Win $25 to try McDonald's NEW Artisan Grilled Chicken!

We were provided with free product and promotional items in exchange for this review. 
All opinions expressed are our own.

It's been a while since we visited McDonald's but we're pretty excited about some of their new menu options and are especially looking forward to a trip to our local restaurant to try some new Artisan Grilled Chicken!

Photo courtesy of SHIFT Communications

Have you tried it yet?

McDonald's recently introduced Artisan Grilled Chicken and here's what I know about it:

• It's freshly prepared
• It's 100% white meat chicken breast filet
• It's seasoned with simple spices and herbs like salt, garlic, and parsley
• It's what you'll find in McDonald's Deluxe Chicken Sandwiches, Premium McWraps, Snack Wraps, and Premium Salads

Sound's pretty good, don't you think? I do!

I'm encouraged to hear about McDonald's commitment to fresher, healthier menu items. And I'm very excited to make my way over to my local McDonald's restaurant to give the new Artisan Grilled Chicken a try! Keep your eye on my social media channels and right here on the blog for my report back.

In the meantime, though, here's a chance for YOU to try some of 

McDonald's NEW Artisan Grilled Chicken! 

Follow the instructions below to win a $25 McDonald's Arch Card. 

Get your entries in NOW because this giveaway ends in just a few short days - 

we don't want you to have to wait too long before getting to try this new menu item!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Entrants must be age 18 and older at the time of entry. Open to residents of the U.S. only. Giveaway starts 5/4/15 and ends at midnight on 5/8/15. Winner will be notified by email on 5/9/15 and will have 24 hours to respond or an alternate winner will be chosen. SHIFT Communications is responsible for prize distribution.

Good luck!

Hop to the Music! ~ Disney Music Review & Giveaway

Free products were received from Entertainment New Media Network and Disney Music Group to facilitate this review and giveaway. 
No other compensation was received. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. 

All opinions expressed are my own.

The Easter Bunny arrived a bit early to our house last week to let us know about some great Easter Basket options for your Disney music fan! Our friends at Disney have gathered together some fantastic favorites to help you and your family Hop to the Music this spring!

We are so excited to bring you a super fun giveaway for some super fun music ~ 
a Hop to the Music Prize Pack ~ from the Disney Music Group!

Here's what we've got:

Frozen: The Songs
Do I even need to say anything about this album? Probably not! We've had this one memorized for quite some time. It's full of all of your sing-a-long favorites as well as the beautiful instrumental music from the film. We love, love, love this CD... no surprise. This version comes with a collectible poster.

DJ Shuffle 2
DJ = Disney Junior, and that, in and of itself, should tell you this this CD is loads of fun! We were huge fans of the first edition of DJ Shuffle and when we realized that a new album was now out with new and updated favorites from our old friends like Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Jake, Sheriff Callie, and Henry Hugglemonster we were incredibly excited. Add to that our excitement to see additions from our new friend Miles from Tomorrowland and a new catchy DJ Shuffle dance tune, and this edition of one of our favorite CDs really got us up and moving! There is nothing more fun than Disney Junior... except dancing and singing along... which is exactly what you'll do while listening to this CD, guaranteed!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1
Imagine you're listening to a walkman with a great mix tape playing, and you'll love this CD with all the music you'll remember from the film by the same name. This fun soundtrack album comes with a link and code for a free digital download.

Into the Woods
This 2-disc deluxe edition soundtrack will bring you right back to the theater. Including both the lyrical music and the instrumental music from Into the Woods, this set also includes a lyric booklet so you'll be singing along in no time (hooray! my favorite feature of a CD!).

All of this fun music is available for purchase at the links above or in the new Disney Music Emporium!

Enter to win your own Hop to the Music Prize Pack here!

Entrants must be age 18 or older at the time of entry. No purchase necessary. Giveaway open to residents of the US only. Giveaway will have 48 hours to respond to notification email with requested information and if they do not, winnings will be forfeited and a new winner will be chosen. Walt Disney Records is responsible for prize distribution. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. If it comes to this blogger's attention that the winner has won the same prize on an additional blog, this blog reserves the right to choose another winner. Contest ends on Monday, March 30, 2015 at 11:59 PM.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!!

Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure ~ Discounts and Giveaway!

We were provided with complimentary show tickets to help promote this event. All opinions expressed are our own.

We are so excited to announce that Disney On Ice is coming back our way this spring!

Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt will be playing at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA from April 2-5!

Embark on the ultimate sightseeing vacation with all your favorite Disney characters in Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy and Daisy on a journey to the magical worlds of Disney's The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and Lilo & Stitch. You and your family will explore the African Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa; voyage deep under the sea to Ariel's mystical underwater kingdom; tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy before flying to Never Land to join Tinker Bell; and travel to Hawaii to visit Lilo and Stitch. Upbeat music, lovable characters and exciting destinations make Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure a vacation your family will never forget!

We are so excited to attend the show and I can smell that yummy Feld Entertainment Popcorn already!

You can get your tickets at Ticketmaster.com or at the Box Office, starting at just $15!

Exclusive savings for our readers: 
$6 off all price levels on select show times!

Offer valid on $60, $45, $35, and $25 tickets to the following performances:

April 2, 7:00 PM - $15 opening night tickets available!

April 3, 1:00 PM 

April 3, 7:00 PM

April 4, 11:00 AM

April 4, 7:00 PM

April 5, 2:00 PM - $10 kids tickets available!

Just follow these 3 easy steps to purchase: 

1. Go to Ticketmaster.com and choose your performance
2. Enter code MBLOG in the offer code box
3. Select your seats and check out!

No double discounts. Cannot be used for prior purchases or group sales orders. Service charges, handling and facility fees may apply. Please note that prices reflected on Ticketmaster.com INCLUDE service charges and facility fees. Select "Price Details" on the purchase page to confirm discount price.

Or *WIN* a 4-pack of tickets to opening night right here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

No purchase necessary. Entrants must be age 18 or older at time of entry with valid photo ID. Winner will use photo ID to pick up tickets at the Box Office of the DCU Center in Worcester, MA on the night of the show. Contest runs from Thursday, March 12 through Monday, March 23 and ends at 11:59 PM on that day. Winner will be notified via email and must respond within 24 hours to claim prize or a new winner will be chosen. 

Good luck!

Urbini Dream Nursery Contest!

I participated in a Blog Blast Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Urbini. 

I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

A cozy nursery with high quality furniture is a must-have for new babies (and new parents)! Urbini has created a new line of nursery furniture, including some beautiful wooden cribs and to help spread the word, they are giving away not only some of their nursery furniture, but a full nursery makeover at the hands of Rachel Dacks, their designer!

Isn't that gorgeous?! This is a giveaway you will not want to miss!

If you're not working on creating or updating a nursery, don't despair! You can still win a $50 Walmart Gift Card by helping to promote the contest.

All of the details are below. You can enter the giveaway through the widget in this post, or at www.UrbiniDreamNursery.com.

Here's what you'll win!

Grand Prize:

One Urbini Crib

One Urbini Changing Table

One Urbini 6 Drawer Dresser

One Urbini Cubi Play Yard

A home visit by Urbini designer Rachel Dacks to personally outfit a newly designed nursery

Second Prize:

Choice of one Urbini Crib

Third Prize:

One Urbini Cubi Play Yard

Sweepstakes Winners:

Each day, one Sweepstakes participant will be randomly selected to win a $50 Walmart Gift Card

To enter the Urbini Dream Nursery Contest to win the Grand, Second, or Third Prizes, you must post to your personal Instagram account a photo of the room you want to design, tagging #UrbiniDreamNursery and #Contest. For all other entry information, including entering to win the daily $50 Walmart Gift Cards, please visit www.UrbiniDreamNursery.com.

Urbini Dream Nursery

Contest ends Wednesday, March 18, 2015. Entrants must be age 18 or older at the time of entry. Open to legal residents of the continental United States and the District of Columbia. Official rules are available at www.UrbiniDreamNursery.com.

Good luck!

Visit Urbini on social media by following the links below:
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest

Authentic Homemade Asian "Takeout" from Blue Dragon ~ Review and Giveaway!

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Blue Dragon. I received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All opinions expressed are my own.

I cook dinner for my family daily and it's often a struggle to decide what to make. We have our favorites but eating the same few meals each week gets a little boring. I love searching for recipes online and can often find some new ideas but even those searches can be daunting because there are so many options and I don't always have all the ingredients I need on hand. And let's be honest... sometimes takeout sounds really yummy and easy! Our favorite takeout option is Chinese food but (unfortunately for my taste buds) we don't often splurge on that treat.

We were recently introduced to Blue Dragon, a company that provides everything you need to treat yourself to some homemade, super easy, and super fast Asian cuisine! Providing everything from noodles, to spring roll wrappers, to sauces, condiments, and a plethora of quick and easy-to-follow recipes, Blue Dragon has it all.

Blue Dragon was named after the Chinese symbol of good fortune. Over thirty years ago, the founder of Blue Dragon realized that it was nearly impossible to create truly authentic Asian dishes at home because it was just too difficult for people to find all the necessary ingredients in the grocery store. Well, that problem has now been solved with Blue Dragon products and after a quick trip to your local grocery store, you can simply and quickly pull together delicious dishes from China, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam right in the comfort of your own home!

Following some recipes straight from the Blue Dragon website, and using some high quality products that were truly so user friendly, along with a few things I already had in the house, I was able to create three absolutely delicious Asian dishes - in less time than it would have taken me to order, pick up, and bring home my favorite Asian take-out!

Here's what I used:

And here's what I created:

Chicken Pad Thai

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound sliced chicken
• 1 egg
• 2 cups cooked flat rice noodles
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Sprig of cilantro - chopped
• 1 ratchet Blue Dragon Pad Thai Stir Fry Sauce

Instructions:

• Heat oil in wok, add the egg, stir fry until almost cooked through.
• Add chicken and stir fry for one minute.
• Add pre-cooked and drained noodles and sauce.
• Stir until heated through
• Garnish with lime juice and cilantro.

General Tao Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 3/4 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 large onion, sliced
• Cornstarch to coat
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 satchet General Tao Stir Fry Sauce

Instructions:

• Dip the chicken strips in the beaten egg and then toss in the cornstarch.
• Heat the oil in a pan and carefully fry the chicken pieces.
• Once browned, add the onion and sauce and continue to simmer for approximately 2 minute until onions are tender and all is heated through.

Sweet Chili Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 4 tortilla wraps
• 1/2 lb cooked chicken, shredded
• sliced green onions
• 4 tbsp Blue Dragon Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

• Heat large frying pan over medium heat.
• Place flour tortilla in bottom of pan.
• Top with half of chicken, onion, dipping sauce and cheese.
• Top with second tortilla.
• Once the base is golden brown and crisp, use a spatula to flip over and repeat cooking on the other side.
• Repeat with remainder of ingredients.
• Let sit for 1/2 minutes and slice into wedges.

I adjusted these recipes only minimally from those on the Blue Dragon website simply because I wanted to cook with what I had in my home already since my family was hungry and excited to try our new Blue Dragon products! Beyond the meat, I only needed minimal ingredients. Each dish tasted authentic, and truly delicious! The cooking sauces were so flavorful, the noodles cooked up in a flash, and, because it absolutely deserves it's own shout-out, the Blue Dragon Sweet Chili Sauce is AMAZING.

So again, I was literally able to pull these meals together with less money and less time than it would have taken to pick up Asian takeout. Does it get any better than that? But, I'll be honest - there is something sort of special about treating your family to takeout, so we even served up our creations in takeout containers and used chopsticks. Why not, right?!

We are so excited for the opportunity to offer one of our readers a chance to win everything needed to create your very own delicious homemade take-out experience with the help of Blue Dragon! Your prize will include samples of Blue Dragon Sauces and a cooking kit including a wok, spatula, chopsticks, and takeout containers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway runs from Tuesday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 17 at 11:59 PM. Entrants must be age 18 or older. Open to residents of the US only. Contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstake, per household as part of a campaign sponsored by Influence Central.

If you like to try before you buy, check out a Blue Dragon tasting event at a store near you!
Shaw's in Canton, Waltham, Worcester, and Littleton all have tasting events coming up on 2/15 from 11-4. Or you could head to Market Basket in Nashua on 2/13 from 11-6 or Revere on 2/14 & 23 from 11-6. If you're wondering if there's a tasting at your store and it's not listed here, let me know!

Here are some places where you can get to know Blue Dragon online:
Blue Dragon Recipe Inspiration
Blue Dragon Online Cookbook ~ Chop To Chopsticks
Blue Dragon Facebook
Blue Dragon YouTube
Or search on your favorite social media channel for #BlueDragonMeals

Win Tickets to Disney On Ice Presents Frozen at TD Garden in Boston, MA!

Special thanks to our friends at New Hampshire Kids 

for including us in this super exciting giveaway!

We are thrilled to bring you this Giveaway for 4 tickets to see Disney On Ice Presents Frozen at TD Garden in Boston, MA. You will be able to relive the story of Anna and Elsa while singing along with such musical masterpieces as “Let it Go,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Fixer Upper.”

   

You can enter our Giveaway for Disney On Ice Frozen tickets below. That said, another great way to win tickets is to become a Frozen Fan Ambassador! Here are the Giveaway details: The winner will receive 4 Tickets to see Disney On Ice Presents Frozen at the TD Garden in Boston, MA on Friday, February 13th at 7:00pm. Please read the Prize Terms and Conditions below. How to Enter: You can enter using Rafflecopter below. The contest will run from January 21st through 11:59 on January 31st.

 

A Big Thank you to Disney On Ice for the great Giveaway! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Prize Terms and Conditions: Disney is not a sponsor, endorser or administrator of this Sweepstakes. There is no cash alternative to the prize which is subject to availability, non-transferable, non-negotiable and non-refundable. The Prize will be provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind. Events may occur that render the Sweepstakes itself or the awarding of the Prize impossible due to unforeseen circumstances or reasons beyond the control of Producer. In this situation, Producer may at its discretion provide a reasonable alternative Prize, and no liability shall attach to Producer or third parties affiliated with or in privity with Producer as a result of such events.   

Soothie Suckers Herbal Ice Pops ~ Review and Giveaway!

We received free product to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

There are things about this time of year ~ fall and winter ~ that I love. I love the changing leaves, the fresh snowfall, and the excitement of the holiday season. But not far from those wonderful things are some of the not so wonderful things... you know what I'm talking about... the runny noses, stuffy noses, coughs, fevers, and fatigue!

With a child in preschool we've had our share of germs already this year and although we're all feeling pretty healthy right now, it will only be a matter of time before some more come knocking at the door.

We were recently introduced to Soothie Suckers... and at the perfect time!  How exciting to try out a new herbal supplement that just might give us that little extra support to make it through these rough months!

Giveaway ~ 4 Tickets to Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy!

We were provided with complimentary tickets through Feld Entertainment in exchange for promoting this event. No other compensation was received. 

All opinions expressed are my own.

We are so excited to be attending Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy later this month and are even more excited to be able to offer YOU a chance to go too! 

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win four tickets to opening night of Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt, Friday December 19 at 7:00 PM at the Agganis Arena in Boston! 

Frozen: The Songs ~ Review & Giveaway (2 Winners!)

I received free product from Walt Disney Records through Entertainment New Media Network to facilitate this review and giveaway. All opinions expressed are my own.

Anyone who thought the Frozen craze was melting away was sadly mistaken because Walt Disney Records is releasing 4 NEW Frozen albums this week and I have a sneak peek (plus a giveaway) for you right here!

Coming Tuesday, September 30…

Frozen: The Songs

Frozen: The Songs Vinyl Soundtrack

Frozen Canciones de Una Aventura Congelada

Frozen Score Digital Soundtrack

We are huge fans of the Frozen songs in our home and were so excited to have the opportunity to preview Frozen: The Songs!

Did you know that the Frozen soundtrack is the top-selling album of 2014? It spent 33 consecutive weeks in the top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, including 13 consecutive weeks at Number 1! And really, are we surprised? I think not. It's beautiful music! It's emotional, catchy, and clearly it's reach has crossed multiple generations. I think I play the music in the car more often when my daughter is not in there with me (since she won't let me sing along when she's there)!

The specially priced Frozen: The Songs CD includes the all singable songs from the movie, minus the instrumental music that is also included in the original soundtrack CD. It also includes lyrics, a fold-out poster, and stickers!

It's no surprise that we love this CD and it's also no surprise that we have been singing along to the music since it arrived!

We are so excited that Walt Disney Records is offering a giveaway of the new Frozen: The Songs CD to not one but TWO of our readers! Just follow along below! This giveaway is open to residents in the USA and Canada, ends Friday, October 3 at midnight and you'll have 24 hours to respond if you get an email from me that you're chosen as the winner. Walt Disney Records will be mailing out the prizes. If it comes to this blogger's attention that the winner of this giveaway has won the same prize on an additional blog, this blog reserves the right to choose another winner.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more information on Walt Disney Records' releases, follow them on Facebook or Twitter! You can also visit www.disneymusicstore.com to purchase Disney music online.

OH! And one more secret!
Frozen: The Songs CD and Frozen: The Songs Vinyl are both available for preorder on Amazon NOW!

           

I received free product from Walt Disney Records through Entertainment New Media Network to facilitate this review and giveaway. All opinions expressed are my own.

Clever Costumes ~ Review & Giveaway

I was provided with free product to facilitate this review and giveaway. 
All opinions expressed are my own.

Now that fall is here, I periodically hear a voice in my head (and in real life) telling me that it's time to start working on the Halloween costume! My four year old daughter told me just last night that she doesn't want me to forget to make her costume. I wouldn't say that I'm a procrastinator but I would say that I learned an important lesson last Halloween. Let me explain...

I never knew for sure that I would be a DIY Halloween costumer but last summer my daughter informed me that she was going to be a bluebird for Halloween. A bluebird? A bluebird. I have no idea where it came from, but she set it in stone. She was going to be a bluebird for Halloween. She continued this request throughout the summer and fall, and given that I didn't find any bluebirds in the stores and I wasn't going to pay an arm and a leg online, I knew I had to take matters into my own hands. So to Pinterest I ventured, and then off to the craft store, and I ended up with what I thought was a beautiful homemade bluebird costume. It was perfect!

Until… just a few short days before Halloween… literally… when my then three year old daughter looked at me like I had three heads and said, "I didn't want to be a bluebird, I wanted to be a snow princess." A snow princess. Not a Frozen inspired snow princess. A I-have-no-idea-what-inspired-it snow princess. There was no talking her out of it. The only option was for me to figure out how to make a snow princess costume… fast! Back to Pinterest I went. There were some options that intrigued her but none were just what she was picturing in her mind. So back to the craft store I went, and after a couple of long days, we had a snow princess… and a very happy preschooler!

Since bedtime on October 31, 2013, my daughter has been saying that she wants to be Little Red Riding Hood this year. I'm sure you can understand why I have not started the costume yet!

I was very excited when Downtown Bookworks Publishing asked me if they could send me a copy of Shannon Whitt's book Clever Costumes to review on the blog. I feel like this book (which is actually more of a kit than a book) was written for me!

Clever Costumes is a fantastic book of the cutest costumes, all made from things you definitely have around your house… like trash bags. Say what?! It's true. It includes illustrated instructions for creating more than 50 fabulous, unique costumes… as well as some supplies... and the whole kit costs less than the cost of a SINGLE store-bought costume. Included in the kit is the book, of course, as well as a yard of red satin (perfect for my Little Red Riding Hood!), duct tape, velcro fasters, and elastic cord. Using the contents of the kit plus household recyclables like plastic bags, bottle caps, and curling ribbon and/or old clothing, author Shannon Whitt explains how to make tons of amazing costumes!

Check out this Queen of Hearts… using Target bags!

And this Princess with beautiful, long, curly, curling-ribbon hair!

The illustrations are beautiful, the instructions are clear and detailed, and the ideas are so creative!

Whether you're looking to save some cash this Halloween, are looking for a creative way to reuse some household items, want some extra dress-up clothes around the house, or need some quick ideas for last minute costumes when you're child changes their mind and there is no time to get back to the craft store, Clever Costumes is for you!

Downtown Bookworks has graciously offered to give one of my readers a Clever Costumes kit! Simply follow the instructions below! This giveaway is open to residents in the USA only, ends Thursday, October 2 at midnight and you'll have 24 hours to respond if you get an email from me that you're chosen as the winner. Downtown Bookworks will be mailing out the prize.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Want to see Shannon Whitt in action? Take a look at this video where she makes a skirt out of plastic bags, double stick tape, and elastic cord (that comes with the kit):

What's on your Halloween costume-making agenda this year? I need to collect ideas just in case we have a last minute change of heart again this year!

Treasure Trax ~ Review and Giveaway!

I received free product to facilitate this review and giveaway.

All opinions expressed are my own.

We love having fun!  Who doesn't, right?  Well, we are always looking for new games and activities that are both fun and educational, that we can add to our list of favorites, so we were very excited to have the chance to try out this new brand new game from USAopoly, Treasure Trax - The All In One Scavenger Hunt Game!

When I first viewed this game online, it looked liked something my daughter would really enjoy.  It was something new and different than we had tried before and that's always a good thing.  We patiently waited for the arrival of our new game in the mail.

And then it came!  And let me tell you something.  The quality of this game totally took me by surprise!  Both quality and fun factor far surpassed my expectations which is why I asked the company if they would consider giving away one of these games to one of you.  It's just so, so good!

This is basically how the games works.  It comes with a series of cards that are big, bright, colorful, and high quality.  Each card has a picture on it... it might be a location, a color, a letter, or an animal.  There are a few different ways you can play but the basic premise is that you will leave a card somewhere and that card has a clue such as a picture of the bathtub.  So, then you'll go the bathtub and find another card there that might have a picture of the refrigerator.  So then you'll go to the refrigerator... and on and on and on.  Get it?  It's a treasure hunt!  You can use the animals as little things to find along the way if you like.  You can add clues like letters and colors.  So for instance, maybe you're at the bathtub and you find clues for the bed, brown, and something that starts with T.  Maybe you'll go look on the bed for the brown teddy bear and find your next clue!

I have a daughter that will be four next month and I cannot even express to you how much she loves this game!  She prefers to only use the location cards right now.  She says the animal cards are "too distracting" for her.  HA!  This is serious business!  She loves letting me hide the cards and then she walks around the house with the little purple (her favorite color) card-sized bag that comes with the game, following the clues, and collecting the cards.  We decide together what the treasure will be at the end that will signal that the last clue has been found... could be an animal card, a special stuffed animal, or even the display sign that is included with the game!  Now that we've played the game enough times, she has mastered hiding the clues on her own too... which is actually really impressive to me because it takes a lot of brain power for a little kid to place all of these cards, in order, around the house, rather than placing them randomly.  I can see her brain stretching and her little wheels turning the whole time, which I love!

This game keeps my daughter excited and occupied for a long time.  In fact, I don't think she's ever stopped playing on her own!  It's usually only because it's meal time or bed time!.  And, (because this is kind of important to parents out there) I actually don't mind playing this game either  And, you can only say good things about a game that you are cleaning up as you go, leaving nothing to deal with when you're done, right?!

This game is geared toward 3-5 year olds but I bet even one a little bit older would enjoy it too.  It retails for $19.95.

"Anyone who has ever been on a scavenger hunt knows the thrills it entails.  Treasure Trax captures that excitement and gives you everything you need in one neat package to set up a full-blown adventure around the house in a matter of minutes."

~ Tillywig Toy Awards

You can check out more about Treasure Trax on the USAopoly website and enter to win one of your own here!  Just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below.  It's totally free to enter and there are no required options... just do as many or as few as you wish!  The more entries you have, the higher your likelihood of winning, and you can come back daily for more entries.  This giveaway is open to residents in the USA only, ends Monday 6/16, and you'll have 24 hours to respond if you get an email from me that you're chosen as the winner.  USAopoly will be mailing out the prize.

Here we go!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Matics from Kabuki Helps

I was provided with free product for this review and giveaway.  

All opinions expressed are my own.

My 3 1/2 year old loves numbers.  You know how when you put kids to bed and they get up and ask for another drink of water or an extra back scratch?  Well, she does that too.  But just as often she gets up and says things like, "Mommy.  I didn't know that four plus four is eight…"  She just has a busy mind and recently it's been full of math facts!

We were super excited to be asked by the team at Kabuki Helps to try out a fantastic math game called Matics.  Matics is a math card game that grows with your child!  The rules of the game change based on the age and skill level of the child.  You could use the cards for number recognition, counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and more!

My 3 1/2 year old and I play the game as follows… We each have a pile of cards face down.  On the count of 3, we each turn over a card.  Her job is to identify the two numbers and then figure out which is the higher number and then the person with the highest number keeps the cards.  It's so much fun, but it's a brain workout for her and we usually make it through one and a half games before she starts saying she's tired… which is a good sign, in my opinion!  We've also tried playing by turning over two cards at a time, adding them together, and using that total to determine who has the highest number.  This is obviously a little trickier and brainpower-consuming for her (I think we made it through two turns!) but it would be perfect for a slighter older child.  I love the fact that this game will never sit dusty on a shelf somewhere because no matter what my child's math skill level is at the time, we can adapt it.

The Matics card set comes in a gel case.  The cards are very high quality.  They are colorful and simple with basic designs that help with counting if needed.

Kabuki Helps is a company that sells quality educational books and games that have been independently created, designed, published, and financed by teachers and parents… the experts on fun learning!  All items are produced in the USA.  Matics is just one of the many little treasures that you will find browsing their website.  When you buy a product from their website, you select a charity or school and 10% of the proceeds from the sale go directly to the organization you have chosen.  You can also choose to purchase something and have the product itself go to a charity like Toys for Tots.  Isn't that great?

Kabuki Helps is also offering my readers 10% off of anything purchased through their website!  Just use the code Today at checkout so they'll know you're coming from here!  The coupon code expires June 1, 2014.

They have also been so kind to offer a set of Matics cards to one of my readers so we're going to give one away!  Just follow along on the rafflecopter widget below.  A winner will be randomly generated from all the entries after the giveaway closes at midnight EST next Monday, April 28.  Come back daily for more entries!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I highly encourage you to check out all of the products that Kabuki Helps has to offer.  I'm looking forward to trying more of their products with my family!

I was provided with free product for this review and giveaway.  

All opinions expressed are my own.

Sing Into Spring! Walt Disney Records Review & Giveaway!

I was sent a complimentary collection of Disney Music CDs by Walt Disney Records as part of Entertainment New Media Network.  Giveaway is sponsored through the network, by Take Time For Today, with prizes provided by Walt Disney Records.  
All opinions expressed are my own.

I. cannot. stop. singing. Disney. songs.

It's the truth.  I can't stop!  Disney songs are catchy and fun and there is just no way to listen and not sing along!  I have a 3 1/2 year old (going on 14) who said to me the other day, with an annoyed teenager look on her face (yes, she's 3 1/2), "I already told you.  Stop singing.  Your voice is NOT like HERS."  She was referring to Elsa from Frozen.  I was speechless.

Walt Disney Records, helping to feed my Disney singing obsession, was kind enough to send us a Sing Into Spring Gift Bag which included four amazing CDs that both my daughter and I have been singing along to non stop!  (Sometimes I wonder if my husband sings along with them too when he's in the car alone but he would never confess it.)  Here is what's been playing at our house recently...

Doc McStuffins ~ The Doc Is In
We LOVE Doc.  period.  She, her friends, and her songs, are amazing!  My daughter would like you to know that her favorite song from this CD is when Doc and Lambie sing together, "A Lambie Like You."  These songs are so catchy and you'll have the whole CD memorized within the first day, guaranteed.





Jake and the Never Land Pirates ~ 
Yo Ho, Matey!
My daughter would like you to know that her favorite song from this CD is "Yo Ho Mateys" or yelling "Yo Ho, Let's Go!" in general.  We love Jake and his friends (especially Izzy, "the one with the pixie dust") so singing along with him and his friends is always a blast.

DJ Shuffle

This CD is the absolutely amazingly PERFECT compilation of what I guarantee are your favorite Disney Junior Songs.  If you're wanting to buy the soundtrack CD to every Disney Junior show but can't afford to buy them all, you will love this.  It includes songs from Sofia the First, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Henry Hugglemonster, and Sheriff Callie's Wild West.  It also includes four bonus karaoke instrumental songs and lyrics are included for those songs as well.  My daughter would like you to know that her favorite songs from this CD are all of the ones from Sofia and Doc.  I would like you to know that my favorite song from this CD is the DJ Shuffle, itself!  Have you heard this catchy tune yet?!  "Robot to the left... robot to the right... roll it out... hop to it!"  Check out the DJ Shuffle Music Video here.  You won't regret it!


Frozen Soundtrack
Aaaaaaah.  We love the Frozen soundtrack and you will too.  It kind of borders on a grown up CD because it includes not only the catchy sing along songs but also the instrumentals.  I tell you this in case you need an excuse to get this for yourself since your kids probably don't let you sing along in front of them.  My daughter would like you to know that her favorite song from this CD is "Let it Go."  Surprised?  Doubtful!  I'm sure it might be your favorite too!  Oh!  You should also know that this CD comes with lyrics!  WOOT!


You can win a Preschool or Tween Sing Into Spring Gift Bag!

Walt Disney Records has offered to send a Sing Into Spring Gift Bag to TWO of my readers as well!  You can choose from the Preschool set that I reviewed and a Tween set.  Each of them includes the popular Frozen Soundtrack!

Preschool Set 
(Disney Junior favorites)
Doc McStuffins ~ The Doc Is In
Jake and the Never Land Pirates ~ Yo Ho, Matey!
DJ Shuffle
Frozen Soundtrack


Tween Set 
(Disney Channel favorites)
Austin & Ally ~ Turn It Up
Teen Beach Movie Soundtrack

DC Play It Loud

Frozen Soundtrack

So below, you will see two separate rafflecopter giveaways, one for the Preschool Gift Bag and one for the Tween Gift Bag.  You may choose to enter either one or both, but you will only be able to win one, so if by chance your name is randomly chosen twice, an alternate winner will be assigned to one.  Just follow the instructions within the rafflecopter widget and you'll be good to go!  There are several different entry options and you can choose to do one or many.  Some even let you come back day after day for more entries!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is only open to US residents and will end at 12:00 AM on Tuesday, April 8.  Winners will be contacted soon thereafter and will have 24 hours to respond.  I will then forward their information to Entertainment New Media Network and Walt Disney Records for prize distribution.  If winners are not heard from within 24 hours, prizes will be forfeited and new winners will be chosen.

I was sent a complimentary collection of Disney Music CDs by Walt Disney Records as part of Entertainment New Media Network.  Giveaway is sponsored through the network, by Take Time For Today, with prizes provided by Walt Disney Records.  
All opinions expressed are my own.

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Premama Plus *Review & Giveaway!*

I was provided with free product for this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Several months ago I had the opportunity to review Premama Essentials Prenatal Vitamin Mix.   MomSelect and Premama have again invited me to review their Premama Plus formula and have asked that I give one of my readers a free 30 day supply as well!

If you are in the market for prenatal vitamins, please read on!

Premama is a problem solver.  Their team has developed a prenatal vitamin mix that you simply stir into your favorite beverage and drink, totally eliminating huge horse pills!  Who wouldn't love an alternative option for easily taking in all the nutrients to make you a healthy mommy... while easing some prenatal discomforts along the way?  Premama Prenatal Vitamin Mixes are packed with all of the vitamins and nutrients suggested for mommies before, during, and after pregnancy to support healthy baby development.  It helps keeps you and baby healthy at the same time that it soothes symptoms like morning sickness and minimizes constipation.

A 30 day supply of Premama comes with 30 little packets of powder that you simply mix with your favorite non-carbonated cold beverage or soft food and enjoy!  Even oatmeal!  All of you pumping and nursing mommies who are trying to boost that milk supply by eating oatmeal can fill up on your vitamins at the same time!  Not only that, but drinking Premama forces you to increase your fluid intake!  This is a HUGE benefit to me because I absolutely know that I never drink enough.  I'm getting at least 12 more ounces in me for sure when I'm drinking the Premama mix.  You can get the powder in either a taste-free or a light citrus flavor alternative.  I am loving the sweet taste of the Premama Plus!  Besides the citrus flavoring, the Premama Plus is additionally fortified with Omega-3s, CoQ10, and Choline, on top of the B6, iron, folic acid, and B12 that is also found in the Essentials variety.

Premama comes in two varieties, Premama Essentials and Premama Plus and both are sold in 30 day supplies.  You can purchase them through the Premama website, amazon, or in a store near you!  It is now even sold in Whole Foods which I know is convenient to many of you!

If you're looking for some savings on the product, there is a great feature on the Premama website where if you refer a friend, you will both earn money toward the purchase price... and there is no limit to how much you can earn, so the more friends you refer, the better!  You can also ask your doctor to request a coupon code for additional savings, or subscribe for monthly automatic delivery.  If you'd like to try Premama first, there is an option to request a sample as well.  All of the details are on the website here.

MomSelect and Premama have provided me with the opportunity to offer a giveaway of a 30 day supply of Premama for one of my readers!  You can enter the giveaway below.  A winner will be announced one week from today on Wednesday, January 29.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to try this product and share it with you through both the review and the givewaway!  Thanks MomSelect and Premama!

If you'd like more ways to connect with Premama, check out their social media links below!

http://facebook.com/Premama
http://twitter.com/drinkpremama
http://pinterest.com/drinkpremama
http://instagram.com/premama

I was provided with free product for this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

This post contains my Premama referral link.