Young At Heart Mommy

Managing Motherhood Through Love & Laughter

Purex Insider: Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Cleaner & GIVEAWAY

This week a package with two essential cleaning products arrived at my doorstep. As a Purex Insider I was sent two bottles of Soft Scrub’s All Purpose & Bath and Bowl Cleaners. Both of these Soft Scrub total products have their patented trigger that allows you to clean with either a fine mist or a thick foam. It even sprays upside down allowing you to get into those hard to reach places while cleaning. While you are getting your surfaces clean you are also deodorizing the area keeping all lingering smells away. You can now replace you arsenal of cleaning tools with one of these powerful products.
There are many things I love about both of these products but the feature I most appreciate is that they can be used effectively upside down. Whether I am cleaning the toilet bowl, sink, microwave, or little nooks- there is nothing that I hate more than nothing come out of the bottle! Using the Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Cleaner saves me time and a headache when cleaning thoroughly. When I use Soft Scrub I have the confidence that the areas I am cleaning are not only being disinfected properly but they are left smelling fresh without chemical odors. As a mom of a toddler, there are always spills and sticky areas scattered around our home. With the All Purpose cleaner I can eliminate them within seconds. The same goes for the bathtub. Toodie loves her night time baths and I am constantly making sure the tub is clean and germ free.  After using the Bath & Bowl cleaner, I noticed a visible difference and the dreadful “ring around the tub” from constant bubble baths was gone!

Right now Soft Scrub is holding a sweepstakes with $3,000 in prizes! One lucky winner will win $1,000 and 50 additional winners with win $40 each. Each $40 winner will receive one $20 Gift Card for a tough home improvement and another $20 Gift Card for a little bit of pampering. Fill out the easy form and within seconds you will be entered to win. What are you waiting for? Head on over!

One of the benefits of being a Purex Insider is that I get to give away (3) FREE Soft Scrub Product coupons to my readers! Enter through the rafflecopter form below and you could be one of three lucky winners.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received the products above  from Purex Insiders for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Purex Insider: Combat Source Kill Max Ant Gel & GIVEAWAY

Being a resident of the sunshine state is not always accompanied by perfect warm weather . Lately we have had a ton of rain and with rain comes ants. Let’s not mention the tropical storm that is on it’s way as we speak! While I can’t complain about the sudden increase in wet weather given it has brought the yard back to life, I could do without the little critters. As a Purex Insider I was given the opportunity to be a part of the Combat Source Kill Max Ant Bait and Ant Gel campaign. With the increase in ants around the house lately, I quickly took the opportunity and looked forward to getting assistance in removing them! Farewell annoying buggies..Toodles.

The Combat Source Kill Max Ant Gel is formulated to effectively control ants. This product contains a fast acting ingredient but it’s speed is still slow enough for ants to return to the colony. When they return they will feed them the bait so that they are are killed effectively. This works within hours and for up to one whole month.

The Combat Source Kill Max Ant Bait contains an effective insecticide which kills most ants commonly found within our homes. The ants carry the bait back to their colony in which it will destroy. It will even kill ants outside of your home to prevent more from coming inside. Huge plus for us moms out there, it is child resistant! 

This duo works great to keep the critters out especially if you have little one’s dropping food all around the house. Ants always seem to be successful in finding crumbs and food particles left behind. Given they are child resistant there is no harsh chemical smell and you do not have to worry about them getting into tiny hands. Thanks to Purex Insiders I am hosting a giveaway for one of my readers to win their own Combat Ant Gel! Enter below through the rafflecopter form.

Combat is also hosting a sweepstakes right now in which you can win $1000 to host your own Bug Free Backyard Bash! On top of that the one lucky winner will also receive an assortment of Combat brand products to ensure ants don’t take over their party. All you have to do is watch a short video and fill out the form to enter. After your entry is complete you will have the option to print a $1.00 off any Combat product coupon. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received the products above  from Purex Insiders for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Healthy Twists For Back To School Lunches At Walmart & Giveaway

The clock is ticking! By this time you probably have all of your back to school shopping done, bag packs are packed, and lunchboxes are ready to be stuffed for the first day. If you take a peek in your kitchen, are all of the meals and snacks you purchased for your children the BEST choices? Children who eat nutritious meals tend to better in school and stay focused.  This year try substituting sugary fattening foods with healthier options, also known as- BRAIN FOOD! When asked to create my own healthy lunches I started brainstorming immediately. Kids like variety and a small change to their lunch can make all the difference. All of the ingredients used can be found at Walmart and for an affordable price. Eating healthy does not always have to be expensive and it you don’t have to give up an arm or leg.

At Walmart you can get everything you need to make a great lunch for your children and even yourself. Variety combined with affordability makes Walmart my favorite place to shop through the school year. I have learned that buying fresh ingredients actually makes each meal stretch.  I was challenged to come up with a few of my own ideas to make the “typical” lunchbox healthier. Take a look at what I came up with!

Turn the everyday turkey sandwich into a healthy wrap packed with nutrients. I used the Mission Wraps in Garden Spinach Herb. These can be found in the produce or bakery section of your local Walmart. Instead of using white bread, these wraps have 0 grams of trans fat and no cholesterol. As an alternative to mayonnaise I used Kraft Philadelphia Herb & Garlic low fat cream cheese spread. Inside I added shredded lettuce, match stick carrots, sprinkled cheese, and Oscar Meyer Deli Fresh Oven Roasted Turkey Breast. For side items I replaced the usual cookies, chips, and sweet snacks with low fat options. These include Activia Peach yogurt, Sunmaid cranberries, fresh orange slices, and Rold Gold Honey Wheat Pretzel Twists. While I typically pack two juice boxes I decided to replace one with a bottle of water to reduce sugar intake.

The next healthy alternative I came up with can be used for breakfast and lunch as well. Using mini Kellogg’s Eggo Waffles I created tiny sandwiches filled with crunchy peanut butter and banana slices. This is a twist to the popular peanut butter and jelly. You can even add raisins around the rims. I also added carrot chips with low fat Ranch dressing. For the fruit servings, I packed watermelon and Mott’s Cinnamon Apple Sauce. Like the first example, I paired Apple Juice with a bottle of water. 

Last but not least, I made a change to “Ants On A Log” cutting out the peanut butter and replacing it with a Philadelphia cream cheese stuffing. The spread is made by combing cream cheese, honey, sliced almonds, and cranberries. I also made chicken salad with low fat mayo paired with multigrain crackers. Sliced apples and a mixture of candied nuts are on the side for a snack. Once again, a bottle of water and fruit juice.

As parent’s we can all make a change in our children’s diet by providing them with healthier options this school year. Don’t be scared to try something new. If you choose wisely you will see that eating healthy can actually be affordable. I am giving away a $25 Walmart gift card to one of my readers to help assist in buying nutritional components for your child’s lunch! Enter below and good luck.

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Disclosure: I received a gift card to shop for components to make healthy lunches at Walmart for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Hip Peas Natural Curl Tamer Review & GIVEAWAY

Would you like to make your back to school morning routine easier? Brushing our children’s hair can take longer than we expect and at times it can turn into a huge ordeal. Make styling easier by using Hip Peas products! They offer a full line consisting of a variety of products to help manage your little one’s locks. All of the Hip Peas products are eco-friendly, natural and 100% safe to use on your child. They are also sulfate, paraben, and cruelty free. Hip Peas lends a helping hand by donating 10% of their product sales to child-focused charities.
 While browsing around the Hip Peas website I was immediately drawn to their playful packaging and design. How could anyone not love this company on sight alone? It’s trendy and adorable! Hip Peas sent me their Curl Tamer to try on Toodie’s hair and I was eager to see the results. I can’t even list the numerous products I have tried in the past year in attempts to finding at least ONE that would help me manage her wild hair. 


The Curl Tamer keeps the curls bouncy while moisturizing, enhancing, and defining the natural wave without weighing them down. It can also be used to detangle the hair while combing to minimize any breakage. The curls will be soft and most importantly frizz free! Another thing I really like about this product is that it can be used on wet and dry hair. Most curl products I have found only work on one or the other, but never both. I love finding products that can be used multiple ways. This just makes it easier on me, especially when Toodie wakes up in the morning with an unruly Lion’s mane.  Regardless if I take a good fifteen minutes to comb it out after her nightly bath, it still manages to become a tangled mess when she gets out of bed. Ripping and tugging does not go over well with a cranky toddler just waking up! 
After Toodie’s bath I towel dried her hair and combed through it gently. I used a quarter sized amount of the Hip Peas Curl Tamer, distributing it evenly from top to bottom. You do not need a lot of the product to get results. A little really does go a long way. The Curl Tamer made it so much easier to comb through the hair without pulling out the natural curl. After 20 minutes of air drying, Toodie’s curls were soft, bouncy, and smooth. No frizz or fly away hairs in site! It also didn’t make her hair oily or slick which I have found to happen with other brands. Oh! How could I forget- MOST IMPORTANTLY- Toodie didn’t shed a tear or let out an “OUCH Mommy!” This is the product I have been waiting for. Hip Peas is a “hair-saver!”
If you visit the Hip Peas website you will find more information on all of the affordable products they sell. These include the Natural Kids Hair Balm, Hair Detangler, Curl Tamer, & Cradle Cap Care. They also offer the Knot Genie detangling brush along with a soft bristled baby brush. Both can be used with any of the Hip Peas products for a gentle comb through. Brushing through our children’s hair shouldn’t be a painful ordeal. Hip Peas has everything you need to make what should be the simple task of brushing, a pain-free enjoyable experience! You can say goodbye to bed head and tears.
Would you like to win your very own Hip Peas Curl Tamer? Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received this product  from Hip Peas for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Walmart Back To School Clothing Challenge & GIVEAWAY!

Another school year is only weeks away and that means it’s time to get all of you back to school shopping started or if you are an early bird, finished up! While school supplies and finding the perfect bag pack is at the top of every parents list, they are not the only essential items needed to start the new year off right. According to Walmartā€™s ā€œClass of 2012 Back-to-School Survey,ā€ moms identified back to school clothes, shoes and backpacks as their childrenā€™s three most important purchases for the new school year. Walmart is also making it much easier to check these items off your list by providing a huge selection of back to school apparel from top brands including Faded Glory, Wangler, LEI, and even Hello Kitty. If your child’s school requires uniforms they can be found here as well. 
This year Walmart added a new ā€œBack to School Closet Creatorā€ feature on their website. This online tool allows you to mix and match outfits, browse selections, and create a wardrobe for your child within your budget. Back to school shopping can get pricey but at Walmart you can stretch your dollar to its full potential! From cute graphic t-shirts to sparkly shoes, you can get an idea of what outfits your child may like before hitting the store. I found the site to be very helpful and easy to navigate through selections. I like that I could mix and match pieces, ensuring I stayed within my budget. You can also browse closets created by other moms to get fresh ideas! 

When it was time to get started on Toodie’s back to school wardrobe, Walmart was my first stop. I was more than ready to take the challenge of creating five looks for $75 and actually ended up finding 6 instead! I can’t say I was surprised because there were a lot of really great choices this year. Toodie even picked out a new pair of sneakers that are covered in sparkle and light up at the toes. Everything you need to complete your child’s outfit can be found at Walmart, from the shoes to the accessories!

Here are the outfits I created for Toodie to wear to school Monday through Friday. 

On top of their un-beatable everyday low prices, Walmart also has a great return policy. If for any reason you are unhappy with your purchase or need to exchange sizes, Walmart has you covered. Simply bring back your items within 90 days for a full refund. Walmartā€™s Satisfaction Guarantee strives to ensure that moms feel confident in their childrenā€™s new back-to-school outfits.
Now here is the fun part! I challenge you to create your very own looks for less at Walmart. One of my lucky readers will win a $25 Walmart gift card to put towards a back to school wardrobe. Enter below!

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Disclosure: I received a gift card to shop for back to school clothing at Walmart for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

LARABAR Review & Giveaway

Sometimes being a mom can keep me busy, and at times too busy to grab a normal meal. Recently I have turned to eating healthy snacks that contain at least protein and fruit so I have energy even on the go. One of my favorite things to munch on and keep in my purse is the ever-so famous AND yummy Larabar. Larabar products are delicious,satisfying, and most importantly CLEAN! Larabar believes that the foundation of a sound mind, body and spirit is derived from what you eat. There is no better support system than an ingredient in it’s natural state. Their bars are not only made with fruits, nuts, and spices but they are also free of any unwanted additives, food colorings, or preservatives. While some Larabars contain 5 ingredients, you will notice others will only contain a simple 2. No added sugar, just natural sweetness from the whole ingredients they are made from.

 
There are SO many flavors of Larabars to choose from. When asked what kind I would like to sample, I knew immediately I had to try the Coconut Cream pie! When it comes to coconut I love anything and everything that contains even a hint. That being said, this was the first one I tried. I really really liked the flavor of the bar along with the texture. I found it to be dense and filling. The coconut was not too over powering either. I think this is going to be my favorite..actually I know so!

Larabar also sent me three other flavors- Banana Nut Bread, Chocolate Chip Cherry Torte, and Fruit & Nut. The Chocolate Chip Cherry Torte was immediately snatched by Toodie who consumed it within minutes of opening. I think she thought it was a treat because she kept telling me she loved the chocolate bar! If a three year old will eat these it just goes to show how good they really do taste. The last sample they sent was Fruit & Nut which I have conveniently stashed in my purse for running errands and a healthy snack for the movies.

 
If you would like the chance to win a variety of delicious Larabars then enter through the rafflecopter below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received this product  from LARABAR for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Buddy Fruits Review & Giveaway

 
Toodie is very picky about her meals, but when it comes to snacking she is all over it. There is never a fight to eat a snack, just pure willingness to invade and rummage through the pantry! About a month ago I came across Buddy Fruits at Publix and decided to purchase a few of their Pure Fruit Bites to try. Of course, Toodie loved them- but so did i! I ate a whole pouch by myself and wished I had purchased more. Buddy Fruits generously sent me several samples of their popular fruit bites and fruit blend puree pouches. We couldn’t wait to give them all a try.
Buddy Fruits provides a healthier option for snacking and their products are packed with nutritional value. This can be hard to find when shopping for snacks to take on the go. Walking down the aisles in the grocery store you see pre-packaged cookies, chips, and fruit snacks loaded with additives. With Buddy Fruits, you do not have to worry about food coloring, preservatives, or artificial flavoring. They are also dairy and gluten FREE. Their convenient packages contain 100% fruit and are the perfect portable snack.

There are six different flavors of fruits bites. Each package is only 95 calories and provides 1 whole serving of fruit. The flavors include Blackcurrant, Orange, Pomegranate & Acai, Apple, Raspberry, and Banana. Finally, a healthier alternative to the typical fruit snack! Toodie had no problem eating two bags as soon as these arrived. These will be a new addition to her lunch box each week.

There is also a wide selection of blended fruit flavors as well. You can choose from Banana, Strawberry, Apple Cinnamon, Mango Passion & Banana, & Multifruit. These pouches are only 60 calories and the contents are 100% fruit. No peel, no seeds, and no mess! They can be eaten straight from the pouch or squeezed into a bowl. Either way the package can be re-sealed for later use.


 The Buddy Fruit Mission:

Simplify your everyday life
Help your kids to eat more fruits
Contribute to a healthier life

Combine eating with fun 

Would you like the chance to win your own Buddy Fruits display mix? This will include their Fruit Bites and  Blended Fruit Pouches! Enter below through the rafflecopter form.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received this product  from Buddy Fruits for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!


Get Your Boogie On! :Boogie Wipes Review & Giveaway

BOOGIES- all kids have them whether they end up on a tissue, their sleeve, or your furniture! If you are a parent then you have probably fell victim to your own shirt becoming a personal tissue for your child’s icky boogies. Three years ago when Toodie first entered the world, my mother introduced me to the great invention known as the Boogie Wipe. Toodie always had your typical crusty runny nose and typical tissues were often too rough. When the Boogie Wipe came around I was beyond thankful!

Boogie Wipes are made with natural saline designed to gently dissolve the mucus caused by common colds, allergies, and the everyday boogies! These wipes are extra soft, moist, and paraben free. They do not irritate little noses and from my experience, are way more effective than your typical dry tissue. Say goodbye to raw,red, sore noses!

Boogie Wipes are available in four scents- Great Grape, Fresh Scent, Minty Methol, and Simply Unscented. Great Grape has always been my favorite! Each of them are “lightly” scented so you do not have to worry about any harsh fragrances or irritations. Boogie wipes are a MUST HAVE for parents because they can be used for all ages. They come in a 30 count package (as pictured above), 90 count canisters, and boxes of 10 individually wrapped wipe packets. The individually wrapped packets are the ideal size to carry a few in your purse, diaper bag, or even in your car.

Connect with Boogie Wipes!

 Enter below through the rafflecopter form to win your very own Boogie Wipes! One lucky reader will win (2) packs of 30 count Boogie Wipes in Fresh, Grape, Menthol, or Unscented.

This giveaway is open to US, Canada, & Australia.  a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I received this product  from Boogie Wipes for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Zevia: All Natural Soda Review & Giveaway

If your are like me and have been trying to kick your unhealthy soda habit for quite some time, then this review is just for you! Last year I came across the new ZERO CALORIE soda sweetened with the all natural sweetener- Stevia. Zevia has completely satisfied my soda cravings for a good year now. You don’t have to worry about artificial sweeteners or drinking your calories because Zevia contains all natural ingredients. I think that Zevia is an excellent alternative to drinking normal soda. It has the same amount of fizz minus the unnecessary sugar.
Looking back, I wish I would have known about Zevia all natural soda when I was pregnant with Toodie. One of the worst things I did during my pregnancy was consume too much Coke and Dr Pepper! Later on this led to me having a severe gall bladder attack which resulted in surgery. Not fun!
Zevia sent me quite a few flavors to sample and I was really excited to see the variety. The only Zevia sodas I have tried prior to receiving these were Cream Soda and Caffeine Free Cola. I normally purchase Zevia from my local Whole Foods and had no idea that there were so many different kinds available.
 The first flavor I chose to try was Grapefruit Citrus. I expected the soda to come out a pinkish color but it was in fact clear like most of them. I made sure to place all of the cans in the refrigerator prior to drinking so that they would be nice and cold! It is recommended that you drink Zevia ice cold to achieve the best taste. Zevia also suggests you drink the soda from the can as opposed to a cup- to avoid it getting flat quickly. I happened to really enjoy the Grapefruit Citrus flavor. It was tangy, fruity, and had the right amount of citrus.
So far my favorite flavors are the Orange and Dr. Zevia. They both taste like regular soda with a little kick! Now that I am aware that Zevia offers so many different flavors I am going to be on the look out during my next Whole Foods trip. Zevia also just release three new flavors- Strawberry, Lime Cola, and Cherry Cola. They are so good I just want to try them all!
Connect with Zevia!

Would you like to try a 6 pack of Zevia for yourself? Here is your chance! Enter below through the raffle copter form and good luck.
Disclosure: I received this product  from Zevia for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Special Edition Amazon Kindle GIVEAWAY

Welcome to the book readers summer special edition Kindle giveaway!

Kindle, Wi-Fi, 6″ E Ink Display

The all-new Kindle – Lighter, smaller, faster

  • 30% lighter, less than 6 ounces
  • 18% smaller body, same 6″ screen size – fits in your pocket
  • Most advanced E Ink display, reads like paper
  • Built in Wi-Fi – get books in 60 seconds
  • Massive book selection, over 800,000 titles are $9.99 or less
  • Borrow Kindle books from your public library


With the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library, Kindle owners with Amazon Prime can read up to a book a month for free, including all 7 Harry Potter books.
Borrow Great Books for Free
Choose from over 145,000 books to borrow for free, including all 7 Harry Potter books in 5 languages, over 100 current and former New York Times Best Sellers, and thousands of Amazon exclusives. New titles are added daily.
No Waiting
Traditional libraries buy a certain number of copies of a specific title. If all of those are checked out, you have to get on a waiting list where the wait can be months for popular titles like Harry Potter. With the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library, there are no limits on how many people can simultaneously borrow the same title – so you never have to wait in line for the book you want.
No Due Dates
Keep your borrowed book as long as you like. With Kindle Owners’ Lending Library, there are no due dates or late fees.
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