When in Walmart

When in Walmart ALWAYS walk down the magazine aisle, you'll never be disappointed!

SHEBA Meaty Tender Sticks Review

Sometimes a picture speaks louder than words, but I'll still share my review anyway! Clearly my cat enjoyed these but he had a super hard time eating them and gagged on them when he did manage to get a chuck bit off. I ended up having to cut it into small pieces so he could eat it with out risk of cleaning up the treat post cat tummy visit. So for me having to cut up the treat is an instant no to ever buying these in stick form but if they ever do these in bite size pieces I would definitely consider.

I received all products complimentary from Influenster.

The views and opinions expressed are purely my own.

Yummi Pouch Wet Dry Bag Review

We got the chance to review Yummi Pouch's new Cloth Storage Wet and Dry Bag. We have the Everything Bag in spunky chevron. The colors are bright boy/neutral colors and the chevron print is really cute. The bag is sturdy and holds a lot. It's very good sized so you can pack a lot in. The waterproofing is fine to keep dampness in, but the seams are exposed so do not expect to hold actual wet in (it will leak if there are liquids inside the bag). The zipper was a bit stiff the first few uses but seems to move a lot easier after a few runs back and forth. The bag folds up small to tuck in a pocket for a just in case bag tucked into your diaper bag.

Overall it's a really good bag.

**I received complimentary product in exchange for my honest opinion.**

Baby Registry Essentials Giveaway

Are you expecting a new baby? Moms know babies come with lots of stuff, but how do you decide which items are most needed? We are excited to feature some of Mommy Scene's Baby Registry Essentials and a wonderful giveaway filled with beautiful AND essential products for moms with babies!

Babee Talk offers organic crib bedding and plush toys designed with health, safety and style in mind. Proudly made in the USA with soft organic cotton, this cozy bedding collection includes a patented organic crib rail cover, fitted crib sheet, matching crib skirt, and two Eco-Buds Take-Along Pals. (crib and side rail covers not included)

The Yummy Mitt is the first patented glow-in-the-dark teething mitten for newborns and infants 3-12 months. It secures to baby's hand allowing them to provide teething relief while simultaneously preventing gagging, need for constant parental assistance and dropping of the teether. Made with 100% food grade silicone and 100% cotton, the Yummy Mitt is BPA, latex, PVC, lead and phthalates-free.

Revelae Kids makes innovative solutions for playtime, snack time, and nap time. Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches are ideal for holding homemade baby food and allow older kids to easily take healthy snacks to the playground. Cozy Sleeper swaddle transition blankets and Cozy Blanket Pouches keep babies snug and warm within a safe and secure sleep space, perfect for slumber and lounging. Cozy Sleepers and Blanket Pouches also fit in a car seat or stroller!

Surround your child with comfort and luxury! More than a floor pillow: Designed with both parents and baby in mind, the Dakota Aqua Pello Luxe Floor Pillow is the ultimate multi-use floor pillow and play mat to keep a baby comforted, safe and secure. The unique design and materials make this a perfect resting spot for baby and ideal for your child's ever-changing needs.

Buttons Diapers 100% cotton muslin burp cloths & bibs are the perfect baby essential. Works as a contoured over-the-shoulder burp cloth for baby, an large coverage bib during meals, and a handy cloth to wipe up messes. Muslin is a soft, breathable, absorbent, natural material that gets even softer & fluffier each time you wash it. The burp cloth easily converts to a bib by using the sewn-in snap. Set of 2.

Margaux & May is proud to use GOTS 100% certified organic cotton with all their swaddle blankets. These luxuriously soft muslin blankets are decorated with unique stunning prints, perfect for nursery sets and baby gifts. Set of 2.

This giveaway is coordinated by Mommy Scene, sponsored by the participating brands, and is open to US entries ages 18 and older. No purchase required to enter. One winner will be randomly chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on Sept. 7, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.

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ZzzQuil Review

Time for a quick Influenster review of ZzzQuil Nighttime sleep aid. First off let me say that this review is based on only my personal use and my results will not be the norm (I'll explain more in a moment). To start I love the idea of ZzzQuil. A none habit forming sleep aid that puts you to sleep and helps you stay that way sounds like heaven. The problem comes when you suffer from anxiety and your brain chemistry keeps the wonder drug from working right. In my case ZzzQuil only helped me fall into deep sleep faster. It did not make me feel sleepy and it did not keep me asleep. I woke up half way through the night in a jolt and could not get back to sleep. I can't say how this does or does not work for those with "proper" brain chemistry but for those like myself who suffer from anxiety or panic attacks I would have to suggest that it not be used.

I received all products complimentary from Influenster.

The views and opinions expressed are purely my own.

BODYARMOR review

Time to review our BODYARMOR VoxBox. We received 3 different flavors of Bodyarmor sports drink to test out. My reviewers all give this a big thumbs up. I made them give a sip to old mom so I could share with all you how good these really are. They are lightly flavored and not too sweet and don't taste like you are drinking salt, like some other sports drinks. The coconut water base of these drinks comes through more in some flavors than others but they all taste good and smell really fruity. We liked the strawberry banana the best of all.

I received all products complimentary from Influenster.

The views and opinions expressed are purely my own.

Summer Kids Faves Giveaway

Are you enjoying your summer? We are excited to celebrate summer fun with this Summer Kids' Faves Giveaway, hosted by Mommy Scene! Don't miss Mommy Scene's whole collection of Summer Kids' Faves - Toys, Gear and Activities that includes gear for traveling with kids, feeding and playtime, hygiene and naturally formulated body care, and more!

Summer Kids' Faves Giveaway

Baby Rescue Bag allows you to safely evacuate babies and small children in the event of an emergency or fire.

Brinware Tempered Glass and Silicone Dishware is the new alternative to plastic tableware for kids, made of durable tempered glass and silicone; break-resistant, microwave and dishwasher safe!

CARES Kids Fly Safe Airplane Safety Harness is the only FAA-approved airplane safety harness for babies and toddlers.

Diaper Hero is the newest scale and associated app that helps you track your baby's diapers, automatically recording the weight of each diaper, generating reports, and allowing you stay up-to-date on the changes in your baby's diapers over time.

Geleeo Stroller Self-cooling Liner helps keep your child cool on the go using a high-tech proprietary hydrogel that provides a constant and gentle cooling sensation to the contacted skin. It requires no prior refrigeration, freezing or battery and is the most revolutionary, convenient, and Eco-friendly way to chill your little ones.

Hugabugg Hugabowl toddler feeding bowl has a unique suction cup vacuum system that keeps the bowl in place on any surface.

My Early Steps Baby Walker offers a safer and more natural approach to learning to walk. My Early Steps cradles baby's torso and allows baby to use own hands for balance and have clear view of feet. The padded harness is fully adjustable for both baby's height and chest.

nuSpin Kids cup encourages the intake of water using a pinwheel that turns when children drink, and also uses straws that are preferred by pediatric dentists over other sippy cup valves.

Pacific Baby 3-in-One Insulated Baby Bottle keeps beverages hot or cold for up to 10 hours! These Eco-friendly stainless steel drinking containers are perfect for travel, outings and home feedings, usable from birth to 5 years old.

Booginhead PaciGrip fits all pacifier types and has a strong clasp that won't pull off, but is gentle on clothes. It's great for holding small toys and teethers as well.

PouchBuddy is an innovative pouch feeding tool that promotes mess-free self-feeding. The mom-approved one piece design is easy to clean, convenient, and travel friendly.

Zipzicle Ice Pop Mold allow you to make homemade popsicles. Simply fill these ice pop sleeves with your favorite flavors, zip closed, and freeze.

Buttons Diapers Wet Bag is handy for storing cloth diapers and wet clothes. These PUL wet bags keep messes, wetness, and smells contained, and come with sturdy straps for hanging on the stroller or door knob. Available in 4 sizes and 3 fun summery prints.

Little Ashkim Hooded Turkish Towel is made of rayon from bamboo and cotton fibers which make them not only feel silky soft on your little one's skin but are super absorbent as well. These cute hooded towels are lightweight, breathable, and durable.

Piggy Paint is a natural, Eco-friendly nail polish for kids. Its non-toxic, hypoallergenic formula makes it safe to use on all piggies. Piggy Paint dries to a hard, durable finish that can easily be removed with the Eco-friendly, low odor Piggy Paint nail polish remover. Made in the USA!

Rock the Locks Natural Detangler helps manage knotty and tangled hair while conditioning and giving it a natural beautiful shine. Non-aerosol spray makes application quick, convenient, and fun while allowing for one-handed use. Made in the USA!

Yummi Pouch Reusable Food Pouches combine style and convenience in an Eco-friendly container you can fill with healthy smoothies, yogurt, and homemade blended snacks. Easy to fill and clean through the top zipper opening, Yummi Pouches are available in 4 patterns and are ideal for kids to take healthy snacks to the park.(check out our review)

Yummi Pouch Cloth Snack Bags are lined with a moisture resistant interior and decorated with colorful prints. Yummi Pouch cloth snack bags open with a zipper and come in two sizes and 16 cute patterns, perfect to hold crackers, sandwiches, and dry snacks.

Enter for the chance to win these great products featured in Mommy Scene's Summer Kids' Faves!

This giveaway is coordinated by Mommy Scene, sponsored by the participating brands, and is open to US entries. No purchase required to enter. One winner will be randomly chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on August 12th, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.

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Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites

This is the perfect summer treat for anyone who is obsessed with chocolate and peanut butter like myself. Plus it's peanut butter and fruit so it's not all unhealthy! Most importantly there are only two ingredients and very little effort involved in making these tasty treats.




: Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites :

1 Banana (or more, who cares, make as many as you want).

1 Jar Peanut Butter Chocolate spread. I used Skippy Dark Chocolate, but Hersey's is really good too.

wax paper or aluminum foil.

Peel and cut banana(s) into bite size pieces.

Scoop about 1/2 cup spread per banana into a microwave safe bowl. Heat spread until runny. All microwaves are different so heat in 10 second increments until desired thickness.

Lay out wax paper or aluminum foil on solid freezable surface (cookie sheets or cutting boards are good for this).

Drop pieces of banana in the melted spread, push under to cover, and scoop out with a fork. You'll want to use a fork so extra spread can drip through into the bowl.

Arrange dipped banana slices on your paper/foil. Once all your slices are dipped, put your tray flat in the freezer. It doesn't take very long for these to set up (appx. 10 minutes). The longer you leave them the colder and harder they will get. When you choose to eat them is up to you. Enjoy!

The DIY Test

So you've been staring at your old kitchen cabinets all day dreaming of how beautiful it could look but put off by how expensive it would be to have them done, when it dawns on you, DIY, that's the answer. How could you not just do it yourself, it's so easy. All those TV shows do it, why not you! Well before you get started, we've come up with a 5 step trial run to prep yourself for living in a DIY household. Once you've completed these test runs you will be ready for anything that comes your way.

1. Visit your local grocery store and buy the largest bag of flour you can find. Place in the back of your vehicle and cut a small slit anywhere in the bag. Now drive home (take sharp turns where possible). When you get home carry the bag through your entire house with the slit facing down. After you've gone through every room, if any flour remains, shake the bag over your bed, couch, and every eating surface. Now place fans on high at every corner of the house and attempt to vacuum up all the flour. Done? Great! You are now prepared for the never ending clean up of dust that results from all remodeling projects.
   
2. Buy a pint of paint, any terrible color will do. Dump the paint into a plastic baggie and poke several holes into the bag. Now place all your favorite clothes in your washing machine and shove the paint bag in the middle. Run a spin cycle then remove clothes. Now try to clean every drop of paint off any item it got on. Done? Super! You are now ready to paint anything. Because no matter how careful you are, you will get covered in paint. And not just you, some how clothes you never wear will get paint on them, and furniture, and carpet, and pets...
   
   
   
   
   
3. Find a large rock. Now drop it on your foot, hand, knee, or head. I'll wait until you've quit crying. Get an ice pack, it's okay, I'll wait. . . . Done? Wow, you are a trooper. You're ready for some heavy lifting now. Furniture, cabinets, lumber, it's all the same when you loose your grip and it hits you on the way down.
4. Grab a knife. No, no, by the blade, grab a knife. Bleeding? Super! While you clean the wound and get stitched up, I'll tell you that DIY is a never ending world of sharp objects that slice, cut, and poke. Take on enough projects and you will eventually end up getting stitches.
5. Finally the last step. Time to head back to the grocery store. Make your regular shopping list but this time as you get to each item, grab the item right next to it instead. Break, crush, or damage a few of the items while putting them in the car. Drive all the way home and unload everything. Take inventory of items to see if you can possibly live with what you ended up with. Take back any item you didn't ruin or can't return and buy the correct item. You may only return one item per trip. You are now prepared to purchase all the wrong supplies in your attempts to DIY. No matter how careful you are you will always end up with the wrong something or too many of something else and want or need to return items which may unfortunately not all be returnable. Save those receipts, you're going to need them!

Congratulations! You are now ready to DIY (or at least as ready as anyone can be).

Treat VoxBox Review

It's time for another Influenster VoxBox review. This months box is the Treat VoxBox, full of goodies for mom! Sure I could share with someone else, but why should I?!

What's in the box
Yum-V's Probiotic

Weleda Pomegranate Hand Cream
Yogi Tea Cinnamon Vanilla Healthy Skin & Skin DeTox

Hills Bros. Cappuccino Single Serve and K cups
Country Crock (coupon)

First up Yum-V's Probiotic. These little bears are a probiotic for children in a white chocolate flavor bear. We aren't big white chocolate fans but even so these were actually pretty good. Kids ate them happily and aside from a slight chalky after taste they were fine.

Now for the Weleda Pomegranate Hand Cream. It felt really nice going on, until the smell hit me. This was really a bad scent and I had to rush to wash it off, with lots of soap and water, to kill the smell. So lotion could be good, but this scent is a definite no.

On to the Yogi Tea. These teas smell amazing. I would be content to just sit and breathe these in. Actually that's really all I'd want to do with these since they are extremely weak teas. Beautiful color and smell but not taste at all.

Next is the Hills Bros. Cappuccino. I like my coffee fairly strong, which these are not, but the flavors are so good you don't care. These are a very yummy, sit and sip, breakfast treat. Skip to the evening and these are also wonderful with dessert, or maybe as dessert, when you want just a touch of sweet.

Finally the Country Crock coupon. We discovered at the store that the coupon value was not enough to cover the cost of a regular sized tub and they did not have the sticks or small tubs at our local stores. So we paid the extra and got the bigger one. I do not bake with tub butter or margarine, since it's a mess, so we just ate this our normal way on toast and bread. Tastes good, maybe a little sweeter than other brands we get.

I received all products complimentary from Influenster.

The views and opinions expressed are purely my own.

DIY Display Blocks

We are all about the DIY in our house, but in addition to make your own, we try to do a lot of "use what's left" projects. So with all the construction going on in our basement, I had occasion to rescue several craftable lengths of 2x4s.




With a little sanding, paint, and some crazy dremel action these waste scraps get turned into cute little display blocks that can be coordinated to any design or celebration. I made this Lucky in Love block set just in time for St. Patrick's day and with all the wood scraps will be making lots more!


Tip: Make your own chalk paint using equal parts paint and joint compound. Paint lightly to keep the wood grain visible.


Stencil, trace, or freehand your pattern and then carefully carve out to your desired depth with your favorite wood dremel bit. It will take a bit of practice to get a smooth surface but the exposed wood grain looks so neat you just have to give it a try!

"Be Mine" Valentine's Day Giveaway

We are very excited to share with you an awesome "Be Mine" Valentine's Day Giveaway sponsored by Mommy Scene and filled with lots of amazing natural products and fun stuff for families!

Be Mine Gift Set

Bun Maternity Classic Black Cozy Nursing Hoodie + Cozy Nursing Tee
Wythe and Berry Organic Vegan Creams - Lavender & Chamomile + Lemon & Eucalyptus
La Magie Nail Polish - 1 peel off pink polish + 2 pink wash offs + 1 color lock top coat
Sudsy Dough Moldable Soap - 12 oz. fragrance of choice
Pure Hazelwood necklaces, 1 adult size and 1 child size
Jack N' Jill Bunny Gift Kit
Baby Bump Bundle - Lollacup Straw Sippy Cup
GroVia Hybrid Trial Kit - 1 Hybrid Shell with Hook & Loop Closure + 1 No-Prep Cloth Soaker Pad + 3 Disposable BioSoakers
Revelae Kids Discovery Box style of choice



This giveaway is sponsored by Mommy Scene and is open to US entries. One winner will be chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on Feb. 14th, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.
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Super January Reviews

Kicking 2016 off with a review mega post. We received two PinchMe boxes and the Influenster Jingle VoxBox all filled with great samples to test and share. Lots of good stuff, so lets dive in.

Inside the Influenster Jingle VoxBox:

Cetaphil® Moisturizing Cream

Hallmark itty bittys®

Pure Ice nail polish

KISS lashes

NYC New York Color eye liner

Ore-Ida® coupon

Biscoff cookies

Inside the PINCHme boxes:

Beyond® Grain-Free White Meat Chicken & Egg Recipe Dry Cat Food

Beyond® Grain Free Wild Salmon Recipe Wet Cat Food

Align® Probiotic Supplement

Breathe Right® Nasal Strips

Purina Pro Plan Savor Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula

Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Completely Clean

Nexcare™ Tegaderm™ Waterproof Transparent Dressings

Will do these reviews quick and dirty since there is a lot to cover.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream (#Cheerphil). What's not to love. This is just one of these best moisturizers out there. It goes on smooth, heals dry skin, and leaves skin feeling hydrated.

Hallmark itty bittys (#ittybittys). We received the Olaf itty bitty and he is the cutest thing ever. Soft and squeezable but also well made and durable. The entire line of itty bittys are darling!

Pure Ice nail polish. As much as I loved this color it just wasn't the best nail polish. I need polish that is pretty forgiving and easy to apply and this left streaks. If I can figure out how to apply in fewer swipes this may be a favorite color.

KISS false lashes and glue. The adhesive is good, not too runny, and the lashes look nice on.

NYC New York Color waterproof eye pencil. Love the idea of waterproof eye liner pencil. You have to wear liquid to get that sort of staying power normally. It goes on like a pencil but wears like liquid.

Ore-Ida tatter tots. We love us some tots and these were tasty!

Biscoff cookies. I did not share, these were mine. I enjoyed every last one with my morning coffee. Mmmmmm! Need I say more?

Beyond Grain-Free White Meat Chicken & Egg Recipe dry cat food and Wild Salmon Recipe wet cat food and Purina Pro Plan Savor Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula dry cat food. I have to interpret our in house reviewers opinion, but considering he scarfed all of these down as fast as he could, I would dare say he enjoyed them all.

Align Probiotic Supplement. This was not a pleasant sample the first two days of use, but after the unfortunate bout of "bubbles", things appeared to be working well. 

Breathe Right Nasal Strips. I get to review the person they were used on as the person trying to sleep next to him. These do not help snoring but at least they aren't painful to take off and they stay in place all night. 

Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Completely Clean. This is a very strong scent, clean, but strong. Protects very well, no marks on clothes, and it lasts all day.

Nexcare Tegaderm Waterproof Transparent Dressings. We always have the unfortunate need for first aid so these came in handy. They go on well, stay on, and cover wounds nicely so they can heal.

I received all products complimentary from Influenster and PINCHme.

The views and opinions expressed are purely my own.