reviews

Trudeau Zen Fondue Sets the Mood For Valentines day

- brandy3 3 Comments

Trudeau Zen Fondue Set creates an intimacy of sharing that is unmatched by other meal traditions. This trendy Zen fondue set lets you share this intimacy with loved ones in contemporary style. Set has a stoneware Zen-shaped bowl for fondue and a divided platter to house assorted fondue dipping ingredients. Four color-coded fondue forks and a tea light to flame the unit along with recipes and instructions are included.

* I have never had a fondue set, and didn’t know exactly how many great things it could do. It’s so easy to set up the Zen Fondue set and the recipes included make it fun for parties or get togethers.

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Our first adventure using it was for the big game this past weekend. We used it for our Cheese display with pretzels and chips. My kids just loved, and was the perfect set up for our snacks.

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I have been using it now to make chocolate dipped everything. I am getting ready for Valentines day. I made Dairy Free chocolate and dipped strawberries, marshmallows, bananas, and pretzels.

Making the chocolate sauce is easy.
You just need coconut milk
and dairy free chocolate chips (I use enjoy life)
Heat on stove until melted, and transfer to Zen Fondue set and you can dip.

You can get the Trudeau Zen fondue set here.

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Disclosure; No formal compensation was received, a product was provided for review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Get Ready For the Playoffs with Popcorn Factory

- brandy3

We are down to the wire in the playoff series of football. The big game is only a few weeks away. My family and I sit down together every weekend and watch the playoff games. We love it. thats part of our family time together.

One thing we love to do is have a mini party with drinks and snacks etc. Since the kids are with us we have everything kid friendly, including their favorite popcorn. I found this cute NFL inspired popcorn tin on the Popcorn Factory website.

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popcorn factory

They have so many to choose from including my favorite team Buffalo Bills. Unfortunately they didn’t make the playoffs this year and decided to go with another team we are rooting for the Denver Broncos. The broncos will be playing next week and we will have our Popcorn factory tin rooting for them while eating.

The Popcorn Factory tin comes with 3 varieties of popcorn including original, cheddar and caramel popcorn. The tin also came with a very small popcorn holder which was fun for the kids.

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As you cans see my kids got to it before I had he chance too, during this past weekends playoff games. The popcorn is very delicious and make a great appetizer or snack during the playoffs or just anytime. Plus you get to use the tin for all sorts of fun stuff when the popcorn is gone.

Are you ready for the big game? Will you be getting a special NFL tin?

Disclosure: No formal compensation was received, a product was provided for review. All opinions are 100% my own.

The Real Deal Snacks Veggie Chips

- brandy3 2 Comments

The Real Deal Snacks Veggie Chips are the perfect snack! They are made with 51% real green peas, corn and rice, and there is a serving and a half in every ounce. They are Gluten free, kosher, non-GMO and have 80% less fat than potato chips.

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The real deal veggie chips come in three different varieties, original, Aged White Cheddar, and Sriracha.

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The packages come in 6oz packages as well as individual bags for the original only.

I was a bit skeptical that anyone in my family would like these because they are so picky, but I am on a mission to eat healthier so I wanted to try them.
I was surprised everyone loved them even my kids liked them. My husband wanted to make sure he wasn’t being punched and that these were healthier so he compared the ingredients and nutrition facts to our regular bag of tortilla chips. They are so much healthier and better for you. He was really impressed by that and the taste. Let me tell you that doesn’t happen very often.

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You can find The Real Deal Snacks at these locations nationwide.

St.Louis: Dierbergs, Schnucks, Shop N Save
Chicago: Sunset, Roundy’s/Mariano’s, Strack & Van Til, Walts, Woodmans, Pete’s, Caputo’s, & Tony’s
Milwaukee: Roundy’s/Mariano’s, Woodmans, & Piggly Wiggly’s
KC: Cosentino’s, Balls, Queens, McKeevers, Green Acres, Lucky, Checkers, Dillions/Kroger
NY: Wegmans, Shoprite, Price Chopper, Tops, Fairway, DeCicco’s, Gourmet Garage, Zabar’s
New England: Price Chopper, Marketbasket, Wegmans
Salt Lake City: harmons, Good Earth Natural, Smiths
San Diego:Baron’s, Keils Grocery, Albertsons, Whole Foods
OH: Kroger, Whole Foods
Nashville: Kroger, Whole Foods
Atlanta: Kroger, Whole Foods, Earth Fare
Phoenix: Fry’s

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Real Deal Snacks and The Role Mommy Writers Network.

Just Dance 2016 Helps you stay fit in the new year

- brandy3 1 Comment

One of my new years resolutions is to be more healthy and shed some weight. It’s actually been my resolution every year, but I can never stick to it. This year I am though after some health problems and feeling down. I want to be back and better than ever. One of my favorite ways to stay in shape is by playing Just Dance on the WII, and what better way to kick off the new year than with Just Dance 2016.

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Just Dance 2016 has some of the hottest songs to dance and stay active to like
Same old love- Selena Gomez
All About That Bass- Meghan Trainor
Circus- Britney Spears
Teachers- Nick Jonas
Cool For The Summer- Demi Lovato
Heartbeat Song- Kelly Clarkson
So much more

I have been getting so pumped up with this new game. The songs are hot and popular right now and the moves make you feel so energized. We love competing and taking on other dancers in the World Dance Floor. I love the Sweat and playlist mode, it helps me keep track of the calories I have burned and so much more.

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Get Just Dance 2016 on Amazon here.

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

Children’s Place Winter Fashions

- brandy3

Winter is here but it has been unseasonably warm, specially here in the north east. While my kids love snow they are happy they don’t have to get out the winter gear just yet. The Children’s Place has some of the cutest clothes just in time for the winter and holiday season.

For the girls sparkles are definitely in this year.

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and of course leggings

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and for the boys plaid id definitely in.

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The Children’s Place has so many different looks and outfits to choose from. My daughter loved the complete outfits and that they could choose either the skirt or the leggings with their sparkly shirt and it would still look good.
My son was very impressed with the outfit and how warm it was, the pants were a bit big but he says they are more comfortable that way.
They have tons of stuff to gear up for the cold weather including winter boots, gloves, and tons of fashionable winter outfits to choose from.

Right now The Children’s Place is having 50-60% off winter clearance including other incredible deals. Gear up for the winter here.

Disclosure: No formal compensation was received, a product was provided for review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Sams Club Last Minute Gifts On Sale

- brandy3

There is only 2 shopping days left before Christmas. Sams Club has some great last minute gift ideas and you get a great deal on them.

Gift Cards:
$50 iTunes Gift Card – $42
$30 Starbucks Gift Card Multipack – $28

Kids:
Neenah Paper Astrobrights Journal, Ruled, 5 1/8″ x 8 1/4″, Green, 240 Sheets – $7.50
Disney Frozen Elsa Shaker Pendant With Chain – $38.00

Tech:
Sharper Image Visual Charge 6 Port USB Charging Hub – $29.98

Sweets:
Dark Chocolate Butter Toffee Almond – 18 oz. – $9.98
Stockmeyer Shortbread Cookie Tins (14.1 oz., 4 pk.) – $9.98
Gift-wrapped Belgian Chocolate Truffles – $9.98

Fashion:
Elizabeth Arden Red Door Eau de Toilette Spray – 3.3 fl. oz. – $35
Expandable Stackable Bangle – $35

These are all awesome gifts and perfect for everyone in the family. Everyone loves gift cards, and the Starbucks gift card comes in a pack of 3. You can give out 3 $10 gift cards to different family members.
I received the Disney Elsa Shaker Pendant and it is absolutely gorgeous, plus the box it comes in makes it feel like your getting something expensive. It’s the perfect gift for any little girl that loves Frozen.

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Disclosure: No formal compensation was received. Products were provide for sharing this post. All opinions are 100% my own.



The Smurfs 3DS Review

- brandy3

The Smurfs are back for a brand new adventure, meet all your favorite characters in the new 3DS Surfs game.

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Help Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Hefty Smurf and all their friends rebuild their village, but Gargamel and his cat Azrael are lurking around so beware not to get caught while searching for supplies in their dangerous lab.
Unlock mini games and all new characters.

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*** This game was a bit confusing to me at first as you mainly just build Smurf Village. So it seemed a little slow, but after the mini games started unlocking it started to get more lively.
The mini games consist of breaking wood, collecting rocks and more to help build Smurf Village.
My kids love being able to design and create their own surf village. The graphics bring it all to life on the Nintendo 3DS, my kids said they felt like they could really be there. This game is perfect for smaller kids as it seems to be just at the right on par with their age. For Tweens and teens it might be to easy.

You can get The Surfs on Amazon for $26.99

Disclosure: No formal compensation was received for this post. A product was provided by Ubisoft. All opinions are my own. Page may contain affiliate links



Gravity Falls For Nintendo 3DS review

- brandy3 1 Comment

Disney and Ubisoft have introduced a new game just for kids. Gravity Falls Legend of the Gnome Gemulets is a brand new game where Mabel and Dipper explore together to save the Mystery Shack. In this game you can switch between the two characters to defeat objects and Jeff the Gnome to save the Mystery Shack.

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The graphics in this game are phenomenal, and allows you to go through levels and obstacles with no problems.

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**Gravity Falls The Legend of the Gnome Gemulets is so much fun. I had trouble putting it down the first day. Mabel and Dipper work together with their own talents to defeat the gnomes and save the Mystery Shack. Mabel can swing over rocks and trees with her graveling Hook and dipper can shrink with his flashlight. Every level you have a giant gnome to fight at the end, Mabel uses her sleeves from her sweater to whack her enemies and Dipper uses a battle cuff.
I am stuck at the last level Jeff the Gnome becomes a giant and is relentless at defeating Mabel and Dipper.

You can learn more about Gravity Falls Legends of the Genome at Ubisoft and buy it here.

Disclosure: No formal compensation was received for this post. A product was received from Ubisoft.

2015 Hess Toy Truck is The Best Yet

- brandy3 3 Comments

Every year we get my son a Hess Toy Truck, I know this is a tradition in many families, but we just started a few years ago. They are different every year and bring joy to so many children every year. The year they are introducing the 2015 Hess Toy Truck and Rescue Ladder

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The 2015 Hess Fire Truck and Ladder Rescue is a red fire truck with oversized tires, swiveling fire hose nozzles, LED lights, a searchlight, a slide out ramp, and 4 sounds. The smaller fire truck has a rotating ladder, moveable nozzles and a push activated Friction Motor.

This year Hess has placed 100 numbered silver edition fire trucks in random boxes.

*** I have to say this is one of the best trucks yet, not only is it red instead of the usual green and white, the lights are brighter, sound is louder and it just sticks out above all the others. The lights are of course Red White and Blue just like police sirens. The spotlight can be turned around to face any angle.

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You can learn more about the 2015 Hess Toy Truck on their website. Unfortunately they are already sold out this year, and the only place you can find them is Ebay and Amazon.

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

Walgreens Disney Soho NY Villains Cosmetic Bags

- brandy3 2 Comments

Walgreens has a beautiful and fun new line in their cosmetic department. Disney Villains, bringing everyones favorite characters to life through bags and makeup.

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They already have the Dare to Dream collection featuring your favorite fairytale characters, now featuring the original Villains: Maleficent, Snow White’s Evil Queen and Ursula. Available exclusively at Walgreens, the Villains collection contains six new cosmetic bags that will make being bad look so stylish.
This collection, including a weekender, organizer, train case and round top purse kit is inspired by the favorite foes of Disney’s classic tales. Known for versatile, long-lasting and on-trend cosmetic bags, LONDON SOHO NEW YORK® blends these infamously wicked characters and functional design in this latest collection to let out your dark side in style.

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**This bag is so cute and functional. My kids love Disney Villains, there favorite is Maleficent of course. The Walgreens Disney Soho Ny Villains Cosmetic bags come in different sizes and can hold just your basic makeup for outings, or upgrade to the bigger bag and hold all your makeup.
We received a smaller bag which was perfect for my daughter to hold all her makeup that she loves to carry around.

You can find these bags as well as the cosmetics in the line at Walgreens stores and online.

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