Growing Smalls: May 2013

Friday

My Dream Smoothie Contest

Remember that BIG secret I had a while back? Well here it is! We are part of the #MyDREAMSmoothie contest.

Prize: : A Case of the shelf stable non-dairy DREAM beverage of the winner's choice plus a brand-new VitaMix 5200 Super Healthy Lifestyle

How to enter: Post a comment here with the following;
1. Entrees must include a link to a Before and After photo showing the #myDREAMsmoothie ingredients
2. Your first name and last initial
3. Name your smoothie!
4. Include a typed list of ingredients used and any recipe directions involved in making the smoothie.
5. A link to your pictures. This photo link can be on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter as long as it is not private, was posted between May 31st and June 15th and includes the hashtag #myDREAMsmoothie.

Readers may enter more than once, provided that each entry includes a different version of the non-dairy DREAM beverage product (i.e. one smoothie can be raspberries, bananas and Rice DREAM, and another can be coconut, peanut butter, chocolate nibs and Coconut DREAM).

- the start date: May 31st
- the end date: 11:59pm on June 15th

- the winner: The winner will be chosen from all blog entries (across the 4 participating blogs) collected by 12:00am June 16th. The Winner will be judged by the DREAM team on the grounds of photo use/quality, recipe creativity and DREAM product involvement.

For more info on DREAM™ brand products visit facebook.com/dreamnondairy or tastethedream.com

Wednesday

Sponebob & Patrick in Build-A-Bear Workshops

For several years I had been thinking that my boys were too old for Build-A-Bear Workshop but what a great gift it would be for Miss Aly. Then I received an e-mail with some very exciting news! Build-A-Bear Workshop has created something very special that is perfect for Mr. Maison, Spongebob! Oh I was so excited when I heard the news and now you can even get Patrick to go with him!

Build-A-Bear Workshop really creates some lasting memories. I remember my first time I made a bear, dressed and accessorized my very own creation. The experience alone is really neat. You stuff and stuff your new friend, provide him with love (a heart) and then sew it up to be absolutely perfect. The creations can really be personalized to fit everyone’s individuality from the clothing to shoes and even the little toys. But bringing Spongebob and Patrick just reminds me that there is really something for everyone at Build-A-Bear Workshop, even my rotten stinky boys. Since 1997, visitors to Build-A-Bear Workshops have made over 100 Million Friends.

I am so glad Build-A-Bear partnered up with the longest running cartoon series. This gives children ages 0-99 a chance to build their own friend. Thank you Build-A-Bear for showing me just how wide your product range is which gives even my boys a chance to enjoy your store with products that really are appropriate for them!

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above free for review purposes. Regardless, I will only recommend products that I have personally tested/tried and believe will be a good fit for my readers. AlyGators is not responsible for any Giveaway items. All giveaway items will be shipped directly from the company that sponsors our giveaway.

Tuesday

Vaping Vamps

Well we are back from our vacation and let me tell you it was amazing! But I will talk more about that in a little bit. There were several products I took along with me from Miss AlyGators and I was so grateful for each and every one of them. One of which was Vaping Ventures e-cigarette because as you know on a cruise ship, there just are not a lot of places you can smoke so this little thing was a life saver!

I took the Vaping Vamps set with me with the consideration of convenience. What I didn’t realize was how I would smoke less and less throughout the vacation because instead of lighting up and smoking entire cigarette I smoked a few puffs of the e-cigarette and was done. I would love to say it was because we were running around and having so much fun, but this was a relaxing vacation so there was plenty of time to sit (or sleep like we did). The Vaping Vamps e-cigarette really helped me cut back which was a really big surprise when it was all said and done.

However, I didn’t wait until we were on the ship to start enjoying the e-cigarette… When I received it a few weeks ago, I fully charged the lithium battery straight from my computer! Can you believe it? This high quality lithium battery charged right on my USB port!

But the taste is the big part…. I know I can taste my regular cigarettes… They have a taste, touch, and smell that we grow custom to or addicted to however you want to phrase it. The Vaping Vamps e-cigarette really doesn’t feel much different than a regular cigarette. Sure it is a little big heavier but it was well worth it for the length of time it stayed charged. (I still have not charged it since the first full charge 2 weeks ago!) So how about the taste? I got a mango flavor that is just amazing! The nicotine level I requested is light and still fulfills the cravings and I am cutting back more and more everyday.

Check out Vaping Vamps at the following links and be sure to use coupon code “VAMP5” for a super deal!!

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You can also check out this sweet woman, I thought she was so cute I had to share!

Friday

Terro Liquid Ant Baits

Rainy season is here, and if your like me I battle ants. Generally it’s just outside around the pool or anywhere that holds just the slightest area of water, but the hunt was on for some ant killer because I do not want them to get in the house. That would just be game over!

I recently came across Terro who has an awesome Liquid Ant Baits and even some great outdoor traps! I put them around the pool area where I started noticing the little creatures and within the next day they were gone!

The Terro Outdoor Ant Bait Stations are pre-filled and ready to use , plus they were super easy to set up. Did you know there are different kinds of ants? I didn’t, I figured an ant was an ant and there wasn’t anything more to it. Apparently there are several different kinds of ants, including Crazy ants, big headed ants, odorous house ants, white footed ants and so on. I thought some of the names for them were kind of funny so I just had to tell you about it. Terro Outdoor Liquid Ant Baits are set up to kill them all including the Acrobat ants. Who names these anyways?

The Terro Liquid Ant Baits work great! I am absolutely a fan of their products and will be using them for years to come! Be sure to check them out at the following links;

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Read more for the latest Press Release:
Ants are masters of waiting out the cold winter season, hunkering down in clusters to maintain their body heat and huddling protectively around the queen to shelter their population’s lifeline. Now, the first warm days of spring are lulling colonies out of dormancy and legions of ants are back at work, in search of food. TERRO^®, a leader in DIY ant and pest control products, recommends controlling these hungry armies of ants with TERRO liquid ant baits, both indoors and outdoors.

“For effective, long-term control of common household ants, the first step is baiting the worker ants – the ants you see marching around inside your house – with TERRO^® Liquid Ant Baits,” advises Stew Clark, Director of Research at TERRO. “As the worker ants forage for food, they are drawn to the sweet liquid in the pre-filled ant bait stations. The ants enter the trap, consume the bait, and then return to the nest where they pass on the bait to the rest of the colony. Baiting is the only way to get rid of the ants you see and the thousands you don’t.”

The active ingredient in TERRO ant bait products is formulated to kill the worker ant in two to three days. This gives the foraging ants enough time to get back to the colony and share the deadly bait with the rest of the ants, including the queen.

“When using any TERRO ant bait product, you’re initially going to see a lot more ants,” warns Clark. “When the foraging ants find the bait, they consume it and drop what is called a ‘trail pheromone’ back to the nest. The trail lets all the other worker ants know where the food supply is and they make a beeline for it. This explains the surge in ants when first placing the ant bait in and around your home. But be patient – in a day or two the ants will be nothing but a distant memory.”

Tuesday

Potty Patrol = Success

Potty training is an adventure that’s for sure and with 2 in diapers here I wanted to get a firm grasp and understanding as soon as possible. That’s why I ordered Potty Training Alarm Diapers from Potty Patrol. Not only are they an excellent tool to help but they provided me with a ton of knowledge that I’ve forgotten since mine were that little.

The tips and guides alone are really interesting because they help you know if your little one is even ready. Sure we like to think “hey it’s time” because they have hit a specific age, but even I know that’s not the case.

Potty Patrol Diapers come with a sensor that you snap to the front of the diaper, kind of like snaps on a shirt. It’s super easy to put on! Why do you need this sensor? Accidents happen, but if you can get your little one to the toilet WHILE they are happening then it will help them learn not to let it keep happening.

This was too cute to! When our potty training lil man started to tinkle, the alarm plays the Potty Patrol Siren then follows it with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. I even started doing a “Potty Dance” when he successfully goes in the potty. The whole ordeal is actually quite funny but hey I’ll laugh at myself because getting one more out of diapers is that much money saved!

After that diaper has been wetted, you simply take the sensor and put it on the next one. I love Potty Patrol Diapers and found them really easy and helpful. If you are looking to speed up the potty training process, check them out at the following links;

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Call me President- Handsome in Pink

Isn’t this just cute? I love getting the kids new clothes, but I love it even more when they are good quality clothing without costing an arm and a leg. I hate it when you throw a shirt in the washer and it comes out with little holes because the material is crappy. Well that’s not the case with Handsome in Pink and they have an outstanding motto.

“At Handsome in Pink, our mission is to squash gender stereotypes in kids clothing. We believe pink can be masculine, blue can be feminine, and everyone should feel empowered by what they wear.”

Pink is making an impact on not just being a “girl color” and Handsome in Pink has been striving hard to undress these stereotypes. Established in 2007 they are growing faster than ever with some beautiful and adorable clothing.

The shirt I received from Handsome in Pink is a tough thick material guaranteeing its going to last. But it’s also soft and comfy to. I love the quality of their products. Our lil man has worn it several times already and it's just as good as the first time I took it out of the package.

Be sure to check them out at the following links;

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Thursday

Bar Keepers Friend

Do you ever day dream about the perfectly clean house? For some strange reason I have myself convinced “before I had children” my house was always spotless and perfect. Well I know deep down that’s not the case but there are days where it seems nothing will cut the grease, clean the toilets perfect or make my sinks sparkle. What am I doing wrong?

About a week ago I found Bar Keepers Friend and I really believe I’m getting closer to that daydream of a perfectly clean house. At least it’s getting better because with the Bar Keepers Friend Spray + Foam Cleaner, I am really finding it easier to wipe away the grime that builds up each day.

What’s my favorite part? I can use this spray on everything! Stainless Steel, porcelain, the ceramic tile in the bathrooms, honeys brass Fire Hose Tips, chrome (MY CAR MY CAR!!!) and the windows! One bottle of this stuff does it all! Another neat feature is the spray bottle can be used upside down. Off to the toilets we go!
Bar keepers Friend also has a Cookware Cleanser & Polish that I absolutely love! I was able to use it on some of my cookie sheets and older frying pans and it really cut away the old stains that had been left behind after years and years of use.

You should really check out Bar Keepers Friend! Their products are amazing and I love all the different uses for them! Here are the links;

Giveaway Gift Basket includes: The basket will contain 12 oz. can BKF Powder, 13 oz. Bottle BKF Soft Cleanser, 12 oz. can Cookware, 13 oz. bottle Cooktop, and one bottle of our new Bar Keepers Friend Spray + Foarm Cleaner.

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Wednesday

Enjoy Rejuvenating Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner

Once a month I try to change up my shampoo and conditioner because after constant use of one product or another hair will tend to build up a resistance towards the product. So this month I switched to Enjoy Rejuvenating Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner.

After a couple of days of use I noticed an instant difference! My hair is smoothing out and feels so much softer without any left over oils. The shampoo really cleaned up any build up and is proudly sulfate-free just like all ENJOY products. Within a week my hair has a much softer texture and is almost weightless which is giving it some much needed volume and bounce!

The conditioner is wonderful as well. The stimulating botanicals and oils provide an increased circulation to help rejuvenate and revitalize my scalp. The menthalatum really helped open everything up as it as well worked its magic.

But of course we can’t forget to style! The ENJOY Volumizing Mousse not only creates volume but it smoothed out any additional fly-aways any I was really surprised that it didn’t frizzle out by the end of the day or start flaking for that matter.

I love the Enjoy Rejuvenating Volumizing product.. Plus both the shampoo and conditioner are safe for my colored hair. You should check out all of the Enjoy Products at the following links. I know I will defiantly be ordering some more!

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Saving For College Webinar

Recently I talked to you about a different way to save for your child’s college fund, with a company called Grad Save. In case you missed the post you can read it here CLICK HERE.

Basically they are the #1 online resource for college savings and were founded by a nationally recognized “529 Guru” Joe Hurley. Joe will be hosting a FREE webinar on May 29^th which is 529 Day. Not only is the webinar FREE but it’s available for anyone who wants to learn more about saving for your childs education.

The fun part? Everyone who registers for the webinar will automatically be entered in a drawing to win $529 in GradSave Gift Cards honor of the special day!

This is an excellent tool to help you get started. I am now over $50,000 in debt to school loans and I only wish I had found something like this years ago! Stop wasting time, let your family help your kids as they grow up, and give them some financial assistance during those college years.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Click HERE to learn more about the Gift Card program

Want to check out the gift card page? CLICK HERE

Monday

Sweet Treat for Mom

I think I have found the very last item we are adding to our Mothers Day gift guide. What a wonderful basket you could create by adding just a few of the items we have listed. Your momma would be so thrilled!

So last but not least is an adorable box of Geoff & Drew’s Cookies. The very first thing I noticed when they arrived is they were all packaged up in a cute little box ready to give to mom! How great is that because I for one am horrible at wrapping gifts.

My favorite cookie in their collection is the White Chocolate Cranberry. Delightful and full of flavor I couldn’t resist eating both of them! But all of their cookies were full of flavor and for being a mail ordered product I was extremely surprised at how fresh they were! Soft and delicious this is sure to please mom’s sweet tooth!

Be sure to check them out at the following links and use coupon code BLOG25 for 25% off your order of any non sale item for Mothers Day. After Mothers Day, use code BLOG20 to get 20% off! Happy tasting!

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Sunday

Meeno Babies

Summers right around the corner and with the weather changing sometimes it can be hard to realize how hot and stuffy those car seats can be. That’s why Meeno Babies invented the Cool Mee seat liner.

This is pretty neat because not only does it serve its purpose but it can add some flair to an old car seat. The Cool Mee seat liner is made from 3-ply poly-mesh material that promotes airflow between our lil man and his seat. I realized how important this was the other day when I pulled him out of the car and his poor little back was all sweaty but I thought it was pretty comfy in the car. It’s easy to forget that our sweet little guy can’t really move around in his car seat and keeping him safe means keeping his body secure against his seat. Well that prevents air flow and causes him to get hot and sweaty.

Well not anymore! I am so glad that I found Meeno Babies Cool Mee because no more sweaty baby for me! This state of the art air flow design really helps keep him comfortable.

Be sure to check them out at the following links. Cool Mee is available for Bucket Seat car seats, toddler car seats, and even your strollers!

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Robby Wash Ball

I love all the pitter patter tiny feet running all over the house but at the end of the day when its time to put on jammies, the laundry is really beginning to pile up. Almost instantly every night I have at least a full load to do.

Now I am using my Robby Ball to save me time and money with every single load. The Robby Wash laundry ball is pretty neat because I throw it in the washer with my laundry and just start it and go! I don’t have to add any additional laundry soap and everything is coming out clean as if I were still using that expensive name brand soap.

The Robby Balls are a high efficiency solution that’s hypoallergenic and even great for the babies clothes and other people with sensitive skin. The ball contains little pellets which are even antibacterial so they eliminate any unpleasant smells.

Is it cost effective? Absolutely! The Robby Wash Fuchsia Laundry Ball Pack contains 10 ounces of the beads which you can use for 12 months of laundry! That little 10 ounces is equivalent to 75 pounds of washing powder!

I love this little ball because it’s saving me time and money. I simply leave it on top of the washer and throw it in load after load. Be sure to check them out at the following links;

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Mommy treat? Or teething Magic?

This weekend we have had three yes three teething babies in the house! Oh this momma needs some sleep! I tried teething rings, teething tablets, Tylenol, juice, ANYTHING to calm them down just a little bit… Finally it was snack time for the older kids and it dawned on me, I just received a box of Diana’s Bananas which are a chocolate covered frozen banana. So I gave it a try!

I took the chocolate off the ones I gave the babies and guess what, they chowed down and for the first time not a single one of them was crying. The older kids loved them to!!! I loved the fact that they are made of real bananas rather than a sugar packed ice cream!

Of course after all the kids were in bed, mommy had to sneak down and get herself a treat because these are flat out delicious I loved them just as much as the babies do! The chocolate stays on the banana unlike a lot of other chocolate coated snacks. Plus they are a very rich flavorful snack that really hits the spot!

Verdict is… As long as we have teething babies and a mommy who loves chocolate in the house, (ME ME ME!) we will have to keep some Diana’s Banana’s here to!

Be sure to check them out at the following links;

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Saturday

A Dress for all events

Vacation time is almost here so I have been searching high and low for dresses that I can wear on vacation but then again once we get back home. Luckily I found Meesh & Mia which is a one stop shop for all your College team colors.

I was able to order a Criss Cross Dress in Razorback (Arkansas) red that I can wear on vacation in a few weeks and then to hubbys work events in the fall! I am so excited that I found a dress I can get multiple uses out of but my biggest concern was, is it going to be appropriate for both events?

When the dress arrived, I was surprised at how thick the material was but yet it’s flowing and lightweight it felt once I put it on. I also really like the length. It’s rather important for me to dress professional but I also don’t want to feel like an old lady when I get to go with honey to work events.

This dress is perfect and all the clothing at Meesh & Mia is great for your next event or school function. You can even get “Arkansas” printed in bling bling on your dress, because I know you are all Razorback fans right?

Check out Meesh & Mia at the following links;

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Simone France

Over the last several months I have really had the opportunity to put into place a new skin care routine. Simone France has been an opportunity unlike anything I have ever tried before. The “The unusual cleansing method has been featured in Vogue magazine and I have a complete 100% understanding as to what makes it so miraculous.

First I was directed to complete a Sin Diagnosis (click herefor yours). During this process, Simone France was able to direct me to the exact products that were right for me. But rather than just saying “buy this” they told me why each product was specifically chosen for me and then how it works. My one-on-one skin care consultation was amazing and really gave me a complete and better understanding of why I needed to use specific products and how.

The Sandwich Morning Spa Facial is just amazing! For my skin tone I was instructed to use Light Moisturizer, Refining Scrub, Soap, and all with the Signature Cleansing Cloths. The Moisturizer is amazing because it leaves my skin with the absolute perfect amount of softness without leave behind an oily residue. The Refining Scrub is more than just your normal refining scrub. The granules melt away with a little water and with the Sandwich method, the scrub provided the deepest pore cleansing sensation I have ever experienced.

We have all used different soaps to wash our face and believe me I was more than skeptical when I received a bar soap to use on my face. But the Simone France facial soap proved to be one of a kind in a cleansing experience. I have battled break outs all my life, and after religiously using these products as directed from my consultation, I have noticed a remarkable difference.

Another Simone France product I had the opportunity to try is the French Clay Mask which calms sensitivity, absorbs excess facial oils, and really proved refine and tightens pores. The blemish erase was also an excellent spot treatment. The most surprising thing about the blemisherase is the soft cream did not dry out my skin or flake off after application. It was a perfect blend of treatment without the harsh effects of most blemish cream.

Last but far from least is the Gentle Toner. I have never understood the use of toner because I have never found one effective to where I could see and feel the results. We can wash and wash and wash away dirt and grime but just in case, the toner will sweep away any of the slightest traces of excess oils and impurities. This is also a wonderful mid-day skin refresher.

I am a life time user of the Simone France Products. They are not only effective, but the guidance and company alone is unlike anything I have ever tried. If you have the desire for improved skin care, occasional impurity or battle breakouts like I do, you must check them out at the following links.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above free for review purposes. Regardless, I will only recommend products that I have personally tested/tried and believe will be a good fit for my readers.

Wednesday

Dollar Shave Club

Need a good laugh? You have got to see this video!!! Click picture to begin