Saturday, November 30, 2013

Winners!

The lucky winner of a $10 Bruegger's Bagels gift card is...


The lucky winner of a $50 CP Toys gift certificate is...


The lucky winner of (4) Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season Tires and a $100 Visa gift card for installation is...


The lucky winner of Prosperity Cinnamon from World Vision is...


Thank you to everyone who entered these fun giveaways! Have a great post-Thanksgiving weekend!

Friday, November 29, 2013

ROMO, the Smartphone Robot by Romotive {Review}

Romotive logo
I received a complementary ROMO in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If watching The Jetsons taught me anything, it was that in 2062 I'm going to own my own flying car, my house's push-button conveniences will do most of my work for me, and having a robot around is going to be really cool.

Bring it on, future!

However, as I impatiently await the next 49 years to pass to get to that point, at least there are companies that are finding ways to bring innovative technology to the present in unique, advanced, entertaining ways.

Most currently, we have found that through our small, robotic friend ROMO by Romotive.

ROMO smartphone robot

A personal robot that uses your iPhone or iPod touch as his brain, ROMO is the first of its kind creature built to teach kids the basics of computer programming and robotics through a series of adventurous challenges.

By using a smartphone for controls, ROMO helps kids, ages 8 and up, get excited about science, technology, engineering and math as soon as they can read. Users simply continue to play with ROMO, completing more and more "training," and advanced features continue to unlock.

While ROMO first starts off just learning your name and how to move forwards and backwards, you'll soon be teaching him things like object follow (throw a ball and ROMO will chase after it), face detection (ROMO will track and follow your facial movements), and path tracking (create courses and race tracks for ROMO to follow). As ROMO becomes more able to respond to people and events around him, he'll soon be ready for the Robot Space Race!

Considering that I can't think of anyone that wouldn't want to interact with a friendly little robot, I was looking forward to adopting our own ROMO and getting to know him.

Romo personal robot

Right out of the box and I was happy to see that there was barely any setup required before being able to start getting to know ROMO (and for him to start getting to know us).

Romo robot

In fact, the steps to work ROMO include:
  1. Download the free ROMO app from iTunes.
  2. Dock your smartphone into the rover base.
  3. Play with ROMO!
Voilà!

Romo review

I appreciate the way that the training and programming missions for ROMO start off basic and progressively get more complex (while teaching the basics of computer programming).

Once you've successfully taught ROMO how to drive...

Teach Romo to drive

 ...and he can move forwards, move backwards, turn, change speed and more...

Romo instructions

...you're able to start customizing his personality and teaching him manners on Planet 2.

Although I initially didn't anticipate being so riveted by ROMO, once I began to realize that I was the one programming his personality, I found myself wanting to continue playing more and more. I chose ROMO's reaction when I give him a poke, exactly how he moves and laughs when I tickle him, that he acts happy and loving when he sees me (and sad when he can't see my face) and more. He's the smartest robotic pal I've ever had!

Not only that, unlike most technology games where there is only one-way communication and controls, ROMO actually interacts. When he wanted me to guess his favorite color, he let me know when I waved incorrect colors in front of him and was happy when I discovered the correct one.  How could I not want to continue to get to know him better?

Romo actions
He's literally shaking mad in the middle picture because I poked him in the eye! Ha!

As I've gotten to know ROMO more and more, I've found that he really is a smart, evolving toy — his possibilities are only limited by my imagination, as his abilities and features continue to expand over time.

ROMO can track and follow my face using my smartphone's camera, he can chase after certain objects when thrown, he can detect and follow tracks and paths that I've created for him, he can get scared when I lift him up or look at me curiously if I get too close to him... he even gets sad if he gets left alone for too long!

To really get a feel for the endless options that ROMO provides, just check out this short video by the inventors!


Pretty amazing, right?

I love that Romotive included Wi-Fi control with ROMO, as it makes it possible to control this gadget by using any iOS device and a Wi-Fi network. Want to send ROMO into the next room to look around and check to see if your kids have really cleaned it up? Grab your iPad or your computer and he'll be on the move!

Even better, ROMO includes something called telepresence, defined as the use of virtual reality technology to operate machinery by remote control. When you're on a business trip, you can still grab your iPad and control ROMO from anywhere in the world while streaming two-way video and audio (i.e. say goodnight to your children as ROMO moves from one to the next). It's a movable, controllable way to Skype!

Romo Skype

Currently compatible with the iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPod touch (5th generation), iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPod touch (4th generation), ROMO retails for $149 and is available at Brookstone, Brookstone.com and Romotive.com.

While this isn't a small purchase, it is definitely a one-of-a-kind item that your entire family can play, interact, learn from and love for quite some time to come! To find out more, visit Romotive.com and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Vimeo.

Encourage Philanthropy in Your Children This Season and Beyond by Participating in Giving Tuesday {#GivingTuesday}

Giving Tuesday heart
It's Black Friday! When you opened your eyes this morning, what were the first thoughts that went through your head?

I have SO much to do today!
It's still dark out, but I need to get up, get dressed and go get in line to score some awesome deals!
There are so many people on my shopping list, I hope to be able to cross many of them off soon.
I shouldn't have eaten so much turkey yesterday!

Or something else?

Even though holiday decorations have been appearing in stores for weeks, for many today (and Cyber Monday) are the official kickoff into the season. The shopping! The spending! Buy, buy, buy!

Which is why it is even more important to take a step back from the commercial craziness and focus on something even more important: giving.

If you've always wanted to encourage the spirit of giving in your family and show the importance of giving back, it will be even easier next week on Giving Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday banner

A movement to create a national day of giving on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, the second annual Giving Tuesday will be held on December 3rd, 2013. In the same way that retail stores take part in Black Friday, this is the perfect way for the giving community to come together!

Families and individuals are encouraged to be generous in whatever ways matter to them, whether that means volunteering at a local charity or donating to a favorite cause. There is no one way to give or one that is better than another, as long as you are participating in whatever way works for you — be that your time, your money or something more.

giving tuesday movement
I love the feeling of knowing that our family can help others, and I especially adore being able to incorporate my children into the process so that they can learn about charity and the importance of reaching out to others.

Some tips that we have utilized to encourage a generous spirit in our kids during the holidays and throughout the year include:
  • Remind your children that generosity isn't only about donating money — volunteering your time and talents are a great way to share. Make hats for local hospitals, visit nursing home residents, or offer to host a reading event at a local library.
  • Demonstrate that volunteering can be a year-round activity. Along with your child, plan an ongoing volunteering project that benefits a cause that is close to your hearts. For example, a monthly visit to an animal rescue center to assist the staff with walking and feeding the pets. Or, one of our personal favorites, delivering meals to the elderly for Meals on Wheels.
  • Involve your child in donating outgrown clothes, toys and books to a local charity. Set up a designated "donate" box in your home, and encourage your child to participate in adding items to the box, and delivering them to the chosen charity each month.
  • Read books together that highlight the importance of kindness. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister and The Lion and the Mouse by Aesop all feature acts of generosity and would be a great addition to your home library.
The implementation of some of these ideas (or others like them) can go a long way in teaching your children that being generous and reaching out to others in need can be a way of life each and every day.

I love having my girls be a part of our volunteering and donations (we have been a part of an Adopt a Family program for multiple years with our MOMS group and my kids have happily helped give toys, clothes, a full play kitchen with food, gift cards and more) and it warms my heart to see that they are receiving positive messages about our beliefs in the spirit of giving.

sister love

This year, on the heels of Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is on December 3rd and is perfect for inspiring personal philanthropy and the encouragement of bigger, better and smarter charitable giving.

Join in by celebrating the importance of remembering to give and, by being a part of the #GivingTuesday movement, you'll be a part of showing that the world truly gives as good as it gets.

Does your family give back? How do you encourage the spirit of giving with your children?

I am partnering with The Motherhood as they launch their "12 Days of Giving" leading up to Giving Tuesday. Visit their site to follow along with their efforts and find more information on Giving Tuesday.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Happy Birthday to the Unstoppable Energizer Bunny {Giveaway!}

Energizer logo
While there are various logos and icons that we recognize and associate with a particular brand or product, there are some that have taken on even more meaning and importance.

After all, even though we see a talking gecko and know he is selling car insurance, he doesn't really hold any significance in our lives. The Energizer Bunny, on the other hand, embodies more.

This rock star pink rabbit has drummed his way into our hearts and homes and has been the symbol of more than just excellent batteries, he represents power and determination and the will to never give up. In short, the Energizer Bunny has inspired and enthralled us with his tenacious spirit and boundless energy... but did you know that he has been doing it for 25 years?!

Energizer Bunny birthday

That's right, it has been 25 years since America's favorite unstoppable icon, the Energizer Bunny, drummed his way into our lives in a 1989 commercial series aimed at poking fun at the competition.

Since that time, comparisons have been made between the go-go-go bunny and politicians, celebrities, professional athletes and energetic Americans so much so that, in 2006, the Oxford English Dictionary added Energizer Bunny to its lexicon with the definition: A persistent or indefatigable person or phenomenon.

Pretty cool, right?

Now that the Energizer Bunny has turned 25, it is clear that age has not slowed him down one bit. Rather, he is a part of even more amazing causes, such as a one-of-a kind global nighttime running series to help provide solar power to people around the world who do not have access to safe and affordable electricity and helping to remind millions of people to change their smoke alarm batteries each fall as part of the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery program.

So how can we get in on the fun of celebrating the Energizer Bunny's birthday? Two ways:

First, by collecting free money!

Bunny Bucks

Right now when you purchase two specially marked packages of Energizer MAX or Energizer Advanced Lithium batteries, they are marked with Bunny Birthday Bucks that can be redeemed online at Energizer.com/bunny for a $4 check or Paypal payment.

It's easy! Simply peel off the codes from your AA or AAA batteries, head over to the website and in about a minute you'll be on your way to receiving your money. Yes, please!

Energizer Birthday Bucks codes

Second, fans can join in the celebration on Facebook as well by stopping by to wish the Energizer Bunny a Happy Birthday on his Facebook wall and entering the Energizer Bunny Birthday Sweepstakes.

On now through December 5th, consumers can enter for a chance to win one of 25 birthday prize packages, worth approximately $75, filled with Energizer batteries and portable lighting solutions, as well as a $25 Visa gift card!

Energizer sweepstakes

With the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start stocking up on batteries for all of those holiday gifts that will be given, so head to your local store to pick up a few packs today (and then redeem your Bunny Bucks)! Also be sure to stay tuned to Energizer.com and the Energizer Bunny on Facebook, as this beloved icon will also be handing party favors in the way of coupons throughout the year.

Plus, thanks to this energetic bunny's generosity, one person will be prepared to power a few gifts as well as redeem some codes for free cash, because...

One lucky person will win (2) specially marked packages of Energizer MAX batteries (winner's choice of AA or AAA) with Bunny Bucks codes!

Energizer Max AA batteries


A big thank you to Energizer for providing two packs of Energizer batteries and a promotional item for me as well as two packs of batteries for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Fun & Exercise for the Whole Family! Just Dance Kids® 2014 {Review} #JustDanceKids2014

Just Dance Kids 2014 logo
While there are plenty of gift ideas that will appeal to a kid's love of toys, a mom's love of books and a dad's love of sports, finding one holiday gift that can provide enjoyment for the entire family is typically much more difficult of a task.

One item that can entertain while providing laughter, exercise and an all-around captivating and lively good time for all ages? Does that actually exist?

It does now with the release of Just Dance Kids® 2014 to get the whole family up and moving!

Just Dance Kids 2014 game

In 2012 Just Dance Kids® had the #2 best-selling dance title and was the best-selling kids dance game of the year... and now the coolest dance experience for kids is back on Wii, Wii U, and Kinect for Xbox360.

Featuring more than 30 fun and crazy dance routines to kids' favorite songs, Just Dance Kids® 2014 includes hits from today's most popular artists (e.g. One Direction, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato) as well as movies and TV shows (e.g. Yo Gabba Gabba and The Wiggles).

No matter which of the three motion-controlled platforms you have in your household, Just Dance Kids® 2014 is the perfect holiday gift to get families and children of all ages up and dancing with colorful graphics, super-fun dance moves, and kid-friendly gameplay.

To say that Big Sister E and Little Sister B couldn't wait to break into this game and start dancing and giggling with their friends would be an understatement — they were nearly crazy with anticipation waiting for the time to arrive!

Just Dance Kids 2014 Wii

Immediately we found that the Just Dance Kids® 2014 simple menu icons were just right to allow the kids at our party (ranging in age from 4 - 8) to navigate through the game without any adult assistance. In fact, once they had the Wii turned on, it was a mere matter of seconds before they were scrolling through the songs and ready to jam.

After selecting between two options on the main screen (Dance or Parents, the latter providing information, progress, options, etc), kids are then able to select a song, pick from a playlist —there are seven preset and room for 10 customizable playlists— or set the game to non-stop shuffle for continuous dancing.

And what kid doesn't love to dance?

Just Dance Kids fun

As well as the ease of use, I love that there are various modes to choose from when dancing: Team High Score, Freeze and Shake, and Balloon Pop. These take the standard dancing wherein players are competing against each other and add in teamwork, a fun stop-and-go (which the kids coined "Red Light, Green Light dancing") and virtual balloon popping.

But, no matter which modes and options are selected, the end result turns out to be a really great way to have the entire house up dancing, laughing and having a fantastic time getting some "exercise in disguise." Just hold the Wii remote in your right hand and imitate the cheerful dancers on the screen!

Just Dance Kids video game

We found that no matter if all five of our young participants were dancing together, if they were in smaller groups or if just one individual was grooving on their own, Just Dance Kids® 2014 proved to be the perfect entertainment to get toes tapping, arms waving and hips swinging.

kids dance songs

I appreciate that this game has song choices for all ages so that the younger crowd can grin at songs such as Mary Had A Little Lamb and A Pirate You Shall Be, while older kids can stay cool with Ariana Grande and Victoria Justice... and us parents can even perk up at classics such as Footloose, The Hustle and Hit Me With Your Best Shot.

As an added bonus, you can even choose to include onscreen lyrics to help kids learn the words and sing along as they dance! But, really. It doesn't matter how old you are. Can anyone resist dancing to I Like To Move It, Shout and Day-O?

kids dance exercise

This holiday season, what better perfect gift than one that can provide a healthy, fun way for the whole family to get up and moving? All of the kids and adults who have tried Just Dance Kids® 2014 with us have had a blast and the excitement over the game as a whole hasn't lessened one bit.

I just love the way that the kids stay so focused that they don't even realize that they're exercising, they just continue to dance and dance and dance!


Available for the Wii, Wii U and the Kinect for Xbox360, more information about Just Dance Kids® 2014 can be found on the Just Dance website as well as by connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter (search for #JustDanceKids2014 to join in the conversation)!

With an MSRP of $29.99 (available on Amazon as well as from Target, Best Buy, GameStop and more), Just Dance Kids® 2014 is the family-friendly good time that you'll want to add to your holiday shopping list today.



This review is part of a sponsored campaign with Burst Media, however, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Unlock a Perfect Cup this Holiday Season with the TASSIMO T55 Brewing System {Review & Giveaway}

Tassimo logo
No matter if you're a coffee addict or simply enjoy a cup every now and again, there's something undeniably luxurious about a coffeehouse.

The groups of people talking and laughing while they sip their cappuccinos, the students hard at work on their laptops with frappés nearby, the coffee snobs ordering their half-caf double soy no whip mochas... I'm not the only one who finds it all somehow a little magical, am I?

The only part that makes me cringe? Pulling out my wallet to pay for my coffee. $5 for one drink? That's fine to pay if you only visit once every blue moon, but there's just no way would I pay that every day, no matter how much I love a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and a tasty latte.

Instead, I'd much rather skip the expense, lines, hassle and even the need to get out of my pj's thanks to the newest way that I've found to create a luscious coffeehouse experience right at home: the TASSIMO T55 Single Cup Brewing System by Bosch.

Tassimo T55 brewer

A one cup, on-demand brewing system that brews an assortment of café-style beverages, the TASSIMO T55 provides the ability to have a delicious cup of coffee, tea, cappuccino, espresso, latte, hot chocolate and more all conveniently at home.

But the feature of the TASSIMO that separates it from other single cup brewers is the inclusion of the innovative and unique INTELLIBREW barcode technology, which makes sure every cup is brewed using the right amount of water, the right temperature and the right brew time.

Tassimo brewer

Are you as curious as I was as to how?

The answer is that the TASSIMO works exclusively with TASSIMO T DISC pods, with each one containing an expertly-measured portion of coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or shelf-stable milk creamer. When the T DISC is inserted, the TASSIMO brewer reads the unique barcode printed on the label and adjusts each preparation accordingly to result in an impeccable beverage every time.

Considering how much I love my coffee already, hearing that the TASSIMO T55 could read a code to know just the right beverage size, brewing time and optimum temperature required for perfect quality each and every time, I couldn't wait to test this appliance out.

Tassimo T55 single cup brewer
A coffee-lovers dream come true!

While I initially wondered if it would be difficult or time-consuming to learn how to utilize all of the features of the TASSIMO T55, I was pleased to pull it out of the box (complete with manuals and filter) and find that there really wasn't much required before I would be sipping my delicious drink in the comfort of my own home.

Tassimo T55 review

After admiring the way that the cup stand includes an enhanced slide-control (who wants their coffee slipping around?) and that it is easily adjustable for shorter and taller mugs (and then removable for travel cups)...

TASSIMO T55 height adjustment

...I noticed the mild/strong pre-setting options.

How great is it that the T55 brewer can integrate the addition or reduction of water during the brewing process and make it possible to brew a superior quality beverage precisely as subtle or strong as the user would like? Love it!

Tassimo drink adjustment

Essentially, however, the TASSIMO T55 is extremely simple to use, with no guesswork involved. Just push the power button and the on-demand heating element provides an instant heat-up so that there is barely any wait for your cup of coffee.

Once I ran the brewer through an initial cleaning process and installed the MAVEA MAXTRA filter cartridge into place (the prep took around 5 minutes), it was time to go.

Just place your T DISC of choice right into the top, close it up, and with one press of the power button the brewing begins.

TASSIMO coffee maker

While no coffeemaker is silent, the T55 does include a noise reduction system so that there is no worry about waking your sleeping family while your morning beverage is prepared.

Instead, in around a minute, your custom coffee, tea, cappuccino, espresso or latte (or many more!) is ready and waiting... and delicious.

Tassimo Cappuccino

Coffee at home doesn't get much better than this!

The convenience of the TASSIMO T55 Brewing System really is unparalleled, as they truly have thought of everything to make this as user-friendly and easily customizable as possible. Not only does this brewer give you a fresh-brewed cup of coffee every time that is made exactly how you like it, but its features make it pretty much fool-proof.

Add to that its low energy consumption, built-in water filtration system and that T DISCS are available in just about every beverage variety that I can think of, and could there be much more?

I adore having the ability to offer guests (expected or unexpected) an amazing cup of coffee or tea without any fuss or wait and that it can be brewed precisely to their liking... and that this machine works well for the entire family (or would excel in an office setting), because of its ability to go from one drink to the next without ever compromising taste or quality.

Tassimo T DISC
I have two big fans of the Peppermint Hot Chocolate over here - perfect for the holiday season!

This holiday season and beyond, let TASSIMO provide a high quality, innovative, fast and easy way to bring efficiency and convenience into your life. The T55 retails for $169.99 and will definitely be an item that will provide happiness throughout the winter and long beyond.

Visit TASSIMODirect.com to see their full line of brewers, beverages, accessories and more that can bring a gourmet coffee house into your kitchen or that would make a fantastic gift. Plus, be sure to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter so that you stay up to date on the latest and greatest with their luxurious machines, flavors and more.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be sipping their own delicious drink in the morning (and throughout the day) as well, because...

One lucky person will win a TASSIMO T55 Single Cup Brewing System and (3) varieties of T DISCS!

Tassimo giveaway
T DISCS may vary


A big thank you to TASSIMO for providing a T55 Brewer and a selection of T DISCS for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Mouthwatering Desserts with PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese's Cheesecake Cheer {Mini Cheesecake Recipe}

Kraft logo
While I'm a fan of just about any dessert, there has always been an especially sweet spot (pun intended) in my heart for cheesecake.

There's just something about the thick, creamy consistency and the way that the delectable and luscious flavors melt in your mouth bite after bite... mmmmmm.

In fact, both my husband and I are such fans of cheesecake that instead of having a traditional tiered cake at our wedding, we had a variety of flavors of cheesecakes for guests to choose from. Original, turtle, cherry, chocolate chip — it was all about the cheesecake love!

wedding cheesecake

So, considering how much I already adore cheesecake, I couldn't have been more excited to hear that PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese has recently debuted a new website devoted entirely to the dessert:  Cheesecake Cheer.

No matter what kind of cheesecake you enjoy, there is something for everyone!

Cheesecake Cheer

From plain to pumpkin to adorned with toppings, is there anyone that doesn't enjoy a delicious cheesecake during the holidays?

Whether you already have a favorite cheesecake recipe or you're looking to whip up a scrumptious new creation this season and beyond, PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese's Cheesecake Cheer and Kraft's recipes are the perfect inspiration.

For me, even though I have long loved cheesecake, it is one item that I have been too intimidated to try making myself. How can I risk ruining this delicious dessert? Fortunately, I found a way to enjoy this creamy yumminess on a smaller, very manageable level when I realized this PHILADELPHIA Mini Cheesecake recipe was easy enough for even me.

PHILADELPHIA Mini Cheesecakes

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Serving Size: 18

Ingredients

1 cup HONEY MAID Graham Cracker Crumbs
¾ cup plus 2 Tbsp sugar, divided
3 Tbsp butter or margarine, melted
3 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
1 cup COOL WHIP
Cheesecake toppings of choice

cheesecake ingredients

Directions

Heat oven to 325°F.

Mix graham cracker crumbs, 2 Tbsp sugar and butter until blended; press onto bottoms of 18 paper-lined muffin pan cups.

Beat cream cheese, remaining sugar and vanilla with mixer until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crusts.

Bake 25 to 30 min. or until centers are almost set. Cool completely. Refrigerate two hours.

Top with a dollop of COOL WHIP and toppings of choice.

Mini Candy Cheesecakes

Delicious!

While I love traditional toppings on cheesecake, I was inspired by my children's Halloween candy for these and adore the way that each one can easily end up tasting different depending on what you place on top (or mix into the batter)!

mini cheesecake recipe

Cheesecake is such a tasty addition to any dinner or holiday gathering that your family and friends will surely go back for more! I love the way that it takes dessert and gives it a unique, extremely delicious (and quite addicting) twist. I'll certainly be reaching for this Mini Cheesecake recipe in the future!

This holiday season and beyond, be sure to browse the large number of recipes available at KraftRecipes.com and CheesecakeCheer.com to find a huge selection of ideas that are creative, delicious, fun and perfect for enjoying time at home or as a guest with all of your loved ones.

This post is a part of a partnered campaign with Kraft Foods, however, all thoughts and opinions shared are honest and my own.

Tips for Surviving Cold & Flu Season from Kleenex

Kleenex logo
As the temperatures drop, every year I manage to convince myself that I'll power through cold and flu season without getting sick.

And every year, my immune system reminds me that I have two children who are germ factories. No matter how much I remind them to wash their hands and cover their mouths when they cough, they still manage to bring home a cold that causes me to cough until spring.

Kids are the best, aren't they?

Combine the amount of viruses floating around with the way that cold and flu season is unpredictable in terms of timing, severity, and length, and it isn't a stretch to say that the whole thing can hit your family without warning.

Does anyone enjoy spending time scrambling to take off time from work, catching up on missed homework, disinfecting your home from the germs, and more? Not to mention that if you aren't prepared with cold and flu essentials like Kleenex Everyday Tissue, you'll find yourself playing catch up after sickness has entered your home even more.

Kleenex tissue

Fortunately, the Kleenex brand website is filled with helpful tips and advice to prepare your home for what's ahead, and useful information to help you avoid the last minute trips to the store so that you can care for your family when someone gets sick.

Did you know...
  • 96% of school nurses agree that when a child comes to school sick, other children tend to catch his or her virus.
  • The Center for Disease Control recommends facial tissues as one of the key strategies to minimize cold and flu viruses.
  • Every year, the U.S. alone reports more than one billion colds and 35 – 50 million flu cases.
  • Boost your immune system with Vitamin D – enjoying a little sunshine can help.
  • To help reduce your fever, put wet towels around your shoulders instead of your forehead.
  • Avoid using humidifiers when you're sick – they can actually spread the flu germs.
  • Not all liquids hydrate equally – stick to water, herbal tea and fruit juice when you're sick.
  • All colds are contagious, regardless of mucus color.
  • Soothe a sore throat by gargling a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water several times a day.
  • When it comes to fevers, 104°F and playful is less concerning than 101°F and lethargic.
Visit Kleenex.com to find even more tips for a better cold and flu season for your family and be sure to stock up on Kleenex brand's new thicker and more absorbent everyday tissue, which provides exceptional hand protection by helping to keep hands clean and dry.

Kleenex improved tissue

To learn more about Kleenex brand's new thicker and more absorbent everyday tissue (and to download a coupon!) visit Kleenex.com/flu. And be sure to head over to My-Achoo.com to find out what the cold and flu situation looks like in your area with their innovative achoo by Kleenex cold and flu predictor!

As a Kleenex Brand Ambassador, I was compensated by Kleenex for my time in sharing this information with you. However, as always, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.