National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day (April 30)

This post has been provided by our friends at Found Animals Foundation! 

Do you believe in love at first sight?  An overwhelming number of people do …when it comes to adopted pets, that is.  While less than half believe it can happen with a partner, 70% have experienced love at first sight firsthand with a pet. In honor of National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day (April 30), Michelson Found Animals Foundation conducted a Survey Monkey survey of 1,000 people – below are the findings:

Shelters are busting at the seams with loveable new friends - for more information on adopting shelter pets, go to foundanimals.org.

Plant Based Burritos from Alpha Burritos

When it comes to seeking out the quick meal and snack ideas in my house, I find that we have a variety of likes and dislikes. This includes my picky eater who rarely eats the vegetables we put in front of him to my teen who is a vegetarian, giving me two complete opposite palates to prepare meals for. With both, I find that when it comes to those busy evenings where those quick meals are what is on the menu or those snacks for the weekends are needed, that finding something that everyone can enjoy can be a issue. So when we were introduced to the line of plant based burritos from Alpha Burritos, I was curious to not only share them with my daughter who does not eat meat, but also with my picky eater who is not a fan of vegetables, and see what they both think of the products.

First off, I like that the selection of Alpha Burritos are found easily at my local Walmart store in the frozen foods isle, and that they come individually wrapped. I find that having them wrapped individually is great for not only those quick meals during busy week nights, but also for those weekends when we are on the go and need quick and easy foods to take with us on our adventures. The burritos are simple to heat up, and with 11 grams of protein in each burrito, I can feel good about my daughter eating them knowing she is getting some of the protein she needs to help balance her vegetarian diet. Then when it comes to the big test, the taste factor, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my teen enjoyed each flavor, which gives us more options when finding meals for her to enjoy. I was also surprised to find that my picky eater enjoyed the Mexicali burrito and had no idea that the burrito is 100% plant based, which gives me another option to go with when seeking out ways to give him more variety in his meals! Making the Alpha Burritos from Alpha Foods a great choice to go with when seeking out plant based foods that are not only a quick and easy to grab and go option, but full of flavor, a choice that you and your family are sure to enjoy!



I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

Give Mom Something Personalized: A Hand Soap from Mysoftsoap.com

With mother’s day around the corner we are all looking for just the right gift to show mom how much she is loved and appreciated. While the classics like a well-thought-out message in a card or a pretty bouquet are bound to work almost every time, there are many other options which hit the mark for uniqueness and thoughtfulness along with being light on the wallet. One of such options would be creating a custom-designed and personalized hand soap for mom at mysoftsoap.com.

We all know and love the Softsoap brand for making quality products that keep our hands and body clean and smelling good. They have now gone one step further by making it dead simple to create your own personalized soap by choosing your own fragrance, design, photo and text. We tried it out ourselves and the website was very easy to navigate and had our customized soap bottles created and ordered within minutes (the longest step was choosing the right picture to go on there!) The process just has three simple steps: 

Step 1: Select a Formula: Options include Wild Basil & Lime, Peony & Plum or Jasmine & Mint

Step 2: Select a Design: Choose a layout and pattern

Step 3: Make It Yours: Upload a photo and text

The actual product arrived at our doorstep within a couple of days and we couldn’t have been happier with how cute the bottle looked. We see many refills for that bottle in the future. Also, we have a feeling we might have to fight our little ones for which bathroom the soap should be in. A personalized soap can make a great gift on many occasions: we can see it’s appeal for moms, dads, grandparents and any other loved one who would appreciate something to remember you by.

 
Lucky for us, just in time for this mother’s day the good folks at mysoftsoap.com are offering all of our amazing readers 10% off when you use the code MK10 at checkout. So hurry and order soon to get these in time to make the mom(s) in your life happy!

Product received, thank you to mysoftsoap.com, as well as the PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

Maze Runner: The Death Cure

When it comes to the movies nights in my home, we not only enjoy family movie nights with the whole family, but also the date night ins where my husband and I might watch a movie together, or the times where my teen and I might watch a movie together that we can not watch with the younger kids. The times with my teen are ones that both she and I enjoy, it gives us a chance to hang out, talk about life, read books we might come across together, and watch those new movies that both she and I are excited to see. And like many who have enjoyed the Maze Runner series of books and movies, we were excited for the newest movie from the series, Maze Runner: The Death Cure to come out for us to watch at home. So when we were sent a copy of the new movie, Maze Runner: The Death Cure to review, we were excited to watch it together as we continue reading the books from the Maze Runner series together!

In this movie, we get the final installment of that epic Maze Runner series, where we get Thomas and other escaped Gladers, as they embark on their final mission. The team must save their friends but in order to do so they have to get into Last City, where they find a maze unlike any others they have come across. This maze has more obstacles and dangers that can be found, but is one that if they can make it out alive, they will find the answers to the questions that they have been asking since they first arrived in the mazes. Giving us a very suspenseful, action packed movie that is the perfect addition to any Maze Runner fan's collection. Along with the movie itself, we found that when you bring home the Blu-Ray combo pack, you not only get the movie along with all of the amazing features and other bonus material, but you can also get an exclusive 24 page comic book that is written by the screen writer! Making the choice to bring home the new movie, Maze Runner: The Death Cure to share with the Maze Runner fans in your home, a choice that they will be glad you made!



Product received, thank you to Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainmet as well as the PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

Update Mom's Space this Mother's Day

Mothers Day is coming and like many out there, I find that now is the time to start getting those gifts together for mom. For me, I have learned that when it comes to shopping for those gifts for mom, there are so many options to choose from. From the personalized and handmade gifts to the sweet treats and flowers, the options seem to be endless. So when I was sent some very pretty silk roses from Silk Plants Direct, I found that they are not only a great option to go with, but can help when it comes to updating mom's space this Mother's Day!

See with the variety of decorative plants that you can find at Silk Flowers Direct, you can find the plant styles and colors you are seeking that can really make all the difference when looking to add some color to just about any space. And with Mother's Day coming in just a little over 2 weeks, beginning those updates to mom's space now, gives you plenty of time to seek out those items needed to complete the project you choose to take on in time for Mother's Day. These items include the plants like the silk roses I was sent, which come with 2 sets, already in the vases and ready to be gifted or placed out. I also found that along with the the silk plants that make for great selections to help offer that fresh look to any space, that updating the walls in that space with the CSI Wall Panels, can really create a whole new look. 

With the wall panels that you can get from CSI Wall Panels, you can find a variety of options to choose from. These include the 3D Wall Panels, wood veneers, and ceiling panels that can completely change and update those spaces for mom. Which when paired with the various plants and silk flowers that you can find at Silk Flowers Direct, can make that update to mom's space, an update she is sure to appreciate. So as you look for those gifts and projects to take on for Mother's Day this year, be sure to check out the selection of silk plants found at Silk Flowers Direct and the variety of wall panel ideas you can find at CSI Wall Panels.




Product received, thank you to CSI Wall Panels as well as the PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

Family-Friendly Garden Water Features

Water features are a wonderful way to create a tranquil atmosphere in your garden. When you have a young family, you need to make sure that they are safe around the water though. On average 815 children a year die from unintentional drowning - some of these due to garden ponds and other landscaping features. When you are choosing water features for your garden, or adapting existing ones, it is essential that these are family friendly, and secure. 

 

Water Fountains

Water fountains create a peaceful sound in your garden, and are beautiful to look at. Rather than installing a conventional fountain, a wall-mounted water fountain is a safe alternative for children. These can be placed indoors, in conservatory spaces, or outside on the side of a wall. This means that they can fit in even the smallest of gardens, perfect if you only have a small patio space to work with. Birds and insects are naturally attracted to the water, and you can bring a really tropical feeling into your garden.

 

 

Existing Garden Ponds

Garden ponds can be particularly hazardous for young children, even if they can swim. If you have an existing pond in your garden, placing a secure wire mesh over the surface of the pond can prevent small children from getting into the deep water. You will still be able to keep fish in the pond, and other aquatic plants. It is also a good idea to plant a hedge, around two foot high around the borders of a pond, to prevent toddlers from leaning in too far. 

 

Create Bucket Pools

A shallow bucket pool, or wading pool is the perfect way to create a child-friendly water feature for your garden. You simply need to dig a hole the size of your bucket, then place the bucket into it. Fill in the space around your bucket with soil. Rather than filling up with water from the faucet, let the bucket fill naturally with rain water - this will be at a better pH level for plants and animals. You can create a series of pools in different areas of your garden, observing with your children how creatures are attracted to the water in shady or sunny areas.

A water fountain or shallow pool is a great family-friendly feature for your garden. The water will attract lots of interesting wildlife, and give your garden a calm and tranquil feel.

How To Prep Your Vehicle For A Baby On Board

There's plenty of good advice out there about how to prepare for your baby. However, in the fun of decorating the nursery, choosing strollers and shopping for clothes, it can be easy to overlook your car. When it comes to prepping your vehicle for your baby, here are a few things not to forget.

Ensure Your Car Is Maintained Properly
Make sure you get any necessary maintenance undertaken before the baby arrives. If you're not sure what this might involve, check out this car maintenance quiz. Finally, as well as oil changes, tire checks and the like, don't forget the heater and AC. If you can't control your vehicle's temperature, you'll worry about whether your baby is too hot or too cold. Of course, car maintenance is an on-going necessity and can be both expensive and inconvenient. You may want to investigate leasing as an alternative. There are some excellent deals available from suppliers that really understand the needs of the family market, such as Intelligent Car Leasing.

Clean Out The Car
If tidiness isn't your strongest point, your car might be carrying a little too much trash. Clearing it out not only creates a more pleasant environment for you and your baby, it makes more space for all the baby paraphernalia. Once it's empty, shampoo and vacuum the interior or have someone do it for you. Then, when it's pristine, if you plan to keep your stroller in your car's trunk, think about investing in a rubber mat for the floor of the trunk. This will help keep mud and spilled food off the floor space. You'll also find such a mat is easy to pull out and hose clean.

Install All The Car Seats Properly
This is the single most important step you can take when it comes to prepping your vehicle for a baby. A properly-fitted car seat can literally be life-saving. Always read the instruction manual and, if you're not sure you've fitted the seat correctly, have someone check it for you. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has some excellent advice and details of how to find a car seat inspection station near to you.

Load Your Car With Baby Essentials
There are several things that can make car journeys with your baby easier.
1. If your car isn't already fitted with tinted windows, a good window shade will be invaluable. Screening your car's rear side windows will keep the sun out of your baby's eyes and also, hopefully, encourage your little one to take a nap. There's plenty of choice when it comes to choosing a shade and you'll find that they're also easy to remove.
2. Attaching a convex rectangular mirror beneath the existing rear view mirror will allow you to keep an eye on your baby without needing to turn around or move the rear view mirror.
3. You probably already have some in the diaper bag but keep a stock of wet wipes in the car too. They're handy for clearing up the inevitable spills and messes babies and young children are so good at creating. After all, a long, slow journey will feel even longer and slower in a car that smells of vomit.

How to Treat Your Child's Sprained Ankle

The duties of motherhood are immeasurable and practically perpetual. Even into adulthood, mothers will care for their children well after they believe they no longer need her maternal guidance.

However, while they're children they will almost always end up in need of their mother. Children are particularly hazardous to their own health, eating and doing things that they shouldn't or injuring themselves with an uncanny lack of effort.

One of those injuries that almost everyone has seemed to have had during childhood, is a sprained ankle. A time when mothers assume one of their many alter egos and become a super-nurse. If your child just limped indoors for the first time and you're unsure of what to do, don't worry -- you got this.

How Do I Know If It's A Sprain?

Sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are overextended or torn due to a movement outside of their normal capability. More often then not, a sprained ankle is a result of an inward rolling of the ankle and accounts for over 80% of ankle sprains.

• In order to tell if your child's ankle has been sprained:
• Ask them if they have a jolt of sharp pain if they try to put weight on the afflicted foot;
• Find out if the pain is coming from the inside or outside of the ankle;
• Look to see if there is any bruising or swelling at or around the ankle; and
• See if they're able to move their foot within the range of motion they normally have

If any of these tests indicate that your child may have sprained their ankle, then the next step is treatment.

Treating The Sprain

There is a common acronym for the process of treating an ankle: R.I.C.E.

Rest: The number one thing you child will need to do is get off of their feet. They'll need to limit the amount of weight they put on the ankle and shouldn't walk unless necessary. If they do need to walk, crutches should be used to minimize the strain on the ankle.

Ice: This will reduce the inflammation of the injury, but you shouldn't ice the injury for more than 20 minutes at a time. Place a thin piece of cloth between the ice bag and the skin to avoid frostbite as well.

Compression: Wrap the ankle in some type of elastic or athletic bandage to help reduce the swelling. This can also help keep the ankle stable and reduce accidental movement. Remove the bandage or loosen it significantly at bedtime. 

Elevate: Prop your child's foot up at a level above their waist with soft pillows or something similar.

However, if you notice any of the following signs, you should take them to the emergency room right away.

• The joint looks odd or deformed;
• Your child is pale or has a unstable pulse; 
• Your child experiences extreme pain, a tingling sensation, or paralysis. 
  

Your child may not always believe that they need you, but you'll always know that they do.

Mother's Day Bouquets from Teleflora

Mother’s Day is a time to recognize and call out the importance of our mother’s role in our lives. We remind our mothers that we *see* them, we appreciate and them and we thank them for how much we have been shaped by their love and care. I always love treating my mom like a queen on Mother’s Day! 

As a mom myself, I treasure the charming cards and gifts my kids give each year on Mother’s Day (I thank the teachers a daycare in advance for this year’s wonderful creation!). Since they don’t have their own credit cards yet (lol), my husband always makes sure to help the kiddos pick out some flowers for Mom too. He’s tried so many different options for Mother’s Day flowers, but my favorite is the annual Teleflora Mother’s Day bouquet. This year, the Teleflora team has created another stellar line up of Mother’s Day bouquets at price points to fit almost every budget. Their new campaign is called “‘Love Makes a Mom” and I’m sure I will need the tissues when their new videos launch this May. They are always so poignant and touching (and, yes, I do cry regularly at commercials)!

 We at Mommy Katie were lucky enough to get a preview of one of this year’s Teleflora creations, the ‘Wildflower In Flight’ bouquet. It is a gorgeous arrangement of pink roses, purple chrysanthemums and white daisies. The keepsake vase is decorated with old world charm, including elegant script and a vibrant dragonfly motif. It is absolutely stunning! I’ve had it for over a week now, and the flowers are all still looking fresh and healthy (how do they do that?!?). I really am impressed by my local florist’s artistry in executing this arrangement. Goodness knows it is way beyond what I have been able to do when my dear hubby has experimented with the ‘arrange them yourself’ floral deliveries! (I am always somewhat chagrined/embarrassed at my inability to replicate the gorgeous arrangements shown on the photos.) The Teleflora website makes it easy to choose the style your mom will love, and you can even customize the size of the bouquet or add chocolates or another small gift for Mom.

I love how easy it is to give Teleflora arrangements to show Mom how much I appreciate her (and, for a limited time, it’s even easier - new subscribers to the Teleflora online newsletter can take advantage of a 20% off coupon) 

Product received, thank you to Teleflora as well as the PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

#Giveaway 3-months Subscription to Audiobooks.com

Quick..what is your favorite book? Got one? If you are like us you would have a hard time choosing one, there are just too many good ones out there. We all know the joy and emotion a good book can evoke, and we all wish we had more time to read. While ebooks have made it easy to carry a large number of books on your phone or other mobile device, the challenge of finding enough time to read still remains. That is where audiobooks come in. These have been around for a long time (remember books on tape?) but it’s only recently that the ease and cost-effectiveness of digital access has made them even more popular. For people who are always on the go or multi-tasking, like the busy mom of today, audiobooks can be a godsend. Now a busy mom can easily ‘read’ her favorite book on her phone while running errands or driving kids all around town.

A great place to get your hands on a large variety of audiobooks, from today’s best sellers to the classics, is audiobooks.com. Audiobooks.com is a subscription based streaming and downloadable service for audiobooks, delivering access on any internet-connected mobile device. They have over 100,000 titles available to subscribers, with new titles being added all the time. Now they want to share their great service on by making this Mother’s Day even more special for one of our amazing readers by offering 1 free title for three consecutive months:

Entry-Form

Product received, thank you to Audiobooks.com as well as the PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

Transitioning Your Pet to a Rotational Feeding Schedule

This post is sponsored and written by me on behalf of Petcurean through a campaign managed by their PR. All opinions are my own.

When it comes to our pets, we find that as pet parents, we want to ensure that our fur babies are happy and healthy. We do this by providing our pets with exercise, playing with them, and having the foods and treats they enjoy on hand. The thing is, just like humans, pets enjoy changing things up, especially when it comes to the foods they enjoy. Where by rotating the recipes they enjoy, we can give them the variety they will be sure to appreciate. So when the experts from Petcurean offered helpful information on transitioning pets to a rotational feeding schedule, I was not only pleased to have the information on hand for my own reference, but also excited to share the information with our readers as well. You can read this information below:

Similar to how humans appreciate variety in their daily meals, pets, especially picky eaters, can enjoy an assortment of foods through rotational feeding. Giving them a different food on a weekly or monthly basis is a great option for mixing things up, so your pet doesn’t get bored. A rotational feeding diet can include a mix of recipes and different types of food like dry, canned or freeze-dried. Some people believe that feeding foods with different nutritional makeup will give your pet a more rounded diet. In addition, feeding a wet food in rotation can help with hydration.

When transitioning your pet to a rotational feeding schedule, a gradual change from one diet to the next is always recommended. However, rotating foods that have a similar ‘base’ recipe, but only features different meat proteins may be a little less stressful on your pet’s digestive system. With Petcurean’s GO!, GATHER, and NOW FRESH lines, you can do rotational feeding of the different types of food within each product line, without having to account for a transition period.  For example:

• Alternating between the three NOW FRESH Small Breed recipes will provide picky small dogs with more flavor variety.

• If your pet has sensitivities, make sure that you stick to similar recipe bases, like GO! Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient Diet recipes for cat. Alternating between the duck, pollock, and freshwater trout and salmon recipe may help prevent any sensitivities during the rotation.

If you’re interested in having your pet try a rotational diet, consult with your veterinarian first. He or she may be able to offer some advice on the best direction to go and how to start. Some pets may not respond well to rotational feeding if they have a sensitive tummy and is prone to digestive upset.

Outdoor Fun with the t3 Scooter from Razor

With the weather warming up and the sun shinning, we find that we like to spend more and more of our free time outdoors. This is especially true when it comes to the kids, and like many with kids, I like to ensure that when we head outside or when the kids want to play outdoors, that they have toys and outdoor equipment that they can enjoy. So when we were sent the t3 Scooter from the line of scooters at Razor, I was excited to check it out and have my kids begin enjoying it while they are outside playing.



After taking the t3 Scooter out for a ride, we found that it was the perfect one for my preschooler to enjoy riding on. This is because there are 3 wheels in the front, which offer more stability and not only helps with balancing while riding, but also keeps the scooter from tipping over. The wheels also allow the steering and control to be easier for my little guy to handle, where he can practice and master his riding skills. Which in all, gives us a scooter that is like the ones made for older kids, for little kids to use and master riding as they find a love for the world of Razor!





Product received, thank you to Razor as well as the PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

Paddington 2 on Blu-Ray and DVD

That Marmalade loving bear is back and ready to join you during your next family movie night! Like many who either grew up with that adorable bear from the books or have kids who love him, we have been anticipating the release of Paddington 2 to add to our family movie night line up. So when we were sent a copy to review, we were excited to watch the movie and add it to our list of family movie night favorites!



In the movie, Paddington 2, we get many familiar characters from the first movie, who are back and ready to take on the next adventure that Paddington finds himself embarking on. Where, while searching for that perfect gift for his Aunt Lucy, Paddington comes across a very neat pop up book. He finds this book to be exactly what he was looking for, and in order to buy it for his aunt's 100th birthday, he takes on various jobs. The work is just part of the journey, because the book he is saving for gets stolen and Paddington finds himself on a whole new adventure to find who took it and get it back. The Blu-Ray Combo Pack includes the movie, digital download along with the following:

“Paddington 2” Blu-ray Combo Pack contain the following special features:

·         Paddington: The Bear Truth

·         How to Make A Marmalade Sandwich

·         Music Video with Phoenix Buchanan

·         The Magical Mystery of Paddington’s Pop-Up Book

·         The Browns and Paddington: The Special Bond

·         Knuckles: A Fistful of Marmalade

·         The (Once) Famous Faces of Phoenix Buchanan

·         Audio Commentary by Director/Co-Writer Paul King

We found the movie along with the great bonus features to be a perfect addition to my own Paddington fan's collection and you can too when you head out on April 24th to bring home your copy or download your digital copy today!








Product received, thank you to WBHE as well as the PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

Teaching Kids Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness with Q Wunder

The spring season is upon us and the summer break will be here soon. With that said, I find that now is the perfect time to begin preparing for those upcoming summer vacations and adventures we will be taking. Along with the vacation planning and seeking out adventures to take on, I also like to have plenty of fun books, apps, and games on hand that offer an educational aspect to help with keeping that dreaded summer brain drain at bay. So when we were sent the collection of fun Q Wunder products from EQtainment to review, we were excited to check out what was included and add it to our summer line up!

With the selection of products, we can not only utilize the Q Wunder App where we can add the various training bundles available that are geared towards teaching kids emotional intelligence and mindfulness, but we can explore even more with the books and games we were sent as well. Where the whole family can engage in game play during our family game nights, allowing everyone to join in on the fun that comes with the game, Q's Race to the Top or the Q's On the Go Pack. And when we are heading out for that summer travel, the kids can enjoy playing with and learning from the various fun lessons that they can get from the app.



Then when it comes to the books and the other great aspects we can get from the selection of Q Wunder products from EQTainment, I like that the books offer both fun stories we can read at bedtime with our Q-Time Buddy, along with activities that we can get from the coloring book. Giving us a great line of educational products that are both entertaining as well as fun, and offer activities that the whole family can enjoy. Making Q Wunder from EQTainment, a great line of products to add to your summer and family game night fun!


Product received, thank you to EQTainment as well as the PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

Planning A Road Trip With Miles Of Smiles

Thinking of hitting the open road with your family? It’s a popular choice. A 2017 survey by the AAA found that a family road trip was the top vacation idea, with 79% of families surveyed planning one. To make your journey as stress-free and fun as possible, get prepared ahead of time and involve the kids too, whatever their age. It’s a great way to give them a little responsibility and get them engaged in the trip. Family road trips can build great memories; the key is in the planning.

Plan the essentials before you go

Start by planning the route. You might like to do it the good old-fashioned way with a map, or you might like to use one of the many online road trip planning tools. Younger kids might enjoy using colored pens to mark the journey on a map with you. For older kids and teens, put them in charge of looking up places you’ll be stopping at on the way. You should also ensure that your vehicle is up to the task; now’s a good time for those maintenance checks. If you’ve been meaning to look up deals and incentives on cars, now’s the time to do it. For a stress-free departure from home, it’s worth agreeing on upfront how much stuff you’re going to take and whether it can all fit in the car. Trying to jam it all in on the day is never a good plan.

Enjoy your time on the road

Long journeys are generally a lot easier these days with kids plugged into tablets (a recent study showed that 42% of kids have their own), music or games consoles. However, if you want to encourage a bit of fun together, the old-fashioned games still work; spotting cars of particular colors or models, i-Spy, or Road Trip Bingo are all good fun. Another way to enjoy each other’s company is to all contribute a few tracks to a road trip playlist. As this Penn State University article examines, music can evoke memories years later, so the tracks you listen to on this trip might bring a smile to you and your kids’ faces in thirty years time. Of course, the final crucial element to your trip will be the snacks! You might like to hand these out as you go along, or save them for your stops.

A family road trip can be a great opportunity to switch off from everyday life, reconnect with each other and explore somewhere new together. Planning your journey to accommodate places of interest and regular stops, while adding in music and games to have a little fun, should make the drive less stressful and actually enjoyable. Start dreaming about where you might go next, and get ready for miles of smiles.

2 Easy Recipes To Use Up Leftover Easter Candy

Easter is one of those holidays that comes with lots and lots of sweet treats. Just like how seven out of 10 consumers planned to hand out Halloween candy last year, people often find themselves with tons of leftover candy after Easter as well. With Easter now behind us, you probably have more candy than you know what to do with. Fortunately, there are tons of recipes that help you use up that candy. So instead of eating the same type of candy over and over again until you're sick of it, consider using leftover candy to make one of these yummy desserts.

Candy Cookies

This recipe is absolutely awesome because first off, who doesn't like cookies? And secondly, you can add any type of candy to the cookie batter you want! So whether you have bags of M&M's, Kit Kats, or Reese's Cups, you can use them all. So not only can you personalize these cookies with your favorite candies, but you can mix and match to come up with some great combinations.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 sticks salted butter

After heating the oven to 350, whisk the butter, brown sugar, and sugar together in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, salt, vanilla, baking soda, and flour. After all of the ingredients are mixed, stir in about one to two cup of your choice of candy. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

Peeps S'Mores

One of the most popular treats for Easter is Peeps. With fun colors and a tasty flavor, Peeps make a great springtime treat. These s'mores use Peeps instead of regular marshmallows for an extra fun twist!

Ingredients

• Peeps
• Chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp oil
• Graham crackers

Microwave the chocolate chips and oil for about 90 seconds and stir until it's melted. Take the end of the graham crackers and dip them into the melted chocolate, let the chocolate harden. Place a peep on a non-chocolate graham cracker and microwave for 30 seconds. After the peep is big and mushy, top off with a chocolate-dipped graham cracker.

One of the great things about Easter treats is that they can be added to almost anything -- from brownies and cookies to trail mix snacks, you can find ways to use up all of the leftover Easter candy without having to eat it all or throw it out.

BevStow - The Amazing Refrigerator Bottle Holder

Refrigerators are getting bigger and smarter but if they only could tell us how to stack things in them in a way that utilizes the space better we would be much happier. Most of the time we are very much on our own there. Especially when it comes to bottles that tend to taller than the average bottled water, e.g. bottles of wine, sparkling water. So unless you have a roomy, cool wine cellar, many wine bottles end up laying flat in the fridge to be chilled. That all changes with a new, and dare we say exciting, product called BevStow, a bottle-holding space saving device for your refrigerator.

BevStow comes in nice, sturdy packaging and the first impression out of the box is of something sturdy and effective. The instructions on the package are very easy to follow and we had ours up in the fridge within a minute or two. Using strong suction cups, BevStow attaches to the underside of your glass refrigerator shelves and it wouldn’t budge as many times as tried to tug on it. It claims to be able to hold bottles weighing up to 10 lbs and while we didn’t have one of those heavy bottles handy we didn’t see any reason for it not work. It does seem to work well in using up the ‘dead’ space in the fridge just under the shelf very effectively.

As much we like having the BevStow for our fridge we are thinking these would make great, and relatively inexpensive, gifts for the wine lovers in our lives (we all have at least one). So go ahead and “make room one bottle at a time”.

Product received, thank you to BevStow as well as the PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

How to Prepare Your Child For Their First Day of School

One of the biggest milestones in your child's life is starting school. This milestone can also cause a parent to feel a little nervous. You may worry if your child will be able to adjust to this change in their life.

School staff understands that children can be nervous about this new adventure and work hard to coax your child into taking this step towards freedom. The teacher and classroom assistants will support your child's learning and make your child feel valued during their school tenure.

There are plenty of things that you can do to help transition your child into this next phase of their life. For example, getting your child involved in a group activity, such as a dance class, a team sport or a music class can help your child meet new people.

Your local library is also a great way to get your child involved and out meeting new people. Most local libraries offer storytime sessions geared for young children. Another option is to head to the park. As your child begins enjoying the playground equipment, they will meet other kids their own age.

Encouraging your child to participate in age-appropriate activities can be very beneficial; however, many children are a touch anxious when it comes to interacting in a group setting. You can help encourage participation by practicing these activities at home. For example, if your child has been invited to a birthday party, play common party games like Pin the Tail at home ahead of time.

If you are concerned that your child will have difficulty following instructions, begin playing simple games at home to help them grow accustomed to following instructions.

For example, if your child loves to play dress up, allow them to choose their favorite outfit. Then, give them instruction like placing their hands on their hips, standing on one leg, touching their toes, etc. When they comply, praise them and let them know that they are doing a good job. This will help them be ready and eager to follow the teacher's instructions.

One of the good things about starting school for children who like dressing up and novelties, is that many will get to wear a school uniform. Donning the likes of these French Toast khaki shorts and a new shirt or blazer can really bring pride to a little one and be a part of the first day that really excites them.

Many parents think their child should be reading and writing when they start school. There is no need for this. Instead, just simply talk about shapes, colors, numbers and letters in your day-to-day lives to help them get accustomed to these facts and figures. For example, take your child to the grocery store with you and count out the number of bananas in a bunch, play Eye Spy and describe colors and shapes.

There are certain things that your child will need to know when entering school. They will need to know their age, their name, their address and their parents' name. You also want to ensure that your child can identify all major body parts. This information can be beneficial if they hurt themselves while at school.

Another thing that your child should understand is the meaning of "same" and "different", as well as "more" and "less" before they start school. These adjectives can help improve your child's ability to express their thoughts.

Work with your child so they are able to accurately describe different things. One way of doing this is to have a set of objects that are the same, size, color and shape. Add one odd item to the bunch and have them choose which items are the same and which items are different.

By keeping your lessons informal, you can help your child be ready for their first day of school. They will be armed with the knowledge that they need to succeed.

#GIVEAWAY VIRTUOSO PLUSH BEARS WITH CLASSICAL MUSIC RECORDINGS, By VOSEGO

Children love music and we’ve seen a lot of articles lately highlighting the positive impact of music across the spectrum of child development: from creativity and language to math and spatial intelligence. One thing is for sure, we always relied on music to help soothe our children and we still play a favorite lullaby playlist while engaging in our nightly bedtime routine. Hence, we were excited to review the new Virtuoso Bear plush musical toys from Vosego. Two Virtuoso Bears are available, the original Amadeus and the newer Ludwig. Both are styled to resemble their namesakes Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig von Beethoven, as well as including 40 minutes of beautiful classical favorites (you can snag a nice 20% discount on purchase through Amazon till 7/20 on either bear by using the code BC8ZRS75).

We received the new Ludwig bear to review and I fell in love as soon as I saw this little cutie! I am literally hiding it from my youngest because I’m not ready to give it up yet, and he is a fiend for the loveys! In addition to being soft and cuddly, Ludwig plays seven tracks of well-loved music using an ingenious music device insert that can be easily removed and allows both volume control as well as song skipping with a few simple pushes of a single button (pressing the button twice quickly skips to the next song, holding the button down changes volume). I was a little skeptical of the design when I was assembling the music device, but it was really simple to use and easily activated by pushing on Ludwig’s tummy (or back, depending upon how you insert the music device). I love that you can adjust volume of the music without removing the music device, thought I might like to have a little bit softer setting for quiet times. 

The bear seems to have been designed for younger kids and the cute facial features are embroidered (We never liked buying ones with hard eyes or noses for our kids). I was, however, able to pull Ludwig’s neckerchief into a loop after tugging on it pretty aggressively, so I’d probably take that off for smaller kiddos. The music device requires 3 AAA batteries (not included) that were easily installed using a Phillips screwdriver. All in all, I really love this Virtuoso Bear and look forward to adding snuggles with Ludwig to our nightly bedtime routine.

To share in the joy of having one of theses cute musical bears to enjoy with your little ones, the wonderful people at Vosego would like to give one of our amazing readers your choice of a Virtuoso Bear:

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Product received, thank you to Vosego as well as the PR for supplying us with a product for this review, all opinions are our own.

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#Giveaway Thomas & Friends Wooden Toys Prize Pack from Mattel

When it comes to my kids and finding those toys they enjoy playing with, I have learned that with my youngest son, he adores anything that has to do with trains. From his fascination with watching trains go by, to his collection of toy trains and sets he enjoys playing with on his train table, we have learned that when we are seeking a toy to keep him engaged with, trains can be exactly what he wants! With that said, my little guy not only likes watching big trains and playing with toy trains but also watching the Thomas & Friends movies. So when we were sent a collection of the new, Thomas & Friends Wooden Toys to review from Mattel, we were excited to check them out and share with our readers.

With the new Thomas & Friends wooden toys, we get a great selection of easy to build tracks that with the trains included, along with others we can add to our sets, can ride along on. We get universal connectors with each track, allowing them to fit together every time, which allows my son to put the tracks together easily, over and over again and enjoy independent play. I also like that aside from the ease of setting up the tracks, that the wood is made from sustainable beech wood, which gives us that classic look from the play sets we enjoyed when we were kids, with a more modernized material!

The sets we were sent include:

Thomas & Friends™ Wood Racing Figure-8 Set (FHM65)

SRP: $39.99 | Ages 3+

• Redesigned with kid-friendly, easy-to-build track and made with sustainably sourced wood, this Figure-8 Set has a unique connector design so there's no wrong way to build!
• Kids can race, help the Mayor ride along in Bertie, raise and lower the drawbridge, and move the crossing gates, just like a real railway. 
• Includes Thomas, Bertie the bus, plastic poseable figure, 2 track adaptors, full figure-8 track layout with station, accessory piece, crossing gates and drawbridge

Thomas & Friends™ Wood Lift & Load Cargo Set (FHM66)

 SRP: $69.99 | Ages 3Y+ 

• Redesigned with kid-friendly, easy-to-build track and made with sustainably sourced wood, the Lift & Load Cargo Set encourages kids to build by themselves as they load and unload cargo
• Poseable Charlie figure can sit in the sliding crane and lift and lower the cargo pieces 
• Magnet connectors allow connection of trains to other trains and cargo cars
• Includes Charlie, 2 Troublesome Trucks, 2 cargo pieces, 2 track adaptors, and track layout with transfer crane, cargo loading station, ramps, and 4-way crossing with knob to switch the train's direction

 

Thomas & Friends™ Wood Engines

SRP: $10.99 | Ages 2+ 

• Encourage imaginative play with the iconic, redesigned Thomas & Friends™ Wood toy engines, compatible with redesigned track and classic Thomas & Friends™ Wooden Railway track (sold separately and subject to availability)
• Premium, high-quality construction, made with sustainably sourced wood
• Collect Thomas and all his friends, including:

• Thomas & Friends™ Wood Thomas (FHM16)
• Thomas & Friends™ Wood Rosie (FHM19)

Then when it comes to the tracks and the possibilities of what my son can build, we like that we can not only build by following the ideas included with the track sets, but also recreate scenes from the shows and movies and even make fun stunt tracks like the one in the video above. Where my son can follow along and build tracks that his trains can race down, jump across and more! Making the new Thomas & Friends Wooden Toys that you can find from Mattel, a great selection that any Thomas & Friends fan will enjoy having and playing with over and over again! And to help with bringing that Thomas & Friends track building fun home for your little ones, the wonderful people from Mattel would like to give one of my amazing readers their own Thomas & Friends Wooden Toys prize pack!

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Product received, thank you to Mattel as well as the PR for supplying me with a product for this review, all opinions are my own.