Kroger Brand Products

Did you know that Kroger has its own "brand" of products available at their stores?

OF COURSE YOU DID! If you didn't then you've been living under a rock for more than 10 years.

However, did you know they taste the same if not better than the nationally known brands? Probably now since most people won't give it a honest try.

I was provided with a couple of "free" coupons from BzzAgent to use to purchase some items to have a nice Family Spring Dinner with my family. 

We had a pork roast (let's all say it together now...) "YYUUUMM!" It was delicious! My husband hooked it up and we enjoyed that along side Kroger Brand Mashed Potatoes, crescent rolls, and green beans. Sounds delicious doesn't it? To top it off we had dessert! A Kroger brand chocolate cake with vanilla icing.

AAaahhhhmazing! 

My children laughed and talked about their days at school and home while they devoured their dinners. It was so enjoyable to not have to fight with them to eat their dinner. This could be because it was so delicious, or because it was something they actually wanted to eat, or it could have been the fact they knew I had to write about them in the long run! LOL none the less it was great! 

While eating dinner my husband and I were talking about what was good and what was bad, then we lost track and focused on the kids, which is how it should be right? 

But from what I do recall we did not have much bad to say about the items that we had for dinner. It tasted wonderful and in a couple of cases it tasted better than the name brand items we would have normally purchased.

Thank you to BzzAgent for allowing us to have a Spring Family Dinner and even more for providing that time with my family.

-SC

Sweet Andy's Cookies Review AND Giveaway!!

Do you know anyone that doesn’t like cookies? I don’t! If you think about it, cookies are the perfect treat no matter the time of day or year. I hate to admit this but we have cookies available in our home 24 hours a day, 365 days out of the year. Don’t judge, my husband has an extreme sweet tooth and my daughter and I have a sweets tendency (does that sound PC?).

I remember being in high school and my best friend coming over for a sleepover. It was December, the holidays were quickly approaching, and her parents came to the door with this beautiful red tin in hand and presented it to my mom. Inside the tin was a variety of individually packaged cookies! At the time, I was thinking COOKIES!!! YES!! However, later I was thinking, what a unique gift. That moment has stuck with me throughout the years and I have often sent cookies as a gift. Each time I would send such a gift I found myself scouring the internet for different cookie companies to choose from because the last company I used simply didn’t amaze me….that is no longer a concern thanks to Sweet Andy’s Cookies!

Sweet Andy’s Cookies is based in Long Island, New York and started when Andy, a member of the financial services field, found himself without a job in 2009. While Andy and his wife, Lissa, struggled to make ends meet they did their best to support their five children. Luckily, they had friends that helped them through the tough times. Andy wanted to find a way to thank these amazing people that helped his family so he sat down…for many weeks…and created the PERFECT chocolate chip cookie recipe. Andy and Lissa began giving their friends their “THANK YOU” cookie platters and people were shocked…they were delicious! One friend owned a deli shop and asked Andy to make some cookies to sell in his shop, the cookies sold out and Andy was asked to make more… that is how Sweet Andy’s Cookies began!

 

 

I received a variety of Sweet Andy’s Cookies for review. The cookies arrived in a box marked “The Thank You Cookie”, which makes it perfect for gift giving, and inside was six packages of cookies. These packages could easily be gifted separately or as one large gift. The flavors that I received were Sugar Cookie, Peanut Butter Chip, Triple Chip, Chocolate, Oatmeal Raisin, and Chocolate Chip. My top three picks were the Sugar Cookie, Peanut Butter Chip, and Triple Chip…my family concurred. We had a cookie party of sorts and sat down with a tall glass of milk and taste tested each flavor. First, I must note that these cookies are HUGE! I was able to share ONE cookie with my husband and we are both content. Sweet Andy’s bakes each order fresh, easy to tell based on the taste, and the cookies have a shelf life of two weeks. The cookies were fresh and soft which is my favorite. They made me think of the fresh out of the oven cookies my mom and grandma made for me as a kid. If you find that there are too many cookies to consume in two weeks, which I did, you are able to freeze them for a sweet treat later! Hello, that is AWESOME!

Sweet Andy’s Cookies can be picked up in their store in Long Island, if you are local, or you are able to order online and have them delivered anywhere you choose. Andy’s has a number of variety pack options but the six package variety box that I received sells for $35.95 and that is the one that I recommend. The types of cookies available are listed on Sweet Andy’s Cookies website and you can pick the flavors that will be included in your package!

 
Sweet Andy’s Cookies can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Cookie in hand...cheers!
Heather

NOW... for the part you all have been waiting for!

Sweet Andy's Cookies has generously offered to send ONE MISS PRISS FAN a Gift Box of cookies shipped straight to their door!!

Simply enter on the easy Rafflecopter below! 

This contest will run from May 15, 2013 at 12:00 AM EDT through May 22, 2013 at 12:00 AM EDT.

The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected.

GOOD LUCK!
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Garnier Fructis Hydra Recharge Review

I am a BzzAgent and was recently given the opportunity to try Garnier Fructis’ new line, Hydra Recharge for FREE! The Bzz package that I received included a Hydra Recharge Shampoo, a Hydra Recharge Conditioner, and a 1-Minute-Moisture-Plenish Treatment.

I have been blessed, thanks to my father, with extremely thick hair that tends to have a personality of its own. I think my hair should look one way and it disagrees and goes the opposite direction. For example, Monday through Friday it never fails, I am standing in the bathroom talking to my hair as I try to straighten it, my three year is begging me to hold her, and as each minute ticks by the likelihood of me arriving at work on time decreases…. Don’t fret future employers, 99% of the time I still make it before 8:00 AM… I digress.

Since I have been “blessed” with feisty, thick hair I tend to be very picky when it comes to the products that get to share shower time with me. Different products on the market have caused me headaches over the years and some embarrassing moments. Nobody likes to be asked if they took a shower that day because their hair looks GREASY by lunch time… yes… I shower daily, thank you! I also hate products that make my hair look and/or feel like straw as I am not a scarecrow. I am still considerably young, in my 30s, and want to feel young and vibrant when I step out of the shower… or at least kinda sorta.

For the last two years I have switched back and forth between two brands of hair care products; one is Garnier Fructis and the other shall remain nameless. I change up my regime when my hair gets bent out of shape and requests a change in pace a.k.a. it stops cooperating. I am pleased to say, I don’t think that will be necessary anymore!

First, the products come in bright green bottles and I LOVE green! I tend to be a morning person, well, sometimes and I really enjoy…scratch that, need…a pop of color first thing when I stumble in to take a shower after the demonic alarm has played it’s anthem.

When first opening the shampoo I’m not bowled over by an overwhelming scent. It smells fresh and clean and that works for me! The micro beads in the shampoo made me a little nervous yet giddy at first. I am a fan of randomly using facial scrubs with micro beads and I was curious what exactly this would do to my hair. The product lathered beautifully and I love the micro beads. I didn’t feel as though I was losing moisture while shampooing, which is one thing that I loathe about shampoo, but I don’t think the product is color-user friendly. I have noticed lightening in different parts of my hair and I just recently colored…. my hair is dark, dark brown...almost black. That is one negative but I’m not sure how that compares to the element of moisturizing.

I absolutely adore the conditioner. The smell is divine and I could see myself hanging out in the shower just relishing the scent if I didn’t have a three year old. The conditioner is thick and creamy which is perfect for me because I want to feel as though I am actually putting something on my hair. After showering I have been blowing my hair dry and heading out. I feel young and bouncy and my hair has been shiny and sleek. I am very low maintenance and love that this product assists in my lifestyle.

As for the 1-Minute-Moisture-Plenish Treatment I have no idea how I really feel. I have used this product four times so far and don’t really like it when I am actually in the shower using it. When I put this product in my hair it actually makes my hair feel strange. It is super thin and I never feel as though I have enough…if that makes any sense at all? I currently have short hair, after a recent cut, and feel like I should use more of this product on my short hair then I would have used when my hair was long. Each time I have gone back and added extra product. I then lather up my body, rinse off, and prepare to wash out the treatment after at least one minute has passed. I said I don’t really know how I feel about this product because it actually makes my hair look and feel AMAZING! I just ran my fingers through my locks, sorry… I had to say it, and my hair is extremely soft and shiny. This is not a look that I have ever been able to achieve more less perfect! I see other people with shiny hair and have always been envious…now I can join their secret club. I think a few minutes of uncertainty in the shower are worth a day of gorgeous hair! Don’t you? SHINE is in ladies and this product gives you SHINE!!

Overall, I would recommend this product to anyone and everyone and have recommended it to friends. To me, I would rather step up my coloring routine versus not having shower buddies that suit my needs. I love that my hair is soft, manageable, and SHINY! Someone at work even commented that they like my new highlights…yeah, I don’t have highlights! Garnier has created a product that will make your hair feel healthy and clean. Instead of going to a salon or store that sells expensive hair products I recommend that you head out to your local grocery/drugstore and pick up a product that sells for less than $10.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to RECHARGE! Trust me… your hair will thank you!

 

Check out this product and more by visiting Garnier's website!

Until next time....
Heather 

Quaker Review... it's time to QuakerUp!

As a BzzAgent I recently had the opportunity to try a number of Quaker products for FREE! Please note, as a BzzAgent I am not only encouraged to try these products but also to provide valuable feedback to Quaker and YOU, my friends.

Last week I received an amazing box of treats from BzzAgent and Quaker. My box included a full size Quaker Perfect Portions instant oatmeal sample, a full size box of Quaker Big Chewy granola bars, and a full size box of Quaker Chocolate Chip Cookies. Are you salivating yet? I know I am practically drooling just thinking about it!

The first thing that I noticed when I opened the box was the titillating (yes, I totally just used that word!) smell of maple syrup. This of course was the instant oatmeal. I wanted to open the package right then and there and jump right in; however, dinner was on the stove so I had to control myself. I sat down with my husband and daughter over the weekend to partake and let me tell you… the oatmeal was to die for! My daughter is 3 and I wanted to steal her bowl and lick it clean, does that make me a bad mommy? Anyways, HELLO, this is Quaker and Oatmeal is an art that they have definitely perfected. It is like bread to butter, peanut butter to jelly, and pickles to ice cream (when one is pregnant)! Needless to say, I highly recommend you check out Quaker’s Perfect Portions Oatmeal the next time you visit your local grocery store!

I went completely gaga over the second item that I eyed in the box before I even opened the package and took a bite; the Quaker Big Chewy granola bars. I had gastric bypass a little over a year ago, that is a story for another day, and since have become a sort of connoisseur of granola bars. Now, please let me note, this is not the type of granola bar that I eat every day because it is decadent and I try to stick to granola bars with high levels of protein. With that being said, they were delicious and the amount of sugar was just right for me! Granola bars, as you know, are the perfect snack to throw in your bag when you are out running errands, at work, or try to keep something in your purse in the event that your little one needs a snack. My little one loves chocolate, when we allow her to have it, and I felt a little healthier giving her a granola bar topped with some chocolate rather than giving her a candy bar. If you are looking for a yummy snack for the 3:00 PM Blahs or you want to give your little one some variety in their snack foods, I recommend the Big Chewy granola bars. I also admit that this was a lifesaver for me one morning when I got to work and realized that I had forgotten my breakfast at home. I opened the package that contained my granola bar with a zigzag of chocolate on top and I was sold! Since I became a mommy to a toddler I try to keep snacks with me at all times and this is one that I will continue to keep on my shopping list.

The third item in my box was flavorful but admittedly my least favorite of the three. Let me first preface my comments by stating I am note a huge fan of “hard” cookies, I prefer soft cookies. My husband and daughter on the other hand eat “hard” cookies, such as Chips Ahoy, like they are going out of style. There were 7 packages of cookies in the box that I received and each package contained 4 oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. One evening I did sit down with my cup of coffee and ate an entire package! Again, the flavor is 100% there, an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie is yummy no matter how you look at it; I would just have preferred that the cookie was soft! Then again, I am a complete sucker for fresh, out of the oven cookies that are still warm and gooey…but, that is a completely different story. My one problem with this product was that all of the cookies, in each package, was crumbled. I’m not certain if the box got tossed around or what happened but the cookies were all broken up, which can be a real pain… this could cause me to miss a morsel of cookie goodness!

Let’s look at this a different way, let’s say I am at a party and there is a plate of the Quaker Chocolate Chip “SOFT” cookies and a plate of the Quaker Chocolate Chip “HARD” cookies out. You are going to find me high tailing it over to the soft cookie plate and camping out there for a good five minutes or so (don’t judge me!). Now, if I am at a party where they serve the “HARD” Quaker Chocolate Chip cookies you are still going to find me camped out at the table, albeit for maybe just three minutes, because they are cookies and no woman in her right mind will turn down cookies that taste good. I was just thinking that Oreos are one of my favorite cookies and they are hard and soft… hmm… that creates a conundrum. I WOULD recommend the Quaker Chocolate Chip cookies HARD or SOFT because the taste is what is important. Again, an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, you can’t go wrong!

Overall, this was my first time working as a BzzAgent and the experience with Quaker was amazing. I am so excited for my next campaign and can’t wait to share it with you. The #QuakerUp campaign has renewed my loyalty with Quaker and expanded my horizons to new products that I otherwise may have bypassed in the grocery aisle.

Keep an eye out for sales, coupons, or just some good eats and pick up any of these Quaker items, or your favorites, when you head out to your local grocery store.

-Heather 

Glade Expressions over Scentsy?

 Hello All!! I wanted to have a small debate here- Scentsy or Glade Expressions?

First let me start with saying that I am a buzzAgent and I received the Glade Expressions free of charge in order to review the product. I like free stuff, I like even more when I get to throw in my opinion afterward. I have a big opinion and you will hear it regardless- the fact they encourage that is good for me! (lol)

Let me get right in there, Scentsy is a company that sells wax warmers (kind of like candle warmers) that are decorative and have a wide variety of scents and burners to choose from. 

Typically the warmers range from $20-$35 and the wax is roughly $5 depending on the size you get it can go up quite a bit. When I first found Scentsy I thought "what a find! It's cute! It smells great!" until here recently when my allergies were screaming "OH MY GOD WOMAN! GET IT AWAY!!" The scents were beginning to become over powering and I would sneeze for what felt like days. 

Still on Scentsy- it was nice to have something pretty, but when you turned it on needing a smell good splash it would take up to 20 minutes to get warmed up enough to melt the wax and release a scent. That was torture- it's like "hurry up and wait!"

I'm not a patient person!

Then Buzz Agent contacted me about reviewing Glade Expressions Oil Defuser and the Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist. I was on board, what was one more blow to my allergies anyway, right? I waited patiently for my kit- shocking really- haha that's a lie I checked online every day to see if it had shipped yet. 

When it finally got here I took my "free" coupons and hit up my local grocery store- they carried it and I was delighted! I allowed my husband to pick the smell out since he's more picky than I am. I approved! The scent of the oil defuser is lavender and juniper berry. The scent of the spray is starlet evening. They both smelled great at first- but would it last? 

Once I got it home I stuck the spray in the bathroom- lets be real- me and the Princess live with 3 boys- it HAD to go to the bathroom! I then placed the oil defuser in the living room in hopes that people would smell it and ask about it.

Ask they did! I had the defuser placed way up on top of our entertainment center just as you come through the living room door. It was up above your head so unless you were looking for it at first you wouldn't see it. However, once watching TV it looked like a sweet little art piece that I had placed up there. 

One friend commented that my living room smelled great and asked where my kids were! It didn't smell like diapers or left over french fries- it smelled like a home. I then pointed out my cute new decor and told her all about it- I even gave her a coupon to purchase her own- now her home smells just as lovely as mine does!

Another friend saw the piece before she smelled it (she had some sinus problems going on and couldn't smell much of anything really) and I told her the same thing I told the other friend- but this time she made it a point to come back to smell it before she went out and bought it after she felt better from being sick.

Cute right? The design was too cute for me not to use. I think it's adorable.

Anywho- back on track! The smell took about 30 minutes to get going good before it stuck around- that was over a week ago and you can STILL smell it like it was brand new!

 My favorite part of the spray is that it lasts longer than 5 minutes. With scentsy after you turn off the warmer as soon as the wax hardens back up (usually about 5 minutes) then the smell is gone, you can't smell it unless you put your nose right up to the wax and sniff. Not with Glade! If you spray it in the bathroom then it's guaranteed to be there at least 8-10 minutes later, usually longer. And it will woft out in to the hallway and it smells glorious!

A full week had passed with my new "smelly" good stuff before I realized that I had not sneezed while walking into my house, it didn't bother me to walk into the bathroom after the spray had been sprayed. I could smell it and not break into teary eyes and sniffles. This product worked with me not against me.

No offense to a friend of mine that sells Scnetsy- I apologize girl but I have to pick Glade because I can't handle sneezing my head off.

So for me- the winner is Glade!! I love the product and highly recommend it to anyone else who wants a long lasting, well scented product.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Thin Mints and a Giveaway?

Sounds like an odd combo doesn't it?

When you think of Build-A-Bear Workshop you think of cute cuddly teddy bears, dogs, cats and monkeys that YOU can customize to fit any occasion or any special person.

When you think Thin Mints your mind immediately goes to Girl Scout cookie sales and those delicious little bits of Heaven.

And giveaway, well you think GIVEAWAY! 

But today- they're ALL connected!! 

In 2012 Build-A-Bear Workshop went into business with the Girl Scouts of America when they released the "beary" first Girl Scout Bear. This was the 100th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts so how appropriate is it they released the 100th Anniversary Bear? I waited for this bear for MONTHS due to the problem of it selling out. My daughter (also a Girl Scout) was so excited when she finally got her bear, so appropriately named "Juliette Lowe" after the founder of the Girl Scouts.

But what is the connection between these two powerhouses?

First let us explore their history...

Brief Girl Scout history:

The Girl Scouts was founded in 1912 by Juliette "Daisy" Lowe. She believed that all girls should be able to develop physically, mentally and spiritually, thus creating the Girl Scouts. This was an important move on her part. Later (after her passing) a "branch" of the Girl Scouts was to be named after her, the first two years "Daisy." Cookie sales began almost as quickly as the Girl Scouts themselves. What better way to raise money to support a great cause? This has stood true since 1917 when it began. 

From a personal stand point, Girl Scouts is fabulous! My daughter has learned to be more independent and "runs" her own cookie business. Packing up her wagon and going door to door (with me of course!) and selling her heart out. Last year it was an astounding 550 boxes sold! She reached her goal and then some- this year she has decided she wants to sell 600, and she's well on her way! 

Did you know that about 53% of female business owners were Girl Scouts? That's some food for thought!

Brief Build-A-Bear Workshop history:

Build-A-Bear Workshop was founded in 1997 in Saint Louis, Missouri by Chief Executive Bear Maxine Clark. Maxine wanted to create an experience like none other. She succeeded. Build-A-Bear is now a worldwide company with stores or franchises in at least 5 different continents! (One franchise I absolutely love is "Build-A-Dino located in Disney World Florida!) Build-A-Bear is on the Fortune 100 list of best companies to work, and from visiting my local store enough, they never have a "bad" day! 

The connection between the two? You wouldn't know it if I didn't tell you! Maxine Clark was a Girl Scout in her youth!

How Build-A-Bear Workshop works:

1- My children can tell you step by step without missing a piece! Enter into the store and you are guaranteed to be greeted by one of the employees with a smile and a warm "Welcome!" Pick out your empty animal, step aside to the sound booth and decide if your animal is going to sing, talk or just be to cuddle.

2- A new addition I love is the SCENTiments available to purchase. Do you like the smell of Chocolate? Peppermint? Cupcakes? Let them know you want to add a scent! The smell lasts for a long time and can always be changed out later by returning to the store.

3- After making your animal sound and smell nice, it's on to the stuffing! Children love doing this part! Making their animal as soft or as firm as they would like, it's like making your best friend. Once it's stuffed to your liking the beary wonderful employees will sew up the back for you, then sending you on to "bath" your new friend. This bath involves high powered fans and brushes to allow you to knock off the extra fur or fluff that might be on the outside of the animal.

4- Dress your animal! This is so fun! We spend easily an hour or more picking out clothing alone! They have everything; select Disney characters, military personnel, Star Wars characters, t-shirts, skirts, shorts and even wigs! The possibilities are endless. My Princess has 30 bears and not a single one has come home looking the same. 

5- Don't forget to name your animal! This part makes it "yours"! Name your animal anything you want, and be sure to put who it is to and from. This will print a birth certificate with a number on it for you to use online at Bearville.com to bring your new friend to life. Great fun on that website- many times!

To get to the part you've all been waiting for- my review! ((Wait you're telling me that's not what you were waiting for??))

This year as a continuence of the partnership with Build-A-Bear Workshop and the Girl Scouts of America they are releasing a Thin Mint Bear! She's too cute! I received her for review purposes and I believe that once my daughter gets her hands on her it won't be mine for much longer! .

This bear will be sold to the public beginning on February 1, 2013 for $15. The outfit she is wearing is actually a step up from where my daughter is but that's perfectly fine! I will keep this one back until she bridges over and then she will have it. The Uniform for each level is sold at the stores or online for $12.50, as well as a hoodies and skirt for the same price. And wouldn't you know it- they have Girl Scout panties for the bears LOL these can be purchased separately for $3.50.

On the condition of the bear itself, it is very well made, as always. The stitching on the bear appears to be flawless; same with the clothing. Not a single stitch is busted and the uniform vest is so detailed! It even comes with a set of numbers so I can add her troop number to it. Great detail in the clothing. 

As always I am very pleased with Build-A-Bear Workshop. They never fail me and always provide a great gift in times of need such as a last minute birthday party, a newborn baby, or even graduation! 

This is definitely my "go to" store!

Now HERE'S what you've been so patiently waiting for!!!

GIVEAWAY!!!

Thanks to the wonderful sponsors at Build-A-Bear Workshop Miss Priss is giving away a $25 Bear Bucks Gift Card! 

((This can be used online or in the store!))

Use the rafflecopter below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TruMoo is a "Tru" Hit at our House!

A big thank you to BuzzAgent for providing me with a free full size sample of this to try! I love being a buzz agent!

Hello Loves!! 

I want to introduce y'all to my new found obsssion- TruMoo Chocolate Milk! First let me start with, my Princess is really the only of my three kiddos that likes milk and will drink it without having to be forced. The boys, that's an entire battle on its own. I was offered a free coupon for TruMoo chocolate milk and thought "why not, willing to try anything and this is suppose to be healthy!" So we did... 

Out store unfortunately only carried the half gallon, but that was ok, I didn't want it to go bad before it was all drank anyway. So we purchased this milk. It sat in the fridge for about two days before the kids realized it was chocolate milk. Then the Princess "HAD" to have some, nothing else would do until she tried this milk. Roughly 6 ounces of chocolate milk was GONE in less than 5 minutes flat. She chugged it and demanded more. Of course I cut her off, she would ruin her dinner at that point- but she did get more with dinner lol. 

After realizing what a hit this was with the Princess I then tried the boys, it was "awesome" according to my three year old. The two year old just handed me his cup and said "uh more!?" LOL! It was a hit at my house, even my picky hubs said "this ain't too bad, we need to buy more though- it's almost gone." Sure enough within two days the milk was devoured. Completely empty! 

Since having "tried" the milk we have already purchased it two more times! This company will love us spending this much money on chocolate milk. 

Below are the basic Nutrition Facts about TruMoo chocolate milk- decide for yourself!

((This is the Fat Free Chocolate milk- they also have Low Fat))

Total Fat- 0

Saturated Fat- 0

Trans Fat- 0

Cholesterol- 5mg

Sodium- 180mg

Potassium- 420mg

Carbohydrates- 20g

Sugar- 18g

Protein- 8g

Vitamin A- 10%

Vitamin C- 2%

Calcium- 30%

Vitamin D- 25%

Vitamin B12- 20%

Admit it- you're impressed! I know I sure was- and the fact that I didn't have to force my boys to drink it was relieving.

I also have to admit- I was the one who drank the last of it--- sssshhhh!!!!

Build-a-Bear Merry Mint Puppy Review

Good Morning Loves! I have been missing in action lately and for that I do apologize. The holiday season is crazy at my house. All the Christmas shopping, family, school, and friends all crammed into one little time frame. But I can't complain too much; I love my friends and family, and I really love time with them.Christmas shopping is 99% done, and of course you know in that venture we HAD to stop into BUILD-A-BEAR!

If you've been reading my blog longer than three days you know my obsession; well actually it's the Princess's obsession, I just encourage it by buying them. Matter of fact I believe we are up to 31 now! Her friend since birth had her birthday party there yesterday (December 15) and the Princess got a new one called "School Cool Bearamy" she put this big headed bear in a blue tutu one piece and named her "Cutie" how sweet is that?

Back on track here- I love build-a-bear in general. They are equipped with so much product you can go in there every day for a month and come out with a different looking animal, personalized just how you want it with clothing and accessories that you pick out. 

I contacted Build-a-Bear about a review and GIVEAWAY for my lucky readers. I was lucky enough to speak with someone from the "Bear House" who granted my small Christmas wish. So folks my wonderful "Bear Friend" Amy sent me a full clothed "Merry Mint Pup" for review.

She's beautiful and I love her outfit. This is just the beginning y'all, guess what else! SHE SMELLS LIKE PEPPERMINT! YAYYYY!!! 

I am a sucker for the Holidays, all the wonderful smells and peppermint happens to be my favorite (next to fresh baked cookies that is lol). Anyway, I received my sweet green eyed puppy by mail in her adorable gingerbread dog house and I felt like a kid at Christmas! No sooner than I lifted the first flap of my box I could smell the peppermint wafting out of the box to meet my nose with pure joy I then yanked her out of the box. (LOL I WAS EXCITED!!) The Princess then threw a fit for the dog, that wasn't happening. This one is mine, she'll live. 

On the quality end of the dog, I love it. She's so well made I don't have to worry about fluff coming out or stitching coming loose. Her bone has a durable elastic strap to hold it on her paw, just as her bows do. It seems as though Build-a-Bear has help up to their high standards of product as usual. The dress appears to have had time taken on it, it was not rushed with crooked stitching or shabby work. Truly a beautiful puppy. I love her.

You may order build-a-bear online and dress them there as well. Check their website out HERE!! They are all reasonably priced with a few extras you cannot find in stores. Search their site, you won't regret it.

Ya know how I said that my Bear Friend Amy granted my wish of a review and giveaway? Well there's your review and let's hear a big joyful "YAY" then follow  THIS LINK to get entered to win this beautiful "Pink Flurry Teddy"

GOOD LUCK!!!

Goody Spin Pin is "Goody" in my Book

Thanks to Influenster I was sent the "Beauty Vox Box" and inside was a whole pack of goodies for me to test out. One of these goodies was the "Goody Spin Pin" for my hair. 

It looks funky but in all reality this thing was AWESOME! 

I wore this in my hair on Halloween night with my hair half down and the other half was up in a twisted bun. I wasn't sure how long it would stay up but honestly I was impressed. The bun didn't move or unravel until my husband started to mess with it. (men!)

This pin was easy to use and I honestly loved them. No hair ties or rubber bands were stuck in my hair for me to fight with at the end. This was easy to use and easy to remove without any tangles. 

I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to try something new in their hair. If you're tired of the normal and boring tis is for you! 

Thank you to Influenster for providing this product for me to try!

Reading Horizons Review & Giveaway

I was given the opportunity to review a great program known as Reading Horizons. I was beyond ready to jump in to this review, and for you lovely readers a GIVEAWAY!! 

However, let's start with the "boring" part- the review! ((Which I honestly loved taking part in!))

Reading Horizons sent me a wonderful package, that I was rather excited to see show up. It contained everything I needed to get this review off on the right foot. 

*Parent Manual Volume 1 & Volume 2

*Sound Essentials for Elementary Education Book

*4 Story Books (Up to 32 stories!)

*3 Posters (Phonics, Decoding, Vowels)

*9 (single sheet) Most Common Word Lists

*2 (single sheet) Charts (sounds, blends)

*28 Sheets of "Cards" that are everything from letter groups to blending and everything in between!

*Black Bag to keep it all in

*Cute grey & blue shirt !! 

It sounds like a lot but it really does all fit together and becomes a tool for you to help your child read better. (Or begin reading!!)

After the first few days of using this product with my daughter I was skeptical due to her persistent complaining about how she'd never get better. This was all her, I knew she could do it I just wasn't sure if she had the patience with me, as I was moving slow to make sure she got off to the right start.

Once I picked up the pace a little bit we were off- and she never looked back!

At the beginning of this school year my Princess was reading at the end of a first grade level and even that was iffy at times. ((SIX WEEKS AFTER STARTING THIS PRODUCT!!)) She took a reading test last week, all computerized, she was reading at the beginning of a THIRD grade level!! She reads to me nightly now and loves every minute of it. I will without a doubt continue using this product to improve her skills and then again on my sons when they are ready to read. 

The company itself? Fantastic! Their website has everything you could need from eNewsletters to a social networking outlet. My favorite part? They have a support system right on line!

I would highly recommend this to any parent or at home school "teacher" to use on their child(ren). This product has made life at our house a LOT easier since our Princess can read better. Homework isn't as much of a hassle, and she even reads to her little brothers!

Thank You Reading Horizons!!

Now, let's move on to the part you've all been waiting for!! 

GIVEAWAY!!!

You could win this package:

THIS PRODUCT RETAILS FOR $199!!!

Use the RaffleCopter below to enter!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

UNreal UNjunked Candy

Upon being approached to do a review for this candy I became very excited to try something more healthy to the alternative. 

UNreal Candy has less calories, sugar, carbohydrates, corn syrup and all that other nasty junk than their popular counter parts. I will not lie to you- I am a sucker for M&M's and Milky Way Bars, so when I seen that UNreal had those with less "junk" I knew that was what I had to try! 

UNreal 47 is the version of M&M's I tried along with my husband and a few friends (even the baby of the family- my 20 month old).

Upon first look we all thought how attractive the package was and how bright the candy must have been. It was light weight and very cheap- the regular candy was more expensive at the CVS I went to. That already had my attention. As we opened the package we were slightly disappointed. The colors were dull and it didn't appear to have as many in it as a normal bag of candy. (Which I would usually split with my kids, I wouldn't have been able to do that with this package)

Tasting it wasn't much better. Remarks were made such as:

"Tastes like cheap Halloween Candy from the dollar store"

"This tastes like it's sat on the shelf for months"

and my favorite

"Tastes like feet"

((My friends are brutally honest at times))

I personally didn't like it, it seemed to be dull tasting with the lack of extra "flavor" hat I like to call chocolate- it seriously lacked that taste.

However, my 20 month old tore it up- wouldn't stop eating til they were gone.

I by far would pick M&M's, a few extra cents for a lot more candy and better taste.

The next candy I tried was the equivalent to a Milky Way bar. This is known as Unreal 5.

Again the attractive package and it was cheaper and the exact same size as the normal candy bars. I was more in approval with this one from the beginning. Opening it, it looked to be a normal candy bar, could have fooled my kids any day of the week. This time only my husband and I tried this one, it wasn't something that could be broken apart into multiple pieces to share, nor is a Milky Way bar.

The taste at first, it was different. It took us a few bites to determine whether it was a good different or a bar different. It seemed thicker, chewy, and yet it was still edible. The caramel was awesome- that was probably my favorite part honestly. It still lacked the chocolate taste and was almost TOO chewy for my liking. 

It was decent though, until the after taste hit and I wanted to gag, it tasted like old candy you find like 4 months after Halloween. I couldn't eat this again. This was wonderful until it was gone then the taste was awful.

So again, I would go with the nationally known brand of Milky Way.

But to each their own, we all have different tastes- pick one up at your local CVS store and give it a try! There are 5 different ones to try, I didn't try the other 3, they may be much better. 

Happy Snacking!! 

((Another review for this product can be found HERE! ))

**These opinions are clearly my own- the company had no say in this review**

Dark Knight Rises (Movie Review)

The trilogy directed by Christopher Nolan was ended well- perhaps too well- leaving one to think "what's next?" I think Christopher Nolan out did himself with this movie, it trumps all his others including the first two in his series of Batman movies. What a director, what a movie! I would watch this movie over and over without despair. I highly recommend!

I would love to give an outline but I'm do afraid of ruining it for others that I refuse. Just know that it's well worth the money that you will spend on it- just don't spend $23 at the concessions like my husband did!

Christian Bale plays the leading role of "Bruce Wayne" aka Batman. As a female I can say this- WOW! Best looking Batman ever! Seriously, he's tall, dark and handsome with amazing acting talent. He truly is my favorite Batman to date. 

 Bruce Wayne took on an interesting story line in this movie, starting out rough and distant, the socialite does come out of his shell and Batman returns once again to save Gotham. I was thrilled where the story took him and how Christian Bale played the role, he seemed to take it over completely.

Of course you can't have a Batman flick without Michael Caine as Alfred. He's a classic, very talented, and "fits" the role in my eyes. This man brought me to tears in this movie. I cannot go any deeper into detail in fear of ruining your movie experience. 

Also returning to his role as Lucius is Morgan Freeman. Enough said- it's "God" for goodness sakes! I love Morgan, and I love Lucius, you cannot go wrong with Morgan Freeman in your movie! 

New to the franchise, Tom Hardy. I don't think anyone else could play the role of Bane quite the way that Tom did. Excellent. Scary, stern and awesome! He played the villain that comes to torture poor Batman. Again I cannot go into great detail, because his story is a large part of the movie. 

 Anne Hathaway- I love her- she came into this movie as a newbie playing Cat Woman. Great role for her! I'm use to seeing her in "Princess Diaries" and "Ella Enchanted" but Cat Woman was a complete 180 from where previous Disney movies had placed her. She plays a sexy villainess quite well. While I must admit that I wasn't fond of how she entered the movie, she ended her role with me asking for more. Bravo Anne!

  

One of my favorite actors in this movie is also a newbie. Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He plays a police officer named Blake. He is a good guy, thank goodness, I would have hated to see him play a villain. He is a warm hearted man with a love for others. You will love him even more at the end of the movie. Especially if you are a big Batman fan.

 The structure of the movie was pretty traditional, it leads into it and then rises to the climax, but at that point it pretty much stays at a climax, it ends with a lot of excitement. The lighting and shooting was perfect for the mood and feel of the movie. I felt like I was right there in all the action. Of course the music was catchy, as in the other movies, it's original and infectious. 

I highly recommend this movie to young adults and adults. I would not recommend this movie for young children or those that are afraid of violence. 

Once you have seen it- leave your opinions below!!