Monday, June 30, 2014

Taking Time For Our Furbaby :: The 28 Day Challenge

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Purina One, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #ONEDifference http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Since welcoming Gavin into our family last summer, our priorities, routine and overall lifestyle has changed quite a bit. None of us were really ready for the changes, but we all adapted. Perhaps the member of our family who was affected the most is Riley. She went from being the center of attention and only "baby" in our house, to being a "pet." Don't get me wrong, we love Riley. She is the perfect furry companion. Loyal, gentle and sweet. She loves us and she adores her new little brother. Watching her grow into her new role has been a joy, and we still try to spoil her here and there. Just not as much as we used to!

Diet wise, Riley has always been a little finicky. She typically eats twice a day, and nibbles on Gavin's scraps any chance she gets. When she was younger, we had to switch her food several times because her stomach was sensitive and she was getting sick often. She was skipping meals and her energy wasn't the same. I wanted to find a solution that would have her feeling good and looking forward to her meals. 


Participating in the Purina 28-Day Challenge was such a blessing for our little fur baby. In just a few days, Riley went from skipping her breakfast to eating every last bit of her meal as soon as it was placed in front of her. I noticed her energy level increased and I felt so much better knowing she was getting a full meal twice a day. 


I love the combination of real ingredients and the fact that this food contains glucosamine, as labs are prone to hip problems. I know that Riley is getting a good source of nutrition and I feel confidant serving Purina One to her. Over the course of the 28 Day Challenge, we have had a happy and thriving pup on our hands, and it makes me so happy to do something a little something special for our first baby.



Your pets can try the 28 Day Challenge, too! Right now, when you sign up for the Purina One 28 Day Challenge, you will get the $3 off coupon to put towards a bag of food. You can shop for Purina One at your local Target, PetSmart of Walmart, and the coupon is valid at all three locations. 

Join us in the Purina One 28 Day Challenge and keep your pet healthy and thriving!

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Family Vacation :: Fenwick Island

Summer is here and that means we are jetting off to the beach every chance we get. This past week, we got to host my family in Fenwick Island at my in-laws house. It is not very often that my entire immediate family gets together, especially for a vacation, so we were excited for the time away.

It has always been my family's style to grocery shop and eat at home for most of our meals while on vacation. It is a nice way to save money and we typically split up the cooking responsibilities so everyone gets a break.

B and I volunteered to take care of dinner the first night we were all together. We went the light and healthy route and prepared a bunch of grilled chicken, grilled veggies and a huge salad with lots of fixin's.The salad wasn't fancy, but it has become a favorite of ours. We simply wash and prep a large batch of spring mix and top it with fresh cut veggies (usually broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and mushrooms). I also prepped shredded cheese, dried cranberries, sliced avacado and croutons as toppings. One of my favorite things to do is to top my salad with the grilled chicken and veggies and mix it all together. The warm chicken and vegetables add extra flavor and protein to this staple meal. 


Of course, no vacation meal would be complete without the perfect drink pairing(s). Because we had eight adults on this trip, I made sure to offer a little bit of everything. Did you know that CK Mondavi is the only American made/grown wine in the “supermarket wine under $10” category? CK Mondavi is the perfect summer/4th of July wine. Not only is it the only wine in this price point to be 100% American made & grown, but a percentage of sales goes to supporting veterans. CK Mondavi wine is sold nationwide in every US state. Established in the 1940s, CK Mondavi remains a family- owned business that has thrived for four generations to produce fine wines.


I love that a percentage of each bottle sold between May - August is donated to Intrepid Fallen Heroes (up to $50,000). Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF), an organization that supports the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. Funded entirely by public donations, IFHF serves U.S. military personnel wounded or killed in service to our nation and their families.

We have been enjoying the sun, the bean, the pool and lots of time to catch up and relax. And B and I absolutely love all of the extra help with Gavin! He is such a spoiled boy this week. At this rate, we may never go home. 
 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Celebrating the Daddy In Our House

This year is B's first Father's Day. I don't have anything grand planned, but my husband isn't into that anyway. We bought him a few presents and plan to shower him with love and plenty of relaxation time. Even if some of that time will be spent in the car traveling home from NY.

Watching B become a father has been one of the greatest joys. For the first month of Gavin's little life, I was pretty caught up in my own emotions and how to handle a tiny baby. But he was with me every step of the way. He calmed me when I was freaking out, helped me make tough decisions, and humored me when all I really needed was a stiff drink and some adult conversation after a day home by myself with an infant. He has been my rock, and I don't know where I would be without him. 

Being "Daddy" is  a whole new role for him, but he took to it almost effortlessly. He has good instincts, and the ability to keep cool in most situations. He is also hilarious and full of fun, and now that Gavin is at the age where he is constantly interacting with us, him and B fall into a pit of laughter at least once every evening. I would be lying if I didn't say I look forward to those moments every evening before bedtime.

Most people will tell you Gavin looks almost just like me, but when I see him laugh and smile, it always reminds me of his Daddy. They have the same jovial spirit and they just light up around each other. It is a gift I never expected, and now I can't imagine my life without it.


Just look at those sweet smiles! Does the Dad in your house bring out the smiles, too? Well, Oral-B at Target is hosting the Power Dad’s Smile Everyday Sweepstakes with over $1,000 in prizes starting June 2! Oral-B is the #1 dentist-recommended toothbrush brand worldwide. You could win the Father’s Day Power Bundle which includes the Oral-B Black ProfessionalCare 1000 Rechargeable Toothbrush, the Braun Series 7 760 shaver and a $250 Target GiftCard! The Braun Series 7 760 shaver includes the most innovative features for Braun’s most advanced shave, contour adaptability for improved skin contact, shaving technology for a close and comfortable shave and cleansing technology for a hygienic and fresh shave every day!

To enter simply share a photo of you and your Dad on Twitter or Instagram using #oralbsweeps between June 2 and June 15. 

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Operation Summer Slimdown

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Slimfast, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #14daystoslim  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Last summer I was majorly pregnant and felt as big as a house. So on the off chance that we did get down to the beach house, I stayed pretty covered up. Then I dealt with my post-baby body for the remainder of the warmer months. No bathing suits in sight. 

The first time I put on a bathing suit, I was seven months postpartum and still not 100% comfortable showing much skin. Having a baby just does things to your body. And although I am proud to bare the after effects of carrying and birthing my son, the warmer months are here again, and I want to get a little piece of my confidence back.

A few months ago, I started working out more often (I've talked about that here several times before). I started to feel better about myself and I was finding confidence enough to try some old clothes on, and to add some fun new pieces to my wardrobe. With our beach vacation coming up, I wanted to shred a few more pounds and do a little more prep work. In addition to my workouts, I decided to take on an ab challenge, and to give the Slimfast 14-Day Slimdown a try.



The Slimfast Protein Meal Bars come in a variety of flavors, and offer up to four hours of hunger control. If you're anything like me, you snack on and off all day when you're at home. These bars were the perfect alternative for me so that I could grab a snack and fight off hunger for a few hours. They also travel really well in my diaper bag. After my workout, I am always hungry and thirsty, so I love to pack an extra water bottle and a snack bar. 





Slimfast® just came out with new meal bars in the delicious Have Your Cake™ flavor! Each Meal Bar contains 180 calories, and is made of delicious vanilla cake and frosting, combined with fun sprinkles. Slimfast® Have Your Cake…™ Meal Bars are available in 5-count boxes and sold at Target and other stores for around $5. The Slimfast 14-Day Slimdown is a delicious and easy way to lose up to 6 pounds in the first two weeks. 

I am not exactly where I want to be yet, but a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, water and the Slimfast 14-Day Slimdown are helping me get closer to my goal every day.  

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Gavin Thomas :: 6-9 Month Update

I have been trying to pretend that my little baby is not getting superscaryclose to a YEAR old the last few weeks. I was looking over my last update this morning and can't believe how much he has grown and changed since then! I guess that's what happens when you do quarterly updates rather than monthly ones.

We have been having a blast the last few months. Gavin is growing, learning and changing every day, and I just love having him as my little sidekick. We go to Stroller Strides and on play dates, and he has definitely done his fair share of shopping/errand running with me! We are on the move several days per week, so I try and have a low key day at home at least 1-2 days per week if I can. Truth is, Gavin is pretty easy going and he travels pretty well. We are so in for it with our next baby, I can just feel it.

Speaking of traveling, Gavin has already been to New Jersey, Florida, Philadelphia and Fenwick Island this year! We have plans to head to the beach as often as possible this summer, so my little beach baby will be well versed in road trips and sunny, sandy days. 

We made it through Gavin's first few colds and a round of croup during months 7-9. I like to think that I earned some new 'Mom stripes' for battling through croup the week leading up to Easter, and still making it to NJ for the holiday. 


Gavin cut his first two teeth over the last 4-6 weeks, and I will admit, his little toothy grin is probably one of my new favorite things ever. He is constantly on the move, and although he is not 100% crawling yet, he is bouncing, scooting, reaching and rocking with the best of them. My husband is starting to get stressed out because Gavin isn't 00% mobile yet, but I am taking my time and counting my blessings because I know that once it happens (and that day will be SOON), my life will get that much busier! 

Although his mobility may be a little on the slow side, his small motor and verbal skills have really ramped up! He is a total chatterbox and loves pointing, smacking toys together, focusing on small items, playing peek-a-boo, clapping and he even started throwing his arms up in the air for "SO BIG!" from time to time. It is SO. CUTE.

Weight/Height: Gavin is now fully weaned from breastmilk and on formula and solids. He is eating three meals and drinking four 6-7 ounce bottles per day. He also loves to snack of Puffs and Mum-Mums. He is now up to a whopping 21 pounds and is almost 28 inches tall.

Hair/Eyes: His hair is getting lighter all the time. I think we may have a little blondie on our hands by the end of the summer! His eyes are still almost identical in color to mine; a blue/green/hazel blend that changes color from time to time. 

Diapers/Clothing: Gavin is wearing size 3 diapers throughout the day and size 4's overnight. I finally switched to Target diapers and never looked back! He is in mainly 12-18 month clothing, but depending on the store, some of the are 18 or 18-24 months. Talk about growing like a weed! There are so many cute summer clothes for baby boys this year that I have been having a hard time controlling myself. It is safe to say that my child may have a better and more complete wardrobe than me at this point.


Sleeping: Gavin is a great sleeper. I don't even want to take credit for it, as I think we just lucked out with a baby that likes to sleep. He is consistently napping twice a day for 1-2 hours. If we are out of the house in the morning, I typically let him nap in the car or stroller and then take a longer nap at home in the afternoon. He goes to bed between 8-8:30PM and typically wakes up between 7-8AM. Sure, we have our bad days or nights, but I really can't ask for better right now. 

Milestones: We have booked a date and location for Gavin's nautical themed 1st birthday party. I am already emotional about the whole thing and the process has barely started. He went to the beach with his cousins and helped his Daddy celebrate his 30th birthday over Memorial Day weekend. We have plans to head back to the beach at the end of June with my family, and I am so excited for an extended trip with them!

Our baby is turning into such a little boy, and as much as I love it, it's sad and awful at the same time. Ha! I feel so blessed to be able to spend my days with this little guy and cannot wait to see what the next few months have in store for him!



Your Vehicles' Most Advanced Safety Feature Is YOU.

When I got my license, I didn't own a cell phone. I will admit, there were fewer distractions back then. I would load my CD player with a favorite new album fresh from Sam Goody's and be on my way. As time went by, the distractions grew; a 6-disc changer and a cell phone containing numbers and text messages from the friend I was meeting up with that night. Now my smart phone is basically my personal computer, containing all of the contact names, numbers and social sharing that I could want. And all of that distraction tempts me, and I will admit that I have grabbed my phone a few too many times while driving.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Auto Alliance want to increase awareness about the risks of distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of the nearly 33,000 roadway fatalities in 2012, there were 3,328 fatalities and approximately 421,000 injuries in distracted driving-related crashes. 

The statistics are scary, right? We are not only responsible for ourselves and the loved ones inside our vehicles when we drive, but we are responsible for helping to protect the other drivers around us as well. This fact really hits home now that I am almost always toting Gavin around with me; the most precious cargo.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)—the specialists who put bones and limbs back together after road crashes and traumas—along with our partners, the automakers, would rather help all drivers "decide to drive" each time they get in the car and to keep bones and limbs intact. Remember, the most advanced safety feature of any vehicle is the driver. The AAOS and the Auto Alliance urges all drivers to keep their most sophisticated safety features engaged at all times: eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

The truth is that no text or Instagram update is more important than being the safest driver I can be.  Of course I am not perfect, and I have 'liked' a photo and sent a text while behind the wheel. But, I want to renew my pledge to not be distracted while driving.



AAOS and the Auto Alliance have teamed up and created the Decide to Drive campaign and Catchphrase Contest urging drivers to put down the distractions and take back control of the road. The Decide to Drive program aims to empower drivers and passengers to speak up about distracted driving, continue the conversation at home, work and play, and reduce distracted behaviors behind the wheel. The contest will run from May 30th (tomorrow!) through June 13th and you can learn more about how to enter on their website. 

Do you have the best slogan or catch phrase to make the Decide to Drive campaign pop? Enter the Decide to Drive Catch Phrase Contest between May 28 - June 13. Your words could be chosen as the official Decide to Drive campaign catch phrase, and you could win one of two $500 runner-up prizes or the $1,000 grand prize! Can’t wait to see what you come up with! Enter here:

Will you join me in making an effort to allow less distractions in your vehicle while you're behind the wheel? Let's help in the effort to save more lives. 


I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Monday, May 19, 2014

That Familiar Tug On The Heartstrings ...

It's happened a few times over the last few months; that familiar tug on my heart strings. The kind that makes your heart jump. Perhaps it's because we are into a pretty good groove. Our schedule is just full enough, we have time for friends and family, and my business is thriving. This blog has taken a bit of a backseat and become review central (I know, I know, I apologize), but I like to think that this is giving me more room to live our days to the fullest.

We have adapted. Things look much different around here than they did just a short year ago. Our home is full of laughter and joy from the sweetest little boy, and we have already made so many memories here. Watching my husband become a father has been one of the greatest joys of my life thus far. He is a natural. So gifted and patient and a wonderful teacher.

It's when I reflect on all of these things that the thought of baby #2 keeps creeping into my head. It has to be all of the new babies that are arriving. Already, Pam?! I mean, we know we want more children, and would like them to be relatively close in age, but has 'that time' already come? For me it has. And even funnier, it's come for B, too.

Who knows what will actually happen over the next several months. But, our hearts are ready to start entertaining the idea of another child, and maybe our heads are starting to catch up.

So tell me, when did you know you were ready to start thinking about baby #2?


Thursday, May 15, 2014

Pack Your Smoothies with Protein!

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Nestle, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia  #BreakfastEssentials http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV
 

I've never really been a 'sit and enjoy a big breakfast' kind of girl. Unless it's a holiday, or I'm home at my parents house in NJ for the weekend, I am usually more of a grab and go kind of girl. In fact, I have the same thing for breakfast most weekdays; I am a creature of habit that way. What is my meal of choice? Most days it consists of a bowl of oatmeal and a homemade smoothie. 

I expect a few things out of my breakfast: it should be simple enough to prepare in a few minutes or less so that my nearly mobile baby doesn't tear my living room to shreds in my absence. It should also taste good and keep me full enough to last several hours. I am known for pushing my lunch until late in the day, so I try and make sure my breakfast is enough to keep me going through my workout/errands/taking care of baby packed morning. 


I am always looking for ways to make my morning routine easier, healthier and more satisfying, so when I found Carnation Breakfast Essentials at Walmart, I was excited to add some more protein, and a little chocolate flavor to my morning smoothie.

I have been making my smoothies the same way for along time. I follow a super simple recipe, and can throw the whole thing together in less than five minutes.

Quick Morning Fruit Smoothie Recipe


What You'll Need:
Heaping handful (about 1 cup) frozen mixed fruit (I typically use mixed berries or a tropical blend that includes pineapple, peaches, mango and strawberries)
About 1 cup of skim milk (you can also sub water or juice of your choice)
1 small container of greek yogurt (your choice: I typically use vanilla or raspberry)
1-2 scoops Carnation Breakfast Essentials powder (comes in chocolate or vanilla flavors)

I combine all of my ingredients in a Magic Bullet cup and then blend it all together. You can also do the same in whatever blender you have at home. I love the Bullet because I can just take the cup with me and go! 




A smoothie is a super easy and quick way to start your morning off right. You can choose exactly what goes into your liquid breakfast, and pack it with nutrients and enough protein to get you through the first chunk of your day. I buy all of my ingredients at local retailers, and right now, when you shop at Walmart, you can use this coupon to get $1.00 off your purchase of any Carnation Breakfast Essentials item. They come in a variety of flavors including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and chocolate malt. Talk about adding a quick flavor boost to your breakfast! Carnation Breakfast Essentials products include 21 vitamins and minerals, up to 13g of protein per serving, and as much calcium as a 6 ounce cup of yogurt! How is that for packing a punch? And, if you're looking for something a little more exciting, or you like to change your smoothie recipe up each morning, you can get a bunch of smoothie recipe ideas from Carnation right here.

So, what are you waiting for? Go pick up your ingredients and get blending!

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

On A Typical Morning In Our House ...

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and U by Kotex but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #UbyKotex  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Three mornings per week, our routine involves getting up, dressed, fed, ready and out the door to make it to our workout class by 10AM. Though I only have one child to get out the door, some days it feels merely impossible to be anywhere on time with everything we need for a few hours out of the house in tow. Most mornings, I can remember things like an extra bottle, pacifier, and enough diapers and wipes to handle a small emergency, but remembering personal items for myself has become a bit harder.

I never go anywhere without my diaper bag. It contains all of the essentials I will need for G, and has enough space for me to pack extra essentials for myself. The key is making sure to pack all of the essentials that I'll need in a crunch. Over the last nine months, I have had time and experience to learn what the absolute essentials are for this Mommy. The list contains a pair of sunglasses, a pair of gloves, a few protein packed snacks, my wallet, chapstick, tissues and a few feminine items, i.e. tampons and slim pads. 

When it comes to tampons and pads, I want something that is slim, easy to hide, and doesn't have the typical 'feminine product' appearance. After all, I am usually pulling one of these items out at an inopportune time when I only have a minute or two to spare. When I saw the new U by Kotex line at Walmart this week, I was instantly drawn to their sleek designs and packaging. My local Walmart had the entire collection in stock, and their everyday low prices made it an easy decision to toss both the Sleek Tampons and Cleanwear Pads into my shopping cart. 

 
I was pleasantly surprised to see that I received 3 bonus Goody hair elastics with my U by Kotex purchase. It is always a good idea to take an extra hair tie (or three) along with you, especially when you'll be burning calories and working up a sweat. And, while supplies last, you can take advantage of the same deal when you shop for these products at your local Walmart! 


 
The workout class that I attend is one that involves lots of babies, and lots of strollers. In truth, I love being able to take Gavin with me to workout with other Mom's every week. It is a chance for us to get out of the house together, breathe some fresh air and socialize. This class has been a lifesaver for me over the last few months as I perfect my 'Mommy craft.' 


I've gotten pretty good at packing our bag(s) in a hurry, and am proud to say that last week, I had every item we needed when I was working out each morning. I even had the emergency tampon that I couldn't have survived class without on Friday. Thank you, Kotex!

Monday, April 21, 2014

Every Daddy Needs A Boys Night.

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Scandinavian Tobacco Group Lane, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CuberoLuxury http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

When my husband and I first starting dating, we would spend our weekends meeting up with friends at local watering holes, catching movies or concerts, and often getting together with his brothers and their wives. By far, one of our favorite things to do is get together with a few couples, grill some dinner on a beautiful summer night, and sip on some ice cold beer. And, if it is up to my husband and his brothers, there will always be cigars in tow. It is just one of their things. 

Now that we're parents and are typically battling at least a touch of sleep deprivation, we spend our Friday nights at home watching Shark Tank on our couch, and falling asleep somewhere around 11PM. We rarely have time to squeeze in a date night, unless it's planned way in advance, let alone any type of girls or 'guys nights out.' 

Most weekdays, when my husband comes walking through the door I am ready to hand him the baby and go running for the hills mall. Or at least to my car to get a moment's peace. I am so happy to have another set of haling hands at home, that I often forget that he just had a busy day at work, and he might need the down time about as much as I do. We plug away, week after week, and never really carve out too much time for either of us to get a break. Call it 'new parent' syndrome,' but I believe it is something we really need to be more intentional about. 

While I was out shopping at Walmart a few weeks back, I decided to pick up a pack of Cubero Cigars for B. I figured I would surprise him with them, and encourage him to get together with hi brothers and/or some guy friends for a guys night. Poker, beer, sports, movies, cigars, whatever made him happy. He could even host it at our house if he so desired. 


My husband is a simple guy at heart, so just catching up with a few guys is enough for him. He held onto an old poker set, a few sets of 3D glasses for our SmartTV, and a bunch of sports paraphernalia, and managed to turn a portion of our basement into a man cave. It's not much, but it's enough to host a few guys and be far enough away from the baby and I to relax. Of course, I didn't want to interrupt their time, but I managed to snap a few pics of some of the setup. Men are simple, what can I say?





Does your man need a guys night, too? Walmart is now carrying Cubero Cigarillos, Captain Black Cigarillos, or Captain Black Mini Tips, so you have lots to choose from. Cubero® is a high quality tobacco brand within the cigar industry, made with a natural wrapper and premium tobacco blend. The brand, developed by Lane Limited (USA), represents a wide variety of tobaccos that are renowned for their aromatic and flavorful qualities. They now manufacture and sell a variety of cigars, pipe tobacco, and fine-cut tobacco for the US market. As a renowned brand, they recognize their products and business require consideration and responsibility in everything they do. Today Scandinavian Tobacco is proud to share the #1 position within the world of cigars, operate as the largest manufacturer of machine made cigars and pipe tobacco in the world, and act as a dominant player in the world of roll-your-own tobacco.

Encouraging the men in your life to take some time off is great for them, and hey, then they'll be more inclined to send you off for a spa day or something, right?!


Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Wait, How Many Days Are Left Until MDW?!

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #TENways  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Is it just me, or does the thought of bathing suit season send chills down your spine? My post-baby body doesn't rock a bikini like it used to, so my options are to stick with one pieces, or to kick my butt into high gear and get back into tip top shape. Sure, I workout a few times per week, and I try to eat a pretty well balanced diet when I can, but I like to enjoy a sweet treat too! 


Did you know that Ten Sodas just came out with a new line that has just TEN calories? That's right. You can buy 7-up TEN, Sunkist TEN, Canada Dry TEN & A&W TEN at your local Walmart. We love ginger ale in our house, so I snagged some Canada Dry TEN and we were pleasantly surprised by the full flavor goodness! Now I can whip up a fun and flavorful cocktail or 'mocktail' on the weekends and not feel guilty doing it. 

Over the weekend, we had such beautiful weather perfect for sitting out on the deck and enjoying a drink. I was in the mood for something sweet and refreshing, so I whipped up a fun little cocktail using my Canada Dry TEN. 


What a perfectly refreshing treat! It was a great compliment to a beautiful day, and I didn't feel like I was drinking all of my calories. Canada Dry TEN will definitely be my go-to for this summer. They also come in cans, so they are perfect to pack in your beach bag! Who doesn't love a cold, sweet treat while sitting on the beach all day? 

  
So, now that I've figured out a fun way to incorporate yummy cocktails and mocktails into my diet before bathing suit season really begins, I guess I should go hop back on the fit train. If you need me, you can probably find me doing burpees or squat jacks somewhere in my house.

Next time you're at Walmart, grab a bottle of one of the Ten Sodas flavors and take advantage of the current coupon offer! Get $0.50 off of your purchase of TWO 2 Liter bottles or TWO 4-pack cans of 7UP TEN, A&W TEN, Canada Dry TEN, RC TEN or Sunkist TEN soda. Coupon is available March 27 through April 17 while supplies last. And, don't forget to follow DPSG Ten Sodas on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with other fun deals and promotions! 

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Style Your Spring with Kleenex!

Finally, temps have reached the 60s, and the weather forecast for the rest of the week looks fabulous! I am officially in the mood to throw open my windows and get this house cleaned out for spring. And it goes just like this every year. Time to put away the browns and reds that decorate my home and pull out the blues, yellows, pinks and green for a fresh new look. 

http://r.linqia.cc/f9751d3

Without fail, each year when it's time to spring clean, it's time for my husband's allergies to come lurking, too. And now that I'm working out outside again, the tissues abound in our house. We may both be using tissues this time of year for the same main reasons, but we have much different tastes! Did you know that you can help design your own Kleenex® products? That's right! To celebrate Kleenex’s 90th anniversary, they’re bringing you another innovative first: The Kleenex® Style Studio. It’s a fun, inspiring way to discover more of the Kleenex® Brand designs and products you love. And maybe even a few that’ll take you by surprise. Kleenex partnered with Isaac Mizrahi to create 4 designs which are intended to evoke confidence and inspiration to help you express your personal style and step out of your comfort zone when it comes to incorporating the latest trends. Exclusively on the Kleenex style finder you can watch videos featuring Isaac Mizrahi where he provides his latest style advice and shares his own experience as a design leader for more than two decades.

http://r.linqia.cc/f9751d3

Now I can purchase one Kleenex® Slim Pack set that works for both of us. And, perhaps my favorite Kleenex product to date, the Kleenex On-the-Go Car Wedge! I always carry tissues in my car, but have never found just the right product that remains easily accessible, yet small enough to be out of my way when I'm running around all day, and still not get crushed or lost. Kleenex has solved that problem and now you won't find me without a car wedge pack anymore! 


So, what's your style? I'd love to hear about your favorites!


Many thanks to Kleenex for sponsoring today's story, and keeping my life stylish!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Get Your Mommy Groove Back!

Tracking Pixel
"This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Figleaves."

When I was preparing to welcome Gavin into the world, there were hundreds of little things I was trying to remember and get done. Since I knew my body would be all out of whack for at least a few weeks after delivery, and I had received advice from several of my Mama friends, I knew to equip myself with plenty of nursing bras and soft, comfortable undergarments.

Now, let's get real for a moment. The undergarments that I purchased for my recovery and 'survival mode' time were not the most flattering, and were definitely not what I was used to wearing when I had time to spend thinking about these things. But, they got the job done, and after I got the 'all clear' from my doctor, I went about my business as usual. 

It wasn't until Gavin was about four months old that I started to feel a little frumpy, and wanted to 'get my sexy back' a little. I'm sure my husband was happy about my revelation. It didn't all happen at once, but it was a slow and steady emergence back to my former normal.

And what woman doesn't want to feel more herself with a side of sexy every once in a while? Especially after you have a baby, your body feels (and looks) different, and your personal hygiene and upkeep take a bit of a backseat to your new little bundle of joy. So once I hit my stride, it was time to spice up my garment drawer a little. 


When I was introduced to Figleaves, it gave me a fun and new way to add pretty and sexy pieces into my garment collection. After all, I am a SAHM who works out a few mornings per week, and runs a small business, so the pieces that I purchase need to be versatile, comfortable and able to fit into my (mostly) casual wardrobe. 



I was pleased with the choices that Figleaves offers; you can't go wrong with a matching set! I am a huge online shopper, and it’s easy to shop online with Figleaves. You can sort by color, style, size, and more, plus there’s an online fitting room and bra size calculator to make it easy to figure out your size from the comfort of your own home! They carry bra sizes A-K and truly have something for every shape and body. Figleaves offers more than 200 brands, including something for every style and budget.  

So, don't be afraid to add a little spice to your garment drawer. It will make you feel a little sexier on the days when you really need it, and I think every Mom should be proud to rock her amazing body! 

And, between now and May 1, 2014, use the code LOVE10 for 10% off of any full priced items on Figleaves.com plus free shipping! 

 
"This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Figleaves."