Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Start Your Day Right with New Honey Bunches of Oats Whole Grain Cereals {Review}

Honey Bunches of Oats logo
If there is a family out there with school-aged children that manages to have calm, smooth, happy weekday mornings, I bow down to your greatness (and am also secretly shaking my fist at you in jealousy).

Why is it that no matter how much time we start out with and how much we have prepared the night before, the last five minutes before heading out the door always end up a disorganized, rushed mess? How is it possible that there is always more hair to brush, papers to sign, and homework to pack up?

Fortunately, even though I never know what state of mind my family will be in by the time we get started on our day, I do know that I can count on each of us having had a good breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day, right? That's why I love knowing that we can always turn to the taste and nutrition that we all know and love from our favorite cereals, Honey Bunches of Oats!

Honey Bunches of Oats

What started back with the original Honey Bunches of Oats, the collection of flavors has grown to now include 19 different varieties such as Strawberry, Vanilla Bunches, Cinnamon Bunches, Pecan Bunches, Fruit Blends in Peach Raspberry and Banana Blueberry, Morning Energy flavors, and more.

No matter what your preferences, there is a box that is sure to provide the crispy flakes and tasty, crunchy granola clusters with just a touch of honey that the whole family will enjoy! After all, who can resist the delicious crunch that comes along with so many whole grains?

So, as already-big fans of this cereal in our house, we were excited to hear that yet another new twist had joined the Honey Bunches of Oats lineup to take the number of whole grains to an entirely new level: Honey Bunches of Oats Whole Grain with Vanilla Bunches and Honey Bunches of Oats Whole Grain Honey Crunch!

HBO Whole Grain

Starting the day off right begins with eating a breakfast rich in whole grains and these new Honey Bunches of Oats Whole Grain cereals make that a snap (and a tasty one, at that)!

Both of the two delectable varieties are packed with ⅔ of your day's whole grain (33 grams), 4 grams of fiber, and 12 essential vitamins and minerals, all while staying heart healthy (0g trans fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol per serving) and deliciously wholesome.

But let's be honest. As much as the nutritional information is important to me, all parents know that there's only one thing that our kids care about when it comes to introducing a new cereal to the breakfast table: how does it taste? It was time to put these whole grains to the test!

Honey Bunches of Oats Whole Grain

While I initially wondered if either of my kids would be interesting in swapping out our traditional Honey Bunches of Oats for the new varieties, all hesitation was completely dismissed once they both dug right in and kept on eating!

The Honey Bunches of Oats Whole Grain with Vanilla Bunches has just enough of a hint of vanilla to go along with the crunchy flakes...

Honey Bunches of Oats Whole Grain Vanilla Bunches

...and the Honey Bunches of Oats Whole Grain Honey Crunch has the added sweetness from the honey that makes it satisfying without at all being overwhelming or too much. This one has ended up being our new favorite!

Honey Bunches of Oats Whole Grain Honey Crunch

In short, both of these new whole grain varieties stay true to the Honey Bunches of Oats taste that we already know and love but with all sorts of increased nutrients such as iron and folic acid and the ability to start our day with so many whole grains right in one bowl!

new honey bunches of oats

Even though Honey Bunches of Oats was already a staple in our household, I'm happy knowing that my kids have welcomed yet another good-for-you cereal into the rotation. I love knowing that I'm sending them off to school having eaten a filling breakfast and that their bellies are full of so many whole grains and protein!

When it comes to starting off the day in a healthy, delicious way, Honey Bunches of Oats has always been the first box that we reach for in the cupboard. Now that they have given us the ability to extend our breakfast love even further with Honey Bunches of Oats Whole Grain (as well as their many other great new varieties), we can have a different flavor every day of the week if we want to — if you haven't picked up one of their many new boxes, try one today!

Find out more about the nutrition and varieties of Honey Bunches of Oats available by visiting HoneyBunchesOfOats.com and connecting with them on Twitter and Facebook.

Other than the breakfast package of goodies that I was sent by Honey Bunches of Oats, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of these products.

Monday, January 26, 2015

"Be Yourself, Together" with a Target Wedding Registry! {#TargetWedding}

For many of us, January signifies the end of another busy holiday season and the start of a new year. Whether we are looking ahead towards starting a new job, welcoming an addition to the family, embarking on travels or simply continuing on with life, 2015 is here to stay.

However, for many couples who celebrated the holidays and New Year's Eve with the added joy, love and amazement of an engagement, this year is all about wedding planning! Dates, venues, vows, invitations, dresses, cakes, decorations... there is so much that goes into ensuring that the big day is as memorable and dream-filled as possible!

But adding unique touches to the wedding day itself isn't the only way that couples can let both of their personalities shine. Your friends and family want to help start you off on your new life together, and there's no better way to let them do just that than by heading to your nearest Target to browse, sign up and fill your Target Wedding Registry!

Target wedding registry

From home decor to games and electronics to items for entertaining (and everything in between), Target's wedding registry allows users to add anything from the store or Target.com to their wishlist. The possibilities are endless so why not start your new life together with all of the everyday essentials, necessities, splurges and things you'll both really use and love?

But, along with the practicality, ease and convenience, registering at Target can also help unlock a whole world of unexpected experiences together! As couples prepare to embark on their joint life, any and all of the fantastic items from their Target Wedding registry can make it more fun and more meaningful.

And, as much as traveling to exotic destinations and throwing lavish dinner parties are wonderful events, sometimes something more simple like dinner and date-night-in is going to make up the memories that you cherish most.

For instance, registering for a high quality Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware Set and the OXO 17-pc. Culinary Tool and Utensil Set would be the perfect way to ensure that the two of you are prepared to whip up your favorite dinner...

cookware accessories

...or try something new! Why not look up a few recipes online or in your favorite cookbook that neither of you have tried before? You never know when your next attempt will turn into a jackpot dish that you both will love!

And it would be even easier to finish off the meal by registering for an amazing KitchenAid Ultra Power 4.5 Qt Stand Mixer and a BakerEze Nonstick 10-pc. Baker's Basics Set so that it is a snap to whip up all sorts of sweet and savory desserts!

KitchenAid mixer bakeware

Once you've got your luxurious dessert out of the oven, is there any better way to top off date-night-in than by cuddling up together on the couch to eat it while listening to some romantic music or watching a romantic film?

If you've received your SONOS PLAY: 5 Wireless HiFi System from your Target Wedding Registry, then all you need is to pull up your Threshold Bar Cart, Threshold Etched Glass Drinkware Collection and The Complete Book of Mixed Drinks and you're fully prepared for smooth sounds and extended cuddling. Or, to bring the love to the small screen, pop in any movie from the Miramax Romance: 6 Movie Pack and the night is complete!

date night in

Now that we have kids, my husband and I don't have nearly as many date-night-in evenings as we used to, but I love being able to look back at our younger days and relish in the memories that we had cooking and spending time staying home enjoying each other's company (some meals turned out to be a hit and some were a burnt miss)!

No matter what sort of adventures you have planned with your betrothed, be sure to keep a Target Wedding registry in mind so that your family and friends can help you experience life to the fullest.

They make it possible to have an easy and engaging registry experience by providing inspirational starter lists; your guests can shop in-store or online; returns and exchanges are simple; and you even receive a 15% off completion offer so that after your wedding you can pick up any items left on your registry at a discount.

Target registry

If you or someone you know is planning their wedding, be sure to find out more about all of Target's Wedding Registry options by visiting Target.com or visiting your local Target store today!

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target. All opinions are my own.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Relief is Here for Colds and the Flu with Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil Severe {#ReliefIsHere}

Vicks logo
This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/P&G.

As if life here during winter in the Midwest didn't already have its problems (if I see one more photo on Facebook of you and your kids outside in t-shirts while my family is bundled in 12 layers, I just might unfriend you), this year we're also dealing with yet another harsh season of colds and the flu.

Can't we go one winter without the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declaring a flu epidemic? I'm heartbroken to hear that more than a dozen children have died and, while the current vaccine does provide some protection, all we can really do is try our best to stay healthy and avoid it altogether.

Plus, it pays to be prepared in the event that the flu does make its way into your home. Don't wait until you're up all night coughing, sniffling and feverish, combat the symptoms before they get too serious by heading to Walmart and picking up Vicks NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu and Vicks DayQuil Severe Cold & Flu!

DayQuil NyQuil Severe

If you don't have these high quality, effective products in your medicine cabinet, what are you waiting for? I love that they provide immediate relief and you can almost instantly feel your body getting the boost that it needs to fight off illness. Here is a full list on how they help...

Vicks NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu
  • Maximum symptom-fighting ingredients to relieve your worst cold and flu symptoms.
  • Maximum strength nighttime cold and flu relief, so you can take back your night.
  • The powerful NyQuil relief you trust now with a decongestant.
  • Available in caplets or liquid.
Vicks NyQuil Severe temporarily relieves common cold/flu symptoms including:
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sinus congestion and pressure
  • Cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation
  • Cough to help you sleep
  • Minor aches and pains
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose and sneezing
  • Reduces swelling of nasal passages
  • Temporarily restores freer breathing through the nose
  • Promotes nasal and/or sinus drainage
Vicks DayQuil Severe Cold & Flu
  • Maximum symptom-fighting ingredients to relieve your worst cold and flu symptoms.
  • Maximum strength nondrowsy cold and flu relief so you can tackle your to-do list.
  • Available in caplets or liquid.
Vicks DayQuil Severe temporarily relieves common cold/flu symptoms including:
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sinus congestion and pressure
  • Cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation
  • Minor aches and pains
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Reduces swelling of nasal passages
  • Temporarily restores freer breathing through the nose
  • Promotes nasal and/or sinus drainage
  • Helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus and make coughs more productive.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to deal with any of these symptoms during the day or night! Which is why I was more than happy to hop in my car and head to my nearest Walmart (you're already going there for the convenience and savings anyway, right?) to make sure that we are prepared for the remainder of flu season.

NyQuil at Target

I love that DayQuil and NyQuil Severe are both available in caplet or liquid form, so no matter what your medicine-taking preference is, you're covered.

Walmart even made things easier by having a Vicks display full of DayQuil and NyQuil products so that even if your head hurts or your nose is running, you will be able to grab what you need to get back home to bed quickly!

NyQuil DayQuil sale

Experts report that although this year's flu season started a few weeks earlier than usual, they don't expect it to peak until early to mid-February. So don't wait until it is too late and you are short on sleep from coughing or need to make it through your day no matter what sort of congestion is trying to get you down - NyQuil and DayQuil Severe will have you prepared!

ReliefIsHere NyQuil DayQuil

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Spiced Indulgence in Twinings of London Chai Latte and Vanilla Chai Latte K-Cups {Review}

Cross Country Cafe logo
While I have made it no secret that I am completely addicted to coffee, that doesn't necessarily mean that it is the only beverage to ever fill my mug. It's good to have a little bit of variety in your life, right?

In warm weather, I might use my Keurig to brew up a tall glass of lemonade or a tasty flavored ice tea. But when the temperatures drop, I often want to turn to K-cups that will provide warmth and flavor, resulting in a tasty indulgence created at the press of a button (and for far less than it would cost if I was to head to a coffee shop).

Which is why I was excited to hear that Cross Country Cafe had made that even easier and more delicious with the introduction of two new flavors by Twinings of London: Chai Latte and French Vanilla Chai Latte!

Chai-Latte-K-Cups

Taking the steamed milk from a regular latte drink and mixing it with a spiced tea instead of the typical espresso, a Chai Latte ends up being the perfect mix of warmth, soothing, lightly spiced tastiness that tends to please both coffee and tea drinkers alike.

For me, Twinings is the quintessential pro at anything and everything that has to do with tea, so I couldn't wait to try out their Chai Latte varieties right at home!

Twinings Chai Latte K-cups

I'm a fan of just about everything with vanilla, so I opted to try the French Vanilla Chai Latte first and brewed it using the largest setting (as I do with 99% of all of my K-cups).

Keurig chai latte

In less than a minute, the amazing aroma of this drink filled the air and my mug was steaming with a mix of brown sugar, black tea, cinnamon, vanilla, cream, milk and more. The smell is truly divine!

Twinings Vanilla Chai Latte

If you prefer a more bold, deep flavor to your Chai Latte, I would recommend using the medium size brew option on your Keurig... but for me, this was just right!

I am not a spice expert by any means, but I found that Twinings had clearly found just the right blend of all of the flavors in their French Vanilla Chai Latte. I could distinguish the cardamom and cloves from the cinnamon and the addition of the vanilla flavoring (which was not overpowering) added just enough sweetness. Yum!

When I returned to give the traditional Chai Latte a try, I initially thought that I might not enjoy it as much without the vanilla, but was proven wrong from the first sip.

Twinings Chai Latte

I'm not sure that Twinings could have made their Chai Latte any better! Again the spices were blended just right so as none were too strong and again the addition of the milk and cream makes the whole thing creamy and smooth. Whereas I only drink my coffee in the mornings, I haven't found a time of day yet that Twinings' Chai and Vanilla Chai Lattes don't hit the spot!

Added bonus? A single Chai Latte K-cup only contains 50 calories and a French Vanilla Chai Latte has only 60, so I don't at all feel guilty about indulging with either one!

If you're a Chai Latte fan, you'll love that Twinings has made both of these delectable types available in K-cups for even easier brewing. Or, if you haven't tried these before but are a devoted Keurig user, head over to Cross Country Cafe to give them a try!

Or maybe you'd rather WIN some instead? To celebrate the arrival of Twinings Chai and Vanilla Chai Latte K-cups, Cross Country Cafe is giving away four full size boxes of each to one lucky winner! Simply head over to their K-cup giveaway through January 31, 2015 and, with a few clicks, you'll be entered for a chance to have eight boxes of deliciousness on their way to you!

Chai_Latte_giveaway

As a Cross Country Cafe Ambassador, I have been provided with products in exchange for my continued work with their company and affiliate links are included in the above post. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll. 

Monday, January 19, 2015

Explore, Learn and Have Fun with Captain McFinn's Swim & Play App {#SwimAndPlay}

Swim & Play logo
I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Captain McFinn. I received a complimentary subscription to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

There is no question that the popularity of smartphones and tablets has increased tremendously over the years and that kids younger and younger are becoming pros at tapping and swiping their way through apps, games, books and more.

However, simply because children have access to a screen doesn't mean that parents are going to put any sort of content or activities on it. Why have them spend time only being entertained when they could also be practicing important skills, challenging their minds, boosting their imagination, stimulating their creativity and more?

Instead, it makes sense that parents of preschoolers would give their children a head start on successful learning with apps that are engaging, unique, interactive and more. A perfect example? Captain McFinn's Swim & Play!

Captain McFinn app

Captain McFinn's Swim & Play is the first-ever children's app, aimed at kids ages 3-5, that
allows the users to truly interact and communicate back with a live host*, who can suggest activities, praise the child's accomplishments in the game, and even call players out by name.

Unlike traditional children's apps in which a child is simply tapping and swiping to follow static directions, Captain McFinn transforms the gaming experience by providing a guide to help extend the fun and learning. The result is not only an immersive experience, but the hosts also help to teach important pro-social proficiencies, like kindness and sharing, in a completely engaging way!

Even though both of my children are slightly old for a preschool level app, I had no doubt that they would have a great time swimming and exploring under the sea and couldn't wait to see their reaction to this innovative iPad app.

choose your fish

Right away both Big Sister E and Little Sister B liked that they were able to choose the color of their fish character (hopefully there will be more than three options for customization in the future) and had no problem typing in a nickname.

Kids are able to use just about any name — my girls got a kick out of using Swimmy quite often — which not only makes the game personalized but adds to the overall safety of having no personally identifiable information collected. At the same time, if the nickname space is left blank, then the app will pick a silly fun one for you!

Once your fish is selected and named, it's time to explore and play!

underwater princess

Based on the popular Captain McFinn storybook character who lives in the undersea world of Sand Dusty Reef with his friends, Captain McFinn's Swim & Play is a colorful place filled with friends, places and activities galore.

Explore up, down and all around as you discover shipwrecks, buried treasure, pop-up princesses, friendly characters that are always good for a laugh...

Captain McFinn's app

...and more.

But along with simply swimming around, children are able to perform a variety of tasks to perform. From recycling garbage and putting away toys to help keep the underwater environment clean to demonstrating good hygiene by brushing their teeth to brightening a friend's mood by building them a sand castle or giving them balloons, I love that this app encourages and rewards social responsibility and good deeds!

In fact, at any time a user can check the number of badges that they have received that show off exactly what a great job they are doing being a part of this underwater community.

Captain McFinn recycling
When a user finds items to recycle, they magically summon GEM to come zap them away!

But while Captain McFinn's Swim & Play would likely be a fun app with these features alone, the inclusion of the live Explorer guide really takes things to an entirely new level in terms of the experience as well as the social skills and lessons taught.

Just about every time we have opened this app (suggested times are between 7am-7pm PST), within a minute or two the gold submarine containing the Explorer appears and a new, extremely friendly host is there floating around. He or she happily chats, welcomes new players, points out great actions that have been completed, emphasizes positive messages, and much more.

The first time that Big Sister E and Little Sister B realized that the Explorer was truly referring to them, their jaws dropped! From that moment, they were instantly in love with playing along, listening to the instructions, participating in the group activities and more! The children even have the option of sharing creations that they make (e.g. songs, drawings and sand castles) and the Explorer just might show them off to the entire group of children that are playing!

As a parent, I was thrilled to see that all of the participants are encouraged to clap for creations that their fellow preschoolers created, a message that the Explorer hosts push strongly as well as subtly. I can't think of a single other app that manages to bring children together from all across the globe, yet keep them 100% safe while online.

interactive kids app

As an additional bonus to having a live Explorer guiding the children through the app, Captain McFinn's Swim & Play also includes a pop-up chat box that is accessed with a single click.

While this aspect can be used by children to say hello to the Explorers or share a friendly thought, I also found that it was convenient for parents in times of wanting to ask a direct question. For example, we had an instance when we suddenly could not hear the words the Explorer was saying, so I sent a message indicating such and she was able to quickly fix her microphone without causing a disruption to the game.

Captain McFinn chat box

All in all, Captain McFinn's Swim & Play really does allow children and their parents to touch content in a way never before done – and all in a secure setting alongside their friends. All of the topics and lessons have a positive message such as friendship, caring for others, helping others, etc, and the entire experience is different every time depending on the suggestions and direction of the Explorer guide.

The main aspect that we have had issues with is the way that, at times, the app moves from Sand Dusty Reef to short McFinn episodes and music videos that also promote messages about things like teamwork and believing in yourself. We have not yet found a way to exit the episodes to return back to exploring and my kids complain that they are "stuck" watching until they are over.

Instead, we would prefer to have the option of watching the videos or continuing to swim around underwater on our own. Similarly, users also cannot get to features like coloring and dress up on their own, instead having to wait for the Explorer to make them accessible. Hopefully there will be more options in future versions of this app!

Captain McFinn treasure

The Captain McFinn's Swim & Play app is available from the Apple iTunes Store using a subscription model. The freemium subscription model offers 10 minutes of free play at the start of the game, with subscription tiers of 1-month, 3-month and 6-month periods for $4.59, $3.59 and $2.59 per month, respectively.

If you are looking for a way for your preschool-aged child to get "tablet time" that is well-spent and different from other games, apps and shows, then I recommend you check out this one! Everything from the happy hosts to the catchy (but not annoying) music to the interactive learning, development, and encouragement of skills and values are items that all parents are sure to appreciate!

*The app complies with all COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) safety standards, so although parents/children can see the host, the host cannot see them. Through proprietary technology, the host reacts to prompts, responses and creations by the child and texts from the parent (through a secure chat box) to make the interactive experience truly customized.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Sleep Well with the Highest Rated Pillow on Amazon, the Cool & Natural Form-Fit Pillow {Review}

Form-Fit Pillow logo
For some reason, no matter how many times I tell my husband that, due to the fact that I gave birth to his two children and then spent the following months up all hours of the night with them therefore gives me a free pass to sleep in for the rest of our lives, he doesn't believe me.

I just don't understand what part of that he thinks is unfair.

Nonetheless, I'm not ashamed to admit that for me, sleep is a very serious business. Considering that we spend on average around 200,000 hours out of our lives sleeping, doesn't it make sense to not just treat sleep as this thing that we do... but more as a blissful experience that we can have? Why toss and turn or wake up feeling stiff and sore if you don't have to?

Instead, it's time to try the pillow that has users endlessly raving about the comfort, versatility and support, the Cool & Natural Form-Fit Pillow!

Form-Fit pillow

In an effort to give consumers an option other than traditional soft pillows (that don't provide much support) or memory foam pillows (that often feel stiff and uncomfortable), the Form-Fit Pillow is filled with a blend of clean, natural buckwheat hulls and shredded foam.

Wait, buckwheat hulls and foam? In a pillow? Even reading that buckwheat hulls conform to the user's shape and provide support, are cool and breathable, and are naturally anti-microbial and non-allergenic still had me scratching my head. But maybe by combining them with the softness and comfort of the foam pieces it would result in a winner?

Needless to say, when the Form-Fit Pillow arrived, I wasn't sure what to expect but was looking forward to seeing if it helped provide better rest.

Form-Fit pillow review

Before I even had the Form-Fit Pillow out of the box I could tell from the substantial weight that this was going to be more than just a regular pillow. As opposed to down or foam that hardly have any weight to them at all, this pillow just about requires two hands to get it into place!

Prior to sliding this into a pillowcase and getting it ready for sleep, however, I appreciated that Form-Fit includes clear directions as to how to customize your pillow to find the optimum comfort whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach.

buckwheat pillow instructions

This couldn't be much easier! Simply unzip the three-layer, quilted cover (made from natural, unbleached cotton muslin) and, using a cup or measuring cup, remove some of the filling (Form-Fit recommends removing ⅓ - ½) to a storage bag.

From there, the user can easily try out their pillow and go back to add or remove more of the filling until it is perfectly suited just for you! Plus, with the extra stored for later, if you ever feel as though your pillow is getting a little too flat, just add more back in until it meets your liking.

buckwheat pillow

Once you've found just the right amount of filling to make your Form-Fit Pillow conform perfectly to your neck and head, it's time for a good night's sleep.

Again, I was skeptical as to just how comfortable sleeping on buckwheat hulls could be, but went ahead and continued to follow Form-Fit's recommendations. When it is time to go to sleep, shake the filling down to the gusset sleeping edge of the pillow, lay it flat, and then nestle right into its gentle, cradling support.

As the blended filling is adjustable yet sturdy, it manages to holds any shape you want without causing pressure points. Tired of waking up with a sore neck? This unique pillow eliminates it!


While I did find that it took a few days to get used to using the Cool & Natural Form-Fit Pillow, I awoke after my first night of using it to find that my neck and shoulders were indeed missing the familiar sore feeling that I tend to have in the morning (I sleep in a hybrid shoulder-stomach position that leaves one shoulder crunched underneath my body).

At the same time, this pillow has stayed cool and dry throughout each night that I have used it and I have to agree that it provides the most support I have ever experienced with a pillow!

form-fit pillow amazon

All in all, the Form-Fit Pillow definitely provides a unique way to sleep comfortably! If you are set on the idea that a pillow must be squishy and cloud-like, then this is not the pillow for you, as it is never going to have that quality. However, if you are willing to try something new and want the support that this USA-made product can provide, then you're in the right place!

Find out much more about the Cool & Natural Form-Fit Pillow, its 10 Year Warranty, and all of the reasons that it has become such a high rated pillow by visiting Amazon (where it retails for $59.99) today. You can also connect with Form-Fit on Facebook to find more information.

Other than the pillow that I received from Form-Fit in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this product.

Monday, January 12, 2015

Dance in the New Year with KIDZ BOP 27! {Review & Giveaway}

KIDZ BOP logo
While there were many aspects of the new year that had my family eagerly awaiting the clock to turn to 2015, one that had all of us on extremely high anticipation came from one of our favorite names, KIDZ BOP.

There is just never any doubt that my kids' eyes light up just as much as my husband's and mine when a new CD featuring the latest hits in a family-friendly way is released. And, as expected, exactly that has occurred with the arrival of KIDZ BOP 27!

Kidz Bop 27

After spending the last 10+ years delivering safe and entertaining music for kids, KIDZ BOP CDs are known for being a compilation of "today's biggest hits sung by kids for kids."

By taking the popular songs of the year, removing the suggestive lyrics and having them performed by kids (the current members are Ashlynn, Grant, Matt and Bredia), it's no wonder that parents as well as children can appreciate these CDs — which is why millions and millions of them have been sold to date!

With the January 13th release of the 27th KIDZ BOP album, the group has yet again taken this summer's hottest songs and made them kid-friendly and fun. My entire family has been moving and grooving to this disc ever since it's arrival and I don't think that any of us could pinpoint just one favorite from this lineup:
  1. Shake It Off
  2. All About That Bass
  3. Fancy
  4. Boom Clap
  5. Rude
  6. Problem
  7. Am I Wrong?
  8. Maps
  9. Really Don't Care
  10. Latch
  11. Break Free
  12. Cool Kids
  13. Shower
  14. Rather Be
  15. Say Something (Live)
Kidz Bop kids

If you're still pretending that you don't love "Shake It Off" or "All About That Bass, " it's time to give up the charade! Everyone loves these amazingly catchy songs and my kids have had a great time singing and dancing along to them (as well as the rest of the titles) on KIDZ BOP 27!

This CD has been such a fun way to have the whole family singing, dancing and enjoying just how toe-tappingly fun these songs are. Because they are kid-friendly, I don't ever have to worry about any questionable lyrics and instead can just sit back and enjoy the familiar tunes in a suitable way for young listeners! If you don't have KIDZ BOP in your house, you're missing out!

Whether you're having a rockin' party or just want something that the whole family can enjoy in the car, KIDZ BOP 27 and the entire line of KIDZ BOP CDs are sure to be a hit. More details and purchase information can be found in the KIDZ BOP Shop (this CD retails for $14.98) as well as on Amazon (for $9.99). Other purchase options include iTunes, Google Play and Amazon MP3.

You can also connect with KIDZ BOP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so that you don't miss the latest and greatest, new releases, upcoming events and more.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be dancing, grooving and singing along with these talented kids as well, because...

One person will win a copy of KIDZ BOP 27!

Kidz Bop 27 CD


A big thank you to KIDZ BOP for providing a copy of KIDZ BOP 27 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.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Winners!

The lucky winner of a Tower Febreze Air Purifier is...


The lucky winner of a Braun No touch + forehead thermometer is...


The lucky winner of two InnoTab Learning Cartridges from VTech is...


The lucky winner of a Betty Crocker Holiday Prize Pack is...


The lucky winner of a kitchen fire extinguisher from Kidde is...


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