St. Louis Weekend Trip

ordered chicken strips for my first time there

 My husband's birthday was February 15th so he and I went out of town with two other friends to St. Louis for the weekend.  We left on Saturday morning and came back Sunday evening.  Gotta say, we had a lot of fun!

overhead view of lobby at Drury Inn

Jason and I ate at a Chick-fil-A for the first time ever!  I don't understand the overhype but admit it was pretty good.  Then we all went shopping for a bit.  We stopped at Michael's, TJ Maxx, and Target to throw some money down.  Then, we ventured to St. Louis Aquarium.  It opened on December 25th of last year.  There's been a lot of mixed reviews about the place, but we all enjoyed it.

Tasha enjoying the food and drink during Kickback at Drury Inn

Saturday evening we stayed at the Drury Inn - St. Louis Southwest.  As far as hotel chains are concerned, Drury Inn is my overall preference.  They're always clean and updated.  Kickback time of free food and adult beverages in the evening is a big bonus.  The only downside to this stay is the gajillion trillion 7th graders from a school trip running all over the place.  Oh, the energy!

school of fish among a shark at the aquarium

Sunday we headed to St. Louis Mural Mile.  It's a floodwall that expands over a mile long and it's covered in grafitti. Most of it is actual grafitti art, with just a few areas that were slander or "vandalism".  It's a great place to visit, to see local talent for free.  Judging by the trash of the surrounding area, I'd say it's best to go during the daylight.

me and Jason doing the "prom pose" in front of a mural

City Museum was our next stop.  I loved it; Jason didn't.  You definitely can't be afraid of heights or claustrophobic.  There's so many tunnels, slides, nooks and crannies that you could spend hours in there.  And, we did!  (Of all places for the school kids from the hotel to visit the same day as us, it happened to be the City Museum!)

Our trip ended up back home in Quincy with a delicious meal at Kelly's Tavern, a local eatery with Irish decor.

Have you ever been to St. Louis?  What's your favorite place to visit while there?

City Museum was "electrifying"!

Petmate: $10 Off + Free Shipping On Orders $60+

From now until March 31st, you can receive $10 off + Free Shipping on orders $60+ at Petmate.  Use coupon code FURRYQ1 at checkout.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Our Agency Won The Golden Bucket

working the night away

Every year there's a competition among first responders as to who can raise the most money for the Salvation Army's Christmas Campaign.  Whichever one wins receives The Golden Bucket for the year.  This year, 9-1-1/EMA raised the most.  We got The Golden Bucket! (I'd like to say I helped but I'd be lying.  I slept while some fellow co-workers did the work. So, it's them that get the kudos.)

Each agency gets a full day to go out to a specific location and try to bring in money.  Agencies included are 9-1-1/EMA (Emergency Management), local police department, local fire department, and local ambulance service.  Our agency is the smallest but we came away with the most money.

A small ceremony was held at our agency and the announcement was on the news.
#NotBragging #ButBragging

Spoil Your Baby with Safe & Effective Skincare Products - Giveaway

Show baby a little extra love this year on Valentine’s Day! Spoil them with skincare products that are both great for their delicate skin as well as effective.

Boudreaux’s Maximum Strength Butt Paste  will ensure baby is happy and comfortable all day and night long with its ability to start soothing irritation on contact. Boudreaux’s Maximum Strength Butt Paste has a thick barrier of protection that helps seal out any wetness but is gently enough to use daily. Plus, it is Amazon’s #1 best seller in diaper creams!

Heighten baby’s skincare routine this February 14th with a must-have from Baby Magic! Baby Magic’s Baby Lotion is infused with wholesome ingredients such as Camellia Oil and Marshmallow Root to hydrate and nourish baby’s skin.

Win It!

One person will win Baby Magic Baby Lotion and Boudreaux Maximum Strength Butt Paste.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received no compensation for this post.  This post is in partnership with PR firm.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.
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Be Prepared for Disasters with Be Prepared Emergency Essentials

Weather-based and other natural disasters are increasing in frequency – and severity.  The result is more and more people impacted and even displaced by extreme weather and natural disasters.  Along with 72-hour emergency kits, FEMA recommends that families be prepared with a 2-week supply of food, water and other essentials (https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f&web.pdf). 

Be Prepared Emergency Essentials ranks as a national category in providing the highest possible quality preparedness products.

While other emergency food options fall far short of nationally recommended caloric content, Emergency Essentials created its own certification: the Quality Survival Standards™ (QSS™). All Be Prepared QSS-certified meals are guaranteed to contain a minimum of 1,800 calories and 40 grams of protein (per person, per day), and often provide far more. That’s why the 2-Week Be Prepared Survival in a Pail kit from Emergency Essentials is the country’s go-to 2-week survival kit. It delivers the basics families need for 14 days, featuring delicious and nutritious chef-crafted meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a shelf life for up to 25 years – plus all the required cooking gear to cook the meals…an 80-gallon, heavy duty survival grade water filter for food rehydration and drinking…and life-saving supplies for warmth and weather-protection.  Be Prepared Emergency Essentials has established itself as a national leader in emergency preparedness for good reason.  Families across the country have come to depend on Be Prepared Emergency Essentials and the company’s popular 2-Week Survival in a Pail kit for the highest quality, stored-to-last emergency foods – healthy entrees that are easily prepared in only a matter of minutes and packaged in durable containers to withstand a major event.

some of the packaged food

Every family needs to be prepared for the inevitable unforeseen circumstance, especially when it comes to stocking up on emergency essentials. Although no one can prevent or avoid unexpected events, everyone should prepare for them.

Items included in the 2-Week Survival in a Pail include:

3 pouches Cheesy Broccoli Rice

3 pouches Creamy Chicken- Flavored Rice

2 pouches Spanish Rice

1 pouch Fettuccine Alfredo

2 pouches Hearty Vegetable Chicken-Flavored Soup

2 pouches Creamy Potato Soup

1 pouch Banana Chips

2 pouches Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

2 pouches High-Protein Chocolate Meal Shake

1 pouch High-Protein Vanilla Meal Shake

3 Fire Disks

1 WaterBasics Bag-to-Bag Water Filter

1 Stove

1 Pot & Lid

1 Box of Matches

1 Emergency Reflective Sleeping Bag

I'm far from being a Doomsday Prepper but I'm not naive to the fact that disasters can and do happen.  Having the 2-Week Survival in a Pail brings peace of mind that I have needed supplies and essentials if I'm ever stuck in a situation where I'll need them.  Catastrophes can strike at any time – and Be Prepared Emergency Essentials is there to meet the critical needs resulting from the unexpected.  

stock photo of banana chips that are included in the kit

Are you prepared in the event of a large emergency?

I received products in exchange for this post.  The opinions within this post are mine and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

The Clean & Simple Diabetes Cookbook - Review and Giveaway

Author and dietitian Jackie Newgent's newest book THE CLEAN & SIMPLE DIABETES COOKBOOK: Flavorful, Fuss-Free Recipes for Everyday Meal Planning recently hit bookstore shelves.  Published by the American Diabetes Association, the book offers readers a primer on the "Diabetes-Friendly Lifestyle", a step-by-step guide to easy cooking for diabetes, 25 easy 3-ingredient recipes, and a mouthwatering collection of more than 100 flavorful, fuss-free recipes for everyday meal planning such as:

Oaxacan Brunch Style Nachos
All-American Portobello "Cheeseburger"
Turkey Meatballs Arrabbiata
Buffalo Garbanzo Snackers
Cacio e Pepe e Spinaci
Single-Serve Peach Cobbler with Pecans
Sweet Cherry Milkshake

From weeknight meals for the whole family to snacks on the go and even desserts, there's something in here for everybody in THE CLEAN & SIMPLE DIABETES COOKBOOK. Best of all, each recipe follows the ADA's dietary and nutritional guidelines.

About the Author:

Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN, is a New York City-based classically-trained chef, registered dietitian nutritionist, award-winning cookbook author, recipe developer, and media personality. She’s the author of several cookbooks, including her newest book, The Clean & Simple Diabetes Cookbook (American Diabetes Association, 2020). Jackie Newgent is a healthy cooking instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, a food writer, and a former national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. Jackie has made guest appearances on dozens of television news shows.

My Review:

I do not have diabetes but was recently informed by my doctor that I need to make some health changes.  The Clean & Simple Diabetes Cookbook been a great tool for delicious meals that aren't laden with fats.  There's many recipes that an "average cook" can create without going above budget or looking for ingredients you can't normally find.  

Other than the fact that the pages don't always lay flat, this cookbook is one of my favorite I've owned.  Not only does it have so many recipes (some I've made and more I plan on making) but it also full of tips, pointers, facts and strategies.   My favorite section is the "Essential Cooking How-To's".  It features basic techniques on how to properly cut a cucumber, how to grate fresh gingerroot, and much more. The content on meal prepping is super helpful too.   

Whether you have diabetes or not, I definitely recommend this cookbook as one to add to your collection. 

Win It!

One person will win The Clean & Simple Diabetes Cookbook: Flavorful, Fuss-Free Recipes for Everyday Meal Planning.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received product for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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Power of Prayer Thursdays - Week 199

Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash

I believe in a God that hears prayers and answers them. I've witnessed the miraculous gift of answered prayer. And, I want to pray for you. I've started weekly Power of Prayer post every Thursday. We are now on week 199. If you are needing prayer in an area of your life, please leave a comment and I'll commit to pray for your need or request. You can be as general or as specific as you like. Whether it be for healing, salvation, finances, emotions, or another area of life, I'd like to lift it up in prayer.

I would appreciate prayers for an upcoming interview for supervisor position where I currently work.  I hope to do well in the interview and even get the position, if it's God's will.  Thanks.

"Let God weigh me on the scales of justice, for he knows my integrity."
–Job 31:6

My Newest Hobby: Diamond Art Kits

newest project I'm working on

I don't necessarily consider myself to be crafty.  I can't crochet or sew to save my soul.  I'd say I'm on the "medium scale" spectrum of creativity.

Thanks to my sister, though, I was recently introduced to the newest craft trend of Diamond Art Kits.  Seems they're all the rage these days.  Traci had me over to her house and showed me what it was all about.  And, now, I'm sucked into the Diamond Art Vortex.  I lose all sense of time, placing tiny little dots in their proper place until sparkly images appear (or until my eyes start to cross).

Diamond Art Magnets

Diamond Art Kits take a ton of time and patience, but you don't have to be Martha Stewart to finish a piece.  It's almost like Paint With Color Kits, except you're placing itty bitty gems on a coded sheet.

first completed kit

I've finished one complete kit and a few magnets.  Now I'm on to the next canvas kit.  If I don't answer my texts or calls, it's because I'm busy doing the dot, dot, dot a lot, lot, lot.

My husband made a wooden frame for the completed canvas and now I have it hung up on my kitchen.

Have you done any Diamond Art Kits?

What's your crafting specialty?

Become an Ambassador for National Today Influencer Network

Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash

Join thousands of influencers looking to connect with kindred creators and brands across the globe.

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I'd love for you to join me in National Today Influencer Network, a community where we can meet, message, share ideas, and go deeper with our peers on the topics we care about most.

When you join, you'll be able to contribute your own stories and experiences. It only takes a minute to sign up, and it's free. 

Here are a few other reasons you should join:
1. Partner with awesome brands from around the world
2. Learn valuable lessons from marketing, creative, and business professionals
3. Pow wow with other influencers and establish cross vertical relationships
4. Create engaging content around fun viral holidays

This post contains referral link.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Frozen 2 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack - Giveaway

The No. 1 Animated Feature Film of All Time
Disney’s “Frozen 2”
Arrives Home on Digital Feb. 11 and on Blu-ray™ Feb. 25

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” has melted hearts around the world, becoming the No. 1 animated feature of all time. Just in time for Valentine’s Day,  the follow-up to 2013’s hit Oscar®-winning Best Animated Feature,“Frozen,” comes home, with a sing-along version and all-new extras, on Digital in 4K Ultra HD™, HD and Movies Anywhere on Feb. 11, and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on Feb. 25.

“Frozen 2” bonus features include deleted scenes, deleted songs, Easter eggs, outtakes and a sing-along version with lyrics to the film’s forever-infectious songs. Extras invite viewers to go behind-the-scenes to hear personal, making-of stories from the “Frozen 2” cast and crew. Fans who bring the film home early on Digital will receive two exclusive extras: an interview with songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who won an Oscar® for Best Original Song (“Let It Go,” 2014) and wrote seven original songs for “Frozen 2,” and a deleted song titled “Unmeltable Me.”

In “Frozen 2,” the answer to why Elsa was born with magical powers is calling her and threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she sets out on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In “Frozen,” Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In the highly anticipated sequel, she must hope they are enough. From the Academy Award®-winning team—directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, producer Peter Del Vecho and songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—“Frozen 2” features the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad.

All-new toys inspired by the film’s finale featuring Queen Anna and Elsa the Snow Queen will hit retail shelves on February 22 timed to the in-home release.

Bonus Features (may vary by retailer)
         
Blu-ray & Digital:

Sing-Along Version of the Movie – Sing along with your favorite songs as you watch the movie.
Song Selection – Jump to your favorite musical moments, with on-screen lyrics. Songs include Oscar®-nominated “Into The Unknown,” “All Is Found,” “Some Things Never Change,” “When I Am Older,” “Lost in the Woods,” “Show Yourself,” and “The Next Right Thing”
Outtakes – Laugh along with the cast of “Frozen 2” as they record their lines, sing their songs and have fun in the recording booth.
Deleted Scenes – Check out a few scenes that never made the final cut.
Intro - Directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck offer a glimpse into their filmmaking process with scenes that didn't make the final cut.
Prologue - A battle rages between Arendelle and the Northuldra while a mysterious figure challenges King Agnarr.
Secret Room - A secret room reveals even more of Anna and Elsa's past, including a shocking revelation about their mother.
Elsa’s Dream - Anna's playful glimpse into Elsa's dream takes a dark turn.
Hard Nokks - Kristoff reveals his true feelings about life in Arendelle when the Nokk won't take no for an answer.
A Place of Our Own - Elsa uses her magic to relieve Anna's lingering doubts about their parents' faith in her.
Deleted Songs – When it comes to “Frozen 2,” there can never be too much music. Hear some of the songs that got cut from the final film.
Intro - Directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck revel in the chance to share a few songs that didn't make it into the final film.
“Home” - Anna savors every moment as she wanders through this kingdom she calls home.
“I Wanna Get This Right” - Kristoff wants everything to be perfect before he proposes, leaving Anna to wonder, “Will it ever be just right?”
The Spirits of “Frozen 2” – Cast and crew explore the Scandinavian and Nordic mythology that inspired the spirits inhabiting the enchanted forest of “Frozen 2.”
Did You Know??? – Olaf asks us the question “Did You Know” as we discover “Frozen 2” fun facts, Easter eggs and tidbits about the making of the film.
Scoring a Sequel – Composer Christophe Beck combines a 91-piece orchestra with 30 choral voices to create the compelling score for “Frozen 2.”
Gale Tests - They say you can't see the wind. Only its effects. Filmmakers give it a shot while creating the playful wind spirit, Gale.
Gale Test - A young girl and boy play tag in this fully animated effort to "give personality to something that's invisible."
Hand-Drawn Gale Test - A hand-drawn test to bring the precocious wind spirit to life.
Multi-Language Reel
“Into the Unknown” in 29 Languages - Hear Elsa's soaring call to adventure in 29 different languages
Music Videos - Weezer and Panic! at the Disco lend their voices to a few of the soaring melodies from “Frozen 2.”
“Into the Unkown" (Panic! at the Disco version) - Panic! at the Disco frontman Brendon Urie stars in their version of "Into The Unknown" from “Frozen 2.”
“Lost in the Woods” (Weezer version) - Weezer puts their spin on Kristoff's epic ballad, "Lost In the Woods."

Digital Exclusives:

Meet the Lopezes – Meet the award-winning husband-and-wife team behind the incredible songs from “Frozen” and “Frozen 2.”
Deleted Song “Unmeltable Me” - An animatic version of Olaf's celebratory song about his newfound freedom.

Win It!

One person will win Frozen 2 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received no compensation for this post.  This post is in partnership with PR firm.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.
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Loacker Quadratini - Coffee-Flavored Wafer Snacks Review

I entertain in my home fairly frequently.  I also host Life Group every Tuesday night.  For these reasons, I like to keep snacks on hand.  For Life Group the other night, I served Quadratini, made by  the #1 global wafer cookie and confection brand, Loacker.  It was the second time for all of us to try this delicious wafer snack, but it definitely won't be the last. 

Each Quadratini is made with the most premium Italian flavors from the Italian Alps in a delectable cube-shaped snack, making them the ultimate treats to enjoy for this occasion.  There are several flavors available.

Loacker makes a slew of coffee flavored, bite-size wafer snacks that are delicious alongside your favorite cup of coffee, including:

Loacker Espresso Quadratini – four layers of the smoothest espresso cream filling held by five light, crispy wafers.

Loacker Hazelnut Quadratini – four layers of the smoothest hazelnut cream filling held by five light, crispy wafers.

Loacker Cappuccino Quadratini – four layers of the smoothest cappuccino cream filling held by five light, crispy wafers.

Each flavor of Quadratini comes in a resealable bag.  I chose to dump the two varieties I received in separate bowls and gave guests the option to pick one at a time or pop different flavors in their mouth at once.  Quadratini are crispy squares of wafers with delicious flavor!

Which flavor would you like best?

I received products for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Now Available: FLCL - Progressive & Alternative Combo Pack

The wait is over! Adult Swim’s popular anime series FLCL: Progressive and FLCL: Alternative, both released for the first time ever as a Blu-ray combo pack from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on February 4th. Based on the original anime series written by Yōji Enokido and from director Kazuya Tsurumaki, the collection propels Haruko and her yellow Vespa back into action with 12 episodes from FLCL: Progressive and FLCL: Alternative. The Blu-ray Combo Pack is priced to own at $44.98 SRP ($52.99 in Canada). FLCL: Alternative is also available on DVD on February 4th for the low price of $19.99 SRP ($24.99 in Canada).

From the legendary anime studio Production I.G and Adult Swim, FLCL: Progressive & Alternative Combo Pack includes a 15-minute never-before-seen documentary that dives into the making of both seasons featuring interviews with voice talent and crew. Additional special features include a “Meet the Creators” piece focused on the new era of show creators, a segment about “The Pillows” relationship with the series, a glimpse at the English voice actors behind FLCL together, and a look into the production of FLCL: Alternative.

The highly anticipated sequel to the 2001 original FLCL, FLCL: Progressive tells the story of 14-year-old Hidomi and her classmate, Ide, as the war between Medical Mechanica and Fraternity continues. Now in the form of their teacher, Haruko Haruhara returns alongside another otherworldly being, Jinyu, a gorgeous Chrysler Bel Aire and her yellow Vespa to unleash their hidden potential.

FLCL: Alternative, the third and final season centers on the misadventures of 17-year-old Kana and her friends, Mossan, Hijiri and Pets. Living a seemingly normal life, the group’s lives are flipped upside down when Mecha falls from the sky and arrives with the guitar-wielding Haruko Haruhara. Once again determined to take out Medical Mechanica, Haruko works to awaken Kana's N.O. channel before the relentless iron takes over the world.

BLU-RAY COMBO PACK SPECIAL FEATURES

· The Making of FLCL: Progressive & Alternative: An in depth look behind the scenes featuring interviews with the cast and crew.

· Meet the Creators

· The Pillows

· English Voice Actors

· Production: Behind-the-Scenes

FLCL: ALTERNATIVE DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

· English Voice Actors

· Production: Behind-the-Scenes

COMBO PACK INCLUDES ALL 12 EPISODES

1. RE: Start

2. Freebie Honey

3. Stone Skipping

4. LooPQR

5. Fool On the Planet

6. Our Running

7. Flying Memory

8. Grown-Up Wannabe

9. Freestyle Collection

10. Pit-a-Pat

11. Shake it Off

12. Full Flat

I received products in exchange for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Power of Prayer Thursdays - Week 198

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

I believe in a God that hears prayers and answers them. I've witnessed the miraculous gift of answered prayer. And, I want to pray for you. I've started weekly Power of Prayer post every Thursday. We are now on week 198. If you are needing prayer in an area of your life, please leave a comment and I'll commit to pray for your need or request. You can be as general or as specific as you like. Whether it be for healing, salvation, finances, emotions, or another area of life, I'd like to lift it up in prayer.

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.
–1 Timothy 4:1

Check It Out: Savings.com #Love1800Flowers Giveaway

Savings.com is at it again with another great giveaway.  They're giving away ten $50 gift cards from 1-800-Flowers. Giveaway ends February 11th at 11:59 PM PT.  Ten (10) winners will receive a $50 e-gift code from 1-800-Flowers.


Enter coupon code SAVETWENTY at 1-800-Flowers checkout and get 20% discount on flowers and gifts.  Offer expires Jun 28, 2020.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Heck Of A Super Bowl 2020

WowWow getting game day ready!

Every year I'm a faithful watcher of the Super Bowl but it's never for any team.  It's always been for the commercials and Halftime show.  

In fact, I don't know the first thing about football.  I don't even know what a blitz, blind side, or fumble means.  A touchdown is about as good as it gets.  And that's because that's when the crowd goes wild. 

But this year, for the first time, I was actually into the game.  My husband (probably out of winter boredom) decided to start watching football at the beginning of the season and decided he liked the Chiefs.  Good call!  Up until this year, football wasn't even his jam.

Tasha taught me a new card game and explained football in a way that I can halfway understand.  Think I'll keep her as a friend!

Super Bowl Sunday me and Jason went over to a friend's house to watch the game, eat way too much food, and play the card game of Golf.  My friend, Tasha, even explained some football terminology to me in a way that I could understand.  For the first time in my life I halfway understand the sport.  I'd never pass a quiz but I'm past more than just a touchdown and a field goal.  Go me!

I know there's a lot of controversy surrounding the halftime show.  I actually liked the theatrics and performance.  I couldn't understand half the words and the camera crotch shots were a little much but it was better than some I've seen in year's past.

The commercials impressed me a lot this year.  The amount of celebrity cameos was pretty cool.  And I'll never look at Bounty Paper Towels the same way again!

How did you celebrate Super Bowl?
Glad the Chiefs won?  We are!!
What was your favorite commercial?
What did you think of the halftime show?

Show Love for the Planet with Lotus Trolley Bag - Giveaway

Although Valentine’s & Galentine’s Day, which is a celebration of female friendship, may seem like an odd time to bring up sustainability, it's actually the perfect time to give a solution based gift, such as the reusable Lotus Trolley Bag and Lotus Produce Bags. Celebrating love and showing care for our planet is a time when consumers can give back by taking small steps to make a big impact.

Reusable Lotus Trolley Bag and Lotus Produce Bags deliver amazing organization and a reduction of plastic use in the home, declutters cupboards, and frees up space. These gift solutions eliminate plastic and waste.  Anyone who loves the planet will adore these products.  It's a great way to show admiration for the planet.

Created by a husband and wife duo in California (where plastic bags are now banned), the Lotus Trolley Bag is an environmentally friendly shopping bag system.  These bags save steps—time and energy - all the while eliminating millions of wasteful, harmful plastic bags from our environment.

I've done a review for Lotus Trolley Bag in the past and I am still a fan of the product.  I definitely recommend it.  Seriously, go buy one for yourself and tons as gifts for others!

Win It!

One person will win a Lotus Trolley Bag.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received no compensation for this post.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.
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Welch’s Valentine’s Day Fruit Snacks - Review

Made specifically for Valentine's Day, Welch’s Valentine's Day Fruit Snacks offers fruit snacks in fun and festive heart-shaped pieces with fun emoji faces.

From time to time I purchase Welch's Fruit Snacks. They're convenient pre-packaged snacks that can be taken right out of the box and eaten immediately. They are fat-free, gluten-free, and preservative free.  Having a lot of family and friends with young kids come over, I've found that Welch's snacks are perfect to keep on hand.  Welch's Fruit Snacks are packed with delicious flavor and soft texture.

Welch's Valentine's Day Fruit Snacks are perfect for Valentine’s Day classroom exchanges, as each pouch features a “To/From” signable front panel.  Each individual package contains about six to seven fruit snacks.

28-count box // $4.99 on Target.com

32-count box // $4.98 on Walmart.com

I received products for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Goodies for the Little Cupids: Made Good's Specialty Valentine's Day Boxes

With food allergies on the rise, Valentine's Day celebrations in classrooms are no longer what they used to be when we were growing up.  Made Good’s specialty Valentine’s Day boxes (exclusively at Target nationwide) are the perfect option for a delicious, yet allergen-friendly snack that’s also kid approved.

Made Good granola bars are made in a dedicated facility free from the eight common allergens:
peanut, tree nuts, wheat, dairy, egg, soy, sesame, fish and shellfish. They are also organic, gluten free, Non-GMO project verified, made with whole grains and low in sugar.

These delicious snacks are available online, and exclusively at Target.  This specialty 30-count box of chocolate chip granola minis are perfect for kid-friendly snacks and Valentine treats.

I received products in exchange for this post.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.