Category: Sponsored

Home Security with CUJO Smart Firewall

I have been compensated in the form of a free product in exchange for this review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When you work online… and basically EVERYTHING now days is online, security is of utmost importance.  I recently found a device called the CUJO Smart Firewall and not only is it super smart, but it’s super cute too!  So, let’s chat about this little gadget!

I have my own little Wall-E protecting my personal information 24/7 – 365 days a year.

The CUJO Smart Firewall is available at Best Buy stores and BestBuy.com.  CUJO is a smart firewall designed to bring business-level security to your home network.  This one tiny device will secure all other devices connected to your WiFi router.  This includes your computer, iPads, Kindle, cell phones, etc.  CUJO will block malicious sites, viruses, and hackers and also send you a message letting you know when security has been breached & tell you exactly what CUJO blocked.

 

CUJO also lets you control what your kids access online and keep them safe.  That’s super important right now because as Connor get’s older the more he is using technology & I want to protect him the best I can.

Now, let’s talk about how easy it is to install this little guy!

You will start by connecting the CUJO to your network.  Download and install the CUJO App on your smart phone (available for iPhone & Android).  Then you will continue the installation process on the App.  The App basically walks you through the entire process.

Also, customer service called us during the installation process to make sure everything was going okay and offer any support we might need.  That was really nice by the way 🙂

Here are some of the main things you need to know about CUJO:

  • BUSINESS-LEVEL INTERNET SECURITY  
  • GUARDS ALL DEVICES
  • PARENTAL CONTROLS
  • CONNECT TO ROUTER, CONTROL WITH APP
  • BLAZING FAST (built with 1GB Ethernet)

Parental controls features:

  • parental controls for all devices
  • internet filter
  • time limits
  •  social media monitoring
  • pause internet
  • alerts and reporting
  •  remote administration
  • user profiles and settings

I can now say I feel like my home has a nice moat of security surrounding it.  If you are looking for the latest security for your home and business check out the CUJO– it’s definitely a smart choice.

 

Put Some YUM in Your Summer FUN With Yoplait Mix-Ins

This post is sponsored by Acorn Influence, all opinions are my own.

This summer has been CRAZY busy y’all!  Terence and I have been working non-stop and Connor is having fun at camp with his friends.  As much as I really didn’t want a pool when we bought this house, I’m finding that I actually love it!  When you live in Texas (which is basically next to the equator…a pool is a great thing to have!)

I get in these “modes” if you will where I’ll clean constantly, edit pictures for hours, or even work through lunch or dinner.  I know that’s not a good thing, I need to take care of myself too.  So, a lot of times I’ll bring a snack to work or eat something before dinner to tide me over.  

Okay, so I have to share one of my favorite snacks…they are Yoplait Mix-Ins.  They come in a bunch of different flavors too…so you’ll never get bored!

Yoplait Mix-Ins FLAVORS at Walmart:

  • Very Berry Crisp
  • Salted Caramel Pretzel
  • Mint Chocolate Delight
  • Key Lime Crunch
  • Coconut Chocolate Almond
  • Cherry Chocolate Almond

I’ve tried four flavors so far and they are ALL so good!  Yoplait Mix-In’s are the only mix-in product that are original yogurt, and not Greek.  These snacks are the perfect solution if you are an on the go Mom like me.  

I have to say my favorite was the Coconut Chocolate flavor because I am a “chocoholic”.

Honestly, now yogurt seems pretty boring without something in it!  I love knowing that when I’m in a jam I don’t reach for a candy bar, instead I have a delicious healthy option with Yoplait Mix-In’s.

I’m not the only one who loves Yoplait Mix-In’s…Connor thinks they are pretty awesome too.  

The mix between the creamy and crunchy makes it a decadent indulgence. I found Yoplait Mix-In’s at my local Walmart.  I have a feeling these will be making a lot of school lunch appearances this year.  Don’t forget to put some YUM in your summer FUN too with Yoplait Mix-In’s!

Twinkie Bomb Pops

Who doesn’t love a good Twinkie?  I do…I mean they have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  Except for now you don’t just have the regular Vanilla Twinkies to choose from you also have Fudge Covered Twinkies and Chocolate Cake Twinkies!  Anyone who knows me can tell you I’m a chocoholic so the chocolate version is my favorite!

Last week I made some fun Twinkie bomb pops to put my own #twistontwinkies.

These are super easy to make.  All you need are Twinkies (flavor of your choice), icing, sprinkles, and whipped cream.  The bomb pop plastic containers can be found at any craft store these days.

Then you just start to layer.  Icing, sprinkles, Twinkies, icing, whipped cream, and more sprinkles!

I cut the Twinkies into fourths to make them easy to fit in the bomb pop containers.

I can’t wait to see how you all put your own twist on Twinkies!  You can pretty much do whatever you want and it will taste great because it’s a Twinkie y’all!  Creating something fun is the most exciting part.

These were so easy to make and the perfect summer treat.  Find out more about Twinkies HERE.

Girls Night Out & Life Hacks with Tai Pei

This post was sponsored by Tai Pei and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Last week I had the best time gathering with a bunch of blogger friends in Dallas for a night of crafting, food, and fun!  The event was sponsored by Tai Pei asian foods.   Not only did we get to sample some of these fabulous entrees, but we learned some seriously cool life hacks.  

As a photographer I know my DSLR camera pretty well, what I don’t know are the nitty gritty basics I learned making a pinhole camera.  Our hostess with the mostess was Rachel Rushing.  Rachel showed us some pretty cool life hacks using our Tai Pei containers.

To make our pinhole cameras we each got a container and covered it with thick black tape so it’s totally light-proof. Then we cut a square on one side of the container and placed a piece of tin can behind the cutout in the box.   After poking a tiny hole in the tin piece we were ready to go outside and develop our photos with special paper, which we later developed.  The whole process was very interesting and now I know how to make a picture without an actual camera!  How cool is that?

We sampled several Tai Pei entrees, and  honestly I didn’t know what to expect because it’s a frozen dinner after all.  I was extremely impressed with the taste and the quality of the food.  Tai Pei frozen entrees come in several different flavors:

  • Beef & Broccoli
  • Chicken Chow Mein
  • Chicken Fried Rice
  • Combination Fried Rice
  • General Tso’s Spicy Chicken
  • Orange Chicken
  • Pepper Beef
  • Shrimp Fried Rice
  • Sweet & Sour Chicken
  • Teriyaki Chicken

Let’s not forget about the dumplings either!

My favorite dish was the Chicken Chow Mein.

Not only did Rachel show us how to make a pinhole camera, she had several other projects that she showed us how to do as well.  Like a pinata fringed candle holder,  fire starter container (with dried kindling in it), and a concrete planter and vase.  We had an amazing time and now I know how to do some pretty cool things recycling everyday items- such as a Tai Pei container.

Concrete vase

Fringed pinata candle holder- please use a flame-less candle.

Tai Pei entrees are definitely something I will be serving our family in the future.  Not only did they taste great, but the ingredients were wholesome and filling.  I’m a super busy Mom and Wife and I’m always on the go and looking for an easy and fast meal, this definitely fits into our lifestyle.

Use the store locator to find where Tai Pei single serve is available near you (in the frozen food section).

GET YOUR TAI PEI COUPON HERE!!!

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Using a Party Bus for a Children’s Birthday Party

Planning a birthday party is something that gets easier as time goes on. When you’re in the midst of organizing a children’s birthday party, you’re usually surrounded by chaos! It can be tough to even take the time to sit down and get everything together when you’re in the middle of tasks at home or at work.

However, it’s always worth it to put forth the effort, especially when you consider how special your child will feel having had an awesome birthday party, regardless of their age.  One of the toughest things about planning a child’s birthday party is making sure that the entire group of kids is entertained. This becomes even more difficult when you have a diverse range of age groups that will be present at the party.

When you take a look online at party planning resources like Pinterest, it’s so easy to get overwhelmed with all of the different options for decorations, activities, party favors, food, and overall entertainment. However, it’s important to stay realistic about the celebration, and keep in mind that children don’t pay attention to many of the little details that adults do. This will always work out in your favor as far as parties are concerned!

A great way to provide a venue for a party and simultaneously entertain a group of kids from all age groups is to reserve a party bus or a limousine for the festivities. We know what you’re thinking, this type of transportation is only reserved for crazy bachelor or bachelorette parties, right? Wrong! This is an extremely popular way to celebrate a child’s birthday party considering the different amenities that can often be found on board. The convenience of cup holders and counter tops on the road allows the kids to enjoy their food and drink without a mess. Plus, kids can’t get enough of the neon changing lights throughout the interior, as well as the booming sound systems with auxiliary cords. You get to customize your own playlist for the ride!

With a limo or party bus in Dallas, you can choose to visit different destinations, or you can ride around town enjoying each others company. You get to use your time as you please! This is a great way to keep all of the children in one place, and you can click here to get started with the reservation process.

Plus, most people aren’t aware of the fact that local transportation companies often find their chauffeurs from local school systems, so they’re used to driving while simultaneously keeping a watchful eye. You’ll be known as the coolest parent in town for reserving this type of transportation for your child’s birthday party in Dallas.

Summer Travel Prep + Enter to WIN! #SummerTravel #SickJustGotReal

This post has been sponsored by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. All thoughts and reviews are my own.

Connor and I just got back from a fun road trip to Arkansas!  We celebrated my Grandma’s 80th birthday.  We had the best time and got to see a lot of relatives we haven’t seen in ages.  I make the drive to Arkansas about 3-4 times a year and the only way I get through it is a book on tape (or whatever they are on now) and an iPad for Connor.

I remember the days of traveling when he was a baby.  One time Terence and I were headed home and Connor started getting sick all over the car.  We pulled into a gas station and Terence was just throwing paper towels at me saying “Get it I can’t look at it!”  Ha ha!  Oh yes…we’ve all been there a time or two.  I get crazy allergies when I go home too and I’m not sure why.  The last couple of times I’ve had to visit an emergency clinic.   All of this to say… PREPARE YOURSELVES PEOPLE!

I take our medicines and vitamins with us when we travel and it’s been a lifesaver at times.  I carry Children’s Advil®, Children’s Robitussin® and Children’s Dimetapp® for Connor.  I just pop them in a waterproof bag or you could use a plastic bag, and put them in my purse.

Now I don’t have to run around like a chicken with my head cut off looking for a pharmacy when sickness strikes us!  If there’s one thing I know from traveling is you cannot be too prepared.

WHEN SICK GETS REAL:

  • Ease those aches and pains, while reducing a child’s fever fast with Children’s Advil®*, a great solution for kids as young as 2 and up to 11. Children’s Advil® comes in several great-tasting flavors, including: Sugar-free Dye-free Berry, Bubble Gum, Grape, Blue Raspberry, Fruit and Dye-Free White Grape flavors. There’s also Infants’ Advil® White Grape, which provides unsurpassed fever relief (among OTC pain relievers) with a syringe for easy dosing for children 6-23 months.
  • For your child’s cough, trust Children’s Robitussin® Extended-Release 12 Hour Cough Relief to control and relieve symptoms all-day or all- night. Available in grape or orange flavor, for children ages 4 and up. Please note, certain Children’s Robitussin® products are only suitable for children ages 6 and up.
  • Children’s Dimetapp® Multi-Symptom Cold Relief Dye-Free eases your child’s stuffy and runny nose, while quieting a bothersome cough. All in a great-tasting grape flavor that’s dye-free, for children ages 6 and up.

ENTER TO WIN A $25 VIRTUAL VISA GIFT CARD & A SICK JUST GOT REAL MEDICINE GIFT.

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Summer Fun with Fruit Shoot

It’s summer and Connor’s been in full speed camp mode.  He went to a great camp a couple of weeks ago on lake Grapevine and it was so much fun.  Also, can I just say how HUNGRY this kiddo is all the time?  He is constantly wanting snacks and drinks…but I guess if I had the energy level of a 7-year-old I would too!  One of our favorite snacks are Fruit Shoot® juice drinks.

Fruit Shoot’s resealable cap allows children more independence and is user friendly. The bottle is durable & won’t puncture easily like some pouch drinks we’ve tried before.  The best part is you can put the cap back on the bottle and drink later, you don’t have to sit there and drink it all in one sitting!

No matter what he’s doing he’s alway going to want a drink afterwards & we love Fruit Shoot drinks because they are so easy to pack+go.  Fruit Shoot comes in several different flavors: Fruit Punch, Berry Burst, Strawberry & Raspberry, and Orange.

I know it gets so hot here in Texas you can fry an egg outside and it’s so important to keep hydrated.  We found Fruit Shoot at our local Albertson’s grocery store.  They are also available at Walmart.

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