Flavor on the Go {& a giveaway}

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Folgers. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

Coffee.  My BFF when I need a good pick-me-up.  In the mornings, in the afternoons.. coffee is always there for me when I need it.  ;)  I am the absolute worst morning person.  I've wished I was a morning person.. I hoped and prayed and tried and tried... but I'm just not.  Early days just do not agree with me, but somehow they're a little easier when I wake up to the smell of coffee laced with vanilla or caramel.  The smell is heavenly and instantly helps me perk up and get out the door a bit quicker.  The days when I'm out of coffee (heaven forbid) are the absolute worst.

Also, these little things are absolutely perfect to stick in your purse or diaper bag when you're on the go.  Take them with to a friends house, to church, or to work.. perfect for spicing up that coffee a little bit.  :)  My absolute favorite is the mocha.. what would be your go-to flavor?

Folgers knows each of us likes our coffee our own way—and they’re helping us brew exactly what we want. Folgers Flavors lets us customize our coffee any way we like it.  They have come out with four yummy flavor - vanilla, hazelnut, mocha, and caramel.  Making your coffee in the morning will be a cinch!  And they're great for on-the-go or taking to the workplace.  They require no refrigeration, so you can enjoy your coffee any time - just the way you like it!  And they come in a convenient, portable squeeze container. 

Visit Folgers on Facebook and Twitter.  And watch this hilarious #RemixYourCoffee video!  Visit Mike Tompkins YouTube page, too!  He'll put a smile on your face - just be careful not to spit your coffee out.  ;)

The best part of this whole thing?  One of you can win 2 bottles of Folgers Flavors!  US Citizens only, 18 yrs or older.  

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“Contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstake, per household as part of a campaign sponsored by Influence Central.”

Where would you take this?  Would you use it at home or on the go?  What's your favorite flavor?  Be sure to let me know in the comments - and tell your friends about the giveaway!

Crane Cool Mist Humidifier {review & giveaway}

For the past 2.5 years we've been living in Arkansas.. where the weather is unpredictable this time of year (unlike in the summer where it's just constantly hot and humid).. one day it's in the 30's and the next it's in the 60's.  It really does take a toll on your body - your skin, throat, sinuses, and just your health in general.  And then we're just trying to keep the house comfortable, stop all the runny noses and sore/dry throats, and attempting to get a wink of sleep!  So when Crane USA contacted me a few weeks ago about reviewing one of their Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifiers, I was all about it.

Who knew a humidifier could be so exciting?  ;)  This pregnant mama couldn't wait to test it out.. and after doing so, I'm pretty sure we'll end up buying another one for Clara's room (baby boy can share with us since he'll be sleeping in our room for a while;).  Since I've started using the Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier a few weeks ago, I've noticed that my nose and throat are a lot less dry when I wake up in the morning.  I'm thankful to have this around, and especially will be when baby boy decides to make his arrival any day now.  Infants are nose breathers, and it's so important to keep those passages clear and easy for them to breath through... and since we're in the heart of cold and flu season right now, the humidifier should help out immensely!  I'm also happy to report that these are not noisy at all.  It has a very gentle whirring, which I think is actually pretty relaxing and definitely not enough to disturb even the lightest of sleepers.

I adore the sleek design of Crane's Drop Humidifier.  It's not an eyesore, and it can fit in with just about any decor - and it comes in some pretty colors!  I opted for the pure white one, because that's what fits best in my home.  Not only does it work great, but it's also a easy-peasy to maintain.  Make sure you change the water out daily, and clean it once a week or so.  I found this great video on using and cleaning the humidifier.. it's super helpful and only takes about 3 minutes of your time to watch!

See how lovely it fits in our room?  I love it!

Oh, and I have some great news for you!  Crane USA has so kindly agreed to giveaway a Drop Humidifier to one lucky winner - and they get to choose which color!  The color choices are:  the original blue/white, green, teal, white, pink, orange, and gray (you can view the Drop Humidifier colors here).  Enter below for your chance to win!


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Crane USA provided me with the Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier with no additional compensation - opinions are 100% mine!

Spring Cleaning with BLACK+DECKER {plus a giveaway!}

This post is sponsored by BLACK+DECKER, but all thoughts, opinions, and love for the Pivot Vac is my very own.  ;)

I love cleaning.  Well, I love some cleaning.  The satisfaction I get from vacuuming is both weird and satisfying.  Haha.  But I just found the best handheld vacuum - one that will make my life much easier!  Since getting our wild and crazy pup... dog hair.. everywhere.  This thing is the best for getting the couch real good.  We've had a few different hand held vacs before, but this one by far works the best.  It has great suction power, and picks up every hair and crumb!

Here are few fabulous things about this powerful little vacuum..

• Innovative, patented nozzle pivots to clean up high, down low and even in tight spaces.
• Its high performance motor provides superior suction capability when compared to other BLACK+DECKER cordless hand vacs.
• The cyclonic action spins dust and debris away from the filter keeping suction power strong.
• 3-stage filtration system with a pleated filter design offers the highest level of filtration to help prevent clogs and improve air exhaust.
• Wide mouth design scoops up large debris.

The other day I even went out and "spring-cleaned" my car with it - cleaned like a CHAMP.. and my car wasn't pretty.  When you have a toddler, nothing stays crumb-less for long.

Seriously, my car looks so awesome and clean now.  And the pivot vac makes it super easy to keep it that way.  Want to try the Pivot Vac?  Well, it's your lucky day because I'm giving one away to one lucky person!  Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter, and remember, you can get multiple entries by coming back every day.  :)

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Veggies in Space! {review & giveaway}

You're thinking.. say what?  But guys, I'm super pumped because the new VeggiesTales movie came out YESTERDAY (March 11, 2014)... "Veggies in Space: The Fennel Frontier".  I really don't know who was more excited... me or Clara. 

 Behind that DVD is definitely a big ol' smile!

This movie's message is about sharing.. an important lesson for all young children, no?  I love that the bottom line of this movie is, "When you have enough to spare, you have enough to share."  I've already caught myself saying that to Clara few times.

VeggieTales never disappoints!  Clara has already grabbed all her Veggie stuffed animals (Larry, Bob, and Petunia.. gangs all here!) and watched "the outer space movie", as she calls it, multiple times.  But not only does it have good lessons, it has a big dose of humor - even adults will catch themselves giggling at it.  And those new silly songs they sing?  You'll never get them out of your head.  ;)  Here's a quick synopsis of the movie;

• "A Lesson in The Power of Sharing! Join Captain Cuke (Larry the Cucumber) and his loyal first officer, Mr. Spork (Bob the Tomato), as they embark on an out of this world adventure to bravely travel where no Veggie has ever been. The entire USS Applepies crew takes on Luntar the Looter, a power stealing space pirate, but they're in for a big surprise when they find out what's motivating him!" 

)

Also, if you're interested, VeggieTales has some super fun printables and coloring pages pinned on their pinterest right here.. could make for a good family fun night.. watch the movie, discuss, and have some fun with some coloring activities.  You can visit the VeggieTales website to purchase this DVD and other goodies.  And you can connect with VeggieTales via Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Want to try your hand at winning a copy for your family?  Enter below using the Rafflecopter form.  :)  Giveaway ends on 3/26/14.  US only please.

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Disclosure:  As a VeggieTales blogger (and supporter!), I received Veggies in Space: The Fennel Frontier from VeggieTales for review.  Opinions are 100% mine and Clara's.  ;)

A Few of my Favorite Things with BRIKA {& giveaway}

I just discovered this really neat website called BRIKA.  It features the work of a ton of artisans and designers... and has so many gorgeous hand-crafted items.  They have a great selection, so you can find something for all the special people in your life!

I've put together 3 different gift-guides.. all things that I'm loving from the website.. at different price points.  There's something to fit every budget!  I love buying from small businesses when I can!

1; the isabella headband $42  2; linen napkins $42  3; black bridged braided bracelet $24  4; coral orchid vines infinity scarf  5; set of 2 notable journals $14  6; coral and gold ring dish $20

How about that beautiful coral scarf?  I'm a scarf hoarder (nothing wrong with that, right?).. so I was just drooling over all the ones displayed on BRIKA!  And that one-of-a-kind gold and coral bowl.. perfect for dropping your keys in it, or little odds and ends.  I obviously also have a thing for coral.

1; goodnight kisses pillow $70  2; herringbone table runner $55  3; gear 2 necklace $60  4; slate shibori scarf $60  5; bon appetit wooden serving tray $62  6; black & brown polka dot wristlet $30

There are some great gifts that you just can't find anywhere else.. you should really just go browse around!

1; red anna marie tote $136  2; menthe necklace $160  3; feathers pillow $136  4; more than this silk scarf $120  5; alphabet rainbow original watercolor $125  6; Joy & Ruby Kids/Toddler Apron Set $108

Giveaway;;
You could win yourself a $25 gift card to BRIKA!   How awesome is that?!  Use it for some last minute Christmas gifts, or just a gift for yourself (you deserve it!).  To enter this giveaway, just visit BRIKA.. sign up.. it's easy-peasy, promise!  And then leave a comment and tell me what you would put your gift card towards (and a link to the item!) if you won!  Open to U.S. and Canadians 18+.  Winner will be chosen from the comments.  Ends 12/22/13 11:59pm.

Congrats to the winner; BPSCHILT

 Thanks to BRIKA for sponsoring this post.. love them!

Clara's VeggieTale Obsession {and a giveaway}

My child has a thing for VeggieTales.  For a while she had a thing for Minnie Mouse.. Elmo.. Dora.. but she's always had a thing for VeggieTales.  She's particularly fond of Sweetpea Beauty, though she loves them all.  My husband and I love these movies also.  We love them because each movie has a good, specific message.  For example, Sweetpea Beauty teaches a lesson about true beauty.  And now that Christmas is upon us (is it seriously almost December?), I think it's so important not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget about the 'true light of Christmas'.

VeggieTales has a brand new movie out called Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas.  There's lots for your kiddos to laugh about and learn about in this movie.  It's a great reminder that giving is better than receiving and that it's more than just presents and decor.  Christmas shines most bright and true when you give the love God gave to you!  

Clara takes her Sweetpea Beauty doll with her everywhere.  She sleeps with it, takes it to school... e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e... and it's a nightmare if we forget her.  And she asks all the time to watch VeggieTales.. I love that she loves it.  And I love that she's learning about God while watching them.

There's a new Veggie character in Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas... Silas the Okra.. who is played by Si Robertson of Duck Commander (which I'm sure 99.9999% know who that is).  And I have some very exciting news.... VeggieTales is giving away one copy of Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas signed by Si Robertson himself... to one of my lucky readers!  ;)  You can enter using the rafflecopter form below.. U.S. residents only, please.

OR if you want to grab up the DVD now (or any other VeggieTales DVD), they are having a 40% store wide Christmas sale going on right now... which means you could snag the DVD for only $8.99 plus shipping.  :)

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VeggieTales gifted me with this DVD for a review, all opinions are my own.

Swedish Pancakes {recipe + giveaway}

Anyone else love to make a big breakfast on the weekends?  I always do - breakfast is actually my favorite meal of the day.. heck, some days we also have it for dinner.  Why not?  Hash browns, sausage, bacons, eggs, waffles/pancakes.. though instead of the classic pancake, I decided to try out some Swedish pancakes this past weekend. 

These pancakes are so good.  They're much thinner than a traditional pancake, so I can stuff my face with more.  Always a plus.  A neat thing about the "Recipes Across America" cookbook (which is where I found this recipe) is that it tells you a little bit about the recipe itself, or fun facts about ingredients in the recipe.  A few things I learned.. these are not the same as crepes (when I saw the recipe, I thought they were).  They are much thinner.  And in Sweden they are traditionally served with lingonberries, or sometimes.. ice cream!  Hey, I'd be willing to try that.  #icecreamaddict

Swedish Pancakes
recipe from "Recipes Across America" by Taste of Home

• 2 cup milk
• 4 eggs
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Frozen blueberries (or some sort of jam/fruit spread)
• whipped topping

In a blender or stand mixer, combine first six ingredients.  Blend well.  Heat a lightly greased 8-in nonstick skillet, pour 1/4 cup batter into center of pan and quickly lift and tilt pan to evenly coat the bottom.  Cook until top appears dry.  Flip and cook 15-20 seconds longer.

Repeat with remaining batter, greasing skillet as needed.  Stack pancakes with waxed paper or paper towels in between.  Reheat in the microwave if desired.

Heat frozen blueberries in a small pot until juicy and warm (or you could use jam or fruit spread warmed up).  Fold pancakes into quarters and serve with berries or jam, and whipped topping.

Taste of Home gifted me their "Recipes Across America" cookbook, which is where I found this recipe.  I'm an a huge fan of Taste of Home.  I have a couple other cookbooks from them, and I also get their magazine in the mail.  When I meal plan I just spread all my magazine and cookbooks (along with Pinterest of course) out on the table and go to town.

This cookbook is divided into five "regions".  More than 735 recipes from each part of the nation... northeast, south, midwest, southwest, and west.  And these recipes are from real home cooks, that may have been passed down in their families.  There are hundreds of striking color photos (which is a huge plus for me.. I love seeing what the end product looks like), the cookbook’s pages are sprinkled with food folklore, recipe histories, fun facts and culinary trivia.

And great news!!  I've teamed up with Taste of Home to give one of you lucky ducks the new cookbook!  Just enter using the rafflecopter form below.  :)

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Erin Condren Life Planner {review & giveaway}

I've had my eye on these Erin Condren Life Planners for a long, l o n g  time.  I finally sucked it up and bought one.. and I must say that I love it.  It's every crazy-organizer-list-makers dream.  I bought the 18-month classic life planner in "viva espana watercolor".  The planner is so sturdy and well made... I have no doubts that it will last.

I like the fact that they're so colorful and bright.  And the fun quotes they throw in there are definitely mood-boosting!  It has a whole section for "special dates" such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc.  And then there's space for important numbers and contacts.  I like having everything all in one place!

I just love that there's so much space in these!  They have a monthly view of each month, as well as a daily view.  With tons of room to right what you need.  I use my binder for practically everything... my blog (scheduling posts and keeping track of deadlines), meal planning, weekly to-do lists, exercise, appointments, and just to jot down things I want to remember!  These planners are so worth it.

This neat little video kind of takes you through and gives you a closer look at it.



 And now, the exciting part!  Erin Condren is offering a $25 gift code for one lucky winner!  Say whaa!  That's right.. just enter below using the rafflecopter form for your chance to win!  You can put it towards a Life Planner or one of their other fun products from the website!

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Didn't win or just can't wait?  You can sign up and order your Life Planner here!

The Little Green Pouch {& a giveaway!}

I can't even remember how I stumbled across this little gem... probably Pinterest, since I spend a not-so-healthy amount of time on there.  But I found these wonderful little green pouches, and was like... ah-ha!  I have to have them.

Pouch food is so easy to take for an on the go snack, which is exactly what we use them for.  Car trips, when we go to the park, or just out to run errands.. all the time.  There are certain pouches we still buy, but I am in love with these reusable ones.  One of my daughters favorite snacks is applesauce.. and it's just way too easy to go buy a big jar at the store (we prefer Motts Natural in this house!) and scoop it in the pouches and keep them in the fridge until we need to head out somewhere.  Less waste and a money saver!  We even took them on a picnic the other day.  :)

We have the small Starter Kit, which includes:  4-pack of reusable pouches, swiveling pouch nipple & bottle brush (for easy cleaning!), a measuring pitcher/funnel (makes filling the pouch easy-peasy), and a roll of 60 dissolvable content & date labels.  You can buy other accessories on their website such as spout extender and extra pouches as well.

We use them a lot for applesauce, but we also use them for smoothies.  If my husband and I make smoothies, there's usually a little bit leftover.. so we'll pour it in the pouches and stick it in the freezer (yes, the pouches are also freezer safe!).

The pouches are easy to fill because they have a zip-lock opening at the top - but no worries.. it's too tricky for Clara's little hands to get it open.  Actually, I don't even think she knows the opening is there.

If you need some fun new recipes to try out with these, the Little Green Pouch has some great ideas on their website. 

One lucky reader will win a Starter Kit, courtesy of the Little Green Pouch!  Just follow the instructions and fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  The more entries you complete, the better your chances at winning.  The winner will be contacted by email on August 18th.  Good luck!  U.S. residents only.

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You can shop for the Little Green Pouch on their website and find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.  You can even get 5% off of your purchase when you 'like' their FB page!

 
*I was gifted with the Little Green Pouch starter kit for a review and received no other compensation.  All thoughts & opinions are 100% my own.  The Little Green Pouch is responsible for sending 1 lucky winner their very own starter kit*

Blog Giveaway Directory

Smart Snackin' with Peter Rabbit {& a giveaway!}

I can't possibly be the only person with a picky eater living in their house.  I have friends who always say that their child eats so well.  Sometimes I give them the side-eye and then sometimes I wonder if they're lying.  Secretly, I'm just jealous.  Though I'd like to think it fairly 'normal' for a toddler to go through this stage.

Let me just say, though, that Clara does eat pretty healthy.  We've cut out processed food, and buy organic when we can.  And the girl can eat her weight in fruit, but she won't touch a vegetable unless it's pureed into one of these fabulous little pouches.  I always offer her whatever we eat, but.. no such luck on the veggies... yet.  I suppose she's just too much like I was at that age (sorry mom!).  :)

So when I happened to stumble upon the Peter Rabbit Organics fruit and veggie pouches, I was excited (oh the things us mama's get excited over!).  And I was hopeful, that my child might actually consume a vegetable.  I knew Clara would love the fruit pouches, that was a no-brainer.  But the veggie blends would be the true test.  And wouldn't you know... she loves them!  She even enjoyed the 'Pear and Pea' blend!  

Peter Rabbit Organics has 6 different fruit pouches and 5 different veggie blends.  Their pouches are all organic and 100% fruit and vegetable.  What you see is what you get!  Never any added sugar, salt, or artificial ingredients.  No hidden ingredients here!  And they come in BPA-free pouches, easy for on-the-go grabbing... and a no-choke cap (that's also important to me.. because for whatever reason, Clara loves to screw and unscrew the cap onto the pouch when she's finished with it... easily amused!)

These pouches aren't just good for all you mama's worrying over the fact that your kiddo snubs veggies.  But they're also good for snacks, even if you have a kid who does like veggies (or at least eats them.. and I may or may not be giving you the side-eye right now).  We always throw them in the diaper bag if we're going to be out and about, or take them in the car on long road-trips, or even just for a healthy night time snack!  Our pantry is always stocked with some Peter Rabbit.  :)

 One lucky reader will win 10 assorted pouches, courtesy of Peter Rabbit Organics!  Just follow the instructions and fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  The first entry is mandatory (leaving a comment on which flavor you think your little one would like best), and the rest of the entries are optional.  However, the more you complete, the better your chances at winning.  The winner will be contacted by email on August 8th.  Good luck!  U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway You can find Peter Rabbit Organics in Starbucks nationwide, in select Whole Foods Markets, natural food stores, Amazon.com, Target.com, BabiesRUs.com... hey, I even found them at my local Walmart! 

*I was gifted with some Peter Rabbit Organics pouches for a review and received no other compensation.  All thoughts & opinions are 100% my own.  Peter Rabbit Organics is responsible for sending 1 lucky winner 10 assorted pouches.*

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Series: Keeping it Clean with Kleenex {#1 & a giveaway}

So summer is half over (I know, I can hardly believe it myself)... how have you been spending it? Despite the sticky and humid weather here, we spend a lot of time outdoors... we have a daughter who gets stir-crazy if she doesn't get a breath of fresh air... playing at the park, enjoying the zoo, grilling up something delicious, strolling around the local Farmer's Market, swimming at the pool, having get-togethers, or just hanging out... plus we have a few more adventures planned before the summer is over.

We obviously keep pretty busy.. and that leaves absolutely no time for getting sick. So I was pretty excited to find out about Kleenex Hand Towels. In the U.S. alone, people dry their hands on cloth bathroom towels approximately 200 billion times per year. Just because a towel looks clean doesn’t mean it is. Even after they’re washed, hands are only as clean as the towel used to dry them. Kleenex has found an ideal way to dry hands at home by delivering a clean, fresh towel each time for proper hand hygiene. And they are especially nice to have when you have house guests - less laundry (anyone else dislike doing laundry?!).


Which would would you choose:


"Even after they’re washed, hands are only as clean as the towel used to dry them." That really makes me think twice about using a towel! With all the guests we have/had this summer, and with all the in-and-out of the house that we do.. the last thing I want to try to remember is when the last time I changed my hand towels are. So I just use Kleenex Hand Towels and keep on keepin' on! Because I have more important thing to think about.. like shaved ice and soakin' up that Vitamin D at the pool!

And what better way to start your weekend than a fun little giveaway?? Just use the form below. Winners will be notified by email next weekend! US residents only

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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Woolzies {review & giveaway}

Laundry.  It's never-ending, and not something I'm ever able to 'catch up on' (is that possible even?).

I was sent a box of Woolzies Dryer Balls to try out and review - and there's also a chance to win your own box!  Woolzies Dryer Balls are 100% eco-friendly and are a natural fabric softener.  And they are guaranteed to last at least 1,000 loads!  No more buying those chemical filled dryer sheets.  Each box contains 6 dryer balls, and I use them all at once.  Here are a few facts about them:

I've found all of them to be true except for the static.. there is still some static there when I take my clothes out of the dryer.  However, Woolzies suggests to place in a ball of aluminum foil with the dryer balls to help reduce static as well, which I haven't done yet.  And I've also heard that you can put a few drops of essential oils onto the dryer balls to make them smell good.  I haven't done that yet either, but I plan to!  :)

All in all, I really do think these are a good buy.  They do their job, they are chemical-free and eco-friendly.. and they will last me 1,000 loads!  I don't know how long that is... BUT, it's a lot longer than a box of dryer sheets would last me.  The only 'downside' is that every time I do laundry, my daughter wants to play with them.  Haha.

You can buy your own box of Woolzies here, or you can enter below for a chance to win a box! 

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