Today's Biggest Hits Sung by Kids for Kids: KIDZ BOP 29 Available Today! {Review}

As much as I attempt to let my children grow up without being too sheltered, there are times that I don't have any qualms about changing the television channel or not letting them see a movie that is too mature.

As for music, don't even get me started on the lyrics. While I would like to believe that most of it goes over their young heads, that doesn't mean that I want them repeatedly listening to songs with words and topics that are meant for someone decades older.

Fortunately, the happy medium is always available and I'm always thrilled to know that I can turn to one musical option that has the songs and beat that the kids love with the wording that lets parents rest easy, KIDZ BOP!

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!

As soon as my family heard about the release of the 29th KIDZ BOP album (available today!), there was no doubt that we were ready to bring home a new selection of songs. It's time to rock out with KIDZ BOP 29!

As usual, the group has yet again taken this season'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, as my girls have been playing it multiple times per day without ever growing tired of it!

This album's songs include:

• Sugar
• Style
• Time Of Our Lives
• GDFR
• Love Me Like You Do
• Want To Want Me
• Outside
• Shut Up And Dance
• I Want You To Know
• Dear Future Husband
• Centuries
• FourFiveSeconds
• Honey I'm Good
• See You Again

Big Sister E has declared this the best KIDZ BOP EVER! (which I'm sure she has said about every single album), while Little Sister B puts in a special request to hear GDFR over and over so that she can swing her arms crazily in the air to the catchy beat!

But, there's more! Along with recording KIDZ BOP 29, this talented group of kids has been hitting the stage for their "Make Some Noise" Tour going on across the country!

From Clarksburg, WV to Appleton, WI, the KIDZ BOP singers still have more than 10 stops left in their tour for fans across the country to have a chance to see them live. If these CDs are as big of a hit in your house as they are in ours, head over to KidzBop.com/tour to see if/when they'll be near you!

Whether you're having a rockin' party or just want something that the whole family can enjoy in the car, KIDZ BOP 29 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 sells as a BOGO for $14.98) as well as on Amazon (where it retails for $9.99).

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.

Other than the copy of KIDZ BOP 29 that I was provided 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.

Coffee-mate Partners with David Bromstad to Launch Limited Edition Creamer Bottles and “The Art of a Fresh Start” {$200 Target Gift Card Giveaway!}

Coffee will always be one of those things where there will be people on either end of the spectrum. There are people that scoff at it, those who like it, more that love it... as well as a subset of that last group that might be tempted to take some sort of action if you told them that they couldn't have their daily cup(s).

While I wouldn't put myself squarely into the latter category (denial?), it's pretty clear that it is a better situation for everyone involved if I can wake up and enjoy my morning coffee before I'm asked to do too many tasks or have had little voices talking at me from all directions. After all, it's not too big of a stretch to say that how well the morning goes has a pretty big impact on how the rest of the day is going to follow, right?

Which is why I'm in love with Coffee-mate's partnership with celebrity designer and artist David Bromstad and the limited edition Coffee-mate bottles he has designed to celebrate "The Art of a Fresh Start!"

Using the theory that every morning is a blank canvas with a chance to do something new, dream something big, and see something beautiful take shape, "The Art of a Fresh Start" is a summer campaign that spoke to me immediately. Why not start the day full of excitement and anticipation knowing that you have the power to shape your mood for the next 24 hours?

And, when it comes to coffee, I will always choose to make it more delicious with the sweet addition of Coffee-mate creamer. One little pour is all it takes!

The addition of the new limited edition bottles designed by David Bromstad can only make that even better and more attractive, so I couldn't wait to head to Target to see what David had designed.

Can these creative wrappers get any more fun? I love the way that they take Coffee-mate's French Vanilla and Hazelnut flavors and turn the standard bottles into their own little works of art!

Each of the four designs (two French Vanilla and two Hazelnut) feature a flower packaging motif and, without a doubt, add a little extra flair to an otherwise-standard product.

When it comes to giving me inspiration to smile first thing in the morning, pulling one of these gorgeous bottles out of my fridge is going to go a long way in helping!

Sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide through September 5th, 2015, don't miss the opportunity to add some designer style and beauty to your coffee routine with these great Coffee-mate options. Like David says, "Wake up to what moves you!"

You can find out more about these attractive bottles, Coffee-mate's partnership with David, what gets him inspired, his tips for starting off your day right, and more by heading over to Target.com now!

You'll also want to connect with Coffee-mate at Coffee-mate.com as well as on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on the latest and greatest with all of their amazing (and delicious!) products.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will be able to have their own "Art of a Fresh Start" by stocking up on these beautiful creamer bottles before they disappear, because...

One lucky winner will receive a $200 Target gift card to shop for their own designer Coffee-Mate bottles!

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This is a sponsored post by NESTLE Coffee-mate. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are unbiased and based on my personal view. This prize was provided by NESTLE Coffee-mate, but NESTLE Coffee-mate is not an administrator or connected in any other way with this giveaway. The Bullseye Design, Target and Target GiftCard are registered trademarks of Target Brands, Inc. Terms and conditions are applied to gift cards. Target is not a participating partner in or sponsor of this offer.

Functional and Beautiful Growth Charts from Growth Chart Art {Review}

There is something to be said for children's artwork that is traditional, classic and cute. After all, that's the type of decor that fills nurseries and bedrooms and playrooms across the country and makes family and friends smile when they enter the room.

However, when it comes to pieces of art that are going to hang on the wall long beyond infancy, then it must be something more. It needs to be something that can be looked at and interacted with and from a company that understands that it is possible to please children as well as adults with items that are artistically designed, durable enough to last for years, and not too childish that they will be long outgrown before they wear out.

In short, I want pieces that will adorn my walls that will be cherished for quite some time... which is exactly what I have discovered is available from Growth Chart Art.

On a mission to create earth-friendly, beautiful, artistic and timeless growth charts that allow families to mark the most important moments in time, Growth Chart Art offers a line of green, handcrafted wooden growth charts that are sure to make your jaw drop. While I am used to seeing cartoon characters and pastels, these collections leave me feeling inspired and in awe of the talent that went into them.

Also, as opposed to nearly every other growth chart company that I ever seen, Growth Chart Art also has an extensive line of mediums to choose from including wooden skis, surfboards, snowboards and more. What better way to show off their beautiful designs (animals, nature, geometric, guitars, rulers and many more) that allow families to mark memories in minutes?

Although I was blown away by nearly all of the Growth Art Chart options (so many fantastic possibilities! So many gorgeous colors!), the girls and I went over each one and finally decided that the simplistic design and beautiful color of the Ruler Growth Chart in Robin's Egg Blue with Centimeters was our favorite. I absolutely couldn't wait to see it in person!

Stunning!

My decor style is modern and uncluttered, so having this growth chart show up with such a contemporary, clean look made me immediately antsy to get it up on the wall!

While some products look decent from a distance and then not as nice up close, Growth Chart Art ensures that the details are just as precise as the overall look — the grain of the Baltic Birch plywood shows through giving uniqueness, the numbers and lines are clean and crisp (and are printed with eco-friendly ink), and more.

Along with the look and quality of this growth chart, Growth Chart Art sends their products complete with all of the supplies needed for hanging as well as a Sharpie Ultra Fine Point pen. All that you need to do is select your location, screw it in and start marking your child's growth right on it!

Once we had measured to find 2' up from the floor, it only took the use of a level and a screwdriver before we had the 2' on our Growth Chart Art matched up and the entire thing securely screwed into the wall.

We have since transferred over our previous measurements from the girls' past years and are now happily awaiting their next birthdays to make our next marks. I have zero doubt that we will have this Ruler Growth Chart throughout the entire rest of their childhood... and hopefully long into my future grandchildren's childhoods as well.

For now, Big Sister E and Little Sister B absolutely love seeing how high they measure up on this gorgeous growth chart!

 

With prices ranging from $55 to $145, a purchase from Growth Chart Art is most likely going to cost more than the generic plastic or vinyl options that you'll find in stores or elsewhere online, but is the result something that you will be able to cherish for year after year?

Not to mention that Growth Chart Art offers free shipping and returns, extremely easy personalization options for only $10 more, and a functional product that doubles as a piece of art. As a huge bonus, you can rest easy that your purchase helps support this environmentally friendly company and that a portion of your sale goes to child-centric non-profit organizations that help children and teens.

All that in the form of a timeless, green, creative, functional product that will hang on the wall long after my children have left the nest? Yes, please!

Find out much more about all of the amazing aspects and products that make up Growth Chart Art by visiting GrowthChartArt.com and connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter and their Amazon store.

Other than the growth chart that I was provided by Growth Chart Art 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 and this company.

Tips for Throwing the Best Backyard Party with Fisher Nut Exactly {$50 Costco Gift Card Prize Pack Giveaway!}

As summer continues to heat up, all thoughts seem to turn to cooling off with sprinklers, swimming pools and ice cold glasses of lemonade. But let's not forget about all of the fun of gathering friends and family for a sunny, backyard picnic or barbeque!

While you can grab some hamburger and a package of buns from the grocery store the day of your event, a little bit of pre-planning can help take a pleasant afternoon to the next level and make it truly memorable. Games? Lighting? Drinks? Are you serving all finger foods or is silverware necessary?

These are just a few of the questions to keep in mind to easily transform your barbeque into a party to remember!

Ready to plan your backyard party? Here are a few of my top tips for the days and weeks leading up to your gathering:

• Plan your menu accordingly — as well as having enough food for the number of guests, be sure to keep in mind any special dietary needs or allergies. Ensure your party goers will have plenty of choices in food as well as drinks for all tastes and preferences. 

• Prepare the grill — if you are firing up your grill, be sure it is clean and oiled for optimal results. 

• Decor can be big or small — from DIY to store bought, from elaborate to simple. Whether you choose to have matching tablecloths and napkins or color-coordinated hanging lights and citronella candles, show your friends and family a little special touch to give your yard a festive atmosphere.

• Entertainment — from your premade playlist to a variety of yard games, be sure that your guests will have something to do once they have finished eating (particularly children so that their parents can relax).

What tips would you add?

One extra addition that could go along with planning the menu is to introduce your guests to the newest snack to hit the market to satisfy everyone's sweet + crunchy craving, Fisher's tasty snack product, Fisher Nut Exactly snack bites!

Last month I was introduced to Fisher Nut Exactly and was amazed at this tasty snack! The combination of roasted nuts and whole grain popcorn is rolled into a bite sized snack and then dipped in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, peanut butter or salted caramel and the results are extremely yummy!

But now Fisher has taken things a step further yet again by debuting an exclusive new flavor of Fisher Nut Exactly, Almond Blueberry Dipped in Dark Chocolate snack bites, at Costco retailers in the Midwest.

I don't know about where you live, but around here Costco is the shopping destination of choice for just about everyone I know. Who can resist the jumbo containers, friendly employees and enough samples that you can pretty much have a complete meal while you browse around the store? So what better place to find a delicious 20 oz resealable package of Fisher Nut Exactly in the new Almond Blueberry Dipped in Dark Chocolate variety?

These unique Fisher Nut Exactly snack bites are a combination of roasted almonds, blueberries, pumpkin seeds and whole grain popcorn, rolled into a bite sized snack that is then dipped in rich dark chocolate.

The result is scrumptious, smart and gluten free; made with no artificial preservatives; and ends up both sweet and savory in your mouth!

Although my family hasn't been as in love with the Almond Blueberry Dipped in Chocolate variety as much as the previous four Fisher Nut Exactly flavors that we tried, I still think that these would be a wonderful addition to any backyard party or barbeque.

Just grab a handful and pop them into your mouth for just enough of a satisfying crunch of deliciousness!

Ready to find out more about Fisher Nut Exactly and decide which of the scrumptious flavors you will bring home first? Head over to FisherNutExactly.com to find a list of the retailers nationwide that carry them... but remember that the new Almond Blueberry Dipped in Dark Chocolate variety is exclusively available at Costco stores.

Then be sure to let Fisher know just how much you're enjoying their new Fisher Nut Exactly products by connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter and using the #FisherNutExactly hashtag.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be able to include this tasty new snack into their own summer shindig (as well as stock up on other backyard party necessities), because...

One lucky person will win a prize package including a $50 Costco Gift Card (can be used without membership) and a 20 oz bag of Fisher Nut Exactly snack bites!

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A big thank you to Fisher for providing a gift card and product 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.