Wet Ones Singles At Target

Disclosure- This post is part of the paid relationship with Wet Ones. All opinions are my own.

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School time is upon us, and of course, with that comes packing up lunches for your little ones each day. What this means for most children is the same boring sandwich day in and day out, be it cheese and ham or peanut butter and jelly- after enough of it, you want to scream. In our house, the little guy has already revolted against sandwiches millennia ago, and his lunches consist of fresh fruit and veggies,  yogurt, soup, crackers, pastas, and of course the snacks. The most difficult part of giving him all these odd food combinations is the messes he makes with them.

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You’d think a squeeze yogurt and some fruit pieces can only make so much mess, but he is a master of the mess and so often, the yogurt gets all over everything. One way to limit the mess is to include Wet Ones wipes with the little ones’ lunches. This will not only lead to less germs (because Wet Ones clean messy hands and kills 99.99% of germs) but also less mess.  You can also get Wet Ones Aloe formula, which won’t dry or irritate skin like hand sanitizers can. And yes, they’re hypoallergenic.

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So for our last couple of Back to School shopping trips, we had to grab some Wet Ones from Target. We knew Target had the items we needed, and also accepted our cool coupon (and be sure to print and use it soon as they do expire).  Target is also competitively priced, and with the coupon as icing on the cake, its a no brainier that Wet Ones should be picked up ASAP.

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Keep in mind Wet Ones are also America’s #1 Hand Wipe (#1 claim based on scan data for 52 weeks ending 5/12/15) so quality is a given.  Don’t forget to grab yours for Back to School this year!

Disclosure- This post is part of the paid relationship with Wet Ones. All opinions are my own.
School time is upon us, and of course, with that comes packing up lunches for your little ones each day. What this means for most children is the same boring sandwich day in and day out, be it cheese and ham or peanut butter and jelly- after enough of it, you want to scream. In our house, the little guy has already revolted against sandwiches millennia ago, and his lunches consist of fresh fruit and veggies, yogurt, soup, crackers, pastas, and of course the snacks. The most difficult part of giving him all these odd food combinations is the messes he makes with them.

You’d think a squeeze yogurt and some fruit pieces can only make so much mess, but he is a master of the mess and so often, the yogurt gets all over everything. One way to limit the mess is to include Wet Ones wipes with the little ones’ lunches. This will not only lead to less germs (because Wet Ones clean messy hands and kills 99.99% of germs) but also less mess. You can also get Wet Ones Aloe formula, which won’t dry or irritate skin like hand sanitizers can. And yes, they’re hypoallergenic.

So for our last couple of Back to School shopping trips, we had to grab some Wet Ones from Target. We knew Target had the items we needed, and also accepted our cool coupon (and be sure to print and use it soon as they do expire). Target is also competitively priced, and with the coupon as icing on the cake, its a no brainier that Wet Ones should be picked up ASAP.

Keep in mind Wet Ones are also America’s #1 Hand Wipe (#1 claim based on scan data for 52 weeks ending 5/12/15) so quality is a given. Don’t forget to grab yours for Back to School this year!

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

Back to School Backpacks

Back to school is a crazy time of year- and not many parents relish back to school shopping.  No matter what your kids need for school this year, they are sure to need a backpack to carry all their “stuff” to and from classes, home, and back again.  Here are some fun and functional choices for your students-

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Got a little one entering Pre-K or Kindergarten this year?  He or she will love Bixbee, and so will you.  These are just the cutest bags with great patterns and styles.  Some have wings, some have animal faces and ears- heck, even shark fins.  For bigger kids, they have tamer color palettes and more typical styles of backpack.  The cool thing about Bixbee is that they come in three sizes, so they will fit your child’s stature.  Some backpacks only come in certain sizes, or only one or two options, but you will be able to find one that fits your child’s style and size.  It’s recommended that the backpack rest in the lower back, and no more then four inches below the waist to avoid causing chronic pain, which is important to Bixbee.  These backpacks are also sturdy, PVC, BPA, phthalate, and lead free, and have many pockets for your child’s belongings.  Bixbee cares about kids- when you buy a backpack, they donate one to a child in need somewhere in the world.  What else can you ask for in a backpack?  Comfort, style, and caring. You can get yours at http://www.bixbee.com

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Wildkin backpacks and lunch bags are great for kids who like all their things to match, or parents who find it easier to grab everything when it all looks the same.  Not only are backpacks and lunchboxes available, but nap mats, sports bags, pencil cases, and more.  The material is not at tough as some of the bags out there, so if you have a child that is tough on his or her gear, these might not last as long as others.  The patterns are delightful- I have purchased several things for my child in one of them, including his very first “big boy” bedding set.  There are many different types of packs, bags, and duffels- check out the site and get what you need for the upcoming year at http://www.wildkin.com

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When it comes to school gear, you want to choose wisely, and you don’t want to have to buy the same items over and over because they were flimsy or poorly made.  Introducing Chooze Bags and coordinating lunch boxes.  Not only are they durable (and I personally took this one for a few days as well as my son’s own use of it), but they also have the added and somewhat unusual bonus of  being able to turn it inside out for a whole new look if you get tired of one version. They are totally reversible, with two fully functional sides, giving kids the ability to swap prints and styles without swapping backpacks.  I really like this backpack- it has tough side bags for water bottles and whatnot, many pockets, pouches, and places to keep your items, and zippers that don’t catch or pull. The straps are also padded, which is great- you know how heavy those backpacks can get.  Tons of options to chooze from (see what I did there? So clever….)- get yours now at http://www.choozeshoes.com/collections/backpacks

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If you are looking for something delicious to stick into lunchboxes this year, try Noosa Yoghurt.   The tastes and flavor combinations, along with the fact that it is made in small batches on a small family farm, make this unlike any other yogurt on the market today.  Made with all natural whole milk, fresh fruit purees, and honey, one bite will keep you coming back for more.  My husband is now an addict. It’s also  all natural, gluten-free, and probiotic, so it’s good for the whole family.  It comes in a variety of sizes- some just perfect for lunchboxes (some bigger for the husbands who want more). With flavors like Cranberry Apple, Pumpkin, Honey, Strawberry Rhubarb, and more, you can find both fun and unusual flavors or favorites like Vanilla and Blueberry.   Find a store that sells Noosa near you at http://www.noosayoghurt.com/

Fresh Mex Lobster at Chevy’s

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!

The BIRTHDAYKINS and The HUGGALOONS from Digiplush

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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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Back To School With Kohl’s

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

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

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

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!

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

 

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A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, Medieval Times is a great show that the whole family can enjoy. For your moms and dads of little ones- no worries, the little ones won’t be afraid- the show is very tame (rated G!) while still offering tons of fun and action. Make sure you arrive early to give yourself time to check out the torture exhibit should you so desire- not recommended for kids, obviously. You can also (for an extra fee) have your child knighted for their birthday or other special occasion by the king in a special ceremony. My son was “knighted” at our recent visit, and it thrilled him!  It was a little hard for me to get a decent photo (parents jostling), but no worries, because you are given a photo keepsake afterward.  It is brought right to your table.  Your child’s name is also announced at dinnertime, and everyone claps for him or her, it’s very cute.

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Launched in Spain in 1973, and in the USA just 10 years later, it is widely regarded as the longest running and most popular dinner attraction in North America- and I have to concur. During this 2 hour live performance, you and your family will experience a glimpse back in time- when knights defended the realm, and chivalry was not dead.
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