Back to School with the Inspire Imagination Box Top Program at Costco

This post is in partnership with General Mills and Box Tops for Education. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Did you know that there's a way to ensure that our schools are receiving much-needed funding while also benefiting your own family at the same time? It's the nation's largest school fundraising program, Box Tops for Education!

A General Mills program, Box Tops for Education began as an experiment on boxes of Cheerios in California with first year earnings of $1 million. Since then, it has grown to include hundreds of participating brands (along with General Mills, others include Ziploc, Kleenex, Lysol, Finish, and more) providing $840 million to more than 70,000 enrolled K-8 schools.

Pretty amazing, right? We make sure to clip each and every single Box Top that we can on our General Mills products (I have found that having a designated Box Tops baggie makes it so that my husband and kids know exactly where to put them) and I absolutely love knowing that such a simple act can have such positive results. We hand our baggie in to the PTO Box Top Coordinator at our school, she mails them in, the school gets a check. What could be better?!

Actually, we were excited to hear that right now there is another reason to be pumped up about Box Tops: the Inspire Imagination Box Top program!

I have no doubt that Box Tops are already helping inspire children all across the country, as what school couldn't use a little extra money? That funding may go to field trips, gym equipment, technology, books, art supplies, musical instruments, enrichment programs, game days... the list goes on and on!

Therefore, I love that the Inspire Imagination program is highlighting just that and giving Costco members the chance to win even more Box Tops for their school. It's so simple to enter (*see official rules below)! Here's how:

• Take a photo of how Box Tops for Education inspires imagination in your child(ren). 

• Share your photo on Twitter or Instagram using #InspireContest and be sure to follow @BTFE as this is how the winners will be notified.

• Sit back and hope to be one of the 3,000 Costco members that each will win 100 Box Tops for their school!

Easy peasy, right?

The combination of Box Tops and Costco is a perfect match, as not only do families such as mine shop at Costco every week to stock up on the products and brands that we trust and use regularly, but we score even more Box Tops with our purchases.

For instance, instead of picking up a single box of Kleenex at the store and being able to clip one single Box Top, we can buy a bulk pack at Costco and end up with 10 Box Tops instead!

With preparations for back to school underway, there's no doubt that I have been shopping at Costco even more than usual lately. There is nowhere else that has everything that I need for all of our lunch-packing supplies at such great prices!

Along with picking up the food items that my daughters love in their school lunches (as well as to have for breakfast, dinner, snack, and pretty much anytime, as they are constantly eating), on my recent Costco visit I also stocked up on a few of the supplies that are necessary to keep our kitchen running.

Now I can rest easy knowing that I won't open the baggie drawer to find it empty or, even worse, prepare to run our dishwasher and have no detergent for it. Instead, we'll head into September ready to go... and with tons of extra Box Tops in our stash as well!

If you aren't already collecting Box Tops for Education, now is the perfect time to start — particularly with the great selection of products at Costco! Whether you have children attending one of the participating locations or not, schools can never have too much money to improve their classrooms and programs and our kids can never be too inspired. All it takes is a pair of scissors to snip the Box Tops and make a difference!

To learn more about Box Tops visit BTFE.com and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Be sure to also visit CostcoBTFE.com for more information on the Inspire Imagination Box Top Program and enter your photo today!

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*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years or older. Ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on 9/30/17. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, and prize descriptions visit www.costcobtfe.com. Void where prohibited by law. Use of “#InspireContest” when posting entry constitutes entrant’s agreement to Official Rules. Sponsor: General Mills.

Each box top is worth 10 cents to redeeming school when clipped from box tops products and sent to the redeeming school. Only BTFE registered schools can redeem box tops. Limit $20,000 per school per year for box tops redeemed through the clip program. See www.boxtopsforeducation.com for program details.

Backpacks that Make a Difference: Sydney Paige {Review}

When both of my girls reached the age when they would start attending preschool, they were extremely excited. Not only for the opportunity to be a "big kid" or the chance to get to go hang out with friends for a few hours... but because of their backpack.

That's right, their backpack.

Both kids have always been somehow enthralled by the way that backpacks offer the capability to tote things around and that they contain your own special belongings for you. Add to that the way that this single accessory is the symbol of being old enough to head off to school and it has been love from day one.

But let's be honest. Other than some extra pockets or a cheesy licensed character, nearly all backpacks are basically the same and not really anything to get excited about.

But... what if there was something more? What if there was a way to purchase a backpack that would be enjoyable and functional while, at the same time, it helped to make a difference in the world? One that gives knowledge and a feeling of global responsibility? Inspiration and encouragement to take action in our lives to think of not only ourselves?

That's exactly what is found with Sydney Paige.

Across the United States, 1 in 5 children live below the poverty line, a statistic that makes my heart hurt every time I see it. So when I hear that the mission of Sydney Paige is to promote the importance of education and enrich the life of a child in need while empowering those more fortunate to help break the cycle of poverty . . . one child at a time, it makes me beyond proud to support them.

For customers, the process is simple! For every backpack bought, the same one —not a cheap imitation— is filled with age-appropriate school supplies and given to a child in need (customers are able to designate the non-profit that will receive this great donation), giving these kids much-needed confidence for returning to the classroom. Children around the world deserve to gain an education, and they need supplies to do so this back-to-school season.

Needless to say, I was already in love with Sydney Paige and their "Buy 1, Give 1" process by the time I started browsing their amazing products. With backpacks available in four different sizes for toddler to adult, fantastic accessories for all ages (lunch bags, tablet sleeves, and more), and stunning children's books sharing the company's positive messages, there is easily something for everyone.

Why wouldn't I want to send my child off to school carrying a stylish and trendy Sydney Paige backpack when it is also helping kids in need?

Although both Big Sister E and Little Sister B would have loved to have the chance to carry any of the Sydney Paige backpacks, it was easily love at first sight when the Raleigh Laptop Backpack in Purple Patch arrived at our door.

From the World Changers line (for kids 4' - 6.5'+ tall), this beautiful backpack features a chic circular design on the strong polyester exterior and plenty of accessory hooks on the front.

The reflective piping around the front adds safety (as well as more style) and the two expandable side pockets are perfect for when my daughter needs to stash a water bottle for hot days. I appreciate the padded, reinforced bottom to help keep this backpack from wearing thin as it is placed along all sorts of textured surfaces while Little Sister B is fond of the padding along the breathable mesh back.

But when it comes to what really has my daughter excited to bring her Sydney Paige backpack to school, it has to be the endless number of pockets and compartments.

There are two zippered pockets along the front along with a convenient accessory pocket, complete with ID holder, key fob and smaller pockets for supplies. At the same time, for older kids that like to listen to music or have a phone to carry, this backpack has a top zipper pocket that is the perfect size to keep their technology safe. There is even a small hole in the pocket that leads right to the earbud port for easy listening!

Finally, Sydney Paige did anything but neglect the main compartment of this backpack, as it is easily accessible with a double zipper and has more than enough room for Little Sister B to tote her belongings to and from school. She has already declared the padded laptop sleeve (large enough to fit up to a 15" laptop) the perfect place to slide in her daily folder!

While wearing a backpack is a necessity for preschool through college and beyond, that doesn't mean that you can't support a great cause (and teach your child a fantastic lesson about giving) at the same time.

Sydney Paige is making a difference in the lives of low-income children by giving them the tools, courage and confidence to learn and thrive in school, stay in school, and graduate... and making it easy for all of us to help their mission with the simple purchase of one of their great backpacks this coming back-to-school season!

Find out more about all of the incredible products offered and the difference that Sydney Paige is making for kids everywhere by visiting SydneyPaigeInc.com and connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Other than the Raleigh Laptop Backpack that I was provided by Sydney Paige to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion of this product and this amazing company.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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)! 

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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.

What Time Is It? Time for Compassion and Time for Change with Nature's Time {Review}

As we do our shopping on any given day, it's easy to focus on the most traditional categories: the most sought-out electronics and toys for our kids, the healthiest and freshest foods to feed our families, the ultimate in stylish home decor and apparel to impress our friends, and more.

But what if there was something more? What if there was a way to purchase a product that would be enjoyable and functional while, at the same time, it helped to make a difference in the world? One that gives knowledge and a feeling of social responsibility? Inspiration and encouragement to take action in our lives to think of not only ourselves?

That's exactly what is found with the watches from Nature's Time.

On a mission to empower their customers, Nature's Time was created not as a product but as a movement. Why purchase a watch elsewhere when this company allows consumers to make a difference to end bullying while making a fashion statement?

Nature's Time was created in the heart of San Francisco by founder and active Registered Nurse, Christian Panaligan. Christian was motivated to influence a change after hearing about heartbreaking shootings and suicides linked to bullying and how the advent of cyberbullying has made the problem even worse.

As a bullying victim himself, Christian's escape was nature where he found strength and beauty there. He has integrated the idea of nature into his watches: to create a beautiful fashion accessory, using natural materials, with the goal to spread compassion and awareness to victims of bullying.

As Nature's Time has partnered with Free2Luv as they fight bullying through community outreach, awareness campaigns, and events, the purchase of each watch directly helps six bullying victims. Pretty awesome, right?

Needless to say, I was pretty much riveted as soon as I began browsing Nature's Time. Their collection of stunning, sustainable, eco-friendly, toxic-free watches manage to seamlessly combine fashion sense with social good. The results are downright incredible!

I was already in love with the concept of Nature's Time, but when I pulled one of their high quality timepieces out of the box, the sleek, simplistic design of the Brown Sandalwood on Black Steel really sealed it for me.

Featuring 100% natural wood and steel, this watch embodies minimalism at its best while the small details (e.g. Japanese Quartz Movement, date function, and water resistant capabilities) ensure accurate, dependable use.

The result is that my husband loves the uncomplicated overall look and its ability to match with any outfit from jeans to a suit...

...while I am extremely proud that this beautiful watch represents the strength, beauty and compassion that Nature's Time believes in.

In today's day and age of smartphones, wearing a watch has nearly become a thing of the past. However, when you can wear one that supports a wonderful cause and shows your beliefs in a better society, wouldn't you?

The combination of good design and good cause has arrived in the form of a watch with social impact. Nature's Time has just debuted on Indiegogo today, where the men's five design styles start at $89 (retail value $179) for the first 50 sales. Once $100,000 in funding has been reached from the Men's Collection, the women's line of six styles will be released also at $89 (retail value $179) for the first 50 sales. Don't miss out on these and the other amazing options they have listed!

Find out more about this wonderful company and these gorgeous watches by visiting Natures-Time.com and connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Isn't it time that we all supported a company that strives to give us the ability to check the time and change the world all at once?

Other than the Nature's Time watch that I was provided 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 and this amazing company.

Celebrate the Importance of World Water Day with World Vision {Giveaway}

The need vs want struggle is one that we all deal with on a daily basis, whether for ourselves (do I really need that pair of shoes?) or our children (I know you want another cupcake, but it's really just going to end in a sugar high).

However, while our needs and wants may be a little superficial at times, it is no joking matter that, although water is essential for healthy living, there are 748 million people that lack access to clean water – the equivalent of nearly two and a half times the United States' population. As a devastating effect, one child under the age of 5 dies every minute from diarrhea caused by contaminated water and unsafe hygiene.

These people don't just want clean water, they need it.

Therefore, to address this crisis and to acknowledge water's essential presence on the earth, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 22nd as World Water Day in 1993. What will you do this year to help make a difference?

A day to celebrate water and make a difference for the members of the global population who suffer from water related issues, World Water Day is also a day to prepare for how we will manage water in the future. After all, water is a necessary resource for sustainable living!

So, don't let another World Water Day go by, join World Vision to spread awareness for people around the globe who need safe water sources! Giving clean water helps to create a brighter future...

...and World Vision suggests that along with a number of other ways that we can all help change a life this month:

Give Clean Water: Help us get one step closer to providing reliable clean water sources around the world by visiting World Vision’s website to contribute to the Clean Water Fund, or make a monthly pledge. A total of $25 per month provides 6 more people with clean water every year.

Take a Short Shower: Keep track of time spent showering as a reminder of the water shortage around the world. An American that takes only a five minute shower has already used more than an entire day's worth of water for the average person in a developing country’s slum.

Make a Home Cooked Meal: Skip a restaurant meal and eat in. Use the time at home to talk about the need for water and donate money saved by cooking at home to give clean, life-giving water. A gift of $50 provides one new person with clean water. 

Rally on Social Media: Last year, World Water Day posts reached up to 700 million people. Break this record and spread the word about clean water access, using the hashtags #WaterEffect and #WaterNow.

Water Now is a global clean water social media campaign that raises your voice and the voice of your friends alongside the voices of celebrities and dignitaries – including Pitbull, Pharrell Williams and more – in a week-long social-media blitz centered around World Water Day.

Make and Share a Video: Pull out your camera or smartphone and make a video with your children, showing dirty water that many people may have to drink each day. Bring a water bottle or small bucket and find a puddle in the street or in a park. Use your container to scoop up the water and talk about your experience. Would you or your children drink it?

Show off a Royal Silk Scarf and World Water Day Umbrella: From the World Vision Gift Catalog, the Royal Silk Scarf is made with luxurious silk, using Fair-Trade practices. The blend of soft colors emulates the purifying qualities of water and the vibrant life that it sustains.

The blue umbrella, sporting World Vision's logo and a call to save lives with water, serves as a practical reminder that rainwater is considered a precious resource for people that lack established water systems.

Throughout the upcoming spring showers, use these accessories as a symbolic way to emphasize the importance and shortage of clean water around the world. The umbrella is a reminder that people in developing countries often collect rainwater for their supply and the elegant scarf is a tangible way to appreciate the life-giving qualities of water.

Walk or Run 6K: On World Water Day, thousands of people will walk or run 6 kilometers (3.72 miles) for children in Africa. Each registration brings clean water and fullness of life to communities in need one person at a time.

Organize a Mall Walk: For alternative scenery, gather family and friends for a mall walk to remember the significant time women in developing countries spend bringing water to families. The time North American women spend shopping daily equals the time many women devote to collecting water each day – nearly 200 million hours!

Help Provide Clean Water by Doing What You Love: Whether it's hosting a benefit concert, coordinating a bake sale, involving the kids and setting up a lemonade stand or giving up your birthday, you can be part of the water effect. Find out more here and then get involved!

What will you do to join in the conversation and help to celebrate World Water Day?

If you need even more inspiration or reason to take part than simply the upcoming holiday, take a peek at this amazing video for an inside look at the impact of the water crisis in one girl's life.

Spoiler alert: I cried watching this.


The time is now!

Be sure to visit World Vision to find out more and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter and by using the hashtags #WaterEffect and #WaterNow.

Plus, thanks to the generosity of World Vision (beyond just what they do on a daily basis to try to make the world a better place), one person will be even more prepared to help spread the word of the importance and necessity of clean water as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Royal Silk Scarf and World Water Day Umbrella from World Vision!

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A big thank you to World Vision for providing a scarf and umbrella 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.

Great Toys and a Good Cause with Kmart's Fab 15 Holiday Toy List {#Fab15ToysCGC}

Even though I roll my eyes and make comments on the number of toys that are already in our house, when the thick holiday ads and catalogs start arriving, I secretly get a little excited. There's just something fun about seeing my own kids go through page by page and point out each item that they dream will be under the tree Christmas morning just like I used to do!

Do you know how many years I had to ask Santa for a Snoopy Sno Cone Machine before he finally brought it? I circled it in marker or cut out the picture and glued it to my list Christmas after Christmas after Christmas before that ice-crushing sugar-syrup-dripping thing eventually showed up.

If I recall correctly, I think I used it approximately twice to make sno cones. So... maybe it's possible that Santa knew something that I didn't?

Regardless, these days it is much easier for parents everywhere to have help picking out the very best in toys for children of all ages thanks to Kmart's Fab 15 Holiday Toy List!

Featuring the ultimate toys that kids want for the holidays, the Kmart Fab 15 Holiday Toy List provides parents and gift-givers with insight into the season's hottest trends. These aren't just a random collection of toys, Kmart carefully selects their Fab 15 each year based on industry trends, input from kids and parents, as well as more than 50 years of experience in knowing what toys resonate with different ages, stages and play patterns.

From big toys that make great, unexpected gifts to toys inspired by characters that kids know and love, the Kmart Fab 15 list of hot holiday toys for 2014 includes:

• Disney Doc McStuffins Sleepytime Lambie by Just Play (Kmart exclusive)

• Holiday Auburn Barbie™ 2014 Doll by Mattel® (Kmart exclusive)

• My Little Pony Equestria Girls Rainbow Rocks Mane Event Stage Playset by Hasbro® (Kmart exclusive)

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles® Power Wheels® Lil' Dune Racer by Fisher-Price® (Kmart exclusive)

• Transformers Age of Extinction Optimus Prime and Grimlock 12-Inch Electronic Figures by Hasbro® (Kmart exclusives)

• WWE® Cardinal Red John Cena 31'' Figure by Wicked Cool Toys® (Kmart exclusive)

• Zoomer Dino by Spin Master™

• Disney Frozen Snow Glow Elsa Doll by TollyTots

• FurReal Friends Get Up and GoGo My Walkin' Pup Pet by Hasbro®

• LEGO® Super Heroes Line from Marvel™ and DC Comics™

• NERF® Zombie Strike SlingFire Blaster

• Nickelodeon PAW Patrol Look-Out Playset, Vehicles and Figurines, and Rescue Racers by Spin Master™

• Play-Doh® DohVinci Style and Store Vanity Complete Design Set by Hasbro®

• Simon Swipe Game by Hasbro®

• VTech® Kidizoom® Smartwatch

Plus, exclusively for its Shop Your Way members, with any online purchase of a Fab 15 toy now through November 22nd, Kmart is extending its free trial of the to Shop Your Way MAX program, which includes free two-day shipping for six months!

My girls would have a blast with just about all of these toys, with Little Sister B reaching first for the Holiday Auburn Barbie, My Little Pony Equestria Girls Playset and Disney Frozen Snow Glow Elsa Doll and Big Sister E leaning towards the Nickelodeon PAW Patrol items, Zoomer Dino and Simon Swipe Game. What fun!

This holiday season, Kmart is also encouraging members and customers to give the gift of hope by joining them in support of St. Jude's commitment to saving children's lives. Beginning December 7th, when customers purchase any of the Kmart Fab 15 toys, $1.00 will be donated to St. Jude – up to $25,000.

Customers can also donate at check-out at any Kmart store or online now through December 27th. Kmart is the all-time leading corporate fundraiser for St. Jude as 100% of the donation to the St. Jude Thanks & Giving campaign goes toward understanding, treating and defeating cancer other diseases in children.

How great is that? I love that a parent can sit down with their child and the Fab 15 and not only quickly and easily browse toys that will surely top wish lists everywhere, but can also incorporate a wonderful lesson about donating to a good cause.

Customers and members can shop for any of the items on the Fab 15 list at local Kmart stores nationwide or online anytime, so head to your nearest store or to Kmart.com today!

What is on your child's wish list this year? Is there a must-have toy that makes you nostalgic for your youth?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Join Believe in Heroes to Raise Funds and Awareness for Wounded Warrior Project {#BelieveInHeroes}

I'm participating in the 2014 Believe in Heroes® blogger campaign and received compensation as part of the program.

There will always be opposing viewpoints on the issues that face our country. Democrat vs republican, pro-life vs pro-choice, right to carry vs gun control... the list goes on and on.

However, no matter which side you stand on when discussing whether or not we should be sending troops to war, there is no denying that those Americans that do serve our country are true heroes. The sacrifices that they and their families make each and every day are incomparable, from the time spent away to the possibility of experiencing life-altering injuries.

Similarly, most veterans and their families are faced with a variety of challenges once they return to civilian life, including both physical injuries as well as those you cannot see, like post-traumatic stress disorder. Don't we owe it to these incredible men and women to show our support?

The answer is yes and right now it is even easier for all of us thanks to Believe in Heroes raising funds and awareness for Wounded Warrior Project.

A national cause marketing campaign, Believe in Heroes brings grocery retailers, trusted brands and shoppers together to raise funds for Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization founded in 2004 whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors and serve injured service members for their lifetime.

Believe in Heroes was established in 2010 and, now in its 5th consecutive year of raising funds, the campaign has generated $16 million for Wounded Warrior Project. That money has helped enable the expansion of its critical veteran programs that now directly serve more than 40,000 injured service members.

So, how can you get involved? Through three easy ways!

First, you can do your part while taking on the common household task of grocery shopping! Simply visit Believe in Heroes and head to their coupon portal, where you'll be able to download over $25 in savings (coupons are available through 11.30.14, or while supplies last) on brands you'll already be stocking up on during your next shopping trip.

We're talking brands including SunnyD, Brawny, Campbells, Purina, GERBER, Duracell, Jimmy Dean and more, so why wouldn't you want to grab a coupon or two (or 20)?

Second, purchase your own Believe in Heroes merchandise in stores or online so that you can show your support to those around you. From a license plate frame to a ballpoint pen to an apron set (and many more), there is a piece of gear that would make a wonderful gift for the family and friends in your life.

Third, share social media posts supporting Believe in Heroes and Wounded Warrior Project! Use the hashtag #BelieveInHeroes and join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, while encouraging your friends to do the same.

What are you waiting for? Find out more information on the Believe in Heroes campaign, how/where to shop, what great money-saving coupons are waiting for you and more by visiting WoundedWarriorProject.org.

If you need a little inspiration, while you're there take the time read many of the incredible Warrior Stories to see what heroic soldiers you might be helping by taking part in this campaign. It's time we all made a difference!

Make a Difference this Holiday Season with the 2014 World Vision Gift Catalog {Hand-Carved Serving Spoons Review & Giveaway}

If I told you that there are only 13 weeks until Christmas, would you nod knowingly or would your heart skip a few beats? I've been so focused on the start of fall that I didn't even think about how soon the holidays will be here!

As this year's shopping season gets underway, it's easy to think of the most traditional categories: the hottest toys, the most sought-out electronics, the ultimate in stylish home decor.

Of those, there are some holiday gifts that are practical and there are some that purely for entertainment, either of which is completely fine. After all, everything from a new Barbie doll to an upgraded phone has a place or serves a purpose in our lives (even if that's just providing joy from seeing the snazzy operating system).

But what if there was something more? What if there was a way to provide a gift that could be enjoyed, while, at the same time, it helped to instill a sense of compassion? One that gives knowledge and a feeling of global responsibility? Inspiration and encouragement to take action in our lives to make a difference in the world?

That's exactly what is found with World Vision.

Whether it's for the tax deduction or the warm fuzzy feeling giving to others generates, most Americans plan to make a charitable donation over the holiday season and a gift from the World Vision Gift Catalog provides the best of all worlds. Where else can you give knowing it is going where it is needed most while also receiving an amazing handcrafted gift in return?

Since it began in 1996, the World Vision Gift Catalog has grown in popularity as a gift-giving alternative; in the last fiscal year alone more than 186,000 donors purchased more than 475,000 items that raised over $33.7 million. I love seeing numbers like those!

If you've never browsed this wonderful catalog, then just know that you'll find more than 250 items, ranging in price from $10 to $39,000, 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.

What an amazing opportunity to make an important charitable donation while still giving a meaningful, amazing gift!

And, let me tell you, when one of these gifts arrives and it is absolutely beautiful while demonstrating the generosity of your gift-giver, it's hard to not feel immensely proud and special.

As I pulled the Hand-Carved Serving Spoons out of their beautiful packaging, I was immediately smitten with the smooth design, the natural colors of the wood and the simplistic beauty of them as a whole.

I love that these would make a perfect gift for holiday entertaining, as each set of olivewood serving spoons comes complete with a hand-sewn fabric bag and is ready right out of the box. At the same time, wouldn't your recipient love knowing that these serving spoons are not only practical and useful but are also benefiting the orphans of the Kamba tribe in Kenya?

I'm thrilled knowing that I can pull these out at every entertaining opportunity and not only bask in the compliments from my guests, but the knowledge that I can then tell them more about World Vision and the large selection of gift options that they have available!

The 2014 holiday season marks the 19th annual edition of the World Vision Gift Catalog and I couldn't be more proud to help support it. Around 400 million children in the world under the age of 13 live in extreme poverty (more than the entire population of the U.S.) and this catalog provides a way to bring about tremendous social change without spending a fortune.

Last year, more than 350,000 animals were purchased by donors, and while a goat ($75) may be World Vision's number one seller, other popular gifts include sheep, chickens, soccer balls, ducks and education for a child.

This holiday season, don't just give a gift. Consider a gift from the World Vision Gift Catalog, knowing that it can significantly improve the life of a child or family in need by providing tools and opportunities to overcome extreme poverty. At the same time, your friends and loved ones will be honored as they read their special card describing the gift and the impact it is making.

Now that's the true spirit of Christmas.

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.

Plus, thanks to their never-ending generosity, one person will be able to proudly share in the inspirational, life-changing ways of this organization as well, because...

One lucky person will win a set of Hand-Carved Serving Spoons (ARV $65) from World Vision!

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A big thank you to World Vision for providing a set of Hard-Carved Serving Spoons 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.