Saturday, November 22, 2014

Turkey Day Official Menu!

It's almost time to do the shopping so, the official list here. I actually already got the main items so just making sure I didn't miss something! This is sort of a last minute grocery list more than anything ;]

Turkey in a Bag (not exactly my choice....but...)
Time needed: 4 hours

Need:

  • Bag

Gravy (slightly modified)
Time needed: 30 minutes


Bread - Sweet Rolls from the store

Salad


Need:
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumber?

Whipped Cranberry Dressing with Coconut Whipped Cream


  • Coconut Milk without guar gum



Deviled Eggs



Need:

  • Flour...not sure we have enough
  • Pie Pan
Snack mix for little fingers  (popcorn, cereal, grahams)




Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Thanksgiving planning

I realize I've still been neglecting this blog -- just so much to get done before next month!  I'm trying.
Anyway, it's almost Turkey Day! I need a meal plan :] For now, I'm going to link up some ideas and I'll review and edit before I go shopping.


Turkey:


Gravy:



Sides: (Green beans and sweet potatoes are someone else's job)

Dessert:

Pumpkin Pie Dairy Free
Cherry Pie

Never Fail Dairy Free Pie Crust

Snack mix for the littles

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Piczzle - Your special puzzle with your own photo. Review





Product: Photo Puzzle

Company/Creator: Piczzle

Connect: websitetwitter,
                   facebook

Recommend?: Yes




Product Description
Piczzle - your own puzzle from your special image.
Piczzle's Cardboard Puzzles are made of outstanding materials, top craftsmanship and the highest print quality. They are constructed of a premium grade cardboard that has been laminated with a glossy finish. Our cardboard puzzles are precision press cut so that all pieces will be perfectly match one another and they are printed using an advanced digital printing technique that results in sharp, multicolored prints.




I chose to get my girls' 4 and 1 year photo Piczzled. It's great a quality photo and the pieces fit together easily and snug! They several different shapes and sizes, with frame options perfect for the holidays. It makes a super cute gift for grandparents, weddings, birthdays, or other momentous occasion.





I received a free Piczzle in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.





Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Zep Commercial Cleaning Products for the Home #Review




Product: Zep All-Around Oxy Cleaner & Degreaser and Zep Quick Clean Disinfectant

Company/Creator: Zep

Connect: websitetwitter, facebook
                  pinterestg+, youtube

Recommend?: Yes






I received some samples of Zep cleaning products to review and share with a couple friends. I did not receive any compensation for this review and will only share my honest opinion.


I'd never heard of Zep prior to joining the Cleansters on Crowdtap. Zep carries quite a variety of products. I was able to try the  Zep All-Around Oxy Cleaner & Degreaser and Zep Quick Clean Disinfectant.

The All-Around Oxy Cleaner & Degreaser is perfect for tough kitchen and bathroom stains. It's quick and very easy to use as well. Just spray, let it sit a minute, then wipe away and ta-da -- looking like new! For use on countertops, granite, laminate, formica, porcelain, ceramic, engineered stone, stainless steel, appliances, most types of carpet, upholstery, kitchen and household surfaces. Not for use on leather, silk, suede, sensitive stone surfaces, marble, or any surfaces harmed by water.


The Quick Clean Disinfectant does not smell nearly as strong as some other disinfectants. It shouldn't be used on anything that will touch/go in your mouth (dishes, etc). Pre-cleaning is needed for heavily soiled surfaces, as this product's main purpose is to disinfect. Great for cleaning up after having raw meat on the counter, but surfaces that may come in contact with food need to be rinsed with potable water after disinfecting.


These probably won't be my first choice, because I would prefer natural methods, but for those extra tough spots I think Zep will be great.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Shady Baby Sunshades #Review






Product: Shady Baby Sunshades

Company/Creator: CG Baby

Where to Buy: Amazon

Connect: website,

Recommend?: Yes





Details about Shady Baby Cling Sunshades· 
 Shady Baby sunshades provide sun glare and heat reduction, plus 30+ sun block protection (Over 90% of UV rays blocked).·       19" by 12" fits most rear windows with enough extra room to open windows slightly when desired. Great not just for babies and children, but also for anyone, pets included·       Electrostatic cling means easy application and superior stickability. Firm rims mean easy positioning, removal and storage - stores in small compact space.·       No risk of breakage or flying projectiles (like broken rollers or suction cups) in the event of sudden stops.·       Dark enough to provide excellent sun and heat reduction; Light enough for good visibility. Your passengers can see out easily.·       Risk Free - You get our No Questions Asked Full Money Back Guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with our product.·       Easy to apply, remove and store in provided pouch.·        Top quality mesh and strong PVC plastic used. This design is why our shades are so effective at reducing sun glare and heat, and with a UPF of 30+, effective at blocking harmful UV rays as well.·       The sturdy rim makes positioning a breeze. Strong electrostatic cling assures that the screens will stay in place.·        Shady Baby screens are dark enough to block sun glare and heat and light enough to provide good visibility.·       2 screens per package means double coverage. Consider buying two sets so you don't have to switch between vehicles. 
I was initally unsure how these were supposed to stay on the windows -- but they really do. The only time I've had moderate concern with them slipping was a very windy day. They flapped a bit, but managed to hang on.

Excuse the dirty (and goofy) face ;]



The girls appreciate having most of the sunshine out of their eyes, though Miss Em is still rear facing so she has the back window to deal with still.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


My Growing Up Reward Chart #Review







Product: My Growing Up Chart


Company/Creator: Victoria Chart Company


Where to Buy: Amazon


Connect: websitetwitterfacebook
               

Recommend?: Yes






My Growing Up Reward Chart~~A large reward chart and re-usable stickers to help encourage positive behavior, achievement and development in children from 4 years. Ideal for supporting children of elementary school age.
Most importantly, parents can customize this chart to the individual need of their child.
Each pack contains:• A Large Wall Chart (11 inches wide by 25 inches high) to hang in a central point to monitor progress.
• 10 x Activity Stickers which cover the following activities: I enjoyed school, I’ve been kind to someone, I dressed myself, I practiced my reading, I’ve eaten my food, I practiced my math, I’ve written and drawn, I practiced my spellings, I’ve been good at bedtime and I’ve been polite.
• 6 x Blank Activity Stickers that can be customized to the individual needs of your child.
• 240 Colored 1-20 Stickers designed to help with learning colors and counting.
• 84 Gold ‘Great Job’ Star Stickers for when your child does exceptionally well.
• A Supportive Information Sheet with a practical example, tips and guidelines to help you and your child get the best results from your chart.• Sticky mounting pads and a dry-erase marker.

Miss O is headstrong. I'm trying to remind myself that will be a great trait when she's grown and making her own decisions. In the meantime....some compromises need to be made so we can live in some peace. ;]

When the My Growing Up Reward Chart arrived in the mail, we were both very excited to check it out. The activity stickers options provided are great, but if some don't apply to you, that's perfectly ok because there are blank ones as well! One of our blank ones I wrote in "I have been patient" because that is one of our biggest struggles. Sometimes it's hard for a little one to understand that they have to wait for what they want. Waiting is hard work. To be honest, we don't have as many stars there as some other areas, but it's not empty so it's a start! We may need to introduce a timer or watch along with this one.

We have also been having a really difficult time when it's time to go to bed. Many tears were shed for a good while. Knowing that she won't get a sticker if she doesn't behave at bedtime has made for some improvement. There are still tough nights, but they are farther between, not every single night being a battle. So for that especially, I love this chart. The company does make a bedtime chart as well that we may consider.

I tried pulling off the stickers just to see if we'd be able to switch it up at a later time. They seem to come off pretty easily so if they're stored well they may hold up to re-use. The chart itself can be written on with dry erase marker (one is provided) for a particular goal or even a reward once they hit a certain number.

Overall this is a great tool to get those busy minds excited and focused.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.