Thursday, February 23, 2012

SNAP Infusion Candy: Review

Everyone in our house has a definite sweet tooth. While we try to satisfy our cravings with fresh fruit or other healthy desserts, sometimes we just want candy. And really, who can blame us?

SNAP Infusion candy
is a "supercandy." It's loaded with B vitamins to boost energy, antioxidants to support the immune system, and electrolytes to balance hydration. SNAP candy comes in four flavor varieties Mel, Bean, Tart and Gum.
We tried the Mel, Bean, and Gum. The Mel is a chocolate covered caramel, which was a hit with my son. While he rarely needs a boost in energy, I liked that I could offer him an all natural, low calorie candy.

Hubby was a fan of the Bean. He loves jelly beans and enjoyed the fruity flavor of SNAP. He was sure to let me know that if I didn't want my half of the pack, he'd be happy to take them off my hands.

My favorite of the three was the Gum. The citrus flavor was light, but offered a punch of pep in the middle of my afternoon. And what mom couldn't use that?

Buy It: You can find SNAP at select stores or order online.

Samples were provided for review. All opinions are our own.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Honor Heritage Sweepstakes from Dollar General & a Giveaway

***Closed: Congrats to Dara Nix***

February is Black History Month and to celebrate, Coca-Cola is partnering with Dollar General to offer customers a chance to win a family trip for up to 10 people to the 2012 Essence Music Festival. Presented by Coca-Cola, the Essence Music Festival, held July 6th through 8th in New Orleans, is the country’s largest annual African-American music and empowerment event.

The Honor Heritage Sweepstakes is the first of several Dollar General initiatives to honor "Every Day Heroes." The year-long program will honor community heroes, from firemen and veterans to teachers and caregivers.

Along with the trip, shoppers who purchase qualifying products can also enter to win instant prizes, including $50 and $25 in Live Nation Concert Cash. For a chance to win, Dollar General shoppers can check their receipt for a special code upon purchasing qualifying products. For complete sweepstake rules and to enter, visit Dollar General. Hurry though, the sweepstakes ends February 26th.

Win It:
To start the celebration, we have a special Dollar General Black History month prize package for one lucky reader which includes: Olay Firming Night of Olay Cream, CoverGirl LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara, Febreze Auto in Linen & Sky scent, a Dollar General calculator and a key chain.
Mandatory entry: Leave a comment telling me your favorite thing to buy at Dollar General.

Want extra entries? (Leave separate comments for each)
Be sure to leave a way to contact you.
Giveaway ends 2/26 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email, so be sure to leave a way to contact you. Open to US only.

Procter & Gamble provided the prize for our consideration, as well as the giveaway prize. All opinions are our own.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Our Week 2.6

These two are so funny. I swear the cat thinks Babycakes is a kitten sometimes.
Little Man turned 7 1/2 this week. We celebrated with 1/2 of a cake, gifts, and fun. I don't know where the time goes. I've decided I just want to keep both boys little forever.
Babycakes now thinks he need to wake up at 6:45. Momma is not so fond of mornings after being up with him at 11, 12, 1, 1:30, 2:15, 3, 4, 5, 5:15, 6, and 6:45.
I call this one his sassy-pants face. I swear this kid has so much attitude already. He just can't hold it all in.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Jolly Rancher Crunch 'N Chew

I grew up loving Jolly Ranchers. They were my go-to candy and I would sneak one any time I had the chance. I was so excited to see that they recently introduced a new product to the Jolly Rancher line, the Crunch 'N Chew.

The Crunch 'N Chew has a crunchy outer shell and a soft, chewy middle. Like the original Jolly Rancher, it offers bold, sweet, fruity flavors, plus the chewiness of Jolly Rancher Chews. Flavors include watermelon, blue raspberry, cherry, and green apple.To launch the candies with a bang, Jolly Rancher Crunch 'N Chew partnered with Poptent, an online videographer community. Community members were asked to create a video spot highlighting the candy. More than 200 submissions have now been narrowed to the top three finalists. Voting for the top spot is being held now, and you can cast your vote daily through February 15th.

The Crunch 'N Chew has become a favorite in our house, and I've caught hubby stealing them to take to work. We love their sweetness and the combination of textures. I think I'll be buying him his own personal bag for Valentine's Day!

Buy It:
Find the Crunch 'N Chew at your local grocery, drug, or convenience stores

Samples were provided for review. All opinions are our own.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

201 Organic Baby Purees Review

Seven years years ago, when my oldest started eating solids, I never even considered making his baby food. I was young and it seemed so complicated and time-consuming. After all, didn't baby food come out of a glass jar, smelling almost like something you could consider edible?

When Babycakes came along, I realized just how simple making baby purees could be. Our first attempt yielded us over 30 meals worth of apples and sweet potatoes at about 10 cents a serving. (I love getting good deals!) And, it only took me about 20 minutes of work time. Ah-mazing.201 Organic Baby Purees, by Tamika L. Gardner, is the first baby cookbook I've used. And I have to admit, it will likely be the only one. Not only does it offer recipes for first foods through 12 months and more, it covers the basics of preparation and storage. The recipes range from simple to complex, but all sound like yummy flavors and combinations for little palates. I can't wait to try Avocado-Pumpkin Mash, Cinnamon Peas Galore, and Plummy Potatoes with Babycakes. I have even added a few of the recipes to next week's meal plan for our entire family. Cheesy Corn Nuggets and Mika's Rainbow Corn Medley sound too good not to try.

201 Organic Baby Purees is not only about purees. In addition to the 201 purees, it offers healthy recipes the whole family can enjoy together. I love that it suggests flavor combinations I wouldn't have created on my own and tells me which recipes will freeze well. It's a great cookbook to keep on hand well beyond baby's first year.

Buy It: 201 Organic Baby Purees is available for under $12

A copy was provided for review. All opinions are my own.