Monday, November 30, 2015

Celebrate Giving Tuesday with World Vision and Thirty-One Gifts {Zip-Top Organizing Utility Tote Giveaway!}

World_Vision_logo
Another Black Friday has come and gone and, as with every year, I cringed watching the news and seeing the videos of crazed consumers fighting over toys and (literally) throwing others out of the way to try to grab a television.

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

But... please, folks. In this season of family and generosity (and retail frenzy), don't forget take a step back from the commercial craziness and focus on something even more important: giving. No reason is ever needed, but the perfect one is here tomorrow as it is Giving Tuesday!

This year, to celebrate the 4th annual Giving Tuesday, it is easy to do just that and feel good about your choices as World Vision partners with Thirty-One Gifts to help charitable donations make twice the impact.

Giving Tuesday Thirty-One Gifts World Vision

Since it began in 1996, the World Vision Gift Catalog has grown in popularity as a gift-giving alternative; featuring over 100 ways to improve the lives of children through gifts such as: clean water, food, medicine, education, job training and small business loans, among others. Gifts range in price from $10 to $39,000 and can be made in a loved one's name.  Last year alone hundreds of thousands of people were helped through.

If you've never browsed this wonderful catalog, then just know that you'll find more than 250 items that are available to help improve quality of life for women, children and families in the U.S. and around the world. If money is tight, there are more than 30 gifts in the catalog that sell for $35 or less, including items like chickens, job training or school supplies.

World Vision catalog 2015

While I have long been familiar with the way that World Vision makes it possible to make an important charitable donation while still giving a meaningful, amazing gift, I did not realize the correlation that the company has with Thirty-One Gifts.

Thirty-One Gifts was founded on the principle of helping women — they are passionate about empowering women through their direct-selling business — but is also known for their charitable heart. In 2012 they founded a philanthropic initiative called Thirty-One Gives and to-date has donated more than $80 million in cash and products to nonprofit organizations that empower women and girls and support families.

This year, Thirty-One Gifts is continuing that generosity on Giving Tuesday, as every donation made by phone or online to World Vision will be matched by Thirty-One Gifts with a donation of one of their products, such as a tote bag or blanket, up to a total of $1 million worth of products for women and girls in need around the world.

Thirty-One Gifts organizing tote

This beautiful Zip-Top Organizing Utility Tote from Thirty-One Gifts is not only stylish, practical and extremely versatile (and has an uplifting message inside), but is one that has been recently been distributed to volunteers in Burundi who use the totes to carry materials for educating families about malnutrition.

Before receiving the totes, volunteers like Renathe Kabageni (pictured below and at top), a volunteer who works to combat malnutrition occurring in children in her community, carried all of their materials and equipment by hand. Now, the simple gift of this tote bag is helping to preserve her teaching materials and make it easier to teach parents how to feed their children nutritious foods.

How incredible that the partnership between these two companies results in such great benefits for communities in need and that women like Renathe are able to continue the important education they are providing!

giving-tuesday-thirty-one-gifts

If you have always wanted to encourage the spirit of giving in your family and show the importance of giving back, there couldn't be a better time than now. You'll not only be seizing the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of women like Renathe (as well as their families and communities), but your donation made tomorrow will be matched by Thirty-One Gifts and will make twice the difference!

To find out more about the World Vision Gift Catalog and to place an order, visit WorldVisionGifts.com or call 855-WV-GIFTS. You can also connect with this incredible company on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to also check out ThirtyOneGifts.com (specifically their Thirty-One Gives line) for more about this inspiring company as well as finding them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Plus, thanks to the never-ending generosity of these two companies, one person will be able to proudly share in the inspirational, life-changing ways of these organizations as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Thirty-One Gifts Zip-Top Organizing Utility Tote (ARV $35) WITH custom embroidery (ARV $7)! 

Thirty-One Gifts tote giveaway


A big thank you to World Vision and Thirty-One Gifts for providing a Zip-Top Organizing Utility Tote for me 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.

Restaurant.com 'Better Than Best' Cyber Monday $3 Sale!

Restaurant.com logo
With the passing of Thanksgiving and Black Friday come and gone, I think it's safe to say that just about everyone is on the lookout for great gift-giving ideas.

When it comes to finding just the right token of appreciation, gift ideas can range all across the spectrum in terms of creativity and budget. Big? Small? Specific? General?

One sure winner? Giving friends and family (and teachers, hairdressers, mail carriers and more) time away from the kitchen by letting them dine out at their favorite restaurant. Who doesn't love when someone else does the cooking and cleaning for you?

Which is why there is still time to head to Restaurant.com to not only pick up a gift certificate, but one that will provide a savings at more than 22,000 restaurants nationwide with an endless number of gift certificate options!

Restaurant.com gift cards

Gift certificates are a great idea all year round, but if you're stumped on last minute holiday gift ideas, then you won't want to miss out on the awesome Cyber Monday special they're holding TODAY ONLY!

Restaurant.com Cyber Monday sale

That's right, throughout today, Cyber Monday November 30th, Restaurant.com is offering a $3 for $25 deal for anyone using the promo code CYBER.

If you've never visited Restaurant.com, you'll want to head to their website to see what local restaurants and small businesses in your area are included (or in areas to which you may be traveling — their mobile app is fantastic for traveling and you can use certificates right from your phone!) so that you can get the best deal on your next meal. The site is designed to help diners find and visit local restaurants, get a great value, and, in turn, strengthen the local economy. What more could you ask for?

So go ahead and fill up your cart with $3 gift certificates for stocking stuffers, grab bag gifts, or simply a tasty meal out for your friends, family, coworkers or YOU! We're talking a $25 gift certificate for only $3! But remember that you have to hurry because this offer ends Monday, November 30th at 11:59 pm CST.

This holiday season, show your lucky recipients that you care while also being smart and saving money on dining deals at Restaurant.com. Be sure to visit their website to find out more about their gift cards as well as to find participating restaurants near you. You'll also want to connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and their blog so that you never miss their next great deal.

As a member of the Restaurant.com Review Crew, I have been provided gift cards and compensation in order to facilitate my reviews and for sharing this information. However, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own. 

Winners!

The lucky winner of a Eureka Brushroll Clean upright vacuum is...


The lucky winner of a Lance Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers and Cookies Prize Pack is...


The lucky winner of two bottles of Folgers Flavors is...


The lucky winner of four Scholastic Branches books is...


The lucky winner of a $100 American Express prepaid gift card and a pack of Pampers Swaddlers diapers is...


The lucky winner of a Mighty Makers Home Designer Building Set from K'NEX is...


A big thank you to everyone who entered these fun giveaways!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

The Tiny Smart Robot for All Ages: Ozobot Starter Pack {Review}

Ozobot logo
Although it is a little bit of a blow to the ego, I have no doubt that both of my children will grow up to be far more technologically-skilled than I am. After all, right now I can still manage to muddle my way through using just about any device or application, but the way that they can both pick up gadgets or apps and instinctively know what to do is a regular way of life for them.

On top of that, when I grew up I had toys and games that were just that, toys and games. Kids these days? They have amazing, incredible, innovative things that are far more than just toys in that they are fun but also fully educational.

In fact, they are technologically-advanced, fully interactive miniature robots that can change the way that children learn and play — they are Ozobot!

Ozobot robots

An open-ended, user-friendly, extremely unique robotic system, Ozobot promotes social interaction, computational thinking, and confidence-building all in one teeny tiny package. While STEM-infused toys and gadgets are more and more commonly available these days, I was instantly drawn to the fact that Ozobot can be controlled simply by drawing colored lines. What better way to get even the youngest of children excited about programming!

This holiday season, it was the perfect time to check out the joy of coding with the Ozobot Starter Pack.

Ozobot Starter Pack

Including all the necessary tools to ignite the imaginations of children while inspiring and enticing them to play with Ozobot, we couldn't wait to open the Starter Pack (available in red or blue) box and take this tiny robot out to play.

Inside, we found four code-creating markers, two clear play surface sheets, two sheets of reusable Ozobot code stickers, a DIY blank customizable Ozobot skin and DIY skin sticker sheets, and a charging USB cable.

Ozobot Starter Pack contents

Have you ever looked at a robot and thought it was adorable? I haven't — until now!

Ozobot tiny robot

I always appreciate products that don't require extended setup, installation, construction, charging or more before they are ready for use and Ozobot is exactly that!

I simply glanced over the Quick Start Guide and marveled at the sheer number of stickers, accessories and activities that were included in this set...

Ozobot quick start guide

...and followed the 2-second instructions to calibrate our Ozobot to a large black dot (seen in the upper right of the above photo).

Then it was time to press the power button and set Ozobot loose to see it immediately start following any of the lines printed on the activity sheets. This cute little guy even changes the color of his lights to match whatever color line he is rolling along on!

Ozobot review

While I was content to simply watch Ozobot zip back and forth along a variety of simple routes (what can I say? It's so cute to watch!), both Big Sister E and Little Sister B were more than eager to put their logic, programming, and reasoning skills to work to extend the experience even further.

We began by using the included markers to draw a variety of lines and designs, quickly realizing that Ozobot is easily customized just by changing the color, direction, and shape of the lines. The girls took one look at the Code Reference Sheet (showing which color combinations would cause Ozobot to do things such as speed up, slow down, spin around, etc.) and started drawing patterns and designs for him to follow!

Ozobot robot

At the same time, the ability to "dress" Ozobot in all sorts of ways with the various protective skins made everything even more enticing (and cute, may I add)!

Ozobot Starter Pack review

Attractiveness aside, I love how simply playing with Ozobot led to the girls and I talking about how it can identify color and therefore the color sequences act as commands for it to follow. This little gadget truly makes it so that programming is not just for geeks, it's for everyone!

Ozobot mini robot

In the time since our Ozobot Starter Pack arrived, its appeal hasn't lessened one bit. The ability to do more simple or more complex activities with this one-inch robot has provided a huge range of opportunities for logic, critical thinking, problem solving, seeing how the idea for a sequence of commands can turn into a visual outcome, and much more.

Whether you are coming up with your own innovative paths for this enchanting robot to follow or are using the mission-based activities to figure out exactly what commands he needs to get from point A to point B...

Ozobot activities

...Ozobot can foster a love of technology for kids of all ages!

I can't even tell you all the fun that we have had with this amazing little piece of technology, so just take a peek at it in action in the great video that the company made to show it off!


To find out more about what Ozobot can do (there is a free app to extend the enrichment even further!), see why retailers and parents are in love with this award-winning robot, or simply to decided if Cool Blue or Lava Red would be a better choice for the child in your life to unwrap this holiday season, visit Ozobot.com and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Ozobot Starter Pack is recommended for ages 6+ and retails for $49.99. It can be purchased from retailers such as Barnes and Noble and Toys "R" Us, on Amazon, and more.

Other than the Starter Pack I was sent from Ozobot 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 about this product.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Available Today: Shaun the Sheep Movie on DVD and Blu-Ray Combo Pack!

 Shaun the Sheep Movie logo
Back in August, my family was excited to help in announcing the release of one film that all ages can appreciate: the entertaining, engaging, amusing, heartfelt, visually stunning, adventurous Shaun the Sheep Movie.

It was time to head to the theaters to follow Shaun and his friends as an accident with the farmer's caravan and a very steep hill lead them to making a trek to (and through) the big city. When it was up to Shaun and the flock to return everyone back home, we couldn't wait to see if they would be able to work as a team and get the job done!

Whether or not you and your family made it to see Shaun on the big screen, now is the time to celebrate the ability to bring home this little sheep with big dreams just in time for the holidays, as Shaun The Sheep Movie arrived on Digital HD on November 10 and is being released on Blu-Ray Combo Pack (plus Digital HD) and DVD (plus Digital) today from Lionsgate Home Entertainment!

Shaun the Sheep Movie Blu-ray

Perfect for the young and young-at-heart, this "world-class winner" (Rolling Stone) is rated 99% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and was the #1 movie on their Summer Movie Score Card for 2015. Is it any wonder? Everyone loves Shaun even when life on Mossy Bottom Farm has become a bit dull.

Which is why when Shaun takes the day off for some fun in the Big City, he gets a lot more action than he bargained for. This film follows Shaun and his flock as they must use their wits to hatch a baaaa-rilliant plan to get back home in an adventure the whole family will love!

Shaun the Sheep Movie still

The Shaun the Sheep Movie home entertainment release comes loaded with bonus features including a fascinating look behind-the-scenes of the making of the film as well as interviews with the cast and crew.

The full list of bonus features includes:
  • "Making the Shaun Movie" Featurette
  • "Meet the Characters" Featurette
  • "Join Shaun Behind the Scenes" Featurette
  • "Meet the Crew" Featurette
  • Parody Poster Gallery
Still on the fence? Check out the adorable trailer to see just how fun and laughter this movie can provide!


Aimed at kids ages 4-10 and with a feature run time of 85 minutes, the Shaun the Sheep Movie Blu-Ray combo pack (plus Digital) is available now for an MSRP of $34.99 and on DVD (plus Digital) for $29.95.

Find out much more about the fun, feel-good antics of Shaun and his flock by visiting ShauntheSheep.com and connecting on Facebook, Twitter and at #ShauntheSheep.

Want to get in on the Shaun the Sheep Movie excitement even more? Download these fun activity sheets to extend the love for this adorable sheep today!


Other than a copy of Shaun the Sheep Movie that I was provided by Lionsgate Entertainment, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion about this product.

Monday, November 23, 2015

LuLaRoe Leggings, Dresses, Tops, and Skirts: Simply Comfortable, Extremely Stylish, and Very Addictive {Review & Giveaway}

My confession...

Over the course of my blogging career, I have found many products, companies, and brands that I have loved and have continued to purchase after having had the chance to write a review.

However, I feel it is my duty to properly prepare you for the complete and utter amazingness that is going to follow below. What will happen is that you will see the beautiful items available, you will find that I am only one of MANY who rave about them, you will make a purchase thinking that you'll try just one... and you will be hooked.

It is too late for me, as I have a full-blown addiction and spend my days drooling over all of the styles, colors, designs, and more that I must own. As for you, I now invite you into my world. Will you join me in my obsession?

LuLaRoe logo

Aside from a very brief memory or two, I don't remember ever really loving any of my clothing.

Not that it was the clothing's fault, of course, but let's face it, the majority of us women have body issues and no matter how much we try to boost our self-esteem or confidence levels, it can just be difficult to look in the mirror sometimes. We are our own harshest critics, after all.

Needless to say, I've spent years not really all that excited about getting dressed. I'd either stay comfortable in yoga pants or sweats (all the while knowing that I didn't look like I cared about my appearance) or I'd manage to pull on a pair of jeans (and constantly be counting down the minutes until I could take them back off) but neither gave me the feeling of being happy with the image I was projecting to the world.

Two months ago I received an email that, unbeknownst to me, would change all that.

I was introduced to a company that takes women's clothing (kids' too!) and makes it chic, flattering, and as gorgeous to look at as it is to wear. Whether you are more modest or more daring, prefer solids or patterns, or simply want to feel good when you open your closet, it is all there in LuLaRoe.

LuLaRoe clothing

Founded by one woman and her husband, LuLaRoe (named after the couple's grandchildren) makes me smile on multiple levels. First, it offers affordable, stylish, amazingly comfortable clothing for every age and every size. Think you are too short or too old or too curvy or too anything? You're NOT when it comes to LuLaRoe, as their pieces are made to flatter each and every wearer and are available in size XXS — 3X.

As a bonus, LuLaRoe is constantly coming up with new fabric designs to produce their clothing and only makes approximately 1,000 items of each kind in each print. The result is that the clothes are more unique than those you will find mass-produced in the mall and the chances of showing up at a party or running into someone out in the community wearing the same outfit is extremely small. You'll look amazing all on your own!

LuLaRoe looks
Real ladies of all different ages in a variety of sizes showing off their love of LuLaRoe!

Second, LuLaRoe provides a self-empowerment opportunity for its consultants, as this clothing is not sold in stores or on a single website. Instead, there are consultants from coast to coast that are able to set their own pace and schedule, not to mention offer their own great promotions and sales. They sell this beautiful apparel online directly from private Facebook groups or host in-home 'pop-up boutique' events allowing customers to see and try on items in person before purchase.

I love knowing that my addictive shopping is helping to support women (and a few men) who have taken the plunge to be a part of the LuLaRoe family!

But... if I'm being truly honest, I do have to point out that not all LuLaRoe consultants are equal in terms of the amount of time and care that they put into their business. Call me picky, but if I am going to spend money on clothing, I want to see clear, quality photos and receive items that have been checked over for any imperfections before they show up at my door.

Essentially what I'm saying is that yes, there are hundreds of LuLaRoe consultants. But when it comes to where I want to shop to know that I will be taken care of in a professional, helpful way and will always receive fantastic clothing for myself and my daughters? I simply look directly to LuLaRoe with LeeAnn.

LuLaRoe with LeeAnn

Located in the Orlando, Florida area, LeeAnn's LuLaRoe shop on Facebook is my very favorite for a number of reasons (side note: I belong to a large number of LuLaRoe groups, so this isn't just any list, this is 100% my personal experience).

1. Quality photos. As I mentioned above, if I'm buying clothing and can't see it in person, I need to see a good picture. LeeAnn not only individually styles her LuLaRoe on a mannequin (and hangs the leggings) to show a full length shot, but she also includes a close-up photo to give a good look at the colors and patterns.
LuLaRoe Amelia dress

As the perfect addition, she includes the size right of the item right there, where it can't be missed and customers don't have to hunt around or ask questions. (Bonus: Items that have been sold, paid for, and shipped off to their new home are removed to eliminate any confusion or get anyone's hopes up that they are still available.)

2. Every single item is inspected for flaws. Each and every one, no matter if a shipment LeeAnn receives contains 10 dresses or 100 dresses. I can't help but appreciate how much she cares that her customers receive apparel in perfect condition!

3. A loyalty card. I don't know about you, but if I can get something free just for shopping, I'm a happy camper! LeeAnn offers an automatic loyalty card that provides customers the ability to 'Buy 10, Get 1 Free' in each of the three main categories of clothing (Leggings; Dresses, Skirts, Tops; or Kids' Items). Simply return to her shop to buy more LuLaRoe because you will want to buy more after you have bought one and you're on your way to getting an item FREE!

LuLaRoe women's clothing

If you're still here and haven't already clicked over to LuLaRoe with LeeAnn to see what gorgeous items are available in your size, what are you waiting for? There are four different styles of dresses, three skirts, and three tops to choose from for women, five different clothing options for kids, and, the LuLaRoe pièce de résistance, leggings.

Prior to trying them myself, I had heard LuLaRoe leggings described as "butter leggings" due to their softness and had always rolled my eyes a bit. How soft could they truly be? Not to mention, why was it that this brand kept popping up all over online as more and more people pledged their love to it?

Then a selection of items arrived for my girls and I and I would never question LuLaRoe again.

LuLaRoe review

The bright colors, the fun patterns, and the soffffffftttnessssss... we couldn't be much more excited about these LuLaRoe goodies!

LuLaRoe reviews

The Sloan Tee is perfect for not-as-girly Big Sister E and Little Sister B can't stop twirling every time she wears her adorable Azure Skirt. At the same time, I adore how the Irma Top is the perfect complement to leggings so that there is no worry about any "assets" being uncovered... and the leggings themselves? I'm convinced that they might actually be made from butter. So. Incredibly. Soft!

While we all donned our LuLaRoe with sandals or flats back when it was warmer out, now that winter has arrived here in Midwest these pieces are so versatile and perfect for layering that they continue to be daily favorites. Throw on a sweater and boots and you're ready to Roe the whole year through!

LuLaRoe family pictures

You've got to take a look at LuLaRoe for yourself to see their huge, ever-changing selection of gorgeous apparel, so head over to LuLaRoe with LeeAnn right now and click 'Join Group' to get started browsing.

Then you'll not only be set to look through all of the albums of apparel, but you'll be on top of things to learn about special discounts and new inventory when they are available (psst! Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday sales are coming up shortly! Perfect time to try LuLaRoe while saving even more money)!

Also, if you are in Florida and within 150 miles of Orlando, be sure to let LeeAnn know if you are interested in hosting a pop-up boutique. Invite your friends, have some drinks and snacks, and see the full selection of LuLaRoe right in the comfort of your own home... and hostesses earn one free item for every 10 items sold at their pop-ups, so it is another great way to earn FREE clothing!

Have more questions about LuLaRoe, how it works, what sort of magic is involved, or how you too can work part time while earning a full time income as a consultant? Contact LeeAnn!!

#HowWeRoe

If this is the first that you're hearing about LuLaRoe, know that it won't be the last. This fantastic brand has been around for only a few years but is taking the country (and the world!) by storm. Try just one pair of their ultra soft leggings or one amazing dress, skirt or top and I dare you to not cast all others aside and declare your devotion as well — each piece has the ability to make you feel so beautiful as soon as you put it on!

Thanks to the generosity of LuLaRoe with LeeAnn, one person will soon be wearing their own favorite apparel while feeling confident and gorgeous as well, because...

One lucky person will win a $60 gift certificate (including FREE shipping!)
from LuLaRoe with LeeAnn!

LuLaRoe gift certificate
This gift certificate covers ALL of the current inventory offered in the shop! I'm SO jealous!

A big thank you to LuLaRoe with LeeAnn for providing a variety of LuLaRoe samples for me to review (and become addicted to) and a $60 gift certificate 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.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Lance Seasonal Favorites Cookie Sandwiches {$50 Visa Gift Card Prize Pack Giveaway}

 Lance logo
While I don't always believe the phrase Absence makes the heart grow fonder as being completely accurate (clothes often go "absent" in my closet and I typically don't yearn more for them, I just forget that I own them), I do think that it is quite apt when it comes to foods.

After all, would pumpkin spice lattes be so incredibly popular if they were available all year long instead of just in the fall? Would you really be so inclined to have a glass of eggnog during the holidays if you could also have it in June?

Similarly, while I'm typically a standard chocolate chip cookie kind of girl, there is just no way to not get into the excitement of flavors specific to certain times when they come in the form of Seasonal Favorites Cookie Sandwiches from Lance!

Lance seasonal cookies

For more than a century, Lance has been fueling America with its sandwich crackers – two crunchy crackers with an incredible filling in the middle. With more than 20 varieties that are made with baked, crispy crackers and real peanut butter and cheese, Lance sandwich crackers are perfect for the entire family to enjoy just about anytime, anywhere.

So why not take their already-delicious products and dress them up for the holidays? That's exactly what they've done, as now your snacking just wouldn't be complete without Lance's three specialty cookie flavors that are sure to get anyone into the holiday spirit!

Lance Seasonal Favorites Cookie Sandwiches

The hardest decision is which of these delicious seasonal favorites to try first, as each of the varieties is made up of two sweet cookies with a flavorful and indulgent filling in the middle!

First up, for the large number of mint-lovers out there, Nekot with Mint. This smooth and creamy combination blends chocolate with mint perfectly!

Lance Nekot with mint

Second, what fall seasonal flavor compilation would be complete without pumpkin? Lance has the answer for all of us who have pumpkin on the brain with their amazing Nekot with Pumpkin Cheesecake sandwich cookies. Yum!

Lance Nekot with Pumpkin Cheesecake

Finally, for those that reach right for the sugar cookies in the spread of holiday treats, Sprinkled Sugar Cookie with Sweet Creme. I didn't expect to like these so much, but they are extremely tasty (and a big hit with both kids)!

Lance Sprinkled Sugar Cookie with Sweet Creme

But there's something even more delicious about these delectable cookies this holiday season, as this year when you buy Lance's seasonal favorites, you won't just get a tasty treat, you also will support military families through the brand's partnership with Toys for Tots.

That's right! Select retailers will have specially-marked Toys for Tots displays with seasonal snacks from the Snyder's-Lance family of brands, including Lance cookie sandwiches. For the first 500,000 packages sold, Snyder's-Lance will make a contribution to support Toys for Tots up to $25,000 through December 31st!

Lance partnership Toys For Tots

Sweets for me and a donation to a great cause at the same time? Lance sure knows the way to my heart this holiday season!

Lance seasonal cookie sandwiches are available at grocery stores and mass market retailers nationwide (hint: use their product locator to find your nearest store) for a suggested retail price of $2.99... but only from November through December, while supplies last. So keep an eye out the next time you are out shopping so that you don't miss them!

Each box of Lance Seasonal Favorites Cookie Sandwiches contains six individually wrapped packages of six sandwiches, as they are the perfectly sweet on-the-go snack. You can also find out much more information, nutrition facts, other products, and more by visiting Lance.com and connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be able to see how delicious it can be to celebrate the holidays with Lance as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Lance Seasonal Favorites Cookie Sandwiches Prize Pack*!

Visa gift card giveaway
*Prize Pack includes a $50 Visa prepaid gift card and (1) each of the Lance Seasonal Favorites Cookie Sandwiches varieties: Nekot with Mint, Nekot with Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Sprinkled Sugar Cookie with Sweet Creme.


A big thank you to Lance for this sponsored opportunity and for providing samples for me to review and a prize pack 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.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Bring Healthcare Home by Talking to a Doctor Online, Anytime with Amwell {Promo Code!}

 Amwell logo
This post is sponsored by Amwell but all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

With the increase in the number of products and services available over the internet these days, it is no surprise that more people are turning to the world wide web in larger and larger numbers. After all, can you beat the convenience of ordering a new pair of shoes, stocking up on paper towels, and arranging a next-day grocery delivery all while sitting in your pajamas at 11:30 at night? I think not.

So wouldn't it be nice if we could do even more right from the comfort of our own home? I'm sure that I'm not the only one that would like to get my car's oil changed, my library books returned, or my driver's license renewed with just a few clicks of my mouse!

However, while those aren't yet possible, the internet does offer one option that many do not know about — the ability to connect with board-certified, licensed doctors, dietitians, and psychologists for immediate and live, online visits; day or night, on either mobile or desktop.

Surprised? Then it's time to head over to visit Amwell!

Amwell online doctor

The nation's largest telehealth company, Amwell doctors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are dedicated to keeping you healthy... all without you ever having to leave home.

We all know that moms can sometimes barely find time to take a shower during the day, so fitting in a trip to the doctor's office can feel nearly impossible. Instead, Amwell eliminates the traffic, waiting rooms, delays, rescheduling and more, as all that is required is you, your computer (or smartphone or tablet), and a doctor.

This video sums up exactly why #MomsLoveAmwell!


It really is just that easy!

The doctors on Amwell are board certified, with an average of 15 years in practice. They are available 24/7/365, with no appointment whenever you need them. We're talking after hours, on weekends, and even in the middle of the night!

Simply choose the type of visit you need and, from there, select a provider. Depending on the issue at hand, the doctor can diagnose, suggest follow up, and even prescribe, when appropriate. There is no worry about privacy, as the entire online visit is fully secure and HIPAA compliant. Amwell is even accepted by many major insurers (with more added every day), so you only have to enter your health insurance information for a lower cost visit. 

A sampling of general conditions that Amwell doctors often encounter includes minor illnesses and injuries, general health and wellness concerns, prescription refills, and chronic condition management. Typical issues that patients ask about are bronchitis, cough, sinus infection, sore throat, urinary tract infection, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, pinkeye, flu, sprains and strains, respiratory infection, headache, depression, anxiety, weight concerns, smoking cessation, and many more!

Amwell doctor on tablet

I admit that I was hesitant to try out Amwell for the first time, but as I found out more and more about the convenience (no need to try to leave the house if you don't feel well, search the city if you are on vacation, or fret if you have recently moved and don't have a provider yet), customization abilities (share as little or as much of your healthy history as you would like), and overall fact that this service brings healthcare into the palm of my hands, I was ready.

The result? Just as Amwell had stated, I was able to select the doctor of my choosing (remember that they employ primary care, specialist physicians, licensed behavioral therapists and registered dietitians to meet all of their patients' health and wellness needs) to see on my schedule. I can't think of another time in my life that I was able to pick a doctor for an on-demand visit!

Amwell review

Amwell doctor visits are now available in 46 states, so chances are there is a doctor available in your area that could be talking with you online right at this moment. So be sure to keep them in mind the next time your child is sick at 3 a.m. or you are considering doing a self-diagnosis through internet searching or asking your friends on Facebook for their opinions.

Not to mention that the Healthcare Blue Book shows that in-office doctor visits average $82 for first-time patients. That is in comparison to Amwell offering a $49 physician visit and a savings of $33. Talk about a great option for students in college looking for cost-effective healthcare or those between jobs and without insurance!

At the end of the day, Amwell brings healthcare home, so that you and your family can feel better, faster. Isn't that what we all want?

Amwell online doctors

But, wait! If you aren't already interested in giving Amwell a try simply based on the long list of benefits and conveniences that it can provide, then here's one more: your first visit is only $1! That's right, simply enter the promo code BEWELL4 and your introductory online appointment with Amwell will only cost a single dollar.

Find out much more (and take advantage of their $1 offer) by visiting Amwell.com and connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.