You know how some people make the best chocolate chip cookies?  When you think of that person, you think chocolate chip?  My aunt makes incredible gingersnaps.  Soft, chewy, delicious.  Well, I have a signature cookie, too.  Mine is the homemade oreo.  People know I’m going to bring these to various gatherings.  And they’re always a hit – I never have any to bring home with me!  I’ve seen variations of this recipe, but I’m telling you, this is THE ONE.  The key is using shortening, not oil.  I know, just the thought of these ingredients makes me kind of ill.  Just ignore it.  They’re worth it!

I received no compensation for this post.

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This Imaginetics Construction Magnet Board is perfect to keep my little one busy and entertained.  And I love that it’s reusable, unlike a sheet of stickers.  Of course, he’s even more enamored with it since it is all things construction.  He talks about the digger, the dump truck, and the cement truck as he places them on the board.  He loves putting little rocks into the back of the dump truck.  He likes to drive them across the board, too.  What do I love about it?  Well, of course I like that he loves it.  But I love that it’s perfectly portable.  We fold it up and throw it in our diaper bag.  It’s perfect for church because it’s quiet and doesn’t interrupt everyone else.  It’s such a fun, simple toy, but perfect for our little one.  I’m now going to have to look at the other sets and see which ones he’d like to add to our church bag!

You can buy the Imaginetics Construction Magnet Board from the International Playthings online store for your own creative fun with magnets. The magnet board retails for $7.99

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I received an Imaginetics Construction Magnet Board in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed above are my own. Any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

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During my consultation with the orthodontist, I learned all about wearing braces and the uncomfortable issues that would arise while wearing them.  Specifically, the sores that may develop in the inside of my mouth where the braces would rub.  My orthodontist asked me if I played a musical instrument.  I proudly told him I played the flute.  It was then that he told me that I may have trouble when I got braces.  I would have to adjust my mouth to compensate and it may be sore for awhile.

Here I am at around that age, not smiling. Since I didn’t get braces I never show my teeth.

Unfortunately, (or fortunately for 11 year old me) I didn’t get braces.  I’m not sure exactly why my parents decided against it, but my adolescent self always thought it was because it would hurt to play the flute.  Oh, I wish we had Invisalign Clear braces when I was little!  Invisalign Teen would have been perfect for me.  If I got braces today, I would definitely opt for Invisalign.

Invisalign clear braces can be taken off to brush your teeth and eat.  I always remember my friend Cheryl saying no to certain foods because she didn’t want to break her braces.  She also had to be extra vigilant when brushing her teeth, to make sure that she got everything off and around her braces.  She brushed after every single meal.  Invisalign can be taken off to eat, brush and even floss, and then are easily put back on.

3 Facts About Invisalign Clear Braces

Here are 3 really cool facts about Invisalign, for more information you can visit them here.

• Invisalign Teen lets that cool kid in your life literally watch their smile improve.  Patients start to see improvement within 90 days.
• Invisalign patients spend less time in the Orthodontist’s chair.  Less office visits are needed, the appointments are shorter and there are no “emergency” appointments for broken wires.
• Invisalign uses digital scanning to take dental impressions.  No need to gag on the nasty mold.  The scans are used to create the Invisalign trays that you or your Invisalign Teen will use throughout the entire process.

Adults and teens now have a modern choice for straightening their teeth.  No more wires and brackets required–Invisalign is the clear alternative to metal braces that uses a series of virtually invisible and removable aligners that gradually move teeth overtime.  The benefits include no food restrictions, ability to easily maintain healthy dental brushing habits, minimal interference with sports or other activities, and teeth get straightened without most people knowing you are in treatment.  Visit the Invisalign website for more information about the clear alternative to braces.

Have you or someone you’ve known used Invisalign?  And if so, what was their experience?

I will receive a gift card in exchange for  this post. The opinions expressed above are my own.

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Before

Decorating a Small Bathroom – Makeover

After

I LOVE the teal color of my curtains, so I went ahead and bought some paint that color! Most things in my house are pretty neutral, but I’ve always been a believer that bathrooms are the perfect place to that extra “POP” of color! That effect alone was amazingly pleasing. Then I took out that huge mirror, and put up a single framed mirror. Then I was able to hang my super cute bathroom photos on either side, and of course one in with the tub. Getting rid of the standard light fixture literally brought me glee! Whoot! And last but not least, wayne’s coating. Oh my, that is by far my most favorite thing ever! **hint, hint for the master suite ** I would love to put in a hand towel rack, and some baskets in with the shower for the towels, plus switching out the faucet, but in time those will be done. I adore my new bathroom, and it was such little effort! I feel so lively with the fun colors, and freshness of the white coating.

Disclosure: No products or compensation received.
Topics: decorating a small bathroom, bathroom makeover, bathroom decoration ideas

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I am absolutely in love with this adorable Zebra Print Hanging Toiletry Kit from Travelon!  I’ve mentioned before how I love cute things.  But also, that I love things that are practical, too.  And this fashionable toiletry kit serves both of those purposes for me!  Truthfully, I haven’t had a chance to travel anywhere since I’ve gotten this toiletry kit, but I’ve transferred all of my travel products from my old, multiple toiletry kits into this kit, and even that excites me!  :)  This bag is the perfect size – it’s still small enough that I don’t feel like I’m lugging the entire bathroom around, but big enough to actually fit all my stuff into one bag!  I’m not a high-maintenance girl, but once you pack some make-up, toothbrush/supplies, lotion, hair products, your razor, etc., you find yourself out of room.  I love that there are multiple compartments, and different zippered areas (7, to be precise!).  There are elastic loops that hold bottles upright.  And I love that it has a hook so I can hang it from the back of a hotel bathroom door, instead of completely monopolizing a tiny countertop.  In fact, I don’t know how I’m going to fill it up!  Besides, look how awesomely cute that is!

You can buy Travelon bags from their online store.  The Zebra Prints Hanging Toiletry Kit retails for $50.00.

Win a Travelon Zebra Prints Hanging Toiletry Kit!

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I received a Travelon Zebra Prints Hanging Toiletry Kit in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed above are my own. Any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

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When we got this 30-Piece Chubbies Bucket Set, he practically squealed with joy!  He’s become quite accustomed to me receiving packages, and as soon as I pulled it inside he said, “Mine!  Open it!”  I pulled the bucket out and he could see the pictures on front.  He clapped and said, “Cars!”  Then he realized there was so much more in there when I dumped it out.  He excitedly started naming everything in there.  ”Airplanes, diggers, cars, trucks, helicopters, boats!”  He immediately set to work organizing, since that’s what compulsive little son does.  He separated them into vehicle type.  Then he pointed out all the different colors.  And my favorite part?  When he finally finished his organization, he began his imaginative pretend play.  The airplanes and helicopters flew around, complete with sound effects.  The diggers were attached to the little trailers and he began digging the carpet.  He did have to make a train out of all the cars, too, and loved that they attached to each other.  Since that day, these toys have been an absolute hit!  He comes up to me everyday and says, “Open bucket please.”  They are sturdy, high quality toys and are perfect for his little hands.  And they are totally toddler friendly without a choking hazard, or sharp edges to poke his sweet little hands.  If you have a vehicle lover in your house, this bucket set is the perfect gift!

You can buy a 30 Piece Chubbies Bucket Set from Vikingtoys from Amazon.  It retails for $45.00.

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I received a 30 Piece Chubbies Bucket Set from Vikingtoys in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed above are my own. Any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

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We would always travel out to the sand dunes and take along motorcycles and spend a long weekend or so out camping. My grandparents would follow along and come with us. They would always cook us pancakes for breakfast and they were always SO good! This is another one of our memories that we are always talking about, how we need to take another RV trip just for his pancakes! My husband shared his experiences growing up and taking family vacations starting in Washington and making their way through Idaho, Montana and on to Wyoming to visit their grandparents. They had so many cool stops planned along their route including a trip to Yellowstone.

As our kids have grown, vacationing has become a lot more stressful. It’s difficult and really expensive to plan a trip when you have to consider airplane tickets for four kids, rental cars, hotel room large enough to fit us all, and the nightmare of trying to get everything through the airport. The first and last whole day of the vacation are completely lost on the stress of the airport and just trying to get to the destination. In an RV, all the time spent traveling is part of the adventure and fun of the trip. You can take a laid back approach and make stops at cool attractions all along your route and only drive as much as you can handle in a day.

We decided it was time to start building the same type of great memories with our family. We ended up purchasing a towable RV this month and we are planning a six-week long vacation with our boys for this summer! I am so excited to take a step back from the busy day-to-day life we live in and slow things down a bit with my family! My husband actually already took our RV out just this past weekend on a Fathers and Sons camp-out and they had a great time!

There are so many benefits of traveling with an RV like having a bathroom with you wherever you go. With a 2.5 year old in tow this is so helpful! You just get to travel with your own space knowing you have all that you need and a familiar place to sleep each night rather then trying to unload and then pack back up your hotel during your vacation. RVs are also so nice because you have your own full kitchen so you can cook and eat more like you would at home saving you tons of money over eating at restaurants during your trip and keeping you healthier, too.

GoRVing.com is a website that can help you find what type of RV might be right for you as well as tons of other information to get you started. I found their what to pack list and directions for setting up your campsite tip sheets so helpful!

Did your family have an RV growing up? What is your favorite or funniest memory from past RV trips?

I will receive a gift card in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed above are my own. Participation in this campaign in no way compensated me or encouraged me to purchase an RV, our past memories did that all on their own.

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Looking to spice up your relationship?  Wondering how to bring the spark back in a relationship?  Spicy Subscriptions Spice Box provides unique ideas for couples and ideas for the bedroom.  The Spice Box is a monthly gift for yourself and your partner to have fun in the bedroom.  You’ll receive a curated collection of Romance, Intimacy, & Beauty products hand-picked from their Spice Shop.  It contains Romantic Gifts and an assortment of Intimate Items, Massage Oils, Sexy Lingerie, Romantic Fragrances, and more!  Try out your Spicy Subscriptions today and spice up your love life – Get your discreetly packaged box of romance full of unique products each month delivered straight to your door!

I feel strongly about the importance of intimacy in a marriage.  It can really enhance a strong bond between husband and wife, and help foster a happy, healthy marriage.  That said, intimacy can mean all sorts of things – like taking a walk together (just the 2 of you!), a nice massage, a bubble bath, curling up together and just talking, or kissing!  Spicy Subscriptions includes all sorts of fun products that can help promote intimacy.  And they’re just plain fun!  You’ll receive 1 “flirty” item, 2-3 full sized products, and 3-6 trial sized products.  The bath & body products we received smell absolutely delicious and are completely luxurious!  So surprise your husband by ordering Spicy Subscriptions – he (and you) won’t be disappointed!

You can subscribe to Spicy Subscriptions today by going to their online store.  A Premium Spice Box is $24.95 a month, and the Deluxe Spice Box is $34.95 a month.  You can get 5% off your order by using the promo code amomstake - so spice up your life today!

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I received a Deluxe Spice Box in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed above are my own. Any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

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