Country Crock makes Birthday Cakes Magical!

                      Free For All received a sample to facilitate this post all opinions are 100 percent my own and no financial compensation was received!

Who knows what day of the year the most birthdays fall on? I had no clue; it is September 16th! With this in mind we wanted to share with you the lengths some parents will go to in order to make their children have the best parties and events ever. These findings are from a survey conducted by instant.ly for Country Crock of over 1,000 parents with children in their homes and I think you will be very surprised to find that cakes seem to be at the top of everyone's list when it comes to the most important aspect of a great event. Country Crock can definitely help you bake up your own magnificent, crowd pleasing affordable cake!

BIRTHDAY SURVEY FINDINGS

o   The top three occasions parents spend a lot of time preparing for are:

• Winter holidays (i.e., Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.) – (73 percent)
• Their child’s birthday – (68 percent)
• Thanksgiving – (38 percent)

o   87 percent  of parents listed “the pressure they put on themselves” as the leading common stressor when planning a child’s birthday party

o   82 percent of parents claim the birthday cake is the most important component of a child’s birthday party

o   When preparing for a child’s birthday, 56 percent of parents surveyed finish the cake between the hours of 10 p.m. and midnight, the evening before the event; 21 percent stay up until between midnight and 2 a.m.

o   And despite the stress caused, a homemade cake is the way to go as  61 percent of parents said that they would prefer to bake a cake over buying one, and 70% of parents involve their kids in the baking process

CAKES

      o   The three most important aspects of a great kid’s cake are:

1)      Taste (86 percent)

2)      Decorations (69 percent)

3)      Personalization (50 percent)

      o   Favorite cake base:  

1)      Chocolate (41 percent)

2)      Vanilla (32 percent)

While most parents admit the most stress they experience is caused by pressure they put on themselves, there is an easier way. Country Crock is helping reduce birthday-cake stress with recipes parents can bake in about an hour or less. What’s even better is that these cakes help create fun memories in the kitchen (see images below):

Want to make one of these beautiful cakes just click the links below for the easy Country Crock inspired recipe!

-          Rocking Rainbow Popsicle Cake

-          Classic Chocolate Layer Cake

-          S’Mores Ice Cream Cake

All of these recipes are made with Country Crock, the go-to ingredient for baking. Country Crock, which is considered part of the good fat family and is made with real, simple ingredients including delicious oils, purified water and a pinch of salt. Be sure to follow Country Crock on social media below to see all the great recipes, products, and promotions they share with their fans:

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Sands Alive Glow Review!

I received a sample for review purposes only. All opinions stated are 100 percent my own.

With all the flooding and rain here it has been a summer we mostly spent indoors. So mommy has to be more and more creative with the toys, projects and crafts so the kids stay happy, engaged and learning. Sands Alive Glow is one of the newest products in the Sands live line; my kids already love Sands Alive so I knew they would love Sands Alive Glow. I myself was skeptical if the glow would really be that prevalent and noticeable and I was surprised! I am such a kid at heart myself and enjoy the childrens toys as much as they do. Sands Alive was such a pleasant surprise I purchased 2 more sets one for my other son and one for a birthday gift. Let me show you ho it works and how much fun the kids had with Sands Alive Glow!

Sands alive glow is the original Sands Alive play sand with an added customizable glow feature. I always loved Sands Alive because it makes no real mess at all. The Sand Alive sand sticks together better than play doh in my opinion and has a much cooler texture without the yucky play doh scent. An added bonus Sands Alive sand is also bacteria free and never dries out. The only warning I have for you is never add water to it or let it get wet it will actually disintegrate and be messy and ruin the wonderful fun you can have. With Sands Alive Glow children can set their creativity free, they can mold, sketch and the use the UV light and glasses included to watch their creations glow! This is the perfect Halloween or Christmas craft. It is so simple to sculpt a pumpkin or snow man with the tools included with your child and watch that spooky pumpkin glow!

When you're ready to take your creation to the next level and make it glow, just bring it into the dark and watch it magically come to life. The kit includes two tools to transform your sand creations. The glow tool light pointer is used to sketch and doodle pen the sand. The Sand-Charging Glasses enhance the overall play experience by transforming the sand as you build and mold. Different movements cause different glow reactions, creating quite the unique sand spectacle. It is something you must try and see for yourself to believe! I captured the glow experience the best I could for you but a picture does not do Sands Alive justice (glow feature pictured below).

I love to see my children creating and learning; Sands Alive is perfect for stimulating young minds and I for one love it! No matter how long you leave it out in the open the texture does not; it doesn't dry out. I experimented with a small piece myself and left it out for 4 days and still perfect no change at all in the texture. Sands Alive offers a variety of Sands Alive items like the regular Sands Alive, Glow Volcano Kit, Sunken Castle Discovery and lots more. You can even purchase extra accessories. Take a minute to check out there products.

To purchase any Sands Alive product including Sands Alive Glow click here! Be sure to follow Sands Alive on social media below to stay up to date on all of their newest products, contests, specials and more.

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The Kid's Guide to Dog Bite Prevention!

First let me say no one made me post this it isn't a favor to a company or anything else, I am posting this because it is valuable. Most of you who read my blog know me and my family and know my husband was recently viciously attacked by our dog of 13 years. Our dog was a pit bull chow mix but I don't think breed matters any dog can attack at anytime. We just thank god that this didn't happen to the kids or me. It would have killed anyone but my husband. Chris is 6 foot 5 and has the size to go with it.

Our dog attacked him after we had put him in the garage since there were really bad storms here that night. The next morning my husband fed him everything was fine. The door to the garage was open the entire time. When my husband went to walk out our dog walked to the door stood there looked him in the eye (my husband says at this time he knew he was in for a fight) and stared him down. Chris proceeded to walk out of the garage and the dog began his attack. He went first for my husbands throat but missed we figure due to Chris's height and the fact he was fighting him off. He then latched onto my husbands arm after he whacked our dog who we loved on the head 3 times with bolt cutters he stunned him enough to get out of the garage dog still attached to his arm gnawing away. He knocked our dog against our children's swingset and the side of the concrete blocked garage and again got him off long enough to make it to the road. From the road to the house the dog continue to gnaw his arm and attack. When I saw the scene myself all I remember is Chris skin ripping as he pulled his arm in the door and ripped the skin off that the dog was still attached to biting.

 My husband always wears a gun he has had his concealed carry for years. The night before this I had asked all the guns be taken out of the house and to his mother's next door because our oldest son 6 was getting to curious and needs to be taught more about gun safety. So on the day we would need one we were trapped in our house 2 hours waiting on police or anyone else. Most people we knew were out it was a weekend they were enjoying the day as we were ready to also that is why my husband went to let our dog out we were getting ready to leave. After 3 calls to the paramedics the police arrived 2 hours later. We had one person who we could get a hold of who cared to help that day and many others that were just too far and figured the police would make it before they did. DO NOT DEPEND ON THE POLICE OR PARAMEDICS TO SAVE YOU. THEY WILL NOT MAKE IT IN TIME. Me and my husband were both trained and had a good back ground in many different medical jobs. If not for that my husband I doubt would be here. When ambulance and police did arrive they didn't even know it was a dog attack. They were looking for a black suspect as our dog was black and I had screamed a black dog all they had heard was black. I do't know how that is?? My husband received between 200-300 stitches internal and external stitches and had 6 drainage tubes. We still do not know how much use he will have in his arm and hand but has already surpassed what doctors thought would be the best outcome. That day taught me one lesson you can not trust animals. They are just that animals; instinctive, territorial and wild. I am not afraid though and will be getting another dog just the right dog. A smaller size that can't kill me.

I want to share with you today a resource for your children to prevent dog bites Please share this with your children!

DOWNLOAD YOUR COPIES NOW

CLICK HERE

http://www.dogbooksforkids.com/#!the-kids-guide-to-dog-bite-prevention-/cu78

PAW PATROL: MEET EVEREST REVIEW!

Free For All received a sample DVD to facilitate this review all opinions are 100 percent my own.

Present

 

PAW PATROL: MEET EVEREST!

THE RESCUE PUPS RETURN WITH A NEW FRIEND

AND SEVEN COOL NEW ADVENTURES! 

Available on DVD September 1, 2015

The PAW Patrol pups are back with daring new rescues and a new puppy crew member in PAW Patrol: Meet Everest! Fan-favorite Everest and high-flying rescue pup Skye embark on daring missions through the snow and ice to rescue their friends, protect stranded animals and guard their community!As the number-one preschool show on TV and featuring French and Spanish audio, PAW Patrol: Meet Everest! is sure to be a hit with all of its good-hearted, adventure-seeking fans. Produced by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Media Distribution, PAW Patrol: Meet Everest! will be available on DVDSeptember 1, 2015 for the suggested retail price of $14.99.

 

PAW Patrol: Meet Everest! includes the following episodes:

• The New Pup- The PAW Patrol rolls out in their new PAW Patroller to save Jake when he gets stranded in the ice fields, but a new pup also pops up to lend a paw--the brave ranger, Everest!
• Pups and the Big Freeze- When a winter ice storm causes trouble all over Adventure Bay, Mayor Goodway's car hits an icy patch and gets stuck in the snow.  Then, a train engineer can't break on the icy tracks as it heads for a huge snow drift on the crossing. It's up to Ryder, Rubble, and Everest to clear out all the snow and ice!
• Pups Save the Deer- When a family of deer gets separated on slippery ice and a snowy hill, it's up to Zuma and Everest to lead an icy rescue to reunite them!
• Pups Make A Splash- When Cap'n Turbot's boat runs aground, Ryder, Zuma, Skye, and Rocky must team up to save it before it sinks!
• Pups Save A School Day- Alex loses his back pack on the first day of school! Ryder and the Paw Patrol need to help him find it before the school bus comes.
• Pups and the Trouble with Turtles- Tons of Baby Turtles start to pop up all over town and it's up to Ryder and the Pups to corral them all and get them back to their pond.
• Pups Save A Flying Frog- Marshall's new pet frog, Smiley, is going to be in a jumping contest! The only problem is that during a practice run Smiley jumps right into Skye's helicopter and it takes off! Now Skye and the Pups have to save Smiley, and get him to the competition in time!

 

PAW Patrol: Meet Everest! Fast Facts:

Street Date: September 1, 2015

Catalogue: 59171674000 (US)

S.R.P.: $14.99

DVD Running Time: 96 minutes

Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French and Spanish Dolby Stereo

Back To School Jewelry Looks!

This post was created in partnership with eAccountable. All opinions are my own.

Heading back to school is always exciting and maybe even a little nerve racking. You’ve got a backpack full of new supplies, some great new clothes and a chance to start fresh. Now’s the time to stand out from the crowd.
Whether you’re going back to high school or hitting the college campus, one way to really make an impact and show off your seriously unique style is accessories that will turn heads and make your classmates envious.
Get that extra boost of confidence when you wear modern, cool, edgy accessories like ear cuffs, ear jackets, hand sheaths and unique statement rings. Visible Interest is a top destination to get the newest jewelry pieces by indie designers who share a passion for the uniquely fresh and modern and who believe in the charm of individuality. Visible Interest has something for every hip chick - sleek and modern options in gold, silver, or mixed metal looks.
Check out Visible Interest's back to school collection and get 15 percent off your purchase with the code:Back2School through September 19th, 2015.

Are you getting married let us help you make it perfect!

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Share a Sale for Wedding Paper Divas. If you click on these links to make a purchase I will receive a very small compensation.

Planning your Big Day?

Then you need to check out Wedding Paper Divas, who is offering 10% off your entire order!

From Save the Dates to Thank You cards and Invitations, Wedding Paper Divas has designs that fit YOU! These are aren't generic or boring - You can completely personalize the cards, upload your own photos, change the font, text and color to make the cards uniquely YOU.

The clock is ticking...it only takes a few minutes to create your personalized wedding items. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Choose from thousands of Wedding Paper Divas products.
2. Add your photos and tweak the text to your liking.
3. Use the promo code 2015WED10 to save 10% on your entire order. You can also add the promo code FREESHIP15 to get free shipping.

It's not too late to save on all your wedding day staples so head on over to Wedding Paper Divas now.



Full Description: Offer expires 9/30/2015 (11:59 P.M. PT). Save 10% off using the code 2015WED10 at checkout. There is no minimum purchase required for this promotion. Offer is not applicable to previously placed orders, shipping, taxes, rush processing charges, photo books, calendars and personalized postage stamps. This promotion code cannot be combined with other offers. Offer is only valid on Weddingpaperdivas.com and is not applicable on third party or partner websites. To prevent fraud or abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer or cancel any order.

Crayola is at the Top of our Back to School List!

Free For All received samples to facilitate this review all opinions are 100 percent my own.

If you are going back to school I guarantee you have at least one item from Crayola on your back to school list. Crayola sent us several shipments to try out their different back to school products. One thing I loved that you should consider that probably won't be on any ones back to school list but your child's teacher will love you are the Visi-Max Dry Erase Markers. I think to many times we get lost in what our kids have to have and forget about what the teachers need to teach. We try and keep both in mind and buy extras for the teachers as well. Check out all the new products Crayola has and find your child's teacher and your child what they need!

My kids and I really enjoyed trying numerous types of Crayola products we otherwise may have never known about like the Pip Squeak markers. They are perfect for my toddlers tiny grasp. The Dry Erase crayons were also a hit, my boys loved that they had a crayon they could wipe off. They can also use them in their wipe off work books. It makes learning a little funner! For these crayons all you really need is a slick surface that wipes off easily nothing of course that is valuable or you would worry may be damaged. For the little artist in my ife my youngest Gavin he had a ball with the Water Colors and loved how I could clean off the colors when he mixed them up on accident with a paper towel.

If your kids hate the smell of markers maybe you should try Crayola's Power Lines scented markers. These are perfect for larger poster board projects. They are also fun for kids to just be creative with. Christian my oldest likes drawing pictures of the marker's scent. For example with Ampd Green Apple he draw a giant Green Apple then brought it to me and wanted me to guess what it was by the scent.  Crayola has pretty much any kind of crayons, markers or paint that your kids may need. Most of you have probably used colored pencils and crayons but I want to take a minute to say that Crayola is the only brand we use in crayons or colored pencils. I see so many companies offer 10 cent crayons and they are pure junk. They break when I use them so how quick can a child tear them up. Crayola lasts they stand for quality and stand the test of generations!

Crayola is a brand I grew up with and to me it is iconic. I want my kids to enjoy the same fun I had with Crayola product's as a child and I want your kids to enjoy Crayola also. So make sure you are following Crayola on social media below to stay up to date on contests, coupons, new products, discounts and so much more!

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Staples Giveaway!

With that being said, it is time to bring on the giveaway! Mom Buzz Media bloggers have partnered with Staples to bring you this $300 gift card Multi-Winner giveaway! 5 lucky readers will each get a gift card from Staples! One will get a $100 gift card and the other 4 will get $50 gift cards!

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclaimer: This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media. I received promotional items to assist with my post and promotions. This giveaway is in no way associated with any social media website and is Facebook compliant. 5 winners will be chosen at random and emailed. These winners will have 24 hours to resspond or a new winner will have to be chosen. US Residents only please. Ends 11:59 CST on 8/27.

Staples Mail and Ship; Mail It The Easy Way!

STAPLES
Mail & Ship

How do you prepare for back to school with a college student? Most of us are seasoned veterans of the Kindergarten - 12 Grade back to school hustle and bustle but what about a child leaving for college? You have all the shipping to prepare for as well as preparing yourself for that child to be on their own and independent. Staples is here to help!

Staples sent us the wonderful package above to try out the staples mail and ship process. All of the items pictured above are available in Staples. The extra-cushion bubble roll is perfect for protecting valuable items that would easily be broken in the shipping process. The labels and Sharpies are amazing for addressing packages so everyone can see who its from and where it is going; best of all the $25 Gift Card. I plan to purchase extra supplies for the dorm room with this!

Staples Makes Moving and Packing Happen for College Students Leaving the Nest

Parents, Students and Well Anyone Can Ship from Staples Stores Nationwide

With Back-to-college quickly approaching; Staples is making it simple for students to move into their new dorm or off campus housing with a huge selection of moving and packing supplies. Staples stores also offer UPS service desks for easy shipping and convenient package drop off seven days a week. You o longer need to make a seperate trip to the closets postal facility to ship get all your shipping done at Staples while getting your back to school supplies. Just purchase what you need at Staples and have them ship it for you!

CollegeMagazine.com offers some amazing tips to help make college move-in day easy:

Make a Checklist. Packing for college doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right move-in list, you'll be living like a king or queen on campus with all your must-have necessities.  

Get Your Boxes Early. Move in day has organizational disaster written all over it. Don’t let it sneak up on you. Whether you’re schlepping or shipping your room, box it up. Staples even bundles the boxes for you. Start out with an 8 pack of SmoothMove medium sized boxes. Then pick up a wardrobe box to save you the tedium of transferring your entire closet hanger by hanger. For packing ninjas, the Bankers Box SmoothMove Kraft Moving Box doesn’t even need tape—it’s magic.

Get Label Crazy. Your bathroom supplies box and late-night snack box look identical. You think you’ll remember what went where, but you won’t. Cue the labels. And if you’re shipping your boxes, you can label and ship all at once at Staples.

I know my biggest thing with Back to School is the oldest saying, "Mom I want my dorm to be cool! ".What is cool now a days? Let Staples help! Students going away to college can also find ways to personalize their space with the latest trends in dorm design and essentials, such as mini fridges, microwaves, décor and storage cubes at Staples.com/backtoschool. Staples Copy & Print Center can personalize products to create one-of-a-kind décor with custom photo canvases, photo panels, phone covers and more. I want my child to have all the best and what they need so college life is easy for them to adapt to. Staples is moms best friend for back to school!

Back To School with Oriental Trading!

Free For All received a sample to facilitate this review no compensation was received!

Its that time of year again. Time for back to school shopping;for us this is a time i dread. Money is always tight and it is so hard to buy everything the kids need and want so they feel stylish and fit in well with the other children. We spend our days looking for bargains so that we can get enough school supplies for all of the kids without spending an arm and a leg. THIS YEAR WAS A LITTLE DIFFERENT FOR US THOUGH; WELL A LOT!

What if I told you I was able to get enough supplies for an entire classroom of kids for under $75? Sounds pretty unbelievable doesn't it? Well, it isn't! I was browsing Oriental Trading and noticed there amazing prices; I knew they were the best place for parties but hadn't thought about how much I could save shopping Oriental Trading's School Supplies. I decided to order our school supplies from Oriental Trading the prices were just amazing. Then I thought, why not get enough supplies for my sons entire kindergarten class. I almost had enough supplies for both my sons Kindergarten classes since they are both in separate classes I have to buy enough now for over 50 children to supply both classes.  With Oriental Trading's bulk products at amazing prices I was able to do just that! This is what we were able to get for a total of $74.96:

Stars & Stripes Mega Pencil AssortmentIN-13696530
144 Piece(s)
1

$13.78

$13.78

Paw Print Patterned Pocket FoldersIN-13687887
Per Dozen
1

$6.70

$6.70

Plastic & Metal School ScissorsIN-12/1921
Per Dozen
1

$4.99

$4.99

16-Color Crayon ClasspackIN-56/9
800 Piece(s)
1

$34.50

$34.50

30 Pc. Elmer's® Classroom Pack Clear Glue SticksIN-73/10012
30 Piece(s)
1

$14.99

$14.99

School supplies never last the whole year and with schools having so much funding issues and often supplies run out before the year is half over. I wanted to give both my sons classes a great start this year and hope they have enough supplies to get off to a great start! This is what I recommend purchasing for a classroom from Oriental Trading pencils, glue, paint, crayons, and folders. This is easily do able for under $50 if you are purchasing for only one class of around 25. I purchased for 2 and had almost enough for everyone I was only a few short on folders and glue. Hopefully another parent can help out in those areas. Buying for an entire classroom isn't something I normally do, but at these prices I figured it was a good idea.

 Oriental Trading has so much more than just school supplies though. They have party decorations, holiday decor and craft projects for all ages. Of course we will also be getting all of our sons classes Halloween Party products from Oriental Trading. Look back soon for our Halloween Guide which will include our haul from Oriental Trading.

With Oriental Trading the possibilities are truly endless! Get started planning your perfect party, get together or event today start your shopping at Oriental Trading. To connect with Oriental Trading on social media follow the links below:

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