Lille Punkin'

Updating an Old Shower -- Delta In2ition Style!

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:37:00 +0000

I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Delta Faucets. I received a product sample and promotional item as a thank you for participating.

The remodeling of our home has been an ongoing process. Most of the things we have done to it have been "need to do's", but I'm excited to share one upgrade that will be a "nice to have!" As a Delta Faucet Brand Ambassador, we get to try the new Delta In2ition Showerhead, one of the nicest I've seen! In fact, at a visit to our local home improvement store, we sneaked a peek at one before I received my review sample, and the sales associate swore that it was the best showerhead on the market!

The Delta In2ition Showerhead is a big step up from the corroded, old, low-flow head we have in our shower now. In fact, since we will be replacing the showerhead with something so nice, we decided it was time to update the shower surround and give the tub a facelift, too! (You wouldn't believe that we bought our home just a few years ago with a baby blue bathtub!)

Here is the old shower head we will be replacing:

And here is the one I will be replacing it with (still in the package.) Isn't it shiny?

As it is, I use showers as a method of relaxation and "me time." It is one of the few things I can still do to enjoy myself now that I'm pregnant. With the right showerhead, plenty of hot water, and a good body wash, I can't imagine a better way to unwind after a long day in the garden or doing household chores!

Also, this showerhead features a 2-in-1 function. It has an extendable shower wand that clips back into the main showerhead when you aren't using it. That means giving my dog or the kids a bath will be easy. And I can have all the power I like from the water with the very large showerhead!

I'm so excited to show you a video, as well as the before and after photos when we finish our project early next month. Like I said, we have so many more updates to do on the house (some which may be a bit more urgent than a new shower). But I know that I won't regret our decision to take the plunge with the Delta In2ition. I love my showers!

Hey Parents! Get "Schooled" in Skylanders! (Giveaway)

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:27:00 +0000

Listening to my kids talk about Skylanders is like listening to a foreign language. There are all these character names I don't know, coupled with talks of powers, lives, and whatnot. I really can't follow it all, but listening to 3 of my kids talk about it so passionately made me really want to know what was going on in their world.

That's why I thought it was fun that Skylanders wants to "school" parents with a downloadable homework pack! Divided up into simple lessons to teach mom and dad what their kids are doing when they play, the packs are a fun way to connect with your kids this summer.

Included in the packs are 5 days of lessons:

Monday: History (Skylanders story – SSA and Giants)
Tuesday: Science (elemental sources)
Wednesday: Characters (character’s abilities, strengths and weaknesses)
Thursday: Technology (practicalities of what and how to buy and play)
Friday: Art (to include dot-to-dot and drawing of key characters)

Parents can look forward to quiz sheets at the end of each chapter to test on what they've learned that day. There are even reward charts to stick on the fridge door with a Skylanders sticker that children award parents once a chapter is complete successfully!

Ready to get started? Download your Skylanders Homework Pack at this link and your Skylanders cards at this link!

Wanna Win? We are also giving one lucky reader a hard copy of the Homework pack and a surprise Skylander character! To be entered to win, just tell us which character is your favorite.
You have until May 28th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. We'll randomly pick one winner to get the prize. Open to U.S. residents ages 18+ only, one entry per person. Full promotional rules here.

How To Deal with Toddler Power Struggles

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Mon, 20 May 2013 03:21:00 +0000

By Jessica Streit

The “terrible two’s,” you’ve heard of them right? If you’ve been through them you know it’s also the “terrible three’s,” sometimes the “terrible four’s,” and even the “terrible five’s.” Toddler tantrums are a natural part of every child’s life but if they aren’t dealt with early on, the can persist for years.

It is in every parent’s best interest to address toddler power struggles early on. To begin this it is important to know why toddler tantrums begin in the first place.

Toddlers are just beginning to learn about control. They are discovering that they can control what they eat, what they wear or whether they will take a bath or not. As they discover their ability to control situations, they test them and usually quite often.

Tip 1 - If they want control, let them have it. Pick your battles.

When dealing with a toddler who wants to be in control, make sure you give him or her a chance to be in control. When pulling out clothes to wear, provide your child with two options and allowing her to choose which she wants. This allows you to the opportunity to provide appropriate attire and gives her the chance to feel in control. When it’s time for lunch, allow your child to pick between two acceptable items.

There may come a time when your little firefighter wants to wear his rain boots. Every. Single. Day. You’ll have a choice to make but why not let him wear them? We all expect toddlers to walk around in something like that. I always looked forward to the day when my own son would run through the house in cowboy boots, a super hero cape and firefighter boots. It’s a part of development that most children go through. Pick your battles here.

Tip 2 - Provide as much structure as possible.

Another reason toddlers get into power struggles that result in temper tantrums is due to dealing with the unknown. Create routines for the morning so that your child knows after breakfast you brush teeth and get dressed. Do the same for as much of the day as possible. Every morning go over what will happen that day. This way your child knows that after you get through errands they will get to go to the park. And when time at the park is over, your toddler knows it will be time to go home for a nap. Providing this information before-hand may not eliminate all meltdowns but it should decrease them.

Tip 3- Provide time limits.

While you are at the park, offer time limits throughout your time there. When you get there, provide your child a time limit. State that you will be able to play for 30 minutes and then it will be time to go home. After 15 minutes have passed, give a warning that there is 15 minutes remaining. Repeat this at 5 and 1 minute. Providing time limits gives your child time to prepare for the transition to the next activity.

Tip 4 - Create smooth transitions.

Transition times are very difficult for toddlers to deal with, especially if they are not sure of what is to come. Providing time limits and warnings will help your child anticipate a change in their activity. Setting a timer may help your child prepare for quitting their play or singing a clean up song may help them complete this less than desirable chore.

If a power struggle begins at transition time, be firm yet reassuring. Remind your child that you gave them a warning about the time limit and now that time is up. State again that they must now follow directions but will have the chance to do something desirable later in the day. Provide feedback that they are doing a good job along the way. Reassuring him will alleviate some of the stress he may be having due to the transition.

Tip 5 - Find times to say “yes.”

“No, don’t touch that.”

“No, you can’t go outside to play.”

“No, you can’t have ice cream.”

Parents are often telling their toddler children “no.” Toddlers ask a lot of questions and get into predicaments as they explore and learn about their world. Eventually they are going to get tired of hearing “no” so much. Try to find times to say “yes.”

If your child asks to skip their bath one night, say “yes” if they aren’t really that dirty. If they ask for cereal for dinner one night, there’s no reason you can’t say “yes” once in awhile. Saying “yes” gives your toddler a feeling of control. They don’t need to know that the issue they are fighting for isn’t really an issue at all.

I’ll never forget the night my young son asked to sleep in his rain boots. I said, “yes, just let me wipe them down first.” He looked at me and asked “really?” And why not, he went to bed happy and it didn’t hurt a thing.

Finally, remember that toddler tantrums can sometimes come from nowhere but they do eventually pass. Remain firm, consistent and reassuring and eventually this phase will pass on and you’ll have your adorable child back.

Jessica Streit is an educator, freelance writer and single mom of 2 boys. Her writing can be found on a variety of topics including personal finance, education and parenting. She blogs about overcoming debt and living a royal life on a budget at The Debt Princess.

Review of the Shark Sonic Duo

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Sun, 19 May 2013 22:15:00 +0000

I am sort of a collector of appliances. Between the ones I've reviewed here on the blog, and those that I just found useful enough to buy, we have an entire closet dedicated to all things mop, broom, vacuum, scrubber, and squigee. Maybe it's the fact that I married an ex-janitor. Or perhaps it's because our home is very, very lived in (we homeschool and work from home -- plus our house is small.) I just feel like each tool has a unique function, and you shouldn't use the wrong tool for the job.

So when I was sent the Shark Sonic Duo to review, part of me was thinking "really? Do I need another appliance?" But part of me was intrigued by the videos I saw on this new gadget. I also personally love the Shark brand. (I used to review gadgets for a tech mag, and they always impressed me!)

Shark at rest -- without cleaning pad.

I gave the Shark Sonic Duo a go on my carpet first, not really believing that it could do much. After all, I was in love with doing a full steam cleaning when things got dirty. I was skeptical that a surface scrubbing could do much good.

Assembly of the machine was the simplest of anything I've used to date. You just snap the handle it and it's ready to go. There are very well labeled components, pads, and cleaning solutions. There is no way any thinking person can mess up what goes where.

I started by putting the carpet scrubbing pad on the Sonic Duo, and filling the tank with the recommended amount of water and solution. The tank made it easy, because it was marked with lines, and I knew exactly how much of each to put in. (It also has directions on the back side of the clear tank, so even my kids can read how to do it.)

I then plugged it in and switched in on while it was setting on my carpet. The thing started vibrating like crazy! I thought it would require more work to push, but the Duo kind of moved itself around the floor. I just needed to guide it. The trigger released cleaning solution, and I was to then scrub 4-5 times over the same spot after getting it wet. At first, I messed this up, thinking that the solution came out of the bottom of the machine. Then, I saw the my furniture was getting wet, and I figured out that the spray came out of the FRONT of the machine. Lesson learned: Get behind the area you want to clean, spray, THEN go over it. After that small snag, I was cleaning away!

Spray and Intensity buttons

I did half of my living room within about 10 minutes. It looked good. The nap on my carpet was sticking up like new, and the "dinginess" was gone. It was also rather dry compared to a steam cleaning. The manual said it would take 2 hours to dry, but we were able to walk on the carpet within 45 minutes. (I'm guessing that this depends on the humidity and temp in your home.)

Next, I tackled the part of the carpet where my kids spill stuff. It was horrible. I pretreated it with the included pretreating spray, waiting 10 minutes, then did the same process as before. My carpet was a bit more wet afterwards, but almost all of the dark spots and stains were gone. Plus, my carpet smelled fresh and not chemically.

Here is a brief video of what you can expect when using the Shark Sonic Duo, from my own experiences:

I haven't used it on my laminate yet, but I can already tell that I love the scrubbing action and the ease of use. I am also smitten with the lights at the front of the machine; it really helps me see the spots that I'm cleaning on my light carpet. Here are some more perks of the Shark Sonic Duo:

· Uses first-of-its-kind technology to remove 4 times more stuck-on dirt in carpets than vacuuming alone
· Deep cleans hard floors better than any mop on the market.
· Hard floors look and feel cleaner than with Swiffer WetJet®*
· Clean with less effort as the Sonic Duo glides over hard floors and carpets with just the push of a finger 180-degree swivel steering
· Safe for all floor surfaces including carpets, area rugs, hardwood, tile, marble, stone, laminate and linoleum
· Non-toxic, biodegradable formulas that are safe for children and pets

You can learn more about the Shark Sonic Duo at their website!

Wanna Win? Check out the Pets with No Shame Contest from now until May 31st. Spill your pet’s dirty secrets by uploading a photo & win the solution to their dirty messes. 10 monthly winners will win the new Shark Sonic Duo!

*Sample received to review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Review of Koala Kid on DVD

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Sun, 19 May 2013 03:53:00 +0000

There just doesn't seem to be much in the way of new releases for kids right now, and that's got my kids bummed. We have been finding, however, that there are some great titles that have been released exclusively on DVD, and Walmart has been carrying many of them for the family market.

One such DVD that we recently reviewed a copy of is Koala Kid. It's the story of a spirited koala bear who, after feeling like he doesn't belong, gets into a bit of trouble while trying to prove to everyone that he's special. Taking place "down under", it has different animal characters than what kids are used to seeing, including dingos, crocs, and other native creatures.

What I loved most about the film was the celebrity voices. They include Rob Schneider, Tim Curry, and Alan Cumming. While my kids don't know who these people are, it cracked me up to hear Mr. Schneider with an Australian accent!

The movie is very clean. I would even go so far as to say that it dragged a little in some parts, but it always held my kids attention. There was clever dialogue, a few good tunes, and a message that was fitting for all families I liked that it reinforced that being a hero doesn't mean you have to do things like everyone else.... your gifts are unique, and we each have our own way of making the world a better place.

This movie is appropriate for all ages. While there are some scary bad guys, the cartoon violence is mild. I would have no problem letting me 2 year old see this again.

You can find this on Widescreen DVD exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com!

*Screener received to review. Opinions are 100% my own. When you buy through my shopping links, you help to support our blog!

Do you Need Mom Reassurance?

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:14:00 +0000

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for JOHNSON's Baby. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

I'm pregnant with my 6th child, so you would think I would have outgrown "mommy insecurity." Still, it pleases me to get the occasional "you're doing a great job with your kids" or to hear that I've inspired someone else with their own parenting. Is it a bit selfish to need reassurance? Sure. But it can go a long way in giving me confidence needed to do the tough job of mothering.

Do you often wish you had more reassurance as a mom? Do you sometimes struggle to feel like you're doing the right thing in your heart -- even though you know you are in your mind? As moms, we have a huge opportunity to support one another and be there to give one another an "atta girl" when we are most vulnerable.

I remember very recently finding out about our current pregnancy. It was not something I was prepared for, and yet, I found myself searching to hear anyone tell me anything other than "Oh, you're having ANOTHER ONE? Don't you know how those babies are made?" I just once wanted to hear "Congratulations! That's wonderful! Babies are a blessing." I also struggled with fear over what a 6th c-section could possibly do for my health.

It was on my lowest day that I read a Facebook status from a friend I hadn't seen in ages. She had posted Scripture that seemed to address my concerns and insecurities so well. It was: "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain. And God granted his request. - 1 Chronicles 4:10"

See, others know what you're going through in some way -- even if they don't fully understand your specific struggles as a mom. And you, too, could inspire another mom by giving them reassurance, encouragement, and prayer. One way to do this is through a Johnson's Baby Cares Card! Not only can you encourage others with your message, for every card sent, shared, or liked, Johnson's Baby will donate $1.00 to Save the Children, up to $150,000 to benefit early childhood education.

Will you send a card? Even though I had a fabulous Mother's Day, there are so many other days during the year where it is important to show our appreciation. Who will you send your card to?

Michael Angelo's Italian Dinner Party Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:01:00 +0000

I love, love, love Italian food. To be honest, however, I have not been very impressed with many of the frozen entrees available at my local grocer. Either the ingredients are too salty, the meat tastes bland, or it is entirely too greasy for my taste. I was asked by Michael Angelo's to sample some of their frozen menu items as part of a dinner party I was having for some out-of-town friends. Since I only see these friends one time a year, I was really wanting to impress them. I felt like I took a chance by blindly serving them products I've never tried before, but I took the plunge.

Here is how our dinner party went...

First, I served the Michael Angelo's Flatbread as an appetizer. These are so delicious, because the pepperoni and salami pieces were substantial, and the cheese was authentic and gooey. I sliced each flatbread into 3 pieces, and the kids really loved these the most!

Next, I put out a few Michael Angelo's entrees for the main course. I wasn't too certain these would cook through with just the 45 minutes cooking time from frozen, but they did! The eggplant parm (shown below) had crispy, golden edges, just like I like it. This was supposed to serve just 5 people, but the portions are very meaty with eggplant and cheese. We easily cut this into 8 servings.

Next was the Chicken Piccata. This was a rich and buttery dish with a nice seasoning and chunks of artichokes. I made some whole-wheat noodles to put it on, and it was perfect! The chicken was tender and lemony!

Finally, the Meat Lasagna was very popular. Everyone tried some, and it was your basic lasagna with real ground meats. It tasted homemade!

We also enjoyed fresh salad and a warm homemade garlic bread. It was so much food for the 9 of us, but our guests stayed into the evening, and we enjoyed the leftovers as a second meal.

Finally, we whipped up a homemade tiramisu. I didn't have any marscapone on hand, so I improvised with some cream cheese, whipping cream, and frozen whipped topping. It was delicious!

Our meal was warm, casual, and very relaxing. I can't tell you how nice it was to put everything in the oven the hour before they arrived, kick on our ice maker, and set the table. When our guests got there, all of the work was done. There was no checking on the food -- it baked itself. I was proud of the meal I had made, and I have since purchased several of the Michael Angelo's items for my family while I'm away on trips. (Plus, I have a secret addiction to the Eggplant Parm -- which I think is the BEST I have ever had. I love to bake it up and snack on it throughout the next few days. It's very good reheated!)

Michael Angelo's is available at Walmart, in the frozen Italian dinner section. You can expect each dish to contain small batch, made from scratch entrees with no unnecessary additives, artificial colors/flavors/fillers/ or preservatives. Just read the ingredients; it's a simple list of good stuff you are already familiar with -- and the flavor proves it!

Wanna Win? We are giving one lucky reader 3 coupons good for a free Michael Angelo's Flatbread. To be entered to win, just tell us which flatbread variety you would choose to try first!

You have until May 27th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. We'll randomly pick one winner to get the prize. Open to U.S. residents ages 18+ only, one entry per person. Full promotional rules here.

*Samples and gift card received to facilitate party and post. Opinions are 100% my own.

5 Easy Steps to a Successful Freezer Cooking Session

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:47:00 +0000

By Melissa Batai

While you may be convinced that freezer cooking or once a month cooking will make your weeknights easier and will save you money, you may be overwhelmed by the process. Don't be. It's not really that hard.

Here's what you need to know to have a successful freezer cooking session:

1. Check your pantry. Check your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator to see what ingredients you already have on hand. Using up what you have will save you money when bulk cooking.

2. Find your recipes. A few days before you plan to do your freezer cooking session, find the recipes. If you don't know what will freeze well, find recipes that are designed specifically for freezer cooking. A few places to look include onceamonthmom.com, food.com (search OAMC to find the recipes), and hollyclegg.com (freezer recipes are denoted with a snowflake).

Ideally you'll choose 5 to 7 recipes, each of which you'll triple or quadruple. That will give you enough for dinners for the entire month. Make sure to find recipes that use different cooking methods--one slow cooker recipe, one oven recipe, a few stovetop ones, and a few that you don't need to cook on your freezer cooking day. These may just have you put some sauce in with frozen chicken breasts, for example, and freeze them and add them to the slow cooker on the day you'll eat them.

3. Go shopping. Don't be surprised if you have a higher grocery bill this week, but remember, you're buying ingredients to prepare meals for the entire month. In the long run, you'll likely save money.

4. Prep ingredients. If you have time, the day before your freezer cooking session, cut and prepare all of the vegetables you need. That'll save you time on the actually freezer cooking day.

5. Cook. On your freezer cooking day, make sure you have freezer ziplock bags and be prepared for several hours of hard work. However, at the end of the day, you'll have a freezer full of meals for the month. Now, the only groceries you'll need to buy for the rest of the month are perishables such as fruits, vegetables, milk and eggs.

Have you tried freezer cooking before? Did you have any difficulties?

Melissa, a mom to three little ones (ages 7, 3 and 1) blogs at Mom's Plans where she writes about living a fulfilling life on less and focuses on cutting expenses, budgeting, paying down debt, saving money and once a month cooking.

Bike Month at Walmart - The Perfect Excuse to Equip the Family!

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:54:00 +0000

Even though we have just one single, short gravel driveway, and nowhere else to ride, my boys love going out to ride their bikes when the weather is nice. As you can see from the photo above, however, they often need reminded to wear their helmets! We realized early on that making sure each child has a bike and the proper equipment can be expensive; thankfully, we have turned to Walmart over the past year to help us get what we need for the kids' hobby without too much fuss.

This month is National Bike Month and Walmart is getting in the game. In-store, you'll find some nice prices on bikes, equipment, and parts. My kids could spend forever in there looking at all the fun accessories.

One thing that catches their eye every time is the bike horn. While it's unnecessary, it's a fun extra that I have encouraged the kids to save their money for if they truly want it. (They also have to follow the "no horns in the house" rule!)

The kids come in all sizes, so their helmets should, as well. We were quite impressed with the selection of helmets the last time we were in the store. There are character helmets for girls and boys, OR, if you need to save money by having kids hand down helmets, there are plenty of gender-neutral options, also.

Walmart has always held a special place in our hearts for biking memories; my son saved his money for a year before buying his first bicycle brand new from Walmart in 2012. It's nice to see him taking such good care of the bike (something I'm not sure he would have done if we had bought it for him.) With over a dozen bikes in stock at less than $100 each, we've enjoyed shopping brand names on bikes and gear -- and our kids have learned a valuable lesson about both bike safety and fiscal responsibility!

Does your family bike? Are your kids properly equipped for safe riding?

As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I've received compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

DIY Project: Vintage Chair Redo

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Sat, 11 May 2013 03:32:00 +0000

We received some beautiful vintage chairs soon after we were married, and they have taken a beating over the past 11 years. In addition to the cloth seats getting very dirty from the kids, the wood had become scratched, marred, and very worn looking. We wanted to both recover the cloth and repaint, but it had to be affordable. My husband took on the endeavor, and here is what he did:

First, he took the chairs outside to sand. He used various grits of sandpaper, depending on the grain of the wood.

Then, he wiped the chairs down well and primed them with Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X Primer spray (in black).

Finally, he did the last coat with Rust-Oleum American Accents Ultra Cover 2X in Gloss Kona Brown.

I couldn't believe how well this paint coated. It really brought out the detail of the carving in the woodwork, but it covered knicks and scratches perfectly with one coat!

Here are the two Rust-Oleum products my husband used... (available at Walmart for $3.77)

He chose to use a canvas painter's cloth from Walmart in the painting supply section for the seat covers. It's an affordable material, and he made the cloth more "kid-proof" by using a waterproofing spray used for boat and car seat material to help repel future stains and water. (You can find this in the camping section.)

The final project came out very nicely! Since we only have 4 of these chairs (and 7 people in our family), he used the same paint and cloth with another style of wood chair that we had, as well. The matching finish and material helped the chairs compliment each other, even though they were not the same style.

This is a simple project that can be done with one afternoon to sand, prime, and paint -- and another afternoon to staple the canvas around the seats and waterproof them.

Do you have some chairs that need a facelift? At a cost of less then $20 for the entire set of chairs, this is a high value project that can drastically improve your dining room or kitchen!

As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I've received compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

2013 Mother's Day Gift Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:04:00 +0000

Need some last-minute ideas for what to get Mom? We rounded up a few of our favorite treats from the last few months. Here is what we would love for the upcoming holiday!

Dial Coconut Water Body Wash

Skip the expensive mall body washes and slip into something smooth, comfortable, and affordable! I love the faint coconut smell of this wash (it's not overpowering), and it leaves my skin so soft and moisturized! This product is easy to find at most any retailer that sells Dial products. It's something that you will buy for a special occasion and use every day! (My whole family loves to use this wash -- even my daughter who is not a fan of "tropical" scented products.)

G.H. Cretors Popcorn Treats

Crunchy caramel corn is one of my favorite snacks, but my kids also like cheese popcorn. The Chicago Mix from G.H. Cretors is a fabulous blend of the two, giving you sweet and savory options in every bite! This treat is one of our favorites, and would make a great addition to a Mom's gift basket this holiday. G.H. Cretors Popcorn is all-natural, too, meaning that they use real ingredients (like cheddar cheese) to give their snacks their kick!

Zero Water 6-Cup Pitcher

If Mom is a health nut (or just needs an excuse to get more water), this gift will keep giving and giving and giving. Just fill the Zero Water 6-Cup Pitcher with regular tap water and let it filter out over the next few minutes. Drink the freshly filtered water right away, or store it in the fridge for a chilled way to stay hydrated. I can see this as the perfect "mom-to-be" present!

Ninja Frying System

Need a clever gift for the junk-food junkie (like me)? The new Ninja Frying System allows you to prepare your favorite fried dishes with 30 percent less fat and 40 percent faster due to its revolutionary heat combination that keeps cooking oil at a uniform temperature, so foods cook to light, crispy perfection – with less oil absorption. Replace that clunky, greasy fryer (and save money on oil) by giving mom the gift of health -- without denying her the crispy snacks she craves!

*Samples received of some items. Opinions are 100% my own.

What's On Your "Life List"? The Call to End Cancer...

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

*The following post is an important message that means so much to me and my family. Although it is part of a sponsored campaign through the Motherhood, all views are heartfelt and 100% my own.

I'm turning 35 this year. I'm also having my 6th child! I remember when my doctor told me that I will seriously want to consider whether we will have any more, not because I have already had 5 c-sections, but because I was becoming an "older woman" this year.

Wow! Just like that? My life hits a new milestone when I turn 35 this July. It really got me thinking about all the things I've already done (and the things I still yearn to do.) Of the things I want to live to see, however, is a hope for those with cancer. I have seen so many struggle -- and lose -- against this unspeakable disease. While I wish for normal things like seeing my kids graduate from college, I also pray daily for several friends and family members who we just want to see another day.

One way this could possibly be accomplished is by the good graces of the American Cancer Society. 100 years ago, the American Cancer Society began the fight of a lifetime – the fight to end cancer.

I think that it's a doable goal. And while it will certainly take resource, it will also take community. One thing I did just today that signifies the community that exists in the fight against cancer was to visit Facebook and create my "Life List." Here it is below:

Are you ready to create yours? It honestly takes less than 5 minutes (more like 3.) If you're logged into Facebook -- which I'm sure you are -- you can simply click this link and get started. You'll be asked a few simple questions, and you're on your way to raising awareness and building that community. Because it will take many more fighters to end the battle against cancer.

Great Value Brand has Changed Its Look -- Not Its Price!

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Wed, 08 May 2013 03:41:00 +0000

Just as I was starting to get used to the look of Great Value brand items at my local Walmart, they have announced that they have updated the look again. While the packaging used to be stark white with blue lettering, products now differ a little, depending on the product. Here is a phone pic I snapped of the Chili Beans at my store:

Compare that with the old packaging from some soup in the same store (and to the right, you can see a little glimpse of a can with new packaging):

One thing that I do like is that the product photos are more prominent, making it easier to see what product I'm buying. It is not always obvious, however, that it is Great Value brand at first glance. (The logo is smaller.) If you are someone who is self-conscious about having so many generic items in your home (I'm not, but some are), the packaging of the new designs are a little less "look at me! I save money!".

Note that the price hasn't changed at all on Great Value products with the new packaging; you can still expect the same low price as before, but with a fresh new look.

Do you shop Great Value brand? We currently actually prefer Great Value for our pasta sauce, pickles, light drink mixes, butter, black bean salsa, and canned beans. It will be interesting to see, as the products get rolled out in my store, how other items look.

If you don't already see the new changes in your Walmart -- they will be coming soon! I'd love to hear about what you think of the new packaging.

As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I've received compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Give Your Feedback for a Chance to win $25!

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:37:00 +0000

If you have 10 minutes to share your experience with cause marketing and social media (with the bonus option of entering to win one of 20 VISA gift cards worth $25), please check out this survey from my friends at The Motherhood: http://svy.mk/ZNIL6h

The results from the survey will be presented to major brand executives at a conference later this month. (Your feedback is anonymous.) There’s an option to submit your email address at the end of the survey – anyone who completes the survey and provides an email address will be entered to win one of 20 VISA gift cards worth $25. (The email address is just a way to notify the gift card winners and won’t be shared.)

Thanks in advance for your help! If you’d like, you are welcome to share the survey with others, too!!!

*Compensation received to share this with you. Opinions, if any, are 100% my own.

Chick-fil-A is giving you 3 New #FreshMade Options! (Giveaway!)

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:03:00 +0000

Forget about yesterday, today is #FreshMade! Chick-fil-A is helping you make today #FreshMade by creating new menu options that you can feel good about! They are introducing 3 new premium salads and an improved wrap all under 430 calories made with premium ingredients. Check out the app below to find out even more about these delicious salads!

Wanna Win? We are giving away 2 Chick-fil-A Salad Coupons to a lucky reader! To be entered to win, just comment on this post with your results from the Are You A “Starter”? Quiz above!
You have until May 17th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. We'll randomly pick one winner to get the prize. Open to U.S. residents ages 18+ only, one entry per person. Full promotional rules here.

*Sample received to facilitate post. Opinions are 100% my own.

The Gifts Moms Will Love On Mother’s Day ($25 and Under!)

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:19:00 +0000

by kristenhuff

Looking for last-minute gifts that won't break the budget? These items (partial list shown below), are too cute to pass up! And they are all priced under $25!

Browse on SunnyBump →

Celebrate Mother's Day with a Seafood Restaurant Meal -- At Home!

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:28:00 +0000

I rarely get a chance to eat out. We have taken the kids out on occasion, but we usually try for buffets -- since feeding all 7 of us can be very expensive. My favorite things to eat at a restaurant, however, are items they just don't serve at an all-you-can-eat establishment: crab cakes, salmon, and shrimp!

I headed out to my local Walmart to see what they offered in the frozen aisle that might help me throw together a restaurant experience at home. I was hoping to save money, and also try a variety of items. Since I live in Nebraska, fish is rarely available fresh, so even the items in the meat department of the local grocer's is usually thawed from a frozen state.

I found 3 seafood products that I was excited to try, and I took them home to serve up something special! Here's what we had:

Southern Bell Seafood Crab Cakes
Frozen Wild Salmon Filets
Treasures from the Sea Jalapeno Breaded Shrimp
Great Value Seasoned Fries
Restaurant Style Homemade Coleslaw

Most of the seafood items were on Rollback at my store. I saved even more money by making my own coleslaw from this version I found on Pinterest. My kids were so excited to try all the yummy food! We prepared both the Shrimp and the Fries in my deep fryer with some Cookwell Oil. I made the Crab Cakes in my Big Boss Oil-less Fryer, and I pan seared the salmon with some salted butter and garlic salt.

Everyone but my husband enjoyed the meal. (He hates fish.) I made sure to warm up some BBQ pork chops that he had made on the grill the night before. We also served our meal with some fresh sweetcorn for dessert!

The highlights of the meal included the crab cakes. They had so much crab in them, and very little breading. The box contained a full pound, so I'll likely be snacking on the few that are left over the next week.

The shrimp was VERY spicy. I had a hard time eating them, but my spice-loving kids gobbled them up. I was surprised that they crisped up so nicely in the Big Boss. These have the texture of deep-fried, with the option of baking.

The salmon was also nice, and we have been huge fans of the Great Value Seasoned fries for years. At $2 a bag, the fries are always a good buy.

The total bill for my family to eat an evening meal at a sit-down restaurant with comparable fare is approximately $72, assuming we drink water and not including tax and tip. The total cost for our meal at home (with plenty of leftovers for another meal) was $28. The different is amazing, and it was very simple to prepare.

Would you like a meal out for Mother's Day? What would it cost your family? I challenge you to seek ways to (easily) prepare similar foods at home. I would love to see your recipes, too!

As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I've received product samples and compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Eureka AirSpeed ONE Vacuum and Powerful Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Tue, 07 May 2013 03:31:00 +0000

"Size Isn’t Everything. Power Is."

That's the slogan I could have been saying to myself ever since I was a little girl. I wasn't a big child; in fact, I wore a size 2T wardrobe well into Kindergarten. If you ask anyone about me, however, size is rarely brought up. I work hard to impress despite my size, and while I don't consider myself "powerful" I do aim to feel "empowered."

The same goes for my kids. They are tiny little forces to be reckoned with. That's why I wasn't surprised to see that my ornery 2-year-old Marcus had once again dumped out a planter pot full of dirt and vermiculite onto my living room carpet. The carpet isn't new, but it has to last. I chose this as the perfect opportunity to give the new Eureka Airspeed One Vacuum I received to sample a try!

First, let me say that I am no stranger to Eureka vacuums. I have reveiwed them in the past, and I still keep my original Eureka Airspeed at the front of my cleaning closet for most of my vacuuming needs. I wasn't really sure how this new one would differ; it was, after all, much smaller and lighter. It also had a much more affordable price tag.

Lime green cord and tiny stature aside, this is one serious machine. I actually plugged it into the wall, not knowing that someone had depressed the power button. The vacuum literally took off by itself across the room!

But did it pick up? I would say so. See the Before and After shots of the mess my son made. Cleaner carpet, compliments of the AirSpeed ONE are in the lower pictures.

I have since used this little thing quite a few times since first trying it out. For one, it's super-light, so my aching pregnant back doesn't complain nearly as much when I use it. Also, it's easy to dump the dirt out. The dirt container snaps back into place without trying to figure out diagrams or "what goes where".

I really need a thorough clean before I steam clean my carpets, and this vacuum left little to no dirt or dog hair behind. I also appreciate that it weighs less than 10 pounds. If it wasn't for its powerful "get up and go", I'd let the kids use it! (As it stands, there is no way I'm turning over this powerful little machine to the children. My curtains would be in danger.)

You can purchase this product at Walmart.com, or Follow Eureka on Facebook and Twitter!

Wanna Win? We are giving one lucky reader their very own Eureka lightweight upright AirSpeed ONE! To be entered to win, just comment on this post with one little thing that has made a powerful difference in YOUR life. You have until May 16th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. We'll randomly pick one winner to get the prize. Open to U.S. residents ages 18+ only, one entry per person. Full promotional rules here.

*Sample received to facilitate review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Fresh Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:56:00 +0000

May is a big month for strawberries. While we have just planted our tiny strawberry plants at home, the stores are full of big, plump, and juicy berries. I headed to Walmart to pick up a few containers of this favorite fruit, and (after I hid them from my obsessed toddler), I whipped up this simple and delicious salad that my family went crazy for!

You will need:

1 lb fresh strawberries, rinsed, and sliced
1 bag of fresh whole leaf spinach, rinsed and dried
1/4 red onion, sliced thin, with rings intact
1 bag candied walnuts, pecans, or another "sweetened" nut
1 lb bacon (with grease reserved)

The basic premise of this salad is simple. To prepare, just wash and slice the strawberries, thinly slice the red onions, and mix them into the salad along with crumbled bacon and candied walnuts. Now, you can decide if you want to top with a store-bought vinaigrette (raspberry works nicely), or you can choose to make your own homemade hot bacon dressing.

To make the dressing, you will need:

Reserved bacon grease from one pound bacon
1/8 cup olive oil
1/8 cup finely diced red onions
1 clove finely diced fresh garlic
1/8 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup white sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
1 teaspoon water (optional)

Warm the bacon grease in a small saucepan. Add olive oil, finely diced red onions, fresh garlic, salt and pepper to taste. After the onions are softened, add in white sugar and apple cider vinegar. Continue to simmer until vinegar and sugar combine. To thicken dressing, add in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water and simmer until the consistency you desire.

Allow to cool to a "warm" temperature, then drizzle over the salad, toss, and serve!

Do you have a favorite strawberry dish you can't live without? Walmart's strawberry selection is being featured all through May, and it's the perfect time to experiment with new, delicious creations. Be sure to check out some of the other Walmart Moms strawberry recipes:

Wholesome Mommy's Strawberry Eggrolls
A Cowboy's Wife Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
Mom Advice Baked Strawberry Donuts

As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I've received product samples and compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Get a Free Subscription to Parents or Family Fun Magazine with Purchase!

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Sun, 05 May 2013 03:14:00 +0000

Do you have a little one at home who loves baths? I don't know about you, but I think I love baths even more than my toddler. (That's because he stays busy and happy for the entire time he's in the bath -- giving me a moment to take a breath!)

We've used Johnson & Johnson Bathtime products for years, and I've been especially fond of the lavender-scented products that help calm babies before you put them to bed. I still use these products for my almost-3-year-old (Walmart recently sent me some more samples to renew my supply) and since he bathes with his older brother, I get two clean at once -- and they are always ready for PJ's when they are done.

I think one of the reasons why they are so tuckered out after they bathe is that they go all out with the toys and imaginative play when they are getting clean. There are literally more toys in our tub when the water drains out than there are in the boys toy box (and most of the toys were brought in without my permission. Most are definitely NOT bath toys.)

Do you find bath time to be a relief, as well? If so, Walmart has teamed up with J&J brands to give you one more way to relax while your kids are in the bath: a free one-year subscription to Parents or Family Fun Magazine. To get your free offer, just purchase $9 or more of qualifying Johnson's Baby, Desitin, or Aveeno Baby products at your local Walmart from now until 5/31 and either mail in or email photo of your receipt (along with some additional information.)

Since Mother's Day is coming up, and your kids will likely be spending more time outside soon (and deserving even more baths than normal), this is the perfect time to stock up on baby bath supplies and score yourself a chance to unwind and catch up on some light reading!

As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I've received product samples and compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Celebrate Star Wars Day with Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Sat, 04 May 2013 03:12:00 +0000

Today is a holiday I can get behind: Star Wars Day! Since we are huge fans of the Star Wars trend AND I have 4 little boys who adore all things Lego, I though it was fitting to share one of our favorite new releases that we were offered to view as a screener: Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out.

This DVD is a quick view, but it is fun and it comes with a mini figure for your Lego sets! My boys had a blast watching this title, and it goes right along with all the fun Lego Star Wars decor and games they enjoy daily.

Here's a clip to give you a glimpse of what to expect:

You can snag this title (appropriate for ages 6+) on DVD for under $10 at Amazon*!

*Screener received to review. Opinions are 100% my own. Affiliate links used in this post.

Review of Colortime Crafts and Markers

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Sat, 04 May 2013 02:48:00 +0000

Do you love to craft with your kids, but do you also find that all the "good" activities take way too much supervision? If you're a busy mom who wants your kids to create, but you also struggle with finding supplies and organizing everything, you might be interested in Colortime Crafts and Markers!

They sent me a sample of their Recycle Tote bag and 3 markers to review. I put my 9-year-old on the mission to try it out. I sat him down with the supplies while I made dinner. It was easy - no fuss - and when he was done, he had a beautiful, washable tote to keep or give as a gift.

While the directions vary slightly from one product to another, most require that you put some kind of barrier between the layer you are coloring and the next surface. We cut out a big piece of cardboard from an old box to keep the markers from bleeding through to the other side of the tote and our dining room table.

These would make great birthday gifts, party activities, or a Mother's or Father's Day craft that lasts much longer than a construction paper craft. You can follow Colortime Crafts on Twitter, Pinterest, or check out their website!

Wanna Save? Get 15% off online retail purchases. Use coupon code 15for30C when you check out at colortime.com. Coupon must be entered at the time of purchase. Offer not valid on sale items and may not be combined with other offers or discounts. Offer expires on June 19, 2013.

OR Get Free ground shipping on orders over $60 with code FRSH11W (Not to be combined with any other offers and discounts).

Wanna Win? Each week, Colortime Crafts and Markers will randomly draw 3 lucky FANS who will receive a special craft package, which includes a Colortime color-your-own "Recycle Tote Bag" and three special permanent Colortime FABRIC MARKERS. Check out their Facebook page for details.

*Samples received to review. Opinions are 100% our own.

Review of 3 New General Mills Cereals: Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch, Fiber One 80 Calories Chocolate Squares and Peanut Butter Toast Crunch

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:03:00 +0000

It's not every day that I get to try 3 new cereals. I already buy Honey Nut Cheerios and Fiber One, so when I was sent a box of the new varieties of these two cereals PLUS one more, I knew my family would be enjoying breakfast for some time. Here are the highlights of the cereals we sampled:

Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch

What's not to love about honey nut? If you're looking for a cereal that has a bit of variety in texture, but isn't overly sweet, this is it. The little clusters of real almond slices, mixed with Cheerios and flakes, give it a crunch and a kick that keeps the cereal from getting soggy. It's one that I enjoy eating as a bedtime snack.

Fiber One 80 Calories Chocolate Squares

I'm a huge chocolate cereal fan, but I know that any breakfast food that turns my milk into a sugary drink isn't likely good for me. Since Fiber One is on many of the healthy eating lists for many nutrition programs I've tried, this new addition to the family was very exciting. This cereal has all the feel of a Fiber One cereal, but does have a nice chocolate flavor. I can see this as a good dry cereal choice for snacking at your desk, too.

Peanut Butter Toast Crunch

This one was my husband's favorite, as he is a big peanut butter cereal fan. The little "toast" shaped pieces are crispy and sweet. I think of this one more as a treat than a regular breakfast thing. This box didn't last more than a day at our house!

You can find these cereals at most grocery stores. (I found mine at my local Walmart on a special endcap.)

*Samples received to review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Goya Olive Oil and Quinoa in a Healthy Dish!

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Thu, 02 May 2013 02:53:00 +0000

I admit that I've never made quinoa. I tried it one time, but didn't like the way it was prepared. When goya sent me a complimentary bottle of their olive oil and a bag of quinoa to try out a healthy meal option, I was a bit stumped. I played around with a few ingredients I had in my pantry and came up with a pretty decent dish that my husband and kids loved!

To create this slightly spicy cilantro-seasoned dish, you will need:

1 cube spicy chicken bullion (or plain chicken buillion with chili pepper for flavor)
4 cups water
1 cup Goya quinoa (rinsed and drained)
1/8 cup Goya olive oil
1/8 cup diced green onions
1 teaspoon finely diced fresh cilantro

Heat the olive oil in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Add the quinoa and brown slightly. Then add in the water and chicken bouillon, heating over medium high heat until boiling. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and heat until the quinoa has absorbed the water (or about 12 minutes). Stir in the green onions and cilantro and service while warm! This is also great with a few fresh tomatoes stirred in.

This recipe was adapted from one found in the new Goya cookbook, which is full of healthy recipes designed to compliment a balanced diet. Find additional tips and the full recipe book as a downloadable PDF at the Goya website! You can also find Goya on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

*Samples and cookbook received to create my recipe. Opinions are 100% my own.

Review of ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS® Toys from Hasbro

noreply@blogger.com (Linsey Knerl) — Wed, 01 May 2013 03:15:00 +0000

My kids, like every other kid in the U.S., are obsessed with Angry Birds. We have all the apps, the pajamas, and even a few pairs of rain boots with the colorful characters on them. When Hasbro came out with these adorable and action-packed games and toys featuring the Angry Birds with the STAR WARS® theme, we jumped at the chance to try a few out.

First, the Angry Birds STAR WARS® Millennium Falcon Bounce Game was a cute game that the kids can play in the house for a safe way to break up boredom. One to two players can bounce three small plastic balls at the Falcon to knock down the cardboard enemy pigs. If you land in the cockpit, you get extra points! This game really reminded me of ping pong in that it is fast-paced, but perfectly safe to play in any indoor environment. It retails for $19.99 and is appropriate for ages 8 and up.

The kids really went crazy for the Foam Flyers (priced at $9.99). These are a simple, foam toy that kids can toss like a football. They are safe, soft and feature a variety of the Angry Birds STAR WARS® characters.

You can find these two toys, along with the At-At Attack Battle Game, at most retailers that sell Hasbro games and toys. You can also follow all the ways to make Game Night more enjoyable for your family by following Hasbro Game Night on Facebook!

Wanna Win? We are giving one lucky reader a randomly selected Angry Birds Star Wars toy or game! To be entered to win, just comment on this post with your favorite Angry Birds or Star Wars character. You have until May 2nd at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. We'll randomly pick one winner to get the prize. Open to U.S. residents ages 18+ only, one entry per person. Full promotional rules here.

Don't forget to enter our other blog giveaways while you're here!

*Sample received to review. Opinions are 100% my own.