Spring is here! Spring is here! It’s the best time of the year! Those of us who love digging in the dirt have been waiting anxiously for planting time. We’ve dreamed of warmer days for months.
We’ve poured over seed catalogs, visited our favorite websites and sketched up our gardens and flower beds and got out our tools. Some of us who got warm weather last week have even bought some plants in preparation for our gardening season.
Courtesy: USDA
2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the
standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most
likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual minimum
winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones.
It's easy to check your zone: go HERE, type in your zip code and/or state to see your personalized map. This site puts my hardiness zone as a 7 as seen on the above map. |
This site puts me in a
zone 6.
What does this mean to
me? I’m going to follow both guidelines and ask lots of questions at my local
nursery if I fall in love with a plant I have not personally worked with
before.
What plants are you looking
forward to growing this year? My yen this year is Hollyhocks, Sunflowers. My
new addition, which according to my ever helpful Better Homes and Gardens
regional planting guide says will grow splendidly here, is Fleabane.
Courtesy: B.H.G.com |
Fleabane Description and growing Information:
This tall wildflower
produces tiny, daisy-like flowers in great clouds in late summer into early
fall. It is often mistaken for an aster, but is easier to grow and isn't
plagued by fungal problems. Plants start blooming in midsummer and often
continue blooming until fall. The native forms are seldom grown in the garden
because they can be weedy, though they're great for naturalized areas and
prairie or meadow plantings. However, many well-behaved, beautiful hybrids are
available. All are beautiful when cut in big sprays and arranged in a vase.
Light:
Sun
Zones:
3-9
Plant Type:
Perennial
Plant Height:
18-30
inches tall
Plant Width:
18-24
inches wide
Landscape Uses:
Containers,Beds
& Borders
Special Features:
Flowers,
Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies, Drought Tolerant, Easy to Grow.
Isn't Fleabane pretty? If you have had experience with this plant, please let me know in the comments and happy spring!
Isn't Fleabane pretty? If you have had experience with this plant, please let me know in the comments and happy spring!
I have always enjoyed Dole fruit products, so I was
expecting good quality and great taste when I gave Dole Fruit Parfaits a try
recently. What I wasn't prepared for was the stick my finger in the cup to get
every last drop of goodness out taste!
Readers, be warned: you will want to stock up on all three flavors of the Dole Fruit Parfaits. At just $2.79 per 4 cup package, it won’t break your budget to do so.
Readers, be warned: you will want to stock up on all three flavors of the Dole Fruit Parfaits. At just $2.79 per 4 cup package, it won’t break your budget to do so.
Courtesy: www.Dole.com |
About Dole Fruit Parfaits:
Dole Fruit Parfaits are available in three flavors:
Pineapple and Crème, Apples and Crème, Peaches and Crème. Each parfait package
contains 4 grab and go clear cups with easy peel off lids (so your kids can
open them by themselves). This is a plus for me because some fruit cups lids
are hard to open, leading to big messes, even for my bigger kids.
Another plus is that Dole Fruit Parfaits contain all natural
fruit with Vitamin C, are low in fat and sodium and cholesterol free.
And they score high marks on keeping calories
low. The Peaches and Crème cup and the Pineapple and Crème cup have 120
calories per serving and the Apples and Crème has 130 calories per
serving. Please visit www.dole.com for more information.
Here's what the Peaches and Creme Looks like:
Cup before mixing |
Cup after mixing |
My Review:
I love them! My kids love them! My husband loves them!
Seriously. I have never been able to give a 4 point Love to a product before
here on My WAHM Plan, but these fruit Parfaits deserve it.
We have tried all 3 flavors and found them to be a
refreshing treat. None of us had a clear favorite. All 3 flavors will be bought
again!
The fruit is naturally sweet,
like we have come to expect with Dole fruit and the crème is light-tasting, not
heavy. You can serve these parfaits room
temperature, cold, or add them to warm cereals like oatmeal for a quick and
easy way to dress up a morning staple.
Dole Fruit Parfaits are a snack we can feel good about
giving our whole family.
I highly recommend this product.
You can learn more about Dole Fruit Parfaits by visiting
their website HERE, liking them on Facebook and following them on Twitter.
I hope you found this review helpful. Do you have a favorite Dole Fruit product? Please share!
Disclosure I am part of the Mom It Forward blogger network. Mom
It Forward and DOLE partnered in support of this campaign. DOLE compensated me for participation in this campaign.
However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
365 Days of Mickey Sweepstakes by Pixie Vacations
in # Walt Disney World, 365 days, Mickey, of, Pixie, sweepstakes, Vacations, by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, March 18, 2013
Just saying Mickey is somehow magical isn't it? What if you could win some Mickey magic? Well, thanks to Pixie Vacations you just may be a winner!
Courtesy: Pixie Vacations |
About the 365 Days of Mickey Sweepstakes by Pixie Vacations:
Each week for the rest of 2013 one lucky winner will be drawn for a Magical Mickey. This is not an ordinary Mickey, each Mickey Mouse plush has a little extra magic!
The Prize:
One lucky winner of one of these 52 magical Mickeys will win a Four Day, Three Night stay at the Walt Disney World Resort with Four Days of Disney Park Admission for up to four adults. Now that is magical!
Enter To Win HERE!
About Pixie Vacations:
Pixie Vacations is owned and operated by Steve and Lisa, past Disney Cast members. They are Free to use and will help you every step of the way. If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise, or an Adventures by Disney Vacation, they will create the best Disney vacation package for you at the lowest possible price. Please take a minute to review all that Pixie Vacations offer before you book by clicking HERE.
Every week in 2013 Pixie Vacations® will be giving away prizes and magical surprises so be sure to return and enter weekly.
Also be sure to take advantage of the latest Disney Vacation Packages at Pixie Vacations and read some of their client testimonials HERE.
I would love to take advantage of their 4th of July at Walt Disney World Vacation Package Savings.
Courtesy: Pixie Vacations |
From Pixie Vacations: "Book a Disney Vacation
Package for 5 nights / 6 days at select Disney, Value, Moderate, or Deluxe
Resorts and get a FREE Disney Water Park or DisneyQuest Ticket for each person in your
party.
Enjoy
Independence Week at Walt Disney World:
It’s red, white and blue as Disney Parks salutes America with a 4th of July
Fireworks Party — for an entire week, with patriotic lighting bathing the
Cinderella’s Castle. Mickey Mouse appears in his patriotic finest and you will
find special USA shirts, Ear Hats and other limited-edition souvenirs available
to purchase."
Booking
Window: 8/10/12 –
6/01/13
Travel Window: 7/1 – 7/8/13
Travel Window: 7/1 – 7/8/13
Courtesy: Pixie Vacations |
As you can see, there is a wealth of information and prize winning potential at Pixie Vacations.
I hope you found this post helpful as you plan your next dream vacation.
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. As part of the USFG team, I was happy to help spread the word about this sweepstake. I may be eligible to win a prize for my participation.
There were several goals set and met here on my WAHM Plan this week.
Courtesy:photos.com |
Mission Giveaway is a group of bloggers that like to give back, pay it forward and work as a team. I an honored to be a part of this amazing group, which leads me to my weekly round up.
I would like to introduce you to the bloggers I got to know this week via Mission Giveaway. They helped, supported, made me laugh, and provided me with food for thought on their posts. I hope you will take a minute and visit them.
Meet my new friends:
- Dina at My Unentitled Life has easy $5 or Less Easter Decorations that look fun to make.
- Check out Donna's re-make of Shamrock Pretzels over at Donna's Deals and More.
- Katrina at Enchanted Savings has a great re-make of Homemade Fish Sticks that I can't wait to try.
- Try out this Lemon-Lime Cupcakes recipe for St. Patrick's Day from Amber over at Living At The Whiteheads Zoo.
- Megan at Meg's Moxie shared an exercise option not to be missed free exercise options without leaving the house.
And as I said earlier, I was a busy bee here as well. Check out Kroger's Cart Buster Event to save today! My Pin It To Win it giveaway is underway! And before you leave to visit my friends, take a minute to meet Rusty Mechanism he is a recycled marvel!
I love meeting new bloggers and reading their take on all sorts of subjects. I would love to meet you (and add you to my weekly roundups), so please leave me a comment.
Kroger’s Cart Buster Savings Event Ends Soon
in #CGC, #SelectYourDeal, #spon, Cart Buster, event, http://clvr.li/WnCUVJ, Kroger's, savings, by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, March 15, 2013
Courtesy: Kroger |
Have you been shopping and saving this week during Kroger’s Cart Buster Savings event? I have gotten to take advantage of some really awesome deals. Don’t worry if you haven’t done your shopping just yet, there is still time! But not much: These deals go away on March 16th!
There are hundreds of products on sale throughout the store. Kroger always clearly marks sale items so you can shop more efficiently. During Kroger’s Cart Buster Savings event, you’ll find deals on Tide, Pampers, Bounty, Gatorade and many other favorites from P & G and Pepsi.
For a complete list of brands on sale, click HERE . Once you've looked over participating brands, set aside some time make your shopping list and organize your coupons. Your wallet will thank you.
For a complete list of brands on sale, click HERE . Once you've looked over participating brands, set aside some time make your shopping list and organize your coupons. Your wallet will thank you.
On Monday, I was able to stock up and save on Bounty paper towels and Tropicana orange juice. With Spring Break right around the corner for my kids, today I will stock up on some of their favorites like Tostitos and Gatorade.
I am planning ahead because I know there will be at least one sleep over in my future, so I want to save on these items that seem to evaporate around kids. I will also replenish our Pantene shampoo and conditioner supply during this savings event.
I am planning ahead because I know there will be at least one sleep over in my future, so I want to save on these items that seem to evaporate around kids. I will also replenish our Pantene shampoo and conditioner supply during this savings event.
Another fun element to Kroger’s Cart Buster Savings event is the Select Your Deal option.
Courtesy: Kroger |
This is an easy and fun way to save even more! Head on over HERE today March, 15th, sign in to your Kroger account (you must have a Kroger.com account and sign in to get the coupons). Once you are signed in, Kroger will generate 3 random coupons for you to choose from. Then you just select your deal and it will be loaded onto your Kroger shopper card. This is a super easy way to really save on items. Today is the final day to take advantage of the Select Your Deal coupons.
I went first thing this morning and selected a $ 2.00 off Crest 3D White toothpaste!
Courtesy: Kroger |
Since these are randomly selected deals, your deals will probably be different, but with products such as Tropicana orange juice, Secret deodorant, Pantene, DiGiorno pizza and more; I’m sure you will be served up a can’t miss deal.
I hope you will be able to shop and save during Kroger's Cart Buster Savings event.
What item do you plan to stock up on this week?
Disclosure: I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Pin To Win with #Customizo Event
in # TheReviewWire, #Customizo, apparel, event, giveaway, personalized, pin, pinterest, to, win, by Linda A Kinsman, Thursday, March 14, 2013
Welcome to The Pin To Win It With Customizo Event!
Customizo is an innovative group of sites that help groups with apparel and product design, collaboration and purchasing. With their design tools, group collaboration platform, mobile content integration and centralized hub of fully customizable artwork templates, creating and designing, bringing your designs to life is easy.
How to enter the Giveaway:
Here is your chance to win all 5 pieces of clothing that you "Pinned" to your own Cutomizo Board!
For your chance to win, follow the simple steps below:
Create and Design 5 Items from the Pinterest Party Category on Customizo.com. Use one of the free templates or upload your own artwork to customize your items.
2. Save your designs and grab the Share link to post to Pinterest, you will have to create an account to do this.
3 - Create a Pinterest board and title it "Customizo Fashion" or "Customizo Custom Designs." Make sure to tag each pin with #Customizo!
4 - Come back and fill out the Giveaway Tools Form with your direct link to your Custom Customizo Board!
Pin It To Win It Giveaway
3 Winner's Will Each Receive their "Pin It to Win It Customizo Board" {RV $125}... See Form for Entry Details. Open to U.S. You must be 18 years old to enter to win. Ends 4/1Disclosure: This event is sponsored by Customizo and hosted by The Review Wire. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. All opinions are my own..
Companies and bloggers, if you would like to participate in group giveaway events like this one, sign up to be emailed about future events hosted by The Review Wire.
Meet Rusty Mechanism- The Recycled Factory Man
Rusty has a kind face. |
Rusty has a birds eye view from his height of 20 feet. |
This is Recycling and Re-purposing at it's best. |
From the top of his head to his great big feet, Rusty is a marvel! |
Meeting Rusty; taking the time to stop and get to know him, instead of just hurrying past him into the mall was the highlight of our recent visit to The Factory in Franklin, TN. The kids loved it, and it didn't cost a thing!
What hidden gem do you have in your area? Go visit and share your pictures with me!
Family Movie Night Fun
in DreamWorks, DVD's, family, fun, night, samplers, The Croods, by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, March 11, 2013
We are big fans of a Friday night movie and a pizza. Our kids' movie choices are usually animated, so we were delighted when we got the opportunity to watch a DVD
sampler set of movies from DreamWorks.
They sent us an awesome movie night pack which
contained:
Set of 4 DreamWorks Animation DVD samplers
"The Croods: Grub's Survival Guide" book
"The Croods: Movie Novelization" book
Film Reel tin filled with movie theater treats
We all know how much we've grown to love our favorite characters
from the DreamWorks Animation films like Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, and more.
For a special time (until March 15th or while supplies last), Big G and DreamWorks Animation have teamed up to create four collectible DVD samplers containing content from Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar, just for you!
Each DVD contains fun episodes, behind the scenes footage and bonus material from your favorite DreamWorks Animation movies.
Hurry, and collect all four! Plus, look for an exclusive sneak peek at "The Croods", coming to theaters March 22, 2013.
You can only receive these
four collectible DVD samplers by purchasing specially marked boxes of your favorite
Big G cereal, seen below.
Courtesy: Big G |
We enjoyed our snacks and the DVD samplers. The favorite
among the girls was, of course, the sneak peek of "The Croods".
The Croods had us laughing! |
The girls really
want to see the movie now after seeing the sneak peek and reading the books, so we are adding a trip to see "The Croods" as one of our spring break treats.
I hope you will be able to get your own set for a fun family
movie night at your house. I am lucky enough to be able to share this gift pack with my niece and nephews, who live out of state. I think they will have as much fun as we did watching these DVDs and enjoying the treats. And, it might even get me some cool Auntie Cred!
What is your favorite DreamWorks movie? I’m still rather fond of How to Train Your Dragon.
Disclosure: The information, products and General Mills
gift packs were provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.
Thank you to Kroger Co. Family of Stores for sponsoring this post. Check out Kroger's Cart Buster Savings event through Mar. 16 for great savings, and click here on Fridays (Mar. 8 and 15) for additional, exclusive coupons!
Attention Kroger Shoppers: Get your shopping list and coupons ready for the Kroger Cart Buster Savings event! Save big by shopping at any Kroger Co. family store from March 3, 2013 through March 16, 2013.
There are hundreds of products on sale throughout the store. All are very clearly marked to make shopping and saving easy. You’ll find deals on many brands from P&G and PepsiCo. To help you prep, I’m including just a few participating brands:
- Olay Body Wash
- Olay Skincare
- Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner
- Vidal Sassoon Hair Color
- Tampax Tampons
- Tide Laundry Detergent
- Bounce Dryer Sheets
- Downy Fabric Softener
- Downy Unstoppables
- Tropicana
- Doritos
- Lay's Classic Potato Chips
- Lay's Kettle Chips
- Charmin Bath Tissue
- Cascade Action Pacs
- Dawn Dish Detergent
- Febreze Air Effects
- Bounty Paper Towels
- Pampers Diapers
- ZzzQuil
- Crest Toothpaste
- Pepto-Bismol
- Puffs Facial Tissue
To see the complete list of participating brands, just click HERE.
I’m excited because Bounty paper towels are on sale. We refuse to pay full price for paper towels, or buy an inferior brand just to save money, so this is my chance to stock up! Kroger’s cart buster event also includes another product my family loves, Tropicana Orange juice.
Another great feature for Kroger’s Cart Buster Event is the Select Your Deal option.
On Friday March 8th and Friday March 15th, head on over to this site to be served three random digital coupons for additional in-store savings, delivered via load-to card coupons onto your Kroger shopper card.
You must have a Kroger.com account and sign in to get the coupons.
I think this is a fun way for Kroger to share coupons. Everyone will be shown three deals and you can choose the one you want to use. These deals may include products like Crest 3D White toothpaste, DiGiorno pizza, Tropicana orange juice, Secret deodorant, Pantene and more.
When I went first thing this morning I got to lucky and actually got to choose and upload a coupon for the Tropicana Orange juice that is on sale!
My Kroger Select your Deal choice |
I hope you will be able to take advantage of the Kroger Cart Buster and Select Your Deal Savings Event this week.
Be sure to mark your calendars for next weeks deals at Kroger, or just stop back by for my Friday post.
Happy shopping and saving!
Disclosure: I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Thank you to Kroger and Clever Girls for this sponsored opportunity.
Kids are going to love NoizyBandz
in favors. musical, gift ideas, kids, NoizyBandz, party, tweens, by Linda A Kinsman, Thursday, March 07, 2013
I am always on the lookout for new gift ideas for my daughters and this one is a keeper.
May I introduce: NoizyBandz is the World's First Bandz That Play Music!
Courtesy:NoizyBandz.com |
Noizy Bandz Children's wristbands are musical, educational and a whole lot of fun! Watch your children light up as they hear the music and fun sounds coming from their wristbands that they control.
First of its kind, expect more from your silicone bandz check out Noizy Bandz and hear the music at www.noizybandz.com Great for all ages and all occasions. Have a Birthday party give a musical Happy Birthday band instead of a card kids just go crazy for them.
Courtesy: NoizyBandz.com |
Click HERE to grab your coupon code to save $1.00 off each band and get free shipping and then check them out at www.noizybandz.com.
I think these would be a perfect party favor, or a nice add on to an Easter Basket.
The smiley sunshine has caught my eye. Which one would you choose for your kids?
My youngest daughter wants one of these Backpack buddies and I'm betting some of my readers have children that one one too. That's why I was thrilled to see this email from US Family Guide with a 40% off code to share!
Courtesy: USFG |
About Bubele Patch Buddies:
Patch Buddies are an adorable combination of a Plush Toy and a custom Backpack that has a built-in carrying case. There are ten playful animals and four unique characters in the Bubele's Patch Buddy collection and each has a unique personality that will provide endless hours of entertainment and comfort, at home or on the go.
Courtesy: USFG |
Safety is important to us and to your children. So we manufacture and produce our products with the highest quality materials, dedication to safety and especially designed to protect your little ones. To see our loveable and playful collection visit our website or our facebook page.
Cute Aren't they? My daughter is in love with that cute little yellow chick! Or the bunny... or... I think choosing just one might be the hardest part!
To Save: For a limited time you can save 40% on ANY Buddy Bundle Purchase by going HERE . Hurry, offer expires 3/11/13!
I hope you have an opportunity to utilize this coupon. Please feel free to share with your family and friends.
Have you been introduced to Maggie Bags? I just recently fell in love with their products and their eco-friendly use of materials, so I happily joined these good bloggers to bring you this giveaway.
About Maggie Bags:
Every handbag Maggie Bags has to offer is made from automotive seat belts that have been rejected by auto makers due to government safety standards.
With a devotion to environmental responsibility and a little creativity Maggie Bags has grown into an impressive company with an admirable result. Offering gorgeous handbags and re-purposing materials otherwise destined for a landfill.
The lovely Mia of the Daily Fashion and Beauty News got a chance to test out a fabulous bag from Maggie Bags. This is one review you will not want to miss. I will warn you, you might develop a case of handbag envy. But, don't worry! You can enter to win a to die for bag of your own.
This is the Pink Chocolate Butterfly Bag. It has a retail value of $104. This bag will make you the envy of your friends. Enter to win from March 5th-March 14th by using the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older.
The Fine Print:
The participating bloggers cannot be held responsible for the delivery of this prize. That is the responsibility of our sponsor Maggie Bags.
This giveaway is hosted by the Sublime Media Agency, Sweet Silly Sara, The Daily Fashion and Beauty News and Woman of Many Roles.
“This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.”
My WAHM Plan received no compensation to participate in this giveaway. All opinions are 100% my own.
My WAHM Plan received no compensation to participate in this giveaway. All opinions are 100% my own.
Good Luck!
Recently I received a box full of
goodies to review for Vitacost. Since the representative couldn’t tell me
exactly what products I might receive, I was pleasantly surprised with my box.
It was a mixed lot comprised mainly of health and beauty products and health
and nutrition bars and supplements.
Today I want to share my thoughts
on the bars I received and a little bit about Vitacost the company.
Courtesy: Vitacost.com |
Vitacost.com- We take
the cost out of healthy living.
All the top brands for discount vitamins,
supplements, whole foods, health foods and sports nutrition online at up to 50%
off other companies. Plus, they offer a flat rate shipping fee of $4.99, or
free with any order of $49 or more.
They also have a refer a friend opportunity where you can earn $ 10 each referral. I signed
up and would love it if you signed up using my link here.
My
Product Reviews:
Promax Fit 'n Crisp Protein Snack Cinnamon Crunch:
Courtesy: Vitacost.com |
These bars are like a cinnamon-y rice crispy treat, only
better. They are not icky sweet, and have 13 grams of protein and 140 calories.
Both my daughters loved this one, so I will buy again.
Courtesy: Vitacost.com |
Their tag line says it all for me. They really are the best tasting,
healthy snack bars we’ve had in a long time. KIND bars are all natural with
ingredients you can pronounce.
We received 3 KIND bars: Almond and Coconut, Dark Chocolate & Cherry
Cashew, and Cranberry Almond. Each bar had its own unique quality and taste but
the one I would buy over and over again? The Almond & Coconut! It’s like a not so good for you candy bar
(think Payday) gone healthy. I am hooked and will buy again!
Courtesy: Vitacost.com |
I wanted to love this
totally organic, healthy sounding, delicious smelling bar, but I
didn’t. I just liked it.
I could taste the dates and Agave nectar more than I
could pick up on the blueberries. My
daughter and my husband on the other hand LOVED this bar and wanted more, so I
will buy again.
This bar is made with raw and
super foods, one of them being Hemp.
Again I wanted to love this bar.
It looks like dark chocolate and smells
like Mocha. Win-Win for me.
But, I did
not like this bar at all. It is thick and dense. It leaves a vitamin taste in
your mouth. And I experienced a mild case of burps in which I could taste the
Hemp, or what I perceived to be the Hemp, I likened it to eating grass
clippings. My family didn’t care for the taste or texture of this bar either,
so we won’t buy again.
Courtesy: Vitacost.com |
This is a huge protein bar, so you could
split it. It has 28 grams of whey protein. Overall, I liked the flavor and
consistency of this bar, but my husband liked it more. My kids thought it was
just okay. If we bought again, it would be for keeping in the car for road
trips or when hunger strikes and you can’t stop and eat.
I hope you have found these reviews
helpful. I will have another Vitacost review for you soon where I will share
the rest of the products included in my Vitacost box.
Disclosure: I received the above listed
products to facilitate my reviews. No monetary compensation was provided,
however, if you should use my refer a friend link provided in this post, I may
receive a referral credit to my Vitacost account. All opinions are 100% my own.