Fresh Mex Lobster at Chevy’s

August 23, 2015 by 6 Comments

In the heat of the summer season, there are quite a few foods which bring out memories of warmth, and ocean fun.  One of these is lobster, and what better way to serve lobster then Mexican style?  This may not sound like the norm, but honestly- the norm is boring.

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Chevy’s is known for there California inspired Mexican food. Each dish made from scratch daily with only the freshest highest quality ingredients.

Their most recent menu addition is the fresh taste of lobster added to some everyday dishes with some Chevy’s twists on classics.  This is, of course, in addition to the long list of Cali-Mex inspired dishes.  The main dishes introduced are Lobster Salad, Lobster Tacos, and Lobster Rolls.  Each dish includes fresh lobster cooked to perfection just for you.  I know what you are thinking- but it’s really fresh, and really good.

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Of the dishes available we tried out the lobster tacos and the lobster salad, as well as an interesting spicy shrimp.

We started out our meal with an appetizer, which was jalapeno bacon wrapped shrimp.  Each shrimp is individually hand wrapped in roasted jalapeno peppers, manchego cheese, and bacon.  This makes for a spicy smokey flavored shrimp that is hard to beat, so coming out the gate we are already winning.

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The Lobster salad is a spring salad mix, topped with a large portion of lobster meat, as well as avocado, corn salsa, tortilla strips, and any dressing you wish (although the cilantro lime works quite well).  It was a huge salad- so big, we had to share a little bit, ha- but better to have too much then not enough, true?  I’ve noticed, as I’m sure most of you have, that so many restaurants these days have smaller portions but bigger price tags- I don’t know if they think we won’t notice, or that we won’t care, but we sure do!  I’m glad to say that doesn’t seem to be the case with portion sizes here.

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We also tried the lobster tacos, which are fresh made tortillas with lettuce, cabbage and topped with a Chevy’s mexi-style lobster salad.  My son and husband both adored them, and we are going back tomorrow night for another round.  The lobster was fresh, tasted delicious, and was light tasting- just right.

Both dishes have a ton of lobster which was fresh and succulent.  Not only is the lobster a component of each dish, but it is the key component of each dish which is exactly the way lobster should be enjoyed.  No one wants a teeny amount of the main dish they ordered- you will be pleased with your plates.  Head to Chevy’s and try some soon!

Filed Under: review Tagged With: ,

The BIRTHDAYKINS and The HUGGALOONS from Digiplush

August 21, 2015 by 7 Comments

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My son likes toys that he can play with on his tablet- while I don’t think there needs to be an app for every toy, a few here and there are cute.  This one celebrates your birthday with you, which is adorable.  For his birthday month, he tried out a BirthdayKins and Hugaloons toy, which he can cuddle as well as use to unlock premium parts and features in an otherwise free app.  My son’s favorite part of the game is making birthday cakes and knocking down pinatas- he also likes that it remembers when his birthday is.  It’s cute.

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The first brand launching under the new Digiplush venture is “BirthdayLand.” Everyone celebrates a birthday, and yet this unique special day has never been supported by characters or a mythology similar to other major holidays.  Until now.  Each time a child blows out a candle, their wish drifts up to BirthdayLand, the place where their wishes comes true.  According to the BirthdayLand legend, everything that makes a birthday celebration special comes from BirthdayLand, from the candles on a cake to the paper wrapped around birthday presents.  The adorable characters of BirthdayLand, the Birthdaykins and the Huggaloons, will be the first physical products to market.  They are currently available at Toys”R”Us.

pic5The Birthdaykins are delightful birthday-themed plush toys that retail for $12.99.  They are the cute characters in BirthdayLand, the place where birthday wishes come true.  The Birthdaykins are also featured in the BirthdayLand app, which is filled with fun-tastic birthday-related games and activities.  The purchase any of the Birthdaykins includes a code that unlocks premium features inside the BirthdayLand app.  The app is a free download in the iTunes store, Google Play and Amazon Apps.

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The Huggaloons are soft, lovable plush toys that resemble balloon animals that retail for $16.99. They are the special guides in BirthdayLand, the place where birthday wishes come true.  The Huggaloons are also featured in the BirthdayLand app, which is filled with fun-tastic birthday-related games and activities.  The purchase any of the Huggaloons includes a code that unlocks premium features inside the BirthdayLand app.  The app is a free download in the iTunes store, Google Play and Amazon Apps.

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The BirthdayLand app is a free download and features two free activities.  Additional free games and activities within the app can be unlocked using a code displayed on signage in Toys”R”Us stores.  The Birthdayland plush toys, The Birthdaykins and the Huggaloons, also feature secret codes that unlock two additional games within the app. The free download includes:

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  • “Balloon Pop” – spell words by finding letters inside floating balloons and placing them correctly in the word below.
  • “Birthday Countdown Clock” – countdown birthdays for up to 5 different family members, friends or pets — whoever has a birthday to remember and celebrate.

The remaining games and activities are unlocked by using the special code that comes with the purchase of a BirthdayLand toy, or by entering the special code printed on the in-store BirthdayLand display, both available at Toys”R”Us locations.

The app is appropriate for children ages 3-7.   www.birthdayland.com

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Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With: , , , ,

Win $50 to Amazon

August 20, 2015 by 9 Comments

If you’re like me you need to keep a notepad at all times. Between Work schedules, and School schedules and just random things that I need to remember – If I don’t write it down, then I completely Forget! I rely on apps like NOTES by BigTexApps to keep all my information straight. I got this downloaded just in time for back To School!

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Notes and Memos is an intuitive, light weight Notepad, Memo app that allows you to capture and organize your ideas. This Note app gives you a notepad look and feel. You can print from this app, change font style and size. You can send your notes by sms and email, and even backup and restore your notes!Notes-2

Key Features:
– Change notepad color
– Swipe security protection
– List sort A-Z, Z-A, Newest, Oldest
– Word counter
– Char counter
– Backup all notes
– Restore backed up notes
– Change Font Size
– Change Font Type
– Print your notes (Android 4.4+)
– Contact developer by email button
– Add notes by Voice
– Buy me button to remove ads
– Add Notes to your Google Calendar.
– Simple Navigation
– Share your Notes (SMS or E-Mail)
– Preview the note before opening. (Long Click)
– Press the microphone to VOICE input your NOTESNotes-3

Take a moment to download the FREE Notes App from Google Play and enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card below. Sponsored by BigTextApps.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Back To School With Kohl’s

August 19, 2015 by 7 Comments

With back to school right around the corner, moms and dads everywhere are scrambling to get everything our kids want and need for the upcoming year. Most of our kids have  the “required” back to school items like certain notebooks, pens and pencils, and of course new backpacks and lunchboxes- because none of our kids can manage to NOT ruin those from the previous year. However, besides the required back to school classroom supplies, most kids will also need new clothes for the new school year- they grow too fast.  I have been griping about this all week- where has my little boy gone?

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One place I like to shop for my son is Kohl’s. As most of you know, we are big fans of Kohl’s, both in store and online. One of the best things about shopping at Kohl’s is that you can find everything you need for everyone in your family all in one place- and if they happen to run out of a size or you don’t feel like running to the store, there is always http://www.kohls.com .  It just makes everything easier to have options.
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Filed Under: clothes and shoes, review

Celebrate Summer with @Walmart and @BalanceBar Bare Bars #BareAtWalmart

August 19, 2015 by 74 Comments

Disclosure- I have received a gift card in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. Please see “I Disclose” for more info.

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Do you want to Shape Up? If you are anything like me, it seems to be an eternal quest. Balance Bar has come out with some delicious bare bars, as well as some extra special deals you can get on them when shopping at Walmart. These delicious bare bars, a nutritious, wholesome snack made with real nuts & fruit are a great way to fill up (and are great to take with you on the go). Each bar is only 160 calories, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free and vegetarian and comes in tasty flavors like Sea Salt Caramel and Mixed Berry Nut which is also dairy-free and vegan.

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These were easy to find- they didn’t have a ton of variety at our local WalMart, but offer more online.  My son loves the Mixed berry nut, those are his favorite.  They are great for long plane rides, too- no one likes paying the outrageous prices for snacks in airports and planes, these are great to keep in you bag. I prefer the Sea salt caramel- and that works out, so we don’t steal each other’s bars, lol.  They are also great for road trips or any other “on the go” times- and are better for you then most of the snacks you will find on snack stands, too.

This summer, we have done a lot of traveling- this keeps us moving.  We also take the dogs for walks and like to do yoga.  If you would like some tips on active living or some new ideas, you can learn some of Gabby Reece’s quick and easy workout moves by clicking here  http://bit.ly/1BpXUih

Giveaway:
One of  you can win a $15 Walmart gift card and a variety of Balance bare bars by entering to win using the RC form below. Ends Sept. 3, 2015.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: giveaway, review

Gift Ideas for Kids Who Love to Travel

August 18, 2015 by 2 Comments

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There are some children that love everything about traveling. You can tell that as they grow up they’ll want to visit everything this world has to offer. They’re constantly asking when the next vacation trip is. They want to know everything about different countries. They’re the kind of kids who take a Gap Year and ending up backpacking for the foreseeable future. These children are so incredibly inquisitive and want to see as much of the world as possible. So, what do you buy for them when it comes to birthdays and Christmas? If you can’t afford to take them abroad every special occasion, here are some great gift ideas.

A Globe

Of course, your child has to have a globe in their room! It will fuel their desire to learn more about the world we live in. You can buy ones that open up and can be used as storage, for their bucket list. You can buy antique looking ones, glow in the dark ones. There are so many different types out there, find the one your kid will like the most. If you’re struggling to find the perfect one, take a look on Pinterest. You can see a whole range of styles and even learn how to make one yourself.

A Wall Map Mural

Instead of the globe, why not go one step further? Turn an entire wall in their bedroom into a map! First, create a base using corkboard or something similar. Then, you want to ask a printer if they can create the entire world on one large piece of paper. Make sure you’ve got the exact dimensions of the wall. Now, you can attach your map wallpaper to the corkboard. Finally, give your child a pot of different colored tacks. They can have one color for the places they’ve visited and one for the places they want to go. It’s the perfect gift!

Boats and Planes

Unless you’re made of money, you’re not going to be able to buy your child their very own private jet. Or, a yacht! However, you can buy them mini versions. A model aircraft is an incredible idea for any little one that likes to travel. You can also buy remote controlled boats that can be taken down to the local pond. If your child is creative, then buy them a model they can build and paint themselves.

Traveling Journal

One of the best things about going on all these adventures is that you will remember them for years to come. Help keep those memories clearer with a traveling diary or journal. Places like Paperchase do products specifically for those who travel around a lot. Alternatively, you can buy a plain one and cover it in photos and maps. Your child will love the fact that they can keep all those memories alive. And, when they’re adults, they’ll look back at their journal with pride.
Hopefully, this has given you a bit of inspiration! Obviously, the perfect gift for any travel-loving child would be a vacation. However, if you’re strapped for cash, then these will come a close second.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

Gift giving with Best Buy

August 15, 2015 by 4 Comments

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

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Best Buy is the gift giving store of choice.  I say this because as of now there are very few people who wouldn’t like at least a little something from Best Buy, especially with the easy to use Gift Center.  This lets users find the perfect gift, either by interest, price, occasion, even just hot gifts for the person who has everything.  The only hard part of gift shopping is keeping in mind you are indeed shopping for someone else, and not yourself.  Best Buy has so much cool stuff, its easy to get carried away and ‘forget’ to pick up that special gift and instead get the special tablet you’ve been looking at for a while.

I like how great the range of products is which are available, including Gifts under $25, gifts from $25-$49.99, gifts from $50-$99.99, gifts from $100-$249.99, and gifts over $250. All manner of occasions are covered, from anniversaries to birthdays to graduations- all are accounted for.  There are also gift cards available, as is shipping, so even if you can’t find the perfect gift, let your gift recipient pick it out themselves.

Also, if (lets say) you are one of those people who always hears ” I never know what to get you”, Best Buy also has a Wish List you can share with loved ones.  So no more sizes too big sweaters or another copy of a DVD you mentioned liking once 3 years ago.

No matter what the gift or the occasion is, of course it is the thought that counts, and with the help of Best Buy you will be able to give that memorable gift and also give the biggest smile to your recipients face and make their day a truly special one.

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Trying out @Pantene with @SheSpeaksUp! #PanteneProtect #WantThatHair

August 14, 2015 by 4 Comments

Disclosure-This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Pantene.  All opinions are my own and honest. For more, see “I Disclose”.

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I have used Pantene shampoo and conditioner on and off for most of my adult (and teen) life.  I like the way it smells, and the way my hair feels when I use it.  Pantene can be a little more expensive then other brands, but it’s worth it- and besides, you can cut the cost by buying when it’s on sale and have coupons.  I just bought Pantene during my last trip to WalMart, and got quite a good deal.

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They have many varieties available for all kinds of hair types- whatever your hair needs, there is a Pantene for you.  There are also many sizes, from small to the large, “bulk” size- so again, whatever your needs, Pantene has you covered.  I decided to try a new variety this time- actually, I couldn’t decide between two different kinds, so I got them both.  I know, indecisiveness. But there are worse things, true?

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I picked up both the “Full and Strong” and the “Sheer Volume”, since those are things my hair needs most.  I often feel my hair is not as full as it could be, and lacks volume.  It did look nice after washing and conditioning- now, if only I can get a day without a zillion per cent humidity, and we will really be in business!  Ah, summer hair.

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This is my hair, with no styling, no additional product, no blowing it dry- just like every other day, wash, condition, and air dry.  It’s smooth, even considering today’s weather- and I was out in the rain for a bit- shiny, and smooth.  I do like the way it smells, always have.  It also lasts a while, so if you have a long flight or anything like that, you won’t feel too gross when you get off the plane. (I said TOO gross- it’s still a plane, after all, LOL.)

Head to WalMart and see which Pantene works best for your hair.  Grab what works, and save a little, too!

Filed Under: beauty, review