Win Cute Kids Book – Dia De Los Muertos

October 14, 2015 by 19 Comments

As Halloween approaches, so does the Mexican holiday “Day of the Dead”.  In the cute children’s book “Dia de Los Muertos” author Roseanne Greenfield Thong weaves the story while illustrator Carles Ballesteros artfully bring characters and the holiday to life on the pages for children who know about this special day as well as those who are hearing about it for the first time.

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“It’s Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and children throughout the pueblo, or town, are getting ready to celebrate! They decorate with colored streamers, calaveras, or sugar skulls, and pan de muertos, or bread of the dead. There are altars draped in cloth and covered in marigolds and twinkling candles. Music fills the streets. Join the fun and festivities, learn about a different cultural tradition, and brush up on your Spanish vocabulary, as the town honors their dearly departed in a traditional, time-honored style.”

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My son enjoyed this book, particularly after we visited Mexico for this holiday last year.  It was a fun way for him to remember his trip and the holiday he learned about.  We plan on taking this book and reading it to his class this year, so that the kids can hear about the Day of the Dead as well.  While we might not all celebrate this colorful day, it’s fun to learn about other cultures and celebrations around the world.   You can pick up your copy at Barnes and Nobel, on Kindle, at Amazon, and more.

One of you can win a book as well- feel free to enter using the RC form below.  Good luck!  It ends Nov. 11, 2015.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: book review, giveaway, review

Give Your Child the Best with #SproutFoods @SproutFoods

October 14, 2015 by Leave a Comment

When you are a mom on the go, it can be a task to make sure you always have enough food and snacks in the diaper bag or purse for your kiddo (who is constantly, constantly hungry).  Sprout® Organic baby/toddler food is one easy solution, because it’s good food that is good for them, and kids will enjoy eating it. There are so many varieties, and some of them are easy to take along with you for on the go meals and snacks since they come in pouches.

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 Sprout® Organic is available in stores like Stop & Shop, Giant, ShopRite, Wegmans, Harris Teeter, and Albertsons.  Sprout® Organic is USDA certified organic, Non GMO, lists honest flavor names that match ingredient lists, uses BPA Free packaging, is the only baby/toddler food brand that doesn’t use acid preservatives (e.g. citric acid, ascorbic acid or lemon juice concentrate) which can upset baby’s system, and is the only baby/toddler food with no additives, fillers or flavors in any of its recipes.  What’s not to love?

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When shopping for food for your baby or toddler, there are many flavors to choose from.  It’s great to let your older child have a more diverse diet and be exposed to new and fun flavors, since we all know that will lead to them being a better and more adventurous eater when they are older. It’s also good because it will give them all the vitamins and nutrients they need, rather then just choosing one or a few food groups.

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The flavors look appealing as well, and the caps on the squeeze pouches are easy to twist off and baby can easily hold and use the pouch themselves.   Head to your local market today and see what there is for your little one, this is for sure a good brand to try.

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sprout® Organic Baby Foods. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: baby, food, review

Have You Tasted Beyond Meat? #FutureOfProtein

October 12, 2015 by 6 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to compensate this post.  All opinions are my own and honest. Please see “I Disclose” for more information.”

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Most families understand the importance of a balanced diet. It makes families healthier. It makes you feel at your best, and can make the difference between developing certain health conditions. As a parent, of course, making sure my son is eating the best  he can is important to me. A balanced diet doesn’t always mean a meat based diet. Not that we are wholly giving up meat, but I do want to switch to include plant based proteins as well.

Many people, including some great athletes, are starting to use plant based protein in their diets- the future of protein. They know that that it is a healthy way to get the protein that they need without a lot of the things that come with meat based protein. Beyond Meat, a 100% plant based product that lets families have the food that they love, but without the down sides of animal protein. Beyond Meat can be used to make things like beef nachos, chilis, even meatball subs. It can also be used for kids who love their chicken nuggets but for moms who would rather the kids not have chicken.

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Beyond Meat wanted me to take a challenge. I used Beyond Meat to make the kids a quick after school snack of chicken nuggets. I was worried if my boy would like them as much as traditional chicken nuggets, but he devoured the whole plate. I ate some as well, and they did taste pretty good.  My fella doesn’t care (or really bat an eye) when I switch his foods around, so he didn’t mind that it wasn’t chicken.

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Have you considered switching to non-meat dinners, even if it was only a few times a week? Consider the health benefits, and the benefits to the planet (not to mention to animals). Beyond Meats lets you do just that, while not giving up the food you love.  You can get more information on Beyond Meat here, and well as great recipes.  Use this coupon to get your first product to try out.

5 lucky people can win prizes ranging from Le Crueset cookware,3 months of Chef’d meal delivery, a $500 Visa Gift Card, and a chance to watch our athletes in action! Check out the rules here and enter to win.

“The Future of Protein Challenge Sweepstakes is an easy and fun way to try the Future of Protein challenge with your own families, and perhaps win a prize.

 Secretly substitute a Beyond Meat product in a family-favorite meal. Click here to download Beyond Meat
 After everyone has enjoyed the meal, reveal to them that the meat they just ate was made from 100% plants!
Capture their thoughts, comments, and of course, empty plates and happy faces.
 Post your photos and a recap of the dinner to Instagram or Twitter by 11:00PM PST on 10/31, tagging “@
BeyondMeat” and “#FutureOfProtein.”—this will automatically enter you in the sweepstakes.
 Repeat whenever your family wants to enjoy protein-packed meals without the downsides of animal meat.”


Filed Under: food, review

Visit Olive Garden For Good Food and Fun Passes #sponsored

October 10, 2015 by 7 Comments

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

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With fall arriving, and the kids being back in school, it is hard to find time to get out and have some fun. Everyone has a busy schedule and it can be hard to get the kids together at the same time to enjoy an evening out together.

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Want to find a way to get more family fun for your buck? Olive Garden knows that families want to get the most fun that they can when they are planning activities. That is why they have a new family fun promotion.

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Starting from September 28th, when guest visit Olive Garden and order an adult entrée and a kid’s meal, they will receive a “Fun Pass” voucher that can be redeemed for a variety of local activities. These activities can be roller skating, seeing a movie together and even bowling. This promotion is open nationwide and you can find what activities are available around you by visiting the website.

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You can receive as many Fun Passes as the amount of qualifying purchases you have made and registered. If you purchased 3 adult entrees and 3 Kids Meals on the same receipt, you will receive 3 reward codes to select 3 Fun Passes after you register your receipt.

Olive Garden makes a great dinner out and now that you can get discounts for some added fun, it makes a great start to a fun night out.

Filed Under: review

Good Oral Health With #LISTERINE

October 9, 2015 by 7 Comments

Disclosure- This is a sponsored post. I received LISTERINE® Brand products from Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc. as part of my participation in this project. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

You can only make one first impression. One of the best ways to make a great first impression is by smiling. Here’s the thing: Many people probably don’t realize that the health of their mouth says so much about them!

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Having poor oral health can have a big impact on your life and in more ways than people expect. Most people know that it can make a bad first impression, cause health issues but it can also one’s career. Nearly 7 in 10 Americans think having an unhealthy mouth threatens one’s chances of getting hired. In a recent study by LISTERINE® Brand and GFK’s, while more than 8 in 10 people believe they have a healthy mouth (83%), the truth is that nearly all Americans suffer from some form of oral disease. More than half of Americans believe that oral health issues can negatively impact one’s success in their relationships (52%), more than an unhealthy weight (33%) or bad skin (19%). To learn more about the LISTERINE® Brand survey, click here

People fail to realize that brushing alone just isn’t enough. That is because brushing alone misses 75% of your mouth, and that leaves millions of germs behind. If that is left untreated, these are the germs that can lead to oral care issues such as plaque and gingivitis. Using LISTERINE® Antiseptic cleans virtually 100% of your mouth. It can give you up to 5 times healthier gums in 2 weeks and up to 9 times healthier in 4 weeks.

LISTERINE® wants to talk to you about having better oral health. Be sure to join the Twitter Party Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 12 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT / 9 a.m. PT. #LISTERINE, whether it’s during the Twitter party or in blog posts and additional social promotion, will trigger a $10 donation, up to $40,000, to support Oral Health America’s Fall for Smiles campaign (October 1 – December 1, 2015) to educate communities about the importance of proper oral care.

Filed Under: health, review

Best Ways to Pamper Your Pup #FurryFoodie #ad #Walmart

October 9, 2015 by 8 Comments

Disclosure- This post is Sponsored post by Lunchbox.  All opinions are my own and honest.

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Dogs are part of the family. There are there for us when we are feeling down, want to jump with us when we are feeling happy, and want to snuggle with us when we sleep. Any good pet owner knows that the best way to keep your dog happy and feeling his best, is to make sure that they are well cared for. That includes making sure that your pup is pampered and spoiled.

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Ways to spoil your dog:

  1. A bed of their own: While dogs love to sleep where you are, in your bed if they are allowed, or on the furniture, a dog also likes to have a bed of their own. It can be a great place for dogs to unwind after getting too excited and it can be their own space.
  2. Walks: It is important to keep your dog active, and a walk around the neighborhood is a fun way to do that. It gives the dog a chance to see and smell new things and mark some new territory. Just like people, most dogs like to get out and see different things.
  3. Special treat: Do you like having a special treat or candy? Your dog does too. It doesn’t matter if it is given as a reward or as a nightly addition to their meals, giving your dog a treat will make him happy.
  4. A trip to the dog park: If your dog likes other dogs and love to have the chance to run around without his lease, the dog park might be a fun option. It gives the dog a chance to get out some energy and have the freedom to run around that they do not normally have. Since most dog parks are fenced in, you do not have to worry about them getting lose. Plus, just like kids, some dogs love to play with other dogs. Someone to chase and run with and jump on.
  5. A Great Dog Food: A dog needs a food that will give him good nutrition plus has a taste that he wants to eat. IAMS offers a Visible Difference, available at Walmart, that gives a noticeable improvement in energy, skin, coat and digestion. IAMS is 100% proactive nutrition and has 0% fillers. IAMS Visible Difference products are the perfect way to cater to your Furry Foodie.

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When you purchase IAMS from Walmart, you can receive a collapsible dog bowl in the mail when you text or upload the receipt. After purchasing one of the participating IAMS Proactive Health, Healthy Naturals, Grain Free or Premium Protection eligible products at Walmart, shoppers can text “DOGBOWL” with a photo of their receipt to 811811 to get a free collapsible dog bowl. This offer is valid on purchases made from 9/15/15 – 11/30/15.

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What is your favorite way to spoil your dog?

Filed Under: animals, review Tagged With: ,

Breast Cancer Living Locket from OrigamiOwl.com

October 9, 2015 by 4 Comments

October is the month to think pink! Origami Owl, the customizable jewelry company is joining the cause and supporting strong women everywhere.  Whether you’re a survivor, want to honor a friend of family member, or are just an ally of the cause, Origami Owl has designed a Living Locket featuring themed charms to commemorate those who have given us hope and courage.

Not only is this piece beautiful, but you can either buy it “as is” or make it your own and design and customize it as you like.  It comes with it’s own little pouch, so you you can keep it safe while you are not wearing it.  This is exactly what it looks like if you purchase “as is”, without alterations.

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It is a great way to show your support, not just during the month of October, but year round. It’s also very pretty, and it does brighten up an outfit.  The eye goes right to it!  The silver color goes with just about anything, too. It’s easy to dress up or down, and unlike some articles of jewelry, does not “jingle” when you or it moves.  I don’t know about you, but when my jewelry jingles, it drives me mad.

The Breast Cancer locket features the Silver Heritage Living Locket with the pink ribbon charm, hope charm and rose Swarovski stardust crystals, with options to add additional charms and crystals to further personalize your locket. But the customizing doesn’t stop there – the locket also includes a Silver heritage plate to inscribe a special message, a date or initials for an everlasting memory.

Retailing at $90.00, the Breast Cancer Living Locket will be available for purchase through the month of October at OrigamiOwl.com, and for every necklace purchased 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Face in the Mirror, a non-profit organization that provides cancer patients with makeovers that calm the spirit and touches the inner person, giving back hope and self-esteem.

Filed Under: fashion, review Tagged With: , ,

Zuke’s Skinny Bakes for Dogs

October 7, 2015 by 3 Comments

My dog Cooper is big on treats.  What dog isn’t, right?  They are perfect for training, rewards, and just because you want to show them that you love them.  Apparently, half the dogs in America are overweight.  While Cooper is not one of them, it doesn’t hurt to keep an eye on his weight.  Overweight dogs have the same health concerns as overweight humans, including joint problems, heart issues, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, kidney disease, cancer, and more.  These aren’t issues that you want for your pet, so watch what he eats, and try to keep him or her at their healthy and ideal weight.

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Zuke’s®, a natural pet treat company leading the way in pet nutrition, has expanded its lineup of crunchy 10-calorie Skinny Bakes® treats to include more low-calorie options with new 2, 5 and 20-calorie count varieties. The perfect reward for a healthy dog looking to stay lean or for those wanting to get fit, Skinny Bakes® are made in the USA from natural, whole food ingredients that provide high-quality nutrition. The absence of wheat, corn and soy also makes this treat a good fit for dogs with common allergies.

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According to the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention, more than half the dogs in the U.S. are overweight, and one out of five is obese. Also, October 7th is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day! Visit www.zukes.com for more info on these low-cal treats for your favorite pup.

Filed Under: animals, review Tagged With: ,