It’s Friday and you know I love being able to offer great giveaways on this special day, but this Friday feels more like a Throwback Thursday because I’m working with Dreft this week.  Smelling that heavenly “baby” scent brought back a flood of special memories for me! I remember taking great care with my girls clothing, blankets and Lovie’s back then, and now I’m honored to be working with Dreft again to pass this love of Dreft’s scent and gentle cleaning on to other Moms with little ones.  


This post and giveaway were made possible by iConnect and Dreft. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.



Dreft, babies, gentle, hypoallergenic, laundry, blankets,




Did you know that Dreft is the number 1 baby laundry choice of pediatricians because it’s gentle and hypoallergenic on baby’s skin? Dreft has been trusted for over 80 years! Now Moms can enjoy that beloved scent longer by switching to stage 2 Active baby Dreft and by adding the new Dreft Blissfuls in wash scent boosters to any load of laundry! I recently washed some of my girls’ stuffed animals before re-packing them for storage and I couldn’t get enough of that delightful scent



Dreft Blissfuls help extend that beloved Dreft scent!


Back when my now teen daughters were babies, I used Dreft newborn on all of their laundry. I didn’t want their clothes to be uncomfortable on their skin, especially during the warmer months. Here in the south, humidity plays a huge role in how we feel in our clothes.  Combine that with warmer temps and all the allergens floating around and you’ve got a recipe for skin irritations, especially with baby’s sensitive skin!  



Dreft baby laundry products


Dreft has teamed up with Mom and pediatrician Dr. Dyan Hes to talk more about spring allergy season and how we can help keep our baby’s protected and comfortable this time of year. 


Here are a few great tips from Dr. Dyan Hes to keep in mind this spring.


1.  Shade the sun: The long awaited spring season means increased outdoor time for parents and their babies. When heading outside, don’t forget to practice appropriate baby skin safety.
  • For babies 6 months or older. If your baby is 6 months or older, liberally use sunscreen. Also, avoid exposing your baby to the sun during peak hours — generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — and dress your baby in protective clothing, a hat with a brim and sunglasses. 
  • For babies younger than 6 months. If your baby is younger than 6 months, keep him or her out of direct sunlight. Protect your baby from sun exposure by dressing him or her in protective clothing, a hat with a brim and sunglasses.



2. Protect Problem Skin: Heat is a common trigger for eczema and as the weather warms up, there are a few things you can do to help prevent flare ups of such skin irritations.

  • The sun is strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. so try to shield baby from direct sun exposure during those times. There are also apps available that can inform you of the hottest part of the day – which can be helpful for parents as they plan any outings with their little ones!


3. Load up on liquids: Staying hydrated during the spring months is important as baby gets more active outdoor time and sun exposure.
  • Start with the inside and ensure children get enough to drink throughout the day. Infants should nurse or take a bottle often; older kids should tote a sippy cup or reusable water bottle. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and smoothies in your child’s diet too.  


Want to learn more? Please join @Dreft on May 9th from 9-10pm EST as they host a Twitter party with Dr. Dyan Hes! She will be sharing her tips to ensure your baby is happy and healthy this spring allergy season! Please RSVP to let us know you'll be joining us! 




I've loved my walk down memory lane and I feel confident that when my girls pull their baby items out from storage, they will still be able to smell and feel the gentle care that Dreft provides.



Win It!



#DreftSpring giveaway prize pack




Thanks to our sponsors, one lucky reader will win a Dreft Hypoallergenic Package Dreft product prize package which includes 1 Dreft Newborn, Active Baby, & Blissfuls and a Gender neutral hypoallergenic blanket. 



Cuddly blanket in #DreftSpring giveaway package

This sweet snuggle blanket from Brooklyn Bamboo is so soft, lightweight and comfy, I’m tempted to use it now summer napping with my big girls!



Terms: 
No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. I will mail a coupon to each winner. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 24 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.


Please share in comments: Do you have a favorite blanket or stuffed animal that your baby loves(d) that you are saving for your them?


Good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway


White fluffy clouds blue skies





White clouds in dark blue sky road scene





White whispy clouds in blue sky


Comments welcome!

Happy Earth day! Temperatures are starting to rise, flowers are blooming, birds are chirping and bugs are buzzing. Yep, it's that time of year to arm ourselves with tools and tips to keep mosquito's and other bugs at bay. Thanks to today's sponsor, Orkin, you and your family can learn ways to keep mosquito's away; plus win a cool Summer Scientist bug catching kit! I'll receive a kit as a thank you for hosting this giveaway, however all opinions and love of catching fireflies are my own.





Orkin Summer Scientist bug catching kit



Are you ready for mosquito season?  Not only are they a nuisance, they also pose potentially serious health risks.  Fortunately, the experts at Orkin study the science of mosquitoes and other pests closely in order to better tailor plans that help keep them out of your home this spring and summer.



Check out their Buzzer Beater app to learn how prepared you are for mosquito season and see if your city is on the biter list! Sadly, Nashville, TN. is #7. Click the sign below to download the city list. 





I'm learning more about these pests and how to avoid and protect my family. For instance, do you you think you think mosquito's prefer biting adults over children? Watch this video to find out.








Win it:




Orkin Summer Scientist bug catching kit



The Orkin Summer Scientist Bug Catching Kits are fun for the whole family! Each pack includes:
2 Bug Catcher Craft Kits: These awesome DIY bug catcher kits will let your family’s personality shine through while also learning about nature and the world around us. The kits include a variety of foam ladybugs, dragonflies and more!
2 Bug Nets: Explore the great outdoors with these fun mesh insect nets. They can be used to collect and study butterflies, ladybugs, caterpillars and many other backyard creatures.
2 See-Through Bug Jars: Reveal the wonders of your backyard with these clear bug jars. Each transparent plastic box has a magnifying lid for better insect viewing. Young explorers love discovering worms, butterflies, ants and insects. These containers allow them to make homes for their new discoveries.
2 Magic Color Scratch Little Garden Critters: Scratch faces, designs and more on these Magic Color Scratch Little Garden Critters! A perfect kids' activity for critter lovers, simply scratch away the black coating to reveal vibrant rainbow colors. Includes butterflies, frogs, turtles and more.
Glow-in-the-Dark Creepy Crawlers: Turn off the lights and let them glow! These vinyl glow-in-the-dark bugs are lots of fun for all ages.


This is a pretty cool kit, sure to add hours of fun for your family! Want to learn more cool bug facts? Be sure to follow Orkin on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!



Ready to win? Entering is easy using the Rafflecopter form below.

Terms:

No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. I will mail a coupon to each winner. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 24 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




Happy Friday Eve dear readers! April is one of those months that can sneak right past in a blur of activities. From school programs to sporting events, we are all busy! Why not take a moment to enjoy April's color of the month- Sherbet Orange with me. This month's inspiration came from a recent sunrise that had a beautiful layer of sherbet orange in it.


Sherbet Orange Sunrise #Nashville



Isn't this pretty? As an early riser, I get to enjoy some amazingly colorful creations!


Here's my Pinterest board for the month.



Follow Linda A.'s board Color of the Month- April 2016 Sherbet Orange on Pinterest.


Please share in comments: Do you like Sherbet Orange? Do you wear it ?
We are in the midst of a true spring fever here at our house. All the flowers have buds, the leaves on our trees are that lovely new leaf green color and the sun is shining so brightly today that I’ve had to take two breaks just to step outside and soak it in. Living just south of Nashville, TN. has it’s perks and lots of green space is one of them, that’s why my family and I will be helping locally on Earth Day this year by attending the Nashville Earth Day event held at Centennial Park. 


Centennial Park Nashville, TN.
Source

This is the sunken garden at Centennial Park with the Parthenon in the background. We love bringing our daughters to this park and have a lot of fun family memories here. It's the perfect place to hold our local Earth day event!



I’m thankful for the ability to walk outside and enjoy fresh air. To get lost in bird watching because our front yard is teaming with birds in our mature Maple and Pin Oak trees. We’ve planted trees in past years to celebrate Earth Day because they are so important to our planet! 


Our land has lots of trees and green space


Sadly, there are some areas of Nashville that don’t have enough green space due to our steady growth. Neighborhoods seem to pop up overnight and we are losing one of our best and most natural resources- trees


That’s why I was excited to learn about a Music City initiative to preserve our trees called If Trees Could Sing. This cause has the backing of the country music industry with Reba McEntire and Amy Grant leading the way.


If trees could sing Nashville TN project


I’ll be looking for this booth when we’re at Centennial Park on Saturday the 23rd celebrating earth day, Nashville styleYou can  learn more about this  project here if you aren’t in the Nashville area.



 Fun Ways we help while attending our local Earth Day Event:

  • We listen to local bands
  • We shop local businesses and farmers
  • We listen to and participate in educational booths so we can become better stewards of our resources
  • We recycle all containers used in their proper containers
  • We donate to local foundations
  • We smile and applaud and laugh and talk to strangers and pet puppies and try samples which adds to Nashville’s friendly vibe

It’s a fun filled day for the whole family, including dogs so if you live locally, come on out and join us!  And yes, attending really is helping because without attendees sponsorship to parks and rec centers would go away! You can learn more about Centennial Park and the Earth Day Event HERE



A view from my morning garden walk Nashville, TN.



If you love being outdoors like we do, whether that's digging in your flowerbeds like me, planting a garden full of veggies, or just bird watching, then you are ready to celebrate earth day locally! If you’d like to learn more about Earth Day events in your community, just head on over to EarthDay.org and look under events. You’ll find a wealth of information and ways to plug in and help our earth stay green!



Please share in comments: Do you celebrate earth day and if yes, how?

Do you love Pecans? I know I sure do.  For as long as I can remember, Pecans have been a favorite in my family. Perhaps it’s because Pecan’s are a southern crop, or maybe they’re a favorite because they taste so good. Whatever the reason, I was delighted when I was asked to try the new Turtle Pecan Biscotti’s from Nonni’s. I’ve worked with Nonni’s in the past and loved their biscotti thins, so I happily agreed. I received complimentary products to help facilitate today’s post and giveaway, however all opinions and love of a great pecan dessert are my own. 



Nonni's Turtle Pecan Biscotti with cofee



About Nonni’s Turtle Pecan Biscotti:  

“Nonni’s Turtle Pecan Biscotti are filled with the finest pecans available, blended with creamy caramel and dipped in gourmet milk chocolate to create a truly satisfying combination. The treats are made with real butter, whole eggs and wheat flour and are only 110 calories per serving!”




My Thoughts:


Nonni's Turtle Pecan Biscotti



I’ve been trying to eat healthier this year and normally would have to pass on the typical desserts made with Pecans, chocolate, caramel and butter, but I was delighted to learn that each serving of Nonni’s Turtle Pecan Biscotti has just 110 calories. These delightful tasting treats are perfect alone or with your morning coffee. 

My daughters enjoy them after school alone or with tea. Even my husband, who isn’t a big sweets eater, raved about the taste and texture of these biscotti’s! They are simply too good to resist, so I’m thankful the box only comes with 8 servings, or I’d be in trouble. If you love dessert and Pecans- you've got to try these!



Skip the Pecan Pie on National Pecan Day April 14



If you need an excuse for dessert, why not go nutty and National Pecan Day on April 14 with America’s classic, heart-healthy hickory nut? Skip the Pecan pie and try Nonni’s Turtle Pecan Biscotti instead!  I invite you to learn more about Nonni’s by visiting their website and following them on Facebook and Twitter. 



Win it!

Thanks to our sponsor, Nonni’s, one lucky reader will win a box of Turtle Pecan Biscotti’s to enjoy right away and 2 free coupons to pick up more boxes later. 


Terms:

No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is  not responsible for prize fulfillment. I will mail a coupon to each winner. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 24 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!

Please share in commentsWhat is your favorite Pecan dessert/dish and when do you serve it?


Need a cool gift idea? Check out Groupon!

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, April 11, 2016
Shopping for friends and family can be a lot of fun- if you know the person’s likes, or have a general theme in mind. For instance, if you know your brother loves golfing, you can find a golf related gift easily. But what if you need a gift and you have no clue what to buy? Sometimes, you can simply run out of gift ideas for a particular person. We had this problem with a family member recently. We were stymied as to what we could buy. Then we logged into Groupon and found several cool gift ideas.

My thanks to Groupon for sponsoring today’s post. All opinions and love of saving and shopping are my own.

find cool gift ideas at Groupon



We use Groupon often for food and entertainment savings in our area, so I usually go straight to those categories and do a quick search for a certain type of cuisine or event, usually on my phone, so I’d never taken in the full site on my laptop until recently and I was pleasantly surprised with the site. It’s easy to navigate, with six main categories on the home page. 


Groupon categories makes it easy to shop for gifts

Thinking of our gift recipient, I chose Goods and found wonderful offers from stores like Bath & Body works (my daughter’s favorite store) along with Walgreens and Kate Spade, but those weren’t quite right for my needs. Then I saw a Macy’s sale, which is always a favorite shopping destination, so I clicked there. Several really nice savings coupons were listed, which helped me narrow down my gift shopping theme even more. 

Macy's coupons at Groupon


I was able to find a cool gift quickly and affordably using Groupon! If it’s been a while since you used Groupon coupons, log on today and check out them out. I bet you’ll be find several cool gift ideas in record time as well. Be sure to follow Groupon on Facebook and Twitter for more savings and shopping ideas.


Please share in comments: Do you struggle with gift ideas for a family member or friend?


Disclosure: I will receive monetary compensation as a thank you for posting this advertorial for Groupon. Thoughts are my own.
Doing laundry is one of those chores every family must do and there’s usually a person in charge of this sometimes monumental task. At my house, I’m chief laundry officer and I’ve taken a few steps to ensure things run as smoothly as possible.  My family sorts and sometimes pre-treats their clothing before leaving the laundry room, but sometimes stains remain- that’s where I come in. 
Today I’m sharing a new laundry detergent from Purex that will help banish your toughest laundry stains! I received a complimentary bottle via #SocialInsiders to try to share my thoughts with you and host a giveaway for 3 free coupons for full sized products. All opinions and love of clean, fresh smelling laundry are my own. 


clean and folded towels in laundry basket




About Purex + Clorox 2 detergent: 



banish your toughest laundry stains



Purex plus Clorox 2 detergent is formulated to remove the toughest stains.  Purex + Clorox 2 detergent works on 100 stains is safe for colors and is bleach free. This detergent contains 3 stain-fighting enzymes to remove:

  • Starchy stains like chocolate and tomato sauce
  • Protein-based stains like grass and blood
  • Food stains that use guar-gum like ice cream and BBQ sauce


In the winter when skin is at its most sensitive, I use Purex free and clear laundry detergent. I’ve found that it cleans well and stops my family from scratching their shins and chins. J Once springtime gets here though, I switch to a scented detergent, one that can handle the seasonal scents that arrive with the warmer weather. 
I’m talking sweat and mud stains and smoke from cookouts and bonfires and trips to the lake type scents here folks, and guess what? After trying Purex + Clorox 2 for a week, I can say my spring laundry is going to be clean and smell as fresh as the sunny linen scent of this detergent!


A capful of stain fighting Purex detergent



My Thoughts:

So far, Purex + Clorox 2 has handled my husband’s work clothes which can get muddy from walking around job sites with contractors and clients. It handled the wet dog smell he came home with after a friendly Golden Retriever decided he wanted to play too.  It even took out a small blood stain from his jeans from where he had nicked his finger. I’m was impressed! 



Purex + Clorox 2 tackles Mascara:


Pre-treating a washcloth with Purex to remove mascara


Now that both my daughters are wearing makeup, my white wash clothes get stained with mascara occasionally.  This wash cloth had recently been washed without pre-treating it. The mascara stains weren’t removed fully, so I decided to do a quick pre-treat with Purex + Clorox 2. I poured just a little bit onto the stains, let set for 1 minute and washed the wash cloth again with Purex + Clorox 2 and voila! Stain gone!


Purex + Clorox 2 tackles mascara


With spring here and summer just around the corner, I’m thankful I now have another hardworking detergent to help me banish my laundry stains. Well done Purex! Not only does this new detergent work great, it smells great too! I invite you to learn more about this and all Purex products by visiting their website and following them on Facebook  and Twitter



Win it:

Free coupons for Purex giveaway


Thanks to today’s sponsor, Purex, 3 lucky readers can win a coupon valid for a free full size Purex liquid or powder detergent with a retail value up to $7.00. Entering is easy using the Rafflecopter form below. 


Terms: 

No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is responsible for prize fulfillment. I will mail a coupon to each winner. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 24 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!


Please share in comments: What's your toughest laundry challenge? Stains? Sorting? Folding and putting away?




Disclosure: 

The Purex® brand provided me with a sample of Purex® plus Clorox 2® detergent in exchange for a product review. However all the opinions expressed here are my own. 

The moon has called to us from above for ages. Not only is it a celestial marvel to look at it, is necessary to us mere mortals here on earth. I've looked up into the night sky to find constellations and admire the moon since I was a kid and I've passed my love of the night sky onto my daughters. We have a telescope and try using it as often as possible. If you'd like to help your kids say I see the moon in a whole new and exciting way, check out this great STEM learning box offer from Groovy Labs. 


The links in this blog post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on these links, I will receive a small commission from Groovy Lab in a Box.


Moon Dance STEM learning box


Parents- are you looking for the perfect STEM activity for kids 8 and older?  Why not try a Groovy Lab in a Box


What is Groovy Lab in a Box?


Groovy Lab in a Box is a monthly STEM kit that encourages critical thinking, problem solving and fun! Groovy Lab in a Box incorporates STEM investigations and an Engineering Design Challenge - all designed around the Next Generation Science Standards. Each box has a retro-themed lab notebook and access to the Beyond...in a Box, a special web portal for additional groovy STEM fun!

In fact, Popular Mechanics magazine included Groovy Lab in a Box in its 100% Wholesome Holiday Gift Guide - a compilation of some of the best toys that promote scientific inquiry and engineering.



Take the Engineering Design Challenge!


Moon Dance STEM Box design challenge


Fellow STEMists who want to become optical engineers can be on their way to doing research and investigations through the engineering design process found in monthly-themed Groovy Lab in a Box. Explore Earth’s moon, gravity, mass vs. weight, moon phases, tides, light, telescopes and much, much, more. Check out "Moon Dance" for more groovy fun for STEMists! .  


Parents can take advantage of Groovy Lab in a Box's sale and check it out for yourself! You can get 50% off “Moon Dance” Single Box! Just use code FULLMOON at checkout HERE. Hurry and be sure to give your STEM Friends a groovy heads up while supplies last. Deal ends on EARTH DAY & FULL MOON - April 22nd!  US residents only.


 Please share in comments: Do you have a budding astronomer in your family? What moon phase is their favorite to see?

© My WAHM Plan · THEME BY WATDESIGNEXPRESS