Can you believe it’s the end of July already? Yikes! It is crazy hot and humid here in the south and back to school is looming large, so I really need to keep a healthy snack option for busy summer days on hand while I run errands with my girls. Thankfully, I’ve discovered the benefits of keeping a high protein snack bar in my purse at all times, so I was thrilled to work with Balance bare Bars and Walmart for today’s post.

My thanks to Balance bare Bars and Walmart for sponsoring today’s conversation. I did receive a gift card to thank me for my time, however all opinions and love of healthy snacks are my own. 

My WAHM Plan: Balance bare bars

Finding the Balance bare Bars at Walmart was easy.  They are right over by the vitamin section, which I walk past often on most shopping trips. 

Balance bare bars at Walmart

About Balance Bare Bars:

Balance Bars delicious bare bars, a nutritious, wholesome snack made with real nuts & fruit. Each bar is only 160 calories, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free and vegetarian and comes in tasty flavors like Sea Salt Caramel and Mixed Berry Nut which is also dairy-free and vegan. 

I picked up several Sea Salt Caramel and Mixed berry nut Balance bare bars and couldn’t wait to try them.  While I really liked the Sea Salt Caramel bars, the Mixed berry nut was my favorite! This bar is full of yummy good fruit and nuts with just the right amount of sweetness. I ate this bar on the go the next day and was able to finish all my errands happy, not hangry! 

Doesn’t it look good?

My WAHM Plan: healthy snack option Balance Bare Bars

Walmart is offering an exclusive Balance Bare bar value pack! The 4+1 value pack includes an extra bar and a dollar off coupon inside each box as well making these bars and affordable healthy snack option for you and your family!


As I power through my busy summer days, having a healthy snack on hand is just one of the ways I stay active. I also make sure we have lots of water with us on every single errand we take. I freeze water bottles at night, then fill them and put in a small cooler to go with us. 

If you need some workout inspiration, I invite you to visit Gabby Reece’s site. She’s partnered with Balance Bare bars and created a quick and easy workout. 




Win it!

Thanks to the generosity of today’s post sponsors Balance Bars and Walmart, one lucky reader will receive a $15 Walmart gift card and a variety of Balance bare bars. 


Terms:
No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel. 

Good Luck!



Wordless Wednesday: summer flowers in bloom

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, July 29, 2015
The summer heat has taken its toll on some of my flowerbeds and containers, but these faithful plants bloom for me season after season.


My WAHM Plan: Begonias in pots





My WAHM Plan: Succulent blooms



My WAHM Plan: Gladiolus



My WAHM Plan: Marigolds


Please share in comments: What's blooming in your garden this hot July?

The Elite by Kiera Cass Book Review

in , , , , , , , by Tera Kinsman, Tuesday, July 28, 2015
By Tera Kinsman

Last Tuesday, I reviewed the first book in The Selection series, The Selection, by Kiera Cass. (You can read my review on the blog here.) Now I'm reviewing the sequel, The Elite. Summer might be almost over (*sob*), but the series isn't!



My WAHM Plan: The Elite book #review
Courtesy of Harper Collins 

Book summary from publisher:

"The Selection began with thirty-five girls.

Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever---and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?
America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want---and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.

35 girls. 1 crown. The competition of a lifetime. "


My Summary and Thoughts:

This book, I think, might be a bit better than The Selection.  The first novel had a feeling of hope and possibility.  America is living like a princess in a gorgeous palace, able to help support her family, from the compensation they are given for her participation, and she has the choice of two wonderful guys. 

The Elite has more tension and darkness, which of course meant I tore through it in a day. Life at the palace is no longer fun and games. Rebels attack the palace more and more often, for reasons they don't know, she must take on more responsibility as an Elite, and she begins to see the dark side of being one of the Selected, being a royal, even some darkness in Maxon himself. Maxon, Aspen, and the king of Illéa himself are losing patience with her.  America is running out of time to decide between Maxon and Aspen, to decide if she wants to be a princess or an officer's wife, to decide if she wants either option at all.

I can't wait to read books #3 and #4, The One and The Heir, and of course the highly anticipated fifth book. We don't have a title yet, but a review will (eventually) come when it releases in 2016! 

¡Los comentarios! (That's Spanish for "Comments!" There ya go.) So, the all-important question for Selection fans or soon-to-be fans everywhere: Are you Team Maxon or Team Aspen? (I know, it's like Twilight all over again, but the "team" thing happened, and we just have to roll with it.) 



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Another work week is coming to a close and a new weekend is ready to begin. Can we all just pause for a minute to praise the weekend? Whether you are packing up the family car and heading out on a road trip, or heading to the mall for back to school shopping, there’s one thing you have to pack to fuel up for your weekend- a healthy, yet simple to eat snack. 



I’m all about portable snacks in my purse! Nine times out of ten my family and friends can rely on my “purse of plenty” to hold at least one snack option, usually a bar of some sort. That’s why I was really jazzed to give Nature Valley’s new Simple Nut bars a try!



My WAHM Plan: Nature Valley simple nut bars


Just seeing the box on the Publix shelf made my mouth water! The box reads “Nuts and seeds from nature. It’s that simple (and delicious).  And you know what? Nature Valley is spot on with these bars! We couldn’t wait to try the Almond Cashew Sea Salt bars and we were not disappointed one bit! I LOVED the light saltiness of the cashews, almonds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds with just the right amount of honey.


My WAHM Plan: #simplesnacking outside

When my youngest daughter couldn’t finish her bar and asked me if I’d like it, I gladly accepted it without one bit of guilt!  The only problem I had was a question of manners- do I lick the yummy goodness left off the wrapper or not? In the end, I didn’t, but I would not blame one person who did lick it!


My WAHM Plan: Grab a Nature Valley Simple nut bar and go!

Nature Valley Simple nut bars come in two new flavors, Almond Cashew Sea Salt and Roasted Peanut Honey Original. You can learn more about these bars, including the nutrition facts by visiting Nature Valley Simple Nut Bars.  For a limited time, you can save 75 cents off by downloading a coupon from Publix at  readyplansave.com/savings!

Win It!

No matter what this weekend has on tap for you, you need to fuel up and I can’t think of a better way to help you with this endeavor than by giving you money! Thanks to the generosity of Nature Valley and Publix, one lucky reader will receive a $15.00 PayPal transfer from me.  Entering is easy using the form below.

Terms:

No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel. 

Good luck! 


$15.00 PayPal Transfer





Disclosure:

My thanks to Publix and Nature Valley Bars for sponsoring today’s post. All opinions expressed are my own. I will be compensated for sharing this post with you today, for hosting this giveaway and for sharing the sponsor’s links in the post and as part of the giveaway entries. However, I only share information and giveaways I feel are helpful to my readers. Thank you for being a reader! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 

Baby Laundry New Baby Bundle Giveaway

in , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Baby Laundry New Baby Bundle Giveaway

Welcoming a baby into your family is one of the most special times of our lives, that's why I was happy to join this great group of bloggers to present this giveaway on my blog! Danielle, from Mama The Fox blog had the opportunity to review the prize and you can read the full review here


Enter to win a Baby Laundry New Baby Bundle Giveaway


                                  Baby Laundry Giveaway

The New Baby Bundle includes:
  • (1) Burpie
  • (1) Cuddle Blanket
  • (1) Baby Blanket
Isn't this a cute new baby bundle? If you'd like to shop now, please visit Baby Laundry here, where you can use code Foxblog40 for 40% off an order. 

Hosted by MamatheFox

Co-Hosted by:
LeahSay's Views & Sweepstakes Fanatics & Take It or Leave It....the opinions of one
participants:
Here We Go Again Ready • Tales From A Southern Mom • Ramblings of Mama • Canadian Basics • My WAHM Plan • Capturing The Moment • The Nikolai Nuthouse • A Place Between Here & There • Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews • A Girl Rocks Life • One Little Mister • Living in His Way • Peyton's Penny Pinching Momma • Eclectic Soapbox • This N That with Olivia • Blessed Mama's Blurbs • An Ordinary Housewife • Pink Heart String • Life in a House of Testosterone

Win It:

No purchase necessary to enter. Entering is easy using the Gleam form below. Giveaway runs from 7/22/15 to 8/8/15.


Baby Laundry Giveaway



Terms:

MamatheFox and all participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel. 


Good Luck!


Please share in comments: If you win, will you keep the prize for yourself or give it to someone?

The Selection by Kiera Cass Book Review

in , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, July 21, 2015
By Tera Kinsman

Summer is a great time for reading, especially when you can share a good book with someone. During the summer, I always try to catch up on my TBR list. Not that that does any good, since it keeps growing... But anyway. After reading (and loving) The Selection, by Kiera Cass, I wanted to share it with my mom. Maybe you'll put it on your TBR list too. (I know, another one, I'm sorry.)




The Selection book review on MyWAHMPlan.com
Courtesy of Harper Collins



Book summary from publisher:

"For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. 

The opportunity to be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her, and leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want.


Then America meets Prince Maxon.  Gradually, she begins to realize that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined."


My Summary:

America Singer is a Five, but she is perfectly content.  Her family may be three castes away from the bottom, struggling at times to put food on the table, but she is in love, and happy where she is. Aspen Leger is a caste below her, his family even larger and more desperate than America's. Still, she dreams of the fast-approaching day when Aspen will propose to her, even if it means becoming an impoverished Six. 

Just as he has nearly saved up enough money to marry her, the Selection invitation arrives in the mail. The prince of their country has come of age. He will be soon taking the throne...and a wife. A young woman from each province will be randomly selected to go to the palace and compete to become Prince Maxon's wife and Illéa's princess. America has no interest in the competition, but her mother and Aspen both pressure her to enter, for the benefits it could bring to her family and to her. Out of thousands of girls, America is chosen. Now America must choose between a dazzling and unfamiliar future, or the comfort of a familiar love.

My Thoughts:

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed The Selection.  America is a likeable character. She does have her flaws, but I think her occasional selfishness or rudeness makes her more relatable. I enjoyed several of the supporting characters just as much as America. 

The setting was really interesting, too. Though the story is set in a future North America, it is also set in a kingdom. The story can be a bit dystopian, but instead of the main character being part of a revolution against the totalitarian rulers, the main character becomes a target of the rebels, who fight against a government that actually doesn't see enough of the lives of its citizens. 

Next week, I'll be reviewing the sequel to this fine book, The Elite. 

And, comment time! That cover has one of the most gorgeous dresses I've ever seen. (#promdressgoals) Share in comments: What's your favorite book cover dress? 
It has been a busy chauffeuring week for me since my youngest daughter is a crew leader of preschoolers at our churches vacation bible school. With all the back and forth to church, doctor’s appointments and friend pick up and drop off- I needed a break this afternoon! I grabbed a favorite book, a glass of ice water and a sweet treat and headed to my favorite spot- my front porch.




Taking a break for a sweet on MyWAHMPlan.com

I’ve been trying my best to eat healthier this summer, focusing on drinking more water and cutting back on my need for sweet treats. Notice I say cutting back- not cutting out! That’s why I was so excited to try the new Fiber One Cheesecake Bars in partnership with Linqia. 

I have been a fan of Fiber One Bars for some time now, as have my family, so I knew they would be excited to try these new bars and fulfill their #CheesecakeInstincts! I found the Salted Caramel Cheesecake bars while shopping at Publix and wanted to put two or three boxes in my cart, but decided to be nice and leave some for other shoppers.  

Fiber One #CheesecakeInstincts

As a matter of fact, starting today and going through 7/29, you can save on these Fiber One cheesecake bars in salted caramel or strawberry by heading over to Publix’s coupon site, readysetsave.com and printing out or uploading a coupon to your loyalty card!

As soon as I got home, the kids wanted to try these sweet treats and I can’t say I blame them, just look at all that caramel!

Fiber One Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars MyWAHMPlan.com

Each cheesecake bar has layers of graham crackers and creamy cheesecake, topped with delicious salted caramel and a drizzle of sweet icing on the top. Yum! With 5 grams of fiber and only 150 calories per bar, this truly is a good way to indulge your sweet tooth without feeling guilty!


Win It:

Thanks to the generous folks at Publix and Fiber One, you can win a $15.00 PayPal giveaway, where you can shop at Publix and pick up some Fiber One Cheesecake bars. You can learn more about Fiber One Cheesecake bars by visiting them on Facebook too. 

Terms:
No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel. 

Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway
It's Friday, so how about we have a giveaway to celebrate getting through another hot July week?

I grew up watching Scooby-Doo, so when TetherGroup sent out the email to their bloggers to share a Scooby Doo and Kiss Blu-Ray prize, I happily agreed. I didn't receive compensation, or products to host this giveaway. It's my way of saying thanks for reading my blog!

Scooby-Doo! and KISS: Rock and Roll Mystery Blu-ray Giveaway


About Scooby-Doo! and KISS: Rock and Roll Mystery:



"Get ready to Rock! Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang team up with the one and only KISS in this all-new, out-of-this-world adventure! We join the Gang at Kiss World – the all-things-Kiss theme park, as they investigate a series of strange hauntings. With help from Kiss, they discover that the Crimson Witch has returned to summon The Destroyer from the alternate dimension of Kissteria! The evil duos ghastly plan, to destroy the earth! Can the Gang's cunning and Kiss's power of rock save the day?! Tune in to this Rock and Roll Mystery for some thunderous, heavy FUN!"


Play The Scooby Doo and KISS: Rock and Roll Mystery Soundboard App:

Click around on the sound board to make classic Scooby-Doo sounds! Scooby-Dooby-Doo!




Download some fun Scooby-Doo and KISS activities:




Scooby-Doo and KISS Mask-









Scooby-Doo and KISS Rock and Roll Guitar:




Win it:

Thanks to our sponsor, Warner Home Entertainment, one lucky reader will receive a Scooby Doo and KISS Rock & Roll Mystery Blu-ray Combo Pack! Entering is easy using the Rafflecopter form below. 


Terms:


No purchase necessary to win. Open to U.S. residents 18+ years. This contest is not associated with or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or any other social channel. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. The prize will be sent from TetherGroup via FedEx or USPS. No P.O. Boxes please. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Enter! Good Luck!





Color of the Month - July 2015 - White

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Thursday, July 09, 2015

Hello summer white! How I love to see you in our closets, on  slip-covers and brides- and in our garden! This month's color was inspired by this almost perfect white rose from my flowerbed. It has a lovely scent too! 

White Rose in flower bed #garden

As always, I hope you like my color of the month pins too! 



Follow Linda A.'s board Color of the Month - July 2015 - White on Pinterest.


Please share in comments: Do you have anything white near you right now? It could be your t-shirt, a piece of paper, a flower. etc. 

Mediterranean Orchard iced tea recipe

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, July 07, 2015

With summer in full swing, I serve a lot of iced tea to my family and friends. Nothing is worse than going to the frig and seeing that my iced tea pitcher is almost empty again. That’s why I was thrilled to be selected to receive a complimentary box of TAZO tea blends, #NewWayToTea via Smiley 360 to try and share my thoughts with you. 

Summer sipping iced tea on the front porch


Iced tea lovers rejoice! There’s a simple way to get flavorful iced tea quickly. I was drawn to TAZO iced citrus bliss herbal tea bags on my recent shopping trip. This tea is described as an herbal infusion with beckoning notes of citrus, passion fruit & hibiscus. 

Doesn’t that sound delicious?


TAZO herbal tea citrus bliss

Making this beautifully fragrant herbal iced tea couldn’t be easier! Just boil 32 ounces of water to a boil. Pour boiling water over the filter bag in a 64 oz. pitcher, let steep for 5 minutes, and then pour another 32 ounces of cold water in. Serve chilled and iced.  I add a half cup of sugar, but next pitcher, I think I can get away with just a quarter cup sugar, this tea tastes so good!

If you like iced tea and lemonade together, this is your herbal tea! Just switch out the last 32 ounces of cold water with cold lemonade and enjoy!


There are several other new TAZO tea blends to try in either filter bags or concentrates:  

  • Iced peachy green tea
  • Iced sangria black tea
  • Iced passion tea

Iced citrus bliss tea with lime

I will be purchasing the iced sangria black tea concentrate next using my dollar off coupon so I can make the Mediterranean Orchard tea! Use this link to get your $1.50 off coupon and to learn more about their teas. 

Recipe: Mediterranean Orchard Tea:

  • 3 ounces TAZO, iced sangria black tea concentrate
  • 3 ounces peach nectar or pea juice
  • 1 ½ ounces lemonade
  • Frozen fruit like peaches, strawberries, blackberries
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy!



Please share in comments: What is your favorite iced tea flavor to sip in summer?

Wordless Wednesday: Watering

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, July 01, 2015
The dog days of summer aren't upon us yet, but things are heating up in the south come July.  Watering is a daily chore that I really don't mind- most days. Happy July, happy gardening readers!


My WAHM Plan: front porch watering #gardening
The watering can peaking out of our front porch railing is a call to action for me.


gardening, south, container, flowers, petunia's
I'll be swapping out Petunia's for Begonia's soon enough.


My WAHM Plan: watering Rosemary
Rosemary likes a a nice cool drink of water.


My WAHM Plan: watering and gardening in the south
Sometimes a light misting on plants and people is in order.





Please share in comments: What are you watering daily? Herbs? Flowers? Tomatoes?

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