DISCLOSURE: I received a free sample from Smiley360 to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

I've had a cold now for the past few days. It started with a sore throat and progressively got worse. My ear hurts, my nose is stuffy and runny, my body hurts and I have a low-grade fever. I haven't been feeling so run down that I haven't been able to get out of bed, but I just feel like blah.

The other night, I couldn't even sleep because my nose was running so much. I had to get up and take some night-time cold medicine to help me get some sleep.

The next day, I decided to try this Mucinex Fast-Max Clear & Cool Cold, Flu & Sore Throat liquid that I received from Smiley360. I don't normally like to drink liquid medicine. They usually have a weird taste that require me chasing it down with some other drink.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free sample from Smiley360 to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

My kids are super picky about what they eat. Some are a little better than others, but they all can be kind of choosy on what they want to eat. So, I worry about whether or not they're getting the nutrients they need. To help ensure they're getting the proper vitamins and minerals, I give my kids multivitamins. Because they don't care for the texture of chewable vitamins and can't swallow pills, I usually buy them gummy vitamins.

DISCLOSURE: I received free samples of FLIPZ Chocolate Covered Pretzels from Smiley360 to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.

My one son went to see the new Jurassic World movie when it came out this past summer. He liked it and even asked for the Blu-Ray for Christmas. But, he had never seen the original Jurassic Park movie!

We recently had our first Family Movie Night and I decided that it would be the perfect time for my son and my other kids to see the original Jurassic Park movie. I loved it watching it when I was younger and hoped my kids would like it, too.

DISCLOSURE: I received free samples of Airheads candy from Smiley360 to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.

As hard as it is to believe, Christmas Eve is only ten days away! I've been sick the past week and a half, so I am way behind on everything! I've barely started my Christmas shopping and haven't even thought about my Christmas baking!

Today, I thought I'd do something simple. I've had this huge bag of S'mores sized marshmallows just sitting in my pantry. We had made little treat bags for Cub Scouts this past summer when my husband's pack was recruiting and we had bought too many marshmallows. I thought it would be good to have some homemade Rice Krispy Treats. I haven't made any in awhile.

DISCLOSURE: I received free samples of Airheads candy from Smiley360 to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.

I love the look of decorated sugar cookies, but I don't have the patience to make them. It takes a lot of time and effort to make the cookie dough, cut out the shapes, bake them, cool the cookies, make the royal icing, tint the icing to the desired colors and decorate the cookies. I usually only do that at Christmas time because of how laborious it is.

Airheads Candy recently sent me some of their candy to make an edible craft. I thought it would be cute to use the Airheads like fondant and decorate a sugar cookie! I've never worked with Airheads before and thought it would be a fun way to make decorated cookies.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free package of Flipz from Smiley360 to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.

Halloween is 5 days away. We've finally figured out what the kids are going to be. We've put up our Halloween decorations. Now, it's time to make some fun Halloween treats!

I've actually made these Spiderweb Brownies before, when I hosted a Hotel Transylvania Monster Valentine's Day party. This year, I thought it would be cute to add little chocolate spiders on the brownies.

I modified a recipe from the King Arthur Flour website. I opted to use a boxed brownie mix, but feel free to use either the King Arthur Flour brownie recipe or your own favorite brownie recipe.

DISCLOSURE: I received free samples from Smiley360 to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

As much as I don't want to admit it, I am on the slippery slope to the big 4-0. I just celebrated my 37th birthday a couple weeks ago. In the past year, I've definitely noticed changes in my skin. It's not as bright as it used to be. I feel like my pores are a lot more visible and my skin just doesn't seem as full as it was just a few years ago!

I've started using all sorts of different cleansers and toners and creams and serums to try and slow down that aging process. This past week, I've had the chance to try a few products from Philosophy's Ultimate Miracle Worker line:

• Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30
• Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15
• Ultimate Miracle Worker Night Multi-Rejuvenating Nighttime Serum-In-Cream

DISCLOSURE: I received a free sample from Smiley360 to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

I know I should take a multivitamin each day. I don't eat well enough some days to make sure I get all the vitamins and minerals I need. But, I hate taking pills. Often, they're big and hard to swallow. Chewables often have a chalky texture that I don't like. So, I usually buy gummy vitamins.

Recently, I had the chance to try the new Centrum MultiGummies. They're an adult gummy multivitamin that's designed to help support your energy, immunity and metabolism. They include 100% or more of Vitamin B12, D and E.

Product benefits include:

• ENERGY - B-vitamins can help support daily energy needs*
• IMMUNITY - Antioxidants, such as Vitamins C, E and Zinc, can help support normal immune function*
• METABOLISM - B-vitamins can help in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins*
• WHOLE BODY HEALTH - It also includes key nutrients important for overall body health*

DISCLOSURE: I received a free product from Smiley360 to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Mineral makeup was all I used in college and throughout my 20's. But, once I got older, I felt the loose powder foundation wasn't giving me the amount of coverage I needed. Since then, I've been bouncing from one brand to another, not really finding the perfect one.

Recently, I had the opportunity to try Mineral Fusion Makeup. I had never heard of the brand before and was curious to see if it would be better than the other mineral makeup I had used in the past.

Mineral Fusion offers a line of natural cosmetics, skin care, body care and hair care products. All of their products are free of gluten, parabens, phthalates, SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), artificial colors and synthetic fragrances.

DISCLOSURE: I received free products from Smiley360 to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

I had my six-month check up last month at the dentist. No cavities, but they told me I needed to floss and use a mouthwash more often. So, I've been trying to be better about my oral health routine.  In addition to brushing at least twice a day, I've been trying my best to floss regularly and to use a mouth rinse at least once a day.

Luckily, I had the chance to try products from the Truly Radiant line from Arm & Hammer. I was sent a tube of the Truly Radiant Rejuvenating Toothpaste, a Spinbrush Truly Radiant Deep Clean Manual Toothbrush and a bottle of the Truly Radiant Whitening & Strengthening Fluoride Rinse. I had never tried any of these before and I was curious to see how it compared to the products I was currently using (Colgate Optic White, an Oral B toothbrush and Listerine Naturals mouthwash).

DISCLOSURE:  I received free products from Smiley360 to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own.

I love coffee.  I drink at least a cup or two each day.  It helps get me going in the morning and it also helps me unwind in the evening.  I usually drink brewed coffee, from either my drip coffeemaker or my Keurig.  It's very rare for me to drink instant coffee.  While convenient to use, instant coffees usually don't taste as good as brewed coffee.  At least not for me.

Recently, I had the chance to try Nescafe with Coffee-mate.  It's a new 2-in-1 that combines Nescafe instant coffee with Nescafe Coffee-mate creamer.  It's available in three flavors:

• French Vanilla
• Hazelnut
• Sweet & Creamy Original

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free Sleep Number CoolFit Comfort Pillow from Smiley360 in exchange for visiting the Sleep Number store and reviewing the SleepIQ technology. All opinions are my own.

I don't sleep very well at night.  My mattress is over 10 years old and my kids are constantly jumping on it.  It's just not as comfortable as it used to be.  Plus, I cosleep with my 19-month-old and she still wakes up to nurse at night.

So, when I was offered the chance to try out the new Sleep Number beds, I jumped at the opportunity.   I've passed by the Sleep Number store numerous times, but have only been in once. A few years ago, I tried out one of the beds to see what my Sleep Number was.  My husband and I were given a remote that we could use to increase or decrease the firmness of the bed to see what we found to be most comfortable.  For me, a 35 felt great. My husband preferred something more firm.  I believe his was in the 70's!

DISCLOSURE: I received free products from Smiley360 and Scotties to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own.

Our house is never without facial tissues.  There's a box in pretty much every room of the house.  They're in the bedrooms, the bathrooms, the living room and even the office.  We haven't really been brand loyal.  We've used Kleenex, Puffs, and various store brands.  One brand we've never used before (at least I don't think), though, is Scotties brand facial tissues.

Thanks to Smiley360 and Scotties, I recently had the chance to try Scotties Facial Tissues.   They sent a kit that included one box of Scotties 2-ply Facial Tissues, 2 coupons for a free box of Scotties tissues and an information sheet on the Scotties TREES ROCK program.

DISCLOSURE:  I received free products from Smiley360 to facilitate this review.  My opinions are my own.

I'm so bad at taking vitamins.  I hate swallowing pills.  It took me forever to learn how to swallow them.  I used to chew pills and then chase it with a flavored drink and chew gum to get rid of the nasty taste.  Even after I learned how to swallow pills, I still didn't like having to do it.  When I first got pregnant and had to start taking a daily prenatal vitamin, I learned that there were gummy vitamins.  They fast became my favorite way to take my vitamins.

I recently had the opportunity to try Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies.  These vitamins provide you with the right balance of nutrients you need to support lustrous hair, healthy nails and vibrant skin.  They come in a strawberry-flavored gummy.

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free bottle of Airborne Gummies from Smiley360 to try and review.  My opinions are my own.

Cold season is upon us.  With a job and four kids to take care of, I can't afford to get sick.  It's nice to know that in addition to eating right, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep and using proper hygiene, there are products available to help support your immune system.

I recently had the opportunity to try Airborne Immune Support Supplements.  It's packed with a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, herbs and a blast of Vitamin C.  It's available in several forms and flavors, including effervescent tablets, gummies, chewable tablets, and lozenges.  I had the chance to try the Airborne Gummies in Assorted Fruit Flavors.

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free package of GoGo squeeZ from Smiley360 to try and review.

My boys love GoGo squeeZ applesauce pouches.  We've been buying them for a couple years now.  They're perfect for packing in your child's school lunch or snack and great for bringing with you on the go.

GoGo squeeZ applesauce pouches are the leading squeezable, resealable, 100% fruit in a pouch.  They're all natural and contain no genetically modified ingredients.  They're gluten, nut and dairy free and contain no added sugar or flavors.  GoGo squeeZ is available in three varieties:

Applesauce on the Go

• 100% Natural Fruit
• 11 flavors: Apple Apple, Apple Grape, Apple Pear, Apple Mandarin, Apple Cherry, Apple Strawberry, Apple Banana, Apple Peach, Apple Mango, Apple Cinnamon, and Apple Berry

Organic

•  USDA Certified Organic
• 6 flavors: Apple Apple, Apple Cinnamon, Apple Banana, Apple Peach, Apple Strawberry, and Apple Banana

Fast Fruit

• Each pouch equals 1 serving of fruit
• 3 flavors: Apple Peach Passion Fruit, Apple Mango Pineapple Banana, and Apple Raspberry Cranberry

DISCLOSURE:  I received samples of Seventh Generation products from Smiley360 to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

As a whole, our family has been moving towards eating more organic and natural foods and using more natural products.  One area that we haven't made a total switch yet is with personal care products.  They tend to be expensive and sometimes not as effective as their chemical-laden counterparts.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to try out several products in the Seventh Generation line.  They included personal care and baby care items.  I was sent a kit that included samples of:

• Seventh Generation for the Wee Generation Baby Shampoo & Wash, Light, Fresh Scent
• Seventh Generation for the Wee Generation Baby Lotion, Light, Fresh Scent
• Seventh Generation Baby Natural 4x Laundry Detergent
• Seventh Generation Lavender Moisturizing Lotion
• Seventh Generation Mandarin Nourishing Body Wash
• Seventh Generation Mandarin Refreshing Facial Cleansing Cloths

I received these products when I was at the end of my last pregnancy and thought it was perfect timing!  I could use the baby products when baby arrived and I could pack away the personal care products in my hospital bag!

DISCLOSURE:  I received free samples of Centrum Flavor Burst Chews from Smiley360 to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I'm a picky eater.  There are some foods I just won't eat.  So, I'm sure I'm lacking some important vitamins and minerals in my diet.  Luckily, there are multivitamins available to fill in the gaps.  But, I hate taking pills and multivitamins tend to be pretty big.  There are alternatives to pills like chewables and gummies, but they don't always taste good and can be chalky.

Fortunately, Centrum has come out with a new product: Centrum Flavor Burst Chews!  It's a new chewable multivitamin that feature an essential vitamin core, great-tasting outside and chewy inside.  It's available in three great flavors:

• Mixed Fruit
• Tropical Fruit
• Wild Grape

Thanks to Smiley360, I was sent a sample of the Wild Grape flavor to try.  The recommended dosage for the multivitamin is to take 4 chews daily, with or without food.  It's formulated for adults only, so keep out of reach of children.  With the fun flavors, they make mistake it for candy.

The chews are pretty small, maybe about 1/2 an inch in diameter.  They have a hard, crunchy coating and soft, chewy interior.  They taste really good!  I could definitely see myself not forgetting to take these daily because it's almost like a treat to eat them!  They're sweet and easy to take.

Would you recommend it? Yes!  Centrum Flavor Burst Chews are a great way to take your daily multivitamin.  They taste great and come in a variety of flavors, sure to please everyone's tastes.

How much does it cost?  Centrum Flavor Burst Chews are available in 60-count and 120-count bottles.  Prices start around $9 for the 60-count and $12.50 for the 120-count.  Right now, there's an offer on the Centrum website to receive a free sample and a $2.00 off coupon.

Where can I buy it?  You can find it at all major drug stores, mass merchandisers, grocery stores and online retailers.

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free sample of Tom's of Maine Wicked Cool! Toothpaste to try and review from Smiley360.  All opinions are my own.

My husband and I have been on a mission to try and reduce the amount of processed and artificial foods we consume as a family.  We've started buying more natural and organic foods and cooking things from scratch, rather than turning to convenience products.  We've also started using cleaners with natural ingredients.  One area, though, where we haven't really bought many natural products have been with hygiene.  Often, we've found the natural products just don't work as well.

So, when I was given the chance to have my kids try out Tom's of Maine Wicked Cool! Toothpaste, I will have to admit I was a little skeptical.  For one thing, my kids are super picky.  There are definitely some oral care products (toothpaste, mouth rinses and floss picks) that my kids have decided that they didn't like to use because of the flavor.  And with natural products, I've found they don't always taste as good as other products with more artificial ingredients.

Tom's of Maine Wicked Cool! Toothpaste is made for kids ages 8 and up.  It's all natural and contains no artificial dyes, sweeteners or flavors.  Tom's of Maine products are not tested on animals and contain no animal ingredients.  It comes in a mild mint flavor for kids who have outgrown fruit or bubblegum flavors but find the mint flavor of adult toothpastes too strong.  It's ADA-Accepted to help prevent cavities, and it also strengthens enamel and freshens breath.

DISCLOSURE:  I received free samples of Wisk Deep Clean Laundry Detergent from Smiley360.com to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

My family makes a lot of laundry.  If we don't do at least a load of laundry everyday, the dirty clothes pile up and we run out of things to wear!  We've used a wide variety of different brands of detergent, including natural and organic brands.  Some work well, others not so much.  So, I was excited to get a chance to try the new Wisk Deep Clean Laundry Detergent.

I was really interested to see if it would get the stink out of some of my husband's and kids' clothes.  My husband is an avid runner.  And when he comes back, especially from the really long runs, his clothes stink!  Regular detergent doesn't seem to get the smell to go away.  Even the in-wash scent boosters can't touch it.  The clothes smell okay coming out of the washing machine, but once dried, they're back to their normal funkiness.

The same thing happens with my baby's tops.  He's still kind of drooly and his shirts and sweaters get this gross smell around the neckline from all the drool.  Sometimes the smell comes out, sometimes it doesn't.  My husband had gotten into the habit of just turning shirts that stank too much into rags.  It would be nice if we could save those clothes!

According to the literature that accompanied the Wisk samples, some detergents can leave behind hidden body oils and sweat that get trapped inside the fibers of your clothes.  I'm guessing that's what contributes to the smell of some of these clothes.  The average washload is said to have 20 times more body oils and sweat than visible stains!  Wisk Deep Clean is supposed to help get it all out.

Here's a picture of one of our most recent loads of laundry before I put in the wash.  It includes my daughter's soccer uniform as well as one of my husband's really stinky running shirts!


I did this load last night.  My daughter had another soccer game this morning and she only has one soccer jersey.  The Wisk Deep Clean is pretty easy to use.  The samples I received were premeasured for one load.  The detergent itself smells really good as do the clothes when they come out of the washer.  Some clothes, like my daughter's soccer shirt and my husband's running shirt, get hung to dry.  Others were dried about halfway through in the dryer before getting hung up to dry.  My husband's shirt smelled really nice when I hung it up last night.  But, sadly, this morning, when I was folding it to put it away, it was back to its normal stinkiness.  I don't know if anything will be able to get rid of it!

Wisk Deep Clean goes beyond surface stains and penetrate deep into fabric to attack and help remove hidden body oils and sweat that other detergents may leave behind.  It comes in five different varieties:

• Original
• High Efficiency
• Oxi Complete
• Fresh Breeze
• Free & Pure

Would you recommend it?
Yes, overall, Wisk Deep Clean works well at cleaning regular stains and smells really good.  I was disappointed, though, that it didn't get rid of the smell in my husband's running shirt.  It may be time to retire that shirt and buy him a new one!

How much does it cost?
Wisk Deep Clean is available in load sizes 45oz, 50oz, 75oz, 100oz, 150oz. The MSRP ranges from $5.99 to $15.99.  You can currently download a $1 off coupon from Wisk's Facebook page.

Where can I buy it?  
Available at all major drug stores, mass merchandisers, grocery stores and online retailers.  Wisk also has a product locator on their website.