May 20, 2013

Active Family Project: I PROMISE To Make A Playdate!!!

By · 8 Comments

*I received $100 from Merck Consumer Care, and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience. This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Merck Consumer Care

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With summer coming and schools closing for a couple of months, I am starting to wonder what kind of activities I can have planned for my kids. I certainly don’t want them to get bored!

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Sure, they will have playdates with friends and cousins, but what about just doing fun things with me? We could go to the zoo, visit the local library or make some yummy treats. Or we could make some fun crafts or go play at the park! So much to do, but I will need to be organized first!

my family

One way to make sure we can stay active and happy all summer long, is to be prepared. I really like the Active Family Project and have been browsing this website. It is interesting because it helps you pinpoint fun things going on in your neck of the woods! This can be really helpful!

The Active Family Project is designed to help empower moms to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle with their families so they can live life the way they love. It gives you tips and advice for fun family activities and build a national community of moms dedicated to adopting and promoting a healthy and active family lifestyle! Sounds like my kind of thing!

I just started using the Active Family Project Activity Finder. All you do is type in your zip code/location and then when it pulls you up, you then click on the ‘categories’ tab and click on what you want to do. For example: the zoo, aquarium, library, park and so on!

I did the park one and it pulled up all of the parks near us! That way, we have a choice. There were some parks I did not even know existed! So, this summer, we will be checking those parks out! Can’t wait :)

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Enter the Sweepstakes!

Who doesn’t love sweepstakes, especially if you can win a REALLY cool prize! I wanted to let you all know about the  Family Playdate Sweepstakes. You can enter to win weekly prizes including a Family Beach Vacation Prize Pack! I WANT that one!! Don’t you??!? But HURRY! This sweepstakes ends on May 26, 2013!! Find out the details and enter today!!!

Don’t forget to ‘like’ Active Family Project on Facebook!!

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I PROMISE to make a playdate with my kids! Do you promise to make one with yours???

 

 

 

 

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May 18, 2013

Upere Wedge Sneakers Review

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I like to be super comfortable and stylish, who doesn’t? I really like to wear comfortable tennis shoes too. She why the heck not, put the wedge AND sneaker together for an all around trendy look??

upere wedge sneakers

Upere did just that! They put the wedge and sneaker together to make one terrific shoe! I received a pair of the Upere Wedge Sneakers to review. I wanted black ones, but got the blue ones instead, oh well!

I was pleasantly surprised at how cute these wedge sneakers truly are. I love the height on them and the look is sporty and cute. I love to wear them with a pair of jeans and a tight-fitting t-shirt. Very trendy and all the stars are going with the wedge sneakers these days including: Jessica Alba, Kim Kardashian, Dakota Fanning and more! If they can do it, I can do it too :)

uphere wedge sneakers

These shoes look like your average high top tennis shoe, but has a little height to it! A wedge is nestled inside this tennis shoe to give it a ‘lift’! These are really cute.

uphere wedge sneakers

They are comfortable too. I like how they feel on my feet. Not uncomfortable, considering their height. They are trendy and fun and I like that I can wear them with jeans or leggings. They have an extra velcro band that goes around your ankle, to tighten it nicely, then it has that ‘pillow cushion’ for added comfort, then you have the other velcro fastenings. All of that makes for a great, comfortable, plush fitting! I think these kinds of shoes you just have to check out in person. You just cannot tell how cute they are or comfy they are until you have them on YOUR feet.

uphere wedge sneaker

Upere is a new fashion brand that was established in 2012. It is mainly specializing in producing high-end and trendy wedge sneakers and wedge shoes for women. So you will have to check them out!

Buy

You can purchase their wedge sneakers online at www.upere.com. They are kind of spendy, but totally cute and well made.

Coupon Code!

You may use the code “UPERE” to get 15% off on the wedge sneakers!!!

Connect!

You can follow Uphere on Twitter,Facebook and Pinterest!

 

 

 

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May 17, 2013

New Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch (Giveaway!)

By · 28 Comments

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I am not a breakfast person, never really have been. But, I do like a good, healthy cereal, in the afternoon :) I really love the new Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch cereal I was sent to review!

It takes so good. We have tried it before and actually had a box almost gone, on my pantry shelf, when this arrived! See, told you I loved it :)

honey bunches of oats greek yogurt cereal

It is difficult to get my kids to eat healthy during the day, so I like to start out their day with a healthy meal or cereal. This cereal is definitely a good choice and my kids will eat it! Yay :)

New Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch is a perfect combination of wholesome goodness and great taste in every bowl – made with 33g of Whole Grain per serving (that is over 2/3 your day’s whole grain servings!) and two unique granola bunches with real Greek yogurt in every bite!

honey bunches of oats greek yogurt cereal

I love that it is crunchy and delicious all rolled into one. I like the taste of the greek yogurt and the granola bunches! This is a very yummy mixture.

Win!

One person is going to win the following:

One box of Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch Cereal

Two Spoons

Two Bowls

How?

Easy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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May 17, 2013

Boys and Their Cars! (Review & Giveaway)

By · 21 Comments

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Yep, boys and their cars! What is with that, anyways??? When my hubby sees a ‘fixer upper’ he MUST get it and fix that car up! He has quite a collection in our yard, sigh…

Now that I have a little boy (and another baby boy, whoosh!!!) he is into cars, just like his daddy! DOUBLE sigh! He loves figuring out how things work and he loves his cars, whether they are real or toys. He has toy cars EVERYWHERE in this home! Whoosh!

ToyState Cars

We were recently sent some really cool toy cars. We were sent the  007 and some other cars from Toy State®. The 007 cars are really cool! All these cars are! Any boy would LOVE to have these in their hands!

ToyState Toy Cars

These cars have working head and tail lights, realistic vehicle sounds and the classic James Bond Theme music! Totally cool!! The models that are available are: Aston Martin DBS (Quantum of Solace), Aston Martin DB5 (Casino Royal), Lotus Esprit (The Spy Who Loved Me) and the featured car from the latest installment of the James Bond franchise, Skyfall.

ToyState Cars

Next is the Road Rippers Hatchback. This is a cool car! You lift up the back hatchback part of the vehicle to hear some cool tunes! It lights up too and is really neat.

The third one is the Road Rippers Monster Truck! The truck we got is green and totally tough and cool! This truck will roll over most anything in its way! My son and daughter love putting toys in its way, just so it can run them over! It also has realistic monster truck sounds and even tunes! Styles include: Bigfoot, Ramunition, Raminator and Snake Bite.

Buy

All of these fun cars can be bought online at http://www.toystate.com/

Win!

One person will win all three of the cars mentioned above!

How?

Easy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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May 17, 2013

Scanimalz (Giveaway)

By · 8 Comments

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Scanimalz was recently debuted at the American International Toy Fair and they were a huge hit! I can see why, they are really neat!

scanimalz

We received a limited edition Scanimalz to review and my daughter just adores it! There are only 1,000 out there and we got one of them! So neat :) He came, nestled inside of a plastic clear box. We could not display him for  long, as my kids had to get him out and check him out :)

scanimalz

He is too cute. He is soft and plush and adorable. Scanimalz offers a world of fun for kids of all ages!  All you have to do is download the free iOS and Android Scanimalz App and then scan the QR code on the Scanimalz belly to play games, track collections, earn points and work your way up the leader board!   What makes Scanimalz unique is the App prompts kids to scan their Scanimalz’ belly on a daily basis, so it keeps your kids coming back for more!

My daughter is loving this new plush toy. She is always wanting to play with him and she even named him “Noobe“. So adorable!

There are 8 adorable, plush characters to choose from and they are only $9.99 each! Too cute for words and so much fun for your kids!

 how to use scanimalz

 Buy

You can purchase Scanimalz online at https://www.scanimalz.com/shop

Win

One person will win an adorable, plush Scanimalz of their very own!

How?

Easy. Just use the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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May 17, 2013

Cooking With Fisher Nuts! (Giveaway!)

By · 62 Comments

*I am working with Fisher to share Chef Alex Guarnaschelli’s recipes and create my own original recipe using Fisher Nuts and tools they provided. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

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I love finding new ways to cook food. My kids are super picky eaters and getting them to eat something is quite a chore at times. I have to sneak in healthy veggies, because they don’t usually eat as much veggies as they need to be.

I was sent a really fun cooking package from Fisher Nuts to create a fun and healthy meal, for my family. I got down to business and created something last night, that my whole family ate and LOVED. They cleaned their plates!!! I was HAPPY.

I made a tater tot casserole with sliced almonds from Fisher Nuts! Yep, the almonds were sooo good in this dish! Who would have thought, right??

easy tater tot casserole with sliced almonds

Recipe Time!!

4.7 from 7 reviews

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Tater Tot Casserole with Sliced Almonds
Author: 
Recipe type: Main Dish
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 

Serves: 8
 

A delicious and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy!
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs of ground meat
  • 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
  • sour cream
  • 1 bag of frozen tater tots
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • Johnny’s Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Accent
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fisher Nuts Sliced Almonds

Instructions
  1. brown ground meat in skillet and drain
  2. add chopped onion and chopped green bell pepper
  3. add both cans of soup
  4. add Johnny’s Salt
  5. add Accent
  6. add garlic powder and mix it all in together
  7. put into glass baking dish
  8. put frozen tater tots on top of meat mixture and cook at 425 for 20 minutes
  9. take out of oven and add shredded cheddar cheese to the top and put back in oven for 5 minutes
  10. Take out of oven spoon on sour cream (if you want)
  11. Sprinkle the Fisher Nuts Sliced Almonds on the top and enjoy!!!

WordPress Recipe Plugin by EasyRecipe

Fisher Nuts is continuing to partner with Food Network Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, a recent winner on Food Network’s Iron Chef and a regular judge on Chopped, to offer you a fresh twist on spring recipes.  Using seasonal ingredients like fresh nuts and produce can help bring your recipes to life and Chef Alex has recommendations for taking your spring cuisine to a new level!! Check out Alex’s recipes and tips for cooking with nuts. There is some great recipes and tips there!!

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Win!

One lucky person will win the following items to help them create a delicious meal:

(approximately a $56 value)

 

·         Trudeau Melamine Mixing Bowls (Set of 3)

·         Trudeau 5-Piece Measuring Spoon Set

·         Casabella Jumbo Muffin Cups

·         Fisher Chef’s Naturals Sliced Almonds

·         Fisher Chef’s Naturals Walnut Halves & Pieces

·         Fisher Pecan Halves

How?

Easy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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May 16, 2013

Monkey Mat: Portable Travel Picnic And Play Mat (Review & Discount Code!)

By · 12 Comments

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Warm weather is here! Woot! I am sooo  happy about this and so are my kids! That means more time outside, enjoying nature. With a baby though, I need a good place to set baby when we do venture outside. I don’t want to always carry around a swing or chair, no way! So I now use the Monkey Mat that I received to review. It is pretty cool.

Monkey Mat

What is A Monkey Mat???

The Monkey Mat is a great mat that is awesome for picnic’s and play time for baby, inside the house or out. It is waterproof, has weighted corners (so the wind can’t blow it up so easily..) and it is washable. It comes nestled inside of a really cute zipper pouch (that is attached to the mat so you can’t lose it!) and is very compact so you can bring it anywhere! Just throw it in your purse or diaper bag (or clip it on!) and go!

Monkey Mat Play Mat

My Thoughts…

I love this mat. It is not only practical but super cute too. I love that it not only has weighted corners, but also has little loops on each corner, to stake it down, if need be. It is completely machine washable, so any mess on it can easily be washed in the washing machine! It is water repellant and is a great size at 5′x5′! Perfect for those family outings to a parade, beach or whatever!

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It comes in four different colors: tan, blue, pink and orange. I received the tan one! I am very pleased with this mat and have already used it several times, going to my mom’s house and recently at the zoo.

Monkey Mat

Buy

You can purchase the Monkey Mat online at http://www.monkeymat.com/. They retail for $39.99.

Monkey Mat

Grab Your Coupon!!

Use the code SHOPMAMA, you’ll get a 20% discount on your Monkey Mat!!

Connect with Monkey Mat on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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May 14, 2013

Keeping Your Skin Beautiful With Clean & Clear (Review & Giveaway)

By · 24 Comments

*This post contains an affiliate link

We all know that when there is a big event you are attending, the dreaded breakouts seem to happen. It never fails and it does not matter how old you are, a breakout can happen to ANYONE at anytime.. ugh.

I JUST started seeing clearer skin in my late thirties. Can you believe that? I must knock on wood though, because I can see myself being jinxed by saying that. Watch, tomorrow morning I will wake up with a huge zit on my nostril…so weird!

Anyways, Clean & Clear has some great products to keep your skin clean and fresh feeling, even on the hottest of days! I received the Advantage Acne Spot Treatment, Oil Absorbing Sheets (which I already use all the time and SWEAR by) and Makeup Dissolving Facial Cleansing Wipes.

clean_and_clear

I had never tried the Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment. It comes in a little tube and a little goes a long way. I use it on my chin, where I tend to breakout if I do break out, and I use it there, if I sense a breakout or blemish coming on. My chin is clear and nice feeling. I can tell this is strong stuff though, just by the way it feels on my skin.

The Clean & Clear Oil-Absorbing Sheets are amazing. I have been using them for YEARS now and use at least one, everyday :) I have to keep my shine on my face at bay and these work miracles for greasy shine. All you do is take the oil absorbing, blue sheet and swipe it over your oily parts on  your face. When you look at the sheet, you will see ‘clear’ spots on it where the oil was absorbed. Your face is then oil-free! LOVE these.

The Makeup Dissolving Facial Cleansing Wipes are awesome for taking off your makeup anytime of the day. I use them at night though. But these are great for after workouts at the gym too! These even work on waterproof mascara ;)

Clean & Clear Giveaway

 

Grab Your Coupons!

Don’t forget to grab up your coupons on Clean & Clear’s Deals & Discounts page!!

Win

One lucky person is going to win all three of the products listed above!

How?

Easy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below. Please wait for it to load, if you don’t see it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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May 14, 2013

EyeDoll Chatter: Flavored Lip Gloss And Scented Eye Shadows (Review & A Giveaway!)

By · 6 Comments

eyedoll chatter

Me and my daughter have SO much fun with makeup!! We sit in front of the mirror and will do each others makeup. It is ‘our‘ time!

eyedoll chatter beauty products

Recently we were sent some really cute makeup kits from EyeDoll Chatter to review and they are soooo neat! We received the hello kissy flavored lip gloss kit and the American eye doll scented eye shadow kit! YUM :) We absolutely LOVE these kits! We actually received three of them, but two were two different eye shadow kits :)

eyedoll chatter flavored lip gloss kit

First of all, the packaging of these kits are way too dang cute. I was thrilled with the presentation of these kits. I LOVE it when companies make their things so cute!!! Makes me want more!

eyedoll chatter eye shadow kit

The eye shadow kits come with three, scented shimmers and three colored shadows. They each come in a little jar with a lid. It is all loose powders, so it can get a bit messy, but it sure is fun! They smell delicious and my daughter LOVES mixing them and making them smell even better and then she will have me put them on her and she will put them on me! Too much fun!

kids makeup

The lip gloss kit is super fun and cute too. I love the colors that can be mixed together and then flavors are yummy too! The lip gloss kit comes with three pretty colors and three yummy scents/flavors. We mix and match flavors and glosses to create some really pretty lip glosses and recipes :) You can be subtle or go CRAZY! It is up to you!

eyedoll chatter eye shadow kit

Buy

You can purchase these fun kits online at http://www.eyedollchatter.com/. They retail for $25 a kit!

Win

One lucky person will win  (1) Hello Kissy Lip Gloss Kit!!!

How?

Easy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below! Wait for it to load, if you don’t see it!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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May 13, 2013

Spoonful Of Comfort (Review)

By · 10 Comments

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Don’t you hate it when you get sick and absolutely cannot cook? Your family will starve without you, correct? Nah, they don’t have to. You can have Dad cook or order out, right? Nah to that too. You just want to REST and get better! You want to do NOTHING!!

spoonful of comfort

That is how I feel when I do get sick. Spoonful of Comfort can help you out with that meal. I received a delicious, home cooked meal from Spoonful of Comfort, to review and share my thoughts with you..

The meal arrived in record time. I was impressed with its presentation and how cute everything looked. It did arrive on a day I did not feel like cooking, so that was nice too. Well, heck, I DID just have a baby, so it was nice not having to cook for once! Whoosh..

chicken noodle soup

What I Received:

Home Made Chicken Noodle Soup

6 Rolls

6 Delicious Oatmeal & Raisen Cookies

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My Thoughts..

I loved the thought of this! Comfort food to your door and ready to serve! So nice! The chicken noodle soup was good, but I made it better by adding more seasonings. The rolls were okay, but they had a taste of the plastic it was in. But, the cookies were to die for. I seriously have never tasted oatmeal raisen cookies that were this good. And these were also very nicely sized cookies! Oh how I craved more, when they were gone! YUM. All in all, I enjoyed the meal, but really really really enjoyed the cookies the most!

Now, you can order this for your college student, for a friend who does not feel well or is sad, or for just because! I know anyone I am in contact with, loves the idea of this. Who doesn’t love food delivered to them?

Buy

You can check out the packages and prices, by visiting Spoonful of Comfort online at http://www.spoonfulofcomfort.com/

Connect with Spoonful of Comfort on Facebook and Twitter!

 

 

 

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