Celebrate St. Patricks Day With The Childrens Place

Disclosure: No formal compensation was received for this post. Products were provided for review.

Celebrate St. Patricks Day with The Childrens Place

One of my favorite holidays is St. Patricks Day, just because I have some Irish in my family. Although I was always brought up to wear orange on St. Patricks Day, we have come accustomed to wearing Green so you don’t get pinched.

My kids had nothing Green that fit them this year, and one of their favorite stores The Childrens Place was kind enough to send us a few items to review.

The Childrens Place is the largest pure-play children’s specialty apparel shop. It’s one of few places my kids love to shop for clothes. They love the way the clothes fit and their cute designs.

DSCN0465

Little Boys Irish Sirt $4.20
Boys Bootcut Jeans $9.75

DSCN0467

DSCN0468

Girls Graphic Tee $3.99
Skinny Jeans $9.75

My kids loved the outfits. the shirts are very soft and comfortable. The jeans fit perfect and complimented the look great. Even though it’s a silly tradition they were so Excited about not having to get pinched when they go to school.

You can find The perfect St. Patricks Day T-shirt or a new spring outfit from The Childrens Place.

Happy National Pi Day

Disclosure: No formal compensation was received, a product was provided for review.

Today is National Pi Day, a day that only happens once in a century. Today is a day to celebrate math and of course your favorite Pie. Pie consists of 3.141592653

Pi Day started 27 years ago at San Francisco’s Exploratorium. Physicist Larry Shaw, who worked in the electronics group at the museum, started celebrating pi on March 14, 1988, primarily with museum staffers. The tradition has grown to embrace math enthusiasts from all walks of life.

We had fun playing math games during the afternoon, but got to baking this evening.

I am not a big baker, so I took the easy route. I used Wholly Wholesome Pie Crust and a Cherry Pie Filling.

Wholly Wholesome products are truly Natural and gluten free. You can get Pie Crusts or a different pie varieties. I favor them because they are dairy free and everyone in my family can eat them.

Screen Shot 2015-03-14 at 7.49.42 PM

DSCN0472

DSCN0475

The pie was really good, and the crust very crispy. I think my favorite part is always the crust, very crispy and tasty.

You can find Wholly Wholesome products at Health Food Stores Nationwide.

Finding The Right Lawnmower For Your Family

My husband and I have been renting instead of buying a place to live because it fits our lifestyle right now. We move every couple years, so we don’t want to buy a house just yet. My husband was n the army and now in grad school, so it’s been constantly on the go.

This year though we are finally starting a new chapter, my husband will be graduating with his PHD. We will be contemplating a big step for our family, our first house. We have 3 kids and want them to be able to decorate their own rooms and finally feel at home.

Buying a house is a big step though and you need to think about everything that goes along with it. Insurance, furnishings, appliances, and the #1 thing my kids are looking forward to having a lawn mower. They always loved watching the great grandfather ride around on his, and wanted one just like it.

Even though the house hunting is still a ways away I have been looking into everything including the Lawnmowers Guide, It has all the information you need and is so easy to use.

340-8141_PI_62183MN

Growing up n AZ we never had a lawnmower, because our yard was all dirt. I am amazed by how many different brands and styles there are. I want a ride on, because it would be more fun if we have a big yard. Either way though the Lawnmowers guide is definitly helping me in finding The Right Lawnmower for my family.

Tell me in the comments below what kind of Lawnmower you suggest from the Lawnmowers guide? You can Follow my journey of house hunting and what Lawnmower we choose here.

Worlds Collide Convention in NYC

The Worlds Collide Convention is a free event by Scholastic and you can meet your favorite Children’s Author.

Worlds Collide

The convention is a free event that will feature authors from Scholastic’s bestselling, award-winning multiplatform series: The 39 Clues, Spirit Animals, Infinity Ring, and TombQuest. It’s a really unique opportunity for young readers to meet authors, see online game demos, participate in exclusive giveaways, and more!

Meet bestselling authors Gordan Korman, Peter Lerangis, Jennifer A. Nielson, Michael Northrop, Linda Sue Park, Eliot Schrefer, Natalie Standiford, Tui T. Sutherland and Jude Watson
· Grab a seat for live and interactive author performances
· Go head-to-head with other gamers and play online game demos and challenges
· Get exclusive giveaways, limited edition bags, and more

The event will be held
Saturday March 21, 2015
1-4PM
Ages 8+
At Scholastic headquarters 557 Broadway, New York NY 10012

You can register for the event here.

Make Your Own Cookies With Girl Scout Cookie Oven

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post.

Everyone loves Girl Scout Cookies but they can get a bit expensive, Plus they are only available for a season. This fall you can start making your own to have anytime. Wicked Cool Toys is introducing the Girl Scout Cookie Oven.

DSCN0299

The Girl Scout Cookie oven is not like any other oven out there as it uses Heat plates to cook the food, making sure it is cooked evenly. The oven comes complete with a baking mix, spatula, baking pan and measuring tool.

Will be available in Fall 2015 for $59.99

DSCN0300

There will be tons of refill pack options available to buy of your favorite cookie mixes, including Thin Mints, Trefoils, and more.
Available fall $6.99
Deluxe Refill packs will feature two of your favorite cookies in one pack for $14.99

Also available with the Girl Scout Cookie Oven:

DSCN0301

Girl Scout Cookie Stand: This classic wooden cookie stand provides hours of engaging playtime and conveniently folds up and fits into its carrying case so that girls can easily set up shop and sell their delicious cookies anywhere they go! It includes cardboard printed “play” cookie boxes, chalkboards, chalk, an eraser, pins to “bling your booth” by adding signs or fun decorations, and fabric shelves to beautifully display cookies on top of and below the stand
Available Fall 2015 for $79.99

Cookie Wagon

Girl Scouts On The Go Wagon: Delivering cookies will never be easier with the On the Go Wagon. Comes with a cookie stand to display your inventory as well as a chalk board and a clip board.
Available Fall 2015 for $129.99

Screen Shot 2015-02-19 at 4.59.22 PM

I have tasted the cookies and although they are small, they are very good. Almost as good as the original, perfect for any little girls tea party.

Every purchase benefits the Girl Scouts, Proceeds from sales will go to help benefit the Girl Scouts Organization.

Who is excited for the Girl Scout Cookie Oven?



Stop and Shop Has Everything You Need For The Superbowl

Disclosure: A gift card was provided for sharing this information.

This is the first year that my husband and kids will all be together for the Superbowl and i want it to be perfect, even if that means having to much junk food.

So I stocked up on everything I could at Stop and Shop, well I tried. We are also in the midst of another big snowfall, so the store was jam packed with people stocking up.

Just look at the milk section.

DSCN0086

Stop and Shop has everything you need for Superbowl snacks. I love the display when you first walk in the store. Big display with drinks and snacks right at your convenience.

DSCN0083

Tips to get your Superbowl party off right.

Great Entertaining in the End Zone
For those who may need an extra hand in the kitchen, Stop & Shop makes game day preparation easy with a selection of entertaining party trays, including sandwiches, wings, fried chicken, desserts and more available to order. Visit Stop & Shop’s Entertaining page at www.stopandshop.com to start your order or order in-store at the deli, bakery, seafood or meat departments.

All Stop & Shop stores are also stocked with ready-made favorites at the wing bar or olive, hummus and salsa bar. Don’t forget to check out the produce section for pre-cut veggies and fruit as well as prepared guacamole and fresh salsa.

Game on for feeding the 12th Man

While chicken wings, dips and other tailgate favorites are sure to be on many menus, why not try putting a twist on meat and potatoes with Stop & Shop’s recipe for turkey chili-topped baked potatoes which are sure to please any crowd!

Turkey Chili-Topped Baked Potatoes
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Serves: 4

Ingredients
• 4 large baking potatoes
• 1 Tablespoon Stop & Shop olive oil
• ½ lb. ground turkey breast
• 1 Tablespoon reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• ½ cup Stop & Shop shredded cheddar cheese
• Toppings (optional): sour cream, sliced green onions

Steps
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Place potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet; prick several times with a fork. Bake 1 hour or until fork-tender. Remove from oven.

2. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet heat oil over medium heat. Add turkey; cook until no longer pink (165°F), stirring to break up turkey. Stir in seasoning mix and tomatoes; simmer 5 minutes or until heated through and slightly thickened. Remove from heat; keep covered.

3. Cut potatoes open lengthwise; squeeze gently to open. Fluff potato pulp with a fork. Spoon turkey mixture evenly over potatoes, top with cheese and desired toppings, and serve.

For more game day recipe ideas, visit the Recipe Center at www.stopandshop.com.

Halftime Healthy
Healthy and tailgate foods don’t often go hand in hand, but Stop & Shop is offering a few better-for-you suggestions to help navigate the football festivities while still enjoying your favorites.

• Don’t go to a party hungry as you will most likely end up eating more. Eat a balanced breakfast and lunch beforehand with lean protein, fruits and vegetables. Include some exercise or activity during the day, which can help balance the calories.

• Try small portions of your favorite dishes and slow down at the buffet. It can take your brain about 20 minutes to recognize fullness.

• Remember the veggie tray! Fill half of your plate with a variety of available vegetables, but go easy on the dip.

• Prepare your tailgate favorites with a few simple recipe swaps like utilizing low fat dairy products or ground turkey, turkey bacon or leaner beef.

Two points for safety
Another way to ensure your party is a success is to remember to keep food safety top of mind throughout the day from preparation to clean up to prevent food-borne illness amongst your guests. Incorporate these tips into your preparations:

• To prevent cross-contamination, be sure to use soap and hot water to wash hands, utensils and surfaces that have touched raw meat or eggs.

• The best way to know if meat is cooked thoroughly is to use a meat thermometer and check the temperature. Before removing from the grill or oven, insert a meat thermometer halfway into the thickest part of the meat, making sure it does not go through to the other side. To prevent harmful bacteria such as E coli, cook meat and seafood to these recommended internal temperatures: ground beef hamburgers – 160oF; ground and whole poultry – 165oF; chops, steaks and roasts from beef, veal or lamb – 145oF for medium rare, 160oF for medium and 170oF for well done; pork chops and roast – 145oF; and shrimp, lobster and crabs – cooked until the flesh is pearly and opaque.

• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to avoid bacteria growth. Also remember the two-hour rule. Perishable foods should be removed from the table and refrigerated promptly. When it doubt, throw it out.

What will you have at your Superbowl party?

Master Lock 5900D SafeSpace Review

Disclosure: No formal compensation was received for this post. A product was provided for my review, all opinions are 100% my own.

This is a really big year for us, my husband will be graduation with a PHD and we will be moving once again. With all the that comes people coming and going constantly, including people I don’t know. So I am protecting the few small valuables I have by locking them up with Master Lock 5900D SafeSpace.

About the Safe:
The Master Lock 5900D SafeSpace Portable Personal Safe features durable construction made to withstand abuse and is water resistant. The safe measures 2-1/5in (57mm) H x 9-2/5in (23.9cm) W x 5-1/10in (13.1cm) D; and is ideal for recreation, campus, office, travel or leisure use. The safe includes a cable to wrap securely around a fixed object or use as a carrying handle. The Limited Lifetime Warranty provides peace of mind from a brand you can trust.

Can be ideal for use in the office, camping or traveling
Lightweight and portable, stores phones, cameras MP3 players, gaming accessories and more.
Lock up your valuables with the cable wrapped around the safe or you can use the cable as a carrying strap.
water resistant and durable materials.
Ear bud, charging cable access port.

The safe looks very small, but it can actually fit quite a few things including money, smart phones and more.

The set up was very simple, it’s easy to set the combination to your own and open and lock the safe. When setting the code, you need to hold the lever with a screwdriver and release gently. The first Safe I received broke as I used my finger and the lever snapped.

DSCN0072

DSCN0073

DSCN0074

DSCN0075

What would you put in the Master Lock 5900D SafeSpace. Find out more information about the product and how you can but it here.

LifebankUSA Peace Of Mind Contest 2015

Disclosure: I received a gift card for promoting the contest.

Lifebank_Logo_4c_Final

LifebankUSA, is the only cord blood bank processing material for FDA-approved clinical trials using stem cells from placental tissue. These stem cells are being used to treat patients with serious conditions, including diabetic foot ulcers. LifebankUSA preserves your baby’s placental tissue using the same steps taken for processing stem cells for our FDA-approved clinical trials. No other cord blood company can claim that. Tissue banking is simply one additional layer of protection and peace of mind for you and your family offered by LifebankUSA.

LifebankUSA is holding a contest on their Facebook page. 3 lucky winners will win a Uniden Lullaboo Video Baby monitors.

FB image post for contest_newlogo01-26-15

I learned about the importance of banking cord blood when I was pregnant. I had a very difficult pregnancy with all 3 of my kids, and at one point my doctor even said that 2 of my children would not make it or be born with birth defects. So we looked into banking just in case. Luckily the doctors were wrong, but I am glad that we took the chance and banked our daughters blood.

You can enter the LifebankUSA Peace of mind contest here.

Stop Ruining Your Coffee! 5 Tips For A Better Brew

For many people, there’s no better way to kick off the day than with a hot cup of coffee. Everyone knows how satisfying well-brewed coffee can be…and how disappointing a bad cup of Joe is. Whether the finished product is too thick, too watery, too bitter, brewing mistakes are all too common in the coffee-loving world, and taking a few simple steps can ensure that every morning’s brew is as rich and flavorful as you expect.

Check for Over-brewing
If your coffee is consistently coming out burnt and bitter, the issue may be your coffee pot. Over-brewed coffee has had too much of its essence distilled into the coffee, and this is usually caused by having the wrong settings on the pot for the type of coffee used. Try brewing your beans for a shorter time, and if the problem persists, it may be time for a new coffee pot – see www.breville.com.au/the-oracle.

Consider the Grind
Coffee that is either too strong or too weak is common with beans that have been ground too finely or too coarsely. Overly fine grinds release too much of the essential oil in coffee beans while a grind that is too coarse does not allow the coffee to do so sufficiently enough, so if your brew could be better, think about how you’re grinding it.

Know the Ratio
Sometimes coffee can turn out either too thin or too thick, and this is typically due to having an inadequate or excessive amount of water in the brew. The ideal ratio for a standard cup of coffee is two tablespoons of grounds for every 6 ounces of water, but the amount of water can be adjusted up or down if you prefer a stronger or less intense coffee.

Never Freeze Coffee
Freezing coffee beans destabilizes the oils that give them their flavor, causing them to break down and the coffee to taste blander. Instead of freezing the beans, store them in a cool, dark location in an airtight container, and if you absolutely must freeze them, ensure that the beans are wrapped in sealed plastic as well as a freezer safe container and do not return the bag to the freezer once it has been removed.

Buy Better Beans
If the taste of your coffee is subpar on a regular basis, the issue just might be the beans used to make it. No amount of processing or flavoring will improve the overall profile of cheap coffee, and so if you are often disappointed with the flavor of your inexpensive coffee beans, you may want to consider investing in a premium brand.
There are several factors that go into the way a cup of coffee tastes, and knowing the most important aspects of a well brewed cup is the key to consistent results. A cup of coffee is the start of the day for many people, and a better cup of coffee can be the start of an even better one.

Just Go Girl Has A Brand New Site and Free Samples

Disclosure: This is a compensated post on behalf of Just go Girl. All opinions are my own.

Retail Box

Just Go Girl products are perfect for any woman who experiences leaks on a daily basis or infrequently.

As a mom of 3 all under the age of 10, you start to experience leaks it just comes with the territory, when you sneeze or are exercising. The Just Go Pads are perfect and very discreet as they provide protection in the front but get smaller from behind to avoid the bulky feeling around your behind. You can also wear them with smaller underwear or thongs.

IMG_1696

Customers from all over the United States are raving about the Just Go Girl pads. Here are some of the testimonials:

“Ran my first half with a little help from Just Go Girl! Mom of two and a diabetic, I am an avid supporter of this product. I may not need it every time but it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it! Train hard!” -Melissa M Nasits

“First off, I just want to tell you how excited I am to have found your product. When I started running 4 years ago (at 36 years old and mom to two boys, both with natural childbirth, who left my pelvic floor in very weak condition!) the worst part of it was that I would leak every time I ran. It was so frustrating and depressing! I searched for a product like yours, but as you know, it didn’t exist, so I was stuck with bulky Poise pads and they were atrocious! Anyway, I was thrilled when I stumbled upon Just Go Girl after doing another frustrated internet search just last month (I was going to order the Poise pads online, since I HATE going to buy them in the store!). I ordered a pack immediately and have been using them for every run–just did a half marathon with them last weekend–and it’s completely changed the way I feel while running. Thank you, thank you!”

Just Go Girl has just launched a new site with all the information you need on their products including a free sample to try.

Right now through January 31, 2015, when you register for a free sample, you will receive a full 10 pack instead of the regular 2 sample pack. Thats a full ten pack in their newly designed boxes, all you have to do is pay for shipping. Shipping is only around $2.00 you can’t beat that deal, you’ll pay more in store.

Who is getting their free sample?

Scroll To Top