Creekside Farms Wreaths - Review and Discount Code

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.

Creekside Farms creates gorgeous artisanal wreaths out of California. Their herbs and flowers are naturally grown, with no harmful pesticides. All of their products are harvested by hand and naturally air dried. In other words, there's true labor of love in each of their wreaths.

I received the Fall Harvest Wreath for review and was immediately drawn to its beauty. The wreath itself is made of orange Chinese lanterns, quince slices, safflowers, cherry peppers, preserved fall leaves, wheat, fresh bay, a faux pumpkin, broomcorn, millet, sage and marjoram. I don't know specifically what some of those elements are, but they make for a pretty wreath.

The Fall Harvest Wreath arrived with secure packaging. A wooden board in the middle of the box helped keep it in place and zip ties at the bottom kept it from shifting during shipping. When I released the wreath from the box, a small portion of leaves came off but it did not hinder the overall look.

The back of the wreath itself has strong rods and pieces to keep it held together and keep its shape.

My mother has been quite ill recently and has had to spend time in the Rehabilitation Unit at the hospital. The Fall Harvest wreath came at a perfect time, and I chose to hang it up on the door of her hospital room. Mom was elated with the wreath and how pretty it was. Several people on the floor, from visitors to nurses, made nice comments in regards to the wreath. It brightened up the drab in her room, and made a nice gift gesture. Now that mom is living at home with me, the wreath is hanging on her bedroom door.

Not only is the wreath pretty, it also has a pleasant smell. It is one that reminds me of evergeen and pinecone.

According to the care instructions, the wreath can last for several years if treated properly. The wreath won't stay fresh for a real long time, but it can still be hung for display once the greenery starts to dry. By misting the wreath with water from time to time and keeping it safe from outside elements, the wreath will be able to create a beautiful greenery piece in my home for some time.

If you are interested in purchasing one of the Creekside Farms wreaths for Fall, the upcoming holiday season, or any other time, you can use discount code HECKOFABUNCH during checkout for a 15% discount.

Give Your Child the Academic Edge with Spectrum Workbooks - Review

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.

I believe life should be a balance of hard work and fun. Children shouldn't be so involved in academics that they don't have time for extracurriculars, and neither should they slack off so much in their schoolwork that it affects their grades.

I've found that having academic workbooks at the house are one way to keep my kids interested in learning and mastering skills.

Carson-Dellosa Publishing Group has a line of Spectrum workbooks that kids can use to get off on the right foot in several subjects. The workbooks help students practice and master skills, and ease test-taking anxiety.

Emma is in 7th grade and I would like her to be well-prepared when she enters into 8th grade. I received five of the Carson-Dellosa Spectrum Workbooks in the 8th grade level for her. Math, Writing, Language Arts, Science, and Reading are covered within the five books.

Emma has taken a strong liking to the workbooks and has been spending some of her downtime working through them. Each workbook covers a range of topics relating to the subject. For instance, the Math workbook covers Integers and Exponents, Geometry, Statistics and Probability, and more. Each chapter has a pretest and posttest; then there's a final test at the end.

Each workbook has been helpful in guiding Emma with which areas are her strengths and weaknesses. They've also helped her prepare for the upcoming school year. She likes solving the problems, and I like that she's sharpening her brain.

Does your child benefit from academic workbooks? What is your child's favorite subject in school?

Heli Beast - Radio Control Toy Review and Giveaway

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.

 

My boys are teens now and don't "play" with a lot of toys these days but they like all things R/C. I think they got that passion from our biggest boy and my husband, Jason. I'm not sure if it's the concept of being in control of the object with a remote control or watching the stunts and tricks they can do, but remote and radio controlled toys can entertain them for hours. All three of my guys have had numerous runs with the Heli Beast from Silverlit and get much amusement from it.

Heli Beast from Silverlit is a 2 channel radio control toy that includes beast gear. It's available at Hammacher and Kohl's.com for the ARV of $39.99

Heli Beast requires six AA batteries so I had to run to the store to purchase some. After we were all set getting it out of the box and ready to go, I practically got run over by the guys to see who'd play with it first. Since having the R/C beast/copter combo, I've seen my husband and boys get it out again and again to play. I won't even lie, I've even taken a gander at it a few times. Yes, it's that fun.

Using the transmitter, Heli Beast walks around like, well, a beast on the ground in all directions. It works best on a flat surface. With the push of a button, it can jump over obstacles. By pushing the throttle on the transmitter, the beast goes in the air and flies like a helicopter. Hence the name "Heli Beast". The only complaint I've heard from the guys is that they wish they could get more use out of it between charging times.  During times of use, it's been a great form of entertainment.

Win It!

One person will win a Heali Beast from Silverlit Toys.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

S.O.S Soap Pads - Review and Giveaway

I received products for review from The Clorox Company.  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.

S.O.S. Soap Pads has been providing solutions for the toughest cleaning jobs since 1917.  My mom used to clean with the steel wool pads, and I've used them many times as well.  It's an iconic brand that's been around for years, and still works.

 

S.O.S. is in the midst of a revitalization, complete with new packaging.  They're updating their look, without losing the essence of the formula. 

In case you're not in the know, S.O.S. Pads are made of shaved steel wire and soap. The soap contains rust inhibitors, preservatives, synthetic detergents, a pH buffer, fragrance and color.

Just as with any other cleaning agent, S.O.S. pads can't be used on every fabric or surface.  But they definitely work for the areas they can be used on.  There are ten steel wool pads to each box.  After wetting an S.O.S. Pad and using it on my stovetop, the grease and food particles are gone.  My husband uses S.O.S. pads to clean some of his vehicle parts.  For instance, he uses them on the rims to get rid of dirt and give them a shine.  Because of how often we grill out, S.O.S. Pads are also great for cleaning grill grates.  And my toilet that seems to see several people a day doesn't look ucky, all due to S.O.S. Pads.  There's a million and one ways (or maybe a little less) to use S.O.S. Pads.

Win It!

 

One person will win a year's supply of S.O.S. Pads (12 x 10-count boxes).

 

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Burt's Bees Holiday Gift Collection - Review

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.

Burt’s Bees Holiday Gift Collection is full of natural, ‘no wrap needed’ personal care gift sets and stocking stuffers for everyone on your list this year. From the busy mom to the selfie obsessed teen, outdoorsy guy to your favorite teacher – they’ve got you covered. The best part, they’re all $5 to $15 and available at leading grocery, drug and mass retailers starting in November, 2014 . Besides, who doesn’t love a little natural beauty?

My two oldest step-daughters swear by Burt's Bees.  Frequently you will find Burt's Bees beauty products in their purses.  It is their preferred brand for health and beauty. 

The ingredients, right down to the packaging, are simple and natural. Each of their products has been carefully formulated to sustain your skin's equilibrium of temperature, moisture, and nutrients. So when you buy Burt's Bees® products for their wonderful natural ingredients —from Clary Sage to Chamomile, Aloe to Pomegranate, Willow Bark to Beeswax —know you're not just getting a slice of nature at its best. You're getting science that works.

I received two of the sets from the Burt's Bees Holiday Gift Collection.  Juliann and Allyson have been using the products daily.  They favor being able to look good and feel great, without unnecessary chemicals or side effects.

The Best of Burt's Bees set is a package of Coconut Foot Cream, Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream, and Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream.  The Foot Cream comes in a tube, while the Hand Cream and Cuticle Cream come in jars with lids.  All are company classics that leave your skin feeling fresh.

The Beeswax Bounty set contains four buttery lip balms in Pomegranate, Mango, Coconut & Pear, and classic Beeswax formula. A bonus woven paper change purse is perfect for storing the lip balms.

All of the sets from the Burt's Bees Holiday Gift Collection are nicely packaged, and the products themselves are even nicer.

Behind the Scenes of Domino's Pizza - #DPZBloggerDay14

I received travel expenses and products as part of Domino's Pizza Blogger Day.  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.

Did you know that Domino's delivers more than 1 million pizzas a day worldwide or that Domino's is consistently one of the top five companies in terms of online transactions, behind companies such as Amazon and Apple?  I learned that information and so much more during Domino's Pizza Blogger Day 2014. 

I, along with several other bloggers from around the states, were guests for the day at Domino's Pizza headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  The day was jam-packed with a tour of the World Resource Center, Supply Chain Center, and other areas of Domino's interest.

Kitty Bradshaw of blog with same name

 

Although I didn't get to spend time with each and every blogger, it was nice meeting with likeminded gals.  It couldn't have been a better group!

Domino's World Resource Center has displays of company merchandise, products, and items of interest.

There were a few interesting upcycled pieces that lined the walls.  They were made of materials used in Domino's facilities.

We donned hard hats and white coats to tour the Supply Chain Center.  It's there that all supplies are housed and fresh dough is made daily.  It was quite obvious that the company takes meticulous measures to ensure quality ingredients for their pizza and safety for their workers.

The dough goes through quite the process.  I can't remember the exact number, but lots and lots of dough is made every day.  At one point, it goes through a conveyer belt line and is picked off by workers.

We were able to get a view of the future of Domino's restaurants.  It is a prototype for what most all Domino's restaurants will soon look like.  It's meant to be more interactive and give customers the chance to see the pizza being made.

My favorite part of the day was visiting the Test Kitchen.  It's there that new food ideas come to life.  Eighty-five percent of the items on Domino's menu are new since 2008. 

Each blogger was given the opportunity to make, bake, and cut their own pizza.  We learned how pizzas are made and how ingredients are measured.

I loaded up with pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, sausage, and bacon.

A Q&A session took place with President and CEO, Patrick Doyle as well as other top-level executives.  We discussed the menu, technology and online ordering, community outreach, and more. 

 

It was a whirlwind of a trip but well worth it.  After going behind-the-scenes, I was given a broader view on the company, how they're moving forward in the pizza market, and how they seem to care for their customers.

 

What's your favorite Domino's menu item? 

Limited-Edition Nonni's Biscotti - Review and Giveaway

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.

 

Nonni's, the leading premium biscotti baker, has introduced two new limited-edition holiday flavors to its most popular treat. Nonni’s Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread Biscotti are available at grocery stores for a limited time this holiday season.

The warmth of the holidays is baked into these gourmet dunking cookies, which are only 110 calories a piece. Each light and crunchy cookie is made with the highest-quality, real ingredients and individually wrapped for freshness.

Nonni’s Pumpkin Spice Biscotti made with real pumpkin, a blend of robust spices and delicately dipped in gourmet cinnamon icing. Nonni’s Gingerbread Biscotti made with crunchy California almonds, real molasses and premium spices with a white icing coating.

I had no idea what a biscotti was until last year.  Nonni's introduced me to them, and I've been a fan since.  Biscotti are crisp, rectangular cookies and have a dry, crunchy taste and texture. The added ingredients of almonds, icing, berries, and other ingredients give extra tasty flavor in each bite. There are approximately ten Biscotti cookies in each package. They are individually wrapped for freshness.  Although people tend to dip their biscotti in coffee or hot tea, I tend to eat them alone. The limited-edition flavors of Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread are heavenly.  Both taste great but, if I had to choose, I like Pumpkin Spice better.  It has a prominent pumpkin flavor.  I like the addition of icing on top of each biscotti, adding a sweetness.  My favorite time to eat Nonni's Biscotti is when I'm at work and craving a snack. Because they're not high in calories, I don't feel guilty about eating them and they satisfy my cravings.

Win It!

One person will win a box of Nonni's Biscotti Pumpkin Spice Biscotti and a box of Nonni's Gingerbread Biscotti.

 

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

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrate #Yelloween 2014 with Lemonhead

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.

Carving pumpkins and making pumpkin pie for Halloween are a thing of the past. The future is bright and this year it’s YELLOW TOO! I’m painting my pumpkin yellow this year to celebrate #Yelloween 2014 with Lemonhead.

Lemonhead and the world famous Ferrara Candy Company love Halloween and everything it stands for, except for one thing… the color orange! Everyone talks about it this time of year, and they’re jealous! Well, that’s going to change in 2014. Lemonhead is on a mission to make “Yellow the new orange”, and has created a new hashtag #Yelloween and Pinterest page providing you with different ways to paint your pumpkin YELLOW.  Celebrate and commiserate with Lemonhead as we band together to rename the holiday YELLOWeen.

Lemonhead candies are round and lemony-good, with a hard candy core inside a soft shell. First they're sweet, then they're sour. It's classic candy goodness.

For all those trick-or-treaters stopping by my house this Friday, I'll be declaring the holiday as #Yelloween and passing out boxes of Lemonhead candies.

Are you a fan of Lemonhead candy?  What's your take on #Yelloween?

Wordful Wednesday - Adult Prom

Last Friday the church I attend hosted an adult prom aptly titled "Dancing Through the Decades".  Simply put, attendees could dress up any ole' way they chose. (with discretion). 

 

I went with borderline 80s/90s prep grunge.  My black dress was dazzled with diamond embellishments and would have looked elegant, if not for the fact that I topped it off with Harley boots and jacket, and fishnet type tights.

Because any good prom date needs a dinner outing first, me and Jason met up with our friend, Becky, and got our grub on at a Mexican restaurant.

Stevie and Leann.  She went with the 20s flapper girl look.

My nephew, Justin and his wife

Billy and Amber, two members of our small group

Beth and Chris, our small group leaders

 

Notice how almost all the guys look like Twinkie Twins?!  There were a lot of black pants, white shirts and suspenders running around.

A huge attraction for many of the partygoers was a photo booth with props.  We did the vogue, put on our best duck faces, and threw out some hand signals.

Becky danced to her own beat of "Papa Don't Preach" in the parking lot.  She went all out with the 80s look.

Me and Jason didn't dance a whole lot (not that I don't like to, cuz I do) but I was able to get in a few slow songs.

These amazing people are part of my small group that I meet with on Thursday nights for Bible study.

The decorations included pieces spanning several decades.  Eight tracks, disco balls, roller skates, bell bottoms and more were seen everywhere. 

Each couple was able to get their prom photo taken in front of a backdrop and was given a copy at the end of the night. 

 

I had a blast during Adult Prom.  It certainly beat the one from my high school years!

Orkin "Mouse in a House" Game - #MouseInAHouse Giveaway

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.  This post contains embedded widgets.

Orkin is back with #MouseInAHouse - a choose-your-own-adventure game that puts you in the shoes of a rodent looking to survive the upcoming harsh winter season – try your best to stay alive and see how long you last!

Fall has arrived, and cooler weather has come with it. Whether or not you know it, your warm house is an open invitation to unwanted guests looking for a cozy winter vacation: rodents. Each fall, rodents migrate from their outdoor “summer home” to the warmth, food and shelter of their “winter timeshare” – your house!

Being human has its perks, like having a cozy house to enjoy during the winter, but imagine having to survive as a mouse? Try your luck by playing “Mouse in a House” – a choose-your-own-adventure game that puts you in the shoes of a rodent looking to survive the upcoming harsh winter season – try your best to stay alive and see how long you last.

Orkin uses the latest technology and unparalleled training to develop an effective treatment that's right for your home. To learn more about pest control grounded in science or to schedule an inspection, visit orkin.com or call 1-800-800-ORKIN®.

Orkin Pest Control Facebook Page: facebook.com/OrkinPestControl
Ask The Orkin Man® Twitter Page: twitter.com/AskTheOrkinMan
Orkin YouTube Channel: youtube.com/user/OrkinVideo



Play the Choose-Your-Own-Adventure #MouseInAHouse Game to test your survival skills and see if you can survive the winter.

Win It!

One person will win an official Orkin #MouseInAHouse Cozy Fleece Winter Blanket (4'x6').

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA. Each household is only eligible to win Two (2) Orkin #MouseInAHouse Cozy Fleece Winter Blankets via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make This Season a Healthy One with Culturelle Probiotic - Giveaway

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.  This post contains an embedded video.

In order to make warm memories, especially during these chilly month, your little ones need to be feeling their best! That's why Culturelle Kids Probiotic with Lactobacillus GG is a Fall essential. It helps support kids' immune and digestive systems, helping to keep them healthy for the autumn season and all year long. Only Culturelle Kids! Probiotic contains the #1 most clinically studied probiotic strain, Lactobacillus GG. It is also the #1 Pediatrician recommended probiotic brand and is proven to help reduce digestive upset by restoring the natural balance of good and bad non-beneficial bacteria in the digestive track.



Want to learn more? Just visit http://culturellekids.com/, and see why Dr. Ben, an established pediatrician in the New York Metro area, recommends Culturelle Kids! Probiotics to her patients.

Try Culturelle Kids Probiotic! Get a $5 coupon.

Fall is a special time for kids. Days filled with outdoor sports and activities, trick-or-treating, school days with friends and holidays with the whole family. Fall is my favorite season. I love spending time outdoors, watching the leaves turn and visiting the apple orchards. I'm also busy planning for Halloween and Thanksgiving, two of my favorite holidays, during this time of year.

 

The days may be shorter, but the memories can last a lifetime! The chilly season is the perfect time to share your warm moments with your family and friends. Share warm moments this chilly season by uploading a photo and matching it with one of the fun captions to create a shareable snapshot of your kids' favorite Fall moments.

There is a #CulturelleKids Twitter Party on Thursday November 6th from 8-9PM ET. RSVP and join in for great prizes and some fun.

 

Win It!

One person will win a Culturelle Kids! Probiotic Prize Pack that includes:
2 boxes of Culturelle Kids! Probiotic Packets
2 boxes of Culturelle Kids! Probiotic Chewables
2 boxes of Culturelle Adult Digestive Health Chewables
1 Culturelle Kids! Tote Bag

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway