her to tell them thank you afterwards.  It's essential to show your appreciation towards someone who did something nice or special for you.  I've been to so many birthday parties where I'm not thanked for the gift we gave the birthday child.  For Scarlett's first birthday, I sent out hand-written thank you notes in the mail to the party guests thanking them for the gifts they gave.  I'm sure many were surprised at that gesture, but that's how I was raised.  If Scarlett wants a snack, I tell her to say please before I give it to her.   

Beyond saying please and thank you, we're teaching Scarlett not to hit other children, play nicely, and of course share toys and books with others.  I feel that how you raise your child is a direct reflection of you.  Certainly, I don't want others wondering about my parenting style in a negative light! Of course, I always praise Scarlett and tell her please and thank you too when I want her to do something. 

It's never too early to teach good manners in my opinion, the earlier the better.  Your child will highly benefit from your teachings, and everyone around them will love how well-behaved they are. 

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Triple Peanut Butter Cookie Pie Will Make You Smile

I firmly believe in indulging in delicious desserts on any day that ends in Y.  Whether I'm sinking my teeth into a luscious piece of chocolate cake or having an ice cream sundae, you can guarantee that my belly will be happy.

Recently, I stumbled upon a dessert recipe that I knew I had to make. Who doesn't love the flavors of smooth and creamy peanut butter with chocolate candies and Reese's peanut butter cups? The combination is both sinful and rich.  If this is right up your alley, I have a wonderful treat for you to sink your teeth into.


This Triple Peanut Butter Cookie Pie will not only make your tastebuds dance, but it'll put a big smile on your face too.  Dessert always tends to make me smile. 


Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
1 large egg
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
heaping 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup all purpose flour
optional, pinch of salt to taste
12 to 14 mini peanut butter cups
about 2/3 cup peanut butter M &M's


Candy perfection

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Spray a 9-inch pie dish with floured cooking spray; set aside.

2. In a large, microwave-safe bowl melt the butter, about 1 minute on high power.

3. Wait momentarily before adding the egg so you don't scramble it.  Add the e.g., brown sugar, peanut butter, vanilla, and whisk until smooth.

4. Add the flour, optional salt, and stir until just combined; don't over mix.

5. Turn batter out into prepared pie dish, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.

6. Evenly insert the peanut butter cups into the batter, pushing them down so the top is almost flush with the surface of the dough.

7. Evenly insert the chocolate candies into the batter, pushing them down to anchor. 

8. Bake for about 28 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter.  If your pie has risen in the center, it will deflate as it cools.  Allow pie to cool in pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.  Pie will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Dessert is served

You'll be left with a luxurious and silky pie that you won't want to share with anyone.  The peanut butter flavor is perfect matched with the chocolate candies. What a classic combination, don't you think? 

These layers of peanut butter and chocolate will make anyone happy

You'll be requested to make this delicious pie time and time again, and your family will absolutely love it.  It's so easy to make that you'll be able to whip it up in no time. 

Don't forget a tall glass of icy cold milk.

*Recipe taken from Averie Cooks*

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

All Babies Would Love to Ride Around in Graco's Modes 3 Lite Travel System

If you're pregnant and due to have a baby in the next few months, I'm sure you've been getting everything ready for your newest addition.  Once the nursery is done and you have all of the finishing touches completed, it's time to think about the baby gear.  You'll want a stroller that is lightweight and compact, yet stylish and easy to fold when on the go.  As for your baby's carseat, you'll want something that is safe, reliable, and comfortable for your little one.  This is where Graco steps in.



Graco is the headquarters for everything and anything you could need for baby.  This brand is surely one of the few that instantly come to mind when I think of baby products.  Graco's product line-up includes strollers, high chairs, pack 'n plays, car seats, swings, and more. The best part about Graco is that their products transition with your child as they age and grow, so you really get many years of use from them.  If you're attending a baby shower in the next few months or know someone who has recently given birth, a Graco product makes the perfect present. 

The brand that starts with G has been a favorite in our household for a long time now.  All of Scarlett's baby gear is Graco and we wouldn't have it any other way! I trust the brand immensely and would highly recommend it to anyone.  If you're on the fence about which travel system brand to choose from, you can stop at Graco.  

When I have a 2nd child eventually, of course we'll be using a Graco travel system just like we did for our first child.  If you're looking for a new travel system, the Graco Modes 3 Lite Travel System is an ideal choice.  This unit is unlike any other as it gives baby 5 ways to ride on a sporty 3-wheel frame, signature fast action fold, and the-top rated SnugRide 35 infant car seat.  The travel system is easy-to-put together and just what you need for reliability and style.  



The 5 ways to ride include infant car seat on frame facing parent or the world, stroller seat on frame facing parent or the world, or traditional travel system.  The innovative fold design lets you fold 2 ways to store the stroller with or without the toddler seat. The lightweight, sturdy frame makes it convenient to take on-the-go and makes quick and long trips with baby easier! Baby will love to see the trees and sky as you push them around the neighborhood.  



If you have a newborn and are using the travel system, the toddler seat is removable and allows you to just put the car seat on it.  This helps to reduce the weight of the stroller especially if you don't need the toddler seat for months to come. 

The travel system is lightweight and comes in pink and as well as gender neutral colors like black or grey.  It's well made and you'll get many years out of it. Also, I'm a big fan of products that allow your child to grow with them. The Snugride 35 carseat comes highly recommended and is the best.  I'm glad it's included in the set! The stroller is easy to push and rides smoothly. Baby will love to ride around town or to the park in such a stylish and secure stroller.  I definitely notice the attention to detail with this travel system and it's high quality for sure.

If you're on the fence about what travel system to buy or register for, this should be at the top of your list.  You'll be recommending it to other parents in no time!

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Graco for providing a product sample in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own
Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Don't Forget to Stock Your Beach Bag with No7's Tinted Moisturizer

As families prepare for beach trips filled with sun and sand, it's important that you have certain essential items in your beach bag.  Besides the snacks, bottled water and sand toys you'll pack, you'll need sunscreen to protect you while you have fun in the sun.  Every lady wants to look her best of course, and No7 is there to make you look great while protecting your skin too.

When I go to the beach, I generally wear no makeup.  I can understand that not all ladies want to be bare-faced, especially since foundation is heavy to wear at the beach.  I have a great solution for this problem that will surely make you happy.  No7's Dual Action Tinted Moisturizer offers you a hint of color while the SPF 15 protects your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.  

Apply it to your face to achieve long-lasting hydration and broad-spectrum sun protection that offers even color and will brighten your skin tone.  Since the product is small and compact, it'll fit perfectly in your beach bag for on-the-go use.  No worries, the tinted moisturizer is subtle and will not look over the top or feel heavy at all. 



Not only is the tinted moisturizer perfect for all skin types, but it will give you a boost of color while your skin is protected at the same time.  What a win-win! 

Thanks to No7, you'll have the confidence to spend a day at the beach looking your best.  Don't forget to pack this in your beach bag all summer long.




7 Fun Things to do in Dubai with Kids


7 Fun Things to do in Dubai with Kids

Dubai forever has projected itself as a family destination. The culture in Dubai also reveres children and thus it is quite natural that Dubai’s best of attractions are all created keeping in mind the family vacationers. In fact, Dubai has some of the most extravagant leisure activities for the young brigade. In Dubai, you are never far away from an interesting attraction for kids. No wonder, kids are the loyalists of Dubai.





Here are seven of the best things to do in Dubai with kids that makes it a must visit destination for family.

       Ski Dubai

Bringing the magic of snow in the desert, Dubai has made a record breaking creation with Ski Dubai. Located in the mighty mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is the first ever indoor ski center of the Middle East. It doesn’t matter whether you are a pro at skiing or have never felt snow, the place offers wonderful setting to enjoy snowboarding, skiing, or simply playing in the abundant snow. From tube slides, slopes and jumps to a 3,000-metre interactive Snow Park and Zip Wire, Ski Dubai has it all, for all age groups. Specially for children, there are exclusive ski lessons in the ski school.



      Dubai Dolphinarium

One of the most popular things to do in Dubai for kids, the Dubai Dolphinarium is a part of the Dubai Marine World and the first fully air-cooled indoor dolphin habitat in the Middle East. this 5000 square meter marine facility has over 1250 seating capacity with exclusive shows of dolphins and seals for the enjoyment of kids. the idea is to introduce the kids and adults alike to this wonderful and friendly marine animal loved by one and all. You can see them swim, dance, jump and do acrobatics, and if that’s not all, you can even swim and play with them in the water under supervision. The place has special area and activities dedicated only for kids, making it a must visit place. 



3     Safa Park

The desert city of Dubai is well known for maintaining beautiful green parks for the relaxation of its locals and tourists. One of the best known parks, specially for children is the Safa park. Known for its acres of green land and kid friendly activities, Safa park is the best place to go with the family for a picnic. For a minimum entry fee, you get to enjoy the largest park in Dubai with 64 acres of greenery, 3 lakes, over 200 species of birds, and more than 16,000 varieties of trees and bushes. Apart from small gentle rolling hills, you get little forest areas too for adventure trails. The park includes a fountain, a waterfall, boating amenities, lawn tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, bumper cars, big wheel, train rides, soft jogging track along with football pitches.






     Dubai Zoo

Originally built in the year 1967, the Dubai zoo is a 1.5 kilometer of comfortable animal habitat and is not only the oldest in the city but also in the entire Arabian Peninsula. It is also the first ever zoo in the Arabian soil to breed the rare Arabian wild cat and chimpanzee. Redesigned and redeveloped during the development phase of Dubai, the zoo now is home to 230 animal species including 248 mammal specimenssuch as foxes, hyenas, pumas, lions, jaguars, chimpanzees, baboons, monkeys, deers, bears, porcupines, giraffes and Barbary sheeps. Some of the very endangered species such as Socotra shag or cormorant, Bengal tiger, gorilla, subspecies of grey wolf and Arabian wolf, Siberian tiger, and the indigenous Gordon’s wildcat are also included.




      Dubai Aquarium and underwater zoo

One of the biggest free attractions of Dubai that keeps children glued to it for hours is the Dubai aquarium situated at the ground floor of the Dubai mall. It is the world’s largest acrylic suspended aquarium that has over 33000 marine animals including the rays and the sharks. The might of the aquarium that reaches the height of the 3rd floor of the mall is unbelievable. Continuing your kids awesome marine adventure, take them to the underwater zoo right next to the aquarium. For a small entry fee, you open a world of marine life to the kids. Its 180-degree tunnel allows you to experience the world of these marines more closely.



6        Aquaventure waterpark

Aquaventure guarantees the adrenaline rush for both kids and adults alike. Located at the plush Atlantis, the Aquaventure water park is touted as the best park in the Middle East and Europe for its record breaking and adrenaline pumping slides. It has 700 meters of beach with water sports for enjoyment of the complete family. With wet children play area for small children to the jittery rides for the teenagers and grownups; from the various sumptuous eateries to the souvenir shops that dominate your minds; Aquaventure waterpark is definitely a place to be with kids. Many reputed tour operators like Rayna travels organize Aquaventure park tours as a part of their itinerary. Don’t forget to ask your operator for the inclusion.




 Children's City

Making education fun for children and helping them understanding complex concepts in the most exciting and fun way, the Children’s city aims at offering an array of activities, thereby helping them to learn and enjoy the different concepts. These concepts can be as intriguing as the human body, known science technology, or as exciting as space. The park inside the children’s city features a special theatre, souvenir shop and wonderful views of the beautiful Dubai creek with the entire family.



Whether you are a couple in love, a family with kids,  or a backpacker; the city of Dubai gives you enough reasons to get a tourist visit visa for Dubai and enjoy the splendor of this city of world records. So wait no more, pack your bags and head to Dubai for a family vacation today!