Review: Zombie Tux Tee Shirt from Halloween-T-Shirts.com #Halloween

Dear Readers:

   As some of you know, I am a HUGE Walking Dead Fan. And Vampire Fan. And Witches. And pretty much anything that appeals to the darkside of human kind. So I was super excited to review this fun Zombie tux tee from Halloween-T-Shirts.com.   I love how colorful, and vibrant it is and the fun corsage detail. Super cute.  And how perfect for this time of year. 

There are hundreds of colorful, dark and fun shirts at this site. I am sifting through and could pretty much imagine wearing any of them for Halloween. Everything from a cute devil baby, to Zombie Lady Liberty and 333 Half Evil which makes me giggle. 

I was sent a Medium tee and then shrunk it down to fit (I like my tees tight). The cotton is super soft and the design bright and a bit shiny so it stand out well on the black background. Overall I found the tee to be of good quality and it will be fun to wear all of the time for shiggles. 

Check out the site and let me know which is your fave! There are hundreds of different tees including drinking tees, birthday tees and so much more! 

And Happy Halloween from the Lees! 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sponsored Review: V8 V-Fusion® Refresher: Cranberry Grape and Tangerine Passionfruit with Ana #V8Refreshers

Hello Dear Readers:
  This is a sponsored post, we received delicious juice in exchange for this review.

Ana and I received a nice big box full of delicious and nutritious V8 V-Fusion® Refreshers to try out. She is a bit of a juice monster and when she loves a juice, she drinks it all of the time.  We decided to try out the Cranberry Grape juice first and we found it sweet, but not too sweet, and delicious. It was perfect for our fall meals, and even with snacks (like pumpkin bars and delicious apples.).  I like that the juice is a blend of fruit and vegetable juice and Ana likes the colors and taste in her cup! The Tangerine Passionfruit appeals to me more than Ana, and I loved drinking it in the morning before my egg whites. It was different than any other juice I have tried before, light and sweet, and orangy but not too much so. Great!


 From the company:

"  New V8 V-Fusion Refreshers are a light and crisp juice drink with a 20-25% blend of fruit and vegetable juices that come in four delicious – and unique – family pleasing flavors. Made with both fruit and vegetable juices, V8 V-Fusion Refreshers are naturally sweetened, contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and are an excellent source of Vitamin C.

V8 V-Fusion Refreshers are available in four tasty flavors, Black Cherry Berry, Cranberry Grape, Tangerine Passionfruit and Peach Strawberry, providing premium juice refreshments that will make the whole family happy."

It certainly made my family happy, especially my little sweetie. She is a convert and has requested the the new juice over and over again. Ana is one happy toddler and Mama is one happy Mama. No high fructose corn syrup, lots of vitamin C, and vitamins from yummy fruit and veggies. A great way to get her to drink her vitamins daily.

Review: Amy Adele Flat Notecards , fairy design for Ana.

Dear Readers:

  I am rather old fashioned when it comes to things like invites, thank you cards and holiday cards. Evites are fun and all, but I like well designed, simple and pretty cards that you can mail out. After all, isn't it fun to open the mailbox and find a beautiful card just meant for you?? I think so. So much better than an email.

Ana and I were super excited to pick out a cute card from Amy Adele, and we looked at all of the designs over and over until Ana chose the fairy cards that could be personalized (found below):

  Aren't they the cutest? I love the simple fairy and lovely signature.  If you like these too, you can find them here:

Fairy Cards.

To order cards on Amy Adele, it was a simple process and the shipping was quick and easy. Plus, the cards arrived in a cute mesh bag, so they were protected while shipping. Super cute! I love the quality of the cardstock and the adorable printing. Great, high quality. I am really impressed and will be ordering more cards from Amy Adele.

Make sure you check out the Flat Cards at the  Amy Adele site to see all of the adorable designs that they have, there are so many you will really have a difficult choice to choose just one!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review: Calorease Dietary Supplement #momsmeet

Hello Dear Readers:

  I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC,
who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product
and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group
LLC. or the manufacturer of the product. Want to know more about this program and Moms Meet? Check out Moms Meet!! 

  As most of you know, I very closely watch the calories and fat that I intake as well as exercise regularly. I enjoy being fit and wearing my clothes, and I am always a bit skeptical about any pill that offers an easy way to keep weight off and offer some sort of miracle. So I was skeptical about trying out new Calorease, a new pill that helps bind dietary fat so you do not gain weight. I received my pack and tried using it on a regular basis,  mostly when I was eating a high fat meal.

How does it work??

It is pretty simple. When you are going to eat a fat containing meal. Take 2 tablets. 3x a day.  That is it. Simple and easy. No measuring, weighing or figuring out points or calories.

How did it work for me???
  Great. I felt great, had lots of energy and didn't gain any weight in the period in which I used it (3 weeks of consistent use).

 From the company:

"It’s understood that fiber can bind with dietary fat and prevent fat from being digested. But since most fibers bind fat at a 1:1 ratio, you would have to consume unrealistic amounts of ordinary fiber to gain any
benefit—until now. The unique, patented fiber in Calorease (FBCx) binds up to 9 times its weight in dietary fat, reducing up to 15,000 calories per month from a normal diet."

Sound reasonable right?? It is , and it seems to work. At least for me.  Keep in mind that I eat clean, and balanced healthy food. I work out at least 3 or 4 x a week and I walk. A lot.  I think that moderation is key. Eat moderately. Use Calorease to bind fat . And exercise. This is just my opinion of course and it is what works for me.

Want more details?? Have questions??  I did:

• If taken as recommended, results can be seen in about 2-3 weeks.
Keep in mind that Calorease is not a license to overeat, nor is it a magic
bullet for quick weight loss.

• There is no program or special diet involved with taking Calorease. A
reasonable, balanced and nutritious fat-containing diet is recommended.
Click here for sample meal plans.

• Calorease does not contain gluten, lactose, yeast, wheat, sugar, salt,
egg, soy, dairy, artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives. It is
naturally sourced from grain and is suitable for vegans.

• A convenient blister pouch provides 1 serving (2 tablets) so it’s easy to
take on the go. A 90-tablet pack of Calorease retails for $29.99.

The best part?? Calorease can be had for half off right now. Just for you reading this blog! Here is the discount and code:
Only $14.99 for a 90-tablet pack! Visit calorease.com/buy and enter code 4MOMS.

• If you want to stay updated on the latest offers and promotions:  “Like” Calorease at Facebook: Facebook.com/calorease 


Important Links:

• Calorease site
• facebook.com/calorease
• twitter.com/calorease
• pinterest.com/calorease

Review: Ultra Sleeves™ Clear, Disposable, Protective Sleeve For Tablets (My Ipad 2)

Hello Dear Readers:

  I will admit it, my Ipad usually has little fingerprints all over it. Despite Ana having her own (my first Ipad, first generation), she does pick mine up and play games on it (her fave is Mad Birds right now, her version of Angry Birds, lol).  So I was really excited when I got the chance to try out Ultra Sleeves Clear Sleeves for my Ipad 2.  Super easy to apply, the clear sleeve keeps my screen clean and legible. And even though I keep my Ipad in a soft cover when I am traveling, and am not too worried about scratches, having this sleeve on makes sure that scratches are a thing of the past.  

Here are all of the deets from the company: 

The Ultimate in Disposable Protection for tablets

Don’t let scratches and spills limit you from using your new computer tablet! Protect your valuable electronics with our new Ultra Sleeves™ disposable, protective sleeves for computers tablet and e-readers such as iPads and Kindles.

Ultra Sleeves™ are designed to be economical solutions for using your computer tablet at the beach, with your kids, in the kitchen, at a barbeque… or whenever you want to protect against that OOPS situation!

Our sleeves are made from the same high quality, acid-free, and recyclable plastic film used in the collectibles industry, with added anti-static feature to better protect your expensive electronics. We use unique double adhesive strips which provides an improved seal and the resealable adhesivea lets you open and close it back up with ease for battery charging and adjusting.
 

Technical Details

• Fits 2nd, 3rd, & 4th generation iPads; FDA Approved Formulation
• Water resistant; made with exclusive anti-static formulation to better protect electronics
• Great for picnics, the beach, airplanes, bathrooms, kitchens or around the kids
• No effect on Wi-fi or 4G reception
• Dual adjustable adhesive closures for added security

I havent tried the waterproof part yet, I think I will take their word for it. But I do feel safer and like how strong the plastic covering is. And that a package comes with a whole bunch to save money, and time.

Most of what I worry about is having my ipad around Ana and her friends, as toddlers are not necessarily the most careful with electronics and I am pretty permissive with her usage. She tries to be careful, but she IS only 3. Accidents happen. 

 Want to know more, here are the Important Links:

Their  products are available for sale on Amazon:

 Amazon Link 

http://www.ultra-sleeves.com/aboutus.html 

https://twitter.com/UltraProPDMS
https://www.facebook.com/UltraSleeves
https://www.facebook.com/UltraProPDMS
http://pinterest.com/ultrapropdms/

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wordless Wednesday : Ana at Dubois Farms/First School Trip Apple and Pumpkin Picking

Ther

There is still time to pick apples and other fun fruit at Dubois Farms, check out their site here:

Dubois Farms in Highland Ny

I cooked with Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, delicious and nutritious, plus: You could win $200!

Dear Readers:

  Thanks to the Smiley 360 Blogger Program I received a yummy bottle of Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil to use in my recipes.  I alternate between coconut oil and olive oil and Pompeian's Oil is delicious. I made several recipes with this new bottle including: Spicy 5 pepper fish.

Super easy. I took a 5 oz filet of flounder, rubbed it with the fiery 5 pepper rub and then sauteed it in the Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  I do not eat meat. and eat fish a couple of times a week and this olive oil was delicious and really brought out the flavor of the fish. It was super yummy! 

I also use Olive Oil for shrimp, chicken and other proteins in our house. Another great recipe that I made recently was an easy shrimp dish:

Choose a portion of fresh or frozen shrimp leaving the tales on, but deveining and pulling off the shells.In this case about 8-10 shrimp.  Then saute them lightly in the Olive Oil and add fresh or canned chopped garlic, and spicy sauce or tomato sauce depending on your palate. I like things spicy so I add red pepper and serve with a cold, crisp salad (dressing made with Olive Oil and spice pack).

The third recipe that I took photos of (and believe me I used this olive oil almost every day in one way or another) was this:

Turkey Sausage and Peppers/Onions 

Another spicy dish that is super easy to make when you run in and do not have a lot of dinner prep time. Just slice up some fresh turkey sausage,  a couple of onions and fresh peppers and saute in Olive Oil. Then serve on a long Italian roll (or skip the bread like me) and salad.

Sounds easy and delish right? There are hundreds of ways to use Olive Oil and hundreds on recipes. For more check out the Pompeian website (and coupon) below, or follow along on Facebook.  Also, if you take the survey at the link below , you have the chance to win $200. Woweeeee ;))

• A $1.00 coupon for any Pompeian Olive Oil: http://bit.ly/1dKqYUK
• Like Pompeian on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/15UDkF4
• This survey for your readers, which gives them the chance to win a $200 gift card http://smiley360.com/2187139.cfm

Review: Sofia the First Princess Toddler Costume for Halloween!!

Dear Readers:

 I received a costume as part of this review, I have not been compensated for this post. All opinions within are my own.

   It has begun. That thing that happens to all little girls when they hit a certain age. The obsession with all things princess. Including the tv shows, movies, dolls and costumes. The clear slippers, the tiaras and tutus.

  And, Ana has hit that age.  She now owns most of the princess costumes, all of the dolls and quite a bit of the accessories. I admit it, she looks adorable and it makes me happy that she loves feeling glittery and feminine. So there were no surprises when she was debating what to be for Halloween and decided on one of Disney's newest Princesses: Sofia the First.      We were so fortunate to find exactly what Ana was looking for at Halloween Adventure: 

Halloween Adventure sells every costume that you could imagine and has wonderful sales and prices for your little princess. Check out the link and let me know which costume you would choose? She loves the multilayered costume.And I love the puffy sleeves and matching tiara. It does need a bit of ironing straight out of the bag, but I am sure that will be simple to do before Halloween! I like that everything was included for one low price and it resembles the cartoon costume so much (it is an official Disney costume).

 Ana loves to curtsey in her new Sofia the first costume (and I even found some little purple rhinestone slippers to match).  She looked so serious when she was modeling her costume,after all being a royal is serious business.

Ana cant wait to go out trick or treating and show off her new costume and tiara. She has been "practicing treak or treating " through out the house for the past week.

 

Not sure why. but this photo gives me shades of what Ana will be like as a tween!

Delicious and Autumny-y Butternut Squash Apple Soup.

Dear Readers:

 This is one of the easiest and most used recipes I make here in the Lee Household during the fall and winter. I love any kind of squash and this pairs so well with a crisp salad or buttery homemade bread. I use already peeled and cut butternut squash to cut down on prep time. Feel free to boil, peel and cut up the squash beforehand!

 Yummy Homemade Butternut Squash and Apple Soup (taken from The Healthy Kitchen Andrew Weil and Rosie Daley):

1 large winter squash (about 2 1/2 pounds), such as butternut, buttercup, or kabocha, peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch pieces. 2 medium onions, peeled and quartered 3 cloves garlic, peeled 2 tart, firm apples, peeled, cored, and quartered ( I used granny smith , I like them really tart) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt and red chili powder to taste 4-5 cups vegetable stock

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large roasting pan, toss the squash, onions, garlic, and apples with the oil to coat. Season well with the salt and chili powder. Roast, stirring every 10 minutes, until the vegetables are fork-tender and lightly browned, about 40 minutes. Put half the vegetables with 2 cups of the stock in a food processor and purée until smooth. Repeat with the remaining vegetables and broth. Return puréed mixture to the pot. If the soup is too thick, add more broth. Correct the seasoning and heat to a simmer. Delish, no?? And Healthy:

Serves 4
Nutrients Per Serving:

Calories 274
Fat 8g
Saturated Fat 1g
(26% calories from fat)
Protein 17g
Carbohydrate 40g
Cholesterol 0mg
Fiber 11g

Sponsored Review: L'oreal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder. #magicnude

Dear Readers:
 This is a sponsored post from Shespeaks and I did receive a bottle of L'oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder to test out.

 I do not have a lot of time to make up my face these days. In the morning, I am running to take Ana to school, then running to well, run at the park and then running to do errands and pick Ana back up. All of this running is not conducive to wearing heavy makeup. That is why the new L'oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder is perfect for me. Once on, easily appied by fingertip or q-tip, it feels light and looks light too. I dont look heavily made up and it is hard to discern that I have any powder on at all, but I have a healthy glow, and feel refreshed and bright. Love it!  What makes it even better is it is easy to find in stores near me, and is completely affordable at $12.50 a bottle. Great!

Add Photo of Zoe before and after makeup after storm ends.


And here is a little more info from the PR people:

About L’Oréal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder Makeup:
This revolutionary liquid-powder formula glides on and transforms on contact to a fresh, powder-like finish for a look that’s flawless,yet undetectable. The lightweight foundation with SPF 18 will make you feel like you aren’t wearing makeup at all!

To apply: Shake well. For best results, pour just a few drops onto fingers and apply directly onto skin. Not recommended for use with a sponge or brush.

L’Oréal Paris Magic Nude retails for approximately $12.95 for 1 fl oz. It is available in 12 shades and is available at mass food and drug retailers nationwide.


Super easy and super affordable.  Here is a quick video of me putting it on! :

Add video on Tues or Wed

I love the new Magic Nude Liquid Powder and will be using it from here on out!

Sponsored: Tylenol Smiling it Forward with Ana

I have received information and products from McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., the makers of TYLENOL®. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks.

Hello Dear Readers:

Nothing worries me more than when Ana says in her small and sweet toddler voice: "Mama, I don't feel good". 

Luckily I have only heard it a couple of times in her short three years. But one time is one time too many. Thankfully after a few days and with the help of Infants’ Tylenol, she is usually back to her usual bubbly and active self in no time. Nothing makes me feel better than that over-a-cold smile back on her face, and seeing her run around outside or back to work at her craft table. She is a happy kid when she feels good and that alone makes me smile. 

Help Tylenol bring smiles to every kid's face with their new SMILING IT FORWARD™ campaign. Tylenol is donating $1 to Children's Health Fundto help children in need see a doctor and get the help that they need (up to $100,000).* This is so easy to do, just head on over to the SMILING IT FORWARD™ website here:

Smiling It Forward.

and click share it now.  ( I chose this photo): 

A recent photo from our first school trip to the farm.

Upload, Edit it, Save it and Share! And wait for your photo to be approved. It is that easy. I love to help where I can. And this is such an easy way to make a difference.

Do you know about Children's Health Fund??

Here is more info about the cause you will be helping out with this program:

Children’s Health Fund

  Every child deserves to be healthy, for this very reason singer/songwriter Paul Simon and Dr. Irwin Redlener were inspired to create Children’s Health Fund.  With so many children living in poverty, kids across the country struggle because they can’t get to the doctor. Preschoolers suffer with untreated earaches. Elementary school kids have trouble seeing the blackboard without glasses. Middle school kids fall asleep in class because of a restless night spent wheezing with asthma. Without needed medicine, high school students are often out sick. At every level, many kids don’t have the chance to do their best in school.

  Recognizing the many barriers that keep these disadvantaged kids from the doctors they need, Paul Simon and Dr. Irwin Redlener ,pioneered an innovative solution 25 years ago–the first “medical clinic on wheels”. Today, Children’s Health Fund's fleet of 50 medical mobile clinics brings healthcare to sick children in dozens of rural areas and disadvantaged urban neighborhoods nationwide. These clinics offer low income families a better alternative than the emergency room.

 With your support, Children’s Health Fund can be part of the solution and continue to give every child, no matter their economic situation, a chance. For more information about Children’s Health Fund, visit

www.ChildrensHealthFund.org.

Tylenol sent me a lovely package of goodies to save and display my photos of smiles. 

Thanks to Tylenol for reaching out about this amazing program. I hope they reach the 100,000 goal

Review: PB Crave Peanut Butter, amazing and delicious!

Hello Dear Readers:

 I dont think I have ever been so excited to sample a delicious peanut butter treat as I was when I opened the box of PB Crave peanut butters. Some people are chocolate people and some are peanut butter people, and I am definitely a peanut butter girl.  The sampler box included Choco Choco, Coco Bananas, Razzle Dazzle and Cookie Nookie. And let me tell you, each flavor was better than the next.  I can honestly tell you that Ana and I opened all four flavors and have tested them out in various ways from plain on the spoon to with bananas and apples. Also with jelly on a sandwich, which seems almost too pedestrian for these amazing flavor profiles.

All of the four types are made with wild honey as a sweetener, and each has its own mix-ins that make it super special. Cookie Nookie has chocolate chips and cookie dough,razzle dazzle has raspberries and white chocolate chips, Coco Bananas has banana and Choco Choco (Ana's fave) has chocolate and dark chocolate.

PB Crave offers four mouthwatering, natural peanut butter blends—each mixing many of your favorite flavors with premium natural peanut butter—for a new twist on an old classic. Razzle Dazzle, Cookie Nookie, CoCo Banana, and Choco Choco.

This peanut butter is artisan-crafted using high-quality ingredients and proven practices. Enjoy the new twisted taste sensation that gives you more of the mouthwatering flavors you crave—without the stuff you don't. 

–No hydrogenated oil
–No artificial flavors
–No syrups
–No high-fructose corn syrup
–Gluten and cholesterol free
–Small batches, artisan crafted
–USDA-approved manufacturing

–Fun, delicious and nutritious
-Kosher Certified

Also I received this great pr info from the company:

"Changing peanut butter to change the world

PB Crave is different — because we’re actually making a difference.

Our goal is to help save the lives of 2 million children. A minimum of 2% of the profits from every jar of PB Crave peanut butter goes directly to Project Peanut Butter, a non-profit organization focused on treating malnourished children. In addition, we are creating awareness so others will give to Project Peanut Butter directly. Around the world, malnutrition is the leading cause of death for children under five. It doesn’t have to be — Join PB Crave and help change the world.

Make a donation at www.pbcrave.com
 

 

PB Crave is available at Walmart Supercenters and Cost Plus World Market stores across the US and you can  find a store near you with their store locator at the bottom of the homepage :

 www.pbcrave.com

Also: check out Celebrity Chef Andrew Zimmern's OpenSky Page and video review on PB Crave at:

https://www.opensky.com/pb-crave

These are super delicious peanut butters. Try them and see for yourself.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review and Giveaway: Vtech InnoTab 3 Learning App Tablet, Ana loves hers!!

Hello Dear Readers:

   This is a sponsored post, I received a sample to review from Vtech.

 Recently we received a Vtech Innotab 3 Learning App Tablet to test out and right away, Ana fell in love. She especially loves taking videos, photos and coloring with the Art App. The box included one free app and all of the info to set up the Innotab, and it was pretty easy.  Ana can turn it on and off by herself and was scrolling though all of the fun in no time. She had to teach me how to use it...oh three year olds. How wise they are , before their years. Anyhow, it is so fun for her to play the games. read along with the books and use the camera functions.

My only complaint is that unlike the Ipad, you really do have to buy the good apps. I am not sure if there will be more low priced and free apps added to the store in the future, but I sure hope so. 

  Want to know all  the rest of the details?  Here is more info including the mexapixels and features:

  The  VTech® InnoTab 3 Learning App Tablet combines educational games, creative activities and reading skills while emphasizing fun, all in a compact tablet at an affordable price, making it a great first learning tablet for kids! 

  

InnoTab® 3 Learning Tablet:

•The InnoTab® 3 combines educational games, creative activities and reading skills in a child-friendly, multi-function, touch screen tablet to make learning fun. 

•Compact and lightweight design with 4.3” color touch screen, new directional pad and tilt sensor

•2.0 megapixel, 180° rotating camera with more than 55 photo features and special effects

Four different media players: e-book reader, MP3 music player, photo viewer and video player.

·         Includes 16 exciting apps such as:

•     “What’s that Noise?” e-book
•    WonderCam, which uses the camera to add special effects, funny faces and photo frames to pictures
•    Magical Bean Stalk, a growing game lets kids harvest and collect beans from their beanstalk
•    Color & Pop, a coloring book activity that makes coloring pages come to life
•    H2O Go! a directional pad game that teaches science concepts
•   Hundreds of downloads are available via the Learning Lodge™ to enhance learning fun

•Your child can even embark on fun, educational adventures with their favorite characters such as Doc McStuffins®, Sofia the First® and Jake & the Never Land Pirates. 

•The InnoTab 3 makes learning fun for children, while giving them a cool electronic device made just for them! 

Important Links:

•    VTech website – http://bit.ly/tHKlfD   
•    VTech Twitter  -  http://bit.ly/Q7J7vM
•     VTech Facebook - http://on.fb.me/iIPfUE 

Want to see how easy it is to use, in action? Ana and I made a quick little video showing her using it. 

She is coloring here: 

And enter to win your own Innotab in the easy to enter Rafflecopter form below:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks Vtech for the hours of fun for me and Ana!!

Wrapped....

Behind the Scenes of Mi America. Coming soon 2014

Hello Dear Readers:
  So I wrapped on Mi America and am looking forward to catching up on here , holding some fun reviews and giveaways and enjoying the fall activities that abound in the beautiful Hudson Valley.  Ana had her first field trip with school last Tuesday, and I captured some adorable photos and had a blast exploring Dubois Farms with her.

Thanks for your patience as I shot a feature film and got her settled into a school routine. See you soon

XO