Home in the Tetons

Tips for Traveling with Small Children

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Thu, 15 May 2025 01:19:00 +0000

✈️Family travel doesn’t have to feel like a survival mission — with the right prep, your flight can be smooth(ish), fun, and even memorable! 🙌

Here are 5 sanity-saving tips for flying with small kiddos:

1) Pack Smart, Not More 🎒

Bring a few surprises (new snacks, small toys, sticker books) to keep boredom at bay. This can easily be done at the Dollar Store or order a few inexpensive things off Amazon- the element of surprise can seriously help with those long flights.

2) Choose Seats Wisely 🪑

Book early to snag those window + aisle combos. And pay extra to book your seats together! Don’t hold out for the hope that people will move to let you sit together. Also, proximity to the bathroom = bonus points!

3)Snacks Are Gold 🍪

Happy bellies mean happy kids. Pack more than you think you’ll need. I always try to buy a few "special" snacks to surprise them with too.

4)Screen Time Rules Can Wait 🎧

Now, this one may seem controversial, so you do what you think is best. But for us- we load those tablets! Having a movie to watch on the plane always made the flight go faster for me... pre kids- when I could wear headphones and just relax lol. So- I definitely let my kids enjoy a little more screen time than normal anytime we're on a plane or road trip.

5)Prep Their Ears 👂

Bring gum, pacifiers, or drinkable bottles for takeoff & landing to help with pressure changes. If you have a nursing baby, nurse them during take- off and landing as well- it helps so much!

✨ Pro Tip: A calm parent = a calm child. Deep breaths, big smiles, and know that even tough flights come to an end. You’re doing amazing.

🔗 Click this link for my Family Travel Favorites✨

5 Main Differences between Disneyland and Disney World

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:48:00 +0000

For someone who grew up going to Disneyland, I never really thought much about how different Disney World might be until we were planning our trip there. And oh my goodness- they are very different! Yes- they have similar rides- but even some of the rides are different. So here is a short and sweet blog post on the 5 major difference between Disneyland and Disney World.

1. The SIZE.

Disneyland consists of Disneyland and California Adventure. Both parks are directly across from each- other- so you can literally walk out of one and straight across into the other one. It's wonderful and so easy! You also don't need to park at two different parks. It's all right there!

Disney World consists of 4 Parks! And they are all quite a distance aways from each- other... as in, you very likely will be taking a bus/ boat/ car/ skyliner/ monorail to get there. But the downside of not being able to walk to each easily is that you have more parks to choose from- and wonderful ones at that. In addition to Magic Kingdom, Disney World also consists of EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

2. On Property Resort Options.

At Disneyland, there are 3 on property resorts to choose from: Disneyland Hotel, The Grand Californian, and Pixar Place. And because there are only 3, their prices tend to be quite expensive. They are all less than an 8 minute walk to the parks however so their price is high for a reason.

Disney World has over 25 on property resorts to choose from! And they all come with different themes, advantages, restaurants, price points, pools, etc... Which means- you very likely can find a place that fits both in your budget and aesthetic. I absolutely loved the resort we stayed at. Beach Club (shown below) was so beautiful and I would stay there again in a heartbeat.

3. Location

This is an obvious one- but Disneyland is in southern California and Disney World is on the opposite side of the United States in Florida. And while both can get hot in the summer- I personally feel that Disney World feels much, much hotter because of the humidity. Disneyland is a dry heat and therefore, at least to me, doesn't feel as hot.

4. Ride Options

Many of the rides can be found at both parks. But there are some that can only be found at one or the other. For example, you currently can only find Cars Land and the amazing Radiator Springs ride at California Adventure. Indiana Jones, Matterhorn, the Incredicoaster, Monsters Inc ride, and the Alice in Wonderland ride are examples of rides that can also only be found at Disneyland.

Disney World also has incredible rides you can find only there- like the amazing Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Tron, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen, Expedition Everest, Guardians of the Galaxy, etc... We loved trying all the different rides and definitely wish some of those were also at Disneyland.

5. Ride Density

The amount of rides at each park is also different. The two parks at Disneyland are packed with way more rides than the parks at Disney World. Magic Kingdom has quite a few- but Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT have a lot fewer than California Adventure has. But again- you're looking at 4 parks compared to the just two at Disneyland. And what they lack in rides, they definitely make up for in shows.

All in all- they both have their differences but also major attributes! I love both and think both deserve a visit for different reasons. I would happily go to either tomorrow. :)

If you have some questions, reach out to your friendly Disney Travel Planner! My services are free and I love helping individuals and families plan magical trips to one of my favorite places.

Get your FREE Quote here.

What are the Benefits of using a Disney Travel Agent?

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:30:00 +0000

Why You Should Hire a Disney Travel Agent for Your Next Magical Adventure

Finally pulling the trigger to plan a Disney Vacation is so exciting! You'll catch yourself daydreaming about each of the parks, hanging out by the pool, meeting beloved characters, and enjoying the BEST rides. But behind the magic, there’s also A LOT to coordinate, from booking accommodations to managing park tickets and reservations... especially if it's been a while since you've been there- or never been at all.

This is where a Disney travel agent can truly make the difference! Here are five reasons why enlisting a Disney travel agent can be the best decision for your next trip to the happiest place on Earth.

1. Expert Knowledge of Disney Parks & Resorts

Disney is more than just a theme park; it’s a world of its own. Whether you're headed to Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World in Florida, or one of Disney's international parks, there’s a lot to know. A Disney travel agent is a specialist who understands all the ins and outs of the parks, resorts, lightning lanes, reservation timelines, and itineraries. They can help you navigate the complexities of the Disney experience, including:

Best times to visit: Avoid the busiest times of the year by working with an agent who knows the ideal seasons for a crowd-free experience.
Resort recommendations: They’ll match you with the perfect Disney Resort based on your budget, interests, and travel style, whether you prefer a luxury experience or a more budget-friendly option.
Event and celebration planning: From seasonal festivals to birthday celebrations, a Disney travel agent knows when to visit for special events and how to make your trip extra magical.

2. Tailored Itineraries Just for You

Disney vacations are not one-size-fits-all, and a good Disney travel agent will take the time to understand your unique interests, needs, and goals for your trip. They can craft a personalized itinerary that maximizes your time, whether that means:

Prioritizing must-see attractions: Based on your family’s preferences, your agent will ensure you hit the top rides, shows, and experiences.
Tailoring experiences for everyone: Whether you’re traveling with young children, teenagers, or grandparents, a Disney travel agent can design an itinerary that suits all ages and preferences.
Dining reservations: Securing dining reservations at popular Disney restaurants can be challenging and competitive, but an agent will know the best spots and help you secure reservations early, ensuring you don’t miss out on the unforgettable dining experiences.

3. Save Time and Stress

Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, especially with all the fine details: booking tickets, securing lightning lanes, coordinating transportation, and managing dining reservations. A Disney travel agent takes the stress off your shoulders by handling these logistics for you. They know the best ways to save time and avoid common pitfalls, such as:

Booking park tickets: They can recommend the best ticket options for your needs, whether you’re looking to park hop, enjoy a special experience, or make the most of discounts.
Securing Lightning Lanes: Your agent can ensure you get the best access to rides and experiences, including VIP tours and special event access.
Transportation planning: Whether you need airport transfers or assistance navigating Disney’s extensive transportation system, your agent will make sure your travel is seamless.

4. Access to Exclusive Discounts & Deals

Disney travel agents often have knowledge of exclusive offers and discounts coming out before the general punlic. With a professional helping you book, you could benefit from:

Package deals: Special promotions or discounts on hotels, tickets, and dining plans.
Special offers: Agents can spot deals on dining, merchandise, or experiences, sometimes even after you’ve already booked. They may be able to adjust your reservation to save you money!

5. Ongoing Support Before, During, and After Your Trip

Unlike booking through a large website or warehouse store, a Disney travel agent offers personalized customer service from start to finish. From answering your initial questions to handling any issues that arise during your vacation, a travel agent is your dedicated advocate.

6. And one Bonus Reason- You're Supporting a Small Business- for FREE!!!

Disney has commission already included into their sales- so the extra they save for travel agents goes back into their pockets if you book direct.

A Disney vacation is a major investment of both time and money. To get the most out of your experience, it makes sense to turn to someone who truly understands the Disney universe. A Disney travel agent is more than just a booking service; they’re a knowledgeable guide who ensures your vacation is tailored to your needs, stress-free, and filled with magical moments. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, having an expert in your corner makes all the difference.

So, the next time you’re planning a Disney trip, don’t go it alone. Let a Disney travel agent like myself help turn your dreams into reality, so you can focus on enjoying the magic!

Click here for a sample quote!

Valentine Gift Guide for Little Girls/ Toddlers

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 17:33:00 +0000

I absolutely love Valentine's Day. I think because I have 3 sweet, little Galentines at home- and they love all things pink and girly- Valentine's Day is extra fun over here. So sinceValentine's Day is right around the corner- I thought I'd post some fun gift ideas for little girls/ toddlers.

First up, Squishmallows! My girls love these and these ones are extra cute and pink:

Paint by Sticker books. Both my older kids love these and this one is perfect for 5 and up.

This pink jewelry box is great for keeping organzied.

My girls love these Usborne Sticker Dolly books. They are also great for travel!

We love this Mary Meyer Stuffed Deer Plush that we have TWO in our household! It's super soft and a favorite stuffed animal of my girls.

My 2 year old also has this bath time doll and loves it! It's just the right size for her and easily dries out after bath time.

Princess nightgowns are always a big hit with my 2 and 5 year old.

As are Princess Water Bottles.

And this Stitch Munchling is just absolutely adorable!

I also have a bunch of other ideas that you can find in my Amazon Storefront.

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Specialty Themed Suites at Disneyland Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 20:46:00 +0000

Did you know that Disneyland has specialty themed suites at their Disneyland Hotel? And they are AMAZING when it comes to all the carefully curated details in each one. One of my favorites is the Adventureland Suite.

I mean seriously- look at it! This 2 bedroom suite looks like it was airlifted straight out of Disneyland's Adventureland. The attention to detail is amazing. And those books! I desperately want to know what titles are in there. I'm imagining Treasure Island, Swiss Family Robinson, all the adventure stories...

And of course- a fireplace in the bathroom:

There's also a suite dedicated to Big Thunder Mountain:

This 2 bedroom suite pulls at my western loving heartstrings...

and definitely has my favorite bathroom of all the suites:

There is also a Pirates themed suite:

A Mickey Mouse themed suite:

And a 1 bedroom Fairy Tale themed suite:

that also has a lovely bathroom:

These suites will cost you around a minimum of $5,000 a night so I don't think I personally will be seeing them any time soon... but on the off chance that you are looking for am amazing hotel experience, and that is your budget- then I think you have some fun options ahead of you.

If you're looking for a regular hotel room at the Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place, or the Grand Californian- I'd also love to help you. I'm a certified travel agent with Best Day Ever Vacations and specialize in trips to Disneyland, Disney World and Disney Cruise Lines. Let me help you book your dream vacation.

All photos are courtesy of the Disneyland Hotel website.

Disney Resort Perks: On Site Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 21:51:00 +0000

One of the fun perks of staying onsite at Disney World, are the rotating activities they host on site for resort guests! As if there weren't already plenty of options between the different parks, pools, eateries, and shopping- there are also a slew of both free and paid extracurricular activities.

One of my favorites is the free: Movie Under the Stars! Each night a different movie is played for resort guests in the resort's spot of choice. At Beach Club it was out on the beach and at Boardwalk Inn it was on the large lawn area.

Another fun activity they offer is roasting marshmallows... because what kid doesn't like roasting marshmallows? From what I remember the marshmallows were free but there was a small additional charge for the s'mores kit.

There are also arts & crafts on various days of the week, poolside activities, an arcade, and various rentals depending on which resort you're staying at.

When we were at Beach Club, the Solarium also had mega blocks, coloring, and movies playing for the kids. My little ones loved playing in there while we waited for the rain to end one day.

So have no fear- you will never not have anything to do when staying at the resorts onsite. Unless- that's what you want :)

What is the Disney Dining Plan?

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 21:20:00 +0000

With all the news about the amazing Disney Dining Promo out and about, I thought it may be helpful to detail out- what exactly the Disney Dining Plan is for those who don't know- or have only heard bits and pieces about it.

And for those who haven't heard about the promo currently being offered- it's a BIG one- money savings wise! Disney is currently offering a FREE Dining Plan for everyone in your party staying at select resorts from May 27- June 26, 2025 and from July 7- Aug. 6, 2025. The promo applies to stays 3 nights or more with a Park Hopper ticket option.

So- what is the Disney Dining Plan and why is it such a big deal?

The Disney Dining Plan is a prepaid meal plan meant to make your stay feel more like an all inclusive vacation. You can add it onto your vacation plan beforehand so that you pay it off with the rest of your Disney vacation before it starts.

There are two types of meal plans to choose from. The Quick Service Meal Plan and the Disney Dining Plan...

The Quick Service Meal Plan includes: 2 meals at Quick Service Restaurants each day of yours stay, 1 snack/ non- alcoholic drink each day, and a refillable mug.

The Disney Dining Plan (the more expensive option) includes one meal at a sit down restaurant per day of your stay, 1 Quick Service Meal per day of your stay, 1 Snack/ non- alcoholic drink each day, and 1 refillable drink mug.

Now, meal and snacks roll over. So if you don't use all of them on one day- no worries. Just make sure you use them before midnight on your day of checkout, when they expire.

Depending on the size of your party & the length of your stay, a dining plan can easily add 1k+ to your Disney Vacation Package.

That's why the Disney Dining Promo is SUCH A GOOD DEAL!! Disney is basically paying for almost all of your food while you're there- which at Disney World isn't cheap. But you must book by February 10'th, 2025!

If you're interested in booking a Disney Vacation or would like more details on the Disney Dining Plan, a Vacation Quote, or anything else, let me know! I'm a certified travel agent specializing in all things Disney and would love to help you book a magical vacation for you & your family!

5 Reasons to Stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 01:47:00 +0000

There are many reasons to stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort, but here are 5 to help anyone who may be on the fence.

1) Beach Club is within walking distance of Epcot. Like... a 5 minute walk... to the back entrance. So not only are you close to the entrance- but it's a less crowded entrance- right next to the World Showcase and the popular Ratatouille ride- amazing.

2) Beach Club is also super close to Hollywood Studios. You can take a free boat ride or a ride on the Skyliner to get there. Having such easy access to not one, but two parks is reason enough to stay there.

3) Beach Club arguably has one of the best, if not the best, pools of all the resorts at Disney World. Stormalong Bay is a 3 acre pool area with an ocean- like sand bottom, lazy river, and 230 foot water slide! There's also a sandy beach area for little ones to play. My kids still talk about how much they miss that pool.

4) Beach Club is home to two adorable dining options- The character breakfast at Cape May Cafe and the ice cream delights at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. The breakfast is an all you can eat breakfast full of all the Mickey waffles you can eat- whilst being greeted by Minnie, Goofy, Donald, & Daisy in their cute beach attire. My kids loved this character breakfast and it's definitely one I would do again.

The second dining option of Beaches & Cream is home to the famous Kitchen Sink dessert- a bowl, or kitchen sink, full of 8 different flavors of ice cream and all the toppings you could think of. While the dinner options here were not my favorite- the dessert options here were so fun. We went for the "mini" kitchen sink that is smaller and comes in an adorable Minnie Mouse themed sink. This smaller version can also be ordered out of their small to- go window next to the pool- meaning you don't need a reservation to get one.

5) Finally, this hotel is dreamy. From the lobby to the grounds to the solarium- it's just a beautiful resort to walk around and take in. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat. As in- please take me back... now.

The Mega World of Disney World Resort Options

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 15:58:00 +0000

When it comes to planning your Disney World Vacation- there is no shortage of hotels to choose from. In fact, there are over 25 choices just glaring at you, waiting for you to make the perfect choice. Do you want something fancy, beach themed, sport themed? Do you want your family to stay in a place that reminds you of your favorite Disney movie? Do you want to wake up in a lodge that makes you feel like you're at a historic National Park? Do you want lots of Disney theming staring you in the face? A little? Do you want to see zebras out the window? (Yes, that's an option). Do you want to feel like you're in Hawaii... New Orleans... Key West... Coney Island at the turn of the century? And did you know you can even camp at Disney World if you want?! I mean, they have seriously thought of everything.

The first thing when deciding which resort to book is to look at your budget. How much are you willing to spend on what you want? Is this a once in a lifetime trip and you're willing to spend more for the hotel of your dreams? Or are you a Florida resident who's just looking for a quick weekend away? Are you celebrating a special occasion? Do you have multiple families coming? Are you planning on spending all your time in the parks or are you looking to have some relaxing resort pool days? These types of questions will help you narrow down what you're looking for in a hotel.

There are also different tiers of resorts to choose from: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas.

The Value resorts are the most affordable Disney Resorts and they include: Art of Animation, Pop Century, All Star Sports, All Star Music, and All Star Movies Resorts. The value resorts will be the easiest on your wallet but they will also be lacking the most in amenities, have lots of people, and be the furthest from the parks. (In case you didn't know- Walt Disney World is huge and depending on where you're staying, you will need transportation to get to most, if not all, of the parks you wish to visit). Thankfully, Disney offers free transportation to all of the parks for Walt Disney World Resort guests. With that however, due to the large amount of guests at these resorts, you may be waiting for a while in the bus line. Art of Animation and Pop Century do also have access to Disney's Skyliner though (for access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios)! A huge plus and your kids will probably like riding the Skyliner just as much as they like going on rides if they're anything like my kids.

A few other pros and cons: The value resorts also do not have sit down restaurants, water slides, or hot tubs. Art of Animation's Finding Nemo pool however is a favorite among kiddos (as is the heavy Disney theming and family suite options).

The Moderate resorts are the middle tier Disney World Resorts and they include: Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, Caribbean Beach Resort, and Coronado Springs. While the moderate resorts do not have elevators at all of their resorts, they do have slightly larger rooms and more amenities (think horse drawn carriages, boat and bike rentals, etc... ). They also offer a sit down restaurant option, bar/ lounge and more counter service menu options than the value resorts. Most of the French Quarter rooms were also just refurbished (who doesn't like a new room?). Caribbean Beach Resort is also on the Skyliner route (easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios).

The Deluxe resorts are the top tier of Disney World Resorts and offer the most amenities and food options. They include Disney's Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Polynesian Village, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk Inn and Animal Kingdom Lodge. I'm also going to include the Deluxe Villas in this category. They include Disney's Saratoga Springs & Spa, Old Key West, Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Animal Kingdom Villas, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge, the Riviera, Boardwalk Villas, Bay Lake Tower, the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian, Beach Club Villas, and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort.

The Deluxe resorts also have elevators (except for Old Key West) and multiple options for pools, dining (both restaurant & quick service), and transportation (except Animal Kingdom and some of the DVC villa options). Access to bus transportation is also easier to access and generally has shorter wait times. We stayed at Beach Club Resort in August and only had to wait for a second bus once- which at Disney World, is saying something. Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk Inn are all within walking distance to Epcot (amazing!) and a short boat ride or Skyliner trip to Hollywood Studios. The Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary all have monorail access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. You can take a boat or bus from Wilderness Lodge to Magic Kingdom. The multiple transportation options are so nice and really make a difference.

In addition to larger rooms, beautiful interiors, and nicer pools, the Deluxe resorts also have the major perk of extended evening hours at select parks throughout the week! All Disney World Resort guest get the benefit of half hour early entry to the parks, but only Deluxe Resort guests get the added bonus of extended evening hours. We lined ours up with our day at Magic Kingdom and the wait times just plummet. It was amazing.

As you can see- there are a lot to choose from and I didn't even hit everything in this post. But that's why using a travel agent like myself can help. I have first hand knowledge on each of the hotels and can help you find the resort that best fits your needs and within your budget. My services are also completely, 100% free- so what are you waiting for?

7 Meal Delivery Companies Reviewed

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:00:00 +0000

I was going to do a separate blog post for each meal delivery service we tried... but yeah... who was I kidding? I don't have the time for that, and you probably don't have the time to read 7 separate blog posts just to find out which one was the best. So I'm going to lay it out all right here quickly, to the point, and hopefully more efficiently.

Over the course of a year, my family tried Hello Fresh, Green Chef, Blue Apron, Home Chef, Sunbasket, Plated & Terra's Kitchen. Some we enjoyed so much that we tried it for multiple weeks, others we just did once. We don't have the budget to do one of these every week, but for those weeks where I knew we were going to be super busy- they came in super handy. I think they're also great for new moms (or to gift to a new mom) who has her hands full and could really use a quick, meal- because all of the meals generally never take more than a 30-45 minutes to make, the ingredients are all laid out for you, and there are step by step picture instructions included for each meal.

Also, if you want to try each meal delivery service before choosing on one, I believe every company can be easily canceled online. Or you can always skip or pause your account as well while you try different companies to see which one fits best for you and your family as well.

I've already reviewed Hello Fresh and Home Chef in detail- you can read about them here and here.

So here we got with the other 5:

Plated: Plated was the first company we tried. A friend of mine had a coupon for us to try it for free, and although I was skeptical and scared I was going to forget to cancel for future weeks, if we didn't like it, I decided to try it. And let's just say it got us hooked. Plated wasn't my favorite of the 7 but it also wasn't bad. I also wouldn't say any of them were bad- we just had ones we liked more than others. I also still continue to make one of the recipes we got from them- my husband loved it. I would say the portions were probably too small for him though.

Coupon/ Deal: If you'd like to try Plated for yourself, they're currently offering a deal where you can try one night free here

Green Chef: Green Chef was both mine and my husband's favorite. We ordered it several times and each time loved everything we got. I believe they are also the most expensive of the group, go figure :)

Coupon/ Deal: Through this link, you can currently get 4 meals free (which equals to about $50 off your first order!).

Sunbasket: Sunbasket was also in our top 3. The quality of ingredients these companies use is unbelievable. I was really impressed that we were generally receiving organic fruits and veggies and high quality, natural meats from almost all of these companies.

Coupon/ Deal: First 3 meals free through by clicking here

Blue Apron: Blue Apron was the company I was most familiar with upon starting this journey. While I had never personally tried it before, I had gifted it to family members and talked to friends who used them quite frequently. It was also the most affordable meal delivery service by far. We liked the meals we received but not enough to order again at the time. We may try them again in the future, I do think it's kind of hard to judge off of only 1 week, and again- the price point is nice.

Coupon/ Deal: I believe they're giving away 3 free meals as well here

Terra's Kitchen: Terra's Kitchen was the second company we tried. And let's just say- coolest delivery box goes to them! It comes in a like a mini refrigerator thing with drawers- as someone who loves cool packaging I was definitely excited :) Their meals were very healthy- and a bit too small for my husband who came home on the daily from 10 hours rafting out on the river. But they did offer a ton of different meal options which I loved. I'm not sure if they're doing any deals at the moment but you can find out more about their service here.

The Great Meal DeliveryJourney: Hello Fresh Review & Coupon Code

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 11:30:00 +0000

Our next stop on the Great Meal Delivery Journey is Hello Fresh. Hello Fresh is the company Jamie Oliver has partnered with and I think you can tell. The ingredients are fresh, delicious, and easy to make. Just check out the spread below- yum...

I think we ordered from Hello Fresh about 3-4 times. We obviously liked it lol

You have the option of choosing between a Classic, Veggie, or Family Box. We did Classic each time and there was always plenty of food for the two of us. They also send you an apron with your first box which is pretty cool... I like free stuff :)

It's also really easy to put your subscription on hold if you're going on vacation or cancel it if you're unhappy with it. Everything is done online which I love.

There wasn't really anything that we disliked about Hello Fresh. I think we were missing 1 potato from one of our boxes once but that was it.

Meals typically range around $70 a week but if you follow this link and enter the coupon code ZXM8K4 at checkout- you can try it for $30 instead with free shipping included. So that will be 3 meals for 2 people for $30 with free shipping- it's a win/ win :)

This review is not in any way associated with or sponsored by Hello Fresh. All of the opinions are my own.

FREE George Foreman Grill

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 20:46:00 +0000

FREE George Foreman Grill for new TopCashBack members! Just click here. If you're new to TopCashBack it's absolutely free to join and similar to ebates (where you simply access their site first before making a purchase elsewhere and they give you cash back on your purchase).

Once you sign up and click the pink "Get Cashback" button, just make sure to add nothing else to your cart or you'll only get a percentage back as opposed to the total amount for the grill. It takes a couple weeks but once the company has verified your purchase, the money will show up in your account and you can either get it deposited directly into your checking, send it to your Paypal, or get an Amazon gift card for the amount.

Let me know if you have any questions! :)

The Great Meal Delivery Journey: Home Chef Review

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 11:30:00 +0000

I decided to go on a quest a while back to find the best meal delivery service. It's crazy how many are really out there and I think we've been having meals shipped to our house for over 2 months now... kind of crazy... and awesome.

One of the first meal delivery services that we tried was Home Chef... I actually think it was the 3rd- but line- up doesn't really matter right? ANYWAYS- Here's what I thought about their service.

First off, I loved that they sent their recipes with a binder. You get so many giant recipe cards with each meal delivery service and this is the only one so far that I've come across that give you something to put them in. Thank- you

Secondly, I loved the quantity of food they give you. I think they also win in this department. Some of the meal delivery services left us hungry afterwards but Home Chef was definitely not one of them.

Thirdly, I loved that each recipe card said how many days our ingredients would stay fresh. This was not common among the other companies and something that really comes in handy if you can't cook all of your meal immediately.

Finally, I loved the idea behind each of the recipes. Our 3 meals included Flavors of Buffalo Bleu Cheese Chicken Breast with Buffalo Cauliflower and Arugula salad, Chicken Marsala with Buttery Garlic Mushroom Sauce, and Texas- Style Steak on Toast with Red Onion Gravy & Smashed Red Potatoes. They all sound delicious right?

The downsides for me:

One, and this is a small one- but the pictures on the recipe cards were horrible. They were way oversaturated and looked like something out of Napoleon Dynamite. The photo of our steak dinner above looks better and it was taken with my phone... at night. Again- I realize this is a small complaint but something I think they could definitely improve upon.

Secondly- the meals were not my favorite of everything we tried. They weren't bad at all. But they were lacking a bit in... I don't know... something. I guess they just tasted average in terms of flavor... like something you'd get at a chain restaurant

But overall, it was a really great experience. I also only tried them for two weeks so my experience is solely based on that.

If you'd like to try Home Chef for yourself, click here to get $30 off your 1st week's worth of meals. That's 3 meals for 2 people for about $30- not a bad deal :)

This review is not paid for or sponsored by Home Chef in any way. All of the opinions are my own.

Pampers Swaddlers on Sale Today

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 16:38:00 +0000

Pampers Swaddlers on sale today on Amazon. You can get a box of 216 for about $28. Make sure to clip the $3 off coupon and then sign up for subscribe and save (and be an Amazon Family member which is free) to get an additional 20% off. Click here to go straight to the deal.

FREE LARGE TIDE DETERGENT!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 18:20:00 +0000

New TopCashBack Members can get a FREE 89 load bottle of Tide Laundry Detergent while supplies last. If you're not a member you can join for free here. Just make sure not to purchase anything else during this transaction or you'll only get a percentage back, as opposed to the total amount of the detergent. You can also choose free store pick-up or if you have the shipping pass it ships free!

FREE KIND BAR

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 17:55:00 +0000

Celebrate someone being kind and give them a FREE Kind Bar! It's super easy and will brighten someone's day. Click here to send them some happiness

Parasol Diaper Review + Coupon

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 18:50:00 +0000

Many of you with children have probably seen an ad for Parasol diapers and wipes show up on either your IG or Facebook feeds. They are a subscription based service like the Honest company that offers an alternative to the regular diapers on the market. Because they were offering a free trial with only $3 shipping- I decided to try them out for Magnolia.

First off, their packaging is adorable. Even the box everything comes in has cute white waves dancing across the entire perimeter. Secondly, I loved the designs on the diapers.She received a mix of 2 different designs divided between 8 diapers. And those diapers really are super soft. They definitely have an extra cushy factor that Magnolia seemed to like. They were also super absorbent. I used them both during the day time and night for her and she never had a leak. I think the only downfall is they tended to sag a bit after a while, but really not all that bad.

The package also came with a 20 pack of wipes that were great and had a very light and pleasant smell.

If anyone wants to try them for yourself, you can sign up for a free trial here. Or if you'd like $20 off your first subscription, give me your email address and I'll send you a specialized link.

Have you tried the Parasol wipes yet? If so, what did you think?

Happy Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 20:09:00 +0000

It's the weekend y'all! These next few days are filled with baby showers, birthday parties, work, church and family time and we couldn't be looking forward to it more. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend as well! See you next week!

Image via Pinterest

FREE Charmin Toilet Paper Today Only!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 19:44:00 +0000

Today TopCashback is offering FREE Charmin Toilet Paper via Walmart through this link. If your'e not a TopCashback member no worries- it's free to join. I already got my free detergent in the mail yesterday that I posted about a couple days ago, and my free Fabric Softener in the mail that I ordered yesterday- craziness. So free items with free 1-2 days shipping... I don't understand it- but I love free things shipped to my door for free... and the next day :)

Once you've joined or if you're already a member, then click the pink Get Cashback button and it will take you straight to the item.

Make sure to only have the one item when your'e checking out or else you'll get the normal 6% back instead of the total amount for the Charmin toilet paper. Like similar sites, the money will be deposited back into your account- usually anywhere from 2 weeks to a month. But hey- it ends up being free so who cares

Also, Walmart is currently offering a 30 day free trial for their 2 day shipping pass so if you enroll in that (the first 30 days are free and you can cancel at any time)- then it's all free! You can request free store pick up or pay the shipping fee if you'd like.

Let me know if you have any questions. I've already gotten a free giant pack of diapers this way as well.

Camping with Toddlers

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 16:14:00 +0000

I have to admit that I wasn't exactly looking forward to our first time camping with Magnolia. I absolutely love camping- and I obviously absolutely love my daughter- but since she's not a huge fan of sleeping anywhere other than her crib- I really thought it was going to be a rough night for all of us.

But it was Father's Day and I knew my husband really wanted to go so we decided to just go for it. And I'm so thankful we did! Magnolia did great! She loves being outdoors to begin with and being outdoors non- stop was just pure heaven for her.

We headed out to the campground by Granite Hot Springs just south of Jackson. It's one of our favorite places to car camp and there was surprisingly barely anyone there.

My husband making some kid friendly dinner for us: hot dogs over the fire :)

The only thing that Magnolia was not a big fan of was the fire. She basically hates all things that are hot or warm so when we tried to all relax and sit around the fire it was as if we'd ask Superman to plop down in front of a giant heap of kryptonite. Not going to happen. So no s'mores for us

And although it took much longer than usual for her to go to bed. We both just went to bed together once it was dark (which is around 10pm around here) and after about maybe 45min- 1 hour she was out. I consider this a success since I've heard horror stories of babies and toddlers staying up til the wee hours of the morning crying. And she was basically giggling and squirming around until she fell asleep so it was at least pleasant :)

To help, I thought I'd throw out some of the things that helped us in camping with a toddler.

1) Bring kid friendly food. Camp food I feel like is already pretty kid friendly but it doesn't hurt just to throw it out there. We had hot dogs & chips for dinner and scrambled eggs, potatoes & fresh fruit for breakfast. We also brought lots of munchies

2. Bring extra clothing. I generally pack Magnolia an extra outfit on outings but you may want to pack a couple more and for different types of weather. She got really dirty. Sitting on the ground, playing with dirt, moving dirt from one chair to the next. And then mix that with campfire soot, spilled food, bug spray, juice, and sunscreen- it can just get to be a little messy lol. Plus temperatures can change so drastically from day to night- it never hurts to bring a little extra... their clothes are small anyways. AND- If you're camping in bear prone areas like we do, you want to make sure that when they go to bed they have absolutely no trace of food left on them

3. I would also suggest bringing an extra pair of shoes for them. We only brought 1 which was fine but if you're near water and their shoes get wet- it could be pretty miserable during the evening/ early night.

4. Bring something comforting for bed time. I brought 2 of the stuffed animals my daughter sleeps with and it seemed to at least help her understand what the purpose of the tent was haha

5. Bring kid friendly bug spray and sunscreen. I don't know about where y'all are- but we have a ton of mosquitoes right now!

6. Make sure to also bring kid sized camping chairs & bear spray (if you're camping where there are bears)

7. We also brought one of our backpacking therm-a-rests for her to sleep on and lots of blankets in case it got cold- which it did. I gave her my sleeping bag which is good for temps down to 20 degrees. And I took her Frozen blankets... which coincidentally enough I froze in. So we'll be getting her a an adequate sleeping bag

7. Other than that, I'd just say keep your expectations low and have a great time. We had such a great time on Magnolia's first camping trip and really look forward to going again soon

FREE Laundry Detergent Today Only!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 17:37:00 +0000

Today only, Walmart is offering FREE Tide Laundry Detergent and free shipping to all TopCashback members. If you're not a member, it's free and you can sign up here.

Once you're a member, simply click on this link and click on the pink Get Cashback button. Purchase the detergent through Walmart's website- and then the money will be deposited into your TopCashback Account. Easy Peasy. I love free d

Boxed.com Review & Coupon

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 20:08:00 +0000

Living out in a rural area, I do a lot of our family's shopping online. Thankfully we live in a day and age where that's completely possible. Even so, I still want a good deal. I don't want to pay for shipping. And I generally want some sort of coupon code before I'll ever make a purchase. Boxed.com is one of the recent companies I've tried out. They sell large quantities at generally wholesale prices. I've seen some that are more than on other websites but I've also found really good deals on their site.

The first time I ordered from Boxed I was able to score a gift card for their site at 40% off on Gilt.com. Huzzah! So I placed an order with them that afternoon and that night my order had already shipped- I think it showed up 2-3 days later- with free shipping... count me impressed. Unfortunately a giant bag of trail mix that I ordered for my husband had a slit through it and there was trail mix everywhere. But their customer service was awesome and after a couple emails- everything was squared away and I had a credit on their site.

The next time I ordered everything was perfect. Order again arrived in days and not a thing was wrong with it. Their packaging is really bright and happy as well... which I'm obviously a fan of.

Some of my favorite deals off Boxed right now are:

The Live Better Coconut Water (24 boxes for $13.99!)

Old Fashioned Quaker Oats (10lbs for $9.99)

Ziploc Sandwich Bags:(Sandwich 500 for 9.99)

Ghirardelli Brownie Mix (6 packs for $9.99)

Sriracha (28oz. for $2.39)

Honest Kids Organic Juice Drinks (40 for $14.99)

Annie's Homegrown Organic Mac n Cheese (12 boxes for $13.19)

Saran Cling Plus Plastic Wrap (400 sq ft for $3.49)

They offer Free (and fast!) Shipping on all orders over $50 and you can currently get $10 off your first order by entering the coupon code AM4Q9 at checkout!

Have you used Boxed? What did you think?

This review was not sponsored by Boxed.com in any way. All opinions are my own.

The Perfect Summer Breakfast: Overnight Oats

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 22:38:00 +0000

This recipe for an Overnight Oat Sensation is a favorite breakfast of both me and my husband at the moment. It's super easy, healthy, and filling.

Recipe:

1) Add 1/2 cup of milk (I used almond milk but you can use whatever) to 1/2 cup uncooked Old Fashioned Oats

2) Layer on your favorite fruit, nuts, yogurt or other toppings ( I typically do bananas, blueberries, almonds, organic shredded coconut, raisins, Chia seeds, & local honey)

3) Chill overnight

You can do as many variations as you like. And there's a ton more on the Quaker Oats website here

Happy Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 14:19:00 +0000

Happy Friday/ National Donut Day! I hope your weekend is just as sweet as these delicious treats above!

Image from Studio DIY

Thrive Market Review + Coupon

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 16:51:00 +0000

Thrive Market is an online retailer that sells wholesome food and wholesale prices. I tried them when they had a promotion going on and we absolutely love them! Everything comes beautifully packaged and both of our shipments thus far have arrived very quickly. The prices are awesome as well. I also love that they offer free shipping on all orders over $49 (can't remember the last time I spent less than that when grocery shopping) and you also get a free item! What?! We've gotten both Chipotle Lime Mayo (my husband loves it!) and Avocado Oil Mayo (which we are also now fans of!). I see them giving free Coconut Oil a lot as well and Justin's Almond Butter (something I definitely want!)

If you'd like to give Thrive Market a try, you can get 15% off your first order by signing up through this link- and don't forget you'll also get Free Shipping on orders over $49- plus a free item as well! This is a win/ win if I ever saw one.

Some of our favorite products so far: Salted Snappea Crips, Mango Slices, Clif Kid Fruit Ropes, Quinoa Pasta, Creamy Dark Roasted Peanut Butter, & these Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Also, for each person who signs up for a membership, they give a free one to a family in need- love it! Healthy Food. Wholesale Prices. Pretty Packaging. Quick Shipping. And they help others? We're fans