Xlear Care Kit ~ 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 Meet blogger, I agree 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 this product.

I am always trying to find healthier products for my family.  Small changes here and there to help us feel better, and hopefully live longer.  One of my main ways of doing this is by choosing products that are more natural and less artificial.  Xlear is a brand that makes this easy and the Xlear Care Kit is a great place to start.

They have everything you need for a great oral care routine and I really enjoyed using the toothpaste and mouthwash.  It left my mouth feeling fresh and clean.  My favorite items though were the Spry gum and gems.  I have to have something to ease my stress while driving so gum and mints are my go to items.  I love that the Spry gum and mints satisfied my cravings and at the same time were helping keep my mouth clean and fresh.

Spry Gum

• Xlear Spry Gum has a flavor profile that exceeds regular chewing gum with the added benefit of xylitol.

• Spry Gum is available in four natural flavors:  Spearmint, Wintergreen, Cinnamon, and Peppermint.

• 12 pieces of Spry Gum retails for $2.29. 

Spry Gems

• Xlear Spry Gems are naturally sweetened with 100% xylitol.

• Spry Gems combine the benefits of xylitol with natural flavorings and calcium to create a pHbalanced formula for advanced oral health.

• Spry Gems are available in Berry, Cinnamon, Peppermint, Spearmint, and Lemon Cream varieties.

• 40 count Spry Gems retail for $2.19.

Spry Toothpaste Non-Fluoride

• The use of Spry Toothpaste can significantly improve oral health, when combined with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care.

• Spry Toothpaste consists of 1/3 xylitol, which provides 20-25% of the recommended dosage per day.

• Xylitol also increases mineral absorption into the enamel of the teeth, resulting in greater protection with a clean, fresh feeling that really lasts.

• Spry Toothpaste retails for $5.99 each.

Spry Oral Rinse

• Spry Oral Rinse takes a more natural approach tooral health by using a xylitol-rich, low-alcohol, and pH-neutral formula.

• It also uses a mix of natural flavorings and herbal extracts such as aloe vera, chamomile, and echinacea to help soothe irritated mouth tissues.

• Spry Oral Rinse is available in Cool Mint, Spearmint, Wintergreen, and Cinnamon flavors.

• Spry Oral Rinse retails for $6.99 each.

Xlear also has their very own nasal sprays.  For me nasal sprays are phenomenal.  The spring is filled with tons of pollen, dust and I think just the air overall drives my allergies into overdrive and my sinuses are so uncomfortable.  Using a nasal spray when I wake up and when I come home I notice a huge difference in how much better I feel overall.  Finding a more natural option when it comes to a nasal spray is very difficult so Xlear is a perfect choice.  

Xlear Nasal Spray

• Xlear is a soothing nasal spray that helps to alleviate congestion due to allergies, cold, flu, and sinusitis. It does this by being much more hyperosmotic than a traditional saline nasal spray and also by incorporating xylitol, a natural product that has been shown to decrease bacterial adherence in the nose.

• When used twice a day, Xlear nasal spray not only hydrates the sinuses and nasal passages but it also helps to wash away airborne contaminants and pollutants that lead to many common upper respiratory problems.

• Unlike many prescription or medicated sprays with unwanted side effects, daily usage of Xlear Nasal Spray is non-addictive and will not damage tissues.

• One 1.5 oz. container of Xlear Nasal Spray retails for $14.99 and will last 2-3 months with daily use.

• The Xlear Nasal Spray Economy Pack contains three .75 oz. squeeze bottles and retails for $18.99.

If you are wondering what makes the Xlear line of products so different it is because they contain xylitol.  Never heard of xylitol?  Don't worry, I didn't either until I tried this great line of products. 

 "The addition of xylitol to saline nasal sprays, neti pots, and positive pressure bottles has been shown to make them more effective at helping to prevent ear infections in children, sinus infections in adults, and asthma and allergies in people of all ages. Xylitol helps the body’s natural cleansing process to clear away allergens, asthmatic triggers and other harmful bacteria. Xylitol is also one of the newest, easiest and tastiest ways that people can improve oral health. Research done in widely different conditions confirms that xylitol use may reduce tooth decay."

And if you would like to try out the entire Xlear Care Kit pictured above, thanks to Moms Meet & Xlear you can get the entire Xlear Care Kit (valued at $65) for only $25 by using the code SAVE50.

Be sure to check out Xlear on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Dial Miracle Oil Hand Soap ~ Review & Giveaway

Disclosure:  The Dial Brand provided me with a sample of Dial Miracle Oil Hand Soap in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

After trying Dial's new Miracle Oil Body Wash I was super excited to receive their brand new Miracle Oil Hand Soap.  I can now have the scent of Marula Oil I love all day long.  I am literally sniffing my hands after using it because it is just so delightful.  

That's my Dominican Charlie and I think he represents where I picture myself when I smell the sweet scent of Dial Miracle Oil Hand Soap.  Along with scent, the way my hands feel is another attribute I look for in a great hand soap.  Between my cute little boys who are just gross sometimes, my dog, cooking, bathroom, and sickness, I probably wash my hands a minimum of once an hour.  Just this week alone I have been handed a worm and multiple boogers.  I really need to ask before I stick my hand out.

As is characteristic of Dial soaps, my hands never have that dry feeling where I have the urge to put lotion on.  My hands stay soft and moisturized even with my excessive hand washing. The new scent has me hooked.  We really need to tell the  people over at Purex to add this scent to their detergent!!

I think the beautiful color adds some sass to my super ugly faucet.  I will be keeping my bottle in the grown up bathroom upstairs.  I'm also giving away a FREE bottle of Dial Miracle Oil Hand Soap as well so as usual enter in the Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Purex Power Shot ~ Review & Giveaway

Disclaimer:  "The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex PowerShot detergent in exchange for a product review.  However,  all the opinions expressed here are my own."

Purex has outdone themselves by reinventing the way you do your laundry.  They have decided to give every one maids!  Just kidding, but they have made the whole entire process of doing laundry just a little bit easier and for me anything that saves time or allows me to use less of my brain is a HUGE plus.

Purex PowerShot takes out all of the guesswork when it comes to deciding how much detergent to use.  You literally just flip the top and pour the perfectly measured shot of detergent into your washer.  While you do that it magically refills so you are ready for your next load.

*Perfectly measured shots of detergent
*No more spilling (You know you sit there and think a little bit more-no too much-pour it      back)
*No more waste!
*Saves you money
*Saves you time

I was sold the moment I saw how Purex PowerShot works.  I think my brain literally stops working by 3pm.  You know when your husband asks you whats for dinner and you just give him a blank stare.  Yeah, that's me after I have made 500 decisions for my children throughout the day my brain just literally stops.  Not having to think about how much detergent I am using and gaining an extra minute or two from not playing with how much I should pour into the cap won me over.

Make sure to head here to enter Purex's PowerShot Sweepstakes!!  Three grand prize winners get a new washer & dryer.  300 runner-ups get a free bottle of Purex PowerShot.

Purex has sent me a handful of FREE coupons for new Purex PowerShot and I would love to pass some of those on to one lucky reader.  Enter below and I will send you 3 coupons each good for 1 free bottle of Purex PowerShot.  Keep them, share them and good luck!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

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!  

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

Purex no sort for Colors ~ Giveaway ~ Sweepstakes

Disclosure:  The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex No Sort for Colors detergent in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

Purex is changing the rules for how we do our laundry and I am excited!  I like to always make sure I have a full load every time I do my laundry but I tend to have two full loads and two half loads.  Well now I have no worries because my two half loads can now be combined into one giant load.  This is great because not only does it save time but it is also saves energy and water and that leads to saving money!!

We have all had colors that bled well washing clothes at some point in time and it is highly aggravating when clothes get ruined in the washer.

"Purex No Sort for Colors detergent features a breakthrough Anti-Color-Transfer Technology which traps loose dyes in the wash and reduces color bleeding accidents in your mixed color loads leaving your clothes bright and clean."

This doesn't mean throw that brand new red shirt in your washer as that is a bit much but for your everyday loads of clothes you have already washed several times this will help keep your clothes looking brighter and newer.  I think of that black shirt that starts to dull over time.  That is because the dye is bleeding in the wash and getting on your clothes.  This is what you are containing.  Seems like a win win! Less loads of laundry and clothes that look newer longer.

I would love to give one of my readers a chance to try it out for themselves so make sure you enter in the rafflecopter below!  Purex is also hosting an awesome giveaway where you can win $1,000 and a years supply of Purex no sort.  I don't know about you but I would LOVE to win that much money so I will be entering daily and you should to.  Good luck!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Purex Crystals Fabulously Fresh ~ Sweepstakes & Giveaway

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

Purex has come out with a brad new limited edition scent for the Purex Crystals line and I love it!  Fabulously Fresh describes it perfectly.  Smelling the crystals the scent seemed like an exotic flower and reminded of Hawaii until I realized I was still in my basement with a pile of laundry.  I love the vibrant green color these crystals have.  It reminds me of the vibrant greens of spring and instantly makes me happier.

I just love the smell of fresh laundry and Purex Crystals Fabulously Fresh just adds to that.  The clothes had a wonderful fresh clean scent that wasn't overwhelming, just pleasant.
 
      "Purex Crystals Limited Edition Fabulously Fresh is the latest Purex Brand laundry                   enhancer bringing a fresh sensation to your laundry experience.  This limited edition             bottle and scent will add a colorful escape to your laundry day."

This is a limited edition scent and won't be around forever so if you want clothes that smell fabulously fresh for weeks instead of days I suggest you get some now to try!  Purex Crystals are safe for all loads of laundry and I especially love to use them on my children's clothes.

Now for the best part!  In honor of Purex Crystals Limited Edition fabulously fresh scent they are hosting a sweepstakes which you can enter here.  One grand prize winner will win a $1,000 shopping spree and a years supply of Purex Crystals.  100 2nd place winners will also win their very own bottle of Purex Crystals.

You can also enter in the rafflecopter below for one more chance to win a Limited Edition bottle of Purex Crystals fabulously fresh!  (In the form of a coupon for a free product sent from me to you.)  So get entering  and promise to take me shopping with you if you win that sweepstakes.  :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Perrigo Nutritionals Toddler Food & Formula ~ Review and Giveaway

Disclosure:  “The Perrigo Nutritionals product, information and two gift packs have been provided by Perrigo Nutritionals.”

Having two toddler boys we go through tons of food.  Sometimes it seems like I go grocery shopping and within a day tons of items are already gone.  Toddler snacks are one of those items..mainly crunchies, puffs, and yogurt bites.  They will eat their entire dinner and then want a snack and the entire package will be gone.  Going through so many toddler snacks I see myself turning to store brands because they are normally the cheaper option.  It is actually one of the categories where I regularly buy store brands.  You save a great deal of money no coupons required!

You have probably seen many of these store brands in stores already.  Here are the brands I received:

• Up and Up at Target
• Parent's Choice at Walmart
• Cottontails at Giant
• Comforts for Baby at Kroger
• Meijer Baby at Meijer

I was actually surprised to learn that they are all made by the same company, Perrigo Nutrionals. Here is some fun information about them:

 About Perrigo Nutritionals

·         Many moms are not aware that they can save up to 50 percent on infant formula by choosing a store brand over a national brand

·         Store Brand Formula is nutritionally comparable to the national brands, yet are typically up to half the price, and can save you about $600 a year

·         Perrigo Nutritionals is the largest supplier of Store Brand Infant Formula and nutrition products in the world and one of only four companies recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for meeting the strict FDA requirements for safety, nutrition and quality for infant formula-manufacturing in the United States

·         Same standards and expertise used to develop infant formula applied to toddler foods

·         Toddler foods are appropriately developed for variety of stages of growth and motor skills with quality, nutritional ingredients to create foundation of good nutrition

Even though I am already a fan of store brands it makes me feel more confident purchasing store brands knowing they are all made by the same company.  When I went to the grocery store this week I compared what I would have spent on toddler food and snacks had I bought national brands instead of store brands and my savings was around $16 for a weeks worth of toddler snacks.  In a year that is over $800 in savings for me.  So what do my boys think of the brands we tried?

No complaints at all as these boys chowed down!  I actually had to hide everything from them so I could take a pic before they ate it all.  My older son Chris reached for the Comforts Baby strawberry flavored puffs.  My younger one, Nick, grabbed the Comforts Baby berry flavored yogurt bites.  

While the boys were chowing down I glanced through this awesome book I received with everything.  If you know me I don't read anything aside from children's books but I was hooked!  The book is called, "Say Goodbye to Survival Mode," by Crystal Paine.  If you are reading my blog then you just might of heard of her as she hosts the popular blog MoneySavingMom.com.  I pretty much can't stop reading it.  I love all of her ideas a lot of which I already do.  I try to keep life simple so there is less stress and her book focuses on a lot of ways to do just that.  Here are just a few of her money saving tips!

Crystal Paine’s 5 Money Saving Tips for Families

Create a Budget
A budget gives you parameters and purpose, it gives you boundaries, and it gives you freedom to live creatively within those boundaries.

Shop With Cash
When you shop with a credit card (or even a debit card, for that matter!) you can have your budget in your head and you can do the best to stick with it when you check out, but it’s so much easier to go just a little bit over here and there when you’re swiping!

Plan a Menu
When you have a plan in place for what you’re supposed to be eating each meal and you’ve already purchased the ingredients for those recipes, it’s a lot harder to justify chucking the plan for takeout.

Use Coupons
Coupons are a great way to save a lot of money on your grocery bill, but they can be hard to keep up with. Clipping, sorting, and organizing coupons takes time — so enter a coupon database! You’ll have access to printable and other coupons currently available and it’s one of the most effective and efficient ways to save money on groceries.

Buy Store Brands
One way to save a great deal of money on your grocery budget is to learn to like and use a variety of brands. The sooner you can get over being a brand-snob, the more your pocketbook will thank you.
For example, while I breast fed my children, moms who choose to formula feed can save up to 50 percent by switching to store brand formula, which meets the same FDA quality standards as expensive name brands. There are also coupons available at a website - StoreBrandFormula.com.  This one simple change can save moms about $600 a year. 

Get a copy of Say Goodbye to Survival Mode:  9 Simple Strategies to Stress Less, Sleep More, and Restore Your Passion For Life.

I also have the wonderful opportunity to awesome a package filled with all the goodies I received above to one of my readers.  Just enter in the Rafflecopter below!  And remember don't forget the store brands :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monster Jam @Allstate Arena through Feb 9th!

Disclaimer:  My family was provided with tickets to the even for purposes of this review.  All opinions are still my own.

Last night the boys had an awesome time going to Monster Jam at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.  This was Chris's second time and as soon as he heard we were going to see Monster trucks he was so excited.  He is 4 years old and remembers going to it last year and just how awesome it is.  My husband went for the first time this year and he had an awesome time too.  He claims he had more fun then the kids but I'm not so sure.  Chris has been setting up a Monster truck stage with his cars and talking about it non stop.

If you ask Chris what he liked the best he will tell you when the giant T-Rex came out and started eating the cars.  Um yeah trucks and dinosaurs you are talking about little boy heaven!  If you ask my husband what he liked best he will say the dirt bikes, four wheelers, and the monster truck crashing!  Yes they got to see a crash which was a first for everyone.  So pretty cool.

Overall the show is a great experience for everyone young and old.  I think it triggers the man gene in all the boys and gets their adrenaline going just hearing the motors revving their engines, and they are loud!  I highly recommend if you are going to bring ear plugs and noise canceling headphones for everyone in your group.

There are still awesome seats left.  We sat pretty far back, row M in the second level, but had no problem seeing all the action.  It was a great time and I can't wait to go again next year.

Allstate Arena, Feb 7-9, 2014 

Approximately 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, monster trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, monster trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster trucks can fly up to 125 to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air. Monster Jam, sanctioned by the United States Hot Rod Association, is the most popular monster truck tour, performing to over 4 million fans annually at the most prestigious arenas and stadiums throughout the world. Monster Jam shows consist of three main fan-favorite elements - the pit party, racing and freestyle.

Save 30% on all performances using code MOM. Get Your Tickets Today- http://www.ticketmaster.com

Discount does not apply to Front Row VIP or Gold Circle seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply. All tickets $2 more day of show.

Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze ~ #Giveaway

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

With a house full of boys  - 2 toddlers and 1 filthy husband - dirty stinky laundry is never something I am lacking in.  Especially since it is winter I think my laundry has tripled in size!  To reduce some of my laundry burden I try to limit how many towels and PJs we wear in a week even though it doesn't seem to help much 5 towels to wash when the weekend comes is much better then 20.  Purex crystals helps keep things like towels smelling fresher longer which is one of the main reasons why I LOVE them.

Purex crystals comes in a fabulous new scent called Fresh Mountain Breeze.  It smells so awesome I honestly can't wait to go snuggle in my pillows tonight since I washed all our bedding this weekend with the crystals.  It is also nice to know that they are made with a natural formula that is safe for both your family and your environment.  The scent is not over powering at all but subtle and meant to last for weeks instead of days.  I think it is especially great for that last wash before you put your sweaters and quilts into storage this spring.

Purex has sent me several coupons to give away to one of my lucky readers so you can test out the fabulous new fresh mountain breeze scent yourself.  Make sure you enter in the rafflecopter below.  But that is not all!  There is also a sweepstakes you can enter daily here for your chance to win a grand prize of $500 or one of 100 free product coupons.  Make sure you enter daily to increase your chances.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disney on Ice-Let's Celebrate! #DisneySide #Review

Disclosure:  My family was provided tickets to the event but all thoughts and opinions are always my own!

 Anything related to Disney is magical.  I cannot explain it but it just is.  Their Disney on Ice shows are no exception and their current show Let's Celebrate brings a piece of the Disney Parks straight to your doorstep.  Chris was so excited and all day he had been asking me when we were leaving for Mickey on ice.  It was finally time and he was practically dragging us out the door.  I have never seen him so excited.

When the show starts it is very exciting for me so I can only imagine how it feels to the children.  The arena gets dark and it starts with a huge opening number with a huge cast of characters from Alice to Belle and of course all your favorites like Mickey and Minnie.  The show goes on with a great celebration story line.  Chris loved seeing his personal favorites like Captain Hook and Buzz Lightyear.  He even enjoyed all the princesses - I think he is in love with ALL of them.  

I always leave wanting more and can't wait until the next event.  Chris had so much fun he cannot wait to go back either.  If you haven't make sure you get your tickets and be sure to use the discount code below!  There are still awesome seats left and parking is FREE!

Allstate Arena in Rosemont Jan 22 - Jan 26 & United Center in Chicago Jan 29 - Feb 9 

It's one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends! Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; Mardi Gras with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen; a Royal Valentine's Day Ball with the Disney Princesses; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe.  Come join the party when this spectacular ice show visits your hometown!

Parking is FREE in all official arena parking lots. Visit official arena websites for more information.

Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. Jan 22 - Jan 26, 2014
United Center in Chicago, IL. Jan 29 - Feb 9, 2014

Save 40% on all weekday shows and Save 20% on all weekend shows using code MOM. Get Your Tickets Now- http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/2q2yrx

Weekday is defined as any show Monday through Thursday or Friday matinee, not including holidays. Discount does not apply to Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.

Zevia a New Kind of Soda ~ Giveaway

The average american drinks a soda a day and I was probably in those statistics until several years ago when I cut back, way back, on my soda drinking.  I tried to avoid soda all together but would find myself craving it especially with meals such as burgers or tacos.  I decided I would allow myself a soda a week and have been pretty good with that until recently where I have found myself drinking it more and more.  One of the major reasons I stopped was it was an easy way to lose weight for me and now that I am drinking it more I can see those pounds coming back.  This is why I was thrilled when Zevia showed up at my door!

Let me start off by saying I am NOT a fan of diet soda at all.  I would rather go thirsty, but with flavor choices from cola to strawberry I was willing to give it a shot.  I am a stickler for following directions and Zevia recommends drinking it as cold as possible and straight from the can so I decided to try the grape and actually threw it in the freezer for about 30 minutes.  I was honestly pleasantly surprised and it was quite tasty!  Zevia would definitely satisfy my soda cravings.  And I really think that having it extra cold made it taste better.

With Zevia, not only is it an easy choice but the smart choice for my family.  We are a busy household and it is nice to have a go to product I know is the healthier option.  I may not be able to say no to that special treat but Zevia makes up for it with 0 grams of sugar and no artificial sweeteners.  So what gives it that sweet taste?  Stevia!  It is all natural and grown here in the United States

Now for the fun part :)  Zevia has offered to let 5, yes FIVE, of my readers try Zevia soda for FREE!!  Just fill out the rafflecopter below and make sure you check out Zevia here to see all the wonderful flavors they offer.

If you are not a winner or just can't wait to try it for yourself make sure you head over here to grab a $1.00 coupon for yourself!  Good Luck. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fun Times at All Seasons Orchard

I was given tickets to facilitate this review but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This weekend my family and I had the chance to experience All Seasons Apple Orchard in Woodstock.  It was about an hours drive from our house and definitely worth the time.  It was the perfect day for a trip to the orchard, the skies were clear and it was in the upper sixties my idea of a perfect fall day.  I was worried that it would be super muddy from all the rain we had the day before but surprisingly it wasn't.  One of the first things my boys saw was the corn crib and they were super excited to jump in and play with the corn.  It must of felt awesome because they begged to come back to it later!

After we played in the corn we hopped on a tractor that took us over to the apple orchards were there were tons of apple trees to pick our apples from.  They loved picking their own apples and your ticket includes a bag you can fill up with a lot of apples.  We came home with plenty to share with family and my smallest couldn't resist eating one while we were there.  This was my favorite activity and something I cannot wait to do again.

Next we went over to the play area were they had a sandbox (I say sandbox but it is like a large fenced in sand area) filled with diggers and two tube slides.  Nick and Chris were in heaven and could of played here all day long so we probably spent a good hour there just digging and going down the slides.  I grabbed Nick for a few minutes to take him over to the petting zoo and goat bridge since he is obsessed with animals and he got some kisses from the goats.

I had to drag Chris away from the slide & sand but both Nick and Chris had a fun time riding around on the goat train, swinging on the swings, and playing with the other kids in the duck races.  Josh even sneaked off to go shoot the awesome apple and pumpkin canons and had a blast, literally!  There was so much to do that we didn't even get around to everything partially because they are a little young but mostly because they were having so much fun with all the activities we did do.  There is also an assortment of bounce houses, jumping pillow, pony rides, a huge corn maze, and zip lines!  You could easily spend an entire day at All Seasons Orchard.

After grabbing some lunch from the farm house and playing in the sand some more we finally went to pick out our pumpkins.  Chris wanted to buy all of them as you can see by his wheelbarrow.  All in all it was a great time and the best pumpkin patch time we have had by far.  Chris proclaimed as we walked to the car, "I had so much fun!", at the top of his lungs.  Stuff like that just melts my heart and I can't wait to do it all again next year.

You can plan a visit to All Seasons Apple Orchard by clicking here.  And don't forget they have a coupon too just click here.  You will not be disappointed!