#SaveTheUndies U by Kotex® Sleek® Tampons Review

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

DISCLOSURE:  I received free samples of U by Kotex from Crowdtap to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own.

I hate having my period.  It affects my mood and makes me unpleasant to be around the days before it comes.  (Ha, just ask my husband!)  Plus, my flow can sometimes be heavy and inevitably, I end up ruining a pair of underwear with a leak.  I usually end up using not-so-cute undies during that time of the month.

Millions of undies are ruined every year due to failed period protection.  It's time to stop the madness! U by Kotex can help Save the Undies!

Vichy Idealia Life Serum 8-Day Challenge #LifeproofSkin

Monday, September 29, 2014

DISCLOSURE:  I received free samples of Vichy Idealia Life Serum from Crowdtap to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own.

As I've gotten older, I've been paying more attention to my skin.  I'm noticing more fine lines and enlarged pores.  My skin tone seems to be more uneven and I'm seeing more dark spots on my face.  I've had to start experimenting with different creams and moisturizers and serums to see what could help.

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the Vichy Idealia 8-Day Challenge.  I was sent an 8-day supply of Vichy Idealia Life Serum for myself and some to share with friends and family.

$50 Kohl's Gift Card Giveaway - Ends 10/9

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Welcome to the $50 Kohl's Gift Card Giveaway

Hosted by: SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways 

Sponsored by: Kohl's



DISCLOSURE: SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways received free products to facilitate this giveaway post.  This blog did not receive any compensation for promoting this giveaway.   

Before you know it, Christmas will be here!  So, I'm excited to participate in this Kohl's gift card giveaway from SaraLee's Steals & Giveaways.  Kohl's has something for everyone!  It's definitely one of the places I shop when I'm looking for a gift.

Get everything for you, your family & your home, all designed to fit your personality and budget. Shop in store, online, on your mobile device or at a kiosk. Kohl's hassle-free return policy means you can return any item, anytime, for any reason.
 
Now for the giveaway!
One lucky person will win a $50 Kohl's Gift Card. This is open to US residents and ends 10/09/14 @ 11:59 pm EST. To enter, simply do the tasks on the Giveaway Tools widget below and you're set to have a chance to win! Remember, you can't win if you don't enter. It only takes one entry to win!

Good luck and thanks for entering!
 

Disclaimer: Please note that SaraLee's Deals Steals and Giveaways and Stuff I Got are not responsible for prize fulfillment.  This blog did not receive any compensation for promoting this giveaway.

$140 Toys "R" Us and $140 Babies "R"Us Gift Card Giveaway - Ends 10/8

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Welcome to All About Parents Birthday Extravaganza!

We're so excited to be participating in the All About Parents Birthday Extravaganza!  To help Debbie from All About Parents celebrate, she's offering you a chance to win gift cards to Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us!  This would be great for the upcoming holidays!  Good luck!


It's Debbie from All About Parents birthday so guess what, we're going to have a giveaway! Debbie said to herself, " What do I love to shop for the most?" Then it came to her! Her son! So for her birthday, All About Parents is sponsoring this giveaway so you can shop for your little one too! 

Ripley's Believe It or Not! - Baltimore, MD

DISCLOSURE:  This is a sponsored post in conjunction with USFamilyGuide.com.  I will receive a free admission for me and my family in exchange for this post and a future review.  All opinions are my own.


Whenever my family and I travel, we often see signs and brochures for Ripley's Believe It or Not! museums, but we've never had the chance to visit.  We usually didn't have the time to include it in our vacation and there wasn't really one close by to home -- until now!

Ripley's Believe It or Not! is now at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD.  Now, we have one within an hour's drive of where we live!  Ripley's features three unique attractions including Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, Ripley’s Moving Theater where you ride the movies, and 2,000 sq. ft. of the mind-bending Marvelous Mirror Maze!

" Come see over 15,000 square feet of the odd and weird world of Ripley's Believe It or Not! where truth is stranger than fiction. See a real shrunken head, Hogwarts Castle made of matchsticks and much much more! Along with incredible artifacts and artwork from all around the world and over 100 "interactives" take a ride on our 4D Moving Theatre and get lost in our Marvelous Mirror Maze. You can also take home your very own wax hand that you create. Ripley's has been proudly freaking out families for over 90 years. Why just say it, See it!"

Ripley's is open 365 days a year and tickets for the Odditorium start at $17.99.  From now until the end of the year, you can save with this coupon and get 1 FREE attraction when you buy 2!  You can even skip the lines and purchase tickets from home!

I think my kids would have so much fun seeing all the exhibits and playing with everything!  I can't wait to visit!

Ripley's Believe It or Not!
301 Light Street
Light Street Pavilion
Baltimore, MD 21202

(443) 615-7878
http://www.ripleys.com/baltimore/

Exploring The City With UrbanQuest

Monday, September 22, 2014

DISCLOSURE:  This is a sponsored post in conjunction with USFamilyGuide.com.  I received a free UrbanQuest scavenger hunt in exchange for a review.  No further compensation was provided.  All opinions are my own.

I've always wanted to take the chance to spend a day and play tourist and actually visit all the great sites around where I live.  I was born in Washington, DC and raised close by in Maryland, but there are so many places in the area that I've never been to.

Recently, I had the opportunity to go on a  scavenger hunt around DC through UrbanQuest.  The company offers Quests where you can explore your city and learn fun facts along the way.  The Quests feature a series of clues that lead you around town until you reach your final destination: a mystery restaurant where a reservation has already been made for you and your group.

Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight Review

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free product from SheSpeaks to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own.

I have thick and somewhat wavy and frizzy hair.  I just can't wash it and let it air dry.  It would turn into a big frizz ball!  I have to blow dry it straight and then use a flat iron to make it look nice.  I do this pretty much every day.  It takes forever.  I usually have to wake up at least 2-3 hours before I need to leave to go somewhere so that I have enough time to shower and do my hair!

Recently, I had the opportunity to try Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight.  It's a lightweight styling creme that progressively loosens curls with every use.  As you straighten your hair, Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight’s naturally derived plant fibers invisibly attach to hair to loosen curl and help lock in straightness. The formula’s humidity barrier of organic cassava extract and maize defends against frizz. The more you use it, the easier it is to create straight, smooth styles, so you can spend less time with a blow dryer and flat iron every day.  Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight is the newest addition the Smooth Infusion line from Aveda.


Seasoned Mustard Drumsticks with Peach Molasses Glaze Recipe #TailgateForOurTroops

Thursday, September 18, 2014

DISCLOSURE:  I received free products from Crowdtap to facilitate this post.  All opinions are my own.


If you saw my previous post, then you might have seen that I had the chance to participate in a #TailgateForOurTroops BBQ with Kingsford Charcoal and Crowdtap.  As part of the party, they sent hosts a copy of "Fire & Smoke" by world champion pitmaster Chris Lilly.  I didn't get a chance to make anything from the book for the party, but the recipes looked so good, I wanted to try at least one.

The other night we had the chance to try the Seasoned Mustard Drumsticks with Peach Molasses Glaze.  It didn't look too hard to make and my kids like eating chicken drumsticks.  It didn't require any crazy ingredients -- though, after purging our pantry and fridge of expired items, we happened to be out of almost everything on the list!

I hope you try this recipe. Even my picky kids enjoyed the seasoning and glaze.  It's sweet and I'd love to try it on other meats.  I do recommend making sure you have a meat thermometer.  With dark meat, it's hard to tell just by color if it's cooked.  You really want to make sure the internal temperature reaches 175 - 180 degrees F before serving.

Enjoy!

Kingsford #TailgateForOurTroops BBQ

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

DISCLOSURE: I received free products to facilitate this post from Crowdtap. All opinions are my own.

Growing up, my parents always used a charcoal grill.  That was the only kind of grill I knew.  I learned how to grill meat sticks, ribs and chicken wings with my Dad in the backyard and at the park. 

Once I got married, my husband became the "grillmaster."  We've only been using a gas grill since.  While I like the convenience of a gas grill, I do sometimes miss the flavor that a charcoal grill imparts that I don't get when we cook on a gas grill.

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in Kingsford Charcoal's #TailgateForOurTroops program.  In partnership with ESPN and ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstriet, Kingsford Charcoal is supporting the families of US troops.  For each tweet with the #TailgateForOurTroops, Kingsford Charcoal will donate $1 to The Folds of Honor Foundation until they hit their goal of $50,000. The Folds of Honor Foundation works to give back to the spouses and children of soldiers killed or disabled in service to our country.

Parents! Vote Now To Help Kids Have More Fun -- One Playspace At A Time!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

As parents, we spend a lot of time discovering creative ways to nurture our children’s curiosity. Luckily, being outdoors provides the perfect landscape, fueling young imaginations and creating endless possibilities for exploration, discovery and creativity. Children’s Claritin hopes to inspire parents to create innovative play spaces in their backyards, and communities.

Children’s Claritin also believes in the benefits of outdoor activity for children, and wants to help children get the most out of every day! They’re teaming up with KaBOOM!, a national non-profit, to help bring innovative playspaces to communities in need and you can help! By voting, you can help them pick the four community organizations that will receive Imagination Playground™. What’s Imagination Playground™? See imagination at play – watch last year’s winner enjoying Imagination Playground™.

Be sure to visit ClaritinVoteforPlayspaces.com where you can place your vote and gather playspace inspirations for creating your own backyard playspace.  

While visiting the Children’s Claritin & KaBOOM! Facebook page, you can also:
  • Learn more about the twelve organizations you can vote for receiving Imagination Playground™
  • Download coupon offers
  • Locate a playspace near you
 Vote now and help us pick the four community organizations that will receive Imagination Playground™. You can vote one time per day through 9/26/14. Click here for voting rules.

As a member of the Children’s Claritin Mom Crew, I receive product samples and promotional items to share and use as I see fit. No monetary compensation has taken place and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience.

Explore With UrbanQuest

Monday, September 8, 2014

DISCLOSURE:  This is a sponsored post in conjunction with USFamilyGuide.com.  I will receive a free UrbanQuest scavenger hunt in exchange for this post and a future review.  All opinions are my own.

http://www.urbanquest.com/ 
 
I've lived in the DC area my whole life.  But, there are so many places in the city that I've never had a chance to visit.  I've always wanted to take the time to just play tourist and explore.  So many people come to DC to visit the monuments and museums and yet I've never been inside the Washington Monument.  I have yet to step inside every museum on The National Mall.

I recently learned about a fun way to explore the city.  UrbanQuest offers fun scavenger hunts that you can complete with your family and/or friends.  You can choose from a variety of Quests, download the clue package online and start the Quest whenever you'd like. Families use their smarts, resourcefulness, and printed clue packages to explore parts of their city.
 
A series of puzzles have been set-up that families need to solve. Once you have the correct final answer, enter it online to find out the final destination of their Quest: a mystery restaurant where a reservation has already been made for your group. There are lots of interesting factoids along the way so everyone gets to learn something new. Teams can also opt out of the meal portion and just try to beat the 2 hour countdown. 
 
UrbanQuest is available in the following cities:
Baltimore
Boston
Chicago
Cincinnati
Columbus
Indianapolis
Los Angeles
Louisville
Miami
Nashville
New York
Orlando
Philadelphia
Portland
Princeton
San Diego
San Francisco
Seattle
Tampa
Washington DC
West Palm Beach

I think my older kids will have fun with this.  They love going to DC and this will be a fun way to see parts of the city we may not have visited before.
 
 
Right now, they have a special offer where you can save 20% off an UrbanQuest scavenger hunt.  Use code: FAMILY20 in the shopping cart once you register at www.UrbanQuest.com.  Expires 10/15/2014.

DISCLOSURE:  This is a sponsored post in conjunction with USFamilyGuide.com.  I will receive a free UrbanQuest scavenger hunt in exchange for this post and a future review.  All opinions are my own.

Doc McStuffins: School of Medicine Prize Pack Giveaway - Ends 9/20

Welcome to the Doc McStuffins: School of Medicine Prize Pack Giveaway!

Hosted by: SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways

Sponsored by: Disney Junior


DISCLOSURE: SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways received free products to facilitate this giveaway post.  This blog did not receive any compensation for promoting this giveaway.  

In "Doc McStuffins: School of Medicine," a compilation of engaging Doc McStuffins stories, the many specialties in which doctors practice medicine and health care are highlighted for young kids to comprehend. In her playhouse clinic, Doc is an optometrist, helping her stuffed owl toy, Professor Hoostburgh, to see clearly again. As a dentist, she fixes a tooth on Donny’s toy shark Mr. Chomp and, as a radiologist, Doc takes an inside look at Daisy’s arm after a Roller Disco fall. Then, Doc accidentally sprains her own ankle, so it’s up to her toys to provide the care and compassion to Doc herself and with rest, patience and plenty of cuddles, she will be as good as new, singing "The Doc is in."

Fisher Price Ultimate Playdate #RSVPplaydate

Sunday, September 7, 2014

DISCLOSURE:  I received free products from Vocalpoint in order to throw an Ultimate Playdate.  All opinions are my own.

Yesterday we had the chance to throw a Fisher Price Ultimate Playdate, thanks to the RSVP program through Vocalpoint.  We were sent two new Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages toys to review, as well as other fun party supplies.

The party kit included:
  • Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair
  • Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Puppy's Smart Stages Train
  • 6 Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Click 'n Learn Remotes
  • 6 Fisher Price Two-Grip Travel Sippy Cups
  • 6 Fisher Price Tote Along Snackers
  • 5 gift bags
  • 1 playmat
  • Photo booth props
  • Napkins
The fun things included in the party kit. (Minus one remote that baby had already claimed!)



Little Tikes Activity Garden 3-in-1 Adventure Center Review #TeamLittleTikes

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

DISCLOSURE: #spon I'm required to disclose a relationship between my blog and MGAE. This could include MGAE providing me with content, product, access or other forms of payment.


My youngest child is just over a year old.  She loves to play!  She runs and climbs and pretty much tries to do everything her older siblings do.  She's kind of fearless!

We recently had the chance to try and review the Little Tikes Activity Garden 3-in-1 Adventure Center.  It can be used three ways: climb and slide or flip it over and use it as a rocking toy!  It's designed to help your child develop motor skills, balance and coordination.  It can be used indoors or out and is recommended for children age 12-36 months.  It has a maximum weight limit of 40 lbs.

Listerine Naturals Antiseptic Mouthwash Review

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free bottle of Listerine Naturals from Crowdtap to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own.

As a whole, my family and I are moving towards eating more natural and organic foods.  We've been buying more products that don't contain any artificial colors or flavors or preservatives.  We even signed up for a CSA this summer and probably ate more vegetables than we've ever eaten before!  (So tired of yellow squash now!)

And while I'm putting more natural and organic products in my mouth to eat, I figured I should also be using more natural products to clean my mouth and teeth!  That's why I was pretty excited to get the chance to try out the new Listerine Naturals Antiseptic Mouthwash.  I was interested to see if it would work as well as my regular Listerine and how they managed to make it "natural."  I have found in the past that some natural products don't seem to work as well as my regular ones do.