Category: Sponsored

What’s Hot this Holiday #ChosenByKids #TheList

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

A few months ago I got to attend a fun even hosted by Walmart called the “Chosen by You Expo“.  I got a sneak peek at toys, electronics, clothing, and all kinds of gifts that will be available this season in Walmart.  I felt like a kid visiting Willy Wonka with all the toys around and I saw a ton of toys I know Connor is going to love too!  I’m going to share with you some of my favorites from the event and give you a head start on what’s HOT this holiday season.

Lets start with the toys:

As you can see Elsa is back in a big way!  Everything Frozen…I think back to when my sister and I were around this age.  We would have just died over this Disney Frozen Elsa Castle.  With the press of a button on top of the castle the icicle chandelier spirals down.  The castles also grows taller by the crank on the bottom.   Don’t forget Sing-A-Long Elsa Too!

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Then there is the Disney Doc McStuffins Pet Vet Checkup Center.  Connor loves this show and this is so cute. I can see lots of future veterinarians in our future.  For toys that is 🙂

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Of course no clinic would be complete without a Cuddles & Hugs Talking Lambie.


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Now, this my dear friends in ON MY LIST.  Connor is obsessed with Legos right now. This 3DIT Character Creator Molding Machine lets you create your own custom figures.  Mold them, choose stickers, and design.

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If you have a little girl and she gets scared in the dark this Minnie is so cute!  She lights up in all different colors.  Press the heart on Minnie’s hand again to lock the design and hear Minnie sing the hit song, “True Colors.”BBP_3882

Game night sure will be fun with Pie Face!

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The ULTIMATE Hot Wheels Garage

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Bake your very own Girl Scout cookies in this Girl Scouts Cookie Oven.  I tried one of the Thin Mints and it was delish!BBP_3890

Here are some other toys we got to take a peek at:

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Now lets move on to co-workers and friends.  What do you give someone in your life who you see every day and want to let them know you care this holiday?  Here are some ideas for you that won’t break the bank.  All items are available at Walmart stores nationwide.

Ahem…Coffee lovers unite!  This Starbucks cocoa gift set is perfect for friends and family!

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For the guy who likes to grill.  This Jim Beam set is packed and ready to go with everything needed for a yummy BBQ.BBP_3894

These “Movie Night For 2” packages are sooooo cute!  Everything ready to watch your favorite flick with some popcorn and candy.BBP_3895

Chocolate…yes please!  Ghirardelli gift sets are so yummy and good stocking stuffers too.BBP_3896The “techie” in your life needs things too right?  I have a few of those in my family.  Here are some great gift ideas for the gamers and the guys who just can’t deal with losing their remote.

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Meet the gaming chair.  I’m pretty sure my husband would never leave the house if he had something like this…but he would love me forever.  Ha! Now you can not only hear your music but actually feel it. Whether you are listening to music, watching a movie or playing a game.
Input and output jacks allow connection to your audio source and to other X Rockers for multi-player games. Wireless receiver is built-in; includes wireless transmitter to send audio from any source with headset.BBP_3924 BBP_3925

Terence and I both jumped on the Fitbit train about 6 months ago and we love them.  They keep us accountable during the day and we compete against each other to see who can get the most steps in each day.  Come New Years Eve you’ll be wanting this gadget to help you reach your fitness goals 🙂
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I love Nikon.  I shoot with Nikon.  And this is a great camera at an even greater price.  It’s brand new and perfect to capture those every day moments, or if you are ready to dabble in photography.  BBP_3933 BBP_3934Let’s talk fashion now ladies.  I mean I want to look great, you want to look great.  Let’s all look fabulous mmmmkay?  Here are some fun looks for everyone in the family.

Character jammies for the boys

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Super hero shirts for the guys

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Love this wallet and it comes in so many colors and designs.  It’s only $6.97 too!BBP_3912 BBP_3913

I can’t imagine ever needing a makeup brush again.  This makeup brush kit is an awesome stocking stuffer for teenage girls.  It’s pink and has 24 pieces in an easy roll-up design.BBP_3917

Holiday leggings!  I would totally wear these…and dress my entire family to match.  Just sayin.BBP_3942

Flannels are hot right now.  So many different shirts and only so many days of the week…sigh.BBP_3945

Everyone needs an adult Minion onesie right???BBP_3946

This sweater is SO soft!  I couldn’t stop touching it.  #cozyBBP_3947

Aaaaand last on my favorites list is this Coca Cola Mini Can Fridge.  So cute and perfect for a game room, college dorm, or just because. BBP_3955

I hope this helps you out.  If you’re like me & you run around like a chicken with your head cut off looking for things to buy at Christmas.  Well, not this year.  That is not going to be me.

So tell me…

What’s on your favorites list this for this season?

The Tooth Fairy is Visiting Texas! #LoneStarEggs

This post is sponsored by Lonestar Eggs.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Guess what happened today…

Connor lost his first tooth!

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He’s so excited for the tooth-fairy to visit tonight.  This week has certainly been a week of firsts.  First day of Kindergarten and now his first lost tooth.  The TIME fairy needs to slow down!

It’s been craziness getting into our new routine.  We get up extra early and shower, get dressed, and then try to get all our stuff together for the day.  The one thing I never want Connor to go without is a good breakfast in the morning.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It affects everything from memory to creativity in the classroom. Children who go hungry become more distracted from learning at school, or give up more easily when faced with challenges.

Healthy breakfasts are best for your child and important to make a priority every day.  Here in Texas I know we have some pride, believe me when we first moved here I definitely noticed it.  This morning we had breakfast including Lone Star Eggs.  I try to make breakfast fun and I love to support local food sources.

The hens that lay these eggs are Texans themselves & available in Texas Walmart stores.  Find your local Walmart HERE.

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Gevalia Ice Coffee with Almond Milk #GevaliaIcedCoffee #IC #ad

“I participated in an Ambassador Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Gevalia Iced Coffee with Almond Milk. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

We started school today!!!  My baby started Kindergarten…and these early mornings call for COFFEE!!!  I’ve shared with you all before about my love for Gevalia Iced Coffee with Almond Milk.  We love it so much, my husband who usually is a whole milk person, loves them too.

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Gevalia Iced Coffee with Almond Milk is so easy to grab and go in the morning.  Instead of waiting for my coffee it’s already cold and ready to go.  I just grab it and put in my purse.  I don’t always remember everything on my list or my head is in a fog, thankfully it’s so easy to remember my coffee.  It’s already made, blended, and it tastes sooooo good!  Believe me… I am the biggest coffee snob.  I was very skeptical when trying Gevalia Iced Coffee with Almond Milk, and now I keep going back to the store for more.

Gevalia Iced Coffee with Almond Milk comes in three great flavors:  Vanilla, Caramel, and Mocha.

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Creamy almond milk mixed with 100% Arabica coffee beans combine for a rich, refreshing glass of iced coffee that’s never bitter and lactose free!  Each single serve container also contains 9 grams of protein.  You can also use the Gevalia Auto Delivery option when you order to receive regular shipments of iced coffee cartons delivered to your doorstep all summer.  Get free shipping on any order over $35 dollars at anytime.

Sign up for Gevalia emails and save 15% off your first order, PLUS get free shipping when you spend $30 or more.  You’ll also be among the first to know about exclusive offers, sales, new products and more!

I can’t believe summer is coming to an end already.  Thankfully I’ll be caffeinated and ready to go for the rest of the school year 🙂

Keep up with the latest and greatest from Gevalia on Facebook & Twitter.

Back to School in Style #backtobgosh #bgoshjeaniu

I participated in a Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for OshKosh B’Gosh. I received an OshKosh B’Gosh gift card to facilitate my post and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

We had meet the teacher last night for Connor’s Kindergarten class.  My Mama heart is swelling…

I can’t believe he’s so big and independent now.  I know he’ll have a wonderful year and make so many friends.  Of course I want this kiddo to go back to school in style.  Growing up one of my favorite things was when my Mom took my sister and I back to school shopping.

This year we headed to OshKosh B’Gosh & got the coolest clothes for Connor.  I guess I can’t say cute anymore because that’s not “cool”.  Ha ha!  I know when I had a new outfit on and I felt I looked good I had a great day at school.  OshKosh B’Gosh has great quality clothing that will last and last.  I remember when I got my first pair of OshKosh B’Gosh overalls as a kid (I think they were green stripes and Cabbage Patch themed).  That was one of my favorite outfits, and ever since then I’ve loved OshKosh B’Gosh!

Here are a few of the outfits we picked out for Connor:

He’s ready to go in this button down and khakis.  He also picked out a fun new backpack.

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He also picked out this shirt with a “C” on it for Connor of course 😉

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I am finding my days of picking out clothing are just about over because he is very much opinionated about what he wears now.  Thankfully OshKosh B’Gosh had tons to choose from and we found lots of fun things as well as basics like socks and underwear.  These kids grow up way too darn fast.

He loooooves this hoodie!  Perfect for those fall football games.

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The jeans are great quality and wash well.  We’ve already worn them several times and they come it a few different washes and styles.

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OshKosh B’gosh wants all kids to have what they need for school, from blue jeans to books! That’s the inspiration behind the nation launch of the “B’gosh Jeanius Campign”.

OshKosh B’gosh, in partnership with K.I.D.S./ Fashion Delivers, Inc., and DonorsChoose.org will give customers the opportunity to donate a new pair of jeans or make a cash donation to a students in need this school year. All denim donated from July 28 through September 16, 2015, will be delivered to local children in need through K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, while cash donations will be dispersed to local DonorsChoose.org.  The Carters Charitable foundation will match all cash donations up to $50,000 and all denim donations with a new item of clothing.

 Give kids a leg up! Donate a new pair of blue jeans or make a cash donation at the register.  For more information visit HERE.

Find your nearest OshKosh B’Gosh store HERE.

Here are some of the items we bought:

USE THIS COUPON WHILE SHOPPING!!!

OK_Fall15 Blogger Coupon

 

Here is a fun printable I made for teachers or Moms as a get to know you/questionnaire for your child.  Some of the answers I’m sure will make you laugh 🙂

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Chipotle Sandwich @SmithfieldFoods #SummerSizzling #weavemade and #ad

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media®, Smithfield®, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #SummerSizzling http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH”

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We like to spice things up in the summer time.  We live in Texas after all?  I have a great recipe to share with y’all today using Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork.  Smithfield’s 100% fresh pork cuts are slow-marinated and perfectly seasoned. Simply grill them up and you’ve got a delicious dinner ready in minutes.  I’m no Martha Stewart and I’m always looking for easy dinners for our family.  Anything that helps me save a step or prep work while cooking is right up my alley.

We are in an apartment this summer (since our house sold in 2 days and we sure do miss grilling outside) but I use this pan ALL.THE.TIME. to grill meat in.  It’s perfect for getting a sear on the outside of the meat and cooks thoroughly. Meat just tastes better grilled in my opinion.  Just because we are inside doesn’t mean we still can’t have fun grilling 🙂

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We love to make all different sandwiches, my husband is the sandwich connoisseur, so today I’m sharing a recipe for chipotle sandwiches.

The Sauce:

Chipotle Mayonnaise

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp. chipotle sauce (found in the Mexican aisle)
1/2 lime juice

Mix together until thoroughly combined.

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Toasty buns:

These are just regular hoagie buns found in the bakery section.

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Cook Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork.  Directions are on the back of every package.  Easy and FAST!  I cut mine really thin into shaved pieces to place on sandwiches.

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Spread Chipotle Mayonnaise on bread, add Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork, and serve.

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This was so easy to make and took less than 30 minutes.  We are so busy right now and have a ton going on.   Easy meals speak to me on so many levels.  I don’t have time to slice and dice everything, let alone wait hours for my meat to marinate.  With Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork everything is seasoned and ready to go right out of the package.  There are so many different flavors to choose from too, including Memphis BBQ, Garlic & Herb, Teriyaki, Mesquite, Rosemary & Olive Oil, Portabello Mushroom, and many more.  Check out all the different selections HERE.

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Save $2.00 on any ONE (1) Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork Product” through Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork offer.(While Supplies Last) 

I used my coupon while shopping at Walmart.  Follow @SmithfieldFoods for great recipes and share yours on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

 

Try Confidence on For Size

Getting older is not for wimps.  That is what my Dad always says.  As I get older I’m really starting to understand how true that is.  When I was pregnant with Connor I gained a TON of weight…like almost 70 pounds!  Connor ended up being a 10 pound baby and let me just say….things haven’t been the same since.

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Pregnancy and age change your body.  It’s something that happens in life, but nobody really likes to talk about.  Depend® Silhouette Active Fit briefs are here to help YOU!  They have a lower rise+ for an underwear-like look, fit and feel.

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Depend® Silhouette Active Fit briefs are available in black and beige colors.  And listen to this shocking fact…More people with bladder leakage are in their 20’s than their 80’s!!!

Depend is entering year two of Underwareness, a social movement and charitable cause to break down the bladder leakage stigma. As part of Underwareness, Depend is encouraging people to show their support for women with bladder leakage. For every photo and video shared using #Underwareness and featuring Depend products, the Depend brand will donate $1, up to $3 million, through 2016 to fund charities that advance the research and education of bladder leakage.

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Vis visit www.Underwareness.com to support the cause and request free samples of Depend Silhouette Active Fit.  Bladder leakage is nothing to be ashamed of. With so many women living with bladder leakage it’s a topic that should be discussed more, and without shame.

Because Life Gets Dirty Sometimes… #FreeToBe

Kids get in all kinds of messes.  I’m constantly getting stains out from Connor’s clothes.  He has recess every day at school and LOVES the playground.  He also loves to play soccer.  Whether he’s rolling around in the dirt, or kicking the soccer ball he comes home with the evidence plastered on his clothes.

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I know life is only going to get busier as Connor gets older.  I’m pretty much the cleaner of all things in our household.  I do the dishes, laundry, and everything else that comes along with taking care of a home.  Boys are just the messiest creatures!  God must have known I needed a couple of them around to keep me on my toes!

With allergy season in full bloom I don’t need anything interfering with that either.  I have tried all free clear laundry detergent and I like the results of it so far.  My clothes are clean and fresh, without a funky smell.

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With our busy lives and everything we have going on around us it’s nice to let kids “live free” from sensitive skin worries, all is the brand that “lets kids be kids.”

Because gosh darn it….they grow up way too fast!

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