Getting Creative with Box Tops #BTFE #ad

September 2, 2015 by 4 Comments

In one of our recent trips to Walmart, we picked up some Box Tops for Education products. My son picked out his favorite cereals as well as several kinds of yogurt. When shopping, it is very easy to grab Box Tops for Education items and still get everything on your list. At my son’s school they have worksheets that can be decorated and filled in with box tops, which help the school earn money.

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If I were trying to drum up box top donations for a school, I would take a more tongue in check approach. I am not sure how parking or pick up drop offs go at your school, but at most every school I’ve ever been to it is a mad house led by some administrator. No one likes car line, it’s no fun at all.  We all also know about the “back to school” fairs at the beginning of the year- it would be fun to combing a box top drive with putting the car line to good use.  Every paper turned in that is full of box tops, the parent gets an extra ticket for a tricky tray item, a fair ride, whatever your school is tormenting you with.  I mean, whatever fun activity you get to go to for your child’s school.

A great way to fill up that sheet is with Walmart’s bonus Box Tops offers on select General Mills products, where you can get up to 5 box tops per purchase instead of only one. You can increase the funds your child’s school receives, and some of the cereals are in “buy two” boxes that also save you money.

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You have to get these things anyway, just clip the Box Tops when you are done and send them in with your child.  Every little bit helps, and your child will be happy to contribute as well (in more then one way).

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of General Mills®. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Lunch Box Ideas with Wet Ones #WishIHadAWetOnes #ad

September 2, 2015 by 2 Comments

School time is coming up fast, and it is time to think about getting creative with lunches. Instead of simply filling a lunch box with juice, a sandwich, and a fruit snack, why not make them guess whats coming each day?  A great way to do this is with a varied amount of foods, and switching it up often.

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First up, lets discuss snacks.  Classically the fruit snacks are used, especially with the younger kids, but there are tons of kinds and varieties of those as well.  Visit an international market, that is always fun.  Try giving the kids soup and gold fish crackers or cottage cheese and pretzel sticks, things like that.  You don’t have to be “that mom” spending 400 hours making an adorable bento box they aren’t going to eat anyway- just fill up their lunchbox with foods they like, and a variety of them. Soup, pasta, salad, even pizza with the proper containers could work.

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Any kind of drink can be packed, but the best thing for them is water.  You can give them sun tea or flavored water to keep their sugar intake down or for a surprise.  It can be cute to get your kids a bento box, and fill it with an odd assortment of fun stuff, with each compartment having a new surprise lunch treat.  Maybe think about leaving a note, small drawing, sticker, or just a special chocolate treat- that will make your child’s day.  The smallest of sentiments go a long way.

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Don’t forget the clean up.  Make sure to pack a Wet Ones so your little ones can keep germ free and clean after (and before!) lunchtime. America’s #1 Hand Wipe, they are perfect to clean messy hands and kill 99.99% of germs. They have an Aloe formula, so they won’t dry or irritate your skin like hand sanitizers can. And, they’re hypoallergenic- what more can a mom ask for in a wipe?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Wet Ones®. The opinions and text are all mine.

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7th Heaven Face Masks for Beautiful Skin

September 1, 2015 by 3 Comments

There is a new UK-based beauty company, 7th Heaven (www.my7thheaven.com), that have some masks that you will want to try out. They specialize in the face mask category and have one for just about every skin care issue or wish imaginable from hydrating to brightening.  Also, the masks come in easy-to-transport single serve sachets, so it’s easy to try several and find your favorite (not to mention it’s easy to take these instant beauty boosters on vacation.)

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Blemishes be gone.  The newest all-natural, high performing facial treatment from 7th Heaven — Tea Tree Oil Peel Off Mask  — has arrived, bringing with it clearer, cleaner, calmer skin.  Just apply it all over the face, indulge in your favorite 20 – 25 minute relaxing activity and then peel it off for a fresh look! It really does peel off- it has the texture of when you get glue on your fingers, and it came off almost in one piece for me. They show it green on the package, but as you can see, it goes on clear.  Dries that way as well, but it’s not sticky once dry.
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  – A de-stressing mask that delves deep into pores and takes impurities with it when you
peel it off
-Targets the T-zone and other problem areas; ideal
for all skin types
–Tea tree oil is known for its anti-blemish properties; in this deep penetrating mask these benefits are
maximized
–Other key ingredients include crushed witch hazel
and pressed Canadian willow herb
–Calms and soothes skin 
-Comes in single-serve pouches; perfect for travel 
Just cleanse skin, apply mask, relax for 20 to 25 minutes, peel off the mask, and enjoy fresh, fabulous skin.

You can also try the Argan Oil Mud Mask.

Argan oil has long been considered one of beauty’s miracle ingredients.  Now this gift of nature from Morocco stars in a new Argan Oil Mud Mask, a luxurious face treat from 7th Heaven. Coupled with antioxidant-rich acai berries, this wonder mask is the perfect solution to bring the most fatigued face back to life.
–A weekly mask formulated for combination and oily
skin
-Deeply cleanses pores, balances oil levels and revives tired skin
-Features vitamin-rich, hydrating and balancing pressed argan kernels, antioxidant rich acai berries,
and squeezed rosehip

–After use, skin is pristinely clean yet hydrated and supple, never stripped of natural oils or tight 

-Comes in single-serve pouches; perfect for travel
Both are $1.99 for a generous single 0.5 oz use , available for purchase at Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Harmon Discount and Kmart .  They are cruelty-free, and members of BUAV/Leaping Bunny and PETA.

 

Filed Under: beauty, review Tagged With: ,

Travel Well, Travel Light on Your Next Flight

September 1, 2015 by 2 Comments

With airports gouging you for every little thing, you want to keep your bags as small and light as possible, packing no more then you have to for any trip. When you can, keep it to a carry on  and avoid those nasty baggage fees.  You are allowed one small bag, like a briefcase or purse, as well as your carry on bag, and you can make every inch count!

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The first thing you are going to want to pack- and it doesn’t even count toward your “luggage allotment”! is a head and neck pillow for the flight.  Those seats are awful, and there is no comfortable way to sit that doesn’t cramp up your neck (not to mention sleep even halfway decently).  The new Comfy Commuter Travel Pillow allows you to get some rest, and be as comfortable as possible in those seats.  The plush material cradles your neck to help the head stay upright  and in a position that won’t lead to cramping.  It is one of the more comfortable pillows I have used, and we travel often. It has a chin strap to keep it in place as well, so you won’t be picking it up off the floor.  You can pick one up in several colors at http://www.comfycommuter.com/ for $40.

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Going to be doing a lot of walking?  Check out Waldläufer.  Shoes for every journey- no matter where life takes you.  A new take on the “comfort shoe”, they are orthotic friendly and offer great support. These shoes are also designed specifically for a single width, making them shoes that won’t hurt your feet after long days.  They are stylish as well- no giant, clunky soles or orthodic-looking designs.  The Toni in black and grey suede is both classic and retro- it adds some “kick” to any outfit, and they really are comfortable.  Functional, too- the first day I wore them, I had to jump a fence due to my son being good at being 8.  Not your normal day at the office, but they performed well.  No matter what your day throws your way, Waldläufer will keep your feet comfortable and you looking good. Check out what they have for fall at http://waldlaufer.com

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Travel can be hard on your gear, so you want to make sure to grab items that can stand up to its rigors.  Check out the Eagle Creek Market Handbag.  We all need a good bag (when is the last time you saw a woman sans purse?) and for those on the go, you need one that is durable, lightweight, and has places to put all your important stuff.  The market handbag has tons of pockets and lanyards for your keys, cell phone, pens, business cards (whatever you need to have at hand) and even holders for bottles of water or sippy cups.  It’s outside is water resistant, which is always a good thing. You can wear it cross body or over the shoulder, whatever works for you. It even has a lifetime warranty.  It’s comfortable to wear, which is also key.  You can get one at http://shop.eaglecreek.com/market-handbag/d/1486_c_411 for $80

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While you are at Eagle Creek, check out the Specter 7 Day Pill Organizer.  Many of us have prescriptions and/or vitamins that we take daily, and this is perfect for taking them along.  It is lightweight and easy to clean, with seven clear, zippered pockets that show what is in each compartment. Each pouch can be numbered for the day of the week, or with daytime and nighttime medications.You can lock the zipper on the main compartment if you choose to, and has a zipper pocked that can keep any prescription information that is needed, as well as a pen slot.  It comes in three colors at http://shop.eaglecreek.com/specter-7-day-pill-organizer-/d/1471 for $25.

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Peg + Cat book-signing and storytelling events this September in NYC

August 31, 2015 by 1 Comment

Meet-n-Greets with Series Creators and Costume Characters!

Exciting Peg + Cat storytelling events are adding up to BIG fun for NYC families this fall! Kids across the city are invited to join Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson, the creators of the Emmy Award-winning PBS KIDS series Peg + Cat, to celebrate the launch of Peg + Cat: The Race Car Problem, the first picture book inspired by the top-rated TV show.

Event Details

Two stand-out Peg + Cat book signing and story-telling events with series creators Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson!

97 Warren Street, New York, NY

*PLUS – special guest appearance from Peg and Cat!*

686 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY

Peg + Cat, produced by The Fred Rogers Company, launched on PBS KIDS in fall 2013. Proving an instant hit with children, parents and critics alike, the series went on to win four Emmy Awards, including a 2015 Emmy for “Outstanding Writing in a Preschool Animated Program.” The series follows the spirited Peg, Cat and their friends as they embark on relatable and funny adventures, filled with upbeat original music, and work together to overcome a challenge using their trusty math and problem-solving abilities. The Fred Rogers Company is producing a second season of 25 new math-infused episodes for PBS KIDS, including a one-hour special, set to launch in spring 2016.

Peg + Cat: The Race Car Problem is the first in a new picture book series from Candlewick Entertainment. Written and illustrated by the show creators Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson, the books translate all the best qualities and delightful quirkiness of the hit TV show into book form, encouraging kids to have fun while putting their math skills to the test as they follow the hilarious adventures of Peg and Cat.  The second book in the series, Peg + Cat: The Pizza Problem, will debut in February 2016.

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Win a Krusteaz Back to School Prize Pack

August 29, 2015 by 97 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.
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Back to school season is just around the corner. We know that your family is savoring the final moments of summer while also gearing up for the beginning of another school year. Get ready for all those school lunches and after school cravings by creating your favorite snacks together.

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Krusteaz, a delicious brand of convenient, high quality boxed baking mixes, wants to help by sharing their new Bakery Style Cookie Mixes with you and your family.  To get you ready for back to school, we’d love to send you a kit for review that would include the following:

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  • New Krusteaz Bakery Style Cookie Mixes including:
    • Triple Chocolate Chunk
    • Meyer Lemon
    • Double Peanut Butter
    • Brown Sugar Oatmeal
    • Oatmeal Scotchie
    • Butter Vanilla Sugar
  • A Krusteaz lunchbox
  • Some fun kitchen items like a Krusteaz-branded oven mitt and aprons (one for an adult and one for a child!)
  • A selfie stick (for fun family photos taken while baking and enjoying cookies!)
  • Cookie cutter and measuring spoons for kids from Curious Chef
  • Cookie recipe inspiration cards

One of you can win a great prize pack!

New Krusteaz Bakery Style Cookie Mixes including:
Triple Chocolate Chunk
Meyer Lemon
Double Peanut Butter
Brown Sugar Oatmeal
Oatmeal Scotchie
Butter Vanilla Sugar
A Krusteaz lunchbox
Some fun kitchen items like a Krusteaz-branded oven mitt and aprons (one for an adult and one for a child!)
A selfie stick (for fun family photos taken while baking and enjoying cookies!)
Cookie cutter and measuring spoons for kids from Curious Chef
Cookie recipe inspiration cards

Enter to win the prize pack using the RC form below. Ends Sept, 19, 2015. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: food, giveaway, review

The Mill Fudge Factory

August 29, 2015 by 7 Comments

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Family-owned and operated Mill Fudge Factory & Ice Cream Café is now offering its delectable line of hand-crafted fudge nationally through its online shop at www.themillfudgefactory.com . The Bristol, NH-based small business, founded by the Munro family in 2006, uses the family’s secret Scottish recipe and 100% natural ingredients to create authentic fudge unlike any that can be found on this side of the Atlantic.

The Mill Fudge Factory fudge is available in an assortment of classic and inventive flavors, including Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate Walnut, Natural Peanut Butter, Scottish Whiskey, Pure New Hampshire Maple, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Pumpkin Pie and much more. The Factory also offers an assortment of decadent truffles and toffee. All confections are available in gift baskets and elegant sampler boxes.

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“We take pride in creating fudge true to the recipe of my grandfather in Scotland and we do it right here in New England,” said Mill Fudge Factory Co-Owner and General Manager Noah Munro. “People tell us they can taste the care we put into our fudge. We’re so happy that we can now share it with folks across the U.S. Our fudge makes for a unique Halloween treat, a great addition to the Thanksgiving table and a fabulous Christmas or Hanukkah gift.”

Advocates of the slow food movement, the Munro family make their fudge with all natural ingredients including Callebaut Belgian dark chocolate, Cabot butter, pure honey and cane sugar and staunchly avoid corn syrup, preservatives, artificial flavors and colors. The hand-crafted fudge is now available for shipping across the United States through the Factory’s online store at www.themillfudgefactory.com .

Filed Under: food, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, review Tagged With: , , ,

Stylish Bathroom Design Ideas For Your Home

August 29, 2015 by 2 Comments

When you have guests over, what do you think they judge the most? I’ll give you a hint, it should be the cleanest place in the house. If you guessed the kitchen, you’re incorrect. The kitchen is typically one of the dirtiest places in the house because here we just tend to let things slide. There might be a few crumbs on the floor, we’ll pick them up eventually or dirty dishes in the sink. Hey, I’m getting around to cleaning them! No, the answer is the bathroom. For some reason, don’t ask me why, when you have a guest over one of the first things they will do is ask where the bathroom is. Don’t be naive, they aren’t looking to use it, they’re looking to judge. That is why, girls and boys you want your bathroom to be absolutely stunning.

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Clean It Up

Start by giving your bathroom a good clean. I know you probably clean it regularly, or at least I hope you do but you’re not doing this for hygiene reasons. It’s the best way to get close and personal with the room and find out what needs improving. For instance, you might find that the caulk around your shower has started to wear away and it needs replacing. This is quite easy to do. Just add a touch of adhesive to a cloth, wiping away the old stuff and then wash the space. Wait for that to dry before you replace it with new caulk.  Also, an extra tip is to use a scented cleaner so that your bathroom smells terrific. So, now you’ve got your hands dirty and had a close look around, what needs improving?

The Color?

Are you still happy with the color of your bathroom? If not, you’re going to have to ask yourself why. You may want your room to look more modern in which case you are looking to paint it a dark color with contrasting whites and creams in places.

But remember, if you change the walls you are going to have to change to the floors too. Perhaps even all your furniture depending on how drastic the change was. If you want to save on costs, choose a color that matches your fixtures otherwise you are looking at a lot of work ahead.

Then again, you might want to update the fixtures in your room, like the shower. I for one, know that my bathroom upstairs could certainly do with a modern upgrade. For those of you considering this decision, check out some of the great shower designs that might fit in your bathroom perfectly. You don’t have to replace the whole unit. You can just make smaller improvements such as installing a new frosted glass, door. That would look rather wonderful.

Small Adjustments

Speaking of small improvements there are lots of little things you can do to improve the space. I mentioned other options rather than replace fixtures completely. So instead of upgrading your bath and sink, just get new taps and faucets. The modern design will make your bath and sink look new again and certainly fool some fussy guests.

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