Collage.com ~ Review and Giveaway!

Disclaimer:  I was not compensated for my review.  I was sent product in order to provide my honest opinion and all thoughts are my own.

Collage.com has recently added some great new products to its line and I got the opportunity to try them out with some of the wonderful pictures my family has taken this past year.  I love when I get the opportunity to actually use my pictures in unique ways and Collage.com has many different unique items.

The first item I ordered was the wrapping paper.  It is a six foot roll and can be customized with as many as 200 photos.  This was super easy to make especially if you have albums on your computer or facebook.  I decided to upload an entire album of summer pictures and I have to say I am in love with this paper.  It is almost too awesome to use.  My husband even wanted to frame a section of it but I know Grandma will be in awe when she gets a gift wrapped in this paper of memories.

The second item I selected was an 11x14 aluminum print.  I was very intrigued by this because I have several canvas prints on my wall but this was different.  I decided not to do a collage with this one and instead I took a single print of my boys and it is simply stunning.  It comes ready to hang you just need to put a nail in the wall and it sits very nicely.  This is a picture my sister took and it is adorable.  The quality is exceptional.  I chose to use the option to enhance the photo and it makes the colors brighter.

The last item I got to order was an ornament.  I wasn't sure what to do and finally chose to make us an ornament with a few of my favorite photos from our trip to Disney World.  I chose an oval design and did I free form layout where I positioned all the photos myself.  I think I chose a few too many photos but it is still cute and something I know we will enjoy looking at every year when we pull out the tree.  

I hope I got you excited about all the new products Collage.com has to offer.  The deadline to order for Christmas is December 10th so get those orders in!  If you check out their facebook page you can find out about all their promotional deals and great prices.

I am excited to be able to offer a giveaway as well.  Whoever wins is going to be a very lucky person because these are gifts you or a loved one will cherish forever.  Make sure to enter in the rafflecopter below!

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Purex Crystals Aromatherapy ~ Giveaway

Disclosure:   The Purex Brand provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals Aromatherapy in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

With the seasons changing again from hot to cold for me it is time to transition all of the blankets and do some bi-annual cleaning.  From bedding to curtains everything gets a wash.  Whether I am putting blankets away into storage or pulling them out I love the fresh scent of laundry scent boosters.

I was inspired not only by the weather but the opportunity to try the new scents from the Purex Crystals Aromatherapy line.  Their are 3 new scents available, energy, well being, and Serenity.  I tested out the well being scent and it was wonderful.

My husband actually asked me if I had been burning candles when he came home due to the pleasant scent in the air.  Even as I write this a week later when I cam home from a long day at work it is very peaceful to come home to the new well being scent in our home.  Way better then smelling our dingy dog.

I would love to give one of you the chance to try out on of Purex's new scents from their Aromatherapy line of crystals.  Just enter in the rafflecopter below.  Just let me know which scent you would love to try:

Well Being ~ brightens any mood with the happy fragrance of fresh blossoms

Energy  ~ helps you tackle any day with the stimulating power of citrus

Serenity  ~ keeps you calm all day long with the gentle scent of water-lilies

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Collage.com One-Click Photo Book ~ Review

If you are like me then I am assuming you have a ton of pictures-not printed but sitting in your phone, camera, or computer.  You always say you will do something with them but they are probably accumulating, by the hundreds.  If you have kids you know I am not even joking.

With my first child I think I printed 200 photos or more and put them in albums that first year and I love them.  By the second child I wanted to do this but it is definitely not a priority, just a wish.  I am very, very good though about uploading them to Facebook and putting them into albums on a regular basis.  This came in super handy when given the opportunity to make a couple of photo books at collage.com.

I loved how easy it was to just upload directly from Facebook.  I was able to select an album and then upload all the pics from that album.  I chose the easy route and had it place them all and then sorted from there.  Within 20 minutes I had my perfect photo book of our most recent vacation.

I love how they take all of the photos and make a collage on the cover.  I added a background to all the pages, a title, and voila!  My kids LOVE looking at it and it is perfect to take and show family.

I love how easily it fits on our bookshelf and they make even better gifts.  Grandma lives out of state and doesn't have a Facebook so sending her picture books of the kids is the perfect gift.

Right now you can make a large hardcover 20 page photo book for only $25 which is a steal.  Think about it.  By the time you pay to print photos, purchase a photo album and actually put those pictures in the album you have spent as much or more.  This is simple and you have a book that lasts forever.  I love the quality and had my book in my hands in about a week!

Create a professional photo book with a single click using Collage.com's One-Click Photo Book. Select photos of any size from Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, or your computer and they will instantly suggest a clean, professional layout that you can further customize.

Deal: Use this link for 51% off a 20-page 11.5"x8" Hardcover Photo Book From Collage.com: http://bit.ly/collagepbdeal

Join Children's Claritin and KaBOOM! Bringing Imagination Playground™ to Communities in Need!

Parents! Vote Now to Help Kids Have More Fun - One Playspace at a Time

As parents, we spend a lot of time discovering creative ways to nurture our children's curiosity. Luckily, being outdoors provides the perfect landscape, fueling young imaginations and creating endless possibilities for exploration, discovery and creativity. Children's Claritin hopes to inspire parents to create innovative play spaces in their backyards, and communities.

Children's Claritin also believes in the benefits of outdoor activity for children, and wants to help children get the most out of every day! They're teaming up with KaBOOM!, a national non-profit, to help bring innovative playspaces to communities in need and you can help! By voting, you can help them pick the four community organizations that will receive Imagination Playground™. What's Imagination Playground™? See imagination at play - watch last year's winner enjoying Imagination Playground™.

Be sure to visit ClaritinVoteforPlayspaces.com where you can place your vote and gather playspace inspirations for creating your own backyard playspace.  

While visiting the Children's Claritin & KaBOOM! Facebook page, you can also:

• Learn more about the twelve organizations you can vote for receiving Imagination Playground™
• Download coupon offers
• Locate a playspace near you

Vote now and help us pick the four community organizations that will receive Imagination Playground™. You can vote one time per day through 9/26/14. Click here for voting rules.

Collage.com One-Click Photo Book ~ Deal

Create a professional photo book with a single click using Collage.com's One-Click Photo Book. Select photos of any size from Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, or your computer and they will instantly suggest a clean, professional layout that you can further customize.

You can get one for just $25!
Deal: Use this link for 51% off a 20-page 11.5"x8" Hardcover Photo Book From Collage.com: http://bit.ly/collagepbdeal

Since we will be headed to Florida this fall I think this will be perfect for all the pictures I plan on taking!  Can't wait to see how it turns out and share it with everyone.

Summer Fun in Chicago!

With the summer winding down and everyone heading back to school I just wanted to reflect on all the great activities my boys and I had this summer.  It was honestly one of the best summers ever and I had so much fun exploring our great city with awesome friends.  Here is a list of all the great places we visited and I plan on visiting all of them again!

• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• The Morton Arboretum
• Pirates Cove
• The Water Works
• Santa's Village
• John Hancock Observatory
• Navy Pier
• Oasis Fun Center
• Blackberry Farm

These were our 10 main activities this summer and it was a blast!  I hope to highlight one place each week during the fall with tons of pics.  I hope that wherever you live whether it is Chicago or a small town you take the time to explore your city.  I never took the time before and realized these are only a few of the many awesome places this city has to offer.

Have fun and explore!

Dial's Coconut Water Body Wash ~ Giveaway

Disclosure:  "The Dial brand provided me with a sample of Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own."

I love how Dial consistently comes out with new great products.  I am addicted to "new" so if my favorite brand has a new product I have to try it.  Dial has impressed me yet again with their brand new Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash.  I am a morning shower person so the fresh citrus like fruity scents alone are awesome for waking me up in the morning.

You can see I have already used half the bottle and I am in love!  I like how clear it is and I can honestly say my skin feels softer and more hydrated.  I have been spending a lot of time outside since it is summer and my skin is in need of the extra hydration.  

"Coconut water is a leading trend known to be rich in antioxidants and electrolytes that help provide replenishing hydration.  Mango is known for being nutrient rich and adds a touch of tropical freshness."

After several weeks of using the Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash I have to agree!  I would love to offer you the chance to try it out for yourself.  Enter below and I will choose one of my readers to receive a coupon for a FREE bottle of Dial's new body wash.

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MCC Genworth Let's Talk Tour ~ #LetsTalk

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Genworth. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.”


One of the hardest things to talk about, or something we tend to put off is choices for later on in life.  From planning for retirement to long term care options I know I personally have so many questions and not a clue!  I tend to have the thought I'll deal with it when it happens but I know that is definitely not smart the smart choice.  More people actually plan for their death then they do for long term care.

One of my main questions would probably be with my parents.  What are their thoughts and wishes?  If they were to get ill would my siblings and I know what to do?  How much would care cost and where would the money come from?  Any situation that were to arise I'm sure it would be stressful enough so knowing their wishes and our choices would make the entire situation much easier.  

From New York to California Genworth is getting people talking about all aspects of their future through the Let's Talk Tour.  We never want to think about things such as long term care for our parents but its a reality and a difficult time.  Most of all it can be expensive to care for a parent or even a grandparent.  Childcare is costly and caring for a parent around the clock is even more costly with a nursing home costing around $80,000 a year!  Even with my brother and sister helping that is not a cost we could afford so a backup plan is a must for us.

Check out the videos above to check in on the fun at the Genworth Let's Talk Tour.  Don't wait and have the talk today with you parents and grandparents about what long term care options they are interested in and set up a plan!  Genworth is there to help with any questions you may have along the way.  Check out their tour dates here and stop on by if you are in the area.  You never know if someone famous like Frank Thomas may be there to help you jump start that conversation!  #LetsTalk

Back to School with Label Daddy ~ Discount

Disclaimer:  I was provided with a sample to facilitate my review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own!

So a total fail on my part as this was supposed to be a post all about labels for camp but I fudged so it has now turned into back to school!  Good thing is no matter what time of year it is if you have kids then you need labels.  School, camp, daycare or just for day to day so you can differentiate what belongs to who labels have become a necessity!

Label Daddy has an awesome assortment of labels for you and your kids to choose from.  They have your favorite Disney characters, designs, sports teams and cool pictures to please any child.  I choose some very cute Disney Planes labels for my son Nick that have his favorite character, Dusty.

I ordered the single pack of small labels which comes with 80.  That is a ton of labels!!  With the discount code these cost $16.  If you are looking for more sizes they have great combo packs that come with a huge variety of sizes.  You will have more then enough to label everything from their backpack to their shoes.  If you have ever seen the lost and found section at your school you know it is usually overflowing with items left behind.  Labels help ensure your kids come home with their items.

They are very easy to use just peel and stick.  They even come with a tip sheet on how to apply them so they last longer.  I suggest getting the laminated ones that way you get extra life out of your labels especially if you will be washing them a lot.  The cost of labels more then pays for itself and I highly recommend investing in labels and save yourself the pain and suffering of constant lost items.

Right now everyone can get 20% off their entire order from Label Daddy when you use code USFAMILY20.  This is a great deal.  I love the designs and there is honestly something for everyone from the popular Frozen characters to sports teams for the older children.  Check them out and get everything labeled before school starts!

Schwan's Home Service ~ Discount

For over 60 years, Schwan's Home Service has provided superior frozen foods with convenient home delivery. Our foods are flash frozen at the peak of freshness and flavor. Choose from USDA Choice meats, wild-caught seafood, flavorful skillet meals, Grade A fruits and vegetables, plus our heritage ice cream, distinctive desserts and much more.

We offer delicious foods to satisfy everyone, including family members with special dietary needs including:

- No gluten ingredients
- Vegetarian
- No sugar added
- Heart healthy
- Low calorie
- Low sodium choices

Schwan's offers weekly specials, coupons, online hot deals and new customer special offers. Join the Schwan's Rewards program and earn 5% back on every online purchase, to be used on a future order. 

100% Guarantee! Love It or Return It! If you're unsatisfied one of our products - for any reason - we will gladly replace it or provide a refund.

My Readers Save $ On Your First Order at Schwans Home Service! - $5 off $25 Order - Coupon Code: JULIEN2
$10 off $50 Order - Coupon Code: JULIEN2
$15 off $75 Order - Coupon Code: JULIEN15

Walgreens Well Beginnings Diapers & Baby Products ~ Review

Disclosure:  I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms MeetsSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinon on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

Walgreens has revamped their baby line and I have to say that I am pretty impressed. I am very hesitant to purchase a new brand of diapers but from the instant I opened the package of Well Beginnings diapers I could tell the quality was there.  They felt super soft and flexible while still hugging my toddler and doing its job!  I have a very active 2.5 year old so his diaper has to keep up with him.

My son is also a very heavy night wetter.  Well Beginnings diapers seemed to even withstand his heavy night wetting keeping his PJ's dry.  We both give these diapers a huge thumbs up and will continue to purchase them until I decide to potty train this little dude.  Here are some facts.  One of my favorite features is the wetness indicator on the smaller sizes.  Great, especially with a newborn that sleeps a lot.  You do not want to wake a sleeping baby!!!! 

•The entire Well Beginnings product line is exclusive to Walgreens, your friendly neighborhood drugstore known for its health and wellness expertise.

•Well Beginnings Size 4 Jumbo Diapers (31 count) offer a soft stretchable waist and side panels that wrap your baby in softness, offering leakage protection for day and night. The amazingly soft inner liner features natural botanicals, vitamin E, and aloe to soothe your baby’s bottom.

•These quality baby diapers are available in Newborn to Size 6 and are 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

•Well Beginnings Newborn, Size 1 and Size 2 diapers have a wetness indicator feature and turn blue when wet.

•Well Beginnings is all made in the U.S.A. and is made up of high-quality products at a great value.

•The retail price for Well Beginnings Size 4 Jumbo Diapers (31 count) is $8.99.

Well Beginnings has a whole entire line of baby and toddler products.  I tried their wipes and their baby wash which were both products I loved and would purchase in the future.  The wipes were very soft and the quilting got the job done.  I use wipes on little faces as much as I do their bottoms so softness and effectiveness are two of my priorities.  I was also sent their electrolyte drink which I am sure will be great to have on hand since school is starting soon!  I love to give this to my kids that first week along with extra vitamin C just to give them an extra boost.  Seems that if they do get sick it is not as bad.  #MomHack

Thank you Moms Meet for the chance to review the Well Beginnings line of products.  Do you have a #MomHack?  Tweet or post to Walgreens facebook page sharing your tip for all those mommas out there. Make sure to use the hashtag #MomHack. These items also make great baby shower gifts!  

EcoTools Pure Complexion Facial Sponge ~ Review & Giveaway

Disclosure:  I was provided with the product  to facilitate this review.  However, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

EcoTools has a brand new product I know you are going to love.  It is a pure complexion facial sponge made with 100% natural ingredients.  One of its main ingredients is Konjac, which is a vegetable fiber used to reveal smooth and refreshed skin.

My children kept asking if they could play with the "rock".  I can see where they would think it is a rock and the sponge is very hard when it comes out of the package but as soon as you add water it turns into a soft spongy material.  You can use it with just water or add your favorite facial wash. 

I typically just use my hands to wash my face so after using the pure complexion facial sponge I noticed almost an immediate difference in the feel of my skin.  My skin felt overall fresher like a good exfoliation with out all the roughness that goes along with that process.  Within a week my skin felt smother.  I think my skin could breath better and was revitalized.

The EcoTools Pure Complexion Facial Sponge is available in Deep Cleansing and Sensitive Skin and each sponge costs only $5.99.  Not bad considering it lasts 1-3 months.  That's less then the cost of most facial washes!  

I would love to give 5, YES FIVE, of my readers a chance to try out the EcoTools pure complexion facial sponge free of charge from EcoTools to you.  I invite you to take the challenge and see if you notice a difference in your skin after just of week of using the naturally exfoliating sponge.  Just enter in the rafflecopter below.

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Spellbinders Celebra'tions by Richard Garay

I was given the opportunity to try out some awesome creations from Spellbinders.  If you know me then you know that I am not a crafty person at all.  I think crafts take patience and I have no patience whatsoever!!! I try to taker shortcuts and when you do that with crafts you get weird looking results lol.

I was very happy to see that I received very specific projects to do.  I love instructions and the fat that all the necessary materials came grouped together.  Since I have a birthday party to go to this weekend the Celebrate Party Hat Card was the perfect project!

I followed the super easy step by step directions.  It told me piece by piece what to use and what to do which made the whole process very simple.  I have to say I think I have a beautiful card for my gift.  I am proud of myself and the fact that I can actually tell everyone, hey, I made that!  The whole process took about 5 minutes which is totally reasonable in my book for a one of a kind card.  Here is a pic of my final project!  Let me know what you think!

Kandoo Walmart Sweepstakes ~ Win $100 Gift Card

Kandoo has a very cool sweepstakes with Walmart where you have the chance to win a $100 Walmart gift card!!  First, head over to the Kandoo website and grab their printable coupon to save .50 cents.  Then, head to your local walmart and purchase any Kandoo product.  Lastly, snap a pic of your receipt and enter the sweepstakes here.  You are then entered to win 1 of 10 $100 gift cards.

I am a huge fan of Kandoo products, my favorite being their purple foaming hand soap.  My kids LOVE to wash their hands and think it is the coolest soap ever.

Coobie Seamless Bras ~ Review

Disclosure:  The Coobie Store provided me with two bras to facilitate this review.  However, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

I was really excited to try out Coobie seamless bras.  Especially since they claimed to be one of the most comfortable bras ever.  I received two bras to try out - the V-neck with lace and a scoop neck.  Their bras come in two sizes a one size fits all and a full size if you are more well endowed and need some extra support like I tend to.

I tried them both on as soon as they arrived and thought they were pretty comfy.  One of the features I really love is that they have removable inserts.  Once I figured that I out I was super comfortable.  I would go bra less all the time if I could but a girl has to look proper so I have to say Coobie bras are the next closest option.  After taking out the inserts I was so comfortable I even forgot I was wearing it.  I know this because I feel asleep with it on!  This would never happen in one of my regular bras and waking up the next day it still felt great.

Don't I look great!  I think I have enough support I would even feel comfortable wearing my Coobie bra to workout in.  I think the Coobie bras are especially great for summer.  It will be hot and if you are a girl then you know all about boob sweat.  Coobie bras seem the way to go to be extra comfortable when the weather is scorching.  I would love to try out some of their other products and pick up a couple of their endless assortment of prints and colors.  

I would definitely recommend the Coobie bra!  It was confortable, stayed in place and provided great support.  I think it made me look pretty good overall too.  You can check out all of their other styles and over 50+ colors at www.shopcoobie.com.  

Purex Crystals Dryer Sheets ~ Review ~ Giveaway

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

If you regularly read my blog then you know what a huge fan I am of Purex and all of their products.  I have yet to try something from Purex that I didn't love and their new Purex Crystals Dryer Sheets are no exception.  They.  Are.  Awesome.  The lavender blossom scent is like a spring bouquet of wild flowers.  I have been spring cleaning washing all of our bedding and curtains and my house smells simply wonderful.  I can't even begin to tell you how soft everything feels coming out of the dryer as well.

Well, we all might think that dryer sheets are just for laundry but I sometimes like to use products for what they are not normally intended for.  My garbage is stinky!  Scraps from dinner, poopy diapers and god knows what else makes my garbage smell horrible.  So while folding my laundry I thought hey, why not put one of my lavender blossom Purex dryer sheets in the bottom.  Problem solved!!  No more stinky garbage can.

"Purex Crystal Dryer sheets don't just reduce static cling and leave your family's laundry soft and smelling fresh, they can also keep your whole house smelling fresh!  Choose your favorite fragrance and tuck a sheet into hampers, linen closets, and other other laundry storage areas."

• 30 days of long-lasting freshness
• Reduces static cling
• Repels pet hair and lint
• Available in two scents ~ Lavender Blossom & Fresh Spring Waters

Now for the fun part for you guys since you read through my post!  First off Purex is having a sweepstakes where one lucky winner will win $500 and 50 runners up get a free box of Purex Crystals Dryer sheets.  Second I am also giving all of my wonderful readers a chance to win a coupon for a free box of Purex Crystal Dryer Sheets so enter in the rafflecopter below.  Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gutsy Chewy ~ Review

Disclosure:  I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet™ program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meets™ blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog.  My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

Do you ever go out to eat and have that, ugh, I shouldn't have eaten that feeling afterwards?  You know what I mean it was so delicious but by the time you get to the car you feel like your paying for what you did.  That queasy, uneasy, refluxy feeling that just doesn't go away sometimes.  Well now there is a fabulous new product that fits in your purse!

I don't even think I am able to go out to eat without feeling like this afterwards.  I just love food so much I want to eat it all, and yes I want dessert!  I do pay for it afterwards but this weekend I was prepared.  I finished off my meal and the second I started to get that queasy feeling I just popped a gutsy chew.  They come in two flavors citrus and wildberry.  I tried the citrus and it was pleasant, not chalky.  By the time we got home I already felt better.

One of my favorite things about Gutsy Chewy is that it contains all natural ingredients.  Here are some cool facts about Gutsy Chewy:

• Gutsy Chewy products are available in two delicious flavors: Citrus and

Wildberry.

• Gutsy Chewy supplements are safe, gluten-free, vegan friendly and

lactose-free.

• Gutsy Chewy products are all-natural and made in the U.S.A.

• All Gutsy Chewy supplements contain a proprietary blend of apple cider

vinegar, licorice extract and papaya extract (GiGs®). GiGs® has been

shown to be effective in treating GutBurn™ and GutBloat™.

• Xylitol is used in Gutsy Chewy to aid oral health, while calcium and

magnesium are included to fortify the bodies stores of these important

minerals.

• Gutsy Chewy comes in a handy 8-pack tube that’s easy to travel with.

• The retail price for Gutsy Chewy ranges from $15.99 to $79.99 (2 - 12

tubes), depending on volume purchased. Each order also has a cost of

$4.99 to cover shipping and handling.

You can head over to their website gutsyproducts.com to order some or find out more info.  Also be sure to check out the Gutsy Chewy facebook page and follow them on twitter!

A special thanks to Moms Meet for providing me with the opportunity to review this product.  Feel free to check them out for your own chance to review products as well.

Always check with your physician before starting any supplement product and specifically Gutsy Products. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare professional prior to use if

you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition. This product contains papaya and should not be used by people with a latex allergy. Keep out of reach of children.