The J Team - DVD Giveaway

Ready to show your sparkle? Join JoJo Siwa and friends in The J Team – the brand-new movie from Nickelodeon! Follow JoJo as she starts her own, totally unique dance team, learning about friendship, perseverance and never letting anyone dim your sparkle!

The J Team is available, as of July 12th, from Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment for the suggested retail price of $15.99 and on Digital for $9.99 SD/HD.

The J Team synopsis:

Loosely based on JoJo Siwa’s life, “The J Team” is the story of a young girl who is kicked out of her dance troupe and forced to rediscover what dance and friendship means to her, finding her true “Sparkle” in the process.

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One person will win The J Team on DVD.

*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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Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters - : #StrongFathersMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork Review and Giveaway

Pure Flix is a streaming media platform where you can view thousands of faith and family-friendly movies, shows, and documentaries.  One film that was recently added (August 1st) is Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters.  I was asked to review the film.

Synopsis: 

Steve loves all three of his daughters – but does he really know who they are? Discover the heartfelt journey of a dad who is desperately trying to hold onto his little girls but learns he must give up control and trust God with their future.  Watch the movie inspired by Dr. Meg Meeker’s best-selling book, “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters.”

I'm pretty sure we all want what's best for our kids.  We try to be proactive and teach them what's best for their life.  As a Christian myself, I can relate to wanting my kids to follow God and grow in their faith.  My kids are all adults now and they're all on different paths of life but I feel like I've at least instilled some Christian values and morals in their lives.

I could resonate with 'Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters' and how the parents, especially the father, want their kids to lead a certain path.  Steve is a businessman with three daughters, all with different personalities.  Steve isn't too keen on the idea of his oldest daughter marrying a missionary; He had plans on her becoming a Jr. Executive.  And, his middle daughter shows strong signs of rebellion.  He thinks he can control it all but soon learns that he needs to trust God and it all starts when he is given a book called 'Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters'.  

I was moved by this movie in many ways.  I definitely shed a few tears, laughed several times, and even internalized the teaching lessons.  I definitely recommend watching 'Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters', available now on Pure Flix.

Win It!

One person will win a free 3-month Pure Flix subscription.

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

Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this 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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Visit to Hot Springs National Park

main entrance to the park

Back in May I went on a weekend getaway to Arkansas with a friend.  One of my favorite places that we visited was Hot Springs National Park.  Located in the middle of town, there are 26 miles of hiking trails in the park where you can take in beautiful scenery and have access to ancient thermal springs.

steam rising from one of the hot springs

I found it fascinating that the main entrance to the hot springs was located in the middle of a bustling tourist area known as Bathhouse Row.  Rebecca and I chose to walk along Peak Trail, a short and moderately steep hike that took us to an observation tower.  

The "haze of smoke" is steam rising from the waters.

The thermal water at Hot Springs National Park is nearly 4,000-year-old spring water in its natural state. I'd never been to a location where hot spring water was available.  I was amazed to see the strong force of steam rise from the water.  And, it is indeed, hot!  The water comes out of the ground at 147 degrees Fahrenheit.  

a jug of hot springs water I filled from a fountain

Congress first protected the hot springs in 1832, and it intended for the water to be used.  Drinking the hot springs water is perfectly normal, and even encouraged.  I collected a sample of the hot springs water in one of the actual hot spring pools while I was out on a hike.  Before we left the park, Rebecca and I purchased large jugs and filled them with water from one of the many Thermal Spring Fountains.  The fountains allow visitors to fill containers with the hot springs water for free.  They say it's safe to drink the water that comes out of the fountains, but I'm keeping mine in the jug as a souvenir.  

I seriously cannot say enough about the beauty and interesting history of this national park.  

An original bathtub that, back in the day, was used to bathe in the hot springs sits inside the Bathhouse Row Emporium.  

Petmate: 20% Off All Orders

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A great promotion they have going on right now is 20% off all orders when you use coupon code WEEKENDS20 at checkout.  This offer is valid 7/29-7/31. 

T&C's: Code WEEKENDS20 valid for 20% off at Petmate.com 7/29-7/31/2022 11:59pm CST. One use per customer only. Not valid on sale items, previous purchases or when combined with other offers.

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

Panama likes it when I get her goodies from Petmate.

AspenClean Plastic-free Detergents - Review and Giveaway

I'm not super vigilant about product ingredients, but have had to be more aware lately due to skin inflammation.  I haven't completely narrowed down the culprits yet, but my skin has adverse reactions to some ingredients and brands.  

I was recently introduced to AspenClean, the popular Canadian brand that offers safe and effective alternatives to chemical-based cleaning products.  The laundry detergent pods, dishwasher pods, and oxygen bleach powder and stain remover, all with plastic-free packaging, now ship anywhere in the United States.  AspenClean products are made with only natural and organic ingredients and have won cleaning product awards from Parents and Good Housekeeping magazines.  I was all in to see how well the products worked and if I had any reactions to the ingredients.

The plastic-free product line includes:

 AspenClean’s Unscented Laundry Pods

AspenClean’s Unscented Laundry Pods are entirely fragrance-free and carefully formulated with oxygen bleach and enzymes, using no synthetic fragrances, toxins or irritants.  The zero-plastic laundry pods are naturally formulated to remove tough stains, fight odor and fight dirt, grime and grease but are non-toxic and packaged in a compostable container. These laundry pods are packaged in a 100% recycled paper package designed for convenience while being conscious of the impact on the environment. The vegan laundry pods are gentle on sensitive skin and won’t damage your clothes with harsh chemicals. Remove tough stains and leave your clothes feeling good as new with an eco-friendly laundry pod that is still 100% baby safe, pet safe and is environmentally sustainable.  Also available are Eucalyptus Laundry Pods and Lavender Laundry Pods.

There are 36 pods in each container of AspenClean Laundry Pods.  To use, toss one pod (or two, if the laundry is extremely soiled) into the washing machine before adding clothes.  Easy peasy!  After using the laundry pods for quite some time now, I've noticed no adverse reactions to my skin and my clothes come out clean.  I'm sold!  

 AspenClean’s Unscented Dishwasher Pods

Made of biodegradable, plant-based ingredients that leave your dishes sparkling clean every time, AspenClean’s Unscented Dishwasher Pods are packaged in a 100% recycled paper container with no plastic at all, while being fully compostable and safe for your family and the environment. These eco-friendly dishwasher pods remove even the toughest of food stains and eliminate grease without leaving any residue or film on your dishes or glassware in just one cycle.   

I personally do not own a diswasher (I'm old-school and prefer to wash by hand).  However, the couple that I'm a nanny for do own a dishwasher and use it regularly.  When I am at their home watching the baby, I will often use their dishwasher to clean and dry their dishes.  They prefer their dishes to be done this way.  I spoke with Becky and asked if she was okay with me using the AspenClean’s Unscented Dishwasher Pods in her dishwasher and she obliged.

Becky was quite impressed with the company's mission and how well the diswasher pods worked.  If Becky is keen on a product, you can almost bet it's worth it.  She is a hound when it comes to "all-natural, eco-friendly, organic", and other similar verbiage.  She goes so far as to have a list on her fridge of companies she won't buy from and ingredients she won't use.  

There are 28 pods in each container of Diswasher Pods.  One pod is all that's needed to each wash, and they are to be placed in the main dispenser cup.

AspenClean’s Oxygen Bleach Powder and Stain Remover

AspenClean’s Oxygen Bleach Powder and Stain Remover is made of biodegradable, plant-based ingredients that gives your laundry a natural booster to remove tough stains on clothes!  The oxygen bleach stain remover will leave your clothes whiter and brighter using the natural power of mineral-based ingredients and enzymes in just 1 wash. Give your clothes a deep clean by removing those stubborn stains and restore them back to brand new.  Revive those whites and brighten those dull colors! Add the color-safe oxygen bleach powder as a laundry booster or as a stain remover to any load of laundry.  AspenClean Oxygen Bleach is suitable for standard and HE laundry machines. 

I did not receive this product for review so I cannot vouch for how it works.  But, if it's anything like the laundry pods and the diswasher pods, I'd say it's worth trying.

Win It!

One person will win AspenClean Plastic-Free Detergents.

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

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.

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Quick Stop at Scenic Point, Arkansas

When I went on vacay with a friend in May, we stopped by a little area called Scenic Point, Arkansas.  It's a nice little stopping point to enjoy the scenery and see beautiful views of nature.  We were able to see the Buffalo River Canyon at 2169 above sea level.

 

Due to the view, we were able to see both Arkansas and Missouri land.  It was such pretty scenery.  Just standing there and taking in all the uninterrupted greenery was peaceful-ish.  

It was quite windy that day so it played mind games with me that I might fall over the ledge.  #DramaticIKnow 

There's a higher viewing spot that can be accessed by a ladder but I opted to stay on ground.  In the little spot of beautiful landscape, there's a lone gift shop.  Rebecca and I went in to browse and we both came out with the same tshirt.

#Twinsies

My hair proves how windy it was!

Can We Be Adults About This?

I quit worrying about cleaning it.  The darn thing gets muddy almost every weekend.

Our RZR has a notorious reputation in the campground.  The super loud exhaust gives it away every time.  Last year we got in a bit of trouble with it for having it out on the trails past the quiet time of 10 pm (too early, If I say!).  This year Jason made a promise that he'd behave and have it parked by 10 every night.

Me and Jason, thinking we were sly.

One weekend this year, while I was away on vacay with a friend, Jason had it out past quiet hours.  BUT only because the owners wanted him to look in the woods for the keys to their Side X Side.  Of course, the complaints came in.  Although the owners took the blame for the incident, Jason still got a verbal slap on the wrist.

Several weekends later Kasi, one of the owners, came by and we started talking about the incident.  Then she threw out the words "Can't we be adults about this?"  I about flipped my lid.  She and I had a conversation that rivaled the noise level of the RZR's exhaust. 

Front of Kasi's shirt

After some deep breaths and thinking it through, we all came out better in the end for it.  To make a mockery of the situation, Jason and I came up with the bright idea to have custom shirts made from a fellow campground gal with "Can We Be Adults About This?" and a picture of our RZR.  

back of Kasi's shirt

Touche

Because nobody can keep their mouths shut, Kasi caught wind of what we were doing.  That heifer done went and had her own shirt made.  While she was my partner playing cornhole, she showed up in her custom shirt.  Nice play, Kasi, nice play!