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Baby (and Beyond) Photography Tips from SanDisk

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SanDisk logo
I can say with nearly complete certainty that no parent ever looks through their photographs and says, "Geez, I managed to take only PERFECT pictures of my kids when they were babies."

Just doesn't happen.

Because no matter how much we might want to capture that innocent gleam in their eyes, that mischievous smile or those first wobbly steps, inevitably it won't be as easy as we plan. Why does photographing one memory or milestone end up requiring 25+ pictures just to get one that turns out right?

You're just trying to document the birth of your second child with something like this...

baby picture

 ...but you have to go through 24 that look like this to get to it though, right?

funny baby picture
Stop yawning, Kid. Mommy is going to forever remind you of the work that SHE did on that day, not you.

So what are the ways to increase the likelihood of actually getting that perfect picture and not spending a whole day on it?

That's where the advice of photographer, author and educator Erin Manning comes in, as she can provide all sorts of information and tips for capturing better baby photos. Just take a look at her top three tips that are sure to help all of us, whether our children are still babies or not!



In case you missed them, Erin's tips include:
  • Set the scene: Shoot near a window using natural light and keep the background simple to avoid distractions. Use solid colored blankets and pillows or even a rug if you don't have bedding that works.
  • Get close: The Macro setting on your camera allows you to get in close and capture even the small details.
  • Be ready: Keep you camera handy with the battery charged so that you never miss a photographic opportunity. Using a high quality memory card such as the SanDisk Ultra SDHC card can actually help you take better pictures and never miss a shot.
While I found all of these important to keep in mind for photographing babies, I realized that I need to be sure to remember them for documenting my big kids as well! It seems like far too often that I realize that there is a messy or distracting background behind my girls, that I'm too far away for the picture to be all that interesting or that I don't know where the camera is when I need it.

Instead, thanks to Erin and SanDisk Memory cards, I'm going to aim to be much more prepared to snap, store and save with ease. What about you? What do you do to ensure that you take the best pictures possible?

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for SanDisk. I received a product sample to thank me for participating.

Ready to Try Flatout Hungry Girl Foldit Flatbread for Yourself? {$50 Walgreens Gift Card Giveaway!}

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Flatout logo
If you missed my Flatout Flatbread review earlier this week, take a moment to click over and see just how quick and simple it is to add the new Flatout Hungry Girl Foldit Flatbread to your regular menu rotation.

The variety of flavors! The high fiber and low carbs! The great taste!

I'm telling you, as much as we have enjoyed the Caprese Foldit and Salami & Cheese Foldit that I featured (the grilled cheese, apple & cinnamon creation that I mentioned was awfully tasty as well), there are just so many more Hungry Girl Foldit Sandwich recipes that I can't wait to try!

flatbread sandwiches

And those don't even include getting inspired by the Hungry Girl Foldit Pizza and Slider recipes — Flatout has all sorts of creative and tasty ways that their Foldits can be used to bring something new and delicious to your table!

flatbread recipes

As yet another bonus to these tasty Foldit Flatbreads, they're conveniently available at your local Walgreens, so it's quick and easy to pick them up when you run in to fill a prescription, buy some shampoo or develop some photos!

So what are you waiting for? Thanks to the generosity of Flatout, one person will soon have one more reason to be excited to head to Walgreens, because...

One lucky person will win a $50 Walgreens gift card!

Walgreens gift card


I received product and compensation from Flatout and The Motherhood as part of my participation in this campaign. However, as usual, all thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my honest and my own.

Box Tops for Education Raises More than $500 Million for Schools! {Pantry Stock Up Prize Pack Giveaway!}

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Box Tops for Education logo
One thing that I regret not doing before I had children (along with sleeping in later, enjoying eating my food slowly and appreciating taking a shower without anyone talking to me through the door the entire time) is collecting Box Tops for Education.

As I had no children, why would I be interested in the nation's largest school fundraising program?

Well gee, how about the fact that this incredibly easy and beneficial program makes it simple to earn cash for schools by clipping Box Tops coupons from hundreds of participating products? Or that Box Tops also offers easy ways to earn even more cash for schools online?

Considering that I have long noticed the Box Tops for Education symbols on many of the products that I purchase, I can only kick myself now for not having saved them over the years for my girls' school! In fact, Box Tops for Education has now earned more than $500 million for schools since the program started in 1996 and I wish could have played a much larger role in that incredibly impressive statistic!

Box Tops for Education

A General Mills program, Box Tops for Education began as an experiment on boxes of Cheerios in California with first year earnings of $1 million. Since then, it has grown to include more than 240 participating brands providing needed cash for 90,000 enrolled K-8 schools.

At the heart of the program is more than 75,000 volunteer Box Tops for Education coordinators who motivate local school communities to collect the 10¢ coupons which are redeemed for cash schools use for whatever they need most.

School budget cuts have made the program more and more important over the years as it provides unrestricted cash to help schools with their basic operating needs and programs that would not be possible otherwise, such as field trips, textbooks, musical instruments, playground equipment, classroom technology and arts and cultural programming.

On average, schools in the U.S. earn around $900 annually through the program, but many schools earn more than $20,000 by clipping Box Tops, participating in bonus programs and shopping 300 online eBoxTops retailers at the Box Tops Marketplace.

we love box tops

"I witnessed the power of the program when I visited several schools in the state a few months ago," said New Mexico governor, Susana Martinez. "After seeing how easy it was to earn cash for schools, I started encouraging everyone to participate to help students get the things they need most to improve their education experience. I congratulate Box Tops for Education on reaching this impressive level of support for students everywhere."

To celebrate the milestone of having earned more than half-a-billion dollars, this winter the program is offering a variety of bonus Box Tops on more than 50 million packages at grocery stores and at btfe.com, allowing shoppers to double their earnings with select products.

We were thrilled to celebrate along with Box Tops with an amazing collection of Box Tops Pantry Stock Up items!

General Mills Box Tops products

This huge package included:
  • New Peanut Butter Toast Crunch cereal
  • Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Dark Chocolate Cherry and Protein Salted Caramel
  • Fiber One Protein Bars
  • Progresso Recipe Starters
  • Food Should Taste Good Chips
  • Green Giant Fresh Box Tops for Education pencil pouch
  • Hamburger Helper Sweet & Sour Chicken and Parmesan Crusted Chicken
  • Betty Crocker Mac & Cheese and Au Gratin potatoes
  • Kleenex wallet pack and 184 count box
  • Scott toilet paper (4 roll) and paper towel roll
  • Avery dry erase weekly calendar
  • Ziploc bowls and bags
  • Yoplait Frozen Yogurt free product coupon
Along with enjoying these tasty and useful products all over our house, you can bet that I will be clipping the Box Tops off of each of them...

Box Tops for Education

...and especially grabbing those special double Box Tops!

double Box Tops for Education

If you aren't already collecting Box Tops for Education, now is the perfect time to start! Whether you have children attending one of the participating locations or not, schools can never have too much money to improve their classrooms, programs and more!

To learn more about Box Tops and for a list of participating products and schools, visit www.btfe.com and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

Plus, thanks to the generosity of General Mills and Box Tops, one person will soon have a stocked pantry and a large number of Box Tops to donate as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Box Tops for Education Pantry Stock Up Prize Pack!

Pantry Stock Up prize pack


Disclosure: Information, products and promotional items have been provided by General Mills and Box Tops for Education and its program partners.

Winners!

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The lucky winner of the Scentsy Warmer of their choice along with Violet Leaf and Posy Peach Fragrance Bars is...

winner

The lucky winner of a copy of Thomas & Friends: Muddy Matters on DVD is...


The lucky winner of a mom and baby Tiny Tillia prize pack is...


The lucky winner of a Musselman's Apple Butter Prize Pack is...


Thank you to everyone who entered these fun giveaways! Have a great weekend!

Disney Princess Apps on Sale Now for Valentine's Day!

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Disney Princess logo
While my girls are excited about wearing red and pink, delivering cards, and eating sweet treats, this Valentine's Day they have one more thing to smile about: princesses!

Little Sister B in particular is a princess fanatic, so hearing that Disney Publishing Worldwide is celebrating Valentine's Day with a sale on select Princess apps for iOS immediately caught my attention. What better way to add a little sparkly, dreamy love to the holiday then by downloading some fun for only $1.99 (originally $4.99)?

Now through Friday, February 15th, the following apps are on sale, so don't miss out!

Princess Dress-Up: My Sticker Book for $1.99 (orig. $4.99)

Readers help their favorite Disney Princesses prepare for magical moments in this dress-up sticker book. Each princess has a short story introduction and is then ready for the user to pick out their dress, shoes, tiara, accessories and much more!

As a bonus, not only will little girls love dressing up everyone from Cinderella to Princess Tiana, but by using the camera on their device, they will be able to place their own face right into the dress-up action!

Princess Dress-Up app

Cinderella: Storybook Deluxe for $1.99 (orig. $4.99)

Disney's Cinderella has enchanted generations with its spellbinding story, charming music, and endearing characters that live in your heart forever. This app includes a full retelling of the film with fresh illustrations, engaging narration, music and sound effects, as well as whimsical interactivity on every page.

Users have the option of reading the storybook for themselves, having it read to them or playing one of three fun activities: sing-along, painting or puzzles. The sing-along is an extremely cute way to enjoy the classic music of this film, while children have the option of choosing between six pictures to paint, and six different puzzles to put together (with three levels of difficulty).

Cinderella Storybook app

Beauty and the Beast: Storybook Deluxe for $1.99 (orig. $4.99)

In this unforgettable story of love and adventure in a magical new format, Belle finds herself in a castle with talking furniture, an enchanted rose and a grumpy beast. Despite an awkward beginning, Belle and the Beast gradually become friends, and Belle learns not to judge a book by its cover.

This app offers users the option of listening to the full story (the words are highlighted in order to help developing readers) or selecting to paint, listen to music, play games or complete puzzles. With three pictures available to paint, two great songs to sing with, two games (collecting roses throughout the story or completing a maze in three difficulty levels), and four puzzles (also with three difficultly levels), this app provides a large amount of interactive and magical fun!

Beauty and the Beast app

The Princess and the Frog Read-Along for $1.99 (orig. $4.99)

Tiana, a beautiful Louisiana girl who dreams of owning her own restaurant and Naveen, a spoiled, jazz-loving prince who doesn’t know the meaning of hard work, have nothing in common – until they are magically transformed into frogs. 

Similar to the Beauty and the Beast app, this fully interactive app includes a reading of the story (you can even record your own voice reading the story), games, movie clips, coloring pages, and music to sing along. Whether having your fortune told by Doctor Facilier, chasing fireflies to help Tiana and Naveen make it through the bayou, completing one of five puzzles or painting one of five snapshots from the movie, this app is a great way to bring home the fun of The Princess and the Frog!

The Princess and the Frog app

Princess Royal Party for $1.99 (orig. $4.99)

As the newest princess to join the magical, enchanting world of Disney, this app stars Rapunzel (as well as the rest of the princesses) preparing to celebrate with a royal ball.

Disney's Royal Party includes stories, games, puzzles and activities within the app as well as in-home ways to participate as well (e.g. instructions for baking princess cupcakes, creating a princess crown and more). Princess fans will enjoy participating in all sorts of royal activities and having the opportunity to be a special guest at the party themselves.

Disney Princess Royal Party app

What are you waiting for? If you have a princess fan at home, take advantage of this sale as a unique and fun way to surprise her for Valentine's Day. But remember, these apps are $1.99 only until Friday, February 15th and then they'll go back to their full price of $4.99. Don't miss out!

Disney Princesses

I was provided complimentary downloads of these apps in order to facilitate my review, however, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Add an Explosion of Fun to Your Next Game Night with Jenga Boom {Review & Giveaway}

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Hasbro logo
After learning all about Groundhog's Day at school recently, Big Sister E was beyond thrilled when Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow and an early spring was declared.

Summer is going to be here soon! Mama, get my shorts out! It's going to be warm soon! And so on and so forth. I couldn't help but laugh at her innocent and enthusiastic optimism.

Unfortunately, as much as I wouldn't mind warmer weather to be here immediately as well, I'm realistic in knowing that we've still got quite a bit more winter to make it through before those shorts are really going to be needed. Which means more snow, more heated blankets, and more days of gazing out the window and wishing that we could just get out there and play without having to bundle up (and still freeze).

Fortunately, evenings and weekends indoors don't have to mean that we can't have any fun, especially now that we have added the excitement and suspense of Jenga Boom to our lives.

Jenga Boom

New to the Hasbro lineup, Jenga Boom is a twist on the classic Jenga by adding in the excitement and suspense of a ticking time bomb. As well as having to have the skill and concentration to pick out the perfect block to pull and stack on the top of the tower, you have to have speed and quick fingers to get it done before the blocks come tumbling down!

Considering I've always been a ran of the original Jenga, I was immediately interested in seeing the difference and fun that this modern version could provide.

Jenga Boom game

Along with the 36 hardwood Jenga blocks, this game also comes complete with a stacking sleeve and a toy detonator, all of which easily come together into a tower in only a few quick steps.

Jenga Boom review

When it's time to play, it simply takes pressing down the orange lever on the back of the platform to get it set, pulling the fuse cord all the way out, and pressing the "play" arrow on the timer at the start of your turn.

Hasbro Jenga Boom

Then the race against the clock is on! Each player takes a turn strategically selecting a block to pull out, which is then stacked on the top of the tower as fast as possible. At the end of their turn, they press the "stop" button on the timer and play moves to the next person. The last person to place a block on top without the tower tumbling down is the winner!

Both Big Sister E and Little Sister B have had a great time carefully pulling their blocks from the Jenga tower and giggling as the whole thing slightly wobbles but continues standing.

playing Jenga

In true Jenga form, not only will picking the wrong block put the entire tower off-balance, but if the seconds run out on the timer then the tower comes crumbling down as well!

playing Jenga Boom

Providing just as much entertainment, skill and strategy (and a bit of luck) as the original, this innovative game is a great addition to any game library. Designed for two or more players ages 6 and up, Jenga Boom has been an entertaining way to add some excitement and suspense to our game night, as we all get a good laugh out of racing the clock and showing off our balancing speed!

If you're ready for an explosion of fun in your home as well, Jenga Boom retails for $17.99 and can be purchased directly from Hasbro, on Amazon.com, in stores near you and more. You can also keep up with all things Game Night by connecting with Hasbro on Facebook and Twitter.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be having a crashing good time in their home as well, because...

One lucky person will win Jenga Boom from Hasbro!



A big thank you to Hasbro for providing Jenga Boom for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

A Mom's Trusted Choice in Baby Gear: PeppyParents.com {Kidco Go-Pod Review}

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PeppyParents.com logo
When it comes to baby gear, there are options everywhere you look in all sizes and colors.

We ended up trying a few things when Big Sister E was a baby... and then a few more when Little Sister B was born. The result? A house full of things that we were constantly moving around and stepping over.

Of course we didn't need it all, but how were we to know that? We didn't exactly have a group of experienced parents acting as our personal assistants to point out that such-and-such item was never going to be used, while so-and-so product would never even make it out of the box.

For new parents these days, that kind of advice can easily be found at PeppyParents.com. Thanks to the fact that every product on the site has been selected by real parents, you never have to wonder about its usefulness and quality.

Combine that with their large selection, wide range of prices, and helpful customer service that is available for any information you need, and you've got the perfect shopping destination!

baby gear

Founded in 2006 by a husband and wife team with two young, active children, PeppyParents.com has continued to be built by parents, for parents ever since. As well as offering innovative, stylish, easy to use gear for infants and toddlers, PeppyParents.com attempts to make a difference in the world by reducing their impact on the environment and making monthly contributions to respected children's charities.

Considering I have quite a few memories of being frustrated by the amount of unnecessary baby gear we had around our house while my girls were young, I wasn't surprised that PeppyParents.com would sell something as convenient and innovative as the Kidco Go-Pod portable activity baby seat.

Kidco GoPod

An ultra lightweight, portable activity seat developed as an alternative to bulky, stationary activity centers, the Go-Pod has a one-of-a-kind 'mobility design' that is perfect for all of your in-home or travel needs.

Whether you have a smaller living space, are constantly on-the-go or simply don't want to feel as though bulky items are taking over, the Go-Pod can provide a safe, comfortable, entertaining location for your little one with ease.

As soon as I had the Go-Pod out of the box, the portability and small amount of space that it takes up when folded was evident (6.5" W x 6.5" L x 29.5" H). There definitely wouldn't be any problem sliding this slim bag into a closet, under a bed or into a car trunk!

GoPod review

In terms of setup, the Kidco Go-Pod truly took all of around 20 seconds to have it completely ready for use — and what busy parent doesn't love that?

Simply carry this 7 pound item by the handy carry strap to your destination and unfold it the same as a nylon chair at a sporting game. In four quick steps, this gear goes from bag to stationary activity center!

Kidco Go-Pod review

This really couldn't be much easier!

By simply removing the carry bag, the Go-Pod opens fully to become the perfect place for a little one (approximately 4 months - walking age) to stay contained, safe and able to have fun anywhere and anytime.

The locking button at the bottom of one of the legs keeps the structure securely opened and in place...

Kidco Go-Pod safety

...and the attached floor pad flattens right out so that baby's feet don't touch the ground. No worries about what might be on that gymnasium floor, campground dirt or your cousin's suspicious carpet!

Kidco Go-Pod floor pad

When it comes to keeping your little one entertained, the Go-Pod includes a snack and drink holder, as well as five nylon loops for attaching any favorite small toys. Just add Cheerios, a sippy cup or colorful toys to grab and pull and your baby will be happy while you wash dishes, eat lunch, grab a shower and much more.

Go-Pod review

Compact, portable and great for indoors or out, the Kidco Go-Pod requires no assembly, takes only seconds to set up, and is designed for babies weighing 12 to 26 pounds.

I love that Kidco made it so easy to use the button adjustments on each of the legs to move it between the four height options, so that it is quick and simple to raise the seat higher as your baby gets taller.

Go-Pod height adjustment

The end result is a 24" square activity center that easily makes parents as well as children happy!

Kidco GoPod review

Retailing for $49.95 (with free shipping!) from PeppyParents.com, it is easy to see that the Kidco Go-Pod is a parent-tested, -approved, and -recommended product that will be used time and time again.

To find out more about this and all of PeppyParents.com's unique and high quality products, visit their website and connect with them on Facebook.

Other than the Kidco Go-Pod that I was provided by PeppyParents.com to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion of this site and this product.

Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me I'd Like Hot Pockets and Lean Pockets? {Review & Giveaway}

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Lean Pockets logo
Do you ever wonder how different your life might be with a few small changes?

For instance, sometimes I wonder what it's like for people with more traditionally "common" names to meet each other. What would it have been like for me to not know if my teachers in school were talking to me or the other Xenia?

And, having been a lifelong vegetarian, sometimes I'm just thankful that when we go to new restaurants that I only have 5-10% of the menu to choose from. Considering it takes me forever to pick out a dish to try as it is, would I be there all day if I could select from the whole thing?

However, the downside to ignoring any and all foods that I assume are for carnivores only is when I find out that I've been missing out on something good. Something tasty. Something delicious that I could have been enjoying all this time.

Why did no one tell me how much I would like Hot Pockets and Lean Pockets?

Hot Pockets and Lean Pockets

First appearing on supermarket shelves in the early 1980s, the convenience, taste and affordability of Hot Pockets sandwiches have been making customers happy ever since. Who isn't excited about being able to take a portion of their breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks to go?

Building on the popularity and quality customers enjoyed from Hot Pockets, in 1987 Lean Pockets were introduced to meet the needs of health-conscious consumers. As each of the varieties contain 370 calories or less and 9 grams of fat or less, these hand-held sandwiches are a great source of protein and calcium all in a melty mouthful of the tasty ingredients you crave.

While I had always assumed that Hot Pockets and Lean Pockets only came in meat options, I was clearly proven wrong as soon as I headed to the store to really take a look.

Hot Pockets and Lean Pockets store

With so many flavor varieties to choose from (made with real cheese, quality meats, and wrapped in delicious, crispy-hot crusts), there's a recipe for everyone — including me! Lean Pockets even offers 12 varieties made with whole grain crust and nine varieties featuring a good source of fiber, so they're truly goodness to go.

After admiring all of the options (Lean Pockets even has a new selection of pretzel bread sandwiches: Grilled Chicken Jalapeno Cheddar, Spinach Three Cheese and Roasted Turkey with Bacon & Reduced Fat Cheese), I finally decided on a few tasty combinations and couldn't wait to try them out at home.

Lean Pockets pizza
Lean Pockets pretzel sandwich

With two cute pocket sandwiches in each box, all that is required is to slip one into its custom microwave sleeve and pop it in for two minutes.

Lean Pockets pizzeria

After cooling for two more minutes (unless you're like me and can only wait about 30 seconds, in which case there's a good chance that you'll burn your tongue), all that is left is to bite into a warm, ooey, gooey, handheld sandwich and enjoy the chewy, flavorful goodness.

You can fold up the bottom of the microwave sleeve to create a handy dandy pouch to hold your sandwich in or you can simply lay it out on a plate and enjoy!

Lean Pockets pretzel review
Lean Pockets review

While neither of my Lean Pockets were nearly as stuffed full of cheesy goodness as the pictures on the boxes implied (which, for me, was a positive because those images look a little overpowering) the Four Cheese Pizza in a Seasoned Herb Crust and the Spinach and Three Cheese Pretzel Bread Sandwich Lean Pockets are definitely delicious!

In the Four Cheese Pizza, I love the seasoning on the crust and the way that it blends just right with the cheese and sauce in the inside. In the Spinach and Three Cheese, the addition of the pretzel bread is perfect for a unique and oh-so-yummy twist to a regular sandwich!

I can understand why Hot Pockets and Lean Pockets come with two of these tasty sandwiches in each box, as it wouldn't be far-fetched to want to reach for that second one after licking up every bite of the first!

Lean Pockets pretzel bread review

Whether your kids are hungry for an after-school snack or you're simply looking for a quick pick-me-up that won't ruin your calorie count for the day, Hot Pockets and Lean Pockets are convenient, delicious options that even the pickiest eater will enjoy.

Keep an eye out for the huge variety of options available nationwide at your local grocery store and visit HotPockets.com and LeanPockets.com for more information.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be ready to make some tasty, healthy choices of their own, because...

One lucky person will win $25 worth of coupons to try out Hot Pockets and Lean Pockets for themselves!

Hot Pockets giveaway


A big thank you to Hot Pockets for providing coupons for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Homemade Jolly Rancher Lollipops {How-To}

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Jolly Rancher Lollipops

Oh, Valentine's Day.

You mushy, gushy, lovey dovey, pink hearts, sharing-the-love, shooting-cupid's-arrow holiday, you.

Although it seems incomprehensible to me that it is the middle of February already, the day of love is tomorrow and that means that my girls have been beyond excited about the cutting, crafting, painting, decorating and baking that we've been doing to get ready.

But, most importantly, it's all about the valentines.

While there is absolutely, positively, 100% nothing wrong with traditional, store-bought valentines (I have so many fond memories of ripping into those little white envelopes and pulling out the licensed-character card inside!), I like to do something a little extra while my kids are young and still willing to let me.

fun valentines

Last year we got a little creative and made our own homemade jolly rancher lollipops and the girls couldn't have been more excited for February to roll around so that we could make them once again. After all, the end result is something colorful, festive and delicious, so what more could they ask for?

While all of the steps and ingredients are laid out in my Homemade Jolly Rancher Lollipops recipe, here's a quick photo summary to show how truly easy these are:


Easy peasy! Just unwrap, place, melt, add sticks and cool!

We took a more classic approach with Little Sister B's valentines by taping a lollipop to each of the envelopes. Big Sister E's, on the other hand, ended up a bit more whimsical, as her classmates are going to end up with something that not only tastes good, but will bring a smile as well.

mustache lips valentines

Happy Valentine's Day!

Unique Handmade Brooches from Hexagon {Review & Giveaway}

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Hexagon
I often find myself amazed at other people's talents.

You took those professional-looking photographs yourself? You painted that stunning mural on your child's bedroom walls? How did I not know that you wrote a novel? You knit that entire sweater? You baked these to-die-for brownies from scratch? 

I'm telling you, there are a whole lot of impressive people out there.

What inspires me even more, however, is when those people take their talent, love, drive and passion and share it with the rest of us. Because, let's face it, that novel isn't improving anyone's life if it sits unpublished on your computer, now is it?

Which is why I couldn't help but be excited to be introduced to an Etsy shop that contains handmade, fashionable, eco-friendly brooches that can enrich our hearts and our wardrobes in such a simple yet stylish way. How could I not be excited to see the beauty and originality found at Hexagon?

handmade brooches

Straight from the suburbs of Toronto, Hexagon features colorful, eye-catching, one-of-a-kind brooches in a variety of shapes and sizes that are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.

Looking for a way to turn your traditional outfit of a sweater and jeans into something... more? Just think about the compliments you'll receive by pinning on the Purple Star Brooch in the Art Nouveau Pattern!

purple star brooch

Want a way to show your loved one that you're thinking of them on days beyond Valentine's Day? Imagine their surprise when they see the modern twist you've taken on the standard heart shape with the Geometric Orange Heart Brooch in the Floral Print!

orange heart brooch

Or maybe you are such a fan of your android phone that the idea of somehow turning it into a fashion statement is just too amusing and fun? Then look no further than the Pink Android Brooch in the Pink and Silver Pattern!

Android brooch

As I found myself in love with all seven of the shape options and all nine of the color and pattern options that Hexagon has to offer, when the Black & White Bird Brooch in the Vine and Leaf Pattern arrived, it was all that I could do to not rip right into the adorable (eco-friendly!) packaging to see what it would look like in person.

eco-friendly packaging

Unsurprisingly, it was stunning.

handmade pin

Measuring 3" wide and 1½" tall, the crisp lines of the wooden bird combined with the stark black and white paper design were only enhanced by the small touches of metallic silver. Love, love, love!

bird brooch

Having never been a "brooch person" in the past, I was happy that I didn't even have a moment's hesitation in pinning this sweet chickadee onto dresses, scarves, jackets, shirts, sweaters... I'm thrilled about the way that it adds a special and unique twist to just about any outfit!

how to wear a brooch

When it comes to accessories, it is one thing to pick up a trendy scarf or a cute hat from the store... but it's quite another when you find a signature item that can turn that scarf and hat into a fashionable, classy piece that is all your own.

Ranging in price from $11.78 to $16.90, all of the brooches from Hexagon showcase the time, care and talent that the owners put into each one. If you've been looking for a gift or a small purchase for yourself that isn't going to break the bank and will be sure to put a smile on your face every time you pin it on, this is the shop for you!

Visit Hexagon on Etsy to see their full selection of gorgeous items and be sure to connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+ to keep up with anything and everything artistic, creative and awesome that they have to offer.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be able to see just why I'm so in love with every creation that Hexagon has to offer, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of brooch from Hexagon!

beaver brooch


A big thank you to Hexagon for providing a brooch for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Ouidad Debuts on Broadway in Annie {& a Sweepstakes, too!}

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There are times when a company sponsors or teams up with an event and I have a hard time understanding the correlation. What does that brand of soda have to do with that children's charity?

There are other times, however, when a partnership is formed that just makes sense.

Most recently, it was when the experts on all things curls partnered with a classic Broadway show to offer young fans show-stopping curls and fun... which is why Ouidad was excited to announce a creative new partnership with Annie the Musical!

Annie Ouidad logo

As one of the most beloved musicals of all time, Annie shares Ouidad's overall core message to "be yourself."

With Ouidad's line of specialized products formulated to embrace one's naturally curly hair, the partnership is as natural as Annie and Sandy's. After all, Ouidad products deliver a lifetime of gorgeous curls by focusing on the building blocks of healthy hair, not just on the aesthetic, short term effects!

Annie and Daddy Warbucks

Additionally, now through February 28, 2013, curly kids can do more than just admire Annie's locks, they can get them for themselves!

Simply visit the Ouidad New York City flagship salon and your child can receive a KRLY Kids haircut ($75 special rate), styling lesson and complimentary gift bag (to book a consultation, please call 212-888-3288 and mention "The Annie Promotion").

The Ouidad KRLY Kids Collection can help say goodbye to tears and tangles with this exclusive line of products created to gently cleanse, condition and style children's curly hair. If you have a child with curls, you're going to want to check out their No Time for Tears Shampoo, No More Knots 2 in 1 Conditioner, Pump N’ Go Styling Spray Gel and more!

Ouidad KRLY Kids

But that's still not all!

Ouidad is also currently running a "It's the Curly Life for Us" Sweepstakes, in which all fans are invited to enter to win a trip to New York City to see Annie on Broadway and have a curl makeover with a friend at the Ouidad flagship salon!

To see the curl makeover that Annie's pint-sized Broadway stars, Tyrah Skye Odoms and Taylor Richardson, received, and to enter the sweepstakes, visit the Ouidad Facebook page.

Ouidad sweepstakes

If you're in the NYC area, don't miss the chance to see Ouidad shine by taking care of the iconic curls in Annie, as well as the chance to bring your child in for their own KRLY Kids haircut. As for the rest of us, be sure to enter the "It's the Curly-Life for Us" Sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to New York City as well!

I was provided with a gift from Ouidad to thank me for my time in writing this post, however, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Celebrate the Release of Escape from Planet Earth! {$25 Visa Gift Card Prize Pack Giveaway}

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Escape From Planet Earth logo
While I adore that my husband often takes our daughters on various outings, there are times when I can only shake my head at him.

Case in point: a recently trip to the movies in which he couldn't leave the house until every pocket in his coat was filled with something being smuggled into the theater. But hey, who am I to say something when he's figuring out the best method to hide two juice boxes, one can of soda and three plastic bags of homemade popcorn?

But what matters is that a movie-going good time was had by all... which is why I know that, no matter if there is anything illegal going on or not, they would also have a blast celebrating the release of The Weinstein Company's new film, Escape from Planet Earth!

Escape-from-Planet-Earth

Hitting theaters this Friday, February 15th, Escape from Planet Earth is a newly animated film that the whole family is sure to enjoy.

This 3D comedy catapults moviegoers to planet Baab where admired astronaut Scorch Supernova (Brendan Fraser) is a national hero to the blue alien population. A master of daring rescues, Scorch pulls off astonishing feats with the quiet aid of his nerdy, by-the-rules brother, Gary (Rob Corddry), head of mission control at BASA.

When BASA's no-nonsense chief Lena (Jessica Alba) informs the brothers of an SOS from a notoriously dangerous planet, Scorch rejects Gary's warnings and bounds off for yet another exciting mission. But when Scorch finds himself caught in a fiendish trap set by the evil Shanker (William Shatner) it's up to scrawny, risk-averse Gary to do the real rescuing.

As the interplanetary stakes rise to new heights, Gary is left to save his brother, his planet, his beloved wife Kira (Sarah Jessica Parker) and their adventure-hungry son Kip (Jonathan Morgan Heit)!

Escape from Planet Earth

To extend the fun of this movie even further, be sure to visit EscapeEarthMovie.com for photos, videos, characters, games and more, and connect with Escape from Planet Earth on Facebook as well.

Better yet, to elevate the viewing experience, download the FREE Escape from Planet Earth app available now for iOS as well as for Android to enjoy a storybook, photo bombs, the ability to purchase movie tickets through Fandango and more.

Escape from Planet Earth characters

Whether you go to the movies often or are looking for a fun way to surprise your kids, gather the whole family and head to the theater this weekend to see Escape from Planet Earth! As well as the PG rating, this movie has received the seal of approval from the Parents Television Council, so you know it is going to be appropriate for everyone to see.

Ready to celebrate the release of this out-of-this-world film? One person is going to be even more excited about these alien creatures, because...

One lucky person will win a $25 Visa Gift Card and an
Escape from Planet Earth Movie Goers Prize Pack!

25-Visa-Gift-Card


I was compensated for this sponsored post made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. All prizing for MSM giveaways is handled by a third party unless otherwise noted. For this reason prize fulfillment can take up to 90 days after the winners information is received.

Clip-N-Clamp: The Amazing Multi-Purpose & Cell Phone Holder {Review}

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Clip-N-Clamp logo
Have you heard the following phrase before?

If evolution were true, mothers would have three arms.

While I think it would be a little strange to have a third arm (where would it be located? Straight out of the middle of my back? I'm thinking I'd definitely need a redesigned chair) it sure would be handy for all of those times that us moms are multi-tasking.

Which, let's be honest, is pretty much all the time.

Doesn't it seem like, no matter what situation or environment we are in, it would be nice if we had an extra hand to hold something? For me, it seems to happen most often in the car. Between wanting to go hands-free when talking on my phone or simply having the phone propped nearby to give me GPS directions, I'm always thinking that it would be much more convenient and safe if I had a third arm to hold the phone securely.

Now I do. Thanks to the arrival of the Clip-N-Clamp, a new multi-purpose holder that can adapt to be used in any number of locations, I never have to worry how I'm going to juggle my phone, iPod, iPad, camera, Kindle or more!

Clip-N-Clamp with cell phone

At home, in the car, on-the-go, or even at work, the Clip-N-Clamp gives users the full benefits of gadgets like smartphones, mp3 players, eReaders, camcorders, cameras and more without having to hold them. Whether keeping a smartphone or GPS in place while driving, holding a camera steady while taking a picture, playing golf, taking a family photo or more, it is there to help out!

After learning about the Clip-N-Clamp system and its flexibility and strength, I was interested in seeing the Flexarm (the 12" ball-and-socket arm that can literally bend 360° in any direction) in person and seeing just how well it would bend and stay in any and every position. Could this really be the third arm that I've always needed?

Clip-N-Clamp

Happy to see that there was nearly no assembly required, I looked over the pieces of the Clip-N-Clamp and couldn't think of anything that it would need to be extremely useful.

Coming complete with the Flexarm, one Disk Clip and two Velcro patches, one Phone Clip that secures to most smartphones using tension, and one Camera Clip which screws into the bottom of a camera, the Clip-N-Clamp is ready for use right out of the package.

Although I initially assumed that the clamp would be as strong as, well, a regular clamp, I was surprised and impressed to find that it was much more powerful! I definitely believe Clip-N-Clamp's claim that their clamp has 30 pounds of holding power and I love that it is designed to not weaken over time. Add that to the silicone tips for maximum grasping power and reducing slippage, and any worries that I had about it holding my cell phone securely disappeared.

Clip-N-Clamp strength

In terms of setup, the sky's the limit! The Clip-N-Clamp simply needs to be attached securely in any position that you'd like — upright, sideways, upside-down, or anything in between.

For me, I knew that I would mainly be using this in the car, so I had no problem clipping it tightly to the center console and then angling the Flexarm precisely to where I wanted it.

Clip-N-Clamp in car

Next, the Disk Clip can be used to attach all kinds of devices to the Clip-N-Clamp using Velcro, so all that is required is to secure a piece right to the back of your GPS, flashlight, Kindle Fire or almost any other device.

Or, for my iPhone, it only took a few seconds to stretch and secure the Phone Clip into place...

hands free phone

...and admire that the custom-made, clip-on buckle allows for the quick removal and replacement of it (or any accessory) to the Clip-N-Clamp.

Clip-N-Clamp review

Voilà! No more balancing my phone on my leg when I need directions or having it slide around my dashboard when I have it on speaker phone. Instead, the Clip-N-Clamp keeps it solidly right where I need it  — not too close, not too far, and not in the way if I need to reach to the radio or temperature controls.

As unbuckling the phone from the Flexarm (as well as from the Phone Clip itself) only takes seconds, it's just so easy to grab it right from the Clip-N-Clamp when it's time to go.

On the same note, it is just as easy to pull out the Clip-N-Clamp when you're at home and need an extra hand while working, cooking or gardening, when you're out biking and want a way to play music but not wear headphones, at the park when you find a beautiful setting and would love to get a family photo, and more!

Considering the number of photos that I take around here, I love being able to depend on the Clip-N-Clamp as a tripod to grab a picture of myself rather than having to coach my 4-year-old through how to hold a camera steady!

camera tripod

Retailing for $19.95 (with free shipping!), the Clip-N-Clamp is available at ClipandClamp.com.

The company is so sure that you're going to love this unique and convenient device that your order also comes with a 30-day Money Back Guarantee, so if you've always wanted that extra arm, head over to their website to see if this is the solution for you!

Other than the Clip-N-Clamp that I was provided in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion of this product.

Lookio Books Personalized Children's Books {Review & Giveaway}

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Lookio Books logo
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Around here, we like books.

I typically have a pile checked out from the library waiting for me, while both Big Sister E and Little Sister B have shelves in their rooms piled high with books that get taken down and re-shelved daily. It is far from uncommon for me to go look for either one of them only to discover them sprawled out on their beds or the floor, engrossed in the stories that they see in the pictures.

From baby board books with only pictures to large, intricate books covered with words, they both love to be a part of the magical world that books can provide.

So what could make a book better for a 4-year-old that is already fascinated with them?

personalized children's book

Starring in one, perhaps?

Because providing a book that is high quality, engaging, personal, educational and extremely cool is exactly what is found at Lookio Books.

Lookio books

Offering two illustrated character books and one photo character book, each Lookio book is printed and bound by hand with the utmost care. The result is something special that is going to stay with your child long past when that copy of Green Eggs and Ham or Captain Underpants has been discarded.

Instead, your child's name and likeness appear in the illustrated character books, making the story completely personal and as if it was truly created just for them. Or, as in Little Sister B's photo character book, simply upload a photo of the lucky child in your life and the skilled Lookio Books team will ensure that their smiling face is right there in every spread.

Even better, Lookio makes it extremely fast and easy to create their custom books, as it only takes a few clicks, adding in an optional dedication and voilà! Instant treasured gift.

I simply added in Little Sister B's name and gender (for the correct pronoun to be used), uploaded a recent photograph of her and did a little cropping and zooming, and there she was.

children's photo book

Lookio allows you to preview each of the pages, alleviating any worries that your picture is out of place or that you won't be completely and utterly satisfied with the end result. I couldn't believe that I had completed all of the steps in just a few minutes and that all that was left to do was await a package that would thrill my little girl.

cute packaging

As I knew it would, Little Sister B's face lit up when she we pulled her When (Name) Grows Up book out of the envelope.

For a moment or two, she looked at her picture and then, tentatively, she reached out and touched it. Who's that in the book? I asked. She turned and looked at me with a huge grin. ME!!

kids book

Without fail, every page of this book brings a smile to her face as Little Sister B adores not only hearing her name in the words, but seeing her own face right there in full color. How could she not smile seeing herself right there in the action?

custom kids book

Completely adorable, right?

To make a good thing even better (or, in this case, a great thing even more fantastic), the message of this book is amazing as well. While other custom children's books that I've seen in the past have been nice, the actual plot of the book is pretty lackluster in comparison to the personalization.

However, with Lookio Books, there was clearly a significant amount of time and attention spent making sure that the words themselves would be just as beautiful and educational as well.

The When (Name) Grows Up tale begins with stating that "When B grows up, she can be whatever she wants to be," a message that I've tried to pass along to both of my girls at every chance I can get...

storybook beginning

...and, after going through all of her fun dreams, the story concludes with the message that, "There are so many things B can be when she grows up, but for now she's just happy being herself."

I don't think that I could love the overall motto of the book any more than I do!

storybook ending

Retailing for $29 (plus shipping and handling), the quality and uniqueness of Lookio Books really speak for themselves. The full color art, the durable laminated cover and the positive, believe-in-yourself attitude that these provide are exactly what I love to find in products for my own children or as wonderful gifts.

To take a closer look at all of Lookio Book's great options, visit their website at LookioBooks.com. You can also check out their blog to hear about kids' literature topics and the picture books that they love, while finding out what else they're up to on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be able to see the beauty of a great customized gift for the lucky child in their life, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of Lookio Books personalized children's book!



A big thank you to Lookio Books for providing a complimentary book for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Winners!


Teaching Children the Importance of Money

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While I've spent much of my girls' childhood trying to impart the importance of concepts such as self-confidence, philanthropy and taking care of the earth, one area that I'm pretty sure I'm falling short is in teaching the value of money.

We live in a time filled with mass media, instant answers, immediate delivery and credit cards (not to mention the way that products magically show up at our door each day), so teaching my kids responsibility when it comes to money has thus far been a challenge that I've avoided.

Where do I even start to get them to understand not only what money is and how it works, but why it is so incredibly important?

money

Fortunately, I have a plan.
  1. Start the conversation. This may sound obvious, but taking the first step is as simple as talking about the costs associated with things that are a part of our lives. Groceries, gas, clothing, shoes — it is easy to introduce your child to the idea that in order for us to own things, they must be purchased with money.

  2. Teach the basics of money. While Little Sister B is still on the young end of the really "getting it" when it comes to money, Big Sister E already grasps how to count coins and bills. Now we just have to keep working on the understanding what makes one coin or bill more valuable than another.

  3. Allow kids to earn and manage their money. My husband and I have gone back and forth on the idea of giving our children an allowance (I want to be sure that they are being rewarded for completing chores that fall outside the realm of their regular tasks), so now might be a good time to kick it off.

    At the same time, giving my kids an allowance is going to require me to relinquish some control and truly let them make choices as to what comes next. As much as I can repeat that you have to work for money and that it can be spent very quickly, I don't think that my girls will understand and appreciate the value of a dollar until they are making their own decisions as to how to spend it.

  4. Demonstrate making good choices. We all know that children learn the most important lessons in life from imitating their parents, so recognizing the behaviors that my husband and I demonstrate with our money is something not to be dismissed.

    Considering that, while kissing one of Little Sister B's cheeks recently, she said, "You can kiss this side, too. It's on sale!" to me, I think that we are already on our way of showing our love of a coupon or bargain, wouldn't you?


While I think that we still have a ways to go in teaching our kids to truly understand and value money, I'm looking forward to following these steps as well as advice from friends, family and other trusted, knowledgeable sources such as our bank and Genworth Financial.

Because no matter how intelligent or beautiful I may believe my daughter are, helping them grow into responsible teenagers and adults is something that will have a lasting impact on their lives. It has been shown that women gain financial literacy as they get older, however, I fully believe that these two can be on the right track to being monetary geniuses much sooner.

teaching kids about money

How do you teach your children about the importance of money?

Information for this post is sourced from Genworth Financial in partnership with the SheHeard Influencer Network but, as always, all thoughts an opinions are honest and my own.

Auntie Anne's Celebrates their 25th Birthday with the New Honey Whole Grain Pretzel {25 Free Pretzels Giveaway!}

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Auntie Anne's logo
I've mentioned it before, but I love being a part of surprises. Whether leaving an Easter basket on a friend's doorstep or sending a card to a distant relative out of the blue, there's just something about knowing you're going to make someone's eyes light up that warms my heart.

Even better? When the recipients are kids, as children can't hide the joy and excitement from their faces, even if they wanted to.

Which is why I was thrilled when everything came together to help celebrate Auntie Anne's 25th Birthday with a Pretzel Party in a room filled with 5- and 6-year olds!

birthday-celebration-banner

Another year older and wiser, Auntie Anne's has spent 25 years creating pretzels that are known as "better than the best you've ever tasted." With flavors already including Original, Cinnamon Sugar, Almond, Sour Cream and Onion, and more (along with Stix, the Pretzel Dog and Pretzel Nuggets), what better way to celebrate this milestone than by adding a new one to the lineup?

Which is just what this pretzel perfect company has done with the introduction of their newest hand-rolled soft pretzel, Honey Whole Grain, to its variety of gourmet freshly-baked favorites.

This tasty new addition is made with real whole grain dough and boasts one daily serving of whole grains, giving it more fiber, protein and iron than many other snack options. At 300 calories or less, this better-for-you pretzel feels responsible, but tastes reckless!

Honey Whole Grain pretzel

Excited to try out the new Honey Whole Grain pretzel while surprising Big Sister E's Kindergarten class, Little Sister B and I headed to Auntie Anne's to pick up our party supplies.

pretzel party

Little did I know that Auntie Anne's would have a surprise for me as well, as they had not only baked 25 fresh Honey Whole Grain pretzels for us, but they had them individually bagged and ready to go for each child — including fun party favors like a hat, twisty straw, cute tattoos and a coupon to head back for another pretzel!

We have always been fans of our local Auntie Anne's (Madison folks, next time you are at West Towne Mall, GET A PRETZEL!) but they truly went above and beyond in helping us prepare for our party and made me love them even more!

All that was left to do was head over to Big Sister E's school (which was more difficult than it sounds, as driving in a car filled with the amazing aroma of Auntie Anne's pretzels was a hard test for my willpower — made even harder by Little Sister B's continued comments of Mmmm, it smells so good in here and Mama, I want to eat those pretzels right now!) to await the class' reaction.

class pretzel party

Many of the kids recognized the Auntie Anne's logo on the bags right away, while the rest took one peek inside and squealed with joy. Instead of their usual crackers for afternoon snack, they found something much more delicious!

Auntie Anne's Honey Whole Grain pretzel

Within moments the class had put on their party hats and dug right in to their pretzels with glee. I sure don't remember having this much fun in Kindergarten!

classroom party

While the mmmms and yummmms made it pretty clear that the Honey Whole Grain pretzels were a hit, Big Sister E's teacher added a little educational fun to the party by taking a poll on the class' thoughts.

The single "so, so" vote ironically came from Big Sister E... who then turned to me and asked what "so, so" meant because she really liked the pretzel. Apparently my child needs to pay a little closer attention to the voting lessons.

I'd say that the votes show that this was definitely a successful party!

Little Sister B and I had our own special after-party celebration as well, as when we returned home from the school visit, we sampled Auntie Anne's amazing Cinnamon Sugar pretzel, thanks to our local store's generosity of having sent along a bag containing a few other pretzel varieties.

Cinnamon Sugar pretzel

I don't know how it is possible that I have never tried this incredible flavor before, but it will definitely be happening again!

Every year Auntie Anne's rolls more than 97 million pretzels at their 1,330+ locations all over the world, so if you haven't stopped by lately, you are missing out (you'll especially want to join them on March 9th for Sampling Saturday to get a free bite-sized sample of the new Honey Whole Grain pretzel)!

We have yet to try one of their fantastic pretzels that we haven't loved and the new Honey Whole Grain is no exception. I have no doubt that we'll be ready to celebrate the next 25 years of tasty pretzel goodness with Auntie Anne's as well!

If you want to be a part of the fun even further, you can also twist with Auntie Anne's online for a chance to win $25,000! Plus, you could instantly win an Apple iPad mini, Coca-Cola beverages for a year, or a $25 Visa gift card... just visit PretzelPerfect.com from now until March 31st to join the party.

And, thanks to the generosity of Auntie Anne's one person will soon be prepared to have their own pretzel party (or to spread out the pretzel love over an extended period of time), because...

One lucky person will win 25 free Pretzel cards (valued at $3/ea) from Auntie Anne's!

Auntie Anne's pretzels


A big thank you to Auntie Anne's for providing a party pack of supplies for me along with 25 coupons for pretzels as well as coupons for one lucky giveaway winner. An extra thank you to our local Auntie Anne's for being so thoughtful and going above and beyond in preparing our party bags and extras. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Graco AFFIX Highback Booster Seat with Latch System {Review}

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Graco logo
Although our weekends are often busy with birthday parties, visiting family, running errands and more, there are times when my husband and I look at the calendar and are happy to see that Saturday and Sunday are wide open.

I'm especially thankful, as my wonderful husband will then plan a variety of outings for himself and the girls, leaving me home to revel in the peace and quiet that I typically don't have all week long. Ahhhh.

However, as much as I would like to say that I spend my hours to myself completely and utterly relaxed, that just doesn't happen. Putting aside any cleaning, laundry or blogging, there's also the issue of my constant worry.

Is it an irrational fear to spend the day fretting that something terrible might happen to the three most important people in my life? Maybe. But that doesn't stop me from looking out the window every time I hear a car drive by to see if it's them returning home safely.

Thankfully, I can usually ease some of my nerves by reminding myself that we have done what we can to keep our children as safe as possible. After all, while I never want to receive a phone call about an accident, at least I know that choices such as the Graco AFFIX Highback Booster with Latch System have decreased the chances of anything serious happening.

Graco AFFIX booster

Regardless of your state's laws, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends children remaining in booster seats up to age 12. But while parents spend a great deal of time picking out their newborn's first car seat or the convertible seat that they will then transition to, how much is known about booster seats? And how do we convince our children that they're "cool" enough that they won't mind sitting in them?

Luckily, Graco has a variety of booster seats ranging from harnessed to belt-positioning in high back and no-back to meet the needs and personalities of preschool and school-aged children who may be reluctant about sitting in a booster seat.

And, when the box containing a Graco AFFIX in Atomic red arrived, I knew that it was just the right blend of fashion and function by embodying a child's personal style and keeping them safe and secure in a vehicle as well.

Graco booster seat

Available in red, pink and silver, the AFFIX Highback Booster is for use forward facing with the back for children that are 3-10 years old, 30-100 lbs and 38" to 57" tall. Then, as it easily converts to a backless booster, the AFFIX can also be used for your 4 to 10-year-old who weighs 40 to 100 lbs and is 40" to 57" tall.

With hardly any assembly required, it doesn't take much more than pulling this car seat out of the box before it is ready for use.

Graco AFFIX assembly

It only took a minute or two to pop the armrests in, snap the headrest into place and connect the back to the booster seat. By easily locking the pieces together and standing the back upright, I soon had a high quality, durable, comfortable booster ready for use.

Graco AFFIX booster seat review

Catching a first glimpse of the Graco AFFIX, Big Sister E was excited about the bright red coloring and the "big kid" look and feel.

She immediately pointed out the integrated cup holder and hide-away storage compartment and how pleased she was with the convenience of being able to keep her own drink and belongings right within reach.

booster seat extras

Heading out to the car, my husband and I were both excited to find that there was barely any installation involved, as Graco included a One-hand Latch System to secure this booster seat to the vehicle seat. Even better, the unique front adjustment of the Latch allowed us to quickly and easily tighten the AFFIX into place without having to reach under or around.

Not only does this secure connection prove convenient for parents to know that the booster seat is properly in place, but it keeps the whole seat very steady so that the child won't have any problem buckling themselves right in.

Graco AFFIX booster seat

Once the AFFIX was safely in place, I took a minute to admire the thought that Graco put into its safety features. As well as the ease of installation, the adjustable head support and energy absorbing foam are both great additions for reducing impact and keeping my precious cargo safe in the car.

As an added bonus, I love the open-loop belt guides up at the shoulders to help ensure that Big Sister E correctly positions her seat belt when getting in and buckling up.

Graco AFFIX highback booster seat

All in all, Graco has done a wonderful job reducing my fears and easing my worries, while also keeping my big girl safe and secure. I have no doubt that we will be using the AFFIX with the Highback in place for quite a while... and, considering how extremely easy it is to simply remove the back and turn it into a backless booster, we'll be using it even longer after that!

When it comes to car seats, strollers, high chairs, swings, activity centers, monitors, and much more, Graco has the items that meet all the needs of children from birth to the preschool years in an affordable way — this booster seat will last for years to come and sells for $79.99 on Amazon or in stores near you.

Find out more about the AFFIX Highback Booster Seat with Latch System on the Graco website and be sure to connect with this award-winning company on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Other than the AFFIX Booster Seat I was provided by Graco to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion of this product and this company.

Peaceable Kingdom Cooperative Games and Unique Stickers {Review & Giveaway}

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Peaceable Kingdom logo
Once in a while I'll be stopped at a stoplight and will glance at the other drivers and wonder about them. Where are they going? What is their life like? And, quite often, what would life be like if we weren't "trained" to be in competition with each other?

Get better grades, score more goals, run faster, jump higher, get accepted into a more prestigious college, get a higher-paying job, etc, etc. Is there anything in life that doesn't focus on celebrating winners and chastising losers?

Fortunately, there is. While the overwhelming majority of games are designed to have one victor and one (or more) person left in defeat, I love that there are companies like Peaceable Kingdom that not only create products and games that educate and inspire, but promote cooperative play!

kids games

An expert in juvenile product development, Peaceable Kingdom is a leader in stickers, greeting cards, and games. As their mission is to make good, do good, and be good, they continually focus on fresh, fun and award-winning products, donating to charitable organizations that support the well-being of children, and using sustainable, eco-friendly materials whenever possible.

Along with their amazing past products, Peaceable Kingdom recently launched a new selection of fun and challenging games that foster the importance of playing together rather than beating your opponent. Why deal with the stress and consolation of a traditional game when your entire family could enjoy playing What's It?, The Great Cheese Chase, Buzz! or Stack up! instead?

Peaceable Kingdom What's It? game

While both of my girls were immediately pointing out whimsical illustrated characters on the What's It? box, I was impressed with the overall concept. Instead of playing against one another, this cooperative game emphasizes play and collaboration to beat the Doodler as a team.

Peaceable Kingdom What's It game review

While this game is recommended for ages 8 to adult (requiring 2 – 6 players), I had no doubt that my 4- and 6-year-olds would enjoy the creativity and fun of trying to work together to decipher each image.

The round began with the flip of a doodle card and starting the timer (although we tried not using the timer as well due to the girls' young ages and the amount of time it takes them to write out words), and then each player using their own answer board and dry erase pen to write down three answers as to what they believed the pre-printed doodle looked like (in the specific category rolled on the die).

What's It game

This game really is a lot of fun! Similar to something like Pictionary, where there is a great deal of laughter involved as you try to decipher what someone else is thinking, What's It? has the same guessing hilarity!

What's It game review

Unlike other games that end with one or both girls sad and disappointed, What's It? promotes the idea that, by having all players work together, everyone can win! Add to that the fact that it is just a whole lot of fun to come up with all sorts of zany answers and my girls have asked to play this game again and again and again!

With competition such a big part of our society, I'm happy to see that there are companies that have found a way to boost the confidence, cooperation and teamwork of children of all ages. Retailing for $24.99, I have no doubt that we will be reaching for What's It? by Peaceable Kingdom for many more game nights for years to come!

At the same time, for more individualized extensive play, we have been thrilled with the way that Peaceable Kingdom's new Sticker Books have taken a seemingly simple concept and turned them into something so much more. From glow-in-the-dark to 3D to stickers that flicker and change as you move them, these are beyond what a traditional, use-one-time-and-then-it's-thrown-away sticker can do.

Peaceable Kingdom Sticker Activity Book

While I had assumed that both of my girls would enjoy the Magical Ponies Sticker Activity Book, I hadn't realized just how much they would be thrilled over the vivid colors, whimsical illustrations, and all-out uniqueness of this book.

More than simply a few pages with some stickers, this activity book contains six different pages of activities (e.g. pony dress-up, a puzzle and color matching) and four sheets that are filled to the edges with all sorts of repositional stickers.

pony sticker book

I love the way that Peaceable Kingdom has incorporated an educational aspect to this book, and especially adore the fact that these stickers can be peeled from the pages and used again and again.

Instead of a traditional activity book in which the stickers are permanently adhered to the paper pages, these magical ponies (and the zillions of other stickers) can be moved around for endless adventures and play!

Peaceable Kingdom Sticker Activity Book review

Retailing for $7.99, these Peaceable Kingdom Sticker Books (as well as the other varieties of unique sticker fun) are available in all sorts of fun themes — monsters, princesses, dinosaurs, aliens, fairies and more— and make a perfectly affordable and entertaining gift for any occasion.

If you're looking for a captivating game that promotes working together or a clever activity book that can reinforce imagination that the children in your life are sure to enjoy, visit the Peaceable Kingdom website to see their expanding product line and the education and entertainment that they can bring to your home.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be able to see Peaceable Kingdom's innovative and impressive items in person as well, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of Peaceable Kingdom's 2013 games or sticker books*!

Peaceable Kingdom giveaway
*Prize options include 2013 games (What's It?, The Great Cheese Chase, Buzz! and Stack Up!) and sticker activity poster books (3D Alien Attack and Glow-in-the-Dark Glowing Fairies), sticker activity books (Dinosaur, Princess, Magical Ponies and Monsters), 3D Super Sticker Packs (Roar!, Zoom!, Flutter! and Super Heroes!) and Flicker Sticker Packs (Ballerinas, Wacky Animals and Monsters)



A big thank you to Peaceable Kingdom for providing What's It? and Magical Ponies Sticker Activity Book for me to review and the choice of 2013 game or sticker book for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Happy Chocolate Mint Day! {Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch Balance Bars Giveaway}

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Balance Bar logo
Peanut butter and jelly, french fries and ketchup, pancakes and syrup, pizza and ranch dressing (I'm telling you, try it!)... there is no denying that there are just some flavors that are made for each other.

For many people, there is something special about the combination of smooth, rich, luxurious chocolate and cool, refreshing, sharp mint. Which is why those people will be happy to know that today, February 19th, is the perfect day to celebrate the incredible combination of chocolate and mint due to it being National Chocolate Mint Day!

What better day than today to indulge in your favorite minty, chocolatey goodies, right?

However, for the majority of people, when you think of chocolate mint treat, your mind probably wanders to images that look something like these...

chocolate mint desserts

Not too shabby of a way to celebrate Chocolate Mint Day by any means.

But...

I'm sure I'm not the only one that would enjoy these tasty desserts but then end up spending the rest of Chocolate Mint Day feeling guilty about the huge amount of extra calories that came with them.

Instead, for a healthier, yet still extremely delicious and satisfying option, it is just as easy to reach for the healthy nutrition, energy and convenience that comes along with a Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch Balance Bar!

Chocolate Mint Balance Bar

If you caught my Balance Bar review earlier this year, then you already know that I found the satisfying crunch and perfect mix of flavors in these bars to come together for a light, refreshing taste.

Add to that the fact that they contain only 200 calories and have a whopping 14g of protein, and it's easy to see why a Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch Balance Bar would make for a guilt-free way to keep your sweet tooth and your waistline happy on this unique holiday.

Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch

Whether you have been waiting for Chocolate Mint Day to arrive or you simply know that it is better for your body to eat healthy snacks throughout the day to stay fueled (and not starving!), Balance Bars are a delicious way to keep you on track... while giving your taste buds a treat at the same time.

To find out more about the HUGE variety of Balance Bars and the endless number of flavors available, visit them at Balance.com and on Facebook and Twitter. As well as keeping an eye out for these bars at your local grocery store and health food store, you can also find them at ShopBalance.com as well as on Amazon.

Plus, thanks to the generosity of Balance Bar, one person will be able to have a minty chocolate dose of healthy nutrition as well, because...

One lucky person will win a BOX of Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch bars from Balance Bar!

Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch Balance Bar


A big thank you to Balance Bar for providing a box of Balance Bars for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.
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