SoFab – Page 5

Travel Activity Bucket for Kids

July 27, 2015

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

We are officially 14 days away from our cruise! We are actually leaving a couple of days earlier to visit my grandmother in Florida where I will be spending my birthday! I can’t tell you how excited I am to have this week long vacation. It is so needed.

I have been sort of dreading making the 7 hour drive to my grandmother’s house with our two babies. Mostly Hampton, because we can’t keep him still. I’m so scared he will be miserable that long in the car. After thinking about it, I decided to put together a travel activity bucket to keep him busy while we are on the road.

My friend and I ran to Walmart after our lunch date last week and grabbed some fun things I thought would keep Hamp busy in the car. In addition to a coloring book, stickers, and games, I also thought it would be fun to add one of our favorite family snacks – Twizzlers Twists. I also threw in some rainbow twists for fun!

Here is what to put in an activity bucket for your summer road trips:

Coloring Book – This will keep them busy for a while. All kids love to color!

Games – We love to play all sorts of games in the car. Including some little hand held games for your toddler will help keep him occupied.

Snacks – I threw in one of my favorite snacks that we can all enjoy as a family! Twizzlers Twists have been my road trip choice for years and I can’t wait to share that tradition with my son. Snacks are always a great thing to have on hand with children. They get hungry and it’s not fun when you aren’t prepared for that.

Books – My son loves to read, and for that I am thankful. Reading books can keep him occupied for a few minutes at a time and they can also be educational, so it’s a win/win!

Your bucket doesn’t have to be complicated. Just think of things that will keep your child occupied and try to get several different things so that when they get bored with one, they can easily move on to another. Having an activity bucket will also help limit their screen time, which is something badly needed this day in time! Don’t forget to sing songs and make pit stops so the kids can stretch their legs for a bit. That will also help break up the trip.

Twizzlers Twists remind me of my childhood summers. We used to eat them all the time. I remember always stopping on our road trips to grab some snacks and they would always be my go-to.

What would you include in your activity bucket? Twizzlers Twists remind me of my childhood, do they bring back memories for you, too?

How To Clean Your Home In A Hurry

July 20, 2015

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

It is no secret that we are trying to sell our house. In fact, it has been on the market for 16 months and counting. Over the last month, we have shown it at least twice a week. People do not always give us a lot of notice which can be tough since we both work primarily from our house and we have two small children. During the day, our house gets pretty messy. My (almost) 21 month old is into everything. If there is a liquid that he can pour out all over the floor, he will do it. Over and over again.

The other day, we got a phone call that someone wanted to see our house in 20 minutes. We looked at each other in a panic. We quickly jumped up and performed the 3 tasks we always make sure to do before a showing:

1. We picked up all of our son’s toys and everything else laying out.

2. Vacuum

3. Clean the Bathrooms

I always make sure that our bathrooms are clean no matter how rushed we are. I know from experience that the last thing a buyer wants to see is a nasty bathroom when looking at a house. It would absolutely gross me out to stumble on a dirty bathroom.

I start by cleaning all of the surfaces including our counter, sinks, bathtub and shower with Scrubbing Bubbles® Multi Surface Bathroom Cleaner because it disinfects everything and leaves the room smelling fresh. I also found that I could save a lot of time by using the Scrubbing Bubbles® Toilet Cleaning Gel. All you have to do is stick a new gel in the toilet every 7 days and, since it is flush activated, just flush like normal and voila! The toilet is clean and fresh. It is time efficient and touch free!

We live really close to a brand new Dollar General and I love to stop in there about once a week to pick up my Scrubbing Bubbles® Bathroom Cleaner and other supplies that we go through all too quickly. From July 7th – August 2nd, Dollar General will offer these coupons:

$0.50 off any Scrubbing Bubbles® Bath Product
$1 off any Scrubbing Bubbles® Toilet Gel Product
$0.50 off any Scrubbing Bubbles® All Purpose Cleaner

Check out these ways to make cleaning more fun with Scrubbing Bubbles®! Which is your favorite?

Outshine your Playdate Snacks

July 15, 2015

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

When thinking of snack ideas for our play dates, I like to think of a satisfying treat that both the kids and mothers will enjoy. This week was my turn to bring snacks and so it dawned on me to stop by Walmart and grab some Outshine Bars! My family has been snacking on Nestle Outshine Fruit Bars for over 18 years, and now we are enjoying the new Outshine Simply Yogurt Bars.

I love these bars because they are made with simple, honest ingredients that make you feel as good as they taste! I don’t know about you, but I need a snack that is going to satisfy my cravings. I know after a full day of swimming, my son does, too.

After taking the Outsmart your Snack quiz and receiving my $1 off coupon, I realized all the wonderful things Outshine is doing for our communities. I got really excited because I love supporting brands that give back. Outshine provides fresh fruit and vegetables to communities in need through Feeding America. Through July 31st, for every specially marked box of Outshine Simply Yogurt bars purchased, one pound of fresh fruits and veggies will be donated to a local food bank. How awesome is that?

My son and his little friends absolutely loved the NEW Outshine Simply Yogurt Bars, and the moms were a big fan as well. They come in strawberry and blueberry flavors. I love them both. It is impossible to choose a favorite. We were pretty popular at our swimming pool play date. My husband still prefers the fruit and fruit and veggie bars and I love to eat the coconut water bars after an afternoon workout! They are so satisfying and the protein in them is the perfect post-workout fuel that my body needs.

I am all about better for you snacking, and these bars were such a huge hit at our playdate, that I will definitely be bringing them again.

What snacks do you bring to your playdates? What flavor of the NEW Outshine Simply Yogurt Bars would you like to try?

The Perfect Breakfast Bowl with #QuakerRealMedleys

July 7, 2015

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

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it is also the meal most often skipped. I am guilty of this even though it is probably my favorite meal. I can’t begin my day without coffee, but eating a good breakfast can help kick start your day and also get your metabolism going.

I love to explore new breakfast ideas as a way to mix things up from the typical eggs and pancakes. The other day while I was shopping at Walmart, I stumbled upon the new Quaker® Real Medleys® Yogurt Cups. Real Medleys are yummy blends of yogurt and multi-grain granola with real fruit and nuts. I’ve seen nothing like this before in stores – probably because it didn’t exist until now. These are found on the dry cereal aisle and is dry itself until you stir in cold milk.

Quaker® Real Medleys® Yogurt Cups are not only satisfying and delicious, they are also extremely convenient. Just stir in cold milk and you are good to go! No standing over the stove making pancakes and eggs. This single serve cup is great to take on the go for those morning errands as well. I don’t know about you, but with two kids, convenience is everything for me right now.

I absolutely love to make breakfast bowls using Real Medleys® by adding additional fruits such as blueberries and raspberries. This delicious breakfast bowl will make you say: “Crunchy. Cool. Yum!”

Be sure to stop by your local Walmart for a product demo of Quaker Real Medleys between July 7th and July 12th! Also, download the Blippar app on your phone to scan your package and receive information tutorials on Quaker® Real Medleys® Yogurt Cups.

These delicious yogurt cups come in Apple Cinnamon, Raspberry Pecan, and Strawberry Almond. Which Quaker Real Medleys flavor do you want to try?

The Perfect Gift with Disney Baby

June 29, 2015

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

I’ve got some exciting news to share! I have a new niece coming in August! I’m so excited because SR will have another little play buddy! All of my friends and family had boys when H was born and now SR will have 2 girl cousins to hang out with! It will be so much fun!

This is a very exciting time for my family and of course, I had to get her something special and fun! I went to Walmart and bought this adorable Ariel bath tub because I HAD to buy all things girly. She has already received plenty of hand-me-down clothes from SR and others, so I wanted to get her a few essentials. What better theme to go with than Disney Baby princesses?

I have always loved Disney everything. Growing up I watched The Little Mermaid, Cinderella and read Nancy Drew books. That’s about it. So, when I saw that Walmart had Disney Baby products, that was it!

I fixed up a cute little gift using the tub as the basket. I filled it with baby essentials that I know she will use and love.

I had a fit over these cute sippy cups and bibs! I even found an adorable little Minnie Mouse grooming set! She will love it! My favorite item was definitely the tub! Bath time is always a fun and special time in our house. Both of my babies loved their baths. I hope my little niece will enjoy her new tub and bath time as much as her cousins.

And now, we just wait for her arrival!

What is your idea of the perfect baby gift? Were you a fan of Disney as a child? Or as an adult?

Patriotic S’mores Bar and Caramel Macchiato Spread

June 19, 2015

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

My Anchor and Nautica Giveaway

June 18, 2015

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

With Father’s Day only a few days away, it has got me thinking a lot about my dad and what a wonderful person he is. He has always worked extremely hard and provided for our family. He has been there for all of our big moments and he has loved his children unconditionally.

When looking for a husband, I subconsciously found a man with these same qualities. Ryan is a wonderful Christian man. He leads our family and he pushes me to be a better person every day. He is so hard working and has loved me unconditionally. Let me tell you, I am not always easy to love. He has such a servant heart and is always willing to help anyone who is in need. From helping my sister with her homework to doing yard work for widows in our church, he is always happy to help.

His kind and loving spirit made me extremely confident in his ability to be a father to our children. Two and a half years ago, if you told me we would have two children right now, I would have laughed at you. During our struggles to conceive Hampton, (other than God) he was my pillar. He kept my spirits up and encouraged me daily. He loved me when I was in a miserable place. He helped me through the most difficult time of my life. He was and is my anchor.

Watching him become a father was the most precious thing. He loves our babies so much. He plays with them and is always more than willing to help out with them. He watches Sophie while I run during lunch. He bathes Hampton when it has been a long day. He loves to spend countless time with them and is so patient when Hampton wants him to read the same book ten times in a row. It is a beautiful thing to witness.

Needless to say, I definitely wanted to get Ryan something special for Father’s Day this year! Because we are going on a cruise in 7 weeks (not that I’m counting), I decided to put together a Nautical/beach themed gift basket!

I drove up to Hoover to visit the Galleria and ran into Macy’s where I purchased the Nautica Life Gift Set! The scent is wonderful and reminds me of the sea with a romantic twist. The gift set includes two fragrances as well as aftershave balm and shower gel. I can’t wait for him to wear it! I also included a pair of sunglasses, swim trunks and sunscreen. Instead of using an actual basket, I put everything in a duffle bag because I know he will use that a lot more.

Giveaway Time!

One Grand Prize Winner will win a $4,000 Cruise Vacation Package, Five Second Place Winners will win a Nautica Men’s Fragrance Gift Package. Winners must be 18+ to enter. Good Luck!

Nautica for Dad

Who is the anchor in your life? What are you planning to get your father or husband for Father’s Day?

The Importance of “Me Time”

June 3, 2015

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #V8EnergyBoost #CollectiveBias

During this first month after becoming a mother of 2 under 2, I have learned the importance of “me time.” My “me time” is very rare. In fact, it hasn’t happened more than a couple of times this month. It is so sacred and precious. During my “me time” I will go out to lunch with my bestie, or simply stay at home and enjoy a cup of coffee in silence or while I read my latest novel. It is rejuvenating and it always refreshes me to get away for a few minutes.

I haven’t been cleared to workout yet, but as soon as I do, I can’t wait to pick up an exercise routine again. I have missed it more than words can say. I have always struggled with anxiety, and for me, exercise has been so important in coping with that and relieving some of the stresses that anxiety brings. Until I can exercise I have been trying to watch what I eat. Coffee isn’t always the greatest choice for me because I load it with cream and sugar (no artificial sweeteners for me). Because I am also breastfeeding, I have to really watch my caffeine intake as well.

I am so excited to have discovered V8 V-Fusion+ Energy Drinks! They are a much healthier choice and are full of vitamins from a combined serving of fruit and vegetables. They are a natural energy drink, powered by green tea and Lord knows I need all the energy I can get. I grabbed a 6-pack of the V8 V-Fusion + Energy Drinks while shopping at Walmart the other day in the Orange Pineapple flavor. It did not disappoint. While I do not ever have plans to give up coffee, because I love and need my coffee, it is nice to drink one of these Energy Drinks as an alternative every once in a while or as an afternoon pick-me-up. They taste like fruit and only have 50 calories per 8oz. serving. Pretty awesome if you ask me!

Giveaway Time!

V8 V-Fusion+Energy #V8EnergyBoost $2,500 Sweepstakes

What is your go-to pick-me-up? Which flavor of the V8-V Fusion+Energy Drinks would you try?

Girl’s Best Friend

April 29, 2015

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

Ryan bought me my first puppy for our first Christmas together. We had talked about getting a small dog and found a breeder who had just had a liter of Maltipoos the day before we were married. Ryan contacted her and surprised me with her on Christmas eve. I instantly named her “Pippa.” Why? Because I love the royals and thought that Pippa was the perfect name for this spunky little ball of fur.

Pippa has always been a very loyal and loving dog. She is extremely cuddly and has bad anxiety when we leave her at home. During my pregnancy with Hampton, she laid beside me all the time. This pregnancy has been no different. She is always by my side, even when I go to the bathroom, she follows. Yes, she has prepared me well for parenthood.

Because of her loyal nature, I am always trying to give back to her when I can. Whether it be through a tummy rub, a snuggle or the perfect treat, she deserves the very best. When I was at Walmart the other day, I happened to pick up a few of the new Nudges® Grillers and Sizzlers dog treats. With the new baby on the way, I know she will be going through a lot of changes and adjustments over the next couple of weeks. I did not want to leave her out by not doing anything special for her. These delicious treats are made in the USA with real meat as the #1 ingredient. They offer great nutrition for our sweet girl and they are very flavorful. She loves them so much that I just may have to go get her some of the new jerky cuts!

Be sure to check out all the new flavors at nudgesdogtreats.com and check them out on Facebook!

Do you have a dog? What do you do to give back to your loyal friend?

New Mom Essentials

April 27, 2015

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

I have an eighteen month old child and a second one due any day now. Becoming a “new mom” all over again can be a bit intimidating. This time around, I know what is coming. I know pretty much what to expect, although every child is very different. I have been very busy preparing for her arrival these last couple of weeks. In doing so, I’ve compiled a list of all the new mom essentials I found that I needed the first time around.

Nutrition Essentials:
Healthy Snacks – Fruit, granola bars, yogurt, etc.
Water Bottle – It’s so important to stay very hydrated while breastfeeding. Make sure you are drinking enough with a water bottle that has fl. oz. marked on the side.

Health Essentials:
Maxi Pads
Tucks
Dermoplast
Peri Bottle
Nursing Pads
Supportive Nursing Bra
Lanolin
Hand Sanitizer

I think these are all pretty self explanatory. The hospital may give you some of these things, but probably not enough. You will definitely want to have these on hand when you arrive home from the hospital.

Home Essentials:
Tissues
Suavitel® Fragrance Pearls™ – You will be doing loads and loads of laundry with a new baby. Picture your normal weekly loads times 5. It is important to be prepared for this before you bring your bundle of joy home from the hospital. I ran to Walmart the other day to purchase some Suavitel® Fragrance Pearls™. These are in wash scent boosters that hold 5x longer lasting fragrance. You will be thankful for fresh smelling laundry after dealing with all of that poop every day. These come in two scents – Lavender and Field Flowers. I also purchased the Suavitel® liquid fabric conditioner in Field Flowers and have really enjoyed it. There will be Suavitel® Fragrance Pearls™ samples and select Suavitel® liquid fabric conditioners in your Walmart store!

Disinfectant Wipes – These are so convenient for a quick clean-up.

Beauty Essentials:
Face Wipes – It is important to take care of your skin and wash your face really well, but sometimes we just don’t have time. Face wipes are really convenient and make you feel fresh even when you’re running on little sleep.
Concealer – to hide those dark circles.
Eye Cream – also, to help with dark circles and puffiness.
Lip Balm
Dry Shampoo – because who has time to wash their hair these days?

Entertainment:
Magazine
Book
Netflix and a Remote
Coffee

I made a list of items that I found out very quickly after my first baby that I needed. Unfortunately, I was not as prepared the first time. This time, I have made up a little basket that is sitting in my bathroom ready to go for whenever this baby decides to come on!

What are some of your new mom essentials? Were you prepared for all of the extra laundry that comes along with a new baby?