Celebrate The Holiday Season With Santa Bruce+ Giveaway #SantaBruceBook

*DISCLOSURE* Disney Book Group is partnering with me for a giveaway.  All thoughts are strictly my own.

This year has really flown by! Fall is practically here and before you know it, it'll be Halloween.  The holiday season is truly around the corner and the days of 2018 are numbered.  Over the next few months, people will begin to get into the holiday spirit and have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for. It's always fun to get kids into the joys of the season and what better way to do so then with a themed book?

Santa Bruce is a children's book written by author and illustrator Ryan T. Higgins.  Bruce is a lot of things including a bear, and a decent cook.  It's safe to say that he is a grump too since he does not enjoy the holidays.  One thing that Bruce is not is Santa Claus.  Thanks to a case of mistaken identity, the whole forest has lined up to give him their Christmas wishes.  This bear just cannot catch a break and children will enjoy the story.

I'm lucky that Scarlett is an avid reader.  Whenever a new book enters through our front door, she's always interested.  She's at an age where she now knows who Santa is and has questions about him.

From the moment I showed Scarlett the book meant for ages 3+, she was very interested.  The front cover is filled with vividly drawn animals and one very angry and frustrated bear! She thought his mad face was funny and I knew she'd be drawn into the story.

The illustrations on each page fill the entire page and are very detailed.  Poor Bruce can't seem to shake the fact that all of the forest animals want him to be excited for Christmas when all he wants to do is be alone and sleep.  He finally gives in and becomes Santa Bruce for one night, doing the job of Santa and delivering presents to all of the forest animals.  All of the animals are thrilled with Bruce's holiday spirit and celebrate with a big dinner.  Bruce just wants it all to be over so he can get back to his regular life.

The book is certainly unlike any I've ever seen or read before.  Children will be captivated throughout the entire book wondering what happens next. Scarlett enjoyed all of Santa Bruce's bad luck and was laughing throughout it.  She also wanted Santa Bruce to deliver presents to her on Christmas, but I said that wouldn't be happening!

If you're looking for a new holiday tradition with to have with your young children, why not have hot cocoa and cookies on Christmas Eve while reading this book? It can surely become a yearly tradition that everyone will look forward to.  Make sure the cookies are chocolate chip and freshly baked to ensure a crowd-pleasing response!

The holiday season is full of magic and joy and it only comes around once per year.  It's never too early or too late to start traditions that will bring smiles and joy with long lasting memories.  

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Celebrate Precious Moments' 40th Anniversary With Noah's Ark Themed Nursery Items! + Giveaway

I remember being so excited to decorate Scarlett's nursery before she was born.  Once we ordered the furniture, the decorating and design process began! I ordered many prints online for the walls that I framed and hung with care.  I have to say I love how her room came out, especially because I am not always the best with decorating.  If you're pregnant and due soon, or recently gave birth, Precious Moments would be ideal for any nursery.

Precious Moments offers adorable porcelain ornaments and figurines for virtually any occasion you need including engagements, wedding, birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries and more.  Whether you want a figurine to represent a new baby in your home or even a nativity scene to put on your table for Christmas, they have it all.  Precious Moments has been bringing people joy for almost 40 years now and their products are famous.  There's certainly a special piece that will be perfect for you or a loved one that will warm their heart.  Keep Precious Moments in mind for  gifts this year and beyond.

In honor of Precious Moments 40th anniversary, they are kicking off the season with a beautiful new line of Noah's Ark-Themed nursery items.  If you're a new mom or looking for the perfect gift for someone's nursery, the brand has you covered.  The Overflowing With Love Collection offers adorable animal themed items that add a bright touch of faith and fun to nursery decor.  This coordinated collection features a photo frame, snow globe, nightlight, bank and more.  Surely anything from the collection would make a perfect gift for a baby shower, baptism, or to welcome new baby home!

The piggy bank features the smiling faces of God's creatures.  Children will enjoy having the opportunity to keep their first coins and dollars safe, and the bank will be treasured throughout childhood and passed down to future generations.  Boys and girls will love the expertly crafted porcelain bank that's carefully hand painted.  

Place your favorite photo in the adorable frame the holds a 4x6 photo of a precious little one.  Noah's menagerie graces the corner of the frame which would be a sweet accent for a nursery room or the desk of a parent or grandparent.  The frame is made with durable ceramic and is carefully hand painted.

Why not decorate a little boy or girl's nursery with the faithful spirit of Noah and his ark filled with all of God's creatures? The musical snow globe plays the tune "Jesus Loves Me." The 5 inch high snow globe is crafted in cold-cast resin and carefully hand painted.

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Kids Will Sleep More Soundly Thanks to Eclipse Curtains+ Giveaway

I'm very lucky that Scarlett has been an excellent sleeper since 6 months old.  She sleeps 12+ hours a night and doesn't wake up early.  This makes me one happy mama because I can't function before 7 AM! I'm sure it's due in part to the fact that her curtains block out the sunlight.

Eclipse Curtains offer curtain panels made exclusively for kids and incorporate tons of different prints, styles, and lengths to make any girl or boy happy.  The best part about these adorable curtains is that they have blackout and noise reducing capabilities.  You'll find prints ranging from polkadots, sports, animals, fairies and more! There's a style or print for any age range that would look wonderful in your child's room.  Find many more prints at Target. 

When we sleep over at Grandma's house, unfortunately her curtains bring in a lot of light and Scarlett wakes up early. Eventually, I'd like to see if she could get Eclipse curtains to solve this issue.  It can be frustrating when your little one wakes up earlier for the day then you'd like them to.  If you're like me, you like your sleep! The blackout aspect of Eclipse curtains blocks light from entering through the windows, which allows your child to sleep longer.  Parents will love this feature and children will enjoy the prints, what could be better right?

These curtains would be a perfect addition to any room especially if you're considering a room makeover.  Which curtain panel would look best in your child's room?

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Sesame Place Offers Fun for The Whole Family

Now that it's February, many parents are thinking about what to do with their children for the summer.  Scarlett is going to camp for a few weeks, and then we'll do a trip to Grandma's.  I'm sure we'll also do some fun weekend activities too.  Whether you're planning a family summer vacation or for your child to go to tennis or swim camp, there's no denying school will be out before you know it!

Sesame Place is located in Langhorne, PA and is the world's only theme park based entirely on the show Sesame Street! Bring the whole family for the day to enjoy wet and dry rides, special shows and performances, and of course many character photo opportunities.  Your children will be delighted with such rides as Cookie's Monster Land,  Big Bird's Ramblin' River, and the Sunny Days Carousel.  Don't forget to book a character lunch or dinner to have one-on-one with Elmo and the whole gang! There's surely fun to be had for all ages.  

You'll notice elements from the show as you walk around the park and it's really an exciting place for everyone.  I'm sure it'll bring back memories for the adults too! There are many money-saving packages you can check out on the website to get the most bang for your buck.  Summer isn't that far away, why not book a trip to Sesame Place today? The grand opening for the season is in April!

My husband and I took Scarlett last summer when she was 17 months old.  If you have a toddler in the 15-18 month range, they are not too young! Scarlett had such a blast in the water park area with the splash pads, she didn't want to leave! We also booked a character dinner and the characters come right to your table and dance! She absolutely loved that too.  If your little one is a Sesame Street fanatic like mine, it's truly magical to see the excitement through their eyes. Memories will surely be made when you go.  In fact, we have a trip booked to go in June!

Sunny days are waiting for you at Sesame Place this summer!

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It's Time To Stop Losing Socks For Good Thanks to SockDock

I'm responsible for three people's laundry in my home every week.  Since it's winter, we're all wearing a lot of socks.  Each load of laundry contains many pairs and it seems like I'm always losing a sock here and there.  It's frustrating and we've had to throw away single socks plenty of times.  My two year old has tiny socks which seem to disappear into the dark depths of my dryer. Wouldn't it be nice if you could keep track of all socks and have complete pairs permanently?

The SockDock is a simple and easy to use organizing system for keeping track of socks.  This handy device is available for purchase online.  You'll be thrilled to never lose socks again thanks to this system.  SockDock can conveniently hang on a doorknob or closet rod near your clothes hamper.  Once you put dirty clothes in the hamper, place your dirty socks on the SockDock between the cords and slide the button down loosely on the socks.  Add socks everyday to the SockDock until you're ready to wash clothes and it's full.

On laundry day, remove the SockDock and toss it in the washing machine.  Once your socks are washed, throw the SockDock in the dryer and everyone will have clean socks again.

With SockDock, you'll never lose a single sock again.  You'll be able to see exactly what needs to be washed and you'll always have both pairs again.  You can stop wasting money on buying new socks when you lose the old ones.  What could be better than that? Everyone should have a SockDock in their home to make their laundry experience easier and less stressful.

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Adorn Your Walls With Something Beautiful From Fracture

When I look at the walls in my home, I am presented with pictures of our family and artwork that my husband and I enjoy.  Walls are meant to be filled with love and memories, and that's what I aim to do.  I enjoy seeing pictures of my daughter when she was younger and the memories they evoke.  Family means everything to me and I always enjoy adding new collages with meaningful pictures.  When's the last time you updated the family photos in your home?

Fracture is not your average traditional framed paper picture.  These beautiful pieces are made by hand and very different.  The company prints directly on pure glass, instead of paper and provides a beautiful finished product.  By doing this, the technique combines all three onto a beautiful, lasting final product.  The uploading process is simple, just upload a photo, place the order and in a few days you'll review your order ready to be mounted on the wall.  An order from Fracture makes a beautiful housewarming gift as well as a wonderful present for just about any occasion for friends or family.  Go ahead and make an order today!

The possibilities are endless for deciding what to display on your walls.  Whether you want to choose a recent family picture, your family pooch, or even a gorgeous picture of the mountains that you took, it will all look wonderful.

You'll notice the vivid and bright color printed directly on your glass photo for a lifetime of happiness and memories. The sizes range from small to extra large on portrait, landscape, and square and would look perfect in any room of your home.  Why not display some of your favorite pictures on long-lasting glass today?

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Inlight Skincare Is Here To Help You Look Your Best

Like many ladies do, I own a lot of cosmetic and skin care products.   It's important to take care of your skin well as you only have one face. Why not keep it looking its best as long as possible? I frequently like to try new products and find new favorites that provide me with the results I'm looking for.

Inlight Skincare is an artisan luxury skincare brand that focuses on creating 100% organic products.  The brand takes only the finest, ethically-sourced, natural, and organic ingredients to harness them at their most potent to create a gourmet, luxurious diet for your skin.  The skincare contains the finest and most effective organic food-grade and cold-pressed oils, herbs, and purest essential oils and beeswax.  You'll love that the packaging is all made from recycled materials and the glass jars are up to 98% recycled.  It makes me happy when companies go out of their way to help the environment.   One less item in a landfill on a regular basis really adds up over time!

If you're looking for something to help keep your face looking fresh, the Try Me Collection is Inlight's essential trio of products in miniature form to cleanse, tone and moisturize for beautiful, radiant skin.  The collection includes a face cleanser, floral face tonic, and daily face oil that offers your skin just the right nutrients to keep it well nourished.  You'll feel fabulous after trying this collection.  Make Inlight part of your essential daily regime and see the difference for yourself.  These are also perfect for traveling on the go since they are small size. 

You'll love the Indulgence Collection and everything it has to offer.  The cleaner and reviving tonic will delicately cleanse away impurities, while the face oil soothes and moisturizes.  Try the sumptuous line softener combining 20 different bioactives, which work to plump and hydrate with extra concentrated care.  Once you starting noticing a difference in your skin, you'll be pleased.

If you're looking for true 100% organic skincare to address a variety of issues including acne, anti-aging, wrinkles, dry skin, eczema and so much more, Inlight Skincare is the brand for you.  

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Get Up Close With Nature this Holiday Season #HolidayGiftGuide

I live right next to a forest and frequently see chipmunks, birds, squirrels, and rabbits in my backyard.  It's interesting to look outside and see some kind of wildlife at all times.  My daughter and dog love to watch the animals together all day long.  It would be nice to see the different bird species up close without scaring them away.  That dream can now be a reality for anyone!

Nature Anywhere offers a Birds-I-view Window Bird Feeder that will make your house their favorite feeding spot! Each feeder is made with high quality, anti-uv plastic glass which allow it to stay clear and beautiful for years.  Fill the feeder with a bird's favorite seed and it's ready to use right out of the box.  No assembly required, just stick it to the window and you're done.  The patent pending feeding tray allows you to slide it open and closed to fill and re-fill it.  You'll love watching the birds flock to the feeder all day long to eat.  

The Birds-I-View Window Bird Feeder makes a perfect gift for practically anyone in your family.  An elderly retired person would find a lot of joy in the feeder and how it brings nature right to their windowsill.  Children would be enthusiastic to watch the birds and learn about wildlife and bird species too.  It's always nice to turn an everyday thing into an educational lesson!

Stick the feeder on your window and you'll attract beautiful Robin's, Cardinal's and who knows what else? Everyday will be a surprise! 

Keep the feeder in mind for Christmas presents both present and future.

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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with GOYA Foods and IMUSA +Giveaway

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15th-October 15th and there's no greater way to celebrate this occasion then by making your taste buds happy! I'm always up for any meal that contains cheese, chicken, black beans, and rice.  Luckily, a lot of hispanic dishes feature these ingredients and what could be better than that?

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I wanted to create a dish that combines easy everyday ingredients that everyone has on hand, but give them a latin twist.  The dish had to serve two purposes: to be delicious, and be easy to make for anyone's skill set in the kitchen.  IMUSA and GOYA Foods are two brands that are near and dear to the hispanic community. 

I browsed through many recipes online trying to find one that stood out to me, but in the end I wanted to create something new and different for my family.  Chicken is such a versatile staple in latin cooking that I knew I could do so many things with it.  Combining peppers, black beans and cilantro to put on top of chicken on a bed of GOYA quinoa seemed like a wonderful recipe creation.  Of course you have to cook everything in IMUSA cookware! 

Frequently, I like to challenge myself in the kitchen and create new dishes and recipes that I haven't yet tried.  I've gotten much better over the years and sometimes surprise myself with what I can do.  The perfect side dish for a chicken dish in my opinion is arepas.  Who doesn't love those thick and pillowy cornmeal cakes that would make anyone smile? I tried my hand at making cheese arepas and was very pleased with the results.  They came out golden brown and definitely picture worthy.  They were extremely easy to make and were similar to making pancakes.  My husband was impressed and even my daughter loved them too!

After I made the arepas, I began chopping up my peppers since that takes the most time.  I love the combination of green and red peppers together, it's such a beautiful pairing! I like to dice my peppers small, because I don't like huge chunks.  

GOYA's adobo seasoning works well on any poultry including chicken.  It's a wonderful versatile seasoning that will spice up any meal with flavor.  For my chicken, I like to use boneless, skinless chicken that is thinly-sliced because it cooks quickly.  I seasoned the chicken with adobo and as it started cooking my kitchen began to smell heavenly.  I then added a few sprigs of cilantro as well as  a whole can of black beans to cook together with the chicken.  Add the chopped peppers at the end so they don't become mushy fast. 

The cilantro meshed wonderfully with the peppers and black beans.  A sauce started forming with the olive oil and I couldn't wait to dig in!

As I was cooking the main entree, the quinoa was cooking side by side.  In just 14 minutes the quinoa was done and ready to be plated.  Quinoa is a wonderful ancient grain that is versatile and works well in a variety of dishes.  The chicken finished at about the same time as the quinoa which was perfect timing.  I used the quinoa as a bed to put the chicken on top of, and the bean, cilantro, and peppers mixture went on top of the chicken.  All of the colors meshed beautifully together and I couldn't wait to taste it.  Of course I had an arepa to go with it on the side.

I'm very proud of this dish and will certainly be making it again.  Not only was it incredibly easy and delicious, it was quick to make too! My husband absolutely loved it and was impressed by the amount of flavor it packed.  This is a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love. 

Don't be afraid to challenge yourself in the kitchen and create a dish that everyone will love. In honor of doing that, IMUSA would like to give one lucky winner a cloth tortilla warmer. This makes it easy to serve fresh, warm tortillas at any meal.  It is for microwave use and keeps tortillas, breads, or arepas warm for up to 1 hour while everyone eats dinner.  

Spruce Up Your Kitchen with Art and Cook Products

I'm one of those individuals who really enjoy cooking.  I find joy in whipping up a batch of chocolate chip cookies or a pan of rosemary roasted potatoes.  Several nights a week I prepare homemade meals for my family and I find happiness in making delicious foods.  I'd say that my meals are created with love and sometimes too many calories! In my opinion, fantastic meals start with quality kitchenware. When's the last time you've updated your kitchen accessories and tools?

Art and Cook first started as a cookbook in 2004 that won many design awards and recognition.  By 2006, the brand launched a line of kitchen tools using new technologies and innovative shapes to inspire healthier and more productive ways of cooking. With more than 1,000 kitchen tools currently on the market, everyone incorporates labor-saving features with a beautiful design. 

Some of Art and Cook's products include cookware and bakeware, trivets, measuring spoons and cups, herb misters, storage and organization and so much more.  If you need to furnish your child's dorm kitchen for back-to-school, or know someone who recently moved into a new house, anything from Art and Cook makes the perfect gift.  The brand is also helpful for sprucing up your own kitchen's products as well. 

If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking and preparing meals to make stomachs smile, your kitchen tools probably can be replaced from time to time.  Items get worn and used and can start to look old over time.  Wouldn't it be nice to replace certain items and update them with new and modern day versions? I have a wonderful gadget bundle that would make kitchens everywhere smile.

The Large Soak and Strain Bowl is a unique product that has an innovative hopper-strainer which drains off the dirty water from your fruit or veggies without letting anything fall out.  The large bowl can accommodate anything you need strained and cleaned.  When you're done, put it in the dishwasher to get clean for next time. 

Since Fall is right around the corner, you know what that means! It's time to make plenty of hearty soups and stews.  Fresh herbs are important in not only soups and stews, but sauces as well.  They make everything taste wonderful.  If you're planning on using herbs in your cooking now or in the future, you'll need something to keep them strong and protected.  The fresh herb keeper prolongs the life of your herbs by two weeks or more.  Making pasta for dinner soon? Why not make your own sauce with plenty of fresh basil? The family will love it. 

I try to incorporate a lot of veggies and salads in the meals I make.  You'll always find me chopping up a carrot or slicing cucumbers on the mandoline.  I just love beautiful presentation and the 13-piece super slicer lets every side dish be one that you won't soon forget.  The unit offers different slicing and grating options for whatever your culinary heart desires.  What's the best part, you ask? How about the fact that everything gets grated, chopped, or sliced right into the bowl it's connected to.  You can't ask for anything more convenient than that.  This will surely be a unit you'll use a lot.

If you're looking to cook more or expand your culinary horizons, this gadget bundle will surely be a greater starter kit in your kitchen.  All you have to think of is what to cook next! 

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Make Your Next Party Unique With OneMoreSunshine

If you're like me, you like to entertain.  There's nothing I enjoy more than serving delicious food and drinks to my guests.  Although I don't have parties as much as I used to because of having a 21 month old! The best thing is having a party where everyone has a fantastic time and talks about your event long after it's over! 

OneMoreSunshine is an Etsy shop that specializes in unique birthday and baby shower party favors.  How would you like the opportunity to have a photo of your choice on a clothespin magnet that doubles as a treat bag clip and magnet favor? If you're having a first birthday party for your son or daughter in the near future, you can have a photo of the birthday child along with a written message.  How cute is that? If you're doing a themed party like Frozen or Sesame Street, you can have Elmo or Elsa underneath your child's picture.  The design possibilities are endless and it'll be a favor that nobody has seen before.  Personalized items are always a hit no matter what for work parties, baptisms, weddings and so much more!

As you can see, the shop makes a wide range of designs.  You can also suggest your own design to be made as well.  The favors are made with love and care and the photo is high quality.  You'll receive 10 with each order which will ensure a success for your party!

These adorable favors will surely be a conversation starter for anyone at your party.  They'll want to know where you got them, I can guarantee it! 

Keep OneMoreSunshine in mind for any of your next party or social gatherings.  

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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!

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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

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

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.

Natrapel Giveaway

Now that most kids are finished with school for the summer, it's time to get those family trips planned! Whether you're hiking or camping in the woods, it's vital that you'll have to defend yourself against pesky mosquitos and insects this summer.  Nobody wants to have to constantly scratch bug bites when they're enjoying time with their family.  It's time to have fewer bug bites this year!

Natrapel will help fend off bug bites for the whole family this summer.  Whether your daughter is boating at sleep away camp, or your son is hiking with his friends, it's just what they need to keep their skin bite free.  This bug and tick repellant contains a CDC recommended 20% picaridin formula which provides up to 12 hours of protection.  It's time for people to have more fun in the sun without worrying about bug bites.  Natrapel is EPA registered and safe for everyone including pregnant and breast-feeding women.  Keep a bottle of this handy with you all summer and you'll be a lot happier.

The product comes in a spray which allows you to quickly guard yourself against mosquitos.  Zika is on everyone's mind this summer.  The fact that this repellant provides up to 8 hours of protection from mosquitos makes everyone's life easier and less worrisome.  

Keep a can of Natrapel in your backpack or bag with you at all times for a worry-free summer.

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