LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago Annual Passes Sale (Giveaway)

This is a sponsored post but all thoughts are my own.

Attention all parents of LEGO® loving kids! If you have not been to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago yet you are missing out! LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago is an indoor family entertainment destination with over two million LEGO® bricks and nine attractions, including rides and a 4D movie theater, located in Schaumburg by Woodfield Mall. Our family has had such a fun time there in the past. Take a look inside here:

Right now through March 6, 2020, Annual Passes are on sale at their lowest price – just $35! At this great discounted price the pass pays for itself in less than two visits. Families will get unlimited access all year to attractions, including the 3 new events, plus the popular Brick or Treat and Bricktacular holiday events. Annual pass holders receive the following:

  • Unlimited admission for one year after your first visit – no restrictions!
  • 40% off admission for friends and family that visit with you (up to 6 additional guests)
  • Invitations to special preview events
  • 20% off in our Coffee Shop & Café
  • 10% off select items in our LEGO Shop
  • 10% off on Birthday Parties

You’ll want an annual pass because 2020 is the year of awesome and they have a lot of exciting new things coming. I’m looking forward to the Trolls World Tour but see below for all the events that annual passholders will have unlimited acccess to:

2020 LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago Events:

  • LEGO® Trolls World Tour (March 21st-May 3rd): Join us in a celebration of the new Trolls World Tour movie!
  • Pirates Ahoy! (May 9th-June 28th): Join Captain Brickbeard’s crew to search for buried treasure throughout and tackle fun challenges along your journey.
  • DC Super Heroes vs Super Villains (July 11th-August 30th): Build your super-skills and choose to fight for good or evil.
  • Brick or Treat (October 3rd-31st): Enjoy spooky fun, monstrous builds, and Halloween characters in this spooktacular experience.
  • Holiday Bricktacular (November 21st – January 3rd): Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with festive builds and activities.

Want a chance to win free annual passes? I’m giving away a family four pack of passes. This giveaway will end the 28th of February so if you don’t win you’ll have plenty of time to still grab your passes at a discount. You do not have to complete all entries to be entered to win but the more you do the more chances to win you have. Good luck!

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Design Your Own Locket For Your Valentine (Giveaway)

Thanks to Pictures on Gold for sponsoring this post and giveaway.

Valentine’s Day is next week and I have the perfect gift for your valentine or “gal”entine. Pictures on Gold has beautiful locket necklaces that can be personalized with your loved ones in mind. They normally ship within a day as well so you can even give a personalized gift if you are a last minute shopper! (Hint hint hubbies….)

I shared about these lockets before Christmas when I made one for myself and was very impressed with the quality. Remember how lockets used to hold cutout photos of our loved ones that would get all tattered around the edges if not cut out perfectly? And how you used to have to find a photo with the faces tiny enough to fit inside your locket? Well all that is a thing of the past because Pictures on Gold can take most images and resize them before they laser them into the locket.

These are the images I chose to be in the locket I made for my mom:

As you can see, these photos would not fit in an old style photo locket because all the kids are spaced apart so much. I could use these photos in a Pictures on Gold locket though because they enhance photos to bring people closer together if they are spaced too far apart. They’ll even remove cluttered backgrounds if you’d like them to! I was very please with the color laser images they put in the locket as seen below:

Along with adding photos you can get messages engraved which they do with a high definition laser engraver. I added text on the front and back of my locket. When designing the locket you can see the preview of what the locket will look like to make sure everything is perfect. This is my locket’s preview of the text that’s on the back of my mom’s locket from her grandkids:

I can’t wait until they give Nana her gift because she will love it. What mom or grandma wouldn’t? Here’s a better look at the locket I made:

Want to win one for yourself? Enter below to win a Build Your Own Sterling Silver 2 Photo Heart Locket on 18 inch Sterling Silver Box Chain (valued at $140.90). The giveaway ends on Valentine’s Day. Good luck!

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Chocolates Make The Holiday Season Sweeter (Giveaway)

Thanks to Ritter Sport Chocolates for sponsoring this post.

One thing you’ll always find in our home is chocolate. Really it should come as no surprise that chocolate is basically a food group around here since I’m married to someone from Europe and I recently learned that Europeans consume nearly half of all the chocolate the whole world eats (according to the International Cocoa Organization). One of my husband’s favorites is German-based Ritter Sport. He loves the sweet and bold flavors and always says they “taste like memories” to him. Every bite reminds him of his childhood growing up in Croatia, from the fond memories of opening Christmas presents at midnight and finding some in his stocking to thoughts of his parents returning home from long trips to Germany and gifting him and his sister the chocolates. His favorite flavor is the Marzipan but he’s truly not picky when it comes to the chocolatey squares of Ritter Sport.

One thing my husband loves doing is introducing our kids (and me!) to the flavors of his childhood and making sure we knew how delicious Ritter Sport Chocolates are was definetely on his to-do list as our two boys were growing up. We’ve tried, and love, a variety of their flavored chocolates so we were excited to learn that they have a new line of single origin chocolates produced from fine, sustainably farmed cacao. The new line includes:

  • The 55% Cacao Selection – deliciously smooth milky chocolate with a dark chocolate twist made with single origin cacao from Ghana.
  • The 61% Cacao Selection is a scrumptious dark chocolate made from single origin cacao from Nicaragua offering nutty notes.
  • The 74% Cacao Selection is intensely delicious with fine, fruity, spicy notes. Produced from single origin Peruvian cacao.

This chocolate is so rich and delicious that even just one small piece of the square bar is such a treat. These chocolates, when melted, would make amazing mugs of hot chocolate to enjoy as we watch Christmas movies over winter break. Definetely need to save a couple bars to do that this year!

Since I’m doing a giveaway for Ritter Sport I thought I’d be helpful and share a few other uses for chocolate this holiday season since 3 winners are each going to receive 100 mixed mini samples of Ritter Sport Chocolates. Yes, I said ONE HUNDRED chocolates. (Insert drooling face emoji here!)

  • Have a misunderstanding with a friend, family member, or coworker recently? Write a nice note apologizing and enclose some chocolate. Since Ritter Sport is square in shape, the chocolates are the perfect choice to “square up” (which means to settle a misunderstanding!)
  • Make a boring wrapping session more fun with a friend! Invite a friend over for a gift wrapping (and gabbing!) session and reward yourselves with some coffee and a bit of chocolate when all the gifts are all wrapped.
  • Have a friend who is not feeling well? Make them a get well basket and include some Ritter Sport Chocolates. (I had to mention this one because when my husband and I had just started dating this is something I did for him!)
  • Kids fighting with each other? Have them share three things they like about their sibling and then let them sit down a share the chocolate treat together. (Parent tip… with Ritter Sport there is no fighting over who got the larger piece because they are easy to split fairly!)
  • What do you get the person who is hard to shop for? Chocolates and gift cards of course! Gift cards are so impersonal so pair it with a chocolate bar that reminds you of their personality (like Ritter Sport Cornflakes for your yoga-loving crunchy mom friend.)

Want a chance to win Ritter Sport chocolate? Three people will each win 100 sample sized chocolates in a variety of flavors! Enter below and make sure to share this post with your friends!

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Give A Personalized Photo Locket This Holiday Season (Giveaway)

Thanks to Pictures on Gold for sponsoring this post.

If you are shopping for a gift, and the recepient is a mom or grandma, it’s a pretty safe bet that she will LOVE anything with her child or grandchild’s face on it. And what woman doesn’t love jewelry? That’s what makes a locket, personalized just for mom or grandma, the perfect unique gift this holiday season. I’m excited to share about lockets from Pictures on Gold and give one away to a lucky reader this Christmas.

Pictures on Gold offers a variety of personalized jewelry that can be created online (via mobile or desktop). They make it simple to create custom jewelry pieces and to design your own locket with their step-by-step instructions that guide you through the process. They offer a lifetime guarantee on their laser engraving and the quick shipping turnaround time makes it the perfect last-minute gift. Check out the custom locket I designed in the video below!

When I was growing up I had a locket with my parent’s photos in it. I loved it but I remember how the pictures enclosed inside of it were all curled up and torn around the edges. Technology has come a long ways since then in the past couple of decades and now Pictures on Gold has images put into the lockets with a laser, making the images 100% waterproof and scratch-proof.

Another thing I love about the images on the lockets from Pictures on Gold is that the company makes it easier than ever to include your favorite photo even if it doesn’t fit perfectly or you don’t like the background of it. I had a picture of all my kids with a busy background and their digital artists cut out the images of my three kids and placed them on a white background so their faces really stood out. They also can enhance photos to bring people closer together if they are too spaced apart to fit in the locket. They will color in any white space as well so it’s okay if the photograph you want doesn’t fit perfectly.

Who do you know that would love a locket like this? You can use the promo code HOLIDAY to save 10% off your order at PicturesOnGold.com. Also, enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a locket you design! You can share this giveaway on social media more than once for extra chances to win. The giveaway ends December 24th. Good luck!

 

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Urban Air Naperville Is Fun For All Ages (Birthday Party Package Giveaway)

Thanks to Urban Air Naperville for sponsoring this post.

It’s the first day of fall so I’m doing what every mom does when the weather starts to cool down…I’m making a mental list of indoor activities to keep us busy through autumn and the long winter season that I know is just around the corner. Those in the Chicago area can add Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park to their list of cold weather boredom busters. I was pleasantly surprised to find more than just trampolines at Urban Air Naperville. They had Go Karts, Spinning Bumper Cars, Sky Rider Coaster, Climping Walls, Rope Course, Tubes/Indoor Playground, Warrior Course, Dodgeball, Slam Dunk Zone, and more.

This family-friendly entertainment center in Naperville has attractions to interest every family member. Those with tweens and teens will even be amazed to find their tech-obsessed kiddos putting down their phones to connect and interact with them through adventurous, unique, and engaging activities! What I loved most was how many activities that everyone- from the younger Kindergartner in our group to the adults- could do together. Typically when we go places either the younger or the older kids are standing around bored but that was not the case at Urban Air because they could play together.

Looking to get the most bang for your buck? On Thursday nights, the Ultimate Pass, 4-guest ‘family pack’ is just $79.99 for access to the whole park except the go-karts. (If anyone in the group wanted to upgrade it would be $10/per person for the upgrade to include the Go-Karts.) The $79.99 price also inludes 4 water bottles, 4 pairs of socks, and a large 1 topping pizza. Valued at $143 for just $79.99!

Urban Air Naperville is also a fun place to host a birthday party and there are a variety of ways to customize the party. There are four attraction packages from the basic party that includes the trampolines, dodgeball, runway tumble track, and slam dunk zone to the platinum package that lets party guests play throughout the whole park. You can choose to have a private party room with a dediated party host staff member or just a table in the cafe area with a shared party host. There’s even a glow party option where lighting gets replaced with black lights, strobes and lasers while the kids play glow-in-the-dark dodgeball and jump to their favorite songs. Sounds like a tween’s dream party!

GIVEAWAY!! Want to win a party package of your own? I’m giving away one gift certificate for a free basic party package at the Naperville, IL location which includes:

  • 4 Attractions- Apex (freestyle trampoline), runway, dodgeball and slam dunk- for 10 people
  • 10 birthday plates, napkins, forks, and 10 water bottles.
  • Shared party host and a table in the cafe area
  • Balloons
  • Birthday shirt for the birthday kiddo
  • 10 pairs of Urban Air socks

The winner can upgrade the basic party package if they’d like to. Here are the different party upgrades and the cost if you win this giveaway and would like to upgrade from the package above:

  • $50- Upgrade from a shared party host and table to a room which includes a private party host and 2 large 1 topping pizzas
  • $75- Upgrade to the Ultimate birthday party package which includes the whole park minus go karts and spin bumper cars
  • $100- Upgrade to the Platinum birthday party package whih inludes access to the whole park.
Enter the giveaway below….good luck!

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ECOVACS Robotic Cleaners That Make Life Easier (Giveaway)

Thanks to ECOVACS for sponsoring this post.

I love discovering new products that make my life easier so I was excited when ECOVACS invited me back for a second year to check out all the innovative products they were showcasing at the International Home & Housewares Show (IHHS). Their smart cleaning solutions reduce chore-induced stress which is why I think a robotic floor cleaner is a must-have for busy parents! I know I’m not the only one who cleans the floor only to find crumbs on it just a few hours later…

Last year, ECOVACS launched their DEEBOT OZMO 930 which is the only robotic floor cleaner on the market that vacuums AND mops. It is also the first robotic vacuum that can change cleaning modes based on its current function which is great for those who have multiple floor types in their home. This DEEBOT can alter its cleaning pattern as it’s cleaning based on whether it is in vacuuming or mopping mode. When it’s on carpet the vacuum will increase suction power automatically for a deeper cleaning and when it’s mopping it automatically knows to avoid carpeted areas so you don’t end up with soggy carpets. (Read more about the DEEBOT OZMO 930 here.)

One of the main product features that sets ECOVACS apart from it’s competitors is their mapping technology. This laser-based navigation scans and maps cleaning areas so the DEEBOT learns and constantly adapts to your home, enabling efficient cleaning. You can draw virtual boundaries or pinpoint specific areas to clean or avoid. This is a great feature for parents because you can tell it to avoid the kid’s bedroom (that most likely has tiny shopkins or legos strewn about!) and tell it to spot clean around the kitchen after mealtime.

At IHHS today I got a sneak peek of ECOVACS’ not-yet released DEEBOT OZMO 960. This robotic floor cleaner (that comes out in July 2019) has all the bells and whistles that the 930 model has but it also has advanced AIVI (Artificial Intelligence and Visual Interpretation) technology which means you don’t have to pick up everything on the floor and clean before cleaning! By introducing object/ environmental recognition in addition to spatial recognition, the technology surveys the DEEBOT OZMO 960’s surroundings, recognizes select household obstacles lying around the floor, and then cleans around the object. This means those computer cords, shoes strewn about, and toys your child leaves laying around, are safe from being eaten by the vacuum! (It’s important to note here that ECOVACS has said that user data and privacy will be safeguarded and no images will be recorded and sent back to ECOVACS or to third parties. Users may, however, choose to “opt-in” and send their data back to ECOVACS which will help the company make their smart product even smarter with a wider variety of obstacles it recognizes.)

ECOVACS also makes the WINBOT X, a cordless window cleaner which would be great for helping clean windows on the second story or large, glass sliders like I have. Check out the WINBOT X in action below and head to Instagram to watch my Instagram story highlights to see more of the products I saw at the show!

ECOVACS’ products can be paired with the ECOVACS App or ECOVACS Home App, allowing users to control their robots anytime, anywhere to set cleaning schedules, select cleaning modes, monitor the cleaning process, and more. All DEEBOTs are compatible with both Google Home and Amazon Echo as well, making cleaning at home as easy as tapping on a smartphone via the ECOVACS apps or using voice control. Saying “Alexa, tell DEEBOT to start cleaning” is so much easier than vacuuming and mopping the floor myself! Don’t you think?

Last year I had such a great response to my DEEBOT giveaway that the folks at ECOVACS are letting me host another one! You can enter for a chance to win their DEEBOT OZMO 930.

Each task in the form below equals one giveaway entry. The more you complete, the more chances you have to win. You can share this giveaway once daily for extra chances, just make sure to come back to the form and submit your new link. Good luck!

 

 

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Asleep With The Fishes Overnight At The Shedd Aquarium (Giveaway)

Have you ever walked through the aquarium and wondered what life is like for the fishes when they don’t have hundreds of eyes on them? The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is giving families an opportunity to answer this question by observing the animal behavior that takes place after hours during their Asleep with the Fishes overnight. It sounds like fun but, since I’m homebound with a newborn, I can’t attend so I’m doing the next best thing…offering you all a chance to attend one of the overnights with your family. I’ve partnered with the Shedd Aquarium to give away a family pack of tickets for an upcoming Asleep with The Fishes overnight so read on to learn more and find out how to enter!

Asleep with the Fishes is an unforgettable experience for families that includes access to explore any of the open exhibit spaces to observe the nocturnal animal behaviors. They also have scheduled activities like aquatic presentations and hands-on science & animal activities. As the night continues families can enjoy late night movies, games, and snacks before it’s time to roll out your sleeping bag and drift to sleep amongst the fishes.

Here’s a sample itinerary for the overnight events:

  • 6-7 p.m. Check-in and time to explore the Abbott Oceanarium
  • 6-8 p.m. Dinner available for purchase in the Bubblenet Cafe
  • 7 p.m. Event orientation and aquatic presentation
  • 7:30-9:15 p.m. Planned activities in the aquarium galleries, time to explore Wild Reef
  • 8:15-9:15 p.m. Movies in Phelps Auditorium
  • 9:30 p.m. Caribbean Reef dive presentation
  • 10 p.m. Sleeping space setup, late-night snack, movie and game room activities
  • 11 p.m. Lights out!
  • 6:30 a.m. Wake-up, time to explore aquarium galleries
  • 7-8:30 a.m. Breakfast
  • 7:30 a.m. Time to explore the Abbott Oceanarium
  • 8 a.m. Time to explore Wild Reef
  • 8:30 a.m. Departure

It sounds like an event the whole family will enjoy! I’ve shared a few important details below but many more can be found on the Shedd Aquarium’s site so please make sure to read the FAQ page for Asleep with the Fishes fully before entering this giveaway and/or purchasing tickets.

Future dates: Fridays- 2/15, 3/1, 3/15, 4/5, 4/19, 5/10, 5/24

Times: Doors open at 6pm on those Fridays and the event is over at 8:30am, Saturday.

Who can attend: Families and groups with children ages 12 and under are invited to attend Shedd overnights. Children must be 5 or older to spend the night. One adult must attend for every five children, and one child must attend with every three adults. Families with younger children may purchase special evening tickets that let them explore open exhibits and enjoy activities and presentations until 11 p.m.

Ticket costs: Regular- $85/person ($70/member), VIP (Caribbean Reef)- $100/person ($85/member), VIP (Wild Reef)- $110/person ($95/member), VIP (Oceanarium)- $125/person ($110/member), Evening only- $50/person ($30/member)

All overnight tickets include breakfast and a late- night snack. Admission to the aquarium on Saturday is also included in the overnight packages! The VIP tickets let guests sleep in premium locations and also permits them to bring one twin-sized air mattress per one or more people and one queen-sized air mattress per two or more people.

Disabilities: Shedd Aquarium’s Accessibility Guide can be found here. Be sure to check out their sensory friendly app if you are attending the event with someone who has Autism or sensory concerns.

Learn more about Sleeping with the Fishes overnights and purchase tickets here: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/plan-a-visit/visitor-guide/Experiences/Asleep-with-the-fishes/

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win regular admission tickets for you and your family (up to 5 tickets) for an upcoming Asleep with the Fishes date of your choice (as long as the date is not sold out)

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Chicago Toy & Game Fair 2018 (Giveaway)

Thanks to ChiTAG for sponsoring this post and hosting my family for the past several years.

It’s hard to believe that the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (lovingly referred to as ChiTAG) is only about a month and a half away! The 2-day toy and game extravaganza will be held at Navy Pier, Festival Hall A, on November 17th-18th. This is one of my family’s favorite events to go to and it really starts our holidays off right. My kids love checking out all the new games and toys that are on the market before they make their Christmas wish lists. (See our favorites from last year here.) Plus, the Saturday of the fair is the same day as the Festival of Lights Parade on Michigan Avenue so you can make a day of it in the city!

The 16th annual Fair is the largest non-hobby toy and game fair open to the public in North America and we love that it happens in one of the best cities in the U.S.- Chicago! There is something for everyone at the fair but here are some special events that will be happening during the 2018 fair:

  • NERF Laser Ops Course
  • Enter the Young Inventor Challenge
  • Beer Garden with Popular Adult and Party Games
  • Baby and Toddler PlaySpace
  • Meet Santa and Meet Princess-Etch-A-Sketch
  • Stratego National Trounament
  • Interactive Exhibits, Test out Products Before They Hit Retail Shelves
  • Photo Ops: Snap a photo with some of your favorite characters from Star Wars!
  • Meet Toy & Game Inventors from Around the World
  • Shop for the Hottest New and Classic Toys for the Holidays
  • Yo-Yo Championship – Contestants from Coast to Coast
  • Be entertained by Ben’s Giant Bubble Show
  • Giveaways, Stage Events, Magic Shows, Contests
  • Sensory Power Hour for special needs families (Details coming soon!!)

You can purchase your tickets to the fair here. Also, educators, librarians, and scouts in uniform get in free.

This year I’m also giving away a free weekend family pass to the fair (2 adults + 4 kids max – value $128). Enter below.

Good luck!

 

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New Products From Ecovacs Robotics {Giveaway}

Thanks to Ecovacs for sponsoring this post.

I had the privilege of going to the International Home & Housewares Show on Monday and checking out the line of cleaning products from Ecovacs Robotics. Let me just say, if you don’t have a robot helping you clean then you need to get one because they are a lifesaver for busy parents! {And make sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post for a chance to win one!}

Ecovacs debuted three new floor cleaning products at the Housewares show: the Deebot Ozmo 930, Deebot Ozmo 610, and Deebot 900. They also had their WINBOT on display which cleans windows which I thought was pretty awesome!

Here’s a video of some of the new products in action:

I wanted to share more about their new DEEBOT OZMO 930 that is coming out in April because it has so many great features and I believe it will be the most impressive robotic cleaner on the market when it comes out!

First, lets talk about the biggest feature…. the fact that the DEEBOT OZMO 930 both vacuums and mops the floor for you! No need to buy two separate products!

Also, the OZMO 930 is the first robotic vacuum that can change cleaning modes based on its current function. This is great for those who have multiple floor types in your home because, with the revolutionary Adaptive Floor Sensing, this DEEBOT can alter its cleaning pattern on the fly based on whether it is in vacuuming or mopping mode. When it’s on carpet the vacuum will increase suction power automatically for a deeper cleaning.

And let’s talk about the mopping feature! The DEEBOT OZMO 930 has the latest mopping technology. OZMO is a complete system with an electronically-controlled water pump, sensors that monitor water flow, and controls to stop the flow to ensure a consistent cleaning result. It also learns to avoid carpeted areas when mopping so you don’t have sopping wet carpets and rugs!

Another feature that makes this vacuum unique is it’s laser-based navigation that scans and maps cleaning areas so the DEEBOT learns and constantly adapts to your home, enabling efficient cleaning. Precision technology allows you to draw virtual boundaries or pinpoint specific areas to clean or avoid. This is a great feature for parents because you can tell it to avoid the kid’s bedroom (that most likely has tiny shopkins or legos strewn about!) and tell it to spot clean around the kitchen table area after dinner time.

Ecovacs also has an app that lets you effortlessly schedule cleaning times and set cleaning modes, monitor the cleaning status, and enjoy all the convenience of automated housework. My favorite part about the app is that it has a map of your home’s floorplan and lets you see what areas have been cleaned and which ones still need to be vacuumed or mopped.

And guess what? There are even MORE great features to learn about. You can visit the Ecovacs site to see all the other features that make this robotic cleaner a must-have item for busy parents. Before you head over there though, make sure to enter to win one of the not-yet released DEEBOT OZMO 930 Robotic Floor Cleaners! Good luck!!!

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Realistic Cleaning Tips For Busy Parents

Thanks to Unelko Corporation for sponsoring this post.

Out of all the things that I have to do as a mom, cleaning definitely tops the list of my least favorite tasks (with listening to my kids whine as a close second lol). Nevertheless, cleaning is something that must be done so today I’m sharing some of my top cleaning tips for busy parents. The best part? These are all realistic! I’m not giving you a list of 20 things you need to clean in a day or expecting you to make cleaning your house a full-time job. After all, we all have errands to run, kids to love on, and a few dozen shows we’d love to binge watch. Whether you are in the season of motherhood known as the toddler years, your kids are finally back in school after the flu ravaged your home, or you just can’t seem to keep your house tidy even on the best of days, read on for cleaning tips that will work for you!

The room-by-room cleaning method

We are going to start with one task that will work on even the messiest of homes- pick a room that is the easiest to clean up (or parents of littles may want to start with a room the kids don’t frequent often) and tackle that room at naptime, after the kids go to sleep, or (if you have older kids) on the weekend when they can help. (BTW- the entry of your home can totally count as a “room” here!) Personally, I have found this is the best way to clean because you can actually see the progress which creates momentum, unlike cleaning a little bit here and there throughout your home and then an hour later it looks exactly the same. This motivates me to not only keep it clean but makes it easier to tidy up.

When doing this room-by-room cleaning method I start by moving stuff that belongs elsewhere. I don’t put it away but instead just drop and run back to the room I was working on (because we all know that story about the mouse who wanted a cookie and ended up doing a million other things….) Those who have a large home may want to just gather up anything that doesn’t belong into a laundry basket so you aren’t running around and wasting time. I put away and tidy things up and then sweep or vacuum and clean surfaces. I don’t organize drawers. I don’t pull everything out of the closet and start an organizing project. I pick up and tidy what can be seen and save the projects for another time. After all, I just want my house to be presentable should someone stop by. Once I’ve gone through the above and done this for all rooms, I mop the floors. This may take a few days but then you can start my next steps with a semi-clean home.

Create a cleaning plan that works for your schedule

I found a daily/weekly/monthly schedule works best for me and suggest that you create a cleaning plan that works for your schedule. I have a short daily list that consists of two 15 minute pickup times (one in the morning after my kids have gone to school but before I start my work day and one in the evening) and some basic bare-minimum cleaning. I have a weekly list that are things I don’t need to do daily but at least want to do once during the week, along with larger deep cleaning tasks and organizing projects I have on a monthly list. Some days I’ll get one or two weekly or monthly tasks done, other days I just get the daily basic tasks completed and then there are the days when I’m trying to meet work deadlines or am too busy to even enjoy my coffee and nothing gets done. It happens to us all and honestly, if your kids are fed and happy, just call the day a win and realize that tomorrow is a new day to try again!

Use Invisible Shield® cleaning products because they work well and minimize future cleaning time

If you are spending time cleaning you want to use products that work well and make cleaning easy. I love the line of Invisible Shield® products that shield and protects glass and other surfaces because not only do they work, but they minimize cleaning time in the future by protecting against re-soiling and stains without all the harsh chemicals. When you go back to clean the second time, you’ll notice far less soiling, dust and spotting and how effortless it is to go over the surface. The Invisible Shield® Marble & Granite Cleaner and Protector even leaves a lustrous shine that will last longer than any other Marble or Granite cleaner! Their products also prevent corrosion around water areas such as faucets, sinks, shower doors, wall tile, and tubs, extending the life of hard surfaces & fixtures. Anything that protects our home investement and lets us spend less time cleaning the shower and more time cuddling on the couch with the kids is a must-have if you ask me!

While all the products are amazing, my favorites in the line are the Invisible Shield® Water Spot & Stain Remover and the Invisible Shield® Protective Glass & Surface Coating that let me tackle one of the most difficult and time consuming areas to clean- the bathroom- with ease. They specifically help with the shower, removing stains and protecting the build up from coming back. Just look at the difference below and it only took minutes to clean! Plus, the protective glass & surface coating saves valuable time because it reduces the need to squeegee and keeps glass cleaner longer.

I love the brighter appearance that cleaning with these products give all my surfaces because shiny glass, counters, and more make my house look cleaner, even when there are toys strewn about the floor as my kids play!

Keep a list of quick tasks you can do when you have a few minutes

When you are a busy parent you need to utilize every second of the day to the best of your ability. So often I’d find myself checking my phone or just standing around as I waited on hold or for the water to boil or any of the other times I’d find myself with a few minutes. I suggest making a list of quick tasks you can do in 3-5 minutes of time so when you find yourself with a few extra minutes you can complete something on the list. Things like cleaning a mirror, wiping down the baseboards in a room, or throwing a load of laundry in the washer can all be done in minutes. Five minutes may not seem like a lot of time to get something done but if you had just 10 minutes a day to do a quick task or two, you’d have about 60 hours of “extra” cleaning time each year!

Ask for help

As much as we think we can do it all, we can’t. Don’t be afraid to ask your partner or kids for help with cleaning. I know it often seems like there is so much to do around the house and we get frustrated when they can pass up that stuff on the step waiting to go upstairs or the overflowing trash can, but sometimes our family members just need us to be clear about what we need from them. They aren’t mind readers after all! Start by giving them specific tasks or asking them to do something on a daily or weekly basis to take some of the cleaning responsibilities off your to-do list.

You can purchase the Invisible Shield products on Amazon and they even have bundles like the Household Spray Cleaner Combo (which includes the Invisible Shield Glass & Surface Cleaner & Stainless Shine and Marble and Granite) and the Glass Essentials Combo (which includes the Invisible Shield Glass & Surface cleaner, Water Spot & Stain Remover, and Protective Glass & Surface Coating).

Do you have any cleaning tips to share? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below but before you go, enter the giveaway to win some of these amazing products yourself!

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Random Acts Of Kindness That Families Can Do Together {Gift Card Giveaway}

Many thanks to Picture Keeper for sponsoring today’s story and encouraging me to give back this holiday season!

We are in full holiday mode over here! I know it’s early for some (#sorrynotsorry lol) but I love the holidays. Our Christmas tree is going up tomorrow and I’ve already done a few holiday posts here on the blog. I love everything about the holidays from the extra time with family to the holiday decorations to all of the delicious food. I also love how much happier most people seem and how much more giving people tend to be during these next couple months. The season of giving is already here and I believe that doing small random acts of kindness can have a ripple effect. One time I had someone in front of me in the drive-thru pay for my coffee and it put a smile on my face for the rest of the day. Our kindness has a big impact and that’s something I want to show my kids! So today I wanted to share 10 random acts of kindness that families can do together this holiday season (and beyond).

10 random acts of kindness that families can do together:

  • Shovel a neighbor’s driveway
  • Bake a treat for a new mom
  • Make no-sew blankets to donate to a homeless shelter
  • Offer to help an elderly person load their groceries into their car or take their cart back into the store for them
  • Drop some pet food off at an animal shelter
  • Make cards and send them to those serving our country in the military
  • Donate canned goods to a food bank
  • Hold the door for someone while you smile and say hello
  • Make thank you cards and cookies and drop them off at a police station or fire station
  • Visit a nursing home to chat with the residents and sing carols

Picture Keeper wants to encourage people to give back this season and they are doing so by offering a great #PKSeasonofGiving giveaway where one person will WIN (2) $250 Visa Gift Cards & Picture Keeper Connect 16GB! Their hope is that the winner will keep one gift card for themselves and use the other to do nice things for others. I love the thought behind this giveaway and am so happy to be partnering with Picture Keeper again because I love supporting companies who do good things.

Wondering what Picture Keeper is? Picture Keeper Connect offers a simple backup solution for the irreplaceable pictures, videos, and contacts stored on your iPhone and iPad, Android smartphone and tablet, and Mac and PC computer. Whether you’re switching to a new phone, running out of storage on your smartphone, or wanting to safeguard important photos, Picture Keeper Connect offers simple photo backup solutions for all devices. It’s easy to use, too! Simply plug Picture Keeper Connect into your device’s charging port to free up space (no more “out of storage” message), transfer files from old devices to new ones, move photos to a computer or from an iPhone to an Android, or store memories directly on Picture Keeper Connect.

Picture Keeper Connect makes a great gift if you are on the hunt for that perfect holiday gift. Whether it’s for someone who is not tech-savvy, to make life easier for people constantly on the go, or as a creative stocking stuffer idea- those who like to take photos will love this! For more information, visit the Picture Keeper website or follow Picture Keeper on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

You can purchase the Picture Keeper Connect for $119.99, or right now, my friends over at Picture Keeper are giving my readers 40% off their own device by simply using the promo code ‘MakingTime40’ at checkout. Enter the #PKSeasonofGiving giveaway below for a chance to win the great prizes I mentioned earlier. I’d also love to hear about how your family gives back around the holidays so please consider leaving a comment to let me know :)

Picture Keeper Season of Giving Giveaway

Celebrating National Teddy Bear Day {And A Giveaway}

Thanks to Build-A-Bear Workshop for sponsoring this post and giveaway.

When I was little there was always one thing I carried with me everywhere- my teddy bear named Beary Alice. My Grandma had made it for me before I was born and I still have it in my bedroom even as an adult in my 30s. As silly as I feel admitting that I still have my teddy bear, I know I’m not the only adult who still has one. A survey of 2,000 adults, completed by Atomik Research and commissioned by Build-A- Bear, revealed that across generations, more than half of all respondents surveyed mentioned they still own a stuffed animal. 40% of respondents said they sleep with their stuffed animal by their side and 72% of those who have stuffed animals said they plan to keep their stuffed animal forever (yep, that would be me). Do you still have a teddy bear from when you were little?

My youngest, Lucas, loves stuffed animals. He has quite the collection of his own that takes up almost his entire bed. Occasionally I even let him cuddle with my Beary Alice after promising to take really good care of her. (The picture below is of Lucas with my favorite teddy bear a couple years ago.)

With National Teddy Bear Day today, September 9th, we are headed to Build-A-Bear Workshop to add to his collection of stuffed animals. To celebrate this holiday, guests of Build-A- Bear Workshop stores can make their own limited-edition National Teddy Bear Day Bear for just $5.50 (plus applicable taxes, while supplies last). We can’t pass this deal up!

This teddy bear sure is a lot cuter than mine! What I love most of all about Build-A-Bear though, isn’t the selection of bears and other stuffed friends, but that we can make the bear together. For me it’s about the experience and time spent making memories as we stuff the bear, name him and everything else we have to do before we can take him home. I don’t love Beary Alice because of how she looks but because of the memories she brings back. Regardless of the hole in her arm and the matted fur, she reminds me of my Grandma and my childhood and I hope that the bears I build with my boys at Build-A-Bear will bring back similar memories for them in the years to come.

Want to make memories with your kids at Build-A-Bear Workshop? I’m giving away a $100 gift card to one lucky winner! To enter, fill out the form below.

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KIDZ BOP “Best Time Ever” Tour Coming To Chicago {Giveaway}

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

I am happy to be working with Live Nation again this year to share about their KIDZ BOP “Best Time Ever” tour coming to Chicago. KIDZ BOP records kid-friendly versions of today’s biggest pop music hits sung by kids, for kids. They have created the #1 music brand for kids, selling more than 17 million albums.

Both my boys love KIDZ BOP and look forward to each new album that comes out. My youngest, Lucas, constantly plays their music while dancing and singing along and he can tell you every song on each of their most recent albums. We didn’t make last year’s concert but when I told Lucas that we were going to the concert this year he literally ran around screaming with excitement for about 10 minutes.

The fun happens next Sunday, July 30th, at 3pm! The concert is at Huntington Bank Pavilion (located at Northerly Island which is by the museum campuses in Chicago). It will be a great music-filled afternoon for the whole family.

Want to surprise your child with tickets to this year’s KIDZ BOP Chicago concert? Buy tickets here. I’m also giving away a 4-pack of tickets! It’s easy to enter to win, just complete one or more of the entry options in the form below. Good luck!

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Protect Your Memories With Picture Keeper {And A $300 BTS Shopping Spree Giveaway}

Thanks to Picture Keeper for sponsoring this post and giveaway.

I know it’s only July but my mind is starting to think back-to-school already! It might be the school supplies in stores or it could be the realization, after looking at my calendar, that the first day of school is only about a month away. (Which means I better get busy preparing for the school year…)

One of my favorite things to do on the first day of school is to take a picture of my boys so I can compare it to the previous year (and share it with friends and family obviously lol). The school year brings tons of other photo opps as well, like holiday concerts and PTA events, so if you like taking pictures of your loved ones like I do, give yourself peace-of-mind with backup security from Picture Keeper. With so many memories stored on computers, don’t risk photos of your children getting lost or deleted without a backup plan.

Picture Keeper Connect is a simple all-in-one USB device with embedded software that makes it easy to transfer photos, contacts, and videos directly from your Phone or Tablet (iOS and Android) to your Mac or PC with the simple click of a button, freeing up space on your device and securing your memories. This device is simple and convenient to use with no software to install, no wires to connect, no complicated setup, and no passwords to remember. The files can be accessed and backed up without WiFi or data connection and are always within reach. Best of all, there are no monthly fees associated with using Picture Keeper.

Protecting your memories shouldn’t be difficult. Whether you’re switching to a new phone, running out of storage on your smartphone, or wanting to safeguard those important first day of school photos, Picture Keeper Connect offers simple photo backup solutions for all devices – smartphones, tablets, and computers.

To celebrate the back-to-school season, Picture Keeper is hosting a great giveaway for a $300 shopping spree and a Picture Keeper Connect. Enter below for a chance to win!

Back to School Giveaway!

Last Minute Gift Ideas For Dad {Giveaway}

Thanks to Sears for sponsoring this post and giveaway.

Father’s Day is this Sunday! Anyone still need to buy a gift for dad? My boys have reached the age where they like to help pick out gifts to give for occasions like this so we are headed to the store tomorrow for some last minute shopping. While they try to convince me we should go to a toy store and get him toys because “daddy really likes toys”, I know better and will be taking them to Sears where there are plenty of things that their dad actually would want.

From tools to small appliances to trendy clothes, Sears has the perfect gift for every dad. I checked out Sears.com to get an idea of what we’d find and am sharing some of my favorites here so you can make sure to visit Sears online or in-store for all your Father’s Day gifting needs! I also have a $50 Sears e- gift card I’ll be giving away for those last minute shoppers.

Gift idea #1: A new grill and/or grilling accessories for the dad who loves to grill

Several years back I shared here on the blog how we got a new grill from Sears. I think it is one of the best gifts I’ve given and something that gets used on a frequent basis. They have a number of grilling accessories too so dad can grill everything from fish to shish kabobs.

One of my favorites is the Kenmore 4 Burner LP Mocha Gas Grill with Searing Side Burner. I love the fact that it has the side burner plus the storage space on the bottom is perfect for all of the grilling accessories and seasonings dad might want to keep in it.

Gift idea #2: Craftsman Tools for the handyman

As a girl growing up I remember being amazed by how many tools my dad had. I never knew what all of them did but he always seemed to know which tool was perfect for the job. I think tools are the perfect gift for the handyman dad.

Sears carries an assortment of Craftsman tools and toolboxes. This Craftsman 254 PC Mechanics Tool Set with 75Tooth Ratchet is the only tool set dad will need to complete any and every mechanical job and it’s nice because all of the tools come in a well constructed tool box. Sears is offering up to 50% off Craftsman tools for Father’s Day (sale runs through 6/18).

Gift idea #3: Home theater system for the movie buff

Some dads are all about movies. They come up with a movie quote for every occasion and always know what movies are playing at the theater and what new movies are coming out every week.

Those dads would love a home theater so that every movie watched at home would make them feel like they were at the movie theater. The Samsung HT-J5500W 5.1 Channel Home Theater System w/ Bluetooth and Smart Blu-ray Player brings a cinema atmosphere to your living room. This package includes immersive speakers, a subwoofer and a smart Blu-ray player to enjoy all types of content in vivid color and robust audio. With 5.1 channels and wireless rear speakers, dad can create an immersive experience when watching sports or the latest blockbusters.

Gift idea #4: Rding lawn mower for the dad who prides himself on how his yard looks

Recently I saw a photo online of a dad mowing his lawn with a tornado in the distance. While I thought he was crazy because you should always take shelter in bad weather, it just goes to show that some dads will not let anything stop them from making their yards picture perfect. If you have a dad in your life who spends hours outside every weekend, a gift that would help make yard work easier would probably be appreciated.

For those with a large area to mow every week, a riding mower would make the perfect gift. The Craftsman Pro Series 42″ 20 HP V-Twin Kohler Hydrostatic Riding Mower w/ Smart Lawn Bluetooth Technologymakes me want to type all the heart eye emojis because this thing is amazing. Dad can get the job done quickly with this mower and it has Consistent-Cut™ technology so he’ll get the perfect cut even if your yard includes uneven terrain or areas of tall grass. Caring for the riding lawn mower is easy too with the Smart Lawn app for iPhone and Android smartphones that includes a run time tracker, service reminders and everything he will need to maintain the riding lawn mower.

Gift idea #5: New tent for dads who love to camp

Growing up we went camping often and I loved it so I think that camping equipment is a great gift that can help make memories for years to come. This would make a great gift for a new dad accompanied by a note sharing some of your favorite camping tips and tricks. Even seasoned campers could use some new equipment and I found this out the hard way! I had borrowed my dad’s tent that was probably more than 25 years old and woke up in a puddle of rain water in the middle of the night. So if dad enjoys camping, maybe surprise him with a new tent before he discovers he needs a new one while in the middle of nowhere.

Sears has tents, sleeping bags and everything else a camper needs. For smaller families, this Coleman Sundome® 4-Person Dome Tent would be ideal. Easy setup means less time setting up the tent and more time roasting marshmallows! This tent is compact, yet spacious and has a ground vent and two windows to help your family stay cool and comfortable. If it rains, the WeatherTec™ system with its patented welded floors and inverted seams will help you stay dry and the compact dome shape stands up to wind.

Gift idea #6: Mini-fridge for the beer drinker

I find that we always need extra fridge storage so mini-fridges are great. If your hubby enjoys a cold drink while watching a baseball game or enjoys entertaining, this might be a great gift for dad.

The Whynter Mini Stainless Steel Refrigerator is sleek and will fit in dad’s garage workshop, office or his man cave. This fridge holds an amazing 117 12-ounce can beverages or up to 27 wine bottles.

Gift idea #7: Mountain bike for the explorer

One of the things Sinisa wants this year is a bike so he can go bike riding with the boys. It’s a great way for dads to spend time with their families- whether they are just going on a ride down the street or exploring a wooded trail.

There are a number of bikes to choose from at Sears from well known brands like Schwinn, Mongoose and Iron Horse. The IRON HORSE 29″ Men’s Warrior 3.2 Mountain Bike is the perfect set of wheels for dad. This mountain bike is built to take all the bumps, dips and holes in stride and is designed to make even rough roads feel freshly paved.

As you can see, Sears is definitely a one stop shop for your Father’s Day shopping because they offer a wide range of home merchandise, apparel, automotive products and more! Sears provides shopping convenience – letting members shop wherever, whenever and however they choose, both in stores and online. They even have an awesome rewards program called ‘Shop Your Way’ that is a free social shopping destination and rewards program offering millions of products, personalized services, and advice. The program rewards members for buying the products and services they want every day. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you will want to sign up!

Enter below to win a $50 e-gift card to Sears! The winner will receive it before Father’s Day so they can pick out some last minute gifts for dad!
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Spring Portraits {Giveaway}

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts are my own.

Pictures are one of my favorite ways to keep memories alive so I’m excited to be working with Portrait Innovations again. We had a great experience at Portrait Innovations during the holidays when we took our family Christmas photos and I really loved how the pictures turned out so we went back last week to get spring pictures taken of the boys.

I liked that the photographer chose a few different backgrounds to photograph the boys in front of. The spring background with the flowers was my favorite because I thought it was perfect for seasonal pictures and made it seem like we had some outdoor shots taken.

One of my favorite things about Portrait Innovations is that the photographers try a lot of different poses so there are a variety of images to choose from. They also take multiple pictures of the same pose which is nice. There’s nothing worse than finding that one shot you love but then you notice that someone’s eyes are closed. With multiple images taken just seconds apart they are more likely to capture your children at the perfect moment, before they look away, make a funny face, or blink.

I also like that while my boys were getting their pictures taken, I never felt like the photographer was rushing through our session. At other studios, that have really short appointment windows, I tend to feel like we are being hurried through so they can get to their next appointment. The photographers at Portrait Innovations make getting great photos a priority, even if it takes a bit longer.

The best part is that beautiful photos of your family can be yours for a great price! Portrait Innovations always seems to have great coupons available.

Portrait Innovations is offering their best spring special ever. The Spring 24 Portrait Package is only $19.99 plus a Free $100 16×20 Canvas with this coupon!

Included in the portrait package is 1-10×13 Wall Portrait, 2-8x10s, 4-5x7s, 4-3x5s, 8-2x3s, and 5-5×7 cards, plus a high resolution CD with your favorite pose. And, you can save 20% on all additional purchases in studio. Portrait Innovations never charges sitting fees so bring the whole family. Appointments are limited so schedule your appointment today!

I’m also thrilled to be able to give away a 6-pose portrait package from Portrait Innovations! Enter via the form below.
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Lightheaded Bed Giveaway

Disclosure: I received product in exchange for posting this giveaway but all thoughts are my own.

Every child loves to make their bedroom their own. From choosing the decor to the toys on the shelf to the artwork they display on their walls, being able to personalize their space is important to children and teens. One fun way that kids can do this is with LightHeaded Beds.

LightHeaded beds are expertly crafted wooden beds with illuminated back-lit imagery within the headboard. The innovative headboard is designed with an impact resistant LED panel that can be a nightlight, a reading light or a decorative statement piece for your child’s room. The LED panel is dimmable, can be set on a timer, and even fades to off as a night light to help lull your child to sleep. All can be done via a remote control that comes with the bed. And no need to worry about replacing the lights because the energy-saving LEDs last up to 50,000 hours.

Best of all, this LED panel can display HeadLightz graphics that can be customized and changed easily for holidays, special events, seasons, or as your child’s interests and hobbies change. There are thousands of interchangeable HeadLight Images for boys and girls at all ages or you can use your own photos or artwork.

Each bed comes with a starter Dolphin themed Headlight™ Image valued at $20 as well as a $20 coupon towards another HeadLight™ Image of your choice at LightHeadedBeds.com.

Changing the images is easy. You just lift up the top of the headboard, slide the image out and place a new one down into the headboard. The footboard is custom designed as well and features built-in storage for the HeadLight Images. This is convenient and allows you to keep the images in good condition.

The bed itself is perfect for all ages and features adjustable height side rails that allow for mattress only or a mattress/box spring combo. This Riviera bed is available in your choice of size and finish, with optional open under-bed storage or trundle. It’s the perfect choice for your growing child’s room!

Lifetime products is offering 10% off all beds on their site using the code ‘makingtime4mommy’. The offer is good through March 31, 2017.

GIVEAWAY:

One lucky reader will win a Riviera Full Bed (in their choice of finish), a starter Dolphin image and a $20 coupon towards an image of their choice at LightheadedBeds.com.

HOW TO ENTER:

To enter the giveaway, answer the following question in the comments below:

If you win the bed, what image would you choose?

For an extra entry you may share this giveaway on social media and leave the link as a separate comment below.

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm CST on March 12, 2017. Winner will have 24 hours to respond before another winner is drawn. Must be 21 or older and a US resident to enter.

 

Moms Don’t Get Sick Days {$25 Visa Gift Card Giveaway}

This post has been sponsored by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.

Being sick is the worst because, as moms, we don’t get “sick days”. We can’t just say to our children, “sorry, you are on your own today”. Instead, we have to get through the day the best we can and consider ourselves lucky if we find a few minutes of rest while our children are at school, napping or otherwise occupied.

I wanted to share a few ways that I get through my sick days which often include a full schedule of school drop-off and pickup, at least one sports practice/game or extracurricular activity for the kids, and a day of working online. Not to mention the things that must get done including helping the kids get ready for school, feeding them dinner, etc.

The first thing I do on sick days is decide what my absolute “must do” things are and what things I can skip for the day. The laundry can sit in the hamper another day and I normally will push off any nonessential work on the blog as well. I also try and figure out what things I can do to make my required tasks easier. For example, feeding my children dinner falls under the “must do” category but I can make it easier on myself by calling it a “breakfast for dinner” night or getting takeout so I don’t have to cook something.

Next you’ll want to come up with a few ideas to keep your kids busy throughout the day. When I was a preschool teacher I always had a box full of things that only came out on rainy days or days we were stuck inside. This box saved my sanity on those days. Even though the children had seen the toys and activities previously, being put away for a while before being brought back out made the items in the box seem new and exciting and kept their attention for longer than toys that they had been playing with recently. Other ideas include having a special movie marathon day with your kids or enacting a “quiet time” where children don’t have to nap but they have to rest in their beds and read/look at books for a certain period of time.

Once you have your day figured out and your kids are occupied it’s time to gather your essentials and relax. I always make sure to have extra blankets on hand because I always seem to get cold when I’m sick. I also make sure to have everything in reach I’ll need like tissues, something to drink, and a snack to eat.

You’ll also want to take some medicine to help you feel better. If you are feeling congested talk to your doctor about trying Advil® Cold & Sinus, the #1 pharmacist recommended brand for Cough, Cold and Flu Combinations for Daytime. This over-the-counter medicine combines the relief of a strong decongestant to open your airways with the power of Advil® to relieve the pain commonly associated with sinus pressure. As moms we may not get to take a sick day but we can at least do something to make ourselves feel better while we are sick!

How do you get through a sick day? I’d love for you to share your tips in the comments!

ENTER TO WIN A $25 VISA GIFT CARD

Leave a comment on this post telling me how you get through a sick day for a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card.

Share this post on social media and leave a comment with the link to your social share for an additional entry.

Giveaway ends February 7, 2017 at 11:59pm CST. Must be a US resident 21 or older, with a physical address (no P.O. boxes) to enter. Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to respond to claim the prize.

 

 

Fun Giveaway For Parents Of Little Football Fans

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts are my own.

Football season is almost over so I’m trying to squeeze in as much football love on this blog as I can. Today I have an amazing giveaway for parents or grandparents who want to share their passion for football with the special child in their life.

Little fans will enjoy being pushed around in this Game Day Helmet Ride-In Car from Simplay3, a new company by the founder of both Little Tikes and Step2. This push around buggy is ideal for children ages 9 months to 3 years. It’s made of thick, durable plastic and features a sturdy, removable handle that provides smooth maneuvering and allows for easy storage and transport.

What I like most about this ride-in car is that it can be customized to show your team spirit. Helmets can be ordered in your favorite team colors (black, gray, white, red/orange, blue) and feature a football decal. They can also be customized with team decals from your favorite high school, NCAA college or NFL professional team. Even though my favorite team didn’t make the playoffs, I’m still a huge Chicago Bears fan so my favorite custom combo is the blue helmet with the Bears logo.

Parents and grandparents will feel safe knowing this has a seat belt for their child and kids will have fun pretending to steer their little vehicle with the built in football shaped toy steering wheel. There is even a cup holder to store your child’s drink or snack so they can have it within arms length.

Want to win one of these fun helmets for the little one in your life? Just leave a comment with what helmet color and team customization you’d choose! For an extra entry you can share this giveaway on social media and leave a 2nd comment with your link to the share.

Giveaway ends on Super Bowl Sunday – February 5, 2017- at 11:59pm CST.

Rules: Entries will be counted from January 23, 2017 to Super Bowl Sunday, February 5, 2017 at 11:59pm CST. The prize is one Game Day Push About Helmet from Simplay3, valued at $79.99 USD. Prize can’t be exchanged for cash value. Entry open to residents of the contiguous United States who are 18 years of age or older as of the start of this giveaway. Winner will be chosen using random.com and will be emailed. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. Prize will be sent to the winner directly from the sponsor of this giveaway. Making Time For Mommy, and the author of this post, are not responsible for any lost or delayed prizes. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.

 

 

Afterschoolz Makes Finding Kid’s Activities Easy {$100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway}

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts are my own.

It’s no secret that I believe in the importance of extracurricular activities for kids and that my boys are very involved in activities they enjoy. One of the main reasons I started putting them in activities was so they could work on their social skills and I’ve shared before how much growth I’ve seen in them over the past few years. I have no doubt that putting them in activities and sports has been one of the main things that has positively impacted them in that area.

Lucas in particular, who is on the Autism Spectrum and has had language delays, struggled in his younger years with forming friendships. Not only was he unable to communicate, but the majority of the time he was in his own world. I can remember when Luke was on a soccer team for the first time and, as the season went on, I saw him start to try to talk with other kids. All those hours spent practicing and on the sidelines helped him start to bond with other children. From social skills to teamwork to responsibility, after school activities have proven to be beneficial for us.

I’ve been asked before how I find out about activities my kids participate in and, in the past, I’ve shared that I scour the internet for activities. From our school’s website to the community recreation site to local Churches, I hunt down activities I think my children will enjoy. I find a lot of great things but I’ve discovered that it’s so time consuming to do this search every couple of months. Wouldn’t it be great if there was just one site that parents needed to go to in order to discover after school activities for kids?

Thankfully there is a resource like that being developed for all of us in Illinois (don’t worry if you live in another state- they will be expanding to other cities in the future)! The Afterschoolz website already has such a great variety of activities listed and more are being added as new activity providers sign up. Parents can find everything from the typical soccer and art lessons to activities that are a bit more out of the box, like anime club and a class on how to make a candy bouquet. Check out what fun activities are listed in your town here.

Afterschoolz allows parents to not only discover after school activities available in our state, but to view ratings for the activities as well. Considering a certain summer camp but not sure if it’s a good option? Check out how it’s rated on Afterschoolz to see what other parents thought of the camp! Wondering if a specific dance class has good reviews? Check out what other parents have to say on the Afterschoolz website. Find an activity you want to enroll your child in? Some listings let you book lessons or classes right on the Afterschoolz website!

This site is really such a fantastic tool for parents looking to get their children involved in an afterschool activity. Afterschoolz is currently growing and looking to improve their service. To do so, they are asking for feedback from parents who have checked out their website and can offer feedback on what they thought about the site, if they found it easy to use, what they’d like to see added or changed, or really any other feedback parents have about the site. I love when businesses care enough to ask their users for suggestions!

As an incentive to offer feedback, Afterschoolz is offering one Making Time For Mommy reader a $100 Amazon gift card! To enter to win the gift card all you have to do is fill out the form with your thoughts on their website/service and then enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post. Comments on the form should be a minimum of three sentences and they want your honest opinion, regardless of what that is.

First, fill this form out with your feedback on the Afterschoolz website.

(Please note that there are two questions on this form so make sure to scroll down. After you answer both questions then submit the form by clicking the blue submit button.)

After you’ve filled out the form, enter the giveaway here:
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Thanks for reading and entering the giveaway! I’d love to hear about what sports and activities your children enjoy in the comments below!

Learn To Take Beautiful Photos With The Shoot 2017 Year Long Project

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts are my own.

I’ve really been working hard to improve my photos this past year and I think I’ve come a long way when it comes to photographing stationary objects for my blog posts. Taking pictures of the most important things (aka- my kids) has been a harder task to master. I feel like one of them is always moving or the photos look so forced with their pasted on smiles. I want to take more ‘real’ photos that capture genuine emotions and the smiles that come to their faces naturally.

I’m so excited to share about a photography project I’ll be joining over the next year called Shoot Along 2017 which was created by award-winning photographers, Amy Tripple and Heidi Peters. Designed specifically for parents, it encourages parents to remember to pull out their cameras more often to document the every day moments of life. Weekly photography lessons are sent via email to give structure and accountability to busy parents of ALL photography levels and help parents improve their photography skills.

Shoot Along 2017 membership includes:

  • Photography Instruction: Week-by-week photography lessons delivered by email. Learn new concepts, build on your existing skills, or embrace topics as inspiration to remain technically and creatively open-minded!
  • Inspiring interviews: Respected professional photographers from around the world give a glimpse into their personal images, sharing pictures of their own families. They will describe how they get shots that are meaningful and authentic.
  • Discounts & trends: The Shoot Along leaders keep an eye on what’s happening in the photography community so that you can concentrate on photographing your family. They’ve also arranged exclusive discounts for members throughout the year from suppliers of beautiful photo products.
  • A Supportive Online Community: The Shoot Along Facebook Group is a supportive online community where members connect & share photography throughout the year.
  • BONUS Editing Tutorials*: Step-by-step videos delivered by email each week will show you how to add magic to your images. *Editing uses Photoshop Elements 14, which must be purchased separately

The year long course covers all of these things:

Looking through the images from Shoot Along 2016, I’m inspired by all the parents that have been participating. I see unique angles, unusual crops and tiny details captured in ways I would have never thought of.

This is an example they showed on their site of how much techniques and creativity can dramatically improve your photos. Can you believe that these pictures below were taken just seconds apart with the same camera and same lens?

Here’s what past participants had to say:

  • “Shoot Along had been a tremendous resource for me. I was new when I joined… my boys see to it that I don’t have all that much time to participate, but I’ve taken away so much in the small amount that I have been able to be involved. I’ll definitely be joining again next year!
  • “[Shoot Along] has been an amazing resource for me as a photographer. It has been a great frequent reminder to get out and shootpictures of my own kids, which (as someone who does family photography part-time) I sometimes forget to do!”
  • “The lessons have been a great way to expand my creativity and try new things in my photography style. It’s been fun to see my work progress from what I thought was “pretty good” into something that continues to get better and better. I now have a collection of beautiful photos of my family that I’ll cherish forever!”
  • “The project has allowed me to capture experiences of my family that tells a story of who we are. From looking at lighting differently to seeing my everyday surroundings – these projects have really helped to open up what was definitely a narrow mindset.”
  • “I feel like I have such a better understanding of what goes into making a great image, from the basics of focus and composition to more artistic elements such as framing and color and texture. I will definitely be back!”

Want to join Shoot Along 2017? Now is the time to sign up because it starts January 1st! Typically this year long photo project costs $159, but it is on-sale for $129 through January 1st. Sign up here.

I also get to host a giveaway for Shoot Along 2017 so one lucky Making Time For Mommy reader can participate for free! See the giveaway below. Since this giveaway ends after the lessons start, I’d suggest signing up now so you don’t miss any lessons and then if you win you will be refunded for what you paid.

 

Enter To Win 1 Of 30 Litter-Robots And Other Amazing Prizes For Your Cat

Disclosure: I received a Litter-Robot in exchange for sharing about this promotion.

I am so excited to share that I’ve partnered with Litter-Robot to promote their 25 Days of Christmas giveaway. They are giving away AMAZING prizes, including 30 Litter-Robot Open Air units.

What’s the Litter-Robot Open Air you ask? Well only the best litter box ever! I have been using one for about a month and I’m wondering how I ever lived without it. Previously, cleaning the litter box was my least favorite chore but this Litter-Robot makes life as a cat mom so easy because it cleans the litter box for me.

This automatic self-cleaning litter box has a patented sifting system that automatically separates waste from clean litter, so you never have to scoop litter again and your house always stays smelling fresh! It senses when my cats have soiled the litter and exited the unit and then it rotates automatically to separate the dirty litter from the clean litter. All I have to do is collect the dirty litter that has been deposited in the bottom drawer when the notification light is on, which is about once a week with my two cats.

Watch the video below to see exactly how it works:

Features of the Litter-Robot Open Air (ARV $449) include:

 

  • Self-cleans after each use
  • Reduces litter box odor
  • Saves money on litter
  • No special accessories needed
  • Great for multiple cats
  • Safe for cats as light as 5lbs
  • Extra spacious litter chamber
  • Enlarged entryway
  • Drawer full indication
  • Adjustable cycle timer
  • Sleep mode & lock out feature
  • Automatic night light

Along with the chance to win 1 of 30 Litter-Robot Open Air units, the other items that are being given away are:

You can enter daily through Christmas for a chance to win a great prize package.

ENTER HERE!

 

 

Stylish Looks From OshKosh B’gosh {Giveaway}

This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of OshKosh B’gosh; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. #BacktoBgosh

The kids are back in school and today is the unofficial end of the summer season which means we all know the cooler Autumn air will be here soon. With it comes the start of football, pumpkin spice lattes and apple picking, along with the need for new back to school clothes. It will soon be time to put away the shorts and sandals in favor of sweaters and boots.

Knowing this, I recently went shopping at OshKosh B’gosh for some stylish fall looks. It’s one of my favorite stores for kid’s fashion and I’ve been a customer ever since my boys were babies crawling around in their little overalls. Denim has been a staple in my kid’s wardrobe for years because it’s comfortable, stylish and versatile. OshKosh B’gosh is one of the few places I buy jeans for the kids because their pants have adjustable waistbands for my kids’ tiny waists.

Along with a pair of dark wash denim jeans I bought a light jacket and a number of long sleeve tops. I love that denim jeans go with just about anything- from t-shirts and athletic shoes to dress shirts and boots. All of the shirts I bought looked great with the jeans and I was able to create a number of outfits with the same pair of dark wash jeans.

I noticed that this year I was drawn to a lot of blue and orange combos when I was shopping. Perhaps because of my love for our Chicago football team? Or maybe it’s because these colors will brighten up any dreary fall day, especially when paired with a smile!

Want to do some back to school shopping of your own? I’m excited to be sharing a coupon code for OshKosh B’gosh and giving away a gift card to the store!

What stylish looks will you find for your kids?

To save 25% at OshKosh B’gosh use the coupon code Coupon Code OKBG3136 or print the coupon below.

GIVEAWAY:

One person will win a $50 Gift Card to OshKosh B’Gosh

HOW TO ENTER:

To enter the giveaway comment on this post letting me know why you want to win.

For an extra entry, share this post on social media and comment a second time with the link

The giveaway ends September 20, 2016 at 11:59pm CST. Must be a US resident and 21 or older to win.

P.S.- Does anyone else’s child dab? Jacob just had to do so during our little photo shoot. How could I not share these pictures? lol

 

 

The LuLaRoe Obsession {Giveaway!}

Disclosure: I received a couple LuLaRoe pieces in return for posting.

I live in comfy pants so when I heard about LuLaRoe I was intrigued. Leggings that are comfortable but also stylish and fun? That is this girl’s dream! They get bonus points for being versatile because you can pair them with everything from tshirts to dress tops and flip flops to heels.

Though most well-known for their leggings, that are said to feel like “butter”, I quickly came to realize that LuLaRoe not only sold leggings but tops, dresses, cardigans and skirts as well. The great thing is that their designs are flattering on a variety of different body types.

The prints are what I think makes this company so exciting. New prints come out on a regular basis that if you were collecting them (and I know some people that do) you’d be able to wear a different patterned item every day for months and not repeat a print. There are literally that many to choose from! Up until recently I had stuck with black leggings because as much as I loved patterned leggings on everyone else, I wasn’t a fan of them on myself. I had to take a hard look at why and realized it was all a body image thing. I started to be bolder- getting navy and then gray and just this past week buying my first pair of patterned leggings. Aren’t they the cutest!?

Oh, and they also have kid’s clothes as well. They make leggings, dresses, skirts and tops (for girls and boys!) If I had a little girl I’d be broke. Check out the cuteness below!

LuLaRoe works a little differently than most companies when it comes to purchasing items. There are no LuLaRoe brick and mortar or online stores you can just shop at and purchase what you want, when you want. This is because all the items are sold by independent consultants and there are only a limited number of each print made. Most consultants have Facebook groups you can join and then items are usually listed individually, or all at once, and the first person to say “sold” gets the item. LuLaRoe’s fun prints are limited to 800-2,500 pieces so once they are out of a print, they are out. Solid colored items will usually be available again in the future but most print items will not be available once sold out (from what I understand). Consultants also hold “pop up” in-home parties and online parties where the hosts get free items and/or discounts depending on how many purchases are made at their party.

Want to get started with your LuLaRoe obsession or just want to join another group to have access to more fun prints?! Join Nancy Elizabeth’s Facebook group! She’s a new consultant in the Chicago area and has already had a ton of fun items up for sale in her group. She also shares a lot of pictures for inspiration so you can see how she, and others, style their LuLaRoe.

She’s also giving one of you a $25 gift certificate to spend on LuLaRoe items in her group! You can get a pair of leggings or use it towards the purchase of another item. So excited to share the LuLaRoe love with you all!

GIVEAWAY!

Entering to win is easy. Just leave a comment below telling me why you want to win.

(To leave a comment enter your comment and info below and click the pink “post comment” text)

For two additional entries you can do the following:

1) Join her Facebook group and leave a comment with the name of your FB account you joined with

(If you are already a member you can still leave a comment for the extra entry. Just let us know the name on your account.)

2) Share on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc) and share the link to your share in a comment below.

This giveaway ends July 1, 2016 at 11:59pm CST and is open to US residents ages 18 and older. Good luck!

Flipp Is Celebrating Moms All Month Long {Gift Card Giveaway}

Thanks to Flipp for sponsoring this post and giveaway.

Last Sunday may have been Mother’s Day but Flipp is celebrating moms all month long! Flipp is a free location-based app that brings the most circulars right to your mobile device, delivering all the latest sales from your favorite stores right to your pocket. With Flipp’s in-app shopping list and coupon matching, shoppers can quickly and easily find the best deals on whatever they need, and receive instant savings at checkout!

To give back to moms, who give so much of themselves, Flipp created a special #FlippforMom campaign. Throughout the month of May on its Facebook and Twitter accounts, Flipp will host a different giveaway every week! Visit facebook.com/getflipp to learn more and enter to win!

In addition to the giveaways going on over on Flipp’s social channels, I am hosting a fun giveaway here at Making Time For Mommy. One lucky person will win a $100 SpaFinder gift card to help make someone’s day a little more special and a lot more fun.

To enter the giveaway simply leave a comment sharing why you want to win. For an extra entry, share this post on social media and leave your link to the share in the comments below. This giveaway will end June 1, 2016 at 11:59pm CST. Must be 18 or older and a US resident to win. Good luck!

Baby Shower Memories {Giveaway}

This post and giveaway were made possible by iConnect and Dreft. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine. Some parts of my pregnancies I’d like to forget- like the morning sickness, food aversions and puffy feet. Other things though, I remember fondly, like my baby shower that was thrown for me while I was pregnant with Jacob. I had a great group of people joining me to celebrate including family members, my work friends and even some of my college friends who came in from out of state. There were delicious foods and cute decorations and everyone gave me such thoughtful gifts. One of my favorite things that I received was a picture frame with everyone’s well wishes on it. I love personalized gifts like that. Other gifts I loved were adorable outfits for my baby and those necessities that every new mom needs like a highchair, a bouncer, toys and packs of diapers. Another item that new moms might not think to buy themselves is special laundry detergent made especially for their new baby’s delicate skin. When my boys were infants we used Dreftbecause it is gentle and hypoallergenic on baby’s sensitive skin, tough on stains and has a baby fresh scent. It is also the #1 baby laundry detergent choice of pediatricians and the #1 dermatologist recommended brand for baby clothes.

As babies grow and develop, laundry needs change for both little ones and their families, which is why Dreft introduced a new line of laundry products that are specially designed for different stages of babyhood. The line includes three products: Dreft Stage 1: Newborn; Dreft Stage 2: Active Baby and Dreft Blissfuls.

Now with Dreft’s line of laundry care products, families can focus less on the mess and more on the amazing moments they share together. I love the new Dreft Blissfuls in-wash scent booster because it lets me bring back that amazing baby scent (and all those memories) whenever I want.

I might not have a little baby anymore but one of my favorite celeb couples will soon and I can’t wait to follow their journey. Sean and Catherine Lowe from “The Bachelor” are expecting a child and Dreft has partnered with them to share their beautiful, messy moments of parenthood. For the first year they will be giving fans a glimpse into their lives as they journey into #amazinghood. Dreft threw them a “Loads of Love” baby shower last week where the couple was showered with all the love, support and essentials needed to prepare them for the arrival of their precious new baby.

GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win a Dreft “Baby Shower” Package (ARV $75) which will include:

Dreft product (Newborn, Active Baby, & Blissfuls)
Little Me Welcome to the World Bib and Burp Set
 Little Me Giraffe Gown
Gender Neutral Lovey

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment sharing your favorite pregnancy or baby related memory.

For an extra entry you can share on a social channel and leave the link in a comment below.

Giveaway ends May 15, 2016 at 11:59pm CST. Must be 21 or older to enter and have a US mailing address (NO PO BOXES).

The KIDZ BOP Concert Is Coming To Chicago {Giveaway}

Thanks to Live Nation Chicago for sponsoring this post and giveaway for my readers.

The boys are both huge fans of KIDZ BOP and are really excited that their ‘The Life Of The Party Tour’ concert is coming to the Chicago area this Summer. They have never been to a concert other than when they were younger and went to one for a preschool show. Now that my oldest is almost a tween (seriously, how did that happen!?) I think they are going to be wanting to go to concerts more often and I think this one would be the perfect one to start with because it’s aimed towards their demographic and I know they won’t be hearing any bad words.

KIDZ BOP, the number one music brand for kids, is bringing The Life Of The Party Tour to FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island on August 7, 2016. The KIDZ BOP Kids – Ashlynn Chong, Sela Hack, Matt Martinez and Grant Knoche – are headlining the tour. The ALL-NEW live show features the biggest pop songs of the year, awesome choreography, and more fun surprises from The KIDZ BOP Kids. The Life Of The Party Tour is the ultimate pop star experience, and the perfect concert event for the entire family!

If your child loves Kidz Bop you are in luck because I’m giving away 20 tickets to the Chicago concert! FIVE winners will each win FOUR tickets. I thought four packs were a good idea because then you can go as a family or you can take your child and a couple of their friends. Enter below. Good luck!

(Please note: You do NOT have to do all of the entry options below to be elgible to win. You just need to do at least ONE of them. The more options you do, the better your chances of winning.) 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Step Into Spring {See Kai Run Shoes Giveaway}

I’m so excited to finally see high temperatures in the 70s coming up this weekend! I can finally put away the winter coats and boots (hopefully I didn’t just jinx myself!) and get the boy’s sandals and summer shoes out. We received some fun new styles courtesy of See Kai Run that I can’t wait for the boys to show off.

See Kai Run offers footwear for Babies, Toddlers and Big Kids. Their Babies line features Smaller Crib shoes, which are true crib booties for ages 0-18 months, and Smaller Steps, which feature a durable rubber sole designed for those taking their very first steps, sizes 3-6. Their Toddler shoes (See Kai Run) are for sizes 4-9, and come in leathers, sneakers and their washable Runners. Their Big Kids, (Kai) shoes come in whole and half sizes 8-3y and also come in leathers, sneakers and washable Runners.

The quality of these shoes is amazing. Their shoes are made with buttery-soft leather with breathable leather lining and feature flexible soles which are perfect for children’s growing feet. Most of the shoes are made with a durable rubber sole for outdoor play and their Runners feature water friendly materials and are made for aqua play. I love that most of the sandals have a closed toe which is perfect for camp and school since they don’t allow open toed shoes. The footbed of the shoe is molded to fit their feet well and wide openings and wide toe boxes accommodate even the chubbiest little feet. Hook and loop closures allows for adjustable fit and easy on and off.

GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win a gift certificate for a pair of shoes (winner’s choice) from See Kai Run

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment telling me which pair is your favorite

For an extra entry, share this giveaway on social media and leave a comment with the link

Giveaway ends May 14, 2016 at 11:59pm CST. Must be 21 or older and a US resident to enter.

Giveaway: Customizable Radio Flyer Wagon

Happy National Little Red Wagon Day! I’ve been a fan of Radio Flyer’s little red wagon for years and am excited to be working with them on this sponsored post to celebrate this special day.

For over 99 years, Radio Flyer has been helping make happy memories. Whether it carried loved ones on a trip to the zoo, goodies for a picnic at the park, or sport equipment for a day of little league games, the little red wagon held it all. For many kids it became much more than something used to transport people or things, it became a pirate ship, an ice cream truck and anything else children could dream of using their imaginations. Take a look at the video below and you’ll see what I mean.

I recently learned about Radio Flyer’s Build-A-Wagon platform that lets people customize and personalize wagons. There are over 150 combinations you could create, with everything from umbrellas to an mp3 player to padded seats. The hardest decision for me is deciding which wagon I want, the classic wooden one or the modern one with seats. Here are two I customized. Which one is your favorite?

Want to win a Radio Flyer wagon of your own to celebrate #LittleRedWagonDay? Enter my giveaway below! One winner will get to customize their own wagon on the Build-A-Wagon platform. Good luck :)

 

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15 Activities To Keep Kids Busy When They Are Sick

Nobody likes to be sick so I wanted to share some ways to make a sick day fun for kids. All of these can be done from the couch! A big thank you to Pfizer for sponsoring today’s post and providing a product bundle as a giveaway. I’m not a doctor and this post should not be taken as medical advice. I’m just a mom sharing what works for our family :)

SICK DAY ACTIVITIES

  • Have a movie marathon
  • Eat treats like popsicles that make a sore throat feel better
  • Play some board games together
  • Cut out paper strips and make a paper chain to decorate the house
  • Let your child play with special toys from the rainy day box
  • Color in a coloring book
  • Let your child help plan your next family vacation
  • Read books from the library
  • Make playdough creations
  • Make thank you cards for members of the military (here’s where to send them)
  • Make sock puppets and put on a puppet show for the family
  • Paint nails
  • Play a game on a tablet
  • Look through photo albums together
  • Put together a puzzle

Make sure to head to Target and stock up on over the counter medicines that will make your little one feel better when they are sick! Our must-have list includes Children’s Robitussin®, Children’s Advil® and Children’s Dimetapp®.

  • Infants’ and Children’s Advil® provide unsurpassed fever and pain relief, and contain ibuprofen, the medicine pediatricians use most for their own kids’ fevers (for ages 6 months -11 years)
  • Children’s Robitussin® provides soothing action and cough control with some formulations lasting up to 8 hours (for ages 6-12 years)
  • Children’s Dimetapp® provides great-tasting cold-fighting power and is the #1 pharmacist recommended brand for children’s cough & cold symptoms (for ages 6+)

GIVEAWAY

One reader will win a Pfizer product gift bundle

HOW TO ENTER

1) Leave a comment telling me one fun thing your child does on a sick day

2) Share this post on social media

 Giveaway ends April 15, 2016 at 11:59pm CST. Must be 21 or older and a US resident to enter.

Tastefully Simple Easter Celebration Menu Collection {Giveaway}

(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts are my own.)

When I was younger, I would accompany my mom to a lot of in-home sales parties. My favorite one was the Tastefully Simple party because I enjoyed sampling everything. I loved their Bountiful Beer Bread Mix and also the sweet, fluffy fruit dip that her friends always made.

I haven’t had Tastefully Simple products for years but today we made some of the items from their new Easter Celebration menu collection and the memories all came back as the bread baked in the oven. It smelled so good and tasted just like I’d remembered.

Tastefully Simple is helping make Easter easy by selling a kit full of products made to help you create a memorable Easter dinner. They also provide recipes and the shopping list.

Here are my favorite ideas for the meal that can be made with products from the collection:

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Want to win a collection of your own? Valued at over $80, this kit includes:

  • Key Lime Cheese Ball Mix
  • Truffle Fudge Brownie Mix
  • Perfectly Potato Cheddar Soup Mix
  • Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix
  • Rhubarb Strawberry Fruit Spread
  • Pomegranate Chipotle Sauce
  • Italian Garlic Seasoning
  • Artichoke & Spinach Warm Dip Mix
  • Samba Sangria Slush Mix
  • Cinnamon Muffin Melt Mix
  • Bountiful Beer Bread Mix

To enter this giveaway please share this post on social media and leave a comment below with why you want to win and a link to your social share. This giveaway ends Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 11:59pm CST.

 

PEEPS Nests Recipe And Peeps-a-licious Cookbook Giveaway

I am so excited to share about this new cookbook that came out called Peeps-a-licious that features 50 fun recipes made with PEEPS. I’m honored to have been asked to contribute to this cookbook and have shared three delicious recipes in it. I’m sharing my favorite one below along with a giveaway where five people will win a copy of this new cookbook.

Makes 15—20 Nests

Ingredients

  • 1 (11-ounce) package butterscotch morsels
  • ½ cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1½ packages (18 ounces) crispy chow mein noodles
  • 15–20 PEEPS® Marshmallow Chicks, assorted colors
  • 1–2 packages JUST BORN® Brand Jelly Beans, or your favorite variety (you just need white jelly beans)

Directions

  • Melt butterscotch morsels in a microwave-safe bowl in microwave for 30 seconds on high power, then stir. Continue melting for 10-second intervals, stirring after each one, until smooth.
  • Stir peanut butter into melted butterscotch and thoroughly combine.
  • Place crispy chow mein noodles into a large bowl and add butterscotch/peanut butter mixture. Combine until all noodles are coated.
  • Drop a tablespoon of chow mein mixture onto a baking sheet or plate lined with wax paper. Make an indent in the middle of the mixture to form a nest shape. Repeat with remaining mixture.
  • Refrigerate until nests harden, about 30–60 minutes.
  • To finish the nests, add 3–5 jelly beans in the center of each nest and top with a PEEPS® Chick

GIVEAWAY

Five readers will each win 1 copy of the Peeps-a-licious cookbook

HOW TO ENTER

Share this giveaway on social media and leave a comment below with the link and why you want to win

Giveaway ends April 1, 2016 at 11:59pm CST.

Red Robin’s Burgers For Better Schools Program {Giveaway}

(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. The Red Robin information and gift cards have been provided by Red Robin but all thoughts are my own.)

As a member of the PTA at my boy’s school, I know that raising funds for schools is a lot of work. It seems that our school is constantly doing fundraiser after fundraiser and it takes a lot of work to make them successful. Thankfully there are companies that help schools raise funds without parents having to put in hours of hard work.

Red Robin is one of those companies. With their Burgers for Better Schools program, Red Robin Royalty members (those who are part of the free loyalty program) have an opportunity to support local K-12 schools simply by dining at participating Red Robin restaurants and using their Red Robin Royalty member account. When a Red Robin Royalty member’s account is presented at the time of purchase, Red Robin will donate one percent of the total bill to their school of choice (excluding taxes, gratuities and gift card sales).

This means, instead of buying some overpriced wrapping paper, I can raise money for our elementary school simply by going out and enjoying a wonderful lunch or dinner with my family! It’s so easy to sign up for, too. Just sign up for their loyalty program and go to the Burgers For Better Schools dashboard where you can choose which school you want to support. Then, when you go to dine out, just give your Red Robin Royalty member number and a portion of proceeds will be donated to the school you have chosen.

Members who have opted into Burgers for Better Schools can follow their progress in supporting a K-12 school of their choice on their Red Robin Royalty account dashboard. Details include individual contributions, how many others are supporting that school, and total donations raised by all supporters.

Want to support your school while enjoying a meal out? Enter my giveaway below! Make sure to sign up and make sure to select your child’s school on the site before you visit Red Robin!

GIVEAWAY:

Enter to win a $75 Red Robin Gift Card!

HOW TO ENTER:

1) Leave a comment below telling me why you want to win

2) Share this giveaway on social media

Giveaway ends October 10, 2015 at 11:59pm CST. Must be a US resident to win. No PO boxes.

 

Overhead Garage Storage Giveaway For Chicago Area {$329 Value!}

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Do you have an insane amount of holiday decor in your garage? Or maybe you have shelves full of camping gear? If your garage is anything like mine, you have way too much you are trying to store alongside all the kid’s bikes and you can’t even fit both cars inside your garage.

I am so excited to be working on the #MoreSpaceInNoTime campaign and hosting one of six amazing giveaways around the country. If you live in Chicago I’m giving you a chance to win a 4′ x 8′ overhead storage unit valued at $329! This professionally installed product takes less than an hour to install and provides 96 cubic feet of storage. This storage unit is an efficient way to restore your garage space – and perhaps your sanity!

To learn more about the storage units please visit Doors by Russ, the Chicago authorized dealer, here.

**GIVEAWAY FOR CHICAGO AREA ONLY**

For a chance to win a storage unit of your own….

Leave a comment below telling me what storage issue this will solve for you!

Earn an extra entry for sharing this giveaway on social media using the hashtag #MoreSpaceInNoTime

Giveaway ends July 20, 2015 at 11:59pm CST.

WINNER MUST LIVE IN THE CHICAGO AREA.

 

Fun Reading Activities For Summer {Giveaway}

Thank you to Reading Is Fundamental for sponsoring this post!

We’ve been working hard on the reading skills this summer. Every day, after playing at day camp, I have the boys pick out a few books and sit and read (if they need incentives check out this list of summer reading programs). Jacob reads out loud to himself and Lucas, who isn’t yet reading words, looks at the pictures and tells the story he thinks the words are saying. This quiet time looking at books is so important in making sure that they don’t lose reading skills while school is out for the summer.

Reading Is Fundamental has a whole website with ideas to keep kids reading. Here are 6 activities to get kids working on their reading skills over the summer:

  • Have a “book-nic.” Grab a blanket, snacks and books to celebrate a beautiful summer day.
  • Use sidewalk chalk to make a mural with your family. Don’t forget to title your masterpiece.
  • Play easy work or rhyming games with your child.
  • Visit the library and check out books for the entire week – pick one about birds or insects and go on an adventure walk to see if any live in your neighborhood.
  • Reading is contagious – let your kids see you reading books, magazines and even cereal boxes!
  • Play the alphabet game by finding letters starting from A to Z while in the car or on a walk.

Summer is an important time when students can either get ahead or fall behind academically, depending in large part on their resources and opportunities. All students have the potential to lose some of the learning from the previous school year – this is especially true however, for students from economically disadvantaged communities who don’t have access to books and enrichment experiences. Students who lose reading ability over the summer rarely catch up – existing research shows that 75% of students who read poorly in 3rd grade, a benchmark year for literacy skill building, remain poor readers in high school.

The key to helping children maintain or improve their literacy skills over the summer is providing access to quality books they can choose based on personal interests. When children have lots of interesting books readily available to them, they are motivated, empowered and inspired to read. Reading Is Fundamental is really such a great cause.

RIF has many supporters and through July 12th, Macy’s is raising money for this non-profit. Give $3 at any Macy’s register in-store to help provide a book for a child in need. As a thank you, Macy’s customers get $10 off a purchase of $30 or more, PLUS 20% to 15% storewide. 100% of the proceeds go directly to RIF to provide books and learning resources to children who need them most. Customers not only give children the opportunity to build their literacy skills, but also the opportunity to experience the magic and power of books.

I hope you will join me in supporting Reading Is Fundamental. They are offering some great prizes for giveaway with a total of FIVE winners! 4 people will each win a $25 Macy’s gift card and one person will win a $25 Macy’s gift card and a mini-book collection.

To enter, leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite book (for kids or adults) and then share this post on the social media channel of your choice. Giveaway ends 7/15 at 11:59pm CST. Must be a US resident and 21 or older to enter. Good luck! :)

 

 

Powering Up For The New Marvel Avengers Movie (Giveaway)

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Meijer.

When you are a parent there are countless movies you end up watching with your kids. One movie that both my kids and I absolutely love and watch over and over is MARVELS AVENGERS. Full of action and adventure and funny lines, it is a memorable family movie. The best part for the kids is all the superheroes are in it together.

As the new AVENGERS:AGE OF ULTRON movie comes to theaters May 1st we decided to have a family movie night and watch the first one again. To make the night more fun we headed to our local Meijer for snacks needed for our Avengers themed party.

My older son Jake was quick to find the Avengers fruit snacks and just had to have them. Luke my youngest hit the cereal aisle and pointed out that there were lots of Kellogg’s cereal boxes with Avengers images on them. Both boys wanted to buy multiple boxes each because they learned they could get free movie tickets. For every six codes collected we could get a ticket to see the movie they are so excited to see.

In preparation for our movie party, Meijer sent us a few items to showcase what is available to buy in their stores. The boys loved the stuffed super heroes and the blankets. Perfect companions for watching movies and bedtime.

For the movie night we wanted to have a tasty snack besides just the popcorn so the boys helped create their own snack mix. We used Kellogg’s Crispix cereal, Nestle Raisinets, pretzels and Kellogg’s Avengers fruit snacks. The boys were thrilled to have created a snack they liked eating.

Spending time with my boys is always very important and bonding over something as simple as a movie just creates special memories. We all wore Avengers T-shirts to celebrate the movie and talked about the heroes and the villains in the first movie. After re-watching it, the boys were telling me all about what they thought is going to happen in the new Marvels Avengers: Age of Ultron movie.

Now we are patiently awaiting May 1st. Everyone is geared up and excited and the boys are already talking about the next movie night we are going to have. Something tells me we might even have a Marvels Avengers theme birthday party this year. Let me know if you have a movie night party with your kids, I would love to hear about it.

GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win an Avengers prize pack

HOW TO ENTER:

Share this post on a social network and leave a comment with the link below

Giveaway ends May 10, 2015 at 11:59pm CST. Must be a US resident and 21 or older to enter.

 

 

 

Stock Up and Save At Walmart (Gift Card Giveaway)

Disclosure: The Walmart gift cards and information have been provided by P&G.

It is finally spring! For my family this means we are spending more time outdoors. The kids have sports and activities so we are constantly on the go and that means I have less time to run my typical errands, like going to the store. Luckily I shop at Walmart so I can stock up and save on my family’s favorite P&G products with amazing savings. For a limited-time, Walmart has rollbacks and guaranteed low prices on our favorite P&G products, such as Tide laundry detergent, Charmin toilet paper, Bounty paper towels and more. The P&G line of products ranges from laundry detergents and paper towels to baby diapers. The stock up sale runs through Thursday, April 30th, 2015 .

The most important essentials I love to stock up on are paper towels and toilet paper. Everyone knows that when you have smaller children they always overuse both. My boys are 5 and 6 and they go crazy with the toilet paper. Those were the first things I intended to buy in order to stock up and save with Walmart.

Buying paper towels and toilet paper and even laundry detergent is easy. The challenging purchase for any guy is buying tampons. P&G and Walmart definitely make that an easier task. Just stock up and then not only do you save money, but you only have to go to the store once. No more emergency runs to the store to get tampons when she runs out.

No matter what essential items you need to stock up on there are many choices and the shopping is made easy at Walmart’s Stock Up and Save event. So spend less money and time at the store and more time enjoying the warmer weather.

GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win a $25 Walmart gift card

HOW TO ENTER:

Share this post on social media and leave a comment below with the link

Giveaway ends April 30, 2015 at 11:59pm. Must be 21 or older and a US resident to enter.

Practical Tips To Protect Your Car This Winter {Visa Gift Card Giveaway}

(Disclosure: I am working with the International Carwash Association and was compensated to share these tips.)

Americans’ love affair with their cars is well documented, along with the dollars they spend each year to keep them running.  This is particularly evident in the winter time when the harsh elements can challenge even the most conscientious car owners.  One thing’s for sure:  keeping your vehicle in good condition will ensure a safer ride in the short term and a higher resale or trade-in value down the road.

So, before the cold weather takes hold for good, here are some tips to help your vehicle weather just about any storm!

1.       A clean car is your first line of defense against winter.  While the winter season typically takes a toll on your car, proper maintenance can go a long way to preserving your investment.   For example, according to the International Carwash Association®, getting a new wash and a fresh coat of wax before the temperature starts to fluctuate can be your first line of defense against winter elements like ice, salt, sand and slush.

Vehicular corrosion also occurs most quickly when temperatures rise and then fall below freezing.  That’s why most auto manufacturers recommend getting your car washed and waxed at a professional car wash twice a month, especially during the winter.

Using a WaterSavers® Car Wash can is a strong first step to ensuring that your car will be ready to withstand the winter elements – inside and out.  It’s also a great way to protect the environment.  For example, these car washes typically use only 40 gallons (151.5 liters) or less of fresh water per car wash.  Learn more and find a WaterSavers wash at Washwithwatersavers.com.

2.       Rotate your tires. Most people know they should get their oil changed every 3,000 miles, but many forget their tires need maintenance as well. Tires should be rotated before winter and then again every 6,000 miles.

3.       Add some winter weight to your oil. Changing your oil and filter is especially important during the winter. Drivers who live in a colder climate should consider changing to heavier, winter-weight oil during the winter months.

4.       Take care of your wiper blades. Your windshield wiper blades are your first line of defense when the snow starts to fly. Make sure your wiper blades are in good, working order and replace them if you have doubts. It’s better to make this change now instead of finding out your blades aren’t working when you really need them.

5.       Take your car in for a tune-up. Any noises, pings or sluggish starts you currently notice will only intensify as the temperature drops. It’s best to get your vehicle in for a tune-up as soon as possible to get any issues addressed. 

6.       Give your steering some power. Check your powering steering fluid each month, and make sure the car is warmed up before you do so. If you find the level is low, look for leaks in the hoses or pump. Low power steering fluid will make your car more difficult to steer, which is something you’ll want to avoid as the roads get slick.

7.       Protect yourself from carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide leaks are dangerous at any time, but they are especially deadly during the winter when you will be driving your vehicle with the windows closed. Have your exhaust system checked to make sure no leak exists.

8.       Apply the brakes. Besides the seatbelt, your car’s brakes are its most important safety feature. This is especially true in the winter when slippery conditions can make stopping difficult. Before the first snow fall, bring your car to an experienced mechanic to verify that your brakes are ready for the season.

Cold winter temperatures mean vehicle maintenance is even more important. By following these simple tips listed above, you’ll be able to ward off winter’s harshest advances, protect your investment and those who ride inside of it.

To learn more about protecting the value of your vehicle, visit Washwithwatersavers.com.

GIVEAWAY: 

One reader will receive a thermal travel mug, fleece travel blanket, hand mitt ice scraper and a $30 VISA Gift Card

 HOW TO ENTER:

Comment on how you protect your car in the winter

For an extra entry, share this giveaway on a social network

Giveaway ends January 20, 2015 at 11:59pm CST. Must be a US resident to enter.

My Festive Kitchen {Target Gift Card Giveaway}

Target is my favorite store so I’m excited to be working with them on this sponsored holiday post and giveaway.

I can never seem to get out of Target without a cart full of goodies, so when I saw the holiday kitchen and entertaining aisles I knew I was in trouble. This is our first Christmas in our new home so it was the perfect time to add some seasonal items to our kitchen. Everything was so adorable and many of the things would be perfect for making my home festive while entertaining family and friends this month.

One thing my family likes to do is get together to decorate cookies. We bake sugar cookies and then let the kids decorate them however they’d like to with frosting, candies and sprinkles. Normally the toppings are in plain bowls but I love these Threshold stoneware bowls. Though they are red and white I can use them year round since they aren’t too Christmasy.

We also like to make peanut butter kiss cookies. The kids unwrap the hershey kisses for me. It’s their favorite job because they get to sneak a few candies while mommy isn’t looking. Target has lots of cookie plates. I picked up a couple along with a cookie jar since we always have dozens of Christmas cookies during the holidays.

Another thing I made for holiday guests this year is a mini hot cocoa bar. I put hot cocoa mix in a big glass jar, marshmallows in a mason jar, and then set mugs out. I used a large gift tag and red ribbon to add a little holiday cheer to the setup.

I love how much more festive my kitchen looks now! I think it is so welcoming and I can’t wait for family to come on Christmas day to celebrate with presents, cookies and mugs of hot cocoa!

How can Target help you celebrate the holidays? Tell me what you pick up from my favorite store to make your Christmas, Chanukah or New Years celebrations brighter for a chance to win a gift card!

One reader who comments with their answer below will win a $75 Target gift card. You can earn an extra entry for sharing this post on social media (just leave a second comment with the link).

This giveaway ends December 31, 2014 at 11:59pm CST. Must be a US resident and 21 or older to win.

Baking Christmas Cookies With Betty Crocker {Prize Pack Giveaway}

Thanks to Betty Crocker for sponsoring this post and giveaway.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is baking Christmas cookies. I still remember all the fun I had in the kitchen when I was growing up and love reminiscing as I bake cookies with my own boys. When I was younger my favorite cookies to make were sugar cookies, corn flake wreaths, and peanut butter chocolate balls. Now that my kids are helping bake they generally are in charge of picking which cookies get made and their choices are chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookies (with lots of frosting and sprinkles!)

This year Betty Crocker sent us some baking supplies and my boys were excited to see their two favorite cookie mixes in the box. Luke decided he wanted to make the chocolate chip cookies and then use the frosting and icing to decorate them. He enjoyed spending time in the kitchen with daddy for some father/son bonding time :)

Betty Crocker wants to encourage you to spend some time in the kitchen with your loved ones this holiday as well! They have created a “kid’s corner” on their website and shared the top 10 cookies for kids. Each recipe also has a short how-to video as well. Tweet your cookie creations with the hashtag #GetYourBettyOn to share them with the folks over at Betty Crocker!

GIVEAWAY:

One person will win a Betty Crocker prize pack that consists of:

  • Kitchen tablet stand
  • Betty Crocker™ Mixing Spoon
  • Betty Crocker™ Oven Mitt
  • “Get Your Betty On” Apron
  • Gingerbread Cookie Cutter
  • Betty Crocker™ Sugar Cookie Mix
  • Betty Crocker™ Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
  • Betty Crocker™ Whipped Vanilla Frosting
  • Betty Crocker™ Holiday Recipe Booklet 2014 – feat. The Top 10 Cookie Decorating Ideas of 2014

HOW TO ENTER:

Comment below with your favorite Christmas cookie

For an extra entry, share this giveaway on a social network and leave the link in the comments

Giveaway ends December 15, 2014 at 11:59pm CST. Must be 21 or older and a US resident to enter.

General Mills and Mega Bloks Team Up For Breakfast Fun {Giveaway}

This is a sponsored post.

When I was younger I remember sitting around the breakfast table excited to see which toy we were going to get in the cereal box. General Mills has been surprising American families with free prizes in cereal boxes for more than 80 years. From secret wrist bands to whistles, and mini license plates to free paint sets, getting something special inside the box is part of the heritage of General Mills cereal brands. Still today, General Mills remains committed to providing cereal fans of all ages with a fun surprise when they buy their favorite cereal.

For the first time General Mills is offering free customizable toys for both boys and girls through a partnership with Mega Bloks. Each participating brand of General Mills cereals offers a free Mega Bloks car with a set of Hello Kitty and Power Rangers stickers and instructions to cut out a pattern to construct a cardboard jump from the cereal box. Mega Bloks cars can be found in spe­cially marked boxes of cereal, including Honey Nut Cheerios, Reese’s Puffs, Cocoa Puffs, Lucky Charms, Golden Grahams and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

My boys were so excited to find the cars in their boxes of cereal. Jacob made Power Rangers themed cars and Lucas used the Hello Kitty ones on his. These toys bring fun beyond the cereal table.

GIVEAWAY

One reader will win eight mega bloks cars and a selection of General Mills Cereals

HOW TO ENTER

Leave a comment telling me what your favorite General Mills cereal is

For an extra entry, share this giveaway on social media and leave the link in a comment below

 Giveaway ends December 15, 2014 at 11:59pm CST. Must be 21 or older and a US resident to enter.

Christmas Shopping At Kohl’s {$100 Gift Card Giveaway}

(Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence-Central for Kohl’s. I received Kohl’s gift cards to facilitate my review and a thank you item for participating.)

One of my favorite stores to shop at for Christmas gifts is Kohl’s. There is something for everyone on the list. I shopped online at Kohls.com on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. One thing that draws me in at this time of year especially is the sales. Why stand in line for hours on Thanksgiving or the wee hours of Black Friday when Kohl’s has amazing deals + 20% off codes + $15 Kohl’s cash and I can shop from my couch?!

Early last week I felt so behind because I had not purchased one single thing for Christmas but now, one week from Black Friday, I’m about halfway to being done. I don’t have a ton of people to buy for which is nice. Most of my money is spent on my children and then I also buy gifts for my immediate family. From Kohl’s I’ve bought the video games my boys wanted, a building set, Christmas shirts for holiday pictures, gifts for my niece and even a gift for myself!

How is your Christmas shopping going? If you are one of the many moms I know who has a list full of Disney Frozen items to buy you need to head to Kohl’s and check out the whole line of Frozen items. Through Monday (12/8/14) there is a wonderful family & friends sale. Kohl’s cash is back and if you spend more than $100 you get 25% off your order.

Since I’ve shared Disney Frozen gifts for the kids over the past couple of months (see here and here), I thought I’d share some gifts for the whole family can enjoy (even those of us who just act like kids ;) lol).

How perfect would this waffle maker be for a family breakfast before a day of playing in the snow?

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This game would be great for family game night!

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The whole family can play a little game of Frozen basketball while staying warm indoors.

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Start a new family tradition- family karaoke night!

With over 800 unique Disney Frozen gift ideas, Kohl’s will help you get your Christmas shopping done so you can spend the days cuddling with your kids or having a snowball fight instead of standing in line. Which is your favorite item from the Disney Frozen collection on Kohls.com?

To get you in the shopping mood head on over to see the Kohl’s Holiday commercial featuring the winner of the Disney Frozen Sing Your Heart Out contest! America voted Long Island sisters Katherine & Kelly Montenero the winners. See the winning video here.

Here’s something else to make shopping easy…a $100 Kohl’s gift card giveaway! It’s easy to enter. Just leave a comment telling me why you want to win. For an extra entry you can share this giveaway on social media (just leave a second comment saying you did so).

Giveaway ends December 11, 2014 at 11:59pm CST. Must be a US resident, 21 or older to win. Good luck!

 

Building Fun With K’nex {Giveaway}

(Disclosure: This post is sponsored by American Certified.)

Kids love building toys. Last Christmas I shared a top 10 building toys for preschoolers list and today I’m excited to be sharing more about one of those toys that made that list- K’nex! Check below for a giveaway to enter to win your own set.

The boys enjoy playing with K’nex and the set we were sent from American Certified is the biggest set they have. An instruction booklet with over 70 ideas comes with the set but my boys love making their own creations. Cars seem to be a favorite when they build something specific.

The sturdy cardboard box makes it easy to store and all of our K’nex sets can fit nicely in this one treasure chest which makes cleaning up easy. The box says these specific K’nex are for ages 7 and up but my five year old has no problem using them. If you have a younger child there are other sets called “Kid K’nex” that might be better for them.

Enter in the form below for a chance to win a set for yourself! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Easy Thanksgiving Meals With HoneyBaked Ham And Turkey {Giveaway}

(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts are my own.)

Hosting Thanksgiving this year? What if I told you that you could have a delicious Thanksgiving meal cooked and on the table in less than an hour? Now THAT is something to be thankful for because it means you can get out of the kitchen and do more important things like spend time with family and watch football (especially since my Chicago Bears are playing!).

Sinisa headed to our local HoneyBaked Ham store and picked up ham, turkey, five different side dishes, a Pecan pie and a dessert tray. Everything but the turkey was ready to heat up in the packaging they were in which meant less dishes for me to wash. To make things even easier, the ham and turkey came with detailed instructions on how to heat up the meat.

One thing I love about the ham and turkey is that both have a delicious glaze on them. They are also pre-sliced. (Told you this was a super easy meal solution!)

The very best thing about the Thanksgiving meal, as everyone knows, is the leftovers. We had four adults and four children for dinner and we didn’t even eat a quarter of the food we bought. That means I have a week worth of delicious leftovers. Today I made myself a plate of food for lunch but for dinner I’m making turkey sandwiches, one of my favorite ways to use up the leftover turkey.

I’ll share more about the sides and desserts in my next HoneyBaked Ham post so stay tuned!

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From now until 1/11/15 you can enter to win a $25,000 HoneyBaked Kitchen Makeover when you buy a Ham and Turkey Breast bundle.

Check out this amazing limited time coupon for $8.00 off any Bone-in Ham and Turkey Breast or Boneless Ham and Turkey Breast from HoneyBaked Ham to help you make your holiday dinner easy and delicious! (This offer is valid only at the following locations: Rolling Meadows, Orland Park, Villa Park, Morton Grove, Naperville, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Mesquite, Hurst, Lewisville, Houston, Austin, Spring, Clear Lake, Sugar Land, Indianapolis, Ferndale, Grand Rapids, Roseville, Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Livonia, Flint, Dearborn Heights, Sterling Heights, Taylor, Ann Arbor, Canton Township, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh, Mechanicsburg, Monroeville, San Antonio, Bellevue, and Lynnwood. For store addresses click here.)

HoneyBaked Ham is giving away $500 in Gift Cards to some of your favorite places! You can enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Magic Chef Appliances {Giveaway}

(Disclosure: I received a product free of charge but all thoughts are my own.)

When I was growing up we always had two refrigerators, one in the kitchen and one in the garage. The garage fridge was a place to find the soda, extra cartons of juice and the gallons of milk that didn’t fit in the kitchen fridge. It was so convenient to have a second place to keep all of the liquids so that the kitchen refrigerator could be filled with food and nobody ever had to make a late night run to the store because there was no milk for the cereal in the morning.

Now that I have two growing boys of my own I’m starting to see the huge benefit in having more cold food storage. Along with a deep freezer, I had been wanting to find a refrigerator that I could use to store my caffeinated drinks and water. When I discovered the Magic Chef line of appliances I knew that they would be a perfect fit for our family. The company sent me a compact refrigerator a couple weeks ago. I was going to put it in my garage but the more I thought about it I decided it would be great in my office area.

It was small enough to fit between my desk and cabinet and the perfect size for my drinks and some cold snacks. The fridge features in-door storage for large and small beverages, removable/adjustable wire shelves, reversible door and a large recessed handle for easy access.

I now have an easy-to-access secret hiding space for that Halloween chocolate ;) Want to win one of your own? Enter below!

GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win a compact refrigerator from Magic Chef!

HOW TO ENTER:

If entering before 11/5, like the Magic Chef Facebook page and leave a comment below

If entering after 11/5, leave a comment telling me why you want a mini fridge

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Share this giveaway on a social network and leave a comment below with the link

Giveaway ends on November 10, 2014 at 11:59pm CST. Must be 21 or older and a US resident to enter.

Frozen Fun From Kohl’s {Gift Card Giveaway}

(Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence-Central for Kohl’s. I received Kohl’s gift cards to facilitate my review and a thank you item for participating.)

Last month, I shared about a fun “Sing Your Frozen Heart Out” contest that Kohl’s was hosting. Frozen fans submitted videos of themselves, their kids, and/or the entire family singing “Let it Go” for the chance to appear in a Kohl’s holiday commercial that will air during the 2014 American Music Awards (AMAs) broadcast. Thousands of video entries were submitted to the collaborative and now you can view the favorites at Disney.com/frozenfriday.

I love all the videos of the little kids singing. So stinkin’ cute! This little girl had plenty of hand motions to go with the words. The boys even joined in on the fun! This one is by far my favorite. He has some lungs!

I was surprised by how many teens and adults entered the contest as well. As a mom, one of my favorites was the mom singing with her two teenage daughters. What a fun thing to do together.

Make sure to head back to the site on November 10th to vote for your favorite. I can’t wait to see who wins the contest. Such a cool prize they have a chance to win.

If you have a little Frozen fan in your life you can visit Kohl’s and find the perfect “Frozen” gift or outfit for them! I shared a cute outfit last month but I just noticed they had even more fabulous Frozen clothing so I had to share some other items (including a couple for boys).

Need some gifts for an upcoming birthday or Christmas? I have you covered there, too!

Which Frozen toy or outfit is your favorite? You can find all of them in your local Kohl’s store of at Kohls.com.

 GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win a $100 Kohl’s gift card

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Leave a comment telling me about the Frozen fan in your life

2) Like Making Time For Mommy on Facebook

3) Share this giveaway on a social network

4) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

Giveaway ends November 2, 2014 at 11:59pm CST. Must be 21 or older and a US resident to enter.

 

 

 

 

 

Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery {Giveaway}

(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts are my own.)

Did you know that home fires take the lives of more than 2,500 people each year in the United States? Most of these deadly fires happen while the people in the home are sleeping. I used to think that this was because they didn’t have smoke detectors but this is not the case. 71 percent of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries, and according to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of five fatal fire injuries take place in homes without working smoke alarms.

Those are alarming statistics. Today, an issue at the forefront of fire safety is not installing smoke alarms, but keeping smoke alarms working because households with non‐working smoke alarms now outnumber those with no smoke alarms. One company doing their part to bring this issue to the public’s attention is Energizer. They, along with local fire departments, have been holding events all throughout the country this month.

The easiest way to remember to change the batteries in your smoke detectors is to get in the habit of doing it when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time. A few extra seconds can make all the difference when trying to escape safely during a fire so it’s important to have a working smoke detector. This is also a good time to talk to your children about fire safety! You can find some coloring pages here.

Learn more about Energizer’s initiatives by following Energizer on Twitter or liking their Facebook page.

GIVEAWAY:

2 winners will each receive the Energizer prize package featured above that includes a smoke detector, 2 pack 9V Energizer® batteries, 12-inch Energizer® Bunny, Energizer® foam bunny ears, coloring book, journal and pen.

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment telling me something you learned by reading this post

For an extra entry, share this giveaway on social media and leave a comment below

 Giveaway ends November 22, 2014 at 11:49pm CST. Must be 21 or older and a US resident to enter.

Last Minute Halloween Party Ideas

I love planning elaborate parties but sometimes I just don’t have the time to do so. This season has been a perfect example with football, work, personal events and travel taking up so much of my time. I wanted to have a little Halloween party for the kids and decided it was just going to be a low key event this year. A couple weekends ago, in between Jacob’s noon football game and the boy’s Awana program at night, I ran to the store and and bought everything we needed and then hosted a spooktacular, kid-friendly party on a budget. A huge thanks to Meijer for making all of this possible.

The first thing I typically do for parties is dress my kids up for the theme so when I came across these Halloween shirts I just had to get each of the kids one. I love the designs that Meijer had this year. How cute is that little owl my niece is wearing?!

For the decorations I put a Halloween tablecloth down, added some pumpkin plates and napkins, a pumpkin bowl and orange dishes for the snacks. Instead of buying themed cups I figured it would be cheaper and provide an extra activity for the kids if I had them decorate their own cups. I bought clear plastic cups and a $1 sticker book and let the kids personalize their cups.

After decorating the cups we played a couple indoor games. The favorite one was pin the mouth on the skeleton. Even my mom got in on the fun! I found this game in the Halloween aisles and it was easy to grab and setup quickly.

 

We did a couple other activities, including playing with the jumping spider party favors I’d bought and decorating wooden Halloween pieces with markers and glitter to take home. These kept the kids busy while we were heating up dinner.

The kids worked up an appetite after all that fun so it was time for dinner. I kept it simple with fried chicken from the deli, baked beans, potato salad and carrots (to keep with the orange theme). After dinner it was dessert. We had pumpkin shaped cookies, candy corn and gummy worms.

Once we ate it was time to get dressed up in our Halloween costumes. Meijer had sent us some costumes for the kids to wear at the party. The kids liked getting dressed up.

After the kids were in their costumes we went outside and played ring toss with witches hats. The kids liked this game a lot and it was nice to get outside a bit to burn off the sugar rush from dessert. I wrote a post last week about fun Halloween games if you are looking for more ideas.

When we came inside it was time to start wrapping up the party and getting ready to head to Awana. I pulled out the bowl full of candy and let each child fill up a goody bag with treats. They each got a noisemaker and the spider toy to take home, too.

Overall, this party was so easy to put together. It only took me about an hour to prepare for and setup (and that included shopping time!). The kids all had a great time and I loved knowing that no matter how busy I am, I could provide an afternoon of Halloween fun for them. Seriously, look at how much these kids enjoyed this party…doesn’t it make you want to throw one of your own??

If you loved this party please pin it! :)

GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win the following prize package…

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment telling me your favorite thing about Halloween

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Share this post on a social network

Giveaway ends October 27, 2014 at 11:59pm CST. Must be 21 or older and a US resident to win.

Rockin’ With The Hard Rock Roxtars® {Giveaway}

(Disclosure: The information, gift card, gift pack and giveaway have been provided to me by Hard Rock International. No celebrity or musician has endorsed the “Does Your Child Look Like a Rock Star” contest.)

Do you have a little rock star in your life? I do! My music lover is Lucas and with his long hair he could pass for a rock star! (Okay, so he really just needs a haircut but let’s just pretend we are going for the rock star look….) More so than looking the part though, I believe that he is a star because he is unique and makes his own choices no matter what anyone else thinks about them. I’ve never known a more unique kid!

We are loving the Hard Rock Roxtars! Each are unapologetically original and designed to inspire kids of all ages to rock an inimitable brand of cool, allowing their originality to shine. Band members include:

  • Razzi™, “the motherly type” who is famous for squishy hugs and keyboard skills
  • Sir Kingston™, a British-invasion inspired rock-and-roller on lead guitar
  • Styler™, a free-spirited and accompanying guitar player
  • Buddy Jr™, a wild man who loves nothing more than a good drum solo
  • Skiddley™, the lead singer and “Mr. Cool” of the group
To launch the Hard Rock Roxtars, Hard Rock Cafe is hosting a “Does Your Child Look Like a Rock Star?” Contest to encourage guest interaction with the new Hard Rock Roxtars characters, kids menu, and merchandise. For one night, during the “Does Your Child Look Like a Rock Star?” Contest, kids eat free* at Hard Rock Cafe with a paying adult. Guests can bring their favorite pint-sized rock star dressed in their best costume to the cafe for a chance to win a Hard Rock Cafe gift card or a 2015 birthday party* for eight of the rock star’s closest band members and entourage Make sure to contact your local cafe for all the details!

GIVEAWAY

One reader will win a gift pack that will include a themed guitar-shaped plate, a 6” plush Hard Rock Roxtars character, a Hard Rock adult t-shirt, an activity book, and a $50 Hard Rock gift card!

HOW TO ENTER

In the comments ell me about the little rock star in your life

For an extra entry, share this giveaway on social media

Giveaway ends November 10, 2014 at 11:59pm CST. Must be a US resident, 21 or older, to enter.

Crayola Fun During Football Season {Giveaway}

Thanks to Crayola for sponsoring this post and giveaway.

It’s football season which means lots of fun family get-togethers. I love watching football but if you have kids who aren’t huge fans, I have a great idea to keep them busy! Make a fun craft bucket and give them the chance to let their imaginations run wild! This also makes a wonderful gift for the little crafty one in your life.

My children, my nephew and my niece had so much fun creating with the items in this bucket.

Want to learn how to make your own craft bucket? It’s easy! First, I headed to Target’s dollar section to find a bucket that would hold everything. While there I found some little blank books, a coloring book, rolls of craft paper, craft supplies, and containers. I then headed to the craft aisles and filled my cart with Crayola products. What a great selection of items they had!

Here’s a peak at what I put in the craft bucket:

As a previous pre-k teacher, I love open ended crafts so I made sure to include plenty of craft supplies. I even added a little frame for them to decorate which Lucas really liked gluing things on to. I put the stickers, googly eyes, pom-poms and pipe cleaners in containers with compartments so they were easy to use and keep organized.

To decorate the plain white bucket I cut up garland I found on clearance and taped it on the bucket. It was quick, easy and cheap to add a little color to the outside of the bucket!

Fun, right?! I loved seeing how creative the kids were. My nephew made up his own story book and was very proud of what he’d created. I have fond memories of creating my own books in grade school so when I saw these books I just had to get them. My favorite Crayola products are their crayons but the kids couldn’t get enough of these little character Pip Squeak markers.

GIVEAWAY:

One person will win a $25 gift card so they can pick out some colorful Crayola products

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment telling me what your favorite Crayola product is

For an optional entry, share this giveaway on a social network

Giveaway ends October 3, 2014 at 11:59pm CST. Must be a US resident and 21 or older to win.