My WAHM Plan

#LoveHallmark Valentine’s Day card and itty bittys giveaway!

in Cards, Dr. Seuss, itty bittys, Thing 1, Thing 2, Valentines Day, by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, February 05, 2016

Happy Friday dear readers! Have you been enjoying my giveaways this week? So far we’ve talked about chocolate cookie bars (divine!) about the newest Nicholas Sparks book and movie The Choice and so it felt fitting to end this week with some Hallmark Valentine’s Day cards and collectible love! My sincere thanks to #LoveHallmark for the precious box of complimentary products you sent me to facilitate today’s post and giveaway.

Receiving a card on Valentine’s Day makes everyone feel special whether you’re in a romantic relationship or not. I love the vast array of greeting card choices you can find with Hallmark like the Signature collection cards here or the all new itty bittys valentines cards! So cute!

Speaking of cute- look at these adorable itty bittys from the beloved Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat book!

“Thing 1 and Thing 2- They ran up! They ran down!” I can’t count how many times I read this book to my girls when they were young, or how many times we’d get up and run just like Thing 1 and Thing 2 and now they both own their very own itty bittys collectible! If you have a Dr. Seuss fan in your life, you are going to want to enter to win these cuties below. Or you can purchase them now by clicking on their links above and if you order by tomorrow, they'll arrive on time for Valentine's day!

If you need another gift idea for a special cutie, I recommend you check out their brand new Love-a-Saurus Techno Plush!

We received Love-a- Saurus and instantly fell in love with his soft, huggable, loveable self! This little guy brings big love, a bigger roar and some serious dance moves as he dances and sings along to the tune of U can’t touch this by MC Hammer! His tag has his own lyrics so you and your little one can sing along! You can learn more about Love-A-Saurus here and again, if you order by February 6th, you'll receive him by Valentine's Day.

Win it!

Thanks to #LoveHallmark, one lucky reader will receive a pair of Thing 1 and Thing 2 itty bittys, along with a pack of Valentine’s Day greetings and an extra “every day” itty bitty to share a little love with someone special whenever they’d like!

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 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:

And the winner is...

Rachel H.

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#ChooseLove with The Choice book prize pack with $25 Gift Card Giveaway

in book, love, movie, Nicholas Sparks, The Choice, Valentines Day, by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, February 03, 2016

February is the month for love and I was excited to be selected to host a giveaway featuring the latest book and movie from Nicholas Sparks: The Choice.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Lionsgate. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

The Choice: This is all I need, the moon and the stars and you.

Nicholas Sparks, #1 New York Times best- selling author, is known for his easy to relate to heartwarming stories like The Notebook and I can’t wait to read this book just in time for Valentine’s Day and hopefully, see the movie which opens this Friday February 5^th!

About The Movie: The Choice: Presented by Lionsgate studio/a Nicholas Sparks/Safran Company/POW! Production

“When feisty medical student Gabby Holland moves in next door to perennial ladies’ man Travis Shaw, they embark on a surprising romantic journey neither imagined possible. Travis has always believed a serious relationship would cramp his easygoing lifestyle, while Gabby is preparing to settle down with her long-term boyfriend—until an irresistible attraction between the unlikely couple upends both of their well-planned lives. Spanning a decade and tracing the evolution of a love affair that is ultimately tested by life's most defining events, this story features a memorable ensemble of friends and family in Sparks’ beloved North Carolina setting, culminating with the question that every couple must ask themselves: how far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?”

The Choice movie scene:You're just sassin' me because you like me.

Being a southerner, I love movies set in the south and North Carolina with its charm and pristine beaches make a perfect back drop for this love story as you can see from this photo :

and see more stunning scenes by watching this movie clip!

Doesn't this movie look good? I think Benjamin Walker (Travis) and Teresa Palmer (Gabby) are perfect for their roles! You can learn more about the movie setting, cast and more by visiting #TheChoice website and by following along on Facebook and Twitter using hashtags #TheChoice or #ChooseLove.

It may be too cold to head to the beach now, but we can do the next best thing and spend some time with Nicholas Sparks by going to see The Choice in theaters and by reading the book which one of you can win!

Win It!

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks paperback book

Thanks to today’s sponsor, Lionsgate, for Review Wire Media, one lucky reader will receive a paper back copy of The Choice by Nicholas Sparks, The Choice book mark and a sea-shell wind chime and a $25 Visa e-Gift card sent to your email!

Terms:

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway:

And the winner is...

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Make snack time unwind time for your kids

in after school, bars, cookies, kids, snacks, sweet treats, teens, time, by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, February 01, 2016

Every Sunday I sit down with my teen daughter’s- planner or family calendar in hand and touch bases with them on their upcoming activities. If you have school age kids, then you know that their schedules can rival any busy adults these days!

Both my daughters are active in choir, theater and clubs, so it seems like all of their waking hours are gobbled up by studies or important obligations. That’s why I schedule a daily snack time for my kids. They expend a lot of energy in their daily lives, so it’s important that we allow kids time to unwind and decompress and thanks to today’s sponsor, Betty Crocker, my girls will get a #MySweetRewards cookie bar to enjoy after school.

Betty Crocker Sweet Rewards Chocolate chip cookie bar

My daughters are usually famished by the time they get home from school each day, even more so if they’ve had an after school activity, so I try to serve them something healthy first like fruit or cheese sticks with milk and then, if they have a sweet tooth, I’ll give them a small serving, like a cookie or half one of these delicious Betty Crocker Sweet reward bars.

These bars are a new item from Betty Crocker and are on sale now at Publix, where you can save $ 0.50 on any one box of Betty Crocker Sweet reward bars by downloading the coupon from readyplansave.com They come in three flavors: Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar, Caramel Brownie Bar and Butterscotch Blondie Bar.

Betty Crocker Sweet Rewards Butterscotch Blondie Bar

My Publix store had the boxes on sale 2 for $4.00, so we bought the Chocolate chip cookie bars, which have little chocolate chips on top to add to that chocolate goodness and Butterscotch Blondie bars that have little rainbow chips on top. Each bar is so thick and flavorful, with a layer of chocolate on the bottom, it would be a challenge to eat it all anyway.

For those days when you are picking up and dropping off your kids, just toss a couple of these yummy Better Crocker sweet rewards bars in your purse to share with your kids in the car. Be sure to turn off the radio and ask then to not listen to their music so you can chat about their days while they unwind and re-fuel.

Melissa likes the new Betty Crocker Sweet Rewards Bars!

Win it!

Thanks to our sponsor Betty Crocker #MySweetRewards, one lucky reader will receive a $15.00 PayPal cash transfer, so you can purchase your own sweet rewards.

Terms:

No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below. My WAHM Plan is responsible for prize fulfillment via PayPal transfer. You must have a PayPal email address to enter. 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. You must have a PayPal email account to enter.

Good Luck!

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Color of the Month January 2016 - Serenity Blue

in 2016, color, January, Serenity Blue, by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, January 29, 2016

I picked this color at the beginning of January, right after Pantone announced they had picked two colors of the year for 2016 and then life happened. Colds and snow and sick extended family and viola~ I'm just now posting my color of the month to kick off the year. I know you'll forgive me my tardiness because you are just awesome like that.

Serenity Blue pins for color of the month

Here's my Pinterest board to help further our love of this color blue. I want to wear it everyday until spring!

Follow Linda A.'s board Color of the Month- January 2016 Serenity Blue on Pinterest.

Thanks for letting me know how much you loved this blog series I started last January. I have a lot of fun with these posts and love getting comments here and likes on my pins.

Please share in comments: Do you own anything Serenity Blue? If so, what?

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Have you been thinking of a second income stream? Join me!

in Avon, beauty, empowerment, second income stream, wahm, work from home, by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, January 22, 2016

Happy Friday! As I sit in my office looking out at the snow swirling around my windows, I’m reminded again of how lucky I am to have the ability to work from home when and how I choose. It’s not always easy this Wahm path, but it’s something I believe in; which is why I decided to add an additional income stream to my blog earnings this year! I wanted a way to get more involved with my community offline while assisting my family financially and Avon was the perfect choice for me. If you’ve been thinking of more income in 2016, I invite you to join me and my Avon team!

Avon has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I love their products and I’ve sold it in the past, but I wasn’t prepared for all the major advancements in the selling tools and support Avon has implemented. Selling Avon has never been simpler! They give you all the tools you need, including a free e-store and the basic starter kit is only $15!

Being an Avon Representative can be as simple as sharing Avon’s pre-written posts on your social media channels, or if you want to earn more, selling in person too. If you’ve ever worked with affiliate links and short-term cookies, you will appreciate the amazing earning opportunity you can have with Avon.

Avon Is:

“This is the company that puts mascara on lashes and food on the tables. That fights wrinkles with one hand and Breast Cancer with the other. That knows the value of a perfect lip, but still opens its mouth and speaks out against Domestic Violence and for women's financial independence. This is the company that not only brings beauty to doors, but also opens them. The company that supports 6 million Representatives worldwide. This is Avon. The company that for more than 125 years has stood for beauty, innovation, optimism and above all for women”.

Join the Sisterhood of Avon Representatives:

“Being an Avon Representative isn’t just about selling beauty products. It’s about a community of passionate women. It’s about being empowered and independent. When you join Avon as a Representative, you’re not just joining a company; you’re joining a sisterhood of 6 million women from around the world.”

How it works:

Joining my team has never been easier and takes about 5 minutes. Sign up today and for just $15, start your business today! Go here and fill out the form making sure you use LKINSMAN in the reference code box so you'll join my team!

Our starter kit gives you all the essentials to get you up and running. Register on our exclusive site for Representatives, which is your go-to resource for info, tools, training and ordering. And, you’ll be paired with an Avon sales leader to support and help you every step of the way.

Share your Avon catalogs (brochures) everywhere you go, or choose to sell exclusively online!

Put your free Avon e-store to work so customers can shop with you online 24/7. Easy social media tools and mobile apps help you promote online in a flash. And every two weeks, a new campaign gives you a new brochure full of must-have products and offers to sell with.

Earn on everything you sell — 35% on average and up to 50% or a straight 20% if you sell online only!

Grow your earnings, perks and rewards when you help others start their own Avon business and build a team. Invite a friend to sell with you and share the fun and empowerment of selling Avon.

Avon makes it easy to earn and save. If you’ve been looking for a new way to earn, I invite you to join me today! You’ll gain so much more than income, you’ll be joining a true sisterhood!

Buy from Me:

If adding a second income stream isn’t for you right now, but you would like to purchase Avon products I’d be happy to serve as your Avon lady! Just visit my site, look around, join me customer email list where you’ll get sales updates and access to mailed brochures, freebies, free shipping codes and more!

Win It!

And because it's Friday and I LOVE sharing giveaways today- why not visit Avon and enter their Compliments of Cupid giveaway?

Have a great weekend!

Please share in comments:

Have you ever used Avon products? If yes, what was it?

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LEGO Friends: Girlz 4 Life Blu-ray Giveaway

in Blu-ray Giveaway, friends, Girlz 4 Life, LEGO, by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, January 15, 2016

Happy Friday! I've been busy working off line this week on organizing paperwork and will be sharing some tips with you next week for my first Weekly Chore Prompt of 2016. I have a lot of exciting posts in store this year my friends.

Speaking of friends, let's get to our giveaway that focuses on friendship and girl-power! My thanks to Warner Bros. Home Video who provided me with some of the materials I used in this Blog Post/Giveaway. The opinions I share are my own.

About LEGO Friends 4 Life:

Can these girls find true friendship in the world of pop? Yes they can!

Join Olivia, Stephanie, Emma, Mia and Andrea, as they learn about friendship, fame and pop star fun in Heartlake City.

The girls’ friendships are tested when mega pop star Livi comes to Heartlake City. When our friends’ hit song “Girlz” is stolen by Livi’s manager, it’s time for a cunning plan.

As the girls try to tell Livi the truth about her latest hit single, they all learn that fame isn’t everything and sometimes friendship is the most precious thing in the world.

Fun time!

Grab your pop star microphone because it’s sing-along night! Click the play button to watch the special sing-along music video for Girlz by L2M.

How to enjoy this app:

• Listen to the song High Tops by L2M and click to watch the “Meet L2M” video that introduces the next girl-pop power sensation.

• Download the “Girlz 4 Life” Activity Pack and to unlock your inner pop star! Kit includes Selfie props, a “Spot the Difference” game, making the Band DIY pop star instruments, Friendship Card and more!

• Click on LEGO® FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE Blu-ray Combo Pack for a link where the film can be purchased!

I love this movies positive message that there are few things as important in life as your friends! No matter how old you are, your friends are there to help you when you’re down, support you when you make mistakes, and be your rock when the going gets tough.

Win It!

Thanks to today's sponsor Warner Bros. in association with Tether Group, one lucky reader will receive a copy of LEGO® FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE on Blu-rayTM!

Terms:

No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below. Must be 18+ years old and a resident of the United States to enter. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. 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

Disclosure:
I have not been compensated in any way, nor will I receive a copy of this movie to host this giveaway. This is a service I enjoy providing to you, my readers.

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Warm up your family with Caserecce Pasta & Red Sauce

in Caserecce Pasta & Red Sauce, family, mealsandmains, pasta, Recipe, tradition, winter, by Linda A Kinsman, Sunday, January 10, 2016

Pasta is a passion with my family and is on heavy rotation at our dinner table. When we shop, we’re on the lookout for unique pasta shapes to try at home and when dining out, at least one in our family of four will order a pasta dish. My husband and I enjoy recreating favorite pasta dishes at home so last night I made a favorite to warm up my family- Caserecce pasta and Red Sauce. I even added some meatballs for good measure. Thank you to Ragu for sponsoring today’s post and inspiring me to pass on my family traditions.

Warm up with Caserecce Pasta & Red Sauce #recipe #simmeredintradition

You’ll find Caserecce Pasta and Red Sauce on many restaurant menus, but don’t let that intimidate you. With a planning and a good Red sauce like Ragu, you’ll be serving up smiles in no time! Here’s my list of ingredients for you to make a shopping list from.

Ingredients to make Caserecce Pasta & Red Sauce #recipe

Ingredients: Serves 6

1 container Caserecce Pasta
1 small white or yellow onion
1 large clove garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh Rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 24 ounce Ragú Red Pasta Sauce. (I used Chunky Tomato, Garlic & Onion)
1 pound Italian style meatballs (optional)
Freshly shredded Romano or Parmesan to garnish (optional)

Directions:

In a large skillet, add olive oil on medium heat until warm. Add onions and minced garlic and sweat until onions are translucent. When my family smells this, they know I'm cooking up something good!

Meanwhile, in large pot, bring water with a drizzle of oil of your choice and a pinch of salt to boil. Once boiling, add pasta and cook according to package directions. As with most pasta dishes, Caserecce is best served Al dente.

Once your onions and garlic are ready, add your Ragu pasta sauce. I usually put just a little water in the jars to get out every last bit of sauce and stir it in along with the salt, pepper and Rosemary. Let your sauce simmer for about 6 minutes, then add your meatballs. You can either add meatballs you’ve made, or pre-made meatballs now, just make sure they aren’t frozen.

The making of a good red sauce with Ragu #simmeredintradtion

The great thing about using Ragu red sauce is that it has such a great flavor, it doesn’t require any fussing with. My pasta dishes turn out perfectly each time. Assunta Cantisano, the founder of Ragu; sure new what she was doing with her recipe when she started out way back in 1937! This sauce is truly #simmeredintradition and I’m proud to serve it to my family and friends. Plus, as a work at home mom and entrepreneur, I was fascinated to learn about her and this beloved brand. I invite you to read her story here.

Continue to simmer your sauce while you make your sides.

I usually serve sourdough garlic bread and a large salad with my Caserecce Pasta & Red Sauce, but this dish also pairs well with roasted vegetables or whatever you have on hand.

In less than 50 minutes, you’ll be serving up a hearty meal that will warm your family from the inside out and just may start a new tradition of serving pasta often as well.

Mangia!

Please share in comments: What is your favorite pasta in red sauce dish? Is this a family recipe that's been handed down to you?

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Reclaiming my lunchtime so I can feel better in 2016!

in 2016, feel better, healthy, lunchtime, soups, by Linda A Kinsman, Thursday, January 07, 2016

We are officially one week into the New Year and my eyes are starting to glaze over from all the “get healthy” advice that is so prevalent this time of year. I’ll be honest; I’m tired of being bombarded with messages that make me feel bad about myself because it highlights all I’m not doing, so this post is about making one small change that is completely doable!

While reviewing my plans from last year, I noticed an area in my life that I was completely neglecting- lunchtime. I realized this is one area that I could improve upon easily, just by making a few small changes in my daily routine.

Serving up a healthy lunch with Progresso Light Soup

This year I’m being smart and reclaiming my lunch time. I will actually stop working, running errands or whatever else I’m doing at a set lunch time each day because I want to make lifestyle changes that will help me feel better in 2016! I’m happy to be part of #ProgressWithProgresso by stocking up on one of my all-time favorite lunches- Progresso Light soups.

Did you know that there are over 10 Light soup varieties with 100 calories or less per serving? I love their Savory Beef Vegetable with Barley! It is such a hearty soup that fills me and helps fill full and hydrated all afternoon.

Some my other favorite flavors include:

Progresso Soup Light Savory Beef Vegetable (shown in photos in this post)
Progresso Soup Light Chicken Noodle
Progresso Light Soup Beef Pot Roast
Progresso Soup Light New England Clam Chowder

Stock up and save on Progresso Light Soup

If you are a Publix shopper, you are in luck! They have some great savings going on like $1 off any 4 cans of all varieties of Progresso Light soup. This is an online coupon that you can print at home and take with you by visiting here.

If it’s time for you to reclaim your lunchtime too, I invite you to join us as we make Progress with Progresso this year. By taking time to eat a proper lunch, one that tastes good, fills us up, warms us up and hydrates too, we will be better equipped to handle our busy days. I’ll be serving up smiles and warmth to my family as well and making sure we eat more sit down lunches together on weekends as well.

Serving up warmth and smiles at lunchtime with Progresso Light Soups

Win It!

Thanks to today’s sponsors, Publix and #ProgressWithProgresso, one lucky reader will receive a $15 PayPal cash transfer so you can go stock up on Progresso Light Soups too!

Terms:

Good luck!

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Disclosure:

My thanks to Publix and Progresso for sponsoring today's post. I will receive monetary compensation for my thoughts and hosting a giveaway, however, I only share content I feel will benefit my readers. I’m disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

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Thinking of buying a new car this year? Check out #KBBBestBuy Awards first!

in #KBBBestBuy awards 2016, new car purchase help #KBBConnect, by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, January 06, 2016

My thanks to KBB (Kelley Blue Book) for sponsoring today’s conversation. While the information below is compensated, I only share information I feel will benefit my readers.

One of our big ticket purchases this year will be a new or like-new car for our teen daughter. We would never put our daughter’s welfare at risk by purchasing a car on price or looks alone, so my husband has been doing a lot of research on several types of cars. He’s checking safety records, drivability and cost in an effort to narrow down the list of possible vehicles. As a car guy, he was happy to see that the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards is now available for 2016 model year vehicles which will help narrow down our search and the amount of time he spends researching on his own.

Courtesy KBB.com

About the KBB Best Buy Awards:

“The Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards are designed to provide a significant service to new car buyers by identifying the cream of the crop of all available 2016 model year vehicles. The awards are the culmination of a year-long regimen of expert vehicle evaluation and testing of nearly every new vehicle available in America, along with analysis of a broad swath of vehicle-related data, including vehicle pricing/transaction prices, 5-Year Cost-to-Own data (which includes depreciation, insurance, maintenance, financing, fuel, fees and taxes for new cars), consumer reviews and ratings, and vehicle sales/retail sales information. Of more than 300 new-car models available for 2016, Kelley Blue Book’s expert editors initially narrowed the field to 49 Best Buy Award Finalists in 12 major vehicle categories and then spent several weeks testing and evaluating all of the finalists head-to-head to ultimately determine the winners.”

When we compared my husband’s list with Kelley’s, several of the cars we were considering received the #KBBBestBuy award! Backed by nearly 90 years of expertise, these awards will help us whether we chose to purchase a brand new or gently used vehicle, because no matter how awesome we think a car is, our teen daughter has to like it too! She looked over the list of small car winners, and actually liked quite a few, including this cute little crossover by Honda.

#KBBBestBuy Award winner 2016 Honda-HR-V

Courtesy KBB.com

This is the 2016 Honda-HR-V, a smaller, more stylish CR-V, according to the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards site. Isn't it cute? I can see my daughter driving around town with her friends in this.

Honda was well represented on the list as was of my husband’s first choices, the Chevrolet Volt. Check the infographic below for the whole list of award winners and some cool car buying tips and facts.

We feel confident that by taking our time, doing research on each car, especially all makes and models found on this great award list, that we’ll be armed with all the knowledge we need to make an informed purchase with our daughter.

If you or a loved one is thinking of buying a car this year, I invite you to visit the KBB Best Buy Awards list and follow then on Twitter @KelleyBlueBook and on Facebook at KelleyBlueBook. If you have a question about the list, use hashtags #KBBBestBuy and #ConnectKBB, and I’m sure they will respond quickly!

Disclosure:

My thanks to Kelley Blue Book for sponsoring today's post. Your yearly awards and website have helped us narrow our options greatly. I will receive monetary compensation for my thoughts, however, I only share content I feel will benefit my readers. I’m disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

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