Old Orchard Lemonades Review and Giveaway

Casey and I spend days just like this...watching the kids play in the ocean, or park, while we sit side by side enjoying a beverage. Recently we had the opportunity to sample 2 new Old Orchard Lemondaes, original and strawberry. My personal favorite is the strawberry. I love that is tastes like it's very fresh and clean, Casey prefers the original, saying its just the right amount of sweet and sour.

Old Orchard Brands is offering a contest where you can enter to win a $2500 vacation getaway!

To enter Old Orchard Brands’ #StayCool Summer contest users simply upload a short video (30 seconds or less) on the contest website (or on Facebook at facebook.com/OldOrchard) that demonstrates the ultimate method for staying “cool” – cooling off and/or keeping in style – this summer. Video entries are limited to once daily, but users can submit new videos each day for more chances to win. Videos can be uploaded directly from handset devices, so no third party video hosting is necessary. Simply point, shoot and upload your cool summer moment for a chance to win big!
Two Grand Prize winners will be selected—one by popular vote, the other by a panel of Old Orchard Brands judges. Grand Prize winners will each receive a $2,500 summer vacation getaway. The top-25 most popular entries (by vote) will receive a summer prize kit including free Old Orchard juice.
Guidelines for the #StayCool Summer contest include:

• The video should not exceed 30 seconds in length
• The video should be a fun, interesting representation how you plan to stay cool this summer. Examples can be found at oldorchard.com/staycool
• All videos should feature family-friendly summer moments suitable for all ages
• Go to oldorchard.com/staycool or visit www.Facebook.com/OldOrchard and follow the #StayCool Summer application tab to upload your video directly
• Share your video with friends to encourage more votes!
• Be sure to use the #StayCool hashtag so more friends might vote your summer fun as the winning entry

Visit www.Facebook.com/OldOrchard or www.OldOrchard.com/staycool for detailed contest rules.

In addition to their contest they are also giving away 1 free Old Orchard juice coupon to 5 of our readers! Enter using the rafflecopter form below, and good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Summer Perfect Hair with VO5!

I have been purchasing Alberto VO5 products since I could purchase my own hair care supplies. My mom always bought it, my grandma always bought it, so I know it's something I completely trust. I recently had the opportunity to sample some products from the new Salon Series line, and I love them even more! The Leave In Conditioner is by far my favorite. Xander has longer hair than some boys, and it's very thick..so by spraying some of the leave in conditioner in his hair, I am definitely able to brush it more easily, and it's really shiny!

There’s no doubt summer is almost here! Warmer weather signals the start of vacation, wedding and BBQ season. No matter the occasion, from an escape to the beach or a city outing, Alberto VO5 wants to help you look your best from head-to-toe. Whether you’re rocking mermaid waves or a low ponytail, VO5’s products, formulated with its proprietary five vitamin formula, ensure healthy and beautiful hair at an affordable price.

The VO5 Salon Series includes:

• Hydrate + Nourish Shampoo and Conditioner: give your dry hair some much-needed moisture
• Smooth + Sleek Shampoo and Conditioner: keep hair smooth and frizz-free
• Full Body + Shine Shampoo and Conditioner: give hair a boost
• Color Shield + Radiance Shampoo and Conditioner: enhance your hair’s radiance will locking in its color
• Total Recovery Deep Conditioning Hair Mask: a weekly must-have five minute treatment for damaged hair
• Anti-Frizz & Shine Styling Cream: smooth your hair and give it a boost in protection against heated stlyling products
• Simply Stunning Leave-In Conditioner: a miracle leave-in conditioner you’ll want to indulge in often
• Perfect Hold Styling Products: gel, mousse, and spray give you the salon-quality style you’ve always wanted

You can purchase these products for about $2-3 each at your local pharmacy or grocery store.



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Honey Bunches of Oats On-The-Go Single Serve Cups!

 Mornings in the summer for us are more on-the-go than during the school year! We are always getting up and going to the park, or the beach or for a nature walk. Usually, we grab a cereal bar and head out..but now I love that I can pour some milk into a mason jar, and toss some of these great Honey Bunches of Oats Single Serve packages into my backpack and we are on our way!

Honey Bunches of Oats single-serve cups are the perfect on-the-go food option for any summer activity, such as:

•     Summer camp

•     Beach trips

•     Boat rides

•     Camping

•     Tennis

•     Swimming

•     and more…!

One cup provides 5g of protein and contains essential vitamins & minerals, to ensure you're getting a nutritious meal the whole family will love.

You can purchase the single serve packages online here for about $15.00 for a pack of 12.



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

RCA Ultra Thin Multi Directional Indoor Amplified HDTV TV Antenna

 As I have talked about before. We are a "no cable TV" family. We rely on Netflix and Hulu for TV watching and couldn't be happier. I save about $80 a month on cable (yep! my bill was over $120 and now i just pay for internet which is $40). The only thing my husband misses is watching live sports, which you can't get with a streaming box.

We decided to go the digital converter box route, and knew we were going to need a really good antenna to get a lot of channels, so we decided on the RCA Ultra Thin Multi Directional Indoor Amplified HDTV TV Antenna which features:

• Patented design specifically for 360 degree digital TV reception eliminates adjustments
• Receives local HD and DTV broadcasts and supports 1080 resolution
• Enhances reception with included amplifier and purifies signal with ELN circuitry
• Slim paintable profile in black to blend with high tech components
• Removable amplifier and built in 6' coaxial cable

When we first plugged in this antenna to the cable box, we expected it to find 5-6 channels, since our old antenna which was crappy only got about 3 channels. Well, this antenna gets 17 channels! Yes! 17! That's incredible! 

 

The RCA Ultra Thin Multi Directional Indoor Amplified HDTV TV Antenna has a unique 360 degree base, so you don't have to stand there and turn it back and forth..it scans all directions for you!

 

 

 

I also love that this antenna can be hung on the wall, and not even noticeable! My neighbors thought mine was a speaker. It can also lay flat or stand up next to the TV. 

Patented 360º Design Outperforms Traditional Antennas

Dress-up your entertainment room with the sleek RCA ANT1650 piano black digital flat antenna. You'll enjoy enhanced reception with the included, removable amplifier which preserves signal purity with extremely low noise circuitry while amplifying weak signals. Obtain true versatility using the included easel stand. The easel props the antenna up so it can stand alone, opening more possibilities on where to place the antenna in your home. RCA Digital flat antennas are designed specifically for digital TV signals, which require more precise directional reception than analog signals to give you consistent performance. Digital TV provides crystal-clear digital picture and sound, but to get uninterrupted reception your antenna needs to be aimed in exactly the right direction. RCA's unique and patented antenna designs eliminate the guess work in digital reception, finding and delivering great digital picture and sound without the hassle of manual adjustments. Use the included removable amplifier to enhance reception by amplifying weak signals. It helps preserve signal purity with extremely low noise circuitry.
 

 

 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Nerf Rebelle Dolphina Bow Blaster

Step up with strength and style and bow-blasting soakage with the Dolphina Bow Blaster! It's easy to load this stylish soaker with up to 25 ounces of water. Then pull the handle back and push it forward to fire a blast of water at your target. Show off your skill and soak your mark with the Dolphina Bow blaster.

This Bow Blaster was the hit of the beach! We took it with us one afternoon and all the kids wanted a turn. They had so much fun shooting it at each other and up into the air, and the girls loved that it wasn't a "gun".

Since it holds a full 25 oz of water, they didn't have to refill it every few seconds as well..they each had a few turns before needing to be filled, which was really nice. It's also very easy for even the littlest hands to fill.

• Dolphina Bow blaster fires a stream of water at your target.

• Soaker holds up to 25 fluid ounces of water.

• Pull back the handle and push forward to fire.!

You can purchase the Nerf Rebelle Dolphina Bow Blaster at Toys R Us, Walmat, Target and most other major retail stores for about $16.99.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Organic Doctor Virgin Coconut Oil Shampoo, Conditioner and Skin Lotion

A couple of years ago, my mom introduced me to the benefits of coconut oil. She taught me how to "pull" which is basically taking coconut oil in your mouth and holding it in without swallowing for about 15 mins to pull all the toxins out of your body through your mouth. Once I started "pulling" I didn't want to stop! I felt so great. I also started using coconut oil as a natural deodorant..just a teaspoon under each arm in the morning and my skin feels so good and stays odor free.

Organic Doctor has 3 coconut oil products that are also very good for your body.

Virgin Coconut Oil Shampoo:
This rich moisturizing Organic Virgin Oil Coconut Shampoo combines the nourishing properties of Coconut Oil with a cocktail of organic essential oils and fruit extracts to stimulate, leaving the hair full bodied, vibrant and visibly healthy.

Virgin Coconut Oil Conditioner:
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is renown for its nourishing properties and contains Medium Chain Triglycerides which hydrate the scalp.  In combination with a proprietary blend of bioactive and organic ingredients this hydrating conditioner penetrates deep leaving the hair beautifully conditioned, nourished and in excellent condition.

Virgin Coconut Oil Skin Lotion:
A super hydrating, skin nourishing tropical lotion rich in triglycerides, antioxidants and cell regenerating proteins. Organic Coconut Oil is renowned for its unique, nutritious, hydrating and anti-aging properties. In combination with our proprietary blend of natural and organic ingredients, this multi tasking super oil rich Medium Chain Triglycerides works in harmony to effectively hydrate and restore the epidermal structure, leaving the skin perfectly balanced, rejuvenated and naturally smooth

You can purchase these and more virgin coconut products here.


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Lindt EXCELLENCE Introduces a New Lemon Bar

Recently, I was offered the opportunity to try the new bar, and it's really good. I love that the lemon flavor pairs perfectly..and my first thought when I bit into the bar, was that there were lemon peel shavings mixed in, which I realized they were not, they are very thin almond shavings..this was perfect for me because I find lemon zest too bitter. 

The Lindt EXCELLENCE collection is the world's most exceptionally crafted premium chocolate, and with the start of the summer season, EXCELLENCE Lemon is a timely addition. Created with passion by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers and made with the finest ingredients, its bright citrus flavor is pure and nostalgic of summertime year-round. EXCELLENCE Lemon masterfully combines silky dark chocolate with the refreshing taste of lemon and the delicate crunch of almond slivers. The thin, refined profile and harmonious duo of elegant contrasts offer consumers a unique sensory experience.

 

"EXCELLENCE Lemon tantalizes the five senses with its vibrant citrus flavor, smooth dark chocolate and crunch of almond slivers," said Lindt Master Chocolatier Ann Czaja. "We're excited to share this new fruit innovation, offering consumers a refreshing and palate-pleasing experience just in time for summer."




The kids also like the new Lemon Bar, which is great, since I love to share! You can purchase the bars in most grocery stores for about $4 each.



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Some Great 4th of July Snacks to Make Your Party Special

This year, my 4th of July party is going to be SO much fun! I have so many activities planned for the kids and adults, with prizes..tons of fireworks, and of course a lot of great food. This year I wanted to share with you some of my favorites.

TGI Fridays Bacon Ranch Potato Skins

These yummy Bacon Ranch Potato Skins are made from real potatoes and use dual sheeting technology to create a dark side and a light side, just like real potato skins. The chips are seasoned with the perfect combination of savory bacon and zesty ranch to create a hearty and satisfying snack chip.

Vidalia Brands® Inc. Zesty Ranch Sweet Onion Petals

Made with real Vidalia sweet onion puree, these tasty zesty ranch sweet onion petals are gluten free with zero Trans Fat and only 130 calories per one-ounce serving. To add additional health benefits, the petals are cooked in better-for-you sunflower oils.

Boulder Canyon Sweet® Vidalia Onion Kettle Chips

Another great Boulder Canyon kettle chip made with premium American grown potatoes. The potatoes are slow cooked in small batches for an irresistible crunch and seasoned to perfection using a special spice created from real Vidalia® onions. Additionally, the delicious chips are gluten free and Kosher with 0 Trans Fat.



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

American Greetings Blown Away Pop Up Birthday Cards

Two of the best things about birthdays are receiving thoughtful cards from loved ones and making a wish as you blow out the candles on your cake – now you can surprise your favorite people with the best of both worlds.  American Greetings helps you celebrate those special moments, and extra special people, with an impressive new line of unforgettable birthday cards.  Blown Away™ is an amazing new collection of pop-up birthday cards with lights and sound to ignite the best birthday ever!

Cards get an exciting new twist with Blown Away – an innovative line of interactive pop-ups featuring blow sensor technology.  Each card in the collection includes a mini pop-up cake on the inside that lights up as soon as the card is opened.  You'll love blowing out the candle and experiencing a unique light and sound surprise.  So, what are you waiting for?  Close your eyes, make a wish and blow with Blown Away!  Designs in this dazzling collection include a fiesta complete with pinata and mariachi music, adorable serenading cartoon animals, scrumptious chocolate mousse with elegant instrumentals and a festive cake with flashy stars and tunes.

You can find Blown Away™, in addition to a great selection of fresh and inspiring cards from American Greetings, at participating drug chains, grocery stores and mass retailers nationwide, as well as in American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores.  Those who enjoy sending e-cards can share American Greetings cards online from www.americangreetings.com.  For more information on American Greetings, please visit www.corporate.americangreetings.com.  You can also follow American Greetings on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest.




Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Nature's Own Bread Review and Giveaway!

 Riley is my really picky eater. He is on the spectrum autistic (for those of you who don't know) and once he finds something he likes...he likes it forever and has to have the same thing every time he eats.

He has recently taken a liking to the Nature's Own Whole Wheat Sandwich Rolls. I couldn't be happier! I love that he is preferring the wheat to the white, and the fact that it's Nature's Own is great. It means he is getting whole grains and a brand I trust.

Everyone is looking for more tasty ways to add heart-healthy whole grains and fiber to their diet. Our bakers have answered the call with Nature’s Own 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Rolls. Perfect for burgers, grilled chicken, and any type of sandwich filling, it’s hard to believe that these delicious, soft buns are packed with 25 grams of whole grains and 4 grams of fiber.

• No artificial preservatives, colors or flavors
• No high fructose corn syrup
• 25 grams of whole grain per serving
• 4 grams of fiber per bun
• 6 grams of protein per serving
• No cholesterol

We also got to try the Sandwich Rounds and they are very good! I made the kids mini pizzas, and Xander thought they were delicious! I love how versatile they are, we found so many uses including siding in half and buttering for breakfast, topping with jelly for dessert and so much more!

Looking to slim up your sandwich? Nature's Own Sandwich Rounds are versatile enough for deli and salad sandwiches, burgers, breakfast toast, mini pizzas, and other combinations, providing a delicious new way for consumers to create the meals they crave. The 100% Whole Wheat variety is only 100-Calories and also contains 21 grams of whole grains and 5 grams of fiber. 100% Nature's Own Whole Wheat Sandwich Rounds are available in eight-count bags with a convenient re-sealable zipper to ensure freshness.

• No artificial colors or flavors
• No high fructose corn syrup
• 21 grams of whole grain per serving
• 5 grams of fiber per serving
• 100 calories per serving

One reader is going to WIN several Nature's Own coupons for FREE BREAD! Enter using the rafflecopter form below..and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Malt-O-Meal Cereals are a Great Value!

My family has always been a fan of Malt-O-Meal cereals. Priced at just under $5 for a HUGE bag..check out Riley in comparison to the bag size! I usually buy about 5 bags a month and know my kids are stocked in the cereal department, especially because they will eat it around 3-4 times a day!

When compared to leading brands, Malt-O-Meal saves me over 50% of the cost of cereal, and with 28 varieties everyone is sure to find a favorite!

• Apple Zings
• Berry Colossal Crunch
• Berry Colossal Crunch with Marshmallows
• Blueberry Mini Spooners
• Blueberry Toasters
• Chocolate Marshmallow Mateys
• Chocolatey Colossal Crunch
• Cinnamon Toasters
• Cocoa Roos
• Cocoa Dyno Bites
• Colossal Crunch
• Corn Bursts
• Crispy Rice
• Frosted Flakes
• Frosted Mini Spooners
• Fruity Dyno Bites
• Golden Puffs
• Honey Buzzers
• Honey Graham Toasters
• Honey Nut Scooters
• Marshmallow Mateys
• Raisin Bran
• Oat Blenders with Honey
• Oat Blenders with Honey & Almonds
• Strawberry Cream Mini Spooners
• Tootie Fruities

 So far, we have tried almost every variety, and when compared to the leading brands, we usually prefer Malt-O-Meal!

The Malt-O-Meal website also offers several recipes to try with the cereals! This one looks so good and I am going to give it a try soon!

Malt-O-Meal Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breast, bone in with skin on
• 6 cups Malt-O-Meal Colossal Crunch cereal, lightly crushed
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 3 links chicken sausage, apple/maple flavored
• 1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
• 1/2 large apple, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 cup fresh bread cubes or pieces
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

 

 Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash chicken breasts and pat dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Sauté onion and celery in oil in a skillet until tender and clear.
3. Remove casings from sausage and crumble into skillet. Sauté until lightly browned. Stir in pepper flakes.
4. Place crushed Malt-O-Meal colossal crunch® cereal in bowl and toss with sausage mixture, chopped apple, bread cubes, poultry seasoning and sage.
5. Sprinkle stock over stuffing mixture and toss.
6. Make a pocket underneath the chicken skin and stuff with stuffing mixture. Repeat for each chicken breast.
7. Place remaining stuffing in bottom of baking dish. Place chicken on top. Combine syrup and melted butter and brush top of chicken. Season with additional salt and pepper.
8. Bake for 30 minutes covered. Remove cover and bake chicken until golden and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

808 Audio HEX Wireless Bluetooth Speakers Review

Recently I had the opportunity to review some products by HEX. This review is of the 808 Audio HEX-SL Wireless Bluetooth Speaker. 

First of all, I had no idea that my LAPTOP was bluetooth capable! I was so excited to find that out. All I had to do was click on "bluetooth" and wait while it searched for plugged in devices. Once it found the speaker, I went to YouTube and had a listen. 

I cannot believe this speaker has such great sound. I compared it to a speaker I had purchased that plugs into the laptop and it's not even close. This speaker has so much bass for being small, I am in love!

So, besides the fact that it works with my laptop, it also works on all my other bluetooth enabled devices, like my cell phone and my Kindle Fire! When I am on my way to go meet Casey who now lives a few hours away, I like to listen to audio books on my Kindle. This HEX-SL speaker fits right into my cup holder, so I don't even have to worry about where to put it. The charge lasts me well there and back, in fact up to 12 hours on ONE full charge!

Casey and I took this speaker to the park when we let the kids play a few weeks ago, and we loved having music loud enough for both of us to hear it. 

The speaker also has a 30 foot wireless range, so I could go push the kids on the swing and take my phone with me and not have to worry that Casey would lose her music. 

One thing I learned about wireless speakers too, is that you don't have to only use them on a bluetooth device. If you have a male-male speaker cord you can also connect it right to the headphone jack of a CPU or a laptop!

You can purchase the HEX SL Speaker for about $60, and it's available in 4 awesome colors which are black, red, white and blue. 

The HEX SL Speaker is the Slim version of the HEX XL. The Hex XL is a good sized speaker with amazing sound.

The HEX XL Speaker is a  precision-tuned stereo-speaker system with down-firing subwoofer! All that in a wireless bluetooth speaker!

This speaker also has a 30 foot wireless range, and just about 10 hours of battery life on one charge. I would definitely say the sound in this speaker is much more advanced than the SL, but the SL is much more portable, and easy to carry around.

The 808 Audio HEX XL Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is available online for about $90, and comes in 3 colors which are black, white, and red.

Overall, I would say both of these speakers are great. With home schooling, I am finding them very helpful for watching lessons online, and when we go to the park, it's so nice to have music and books to listen to!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Santa Cruz Organic Lemonades + Giveaway!

It's officially summer! For me, there is nothing better in the summer than a refreshing glass of lemonade. I also love when I can find certified organic lemonade, because then I know I am drinking something very good for me. 

Santa Cruz Organic® Lemonades and Limeades are made with Certified USDA Organic fruit juice and are a great addition to any summer activity. 

·         No artificial preservatives or ingredients

·         Certified USDA Organic

·                                             Flavors include Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade,                                                     Peach Lemonade, Mango Lemonade, Cherry Lemonade and Limeade

 I recently had the opportunity to try the Mango Lemonade and the Lemonade, and they were both fantastic! Just the right amount of sweet and sour. I think the kids loved it even more than me! We used some to make a fresh smoothie in our new Ninja blender..and it was perfect!

TWO readers are going to WIN 2 bottles of Santa Cruz Organic Lemonade! Enter using the rafflecopter form below..and good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream at a Grocery Store Near You!

We love Baskin-Robbins. I remember being pregnant with Xander and sending my husband out at all hours to pick me up some Jamocha Almond Fudge...I am sure he would have been just as happy to buy me a week supply from our local grocery store! 

The new Baskin-Robbins 14oz ice cream cartons are available in 16 delicious flavors, including favorites like Pralines 'n Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip, Cookies 'n Cream, Jamoca® Almond Fudge, Gold Medal Ribbon® and Old Fashioned Butter Pecan. In addition, three varieties of chocolate coated ice cream bars are now available, including Mint, Jamoca® and World Class® Chocolate. Some of the many retailers carrying Baskin-Robbins’ packaged ice cream and ice cream bars include A&P, Albertsons, Cub Foods, H-E-B, Jewel-Osco, King Kullen, Kings, Meijer, Shaw’s, Ralphs and Tops, among others.

For more information about the new Baskin-Robbins packaged ice cream and ice cream bars, and for a full list of grocery chains carrying the new ice cream treats, please visit www.BaskinRobbinsAtHome.com. 

I am so excited to try the Mint bars (shown above). Mint is my favorite flavor, and these look delicious!


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Softlips Introduces the Softlips Cube a 5-in-1 Lip Product

Softlips^®, a premium leader in lip care, introduces the Softlips^® Cube, a dome shaped balm that delivers 5-in-1 Lip Perfecting Technology to hydrate, replenish, smooth, protect with SPF 15 and add a subtle sheen. Packaged in a sleek, glass-like cube, the Softlips^® Cube was designed to be a fun and original shape that women can easily access in a purse.  The Softlips^® Cube, debuting now in major retailers, is set to answer consumers' needs for multi-benefit products and innovative delivery systems. 

I recently had the opportunity to try the new Softlips Cube, and I really enjoy the new shape and flavors! I tried the Vanilla Bean, and it felt SO good putting it on, and was very tasty too! 

I am so happy to have the Cube, in Florida, it gets very hot, and my other lip products have a tendency to melt and be useless..with the cube, it can melt and reshape itself within a few minutes.

The suggested retail price for the Softlips^® Cube lip balm is $3.49. It is available in three delightful new flavors: Softlips^® Pomegranate Blueberry, Softlips^® Fresh Mint and Softlips^® Vanilla Bean.  

 
Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Mars Launches New Twix Bites! Bite Sized Unwrapped Goodness!

The biggest innovation in TWIX® Brand history is something that delivers big taste in small, bite-sized pieces – TWIX® Bites.  

Offering the same rich caramel, crunchy cookie and smooth milk chocolate as a full-size TWIX® Bar, TWIX® Bites come unwrapped and are now available nationwide at convenience store, drug, mass, grocery, specialty, value and vending machine locations. Offered in two convenient sizes – a 2.83-ounce sharing size and a 7.0-ounce re-sealable stand-up pouch – TWIX® Bites are ideal for a wide range of occasions and activities.

I remember when TWIX was first on the market. Yeah, I am dating myself. But, I was about 10 years old, and it was my favorite candy bar from first bite! I always eat the caramel off first, and leave the cookie for last, so I don't think I have eaten a TWIX bar normally since I was 10! With Twix Bites, you just bite the whole thing, and I have to say, TWIX is delicious either way. 

To learn more about TWIX® Bites and to tell the brand who you'll share your TWIX® Bites with, visit the TWIX® Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/twix.us. 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

#TeamDole Staying Cool This Summer with Dole Frozen Fruit #GetFrozen

I was paid to participate in a Dole partnership post. All thoughts are my own.

It's summertime, and with that Dole wants to help you #GetFrozen and enjoy the  many flavors of Dole. I was asked to create a frozen recipe using frozen fruit, and the first thing that came to mind was to use the Yonanas machine. Have you guys seen this? You simply place frozen bananas into the machine, along with other frozen fruits (I used Dole Mixed Berries) and you get a creamy guilt free dessert that will seriously keep you frozen, and in your swimsuit all summer long!

I love that with the Yonanas machine you can also add coconut milk ice cubes if you want it to be creamier! My recipe called for:
2 ripe but not overripe bananas that had been frozen for around 24 hours
1 cup frozen Dole Mixed Berries

I placed the bananas and the berries into the top of the machine, and out came the creamy dessert that satisfied just as well as ice cream, in fact, the kids couldn't even tell the difference!

Next time, I am going to try using the new Dole Dippers in the Yonanas machine, along with the frozen fruit to add some chocolate!

One thing I noticed about my Dole Mixed Berries, is that when they were frozen, like straight out of the freezer, they looked delicious. See inside the bag? I have purchased bags of frozen fruit before and opened the bag to find a mushy mess..I love that with Dole I am seeing exactly the fruit. 

Dole is searching for fans to join the Team Dole consumer advocate program where you can share and create content (including recipes of your own and sharing others!). 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Wonder Forge Games Introduces a New FROZEN Game + Marvel Heroes!

If your kids are like mine, and almost every other kid in the world. They are Frozen obsessed! My boys can't get enough. Even Riley asked me if he could be Elsa for Halloween. Boys, Girls, Moms and Dads, it seems like everyone is on the FROZEN bandwagon! 

The Frozen Matching Game is the classic game of picture matching, now featuring your favorite characters from Frozen! Flip over brightly colored tiles and find beautiful pictures of sisters Anna and Elsa, plus friends Kristoff, Olaf, Sven and more. What familiar faces will you see? Pick up the most matching pairs to win!

My boys are in love with this game. They love matching their favorite characters, and even more, they love that they can play it with even their littlest cousins since it's made for age 3 and up. 

Wonder Forge is always on my list for games. I  know the games will be fun, age appropriate and durable. 

Marvel Matching is another one my boys favorite games! They get to match their favorite superhero. They play with an added element though..when they both make a match, they pretend to be the characters they each got, and "fight" it out!

The classic game of picture matching now features Marvel Super Heroes! Flip over brightly colored tiles featuring Iron Man, Spider-Man, Captain America and many more Marvel heroic friends and villains. Pick up the most pairs to win!

You can pickup both of these games at Toys R Us, Target and Wal-mart for around $12.00

 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Make Breakfast a Celebration 24/7 at Denny’s + Giveaway!

My family and I have loved Denny's for a long time. I have always enjoyed the "Kids eat free"  when my local Denny's has free arts and crafts for them, as well as a free meal (when I purchase a meal for myself). 

The other reason I love Denny's, is that I can get breakfast any time I want. Whether its 8am or 8pm, I know I can always get yummy pancakes, hashbrowns and eggs. 

Denny’s isn’t just for pancakes and eggs in the morning! The family-friendly restaurant is open 24/7 to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner around the clock for you and your family. America’s diner that’s “always open” is the perfect place for your next celebration. June is full of reasons to celebrate: from a little league game win to a graduation ceremony to Father’s Day, the start of the summer makes for a great time for a party.

Here’s another reason to celebrate! Kids eat free on Tuesday nights from 4 to 10 PM with the purchase of an adult entrée of $4.00 or more. Denny’s is an affordable option for any family meal, with regular kids’ meal pricing at around $3.29

My kids are always excited to see what the refillable cup is, Denny's seems to change them out a few times a year, and priced at just $1.99 including the drink, I know I can always get them one!

Be sure to follow your local Denny's on Facebook to keep up with the latest news and promotions.

One reader is going to WIN a set of 2 of the refillable cups filled with candy, along with a $25 Denny's gift card! Enter using the rafflecopter form below...and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Build-a-Bear Palace Pets Snow White's Bunny Berry

My boys love Build-a-Bear! They even got really excited to get the new Palace Pets. We picked Berry which is Snow White's pet bunny. 

Berry is 15 inches tall, and can be purchased online fully clothed for about $59 or undressed for about $19.

We received her fully clothed and ready to go. Her outfit is so adorable. Complete with matching shoes and tiara.

Majestic Disney Palace Pets Berry is a gift fit for a princess! This sweet plush Palace Pet comes with a Blue & Red Fancy Dress, Red Sparkle Bow Flats and Disney Palace Pets Berry Accessory Set. Make a great gift for a fan of the popular Disney Princess with this Snow White Palace Pet! ©Disney

 Her matching shoes to Snow White are so cute! I think it would be great to get a matching princess dress for one of the girls next time we go to Disney World!

 Her tiara is removable and fits right on over her ears so it stays in place..I love that!

I just love her dress and cute little tail, she is definitely one of the cutest Build-a-Bear characters I have had the opportunity to review!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

The Perfect Gift for Auto Lovers, Products by Mopar

My husband and son are both very much into cars. Riley can tell me the name of every vehicle as it passes by, including the model, at 7 years old..that's pretty smart! My husband has taught him most of this, from his love of cars, especially American cars. Both of them think the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang are the best cars ever made.

So, this year, for their Birthdays, I wanted to get them something special that related to their love of cars.

Riley was first, as I said, he has a love for Challengers, so I knew he would love this 1970 Dodge Challenger 426 HEMI® - 1:24 Scale.

An M2 Ground Pounders 1:24 scale replica depicting HEMI's® 50th Anniversary is one for the ages. Add this HEMI® orange 1970 Dodge Challenger model to your already impressive collection of Mopar replicas. Spoiler on back, with decals on both front/rear windows and top of roof.

You can purchase the  1970 Dodge Challenger 426 HEMI® - 1:24 Scale at WearMopar for $32.95.

For the HEMI-loving woman in your life, WearMopar also has many options for ladies wear. 

Ladies, this jacket will keep you warm in the colder season, all while showcasing the logo of the famous HEMI 426 engine. The classic "puffer" style jacket looks sharp and protects against the elements. A handy right chest pocket with black zip and a left arm pocket with black zip provide handy storage capability for items like cell phones, in addition to the lower side pockets that also feature black zips. A high collar protects against the chill winds of winter. Sizes: S-2XL. Available in Orange.

I can't even begin to explain how soft this jacket is, it feels like its made of feathers, it is so soft and silky. The fact that it's fitted makes it look very stylish too!

You can purchase the Ladies Hemi Puffer Jacket here for $119.00. 

I had no idea that Mopar sold Oakley Sunglasses! These sunglasses go great with the jacket, and with the name of Oakley's I know they will be loved.

These Oakley® Mopar ladies sunglasses were invented with a Three-Point Fit, and you'll appreciate how it eliminates pressure points and takes comfort to the max. All lenses are made of optically pure Plutonite® that stops UV in its tracks to help protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them. The side view shows off the metal band and chic icon accents, not to mention the thin profile of this comfortably lightweight O Matter® frame, as well as ear and nose pads that maintain a sure grip to keep up with your never-slow-down lifestyle. Feel free to let "active and attractive" define you. Polarized lens. Available in Polished Black.

You can purchase these Oakley® Mopar ladies sunglasses here for $129.00.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Graco Pack 'n Play Playyard with Cuddle Cove LX Review

When my boys were very little, I loved Graco products. We tried to get as many of them as we could, because we knew it was a name we could trust based on other moms experiences.

I sure wish I had this Graco Pack 'n Play Playyard with Cuddle Cove LX when Xander was a baby!

There are so many great features. Starting with the removable vibrating rocking seat that brings baby close to you.  I know when I had baby products, that I had so many different things, I love that with this, the rocker/bouncy seat fits right into the play yard, and comes right out! So you can either put the baby straight in, which is nice because, like for me..I like to be able to see the baby closely when I am cleaning or working in the house, and when the baby is on the floor in the room, it's not as easy to see, as when he is right at eye level. Plus, if you need to, you can take the seat out. If we had company over, and I don't want to bring out the whole play yard, I can put the baby in the removable rocking seat, and have him right next to me.

The Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat also has handles to make moving the seat even easier! I remember what a struggle it was to get the seat from one room to another when the baby was sleeping. With the handles, I can just grab it and go.

 The rocking seat, and the bassinet both have a vibration feature which helps calm your baby, and moms know how important that can be!

 Another feature I love about the Graco Pack 'n Play Playyard with Cuddle Cove LX is the diaper organizer. I know, so many times, I would be in the middle of changing the baby and not have what I needed close by. Then, I would have to life the baby out of the seat and take him with ne to get what I need. With this, everything is conveniently stored in one place.

 Finally, the Graco Pack 'n Play Playyard with Cuddle Cove LX includes it's own soothing sound system. Everything from lights to music can be played at varying volume levels so you can find the perfect one for you and your baby.

Basically, with this play yard, I could have purchased one item, in exchange for 4, a play yard, a bassinet, a soother and a vibrating bouncer. All these products take up unnecessary space, but they are all needed. With the Graco Pack 'n Play Playyard with Cuddle Cove LX you get all 4 in one!




Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.