Spoonful of Comfort ~ product review

* I received a complimentary gift package of Spoonful of Comfort for my review. 

I have not received compensation for this post. *

I've always heard about Spoonful of Comfort. Always thought it sounded amazing. Maybe even went so far as to wish someone would send it to me. /fine - no maybe - I have!/

I've sent it to a friend before and she loved it. Said it was an incredible surprise and an amazing relief for her to have dinner for her and her husband. I was glad. And still intrigued. Would it be weird to send it to myself? 

Yay! Thanks for being you! Love, Me?

And so when the Spoonful of Comfort team contacted me about possibly reviewing their product, I was all in. Yes, please, when can I try it? 

Within no time at all I had this beautifully organized package of goodies at my door. 

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Sing into Spring with Disney Records!

* As an influencer of The Entertainment New Media Network I received these CDs to facilitate my review of them and was not compensated for this post in any way. Walt Disney Records will be providing both, a gift set of the four CDs I received along with a 4-pack of preschool CDs to two winners picked by me randomly. All expressed opinions are strictly my own (and that of my 7yo daughter!). There are affiliate links throughout this post. *

It's time to SING INTO SPRING with Walt Disney Records!!!

Join me today as I invite you to learn about the four CDs I received to review for you all. Take a look!

My daughter and I have been bopping around my kitchen to the soundtrack of Teen Beach Movie all morning. It helps that she has seen the movie a good handful of times and we have it on our DVR as I write this. I'm pretty sure we'll be watching it again tonight now that she's motivated into the mood with the music in the background of our day.

Our second CD in this gift-pack is Disney's Play It Loud. With music by Zendaya (of Shake It Up), Debby Ryan (Jessie) and China Anne McClain (ANT Farm), your kids are going to love this. Seriously. It might be on repeat wayyyy too many times - but hey, at least it's kid-friendly lyrics, right?

We've also got a copy of Austin and Ally: Turn it Up for you. With thirteen songs the cast kicks it up a notch and I have to admit, the music is pretty catchy. It's the kind you find yourself singing along with after a while and forget it's a "kids' CD" ... for a little while, at least.

And then of course, let's talk FROZEN.

I mean, what is there to say? If you haven't seen the movie yet - well - you really must. But if you haven't heard any of the songs yet, I must ask you - where have you been hiding?

This CD is one of the top selling CDs right now. The music won an Academy Award for goodness' sake. Or maybe two. Who knows? But really - if you and your kids don't know pretty much every song by heart you need to enter this giveaway. STAT.

I'm also lucky enough to give away the Preschool Sing into Spring 4-pack to one lucky reader. This bundle consists of the Doc McStuffins Soundtrack, Jake and the Neverland Pirates - Yo Ho Matey CD, DJ Shuffle (which I kind of want for myself because it's got a mix of Sofia the First, Jake, Doc, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and more) and last, but never least, FROZEN.

YES. This means that BOTH winners will be receiving a copy of the FROZEN soundtrack. What more could you want?

Click through my Rafflecopter below and find yourself a way to enter. I promise to make it as easy as possible for you.

And if you want to purchase any of these CDs on your own, I've got the links throughout the post for you to go shopping. Happy listening!

a Rafflecopter giveaway * As an influencer of The Entertainment New Media Network I received these CDs to facilitate my review of them and was not compensated for this post in any way. Walt Disney Records will be providing both, a gift set of the four CDs I received along with a 4-pack of preschool CDs to two winners picked by me randomly. All expressed opinions are strictly my own (and that of my 7yo daughter!). There are affiliate links throughout this post. *

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I'm trying to stay in the Zone.

* I received a variety of ZonePerfect bars as a participant in this challenge. I am not being compensated for this post and all expressed opinions are completely my own. *

If you have been reading me for a while you know that I struggle left and right with fitness, motivation and inspiration. You also might have seen that I started participating in the Blog Forward Challenge with ZonePerfect earlier this year.

Admittedly, I struggled through much of March with some traveling and some illness and then with the weather in the earlier months, sigh, excuses excuses. I'm getting back on track and I went for a really long walk the other day with a friend and am finally feeling like moving matters again.

I set some goals back in January. I set them again now, in April. I have lost some weight, and that's great. I'm back to tracking myself on MyFitnessPal and I find that it's helping. But I really need to do more. I need to bust out the sweats and find myself moving regularly. I need to consciously uncouple myself from emotional eating. *Come on, I HAD to.*

I need to remind myself that I have a Fitbit zip I could wear regularly and count all the steps I take every single day. Or I could turn around and get myself one to wear on my wrist so I can feel like I'm more motivated and more involved in my own health. More aware. Whatever it takes.

I was in Disney World last weekend for Type-A Parent Bootcamp and I walked A LOT. I felt really good about that. I ate a lot, too, but I could have done a lot worse. I actually didn't feel bloated or swollen or anything I usually experience when I fly. So I'm thinking the walking was a huge help. I even brought my Brooks kicks and wore them throughout Magic Kingdom on Saturday night. So I wasn't messing around.

And a huge bonus was that these ZonePerfect bars arrived before I left! So I was able to bring a bag of them with me and find a new favorite.

The Chocolate Almond Raisin bar is AMAZING. Seriously. I need to find a box of them and fast. I'm hoping I stumble across them soon. And if you want, you can sign up to be a ZonePerfect VIP and grab yourself about $10 worth in coupons (which will be emailed to you over the course of the coming year) for your own shopping experience.

ZonePerfect is also hoping to keep me charged in other ways throughout the coming months. They've sent me a portable phone charger, along with one to give away to one of my readers. So leave me a comment below with a flavor of ZonePerfect bar that you'd like to try and you'll be entered to win.

And if you're looking to swap out your sweetened beverages for something a little healthier, check out this graphic for more tips. I've started off by either completely eliminating sweet tea from my intake, or at the very least if I really am itching for it I do a half-and-half and go half sweet and half unsweetened. Sometimes it takes baby steps, but whatever works will get me closer to my goal.

I hope you'll stick with me as I make my way through this challenge and that you'll keep me posted if you are doing healthier things for yourself, as well. Any tips we can share will be great ones, I'm sure. Looking forward to connecting with you and finding my fitspiration from you all.

* I received a variety of bars from ZonePerfect as a participant in this challenge. I also received a portable phone charger for myself and one to give away to a reader. I was not compensated in any way for this post and all expressed opinions are strictly my own. *

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Oral-B is making brushing fun for our kids!

This paid/sponsored post is brought to you by the new free Oral-B Disney Timer App as part of a Type-A Parent Community Sponsored Post. All expressed opinions on both, the products received and the app are completely my own (and those of my daughter).

Getting our children to brush their teeth isn't always easy.

There's whining. Yelling. Crying. Pouting. Bargaining.

And that's just me.

I've gone as far as cheerleading for my kiddo.

Yeah, I mean it.

Don't believe me? Take a look.

See? Toldja. And she's SEVEN.

Anyway, we were lucky enough to have been chosen to participate in this great campaign Oral-B has going on right now promoting their new Disney Timer App. Because of this we received a really cute toothbrush with Snow White on it, and some Princess toothpaste. Because every little girl needs Princess toothpaste at least once in their life!

Using a kid-friendly toothpaste might have been a bust in our house because at age 7 my daughter is all about being old enough to do whatever mommy and daddy do so I never know how she's going to react to new things. But I needn't have worried at all. She loves it. The toothpaste and the brush. The app. The whole thing.

The app is really working in our house. She really loves that she can change her character whenever she wants. Whether it's a princess (which it is. It always is.) or Mike Wazowski, she's been excited to play around with that feature. Once we get our brushes ready to go she marches through the app with determination.

There's an option to scan your Oral-B Disney products before you begin, and when we scan the image on the toothpaste there's a swirl of stars that appears before introducing a quick clip of one of the princesses dancing around on the screen of our tablet

For my daughter the rewards have been a lot of fun. Each time she completes a "brush" she gets a virtual sticker added to her collection. It's been an interesting variety of princess images so far, and she even earned a Mickey sticker yesterday - which was very exciting! I tried to take a picture of one of them to share but the app moves pretty quickly so I missed it. Oops.

All in all using this new app has been a great experience. It's pretty motivating for her and she now brushes her teeth for either one or two minutes - which is a lot longer than 2-3 swipes through her mouth, a few chews on the bristles and we're done!

This app is available on iTunes and in the GooglePlay store and if you've got little ones who get bored while brushing their teeth or just plain "don't wanna!!!" brush them at all? I suggest you check it out today. They're going to really love it. But don't be surprised if they make you work alongside them, too. Because in our house even Mommy gets in on the action ... I haven't earned as many stickers as she has, though. She seems to take over the app when we brush.

We were both matching Rapunzels for a little while. And then she decided to switch it up. So I get to be Ariel. For now. But I think that's only because there isn't an option to choose Elsa or Anna. YET.

So, from our house to yours ... Happy brushing!


 

This paid post is brought to you by the new free Oral-B Disney Timer App as part of a Type-A Parent Community Sponsored Post. Featuring sixteen of your favorite Disney and Marvel characters, use this app to seamlessly encourage your kids to brush longer. Collect a new digital sticker after each successful two minutes of brushing; track progress with stars and milestone badges on the Brushing Calendar. Longer, happier brushing for your little one is just a download away!

Download the Free App Here

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Blog Forward with ZonePerfect in 2014!

* I am participating in the Blog Forward Challenge with ZonePerfect. They have sent me some bars to try out and enjoy, but all opinions about the bars, experiences shared and emotions expressed here are completely and utterly my own. I am not being financially compensated for this post. *

January is almost over, friends. It's crazy how time flies by - isn't it? I'm not one to make resolutions, if you've been reading me for a while you'll know that much about me.

And yet, every year - or every once in a while - I find myself working my tail off (unfortunately not literally enough) at getting back on track.

When it comes to my health it's a rough go.

I work at it, I try, I don't get there. I fall off track. I try again. It's not easy. Nobody ever said it would be. Nobody has ever said it was.

But I've found that person before. I've found the girl who completed a mud run in the cold temps of March. She was scared, nervous, anxious, even. But she planned to get it done. And so she did.

I've found that girl who got her own little girl all excited to participate in Color Mania's 5K, and DID IT. Splattered in a rainbow of colors, or, who am I kidding? Mostly orange ... we did it. We did the entire 5K and had a blast. I got my sneakers dirty, covered in colors, smushed in the dirt and mud (and animal poop, don't ask!), soaked in filthy water. Basically, whatever there was to trudge through, I did. Me. I did that.

I was that girl. I AM that girl.

2013 ended hard for me. If you know me already, you know my dad passed away in October and it sucked. It still does. My heart shattered into thousands of little pieces. I'm still working to pick them up. Months went by and I hadn't laced up my kicks even once.

I did sign up for the 2014 Dirty Girl, I was excited at the thought of it and needed a "goal" for myself. But that's not til May. What before then?

Then my friend Greta of gfunkified started talking about a Virtual 5K for charity. And I figured, why not? I needed SOMEthing. Needed to get moving. And so I did. I did it. I walked 5K completely by myself in my neighborhood. I worked up a SWEAT. Look at me.

I freaking did it. My dad would be proud.

And so now, now I'm trying to find that girl again. She's been in hiding. She doesn't really want to come out and play. But I need to talk to her. She needs to listen.

Hey, you.

Yeah, you. ----> I see you there. I see you getting dressed to work out before you spend the day catching up on your DVR while sitting on the couch.

Yeah, I know you did a work out to Bones the other day, what of it? That's just once. It's not enough. You need to move. You know it. You had a great week a few weeks back and you need to get back there. You CAN get back there. Find your way.

You've got every app under the sun downloaded to your smartphone, but if YOU're not moving it's not going to matter. The calories aren't going to burn themselves. You need to do more than just count 'em.

So get off the couch. Get moving. Do your damndest to find a way to get yourself back on track. And then? A novel idea for you. STAY THERE.

It's so hard. I know that. You've done this before. Time and time again. What's holding you back? What's stopping you? Work it. Look out for you.

Love yourself. You deserve it.

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Now, I've got to admit (disclosure coming shortly) that ZonePerfect is holding my hand, too. I can't forget about the bars they've been sending me. The Fudge Graham one is really good, it might be my new favorite. Although my G-d, I love that Sweet and Salty Cashew Pretzel one. I never seem to find that flavor anywhere. Wonder why? And most of the bars are around 210 calories, perfect for part of breakfast or to keep on-hand when you're running around like a maniac and find yourself starving. They're so good I had to hide them in the garage from my daughter or they'd have been part of HER snacks, too. And she's got her own kid-friendly snack bars now (check out my Kidz ZonePerfect bars review for more deets), so she can stay away from mine. I mean, I'm a mom, I share everything else!

And for some more disclosure information, I'm participating in the Blog Forward 2014 Challenge with ZonePerfect. They've started off my year by sending me a huge box filled with a variety of ZonePerfect protein bars to help me through the rough spots. And help me they have. I've grabbed them instead of sugary cereals, sat myself down with a bar and a cup of coffee (come on, we all have SOME vices, right?) and got to work.

I am not being compensated for this post and I am not required to say anything about the bars as I participate in this challenge, except that they sent them to me. But I actually like them. They're pretty good as far as bars go. I am not a huge fan of the fruit flavored ones, but that's because for me bars like these should be more chocolatey-peanut buttery and trick me into thinking I'm eating a sweet treat I enjoy. So when you add a fruity flavor in there I'm kind of like, meh, not sure. I'll admit I haven't tried all of the new fruity or yogurty ones yet, so I'll touch on them more next time. (I added a lot of "y"s to all of my words, forgive me - spellcheck seems to have!)

So, here you have it. Me. Open, real, raw. My typical self, no?

Hope you'll join me, motivate me, inspire me or who knows, feel inspired BY me. It could happen, right? Thanks for coming along for the ride. See you on the flip-side. Hopefully both of us will feel strong, powerful and healthy when we get there. AND along the way.

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Rachel Ray Nutrish

This sponsored post is brought to you by Rachael Ray Nutrish as part of a Type-A Parent Community Sponsored Post campaign. All expressed opinions are completely my own. Image was taken by me at the event indicated in the post below. 

A few months ago I had the opportunity to meet with Rachael Ray Nutrish while at the Type-A Parent Conference in Atlanta. I was lucky enough to be invited to a private lunch where I ate well (I can't begin to describe that chocolate cake!), chatted with friends, met new people AND learned about Rachael Ray's Nutrish products.

We learned that Rachael's food for dogs is all-natural, contains no filler and nothing artificial. The food and treats are made up of natural ingredients you can feel great about feeding your dogs.

Nutrish even has a line of products that are grain-free. It's like gluten-free for dogs! I sound like I'm kidding, but I am totally serious. The Zero Grain line has several flavors that have no grains, glutens or fillers. Another line that is wheat-free is their Just 6 products. These are corn and soy free, as well.

I got a chance to look at the products up close while at the event. I also received a few samples to bring home to my pups. They devoured the dry samples, and loved the treats I brought home, too. Nutrish has a variety of treats that seem to work well with dogs of various breeds and sizes. My two large mutts enjoyed the large soup bone treats and pretty much gnawed through them as soon as I put them in their mouths! The real meat flavor had to be a hit because they were sniffing around for more once they were done.

If you know me, you know how important my pets are to me. And how much I love animals. What I love most about Nutrish is that a portion of the proceeds goes to Rachael's Rescue, which was founded to help support and spotlight many organizations that take care of animals in need.

I especially loved heading over to her site to find North Shore Animal League America represented as one of the organizations she supports. North Shore is extra special to me because that's where we found our dog Dexter and our cat Harley when we lived in New York. Supporting them (NSAL) has always been important to our family, and I love that Rachael supports them, too.

So, if you're looking for a healthy food for your dogs, one that is completely natural with ingredients you recognize when you're reading the label, I suggest that you check out Nutrish. Rachael is a celebrity who cares about animals. With a pup of her own she recognizes that they're more than just pets, they're part of the family. I can stand behind someone with that mindset and support their mission.

This post was sponsored by Rachael Ray Nutrish. Be sure to follow @nutrish on Twitter, like Nutrish on Facebook and follow Nutrish on Pinterest.

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Tired of cooking?

* This is a sponsored post and giveaway hosted by me on behalf of Moe's Southwest Grill. As a member of Moe's Blogger Advisory Council I was provided with several gift cards to give away. *

It's early December, and so many of us are tapped out of meal ideas. I mean, it is the end of the year, we're nearly hitting that 365 mark of meal prep and designing that exhausts us all. It's okay to skimp a little at the end of the year. You'll be doing enough home-cooking and eating soon enough. You can go out to eat and cut yourself some slack ...

So, my question is, have you been to Moe's lately?

You'll want to head over soon and check out the new Chimichurri burrito.

Moe's new Chimichurri burrito is available for a limited time and is made up of grass-fed steak, grilled mushrooms and peppers, pico de gallo and seasoned rice. Smother that with their new cilantro chimicurri sauce and I have a feeling you'll quickly find yourself enjoying a meal that's popping with flavor.

Stay tuned, you might be a winner and be able to get your own Chimichurri Burrito FREE! I'll have a few gift cards up for grabs at the end of this post.

Besides their variety and new menu items, something I really love about Moe's is that I can adjust my meal to make healthy choices. I can up the tomatoes and pico and ask for less or no cheese. And if I'm trying to be really proactive I can head to their website before I go and check out Moe's menu's nutritional information.  I'm not always that on the ball, but I like that I can be - or I can bring up their website on my smartphone and do it before I order. As we head into the new year and many of us are looking at a fresh start, Moe's can be a great place to head to grab a quick and healthy bite!

Now - for the fun part - I've got a few $5 gift cards up for grabs, so enter today and you might win one.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Moe's Catering does everything for you! #welcometoMoes

This post is sponsored by Moe's Southwest Grill. All products were provided to me free of cost. All expressed opinions are strictly my own. I am a participating blogger in Moe's Blogger Advisory Council.  




I have been so lucky this summer. I've had an opportunity to work with Moe's Southwest Grill and could not be more excited about the experience.

Moe's Southwest Grill offers catering packages that are beyond your expectations.

I decided to opt for the fajita package, which included grilled chicken, ground beef, black beans, rice, grilled peppers and onions, and loads of fajita toppings. Huge flour tortillas finished off the meal, with gallons of sweet and unsweetened tea (they even brought ice! And paper cups!). My pictures below don't do justice to the amount of food that was delivered. We ordered for a party of 20, but had enough leftovers to feed several sets of friends for a few dinners, along with ourselves.

Moe's also offers both, a salad bar and a taco bar, along with their Burrito box option. For more details on their catering choices, check out Moe's Southwest Grill Catering Menu.

Not only is the food amazing, but they deliver, come into your home, set everything up for you in disposable serving platters and leave you with such an easy clean-up!

One thing that pleased me about Moe's, especially with so many kids in attendance, was the variety. The variety caters to each of your guests' tastes. My husband doesn't eat onions, but my mom and I (my parents were visiting) really enjoyed the grilled peppers and onions. I'm not big on super spicy stuff, so I didn't have to add any extra heat, while my husband and some of our guests were thrilled at the choice. Kids can be so picky, any parent knows that, but with a large number of children attending we had no issues of complaining or worries about what was in their food and what they might need to pick out. Don't like tomatoes? Don't add the pico. Dairy issues? Skip the cheese - more for me! And the guacamole? To. Die. For.

Along with the huge variety and amazing food, they also provided us with crayons and a coloring tablecloth, along with several coloring printouts for the kids. Moe's also sent over bracelets, noisemaker toys, balloons, frisbees, and a candy-filled piñata!!

The kids all had a blast trying to beat the candy out of that thing - mostly unsuccessfully - it was REALLY sturdy! But they had so much fun. We used these sweatbands that Moe's sent us as "blindfolds" and my husband rigged up the piñata to a pipe so he could safely hold it for the little ones. They were especially excited to tear it apart with their hands once it started breaking.

I probably have about 10-12 more pictures of the little ones attacking the piñata with a stick, but they all came out blurry because it was hit so hard and swinging around so quickly. Obviously it was a definite hit (no pun intended!).

So, if you're looking for a place to cater your next kids' party or family gathering, you need to look into Moe's. It's absolutely worth it and it's definitely something I am going to consider for the next time I am hosting a party in my home.

* Disclaimer reminder: This is a sponsored post. All products (food, drink, cutlery, entertainment items) were provided to me through Moe's. All expressed opinions are completely my own and I can honestly restate that we were more than pleased with the product provided. Thanks, Moe's, for a great party! *

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I'm talking 'bout bums with Cottonelle ~ #spon

* This is a sponsored post that was written by me on behalf of Cottonelle. 

Tell me the truth, do you use your phone in the bathroom?

Come on, you can tell me.

I'll confess. I do it.

Only at home (I just can't be one of those people talking in the stall!) and only with people like my mom or my best friend, but I've definitely done it before.

And how many times have you found yourself talking through the bathroom door while on the toilet? Parents out there - I know you know what I'm saying. I recently explained to my daughter how when she was an infant I had to HOLD her in my arms while I went "potty"! So I know you. I AM you.

Now ... #LetsTalkBums

You won't discuss bathroom habits with people, but you totally find yourself talking TO people while going to the bathroom. And don't say you don't - because there's a study that shows more than 60% of us DO. So, if it's not you, who is it? 

But I get it. Nobody really likes to talk about the bathroom. Not unless it's related to our kids.

Think about it. We start when they're really young. As a mom it's a pretty easy topic to approach with other women. Sometimes we fall into the topic so quickly, we don't even realize we're doing it. But then when it comes to us, we might discuss digestive issues with our nearest and dearest, but bum-talk? Probably not happening. Honestly, many of us would rather suffer in silence than discuss anything with our doctors, let alone our friends. But why? What's so taboo about this topic that makes us shy away from it as we do?

Cottonelle would like to help us change the way we talk about our bums. Opening up and discussing this sort of thing will help us help each other.

I'm not sure what embarrasses us most about talking about our cleansing habits when it comes to the bathroom. I understand it's a private thing. I won't get into the debate of whether you use the bathroom in front of your significant other or anything - that's your choice. But I'd like to talk about keeping clean for a bit.

And speaking of ... I'm coming clean today. I'll admit that while I started off buying Cottonelle for my daughter I found myself using them. Repeatedly. And they work. Really.

You'll obviously need to try them for yourself to believe me, but I've found that it's a cleaner and fresher feeling than just using toilet paper alone. Cottonelle's Clean Routine is something you might find yourself implementing regularly - to your own surprise!

And Cottonelle Flushable Cleansing Cloths now come in a discreet and sleek newly designed dispenser. It's upright, so it can sit on your vanity and be completely out of the way. Mine fits right in the corner, easily accessible with relation to the location of my toilet.

I really love the dispenser. It makes using these so much easier, and is simpler when it comes to opening and, for lack of another word, dispensing the product. The old holder was flat and a bit bulky. It didn't stay put on the counter. This one is much easier to use, for sure.

See them both in my bathroom below!

Please excuse the poor lighting in my bathroom. 

Not sure exactly what happened there. 

Using cleansing cloths like these shouldn't seem that odd. It might at first, because you're not used to it, but once you start using them they'll start to feel like a part of your everyday routine. They even have an easy to carry On-The-Go soft pack (10 ct) that you can slip into your purse, backpack, or laptop bag. The perfect size for traveling, too.

Now, are you ready to check them out? And ready to talk bums? Head on over to Cottonelle's Facebook page to join the discussion today!

* Cottonelle wants to get you talking about your bum and on a better way to clean "down there" by using the Cottonelle Clean Routine. By combining the use of Cottonelle Toilet Paper and Cottonelle Flushable Cleaning Cloths, the Cottonelle Clean Routine is a revolutionary way to keep your bum clean. 

Are you ready? Don't be shy! Visit http://facebook.com/cottonelle to learn more about the Cottonelle Clean Routine and join the clean routine conversation. 

This is a sponsored post that was written by me on behalf of Cottonelle. All expressed opinions are my own after using these products that were provided to me. 

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Have you heard of Novica? Let me introduce you.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored and compensated post. I have been provided with a code to gift one of my readers directly from Novica. I have also been provided with a code for myself to purchase an item of my choosing. All expressed opinions are my own. I have ordered from Novica many times and am completely impressed with the products I have received. Because of this I choose to continue working with them and am thrilled to be introducing them to my readers. 

I've been fortunate to have worked with Novica several times before, and I absolutely love their products. Of course, if you know me at all, you can guess that I most especially have an eye on their jewelry.

This is my favorite piece I have purchased from them.

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Don't be shocked - it's a sentimental thing - but I really love it and it fits perfectly.

This time I'm thinking of going in a different direction with my purchase. Actually, a few weeks ago I was surfing around their site and eyeing the fabric hammocks. 

This one is absolutely beautiful.

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It's 100% cotton. And it holds up to 450 lbs. Sounds good to me. I can totally picture myself curling up with exhaustion in this thing on a cool fall night. Ahhh.

Now ... where was I?

Oh, right, Novica. One of the things I love most about them is that they actually work with the creators of their products. They do incredible things like facilitate loans by connecting artists with lenders, help artists reach a more global market and more. You can read up on their mission by checking out their website and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how important both, the customer and creator are to Novica. 

Novica also carries beautiful clothing. Cotton dresses in a variety of styles, batik dresses, beautiful ponchos, and a variety of accessories to go with them.

And for your household partying needs you can head over to Novica for things like serving platters (many more beautiful than any you've ever seen), margarita glasses (how fun!) and more.

I think that these margarita glasses are my favorite. I kind of have a glass-related obsession, and would probably buy a glass for every drink if I had the cabinet space. As it is we have flutes and wine glasses and pilsner glasses we rarely get around to using. But aren't these beautiful? Think how much your favorite Jimmy Buffet* fan would love them!

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* Please tell me you know Margaritaville ... please ...

Anyway - it's your lucky day - no matter what product you choose! I'm giving away a code for $50 compliments of Novica.com. So check out the Rafflecopter below. I decided to use them today because I was too lazy to come up with ideas that would earn you entries. I promise, though, no jumping through hoops. Just simple entries that will earn you a shopping spree. 

So what are you waiting for? Get to it! A winner will be chosen in about a week. More details on the Rafflecopter form. Now go on and enter. And good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

p.s. How beautiful is THIS rainbow hammock? I think this might be the one I end up getting ... now if only I could figure out where the heck to PUT one. Anyone have two huge pillars I can borrow?

source

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Help make Newlywed and Broke a reality! #spon

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Entertainment New Media Network, and we help promote, sometimes for a promotional fee, entertainment industry projects we find meaningful. As always all opinions are my own. For a full disclaimer, visit www.ENMNetwork.com/disclaimer

How many of us have found ourselves counting our pennies before we could order food for dinner? Saving our quarters for the laundromat? Scraping by on Ramen Noodles and Spaghetti-Os? Heading home to mom's to do laundry so you could save money to hit the bar after class or work?

Oh, so you're telling me that I'M the only one who has done that?

Yeah. I don't buy it. You've been there, too, haven't you?

/If you haven't? WHO ARE YOU?/

And if you have? I've got a show for you. Hopefully by the time you get married, if you're not already, you'll be past this point. But in today's economy? Who knows?

My husband and I were married 11 years ago in New York. He worked full time, I worked part time, went to school AND had an internship. Somehow I managed to do all of that in a week of five days. I worked 21 hours, went to school two lonnnggg nights each week AND interned three days a week. Stay with me, I know the math doesn't add up. Somehow we made it work. We budgeted while I balanced all three responsibilities. He traveled every other week for work and I stayed home, making meals of pasta and sauce and some cheese. I love that, don't get me wrong, but when you have to have it? To save your pennies? Yeah - it loses its *essence* - shall we say?

Now, imagine a series of episodes where you can completely relate to a couple struggling to make ends meet, but who still stay connected and strong enough to find the joy and laughter in their day-to-day.

Newlywed and Broke that new single-camera comedy series that is working hard at raising funds to get itself made. Well, the comedy isn't working - YET -  but the creators are!

Primary creators and "characters" Reko and Kat have high hopes that their web series will get underway and they'll find themselves able to pitch to the big stations, like ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX. Then Newlywed and Broke will find themselves on your television sets, and not just your laptops and tablets.

Currently the team is encouraging friends like you to look into contributing "broke tips" via the Newlywed and Broke facebook page, or over at Indiegogo, where you can bid to have one of your tips turned into an episode. Watch the video below for more info on that, and what the goals are for this project!

What do you think? Does it make you laugh? Interest you at all? Then head on over to check out the available perks. Some of them seem a bit quirkily described, but dig in. You'll surely find that you have a single dollar to donate to receive a video from the Newlywed and Broke team via email and feel that you've been a part of something big!

Find the rest of the information about this project and make a donation today over at Indiegogo's Newlywed and Broke campaign page. 

Oh! A huge positive about this campaign you'll want to know?

The project is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non­-profit arts service organization. And contributions are tax­ deductible to the extent permitted by law.

So, to sum it up, make an easy donation, support a fun series, AND get a tax deduction? How could you possibly lose? Check it out today! Newlywed and Broke. The series you won't want to miss.

** Disclaimer: As previously stated, I am a member of the Entertainment New Media Network. I am participating in a campaign to help promote Newlywed and Broke and I am receiving compensation for this post. All opinions and experiences discussed here are strictly my own. Information on Newlywed and Broke has been provided to me by the Entertainment New Media Network to help facilitate this post. 

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Imagination Movers #BackinBlue

* I am writing this post as on behalf of the Entertainment New Media Network. I am not receiving any form of compensation for this post but am a participating member of ENMN and working with them to help share this information. 

If you have a child under the age of - say eight, maybe? - you're sure to know who the Imagination Movers are. I mean, as soon as I mention them the theme song starts running through my head.

Imagination Movers, you got to think about it.
Imagination Movers, you got to talk about it.

Imagination Movers, you got to sing about it.
I think what this situation needs is some imagination!

Between that and Warehouse Mouse, I'm stuck in Movers land straight away. 

And there's good news ... the Imagination Movers have just released a new CD! They're back with Back in Blue. And they (and we) are jumping for joy! 

Back in Blue is available right now, so head on over to get yourself a copy!

Back in Blue on iTunes!

Back in Blue on Amazon!

This new album consists of 26 songs from season three (last season) of the Imagination Movers series as seen on The Disney Channel. These amazing and entertaining guys have written all of the songs and are so excited to get back into the entertainment scene for our kids! (Personally, I miss Nina. I would really like to be friends with her, too!)

If you'd like to hear more music from the Movers and find your kiddos entertained by them for years to come, please spread the word about their new CD. Download it today! Share it with your friends! Head onto your social media channels and offer them whatever support you can. The Movers are back and can't wait to head to your town to entertain you (and your kids ... of course your KIDS!). Enjoy!

* Disclaimer reminder: This is a NON-PAID POST. I am writing this post as on behalf of the Entertainment New Media Network. I am not receiving any form of compensation for this post but am a participating member of ENMN and working with them to help share this information. 

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AMF Summer Steals!

#ad: I am participating in the One2One Network's ad campaign for AMF Unplugged/Summer Pass programs again this year. I'm not being compensated in any way but am eligible to receive a prize. Honestly, I love this freebie so much I figured why not volunteer? I share the info every year and if it helps SOMEONE on one extremely hot day this summer? Well ... that'll be worth it. Honest. It's freakin' hot out there!

It's summertime, and you know what that means, right? 

AMF's Summer Unplugged and Summer Pass programs are up and running again!

Summer Unplugged is their awesome program where kids bowl free daily until 8pm. 

Yes. DAILY. 

TWO games. EVERY SINGLE DAY. 

If your kids are like mine and like to do the same thing over and over and over again? This is even more awesome for you, seriously. 

Bowling for free. This summer. Every day. Two games. Bring the kids. Get your friends to bring their kids. Give the lil ones a ball and let 'em roll. Seriously. Do it. 

It's so easy to register, too. Just head on over to the Summer Unplugged info page and you'll find quick and simple step-by-step instructions. You register, you'll get email info and you're good to go. 

The program is already underway and runs through early September, so you'll be set through the whole summer and finish up right as school starts (for some) or shortly thereafter. 

And they've tweaked their program this year so you don't have to print out new coupons or emails every week. All you need to do is have your membership card on-hand and be ready to go! AND ...

Find that two games aren't enough for your crew? 

Spend an extra $1.49 and you're covered for another game. It's their Stay and Play option, and for a few extra bucks it might be worth it to beat the heat. 

AMF also has a great deal on summer passes for adults right now that covers the same timeframe as their Unplugged program!

Spend $34.95 and you're covering two games for yourself (as the pass owner) and THREE GUESTS (age 16+)! What? That's crazy!!! I might have to consider that for myself this season!

Not sure if there is an AMF location near you? Head on over to check out the AMF Centers info today and find out.

Reminder: I am participating in the One2One Network's ad campaign for AMF Unplugged/Summer Pass programs again this year. I'm not being compensated in any way but am eligible to receive a prize. I just like the program so much that I want to share the details. And I promise, it's worth it, even if you only use it once, what's it harm you to fill out the form and get this freebie? Nada. Nothing. No worries at all. So go on. Do it. And enjoy!

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Shemar Moore is working hard. #TheBounceBack

Disclaimer: I was asked to participate in this campaign by the Bounce Back Film Campaign as part of a first-of-its-kind blogger initiative. I will cover the making of the movie from fundraising to premiere throughout the next year. I am being provided promotional material, giveaways and exclusive interviews but this is not a paid post. As always, my opinions are my own. 

If y'all don't know who Shemar Moore is, give me a minute. You'll know. Or you'll want to.

Shemar currently plays Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds. Whew. Have you SEEN him? Yeah. You should. Go on, look here ...

He's a beautiful man. For serious.

And he's apparently quite passionate. *Get your minds back on track, people, this is a big project he's got underway here!*

Shemar Moore is trying to fund a film he truly believes in. He's trying to do it without being taken into the fold and forced to lose control over the decisions he truly wants to make. So, yes, he's using his star power, but he's using it to work towards something he believes in. More power to him, I say.

And in order to get things underway, he needs your support. He is working to raise money to get The Bounce Back underway. He's connected with Indiegogo and has created a wonderful list of perks for those interested in investing. If you think that could be you, check out the how to invest in The Bounce Back page at Indiegogo today!

Also, there's a video clip of him talking about his dreams for this project. When I tried to embed it it looked pretty huge, and as much as I adore his face, I would prefer that you click on over to reach it.

You'll want to - there's a totally gratuitous shirt-changing moment. Yeah, I mean it. Check out The Bounce Back campaign video directly and you'll see.

I'll remind my readers that I am participating in a sponsored campaign for this production. I am NOT being financially compensated in any way, but I will be provided with promotional material, products, etc. for giveaways and more as I participate. I hope you'll continue to come on by and check out what I have to share.

There may even be a chance for YOU to come up with some questions for me to ask Shemar. So start thinking of them now and I'll keep you posted on what happens next!

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Check out Invisalign

* This is a sponsored post. I am being compensated via Invisalign for writing and sharing this product related information with you. All expressed memories and opinions are strictly my own. *

Have you heard of Invisalign yet?

I have heard so many great things about them, and honestly, I'm pretty shocked. It's really amazing what changes have occurred over time to allow people (teens! Especially teens!) to have a more "modern" choice when they make the decision to move forward with straightening their teeth.

Although I didn't have braces growing up, many of my friends did. I can remember the struggles with those metal wires, random things snapping and popping, the numerous appointments to keep their mouths in tip-top shape.

They'd plan their meals around what they could and couldn't eat, struggle with painful moments inflicted on them BY their braces, and often find themselves embarrassed by the way that their smiles looked. And forget about kissing! The horrors!

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Taking pictures w. the #BlackberryZ10 #VZWA

* I have received a BlackberryZ10 phone and service to use for three months as provided to me by Verizon Wireless. This post reflects my personal experiences while using the phone and its features as a Verizon Wireless ambassador. I am not further compensated for this post. It is an honest review of the Z10's camera features. *

I went to the zoo with my daughter's kindergarten class the other day.

Pause. Take a moment to let that sink in, would you? I. Went to the zoo. On a field trip. With 20-something kindergarteners. AND three other K classes.

Yes.

I did it.

And I survived!

And I brought my BlackberryZ10 phone with me. See it? *Look down!*

It's as sleek as ever, easy to use, and my absolute favorite feature is the camera. It seriously might be giving the Samsung Galaxy S3 camera a run for its money!

One of the best things about the Z10's camera is the instant touch to take a picture. You don't have to find the camera "shutter" when you want to take your shot, you just tap the screen and the picture is yours. Capture the moment immediately!

This is especially beneficial when taking pictures of children. And, as you'll see in a moment, animals.

Getting my 6-year-old to stay still for a few shots to be sure I've caught the right one is never easy. But with the Blackberry Z10 I'm in luck. I'm actually able to take a handful of pictures before she blinks. Tap - tap - tap! No fumbling for the small circle on your screen. Just hit it anywhere. I've taken pictures of myself and friends using my knuckle on the screen. Seriously. It worked!

And look at how crisp and sharp these pictures turned out:

Excuse my giant head, I was kind of close to the camera, going for the "There's an elephant right behind you!" kind of shot. And hey - it worked!

These images have only been edited to include my @goodgirlgoneredneck watermark-tag. I have not filtered or touched them up in any way. They're awesome. If I do say so myself. Keep looking ...

Do I not seem as though I am right next to the animals? I mean, if you're going by these shots, I could reach out and touch them, right? Obviously that's not true - but this camera made me really happy. I didn't even bring my regular digital camera with me. I stuck with the phone and was glad I saved myself from having to carry something extra.

I did tweak the following picture a bit because I wanted to blur out my daughter's classmates, but I love how the camera caught her looking into the water - a beautiful glow and pretty shot - as she looked for the seals, or maybe something else? I forget!

SO, if you're looking for a new phone and a great camera is a critical characteristic, I can tell you that so far the Z10 is a huge hit with me.

More on the phone's other features soon ... just stay with me and check out the #VZWA and #VZWVoices hashtags for more discussions.

* Reminder: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless ambassador program at this time. Verizon Wireless has provided me with a phone and three months of service in exchange for my honest review of the product. #VZWA #VZWVoices *

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