Need some Energy in the morning? Try some New Honey Bunchs of Oats Morning Engery.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Honey Bunches of Oats for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

We are one of those household's that love Breakfast foods anytime of the day.  A big favorite in our house is cereal.  We love it for breakfast, snack time and even before bed.  As a Mom I enjoy finding new cereals and sharing them with my family.

So when I was given the opportunity to sample two new flavors of cereal with my family...what do you think I said?  Well, yes I immediately said...send the boxes my way and I will tell you exactly what we thought.

And I was so excited to learn we were going to be sampling a new type of Honey Bunches of Oats.  Our family already is huge fans of their cereal line.  And when the boxes arrived and I saw these were "energy" cereals which were a perfect match for my lifestyle.

I couldn't wait to try the two flavors out myself, first.  Yes, I was planning on being selfish.  But that plan soon back fired.  As you will soon see why.

I carefully hid the two box of Honey Bunches of Oats Morning Energy...one was Cinnamon Crunch and the other Chocolately Almond Crunch.  That way I could enjoy them after work and after the kids when to bed. 

But look what I came home too!!!

My lovely little Corgi decided he was going to attempt to try Honey Bunches of Oats Morning Energy before I did.  Thank goodness he only torn up the box and was unable to get into the actual bag of cereal.  But, of course my boys saw the shredded box and wanted to try some of the new cereal.

So we sampled the Honey Bunches of Oats Morning Energy together.  We first tried out the Chocolately Almond Crunch since we are all chocolate lovers.  And this cereal did not disappoint.  I loved the different in textures of the crunchy nuggets and almonds..sweet chocolate pieces and the delicious flakes.  It is hard to imagine that each serving contains more than 2/3 of your days whole grain recommended intake, 10 grams of protein(when enjoyed with a 1/2 cup of fat free milk) and 5 grams of fiber!  Wow...tons of potential benefits without sacrificing enjoyment.

We next sampled the Cinnamon Crunch.  It was delightful and reminded me of a cinnamon roll in a bowl.  The cinnamon flavor was nice and not over powering.  My boys enjoyed this one also but really liked the Chocolately Almond Crunch.

If you would like more info on Honey Bunches of Oats you can check them out on Facebook or on Twitter.

So which one of this Morning Energy cereals do you think you will like?

Beneful Healhty Weight Dog Food Forumla from Pet360.com

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

As a proud pet owner I love to find new dog food that meets my two dogs needs.  It is fun to see their excitement when they get to try out new food.

But I am pretty picky when it comes to selecting what new foods I am going to let them experience and hopefully enjoy.  Our lab, Lucky is getting older and we pay attention to what he eats and the calorie content.

So when I found out that Beneful offers a Healthy Weight Formula dog food I couldn't wait to give it a try and see what my furry friends would think of it.  I found out Pet360.com carries this variety of pet food and so many other types.  I love that Pet360 delivers the dog food right to your door.  No more lugging a bag of dog food into your grocery kart. 

The trick to introducing new dog food to your pet is by a slow transition.  The best way and what I did was to slowly add the Beneful Healthy Weight Formula in with their current dog food.  And over the next 7 to 10 days I would add a little more Beneful until they were just being served Beneful.

So what did my furry friends think of their "low cal" food.  They loved it and so did I as it have 10% fewer calories then the original Beneful. 

My dogs loved the flavor and texture of Beneful.  My lab actually wakes me up in the morning to let me know it is time for his breakfast.  And let me tell you..he didn't do that until Beneful became their new food.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Hip Together Mommy Designs t-shirt - Make a stylish first impression!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

What can I say?

I am a very proud mother of three boys and many days you can tell by my frantic appearance.  Yes, I will admit that I have "those days" that there is never enough time in the day to get everything done.  And of course on "those days" I always have to head out of the house for numerous errands. 

When I do head out I love wearing my broke-in baseball hat so I don't have to fix my hair.  And then that is where the challenge begins.  What do I put on?  I hate, hate, hate where sweatpants in public.  I know I can look pretty haggard on some days, but I can't stoop to that level.

So I always slip into a pair of comfortable jeans but then what kind of top do I put on?  Should I just pull "that fraying sweatshirt" out again?  The answer is NO!  I now have a super comfortable and hip looking Fatigued Mom style shirt to put on and show everyone what I am about!

Thank you so much Hip Together for sending me out the perfect Mommy shirt to wear in style no matter where I am headed too.

Hip Together designs offer trendy clothes for moms and kids..in many different styles and sizes.  I like that they offer sizes from S to 2X and even 3X to 5X in regular style tees.  So you should be able to find the perfect shirt for you to make a statement and be comfortable., and we'd love to share one of our designs with you!

The Mom Of Boys shirt I picked out is consider a Burnout tee.  What is a burnout tee?  A burnout tee has an amazing lacey pattern in the fabric that is meant to be layered over the top of a tank or even a long sleeve tee. 

I did order a size bigger than I normally wear and it fit great.  I is so light weight and super comfortable. 

Thank your Hip Together for making it easy for us Moms to look in style once again and feel amazing!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The quest to find the perfect Prom Dress Evolution

*sponsored post but all opinions are mine.

I look back now....many years ago at my High School photos.  These images bring memories rushing to the front of my mind.  I smile thinking about my Senior Prom and how much preparation went into that perfect evening.  But, I feel that the biggest undertaking of my prom experience was finding the perfect prom dress.  Boy, that was an experience that seemed to take an eternity. 

Okay, now I am going to date myself.  No not "date" myself but show you how old I am.  I recall buying prom magazines at our local grocery store in order to thumb through them looking for the perfect dress.  And even if I did find "the one", it didn't mean I was going to be able to find it.

But, thank goodness times have changed and so has the shopping experience for finding and purchasing the perfect prom dress.  I love no matter if you live in a rural area or a urban city environment anyone can find the perfect prom dress.

I think the biggest place to start and hopefully end the prom dressing shopping is right from your home on your computer.  I know I found an online store that sells gorgeous prom dresses at affordable prices.  It is called JenJenHouse. 

I searched around this site to see what prom dress styles are in for the 2014 season.  I was delighted to see longer prom dresses are back in style.  Look at this beautiful prom dress!

I love the color, length and neckline.  And best of all this dress can be purchased for under $140!  What a great price and the chance for a special prom goer to make an lasting impression.

I understand peoples concerns about making such an important purchase online but JenJenHouse makes it consumer friendly.  They even offer Made to Order dresses and will give your dress a perfect custom fit.

Now if I could only travel back in time and live my High School prom all over again with a modern twist.  I was start preparing for my prom and find the dress of my dreams.

Professor Iris Children's Educational DVD Giveaway / Review $19.95 Value

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

As a mother of a pre-schooler, at times it feels like a struggle to find fun, educational programing for him to enjoy.  So I am always searching for new programs to share.  And in turn sharing educational programing I can spark my son's creativity and ability to grow mentally. 

When I was offered the opportunity to review and giveaway  a DVD called Iris The Happy Professor, I agreed and couldn't wait to see what my son would think (and I).    

First of all as a Mom I must stay Iris is Super Cute!  I love how entertaining the episodes are and they keep your attention as well has your child's.  But not only your child's attention kept....the amount of fun learning that takes place is outstanding!  This DVD is a hit at our home.  And I love listening to the excitement and squeals as my son watches Iris and learns from a puppet that seems to come to life.

Here is a little back ground on the Iris videos (there are 3 different Iris Volumes). 

They are geared towards preschoolers and children between the ages of 3 and 7.  Each Iris DVD is created by the award-winning cartoonist and animator Henri Desclez. 

Iris is a Professor who is a bird that wears a cute over sized bow tie.  He teaches from his science classroom.  And boy does he teach!  Iris teaches his students (your child) the science behind everyday things from balloons to teeth to shapes, or bees!

I know these topics and sound beyond what a Preschool can understand but Professor Iris is able to explain these facts to young children.

So who wants to win their own Professor Iris DVD?  Enter below for your chance to win and good luck!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Rogers Kosher Coffee Cafe Jerusalem blends Giveaway / Review $38.50 Value

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I have a confession to make!

I am addicted to coffee!  But, I am not just any coffee junkie...I love good coffee!  And I will not settle for second rate blends. 

That is why I have reached and searched all over the world to find amazing coffees that a person should not go with out.  And I have found a company who makes outrageously delicious coffee blends that I have to let you know about!!

And not just to let you know about...but to give you a chance to win 4 full size bags of your own!!!  And this bags are packed to the top with fresh coffee beans that are ready for you to grind to your liking.

Aren't they beautiful?  And if you could only enjoy the aroma that greeted my senses when I opened this bag.  OOOOOHHH!

Okay...it is time for me share share a little bit about the company who offers these amazing beans for the world to enjoy.

It is the Rogers Family Company.

They started in 1979 with the mission to search out the world's finest Arabica coffee varieties and roast the richest, most flavorful coffees available anywhere while making the world a better place at the same time.  So you can feel great and enjoy a world famous cup of Joe...Thanks to the Rogers Family Company's passion.

So, many different varieties are offered on the Roger Family's website, but I was blessed with 4 full size bags of their Café Jerusalem Kosher Coffee (and one lucky person is going to be blessed too...as long as they take the time to enter below).

The Café Jerusalem Kosher Coffee line is 100% star-K certified kosher.  These beans are roasted to their fullest flavor like it used to be in the old city.  This Kosher Coffee line comes in 4 unique coffee blends.  And I had the chance to sample all for.  Let me share my experiences.....

Café Jerusalem Kosher Breakfast Blend - This is a great mild/light blend of coffee to start your morning off on the right foot.  It is nice and smooth without any aftertaste.

Café Jerusalem Kosher Lion's Gate - Wow, this blend will get you going with its dark roast.  There is not doubt that this is a full bodied coffee with some smoky undertones.  This is sure to satisfy the true coffee lovers want.  Personally I found out if you do not finely grind the beans, it takes a little bit of the powerful flavor edge off.

Café Jerusalem Kosher King David's Espresso - Yes, as you can tell by the name this is going to be a strong coffee, but surprisingly it does not have a bitter after taste.  It has a great balanced flavor that is robust but not over the top.

Café Jerusalem Kosher Galilee Decaf - a Decaf coffee that doesn't taste like it is missing anything.  This variety is also well rounded and full of flavor.  It is considered a medium roast but has a great coffee flavor. 

So what Café Jerusalem blend would you most like to try?  I would love to know and don't forget to enter below for your chance to win.  Good Luck!

And don't forget that Rogers Family Company is all over social media sharing their products and love of coffee:

Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest and Tumblr to name just a few.

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Do you use a heart rate monitor when you workout?

*sponsored by LinkVehicle


Heart rate monitors are one of the most useful pieces of training equipment. When an athlete tracks their heart rate, they can watch their intensity to make sure that they are getting a workout that is in their target heart range. Heart rate monitors won't automatically make your workouts more effective; you need to know how to properly use them to get the most out of them.

Avoid these common mistakes that people make with heart monitors:

Avoid The 220 Age Formula

It is important to perform exercises at different intensities; this ensures that you are working both your aerobic and anaerobic systems. Heart rate monitors help you perform each workout at the proper intensity; the monitor assigns a specific heart rate zone to every workout.

When heart rate-based training first became popular, people would use a 220 age formula to calculate their maximum heart rate. The formula involved subtracting your age from 220 to find your maximum heart rate. The 220 formula is arbitrary and ineffective.

The best way to calculate your maximum heart rate is to take a 30 minute jog at a moderate pace. Use your heart rate monitor to average out your heart rate during the 30 minutes; this average heart rate should be used as a target rate for your future workouts.

High Intensity Workouts

Heart rate monitors aren't effective for high-intensity workouts that last less than a minute. Your Heart Rate Monitors USA aren't effective because of cardiac lag. Cardiac lag is a phenomenon that occurs when you quickly increase your exercise intensity; basically, it takes a while for your heart to catch up to the exercise you are doing. If your exercise is short, your heart monitor won't give you a correct reading. During short high-intensity workouts, it's best to go at a pace that is comfortable.

Relying On Data Too Much

If you train with a heart monitor regularly, you need to remember that your heart rate isn't the only thing you should be looking at. It is important to listen to what signals your body is giving you; if you feel pain or exhaustion, it's time to stop your exercise. You need to be in tune with your body when you exercise. Don't base everything on your heart rate.

Heart rate monitors aid in effective training. When you use one, it can help you figure out if you are training at the proper intensity. Once you get to the proper heart rate, your exercise becomes more effective; since you are training more effectively, you don't have to train as long.

Gorton's Grilled Fish Fillets Prize Pack Giveaway / Review #RealFabulous

Disclaimer: Gorton's provided me with a free samples of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

When I don't think Gorton's can do it...they continue to surprise me with new and tasty seafood treasures. 

Gorton's sent me out an amazing review pack and free coupons to try out their new Grilled Fish selections...and they are also going to give one of my lucky U.S. reads the same prize!  Keep reading to find out the details you can enter this delicious giveaway!

I used my free coupons to purchase Gorton's Grilled Salmon Fillets and I also tried out Gorton's brand new Skillet Crisps Talapia fillets.  You can also check out Gorton's to see what else they offer.

I loved the convenience of the Gorton's Grilled Salmon Fillets.  They were so easy to prepare in the oven and I love that they only have 100 calories per serving.  The package also said you could cook them in the microwave but I didn't try that.  The salmon cooked up perfectly and had an amazing texture and taste.  I love them and how they help me keep on a healthy track.

Like I mentioned before I also enjoyed some of Gorton's Skillet Crisps.  I am in heaven....they are amazing!  I also used my oven to bake up these fillets and, "OH MY GOODNESS!!!" they baked up so crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.  I can't wait to buy more of these!  And of course when I do I am going to print of one of the Gorton's coupons and are available online.  You can to right here. 

I need to think outside the box when using Gorton's seafood as they offer a ton of free recipes online.  But, I so enjoy the clean flavors simply.  But I promise at least once during lent to try out one of their recipes like Skillet Crisp Tilapia with Garlic and Tomatillo Salsa.

So you would you love to win a Gorton's prize pack that includes....

2 full-value product coupons
1 pair of Gorton’s-branded oven mitts
a Gorton’s spatula
and an assortment of Gorton’s recipe cards

I thought so....just enter below and good luck.

Don't forget that Gorton's is on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.  I love following them to learn about all their delicious products and offers.

Skinny Jane Quick Slim Kit Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Are you a woman?...A woman who wants to be happier and healthier?  How about a woman who wants to be happier, healthier and lose some extra pounds?

If this is you I would highly recommend you give Skinny Jane a try.  I had the chance to try the Skinny Jane 7 Day Challenge.

My Skinny Jane 7 day Challenge Slim Kit came with:

Skinny Blend (shakes) - All I had to do was add the premeasured powder with 8oz of skim milk and mix.  These shakes are a special blend of 7 proteins - that keep you satisfied for upto 4 hours. One serving ONLY has just 100 calories, 1 gram of sugar, 3 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein.

The purpose behind the Skinny Blend is it will boost your protein intake so you keep your metabolism high while you are losing weight.  I absolutely loved the Banana flavored Skinny Blend.  What a great flavor and not far behind my second favorite was chocolate!

Skinny Burn (capsules) have 9 ingredients that work synergistically to help speed up your metabolism, boost your energy, and control your appetite. It contains Raspberry Ketones that have been proven to be very effective in burning body fat along with other ingredients that speed up your metabolism and curb your appetite.

I felt an increase in my energy with the Skinny Burn.  At times I felt a little over the top busy - but as long as I was up and moving I was fine.

Skinny Cleanse (capsules) is just as it states...it is a cleanse.  Make sure you take this as  instructed so the cleansing effects are planned.  As what can I say..this will clean you out comfortably.

If you want to see a list of all the ingredients head on over to Skinnyjane.com. 

The instructions that came with my Skinny Jane Quick Slim Kit were very easy to follow.  I would love to try the 30 day plan with is available on Amazon.com. 

Enter below for your chance to win a prize from Skinny Jane.  Good luck and don't forget that Skinny Jane is on Facebook and Twitter. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Big Red's NEW Hot Sauces - Prickly Pear and The Big Yella Review - Gluten Free - Spring Break Gone Wild!!!

Disclaimer: Big Reds provided me with a free  sample of these products to review/giveaway, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

It is hard to believe it has been around 1 and a 1/2 years since I was first introduced to Big Red's Hot Sauce.  And let me tell you how time flies when you are living life to the fullest and spiciest. 

So when Big Red's Hot Sauce reached out a while back and asked if I would review their two newest flavors in their spicy line...what is a girl suppose to say?  Well....Hell Yell.  Yes, I said "hell" as that place is very hot! Hot, Hot and Hot!  Which reminds me (or should I say my Hubby's as I was too scared!) of our experience in the past with Big Red's God's Wrath Ghost Pepper Sauce.

So what new Big Red's Hot Sauce flavors did I get to sample???

Prickly Pear (Sneaky Pete's Sweet & Spicy Sauce) and The Big Yella (Tropical Sauce)

Now my fun begins for my taste buds and how to describe these two unique flavorful, spicy and hot sauces.

I think I will begin with the spicier of these two new flavors.  The Big Red's Prickly - Sweet & Spicy Sauce.  So where does the heat and the sweet come from?  The heat is of course from the flaming hot Habanero Pepper and the sweet is the Prickly Pear.

My taste buds were first hit with the spicy heat of the pepper but immediately followed up with a nice sweet heat.  But the flavor didn't end there...the peppers lingered pleasantly in the back of my throat. 

Now on to The Big Yella Sauce......



Spring Break Gone Wild! 

I can't think of any better words to help explain The Big Yella Sauce by Big Red's. 

Spring Break Gone Wild....Juicy Mango and Habanero Peppers create a Tropical paradise in your mouth.  It is sweet and sassy.....It is the perfect dipping sauce with a nice bite.

Thank you Big Red's for your new additions.  They are fabulous.  I can't wait to keep an eye out on your Facebook page to see what you have in store next for us heat lovers.