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A January Beatrix Girls Slumber Party Prize Pack Giveaway!

January 13, 2015 by amushro

January can be a depressing month, right? The hustle and bustle of the is holidays over, you and the family might be trapped inside because of crappy winter weather, and when it get’s dark so early, you just want to crawl into bed (but it’s only 5:00). So maybe I can help you make those cold January nights a little more fun with a slumber party for a special little lady in your life.

Thanks to the Beatrix Girls, I’m giving away a Slumber Party Prize Pack to one lucky reader.

What’s in the prize pack?

A DVD with all of The Beatrix Girls webisodes for you and your friends towatch at your sleepover
A Beatrix Girls CD to dance and sing along with
Posters
Stickers
Tactic Activity Books
One of the following room accessories:
- A set of Beatrix curtains
- A Beatrix plush blanket
- A Beatrix twin sheet set
- A Beatrix twin/full size comforter

To win this awesome giveaway all you have to do is list your favorite
part about The Beatrix Girls webisode, Sleepover, listed below in the comments

The winner will be picked on January 21, 2015! Good luck!

What’s on my Christmas list this year? Perfect gifts for you too!

December 15, 2014 by amushro

Usually I’m the person that has all of their Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. Really, I’m usually done that early. However, this year, life. Life has happened and kept me so busy that I see the countdown to Christmas and I’ve officially panicked.

So if I am running out of time and beginning to panic, maybe you are too. Or maybe you’ve spent so much time thinking about what you will get for everyone else on your list, you have totally forgotten about yourself! No worries, I’ve got your covered! Here’s what I think should be on the top of your wish list!

1. Suburban Haiku: Poetic Dispatches from Behind the Picket Fence by Peyton Price: I love giving and receiving books during the holidays. While anyone can grab a quick gift card from Starbucks and throw it at you (not that I wouldn’t catch it), choosing a book for another person let’s them know you really thought about what they would enjoy and wanted a special and personal gift for them. Need a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift? Then you MUST get this fantastic book of haikus from the hilarious Peyton Price. You remember haikus from high school English class, right? Short poems that are arranged in lines of syllables of 5-7-5. Well honey, these haikus aren’t about trees and flowers but raising kids in the suburbs and the hilarity that ensures. The haikus will make you giggle and are perfect for a quick read. Head over to Amazon and get a few for your Mom friends!

2. Believe There is Good in the World: I am such a fan of filling your home with meaningful and moving quotes, and I really love this big and beautiful sign. These signs are so perfect for decorating your home, but beyond that, I just really love this saying. I want to hang this sign right outside of my kids’ rooms so that every day they see this sign as inspiration. This particular sign can be found on Etsy by an artist that has a shop called Words to Live By Signs. I’m hoping Hubby sees this on my list and that it ends up under the tree for me too!

3. Francesca’s– When it comes to shopping for clothes, purses, shoes, and jewelry, the ONLY place I shop is Francesca’s. Have you seen this place? The store is set up like a little boutique with really different clothes and accessories that are so reasonably priced, it’s insane. If I need a new shirt or a dress, this is where I head. I always get fabulous things that are so different and affordable. Sometimes sizes are a bit crazy, so be sure to try on everything. Giftcard, giftcard, giftcard–then have someone watch your kids so you can shop!

4. Stella and Dot Norah Pendant– When it comes to fantastic jewelry that really makes a statement, I’m all about Stella and Dot. Here is my latest purchase and I have received TONS of compliments on this necklace. I love buying a great necklace or bracelet and changing up different outfits to really let my jewelry be my statement piece. Check out their site because you will LOVE everything they make. So much fun! If you need a Stella and Dot stylist, check out my favorite gal pal Kelly Smith. She will help you out!

5. Stella and Dot Getaway Bag– If you have any weekend trips planned or even better, an even longer trip, forget those ugly totes and black suitcases, get a super fun bag. I really love the Getaway Bag from Stella and Dot because I can put a ton of stuff into it and I can unzip part of the bag so that it gets bigger! Yes, more stuff!!! I chose the elephant pattern because they are so stinking cute, but they have a number of other patterns too. So tell the man in our life you want this bag and a trip to take it on a test run.

6. Zipzwine– If you’re headed to a party this holiday season and thinking of taking over a bottle of wine, why not try something a little more fun? Zipzwine is a glass of wine in it’s own plastic stemware and it’s super yummy. I had quite a few glasses of Zipzwine at a conference this summer. It’s just a fun way of serving wine, portable, and hello, wine? It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

How to Take the Perfect Family Picture in Your Christmas Pajamas

December 8, 2014 by amushro

The holidays are stressful enough, friends. Taking a beautiful picture of your happy family decked out in festive gear should not turn you into the Grinch! Since it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, I’m partnering with my friends at Joe Boxer to create the most perfect family picture for our Christmas cards. No stuffy backgrounds or uncomfortable dress clothes for this bunch, we’re rocking around the Christmas tree in Joe Boxer pajamas from Kmart for our card and since we are experts at getting the perfect shot, I’m going to share my tips with you!

One of the reasons that our Christmas cards always look so great is because I never have trouble taking pictures of my kids because they just LOVE the camera! Plus they look pretty cute and comfy in their new Joe Boxer pajamas. Hey, kids, look at mommy and say “Rudolph!”

I find that when setting up shots for your holiday card, it’s really best to just catch everyone in their most natural state.

Even if things get a little hairy, relax! Enjoy the season and making memories with your family!

When taking your family pictures, think about the setting! Since everyone from Mom, Dad, and kids are warm in their whimsical Joe Boxer pajamas, why not cozy up next to a roaring fire?

Now that you’ve had a blast taking pictures, you’re almost done! But be sure to get one last shot! Everyone snuggle up real close and finish off this successful photo session with a round robin version of Silent Night. Just give Mommy a minute to warm up her voice.

Needs some more inspiration for you holiday cards? How about the hilarious Joe Boxer commercials? When I saw these for the first time I actually snorted (sexy, right?). The sweet moves from the Mammas-to-be in Santa Baby are almost as impressive as the fellas moves in Jingle Bellies. Which one is your favorite?

So there you go, with a little help from Joe Boxer pajamas from Kmart and yours truly, you too can have the perfect family picture in your Christmas pajamas. You may show your gratitude to me in Christmas cookies, after all, my new pajamas have a nice stretchy elastic waist.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Joe Boxer available at Kmart.

Old Dog New Tricks: Purina ONE 28 Day Challenge

November 23, 2014 by amushro

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

#OneSmartDifference#CollectiveBias

Long before our kids burst onto the scene,there was another lady that ruled the roost. Nine years ago, my husband and I walked up and down the aisles of the local animal shelter searching for the perfect dog. Not too big, not too small, and preferably one that wouldn’t eat my shoes. When we reached the very last kennel, there she was. A quiet puppy with big, bright eyes. I just knew this dog was the one, and that she would never eat my shoes. I got the whole she was our dog part right , but not so much with shoes will be safe around this pup. Chewed up sneakers and high heels aside, we are completely in love with our dog Suggie. Even though she isn’t a puppy anymore, our gal still has a lot of pep in her step, but our vet told us that because she is a ~~senior citizen~~ mature dog, she needs food that is created especially for dogs her age. So we decided to try Purina ONE Smartblend: Vibrant Maturity 7+ Senior Formula and the 28 Day Challenge. I was really happy to see all of the good stuff in Purina ONE Smartblend like real poultry, meat, or fish as the #1 ingredient, omega 6 for healthy skin, and Glucosamine that helps support healthy joints. I was even happier to see that I could get the food deliverd to my door thanks to Amazon Prime.

Because taking two small children to the grocery store or a huge animal supply store and carrying out a giant bag of dog food is so much fun (read: no, not fun at all), my good friend Amazon Prime is the way to go. Seriously I use Amazon Prime for everything from chapstick to dog food. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver. Always man’s best friend, Suggie was even willing to help me check out Purina ONE Smartblend: Vibrant Maturity 7+ Senior Formula on Amazon.

Just like magic, Amazon Prime ensured that in just two days, a box was delivered to our door and Suggie was thrilled that something was finally for her! Of course, she needs to inspect all packages before they can enter our home. She takes her guard dog duties very seriously.

So, are you going to help me get this bag out? You know, the whole opposable thumb, thing.

Oh wait, that’s not for you,pooch, that’s for the kids. Just kidding! It’s totally for you. Awww, Suggie, you always fall for that one!

Because Suggie likes to be informed on what she eats, she wanted to know what is the Purina ONE 28 day Challenge? Well, Purina ONE is asking dog lovers all over the country to switch to Purina ONE dry dog food, and take the 28 Day Challenge. They believe people will see:

Day 1+: Taste: When your dog loves the taste of his food, it can make all the difference
Day 7+: Energy: An optimal blend of ingredients provides the energy your dog needs
Day 14+: Digestibility: Highly digestible food helps more nutrients go to work inside your dog
Day 21+: Skin & Coat: Balanced nutrition supports a beautiful coat and healthy skin
Day 21+: Bright Eyes: Your dog’s eyes are a window to his health
Day 28+: Dental Healthy: Great nutrition and crunchy kibble support strong teeth and healthy gums

We are a couple of days into the challenge and Suggie is really loving the taste of her new food. We’re excited to see the potential benefits from the 28 Day Challenge and I’m hoping that the fabulous boots I just bought will be safe from her. Now that is the real challenge!

Want a jump start on your holiday shopping? How about a Giveaway!

November 11, 2014 by amushro

I’ll admit, I’m one of those people that finishes her holiday shopping right around Thanksgiving. Crazy, I know!

It’s not that I’m super organized, believe me! I just really, really like shopping and I really, really like giving gifts. I like to say that I’m a black belt in gift giving. So when I know Christmas is coming, I’m all about the shopping. But I know this time of year is bananas for everyone, so how about a giveaway that might make your holiday shopping a little easier.

Have you seen The Beatrix Girls yet? I had a chance to play with these dolls and they are so cute! The Beatrix Girls are four dolls that make up their own rockin’ girl band. They all play different instruments, make real music (you can hear there songs here), and have trendy clothes perfect for super cool little chicks. So how about an amazing Beatrix Girls Birthday Holiday Pack valued at over $50! That would certainly make a pretty fabulous gift for a special little lady! Lyla has Brayden and has been dancing along to the CD. Super cute!

Here is what you can win:

A Beatrix Doll with stand and instrument
The Beatrix Doll’s Debut Album “Meet The Beatrix” on CD
Stickers
Poster

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Throwing A Princess Makeover Playdate

October 14, 2014 by amushro

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

#DisneyBeauties #CollectiveBias

One of the side effects of being a girl with an older brother is you have a lot of trucks, trains, zombies, and dirt in your life. While this might drive some little girls crazy, my Lyla just rolls with it all and puts her Disney Princesses inside a dump truck and drives them through piles of Superheros to get to her castle. On her first day of preschool she jumped into my arms and told me “I have a new friend and she LOVES princesses too.” I knew we needed a playdate for the girls and it was going to be all about the princesses. So when we were grabbing our copy of Sleeping Beauty Diamond Edition, we picked up a few Princess Party Essentials to set the scene for the perfect Princess Makeover Playdate for Lyla and her new BFF Louisa.

Throwing a Princess Makeover Playdate is actually pretty fabulous and pretty easy. We used a lot of the Princess toys and accessories that we already had and jazzed up the house with a few new special surprises. First you need to set the scene with snacks and special treats fit for a princess. I hit up the party section at Walmart and grabbed all of the Princess Party supplies at a great price! I got a lot of bang for my buck and the table looked adorable!

Of course, you need all of the essentials for a Princess Makeover, like great shoes.

Well manicured glitter nails.

And, of course, fabulous dresses with all of the necessary Princess accessories.

But more than the shoes, dresses and glitter nails, the best parts of being at a Princess Makeover is being creative and making something beautiful like these Princess paintings.

And using your imagination when playing and sharing with our friends

The girls had so much fun playing together they never got the chance to watch Sleeping Beauty. Guess that means we have to have another Lyla and Louisa Princess Playdate very soon! I’m sure neither of the girls will complain!

Did you pick up your copy of Sleeping Beauty yet? Walmart is the only place to get the Sleeping Beauty Diamond Edition and the special Bonus DVD combo pack. And if you need me to, I can sing Once Upon a Dream for you. I’ll start warming up right now.

A Princess Party for the Sleeping Beauty DVD Release!

October 6, 2014 by amushro

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

#DisneyBeauties #CollectiveBias

My daughter has the same view of Disney Princesses that I do on fabulous shoes: we love them all, and they are essential when playing dress up. So while we may still have a few weeks until Halloween, come to our house on any given day and you will find my little girl all decked out in full costume of her favorite Princess of the day. Her current favorite Princess is Sleeping Beauty, and it’s perfect timing because Disney is getting ready to bring her out of the vault! She knows all the words to Once Upon a Dream, but she’s never seen the movie! So this weekend we are getting the new Sleeping Beauty DVD , and in honor of the release of Sleeping Beauty Diamond Edition, Walmart has something special planned for your Princess too, a Princess Party!

So mark your calendars for a Princess Party on October 11 from 10-4 at Walmart. Make sure you bring your Princess or Prince all dressed up in their favorite costume to take part in all of the fun! There will be Disney Princess coloring activities and you can sample Disney Princess cupcakes! It’s also a great time to snag your copy of the Sleeping Beauty Diamond Edition and the special Bonus DVD combo pack and your Disney Princess Halloween Costumes. Or if you are crazy like me, you can get a jump on Holiday Shopping! Click here to see if your Walmart is participating

When you get to Walmart, don’t forget to grab the American Greetings coupon so you can save $3 with any $10 purchase of Disney-themed Party Goods supplies (at participating Walmart stores). What a perfect way to get a Princess Party started!

Lyla and I will be at the Princess Party, but she can’t decide if she wants to go as Ariel or Merida. Decisions. Decisions. If you go to this event, be sure to use the #DisneyBeauties hashtag when sharing your pictures! I’ll be doing the same on my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Snacking Better When You Need A Late Night Snack

September 12, 2014 by amushro

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

#SkinnyGirlSnacks #CollectiveBias

I have lost the ability to watch TV like a normal person. Is this yet another side effect of having children? Everyone keeps telling me about this show and that show and “have you seen it?” Unless you are talking about the latest episode of Doc McStuffins, then no, no I haven’t. Honestly, the only way I can watch a TV show these days is to park it on the couch with Hubby and binge watch the hottest shows everyone else has been watching for years in a matter of weeks. Thank you, Netflix! Our current obsession, The Walking Dead. Do you watch? Ahhhh! It’s so good, but something about watching a zombie Apocalypse every night makes me hungry! Actually it’s probably that I ate dinner with the kids at 5:30, and late at night, after watching a few zombies meet their demise, again, I need a snack. I’m really trying to watch what I eat during the day and working out a lot, and I’d hate to ruin it all by snacking late night with food packed with tons of calories. So this week during our binge watching of season three of The Walking Dead, I served up a few bags of the new Skinnygirl Popcorn and it was fabulous!

I’m already a huge fan of the Skinnygirl line. Have you tried their cocktails and sparkling water? They are so good! So when I saw this brand new line of popcorn in fun flavors, I had to try. Each box contains mini bags of popcorn that have just 25 calories per cup. So I may be up with nightmares that a zombie is coming after me, but I won’t have nightmares from heavy foods or calories late at night.

The mini bags are actually the perfect size for snacking, but I have to make one for me and one for Hubby. He may have great taste in women ( I mean he married me, right), but he is awful at sharing. Awful! Look how much he takes!

Ridiculous! Get your own bag!

We tried the Lime and Salt and the Butter and Sea Salt and I really liked them both, but Hubby liked the Butter and Sea Salt more. The flavors are very light and not overwhelming. The Lime and Salt tasted a little like a margarita. Yummy!

Another reason that I love the Skinnygirl line is there are no artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or high fructose corn syrup in any of their products. The whole point of low calorie food is eating better; so I hate when low calorie foods and snacks are packed with such unhealthy ingredients. Really, my palette is far too sophisticated for those ingredients (says the lady drinking from her daughter’s Frozen cup).

I found the popcorn at Walmart when I was buying some snacks for the kids. So while I grabbed some popcorn for them, I was able to grab the Lime and Salt Skinnygirl popcorn for me!

Now I’m fully prepared for my next binge TV watching session and I’ve got my Skinnygirl popcorn so I can snack away late at night without the guilt. But the big question now is what do we watch next?

I love a good birthday party and a fantastic Beatrix Girl Birthday Party Giveaway

September 9, 2014 by amushro

Here’s a little fun fact for you. Did you know that September has the most birthdays of any month of the year? Maybe it’s all the snow storms or the festive holiday season nine months before that lead to all these birthdays, but what ever the case may be, bring on the birthday parties, September!

Some parents sigh when they get a few birthday party invitations for their kids, but not me. I’m a huge fan of birthday parties. Probably because I love cake, I love that my kids run around and get tired, someone else feeds them, and then I get cake. Can you tell that I’m a fan of cake? I tend to go big for my kids parties. Here are their birthday cakes from this year:

Ridiculous, I know, but I love to throw a good birthday party. But to be honest, sometimes throwing a party for your kid can get hectic and costly. So maybe I can help if you have a little lady in your life with a birthday coming up or she wants to throw a fun party with her friends.

Since September is such a busy birthday month, the very nice people at The Beatrix Girls want to give one of my readers an amazing birthday party prize pack valued over $375! So with a little help from The Beatrix Girls, you can throw your own Beatrix Girl birthday party for a rockin’ little lady in your life.

Have you seen The Beatrix Girls yet? I had a chance to play with these dolls and they are so cute! The Beatrix Girls are four dolls that make up their own girl band. They play different instruments, make real music (you can hear there songs here), and have trendy clothes perfect for rockin’ little chicks. So how about an amazing Beatrix Girls Birthday Party Prize Pack valued at $375! That would certainly make a pretty fabulous party for a special little lady!

One winner will receive:

Good luck and if you win, will you send me some cake?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post has been sponsored by the Beatrix Girls but all opinions are 100% my own--especially the part about me loving cake.