Minute Maid Juice Bars

Spring has finally sprung here in the northeast! So you know what that means.... summer is around the corner! It has been a long hard winter and my family is itching to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. Predictions for this summer are telling us it is going to be HOT! So we stocking up on refreshing treats to get us through.

My daughter has a sweet tooth and loves to have a treat every day. In the summer she eats ice cream and ice pops like they are going out of style. So I was thrilled to have the opportunity to try the Minute Maid Juice Bars. These are just the kind of snack I want my daughter to enjoy on a hot summer day.... or really any time since it was raining and cold last night and this is what she asked for!

One box comes with three flavors - grape, cherry, and orange - and they are made with 100% real fruit juice. I love that! They are also only 60 calories, so mommy can enjoy them too.These naturally flavored snacks are so refreshing. You will want to have these on hand for picnics, bbq's, pool parties, play dates, and just regular days running around in the yard. They are simple and easy to whip out and cool everyone down.

You can learn more about Minute Maid Juice Bars on their website. And be sure to follow them on Twitter and Instagram for all their news!

Purex Crystals Dryer Sheets

Purex is a big part of my life. I have been using the detergent for quite some time now and it has become my go-to for detergent. In the months and months that I have had getting to know this detergent... and we meet several times a week.... it has come to become a brand that I trust.

There are so many things about Purex detergent that I love. Such as the fact that I can find it at my local grocery store and it is often on sale for an unbeatable price. It leaves my clothes clean and helps me fight tough stains from my little ones. It's gentle enough that I only need one detergent for everyone in my family... including my baby. And now... another thing to add... is that they keep coming out with other great products to compliment their detergent!

I recently got a chance to try out the Purex Crystal Dryer Sheets. These could not get any easier to use. Just toss a sheet in with your laundry and run your normal dryer cycle. Then take your nice warm clothes out and breathe in the freshness. Oh... and that freshness lasts for 30 days. Yes! These dryer sheets have made their way into my laundry routine.

These dryer sheets are long lasting, reduce static cling, and repel pet hair and lint. I use them in my dryer... but I have also been putting them in closets, drawers, and suitcases to bring freshness everywhere! I love it. Spring has spring and my clothes needed a pick me up. This is just what I needed.

Purex Crystals Dryer Sheets are available at Walmart and other fine retailers.

SWEEPSTAKES!
To celebrate the release of the NEW Purex Crystals Dryer Sheets, the Purex brand is hosting a HUGE Sweepstakes! One grand prize winner will receive $500 and a year's supply of dryer sheets. 50 2nd place winners will receive a coupon for FREE Purex Crystals Dryer Sheets. ENTER HERE!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals Dryer Sheets in exchange for a product review. However, all opinions expressed here are my own.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Around the Clubhouse World

Do you have a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fan in your house? I sure do! My little guy loves to bounce to the Hot Dog Dance and go on adventures with all his pals. So I will be on the look out for this!

MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE: 

AROUND THE CLUBHOUSE WORLD

On Disney DVD May 20, 2014

Synopsis:                            
Pack your bags and grab your passport. Join Mickey, Minnie and pals on a whirlwind trip Around The Clubhouse World! Climb the Eiffel Tower in France and say “bonjour” to Mademoiselle Daisy and Monsieur Donald Duck. Then, rescue Gondolier Goofy when he goes adrift in Italy’s Grand Canal; solve the mysterious riddle of Pharaoh Pete’s pyramid in Egypt, and meet a dancing dragon at the Great Wall of China. With your help – and the right Mouseketools – your Clubhouse friends can get their special passport stamped at each wonderful location. Featuring over two hours of song-filled fun, including four additional episodes, this global adventure proves it’s a small world after all!

More Fun From Frozen

Disney's Frozen is being talked about by kids and adults around the world. As moms... we all knew that this movie was a hit the moment we left the movie theater and all our kids could do was sing the songs and act out the scenes.

Well, we weren't wrong. The film has won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and Best Song. The toys and merchandise are flying off the shelves faster then Marshmallow got Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf off the mountain, and the whole world is singing "Let It Go." So I am thrilled to talk to you about some fabulous ways to continue the fun of Frozen with books and an app.

I received a fabulous bundle in the mail that I knew would bring a smile to my daughter's face and inspire some great family reading time.

This amazing assortment of books has opened up a whole new world for my daughter. Disney Publishing is helping us to bring the story alive in a new way. Here is a little bit of information about each book and the app:
·         Frozen: Storybook Deluxe: Now available in Apple’s App Store, this digital storybook introduces early readers to Disney’s Frozen through all-new interactive features.  Children and families can relive the epic adventure by flipping the device upside-down to hear the story from sisters Anna and Elsa's points of view, using "ice craft" tools that let kids create and build their own frozen scenes and crystal palaces, and watching video clips from the film itself.

·         Frozen: A Sister More Like Me: Explore a wintery world of magic in Walt Disney Animation Studio's latest film, Frozen. This jacketed picture book features an original story about Anna and Elsa, the film's two sisters, as well as illustrations by one of the artists who worked on the film.

·         Frozen Read-Along Storybook and CD: This USA TODAY best-selling novel tells the story of fearless optimist Anna who sets off on an epic journey—to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

·         Frozen: The Junior Novelization: This New York Times and USA TODAY best-selling novel retells the whole exciting story and features eight pages of full-color scenes from the movie!

·         Frozen: A Tale of Two Sisters: This USA TODAY best-selling novel retells the story of sisters Anna and Elsa in this 32 page Step Into Reading Level Two reader which brings the adventurous tale of Frozen to early readers ages 4-6.

We started with the Junior Novelization because I had been wanting to start reading chapter books to my daughter before bed. I knew this was a story she was familiar with and that would help her with imagining the story in her mind as I read. Well, we have watched the movie several times... and this book is still filling us in on all kinds of things we missed! I love hearing my daughter exclaim, "oh that's why that happened!" as we read. Hearing the story explained in such detail and beautiful and engaging. She is excited every night to read the next chapter!

Each one of these books offers something wonderful for children. It takes a story they love and characters they adore and puts it all in their hands whenever they want it. The pictures are beautiful and reliving the story over and over doesn't get old for my daughter. And now she can open up her book, pop in her CD, and head off to Arendelle all on her own.

We also downloaded the app right before we took a long drive to visit family. I had played with it the night before to get a taste of what was in store. My daughter had hours of entertainment in the car while she listened to the story, touched characters to hear snip-it's from the film, and did puzzles and more. The storybook part of the app is just beautiful as you watch snow fall in the ballroom, but the activities just add so much for kids to do. It's a really well done app!

I would highly recommend you check out some of these great books and the app.

Keep It Fresh with Colgate Total

Spring has sprung and I am busy trying to freshen up my home. The windows are open, the closets are being switched from winter gear to summer dresses, and my spring cleaning is in full force. While I love having this yearly reminder to freshen up my home, I also use it as a reminder to freshen up myself. Pedicures are clearly in order, a new haircut makes a big difference... and this year I am also working on my smile and overall health.

Colgate Total has partnered with Dr. Natalie Strand (winner of The Amazing Race and contributor on The Doctors), to share tips on how to spring clean your health.

Dr. Natalie Strand’s Tips:
1.           Relax, Don’t Just Rest - Stress is a huge contributor to poor health, but many people don’t know how to manage it. People often mistake resting for relaxing, but it’s not the same. Learn some stress reducing techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or meditation.

2.           Get A Spring Tune-up - Doctor’s appointments are important, but often pushed to the wayside. Make a list and schedule all your appointments at once: yearly check-ups, dental exams and cleanings, eye exams, etc.

3.           Improve Your Mouth Health - You’re already brushing your teeth twice a day so take the chance to switch to using oral care products that do more than just protect, but can actually help improve the health of your mouth. Using the Colgate Total® regimen is proven to eliminate fifteen times more bacteria and improve mouth health in two weeks. It’s a simple change with a powerful impact.

4.           Make Exercise Fun - Spring is the perfect time of year to combine exercise with social activities. Be creative to get endorphins pumping and think of things to do with friends such as taking a salsa class, archery lessons, or an evening walk around the neighborhood.

5.            Get Seasonal - Check out your local farmer’s market. Buy seasonal foods and try to incorporate them in your meals every day. Seasonal produce is more flavorful and densely packed with nutrients.

I was lucky enough to get to try out the Colgate Total Regimen. With just three simple steps my mouth has been feeling fresher, which leaves me feeling more confident and ready to enjoy getting out in the beautiful weather.

This regimen includes Healthy Teeth and Gums (Toothpaste), 4x Deeper* Reach (Toothbrush), and 12 Hour Protection (Mouthwash). While I like all three of these products, the one that I just fell in love with is the toothbrush. 

It is the coolest toothbrush I have ever used. It has all kinds of bumps and ridges all over it so you are cleaning all kinds of areas that are hard to reach and that you just don't normally brush. The first few times I used it I really felt like it was tickling my mouth. I even laughed out loud the first time. Now I am used to it and it feels more like a massage on my tongue and gums. And I truly feel cleaner after using it! I would definitely recommend you check out this quick, easy, and effective regimen. 

* I received free samples in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way. 

Cate and Levi - New Puppets!

The entire story behind Cate and Levi is inspirational. It all started with one mom and dad... looking for unique and beautiful products for children, that would be fun and environmentally responsible. Many parents have this dream... as we all want the best things for our children and our planet that we will leave them with. But Josh Title took this dream and made it a reality. And now we can all enjoy his hard work and amazing products.

Every single Cate and Levi product is unique and completely handmade in Canada. They are made from reclaimed wool and are high quality, long lasting products. I have been fortunate enough to have several of their amazing puppets in my home and have seen first hand how spectacular they are.

Aside from the amazing way that these products are made... and how unique each one is... they offer so much more. They give our kids the opportunity to be imaginative. My heart swells each time I watch my daughter put on a puppet show. Each puppet has it's own personality and story. And she came up with that all on her own. They don't sing unless she makes them sing. They don't move unless she makes them move. They have provided hours of entertainment for our family and imaginative play for my daughter. And it's something we can do together! We should charge people to come see our family puppet shows... they are quite entertaining!

Check out the newest member of our family....

This is Daisy the unicorn and she is one of the newest puppets from Cate and Levi. Daisy is a magical unicorn who loves to eat cotton candy and sleeps on a cloud. My daughter loves to play with her... but my son loves to watch!

And now you can take your puppet shows on the road with the new Cate and Levi Puppet Theater App. This simple app allows kids to choose a theme and create a puppet show by recording their own voices. My daughter has been having a lot of fun with this app and loves to show off her creations to friends and family. Be sure to check it out... plus it's Free!

I would highly recommend you check out Cate and Levi. They have lots of great products including puppets, stuffed animals, pillows, clothing and more. There is nothing better than getting a great product all while supporting a company that truly cares and gives back to children in need.

* I received a puppet in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Meet Crocky!

One of my favorite parts of the new movie, The Pirate Fairy, is the adorable baby crocodile. 

Check out this cutie!

And take a look at this fun little "crocumentary" to learn more about crocodiles....

Softsoap - Acai Berry and Tropical Water Body Wash

This has been a long hard winter. I have been dreaming of the arrival of spring... hoping it would come with warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. To my dismay the first day of spring brought snow and rain. My body and soul were crushed. I decided this was the perfect day to try something new. So I broke out my new bottle of Softsoap Acai Berry and Tropical Water body wash.

Indulge your skin and senses with the new Softsoap Acai Berry & Tropical Water Body Wash. The formula is infused with extract of acai berry, nature's antioxidant rich fruit, and moisturizing beads that leave skin feeling silky soft. An awakening shower experience is created through a refreshing fragrance that invigorates both body and mind.

As a mom of two little ones... my shower time is my "me time." So treating myself to a hot shower with an amazing body wash is just about as good as a vacation. I was so pleased with my experience with this body scrub. For starters, it smells amazing. It is fresh without being overwhelming. And then you add to it the moisturizing beads that my dry skin so needed. When I stepped out of the shower my skin did not feel tight and dry like it often does. I truly felt a difference... one that I love!

If you are looking for something to invigorate, moisturize, and just make your shower a little more fun.... I would recommend you give this body was a try! Look for it at mass retail, drug and grocery stores nationwide.

* I received a sample of this product for review purposed from Colgate-Palmolive. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Pound Puppies: A Perfect Match - on DVD April 8th

Not every puppy is perfect for every person, and the Pound Puppies are dedicated to making sure their furry friends end up in the right hands! On April 8th, 2014, join Lucky, Cookie, Niblet, strudel and Squirt as they continue on their mission to find a person for every pup with the release of Pound Puppies: A Perfect Match on DVD. Featuring five fun-filled adventures, this DVD collection is pried to own with an SRP of $9.99.

The Pound Puppies find they have their paws full with their newest adventure! In A Perfect Match, the Pound Puppies come to the rescue when a so-called "unmatchable puppy" finally finds his match - and loses him, assist a shy puppy on a High Energy Scouts camping trip, help a fearless pup to bolster his confidence, and they have to investigate why a paper girl's deliveries are always late!

My Thoughts:
Pound Puppies is a wonderful show for my daughter and I to sit down and watch together. I grew up with Pound Puppies and even still have some of my stuffed pups that I have passed down to her. She loves to gather up the gang to watch an exciting episode, and I love to join her.

The Pound Puppies are a very lovable crew. Each one has their very own distinct personalities, but together they make an amazing team. I love the themes of friendship and teamwork that are portrayed throughout the five fun and adventure filled episodes found on this DVD.  I love that we can pop in a fun episode whenever we would like. We have great conversations about how they were good friends and helpful to each other. It's a great show! My only complaint is that after every episode she asks for a puppy! it has instilled a real love for dogs and an understanding of their need for love and the right people to take care of them.