Young At Heart Mommy

Managing Motherhood Through Love & Laughter

Rest + Relaxation: Enter To #WIN An Escape Monthly Subscription Box! #GIVEAWAY


Everyone deserves a little rest and relaxation from time to time. Whether it’s a day at the spa or a weekend getaway, a moment of pure bliss is always appreciated. Who doesn’t need a break from the hectic world we live in? We ALL do! With busy work schedules and the every day family responsibilities, taking time off can be harder than you may have imagined. Now there is a monthly alternative that allows you to indulge in luxury products and gourmet snacks. The Escape Monthly Box gives you all the tools needed to relax, renew, and re-charge without leaving the comfort of your home. Every box delivers  destination themed full size luxury products, gourmet goodies, gift certificates, travel guides, and entertainment. Each month one lucky member will be selected to win a vacation to the current theme destination! Subscribe just in time for August and you could be traveling to Napa Valley for an escape to wine country.

Each Escape Monthly Box is $49.95 each. If you are one of the first 100 subscribers you will score yourself 20% OFF for life! This makes it less than $40 per box. Make sure to use the YOURESCAPE promo code when signing up. The first round of boxes will be going out in the middle of August. This means there is plenty of time to subscribe but don’t way too long! You wouldn’t want to miss out on the incredible launch promotion and discount. 

One lucky Young At Heart Mommy reader has the chance to win their very own Escape Monthly Box! Feel like you need a little R & R? This giveaway has your name on it. I think this is an amazing treat for new moms, existing moms, or those of us who never take a moment to STOP and breathe! Enter through the rafflecopter form below and good luck.

Disclosure: This giveaway has been provided by Escape Monthly. I am not being compensated and all opinions are my own, as always!

Creative Summer Activities Featuring CRAYOLA + #GIVEAWAY!

Summer has really started to grow on me. Usually I am one to prefer the cooler months and can’t wait for October to roll around. But this year I have been spending much more time outside with Toodie, enjoying the sunshine & nature itself. While we have had more rainy days than sunny, we take full advantage when the weather is beautiful. Most of our time outside is spent playing with bubbles, running in the sprinklers, coloring with sidewalk chalk, and watering plants. Typical Summer fun activities right? Since Florida has had unpredictable weather this year, I always like to have activities ready for the outdoors and indoors. With the help of Crayola I am able to be prepared through rain or shine. Last week they were kind enough to send Toodie a few of their popular Summer time products! Included within the package was a box of Washable Sidewalk Chalk, Color Wonder Mess Free Glitter Paper with markers, and the Color Wonder Mini Stow and Go.


Washable Sidewalk Chalk:
  • A standout from the crowd — it’s the first sidewalk chalk featuring 48 classic Crayola crayon colors!  And that’s not all – the chalk is also bolder and more vibrant than ever.
  • With so many colors to choose from, kids can let their imaginations run wild to create beautiful masterpieces that may include “carnation pink” flowers, “sepia” colored tree trunks, “granny smith apple” turtles or “scarlet” colored lady bugs.
  • A new anti-roll shape prevents chalk from rolling away and the wide sides allow kids to draw thick lines.
  • Parents will appreciate that the chalk is washable from sidewalks and driveways – simply spray away with water! 

Toodie loves drawing pictures with chalk. What’s great about the Washable Sidewalk chalk is that it comes in 24 different colors and is in fact… WASHABLE! It comes off extremely easy whether you hose off the area with water or let it fade. The colors are also not traditional. They are bright, vibrant, and there are so many to choose from. I love that they are crayon shaped too! This makes them easy to hold for smaller hands.


Color Wonder Mess-Free Glitter Paper and Markers:
  • Crayola’s new Color Wonder Glitter Paper is full of glittery fun but without the mess, since the glitter effects are in the paper.
  • Kids can create dazzling, sparkly masterpieces with their favorite Disney Princesses and Fairies.
  • With Crayola’s Color Wonder system, parents can rest easy since the mess-free Color Wonder markers will only appear on the special Color Wonder paper – not on skin, clothing, walls or furniture.
  • Kids can color and watch in awe as hidden images magically appear on the glittery paper.

In our home we are very familiar with the mess-free Color Wonder sets. When Toodie was younger we would find her drawings on the walls and tile, convincing us that we needed a better option! I started buying the color wonder markers and paper because they were so conveniant and I didn’t have to worry about it ending up in the wrong place. Toodie was thrilled that the glitter coloring pages were Disney Princess themed! The pack came with 12 individual pictures to color and 5 markers. The markers can always be re-used and you can purchase more magic paper sheets!

Color Wonder Mini Stow and Go:
•        Mess-free fun hits the road with Crayola Wonder Mini Stow and Go!
•        The Color Wonder Mini Stow & Go gives you a portable writing surface and storage for your creations and markers.
•        Markers color only on special paper and not on skin, furniture or carpets! 
•        Each pack includes a 15-page mini Color Wonder Coloring Pad and 3 Color Wonder Markers.
 

The Mini Stow and Go is ideal for traveling and restaurant visits. It’s basically mini Color Wonder pages and markers packed in a slim storage case. Since receiving our Crayola goodies I have kept this in my purse for when we are out and about. It’s great for entertaining little ones when you are away from home or running errands. There are even extra slots for you to put additional markers in.

Crayola has so many tools to encourage your child to be creative. These are just three!  For more information on these Crayola products along with the many others they offer, visit their website here. Also, get social and follow along on Twitter and Facebook! Crayola has been kind enough to provide me with one Summer Fun gift pack to give away to my readers. If you would like the chance to win all three products mentioned above, enter below. Good luck and as always, thanks for stopping by!

Disclosure:  The Crayola pack, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by Crayola. All opinions are my own!

Toodie’s Cadbury Ice Cream ‘High Tea’ Party! #CadburyHighTea

Being a mommy to a little princess is a true blessing. I always knew that when I became a mother I wanted to have a girl first. The past four years have been filled with all things “girly” including dressing up, painting nails, playing with makeup, and tea parties! All of these fun things were shared with me when I was growing up, and now I get to experience them with my own daughter. With the help of Blue Bunny’s Cadbury Ice Cream bars, Toodie had the opportunity to host her very own “High Tea” party with friends this weekend. The girls were so excited that they were able to wear their pretty dresses while they sipped tea like royalty and nibbled on homemade finger sandwiches. It was sure to be a day filled with giggles and yummy goodies to snack on.
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BIG Flavors For Small Dogs: WELLNESS Petite Dog Treats #REVIEW

If you have a small pup with allergies or dietary restrictions, then this review is for you. Wellness has made an appearance on my blog several times within the past year. It is a brand and company that I trust and also support. When it comes to my dogs I pay very close attention to what I am feeding them, from food to treats. My smallest, Chloe, is a pug with a history of severe allergies. Wellness offers several products for pug parents like myself. They have dry food, wet food, and snacks without wheat or grain.
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A Quick Pick Me Up With EMERGEN-C! #Review #Smiley360

Last month I came down with a terrible cold that lasted for a solid two weeks. I wouldn’t even consider it the “common” cold. It was actually a whirlwind of coughing, sneezing, cold chills, achy muscles, and misery. The past year I have gotten sick more times than in my whole 27 years of living! What’s up immune system? Cut me some slack here! With Toodie attending school full time, there always seems to be little germies floating around our home. One of us always has the sniffles or a stubborn cough. It’s Summer time and none of us want to be sick in the sunshine. This is why I use my trusty Emergen-C. Packed with vitamins and nutrients, this flavored fizzy drinks boosts the immune system and fights the colds.

Emergen-C features 24 nutrients including 1,000 mg of immune supporting Vitamin C, 7 B vitamins, antioxidants, and electrolytes  to refuel and replenish you. It’s PACKED with so many different components to keep you feelin’ good inside and out! Before I became familiar with Emergen-C, I always thought that people used it to prevent getting sick. But I quickly learned differently. I found it worked best at the peak of my cold when I really needed a kick. I couldn’t believe how different I felt after drinking a glass in the morning and in the afternoon. The next day I was back to my normal self. My symptoms were even at a minimum and in general I was more energized. I had to see it to believe it but this stuff REALLY works, and quick! You can also drink it to keep you revitalized before and after a work out.

You can find Emergen-C sold in several different flavors. These include the classic orange, raspberry, lemon-line, dragon fruit, and many others. I have always drank the orange and never thought to try any of the other flavors. Thanks to Smiley 360 Blogger  Circle I was given a full box of Raspberry Emergen-C to test out. I really enjoyed this flavor too! It’s a little sweet and a little tangy. The hint of berry is delicious and makes you forget you are even drinking a supplement packed with vitamins! I had to stash a few of these in my purse and my desk at work. Even though I am in good health now, I drink one of these a week for a boost. This stuff is a miracle worker, no smoke and mirrors!


For more information on Emergen-C and other products offered, visit the website here. Also, get social by following along on Facebook and Twitter. If  you have never used Emergen-C, stop by and get a FREE SAMPLE! All you have to do is give their Facebook page a “like” and enter your mailing information.

Disclosure: I received a full-sized complimentary Emergen-C product sample from the Smiley Blogger Circle to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Girl’s Night In With Brancott Estate Wine + The Bachelorette #ChillHour #BacheloretteABC

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Brancott Estate Wines. I received a gift card to purchase party supplies to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
  

Each Monday there are two things that I look forward to, a cold bottle of wine waiting in my refrigerator and a new episode of the Bachelorette! OH and ONE more thing- quiet mommy bliss time minus tantrums, sassy ‘tudes, and playing dress up. Mondays are EVEN better when I have my best girlfriends over to share a few laughs and catch up on the craziness going on in each other’s lives. Being a mom is no easy task and we rarely get the shortest of moments to take a breather. That’s why we make an effort to take one day out of the week for “adult” time, no kiddos allowed! Moms need a little fun too and we take full advantage of the few hours we have together. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that we are all on the edge of our seats as we watch the Bachelorette each week. 

My mom even persuaded her fiance to join in on the party! He was the only guy present but he had a blast with us girls. Spending Monday night’s all together just makes more sense and this week we had a delicious addition to our viewing party. Brancott Estate Wine complimented our appetizers and kept use refreshed during those anxious episode moments. Even Ashley Hebert and J.P Rosenbaum from Season 7 enjoy sipping on Brancott Estate wine! 

Prior to our girl’s night in festivities, we were all unfamiliar with Brancott Estate wines. We may be best of friends but when it comes to our taste in wine we all prefer a little something different. This actually comes as an advantage when we get together because we all have the opportunity to try a variety that each enjoys. Both of my girlfriends have a mutual love for a variety of red and white wine. On the other hand, I have always found myself drinking sweet and bubbly Moscato. I envisioned girl’s night in as not only being a fun time with friends but also the opportunity to step out of my box a bit. After a cold glass of Brancott Estate’s Sauvignon Blanc I was ready to explore my options further! I must have been limiting myself all of the years because I never realized that there may be something else out there for my picky taste buds.

We all found the tasting notes of each wine to be very interesting. When drinking wine we don’t usually put much thought into the flavors and what foods may compliment them. It’s chill, pour, and enjoy most of the time! Brancott Estate was even kind enough to send us each our very own #ChillHour bag to keep our wine bottles cold.

 

Brancott Estate wines are created from the Marlborough region of beautiful New Zealand. They were the FIRST to plant and create the world’s first Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc wine and have been actively producing it for more than 30 years! In 1979, the release of the first Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc vintage started a phenomenon. This placed New Zealand firmly on the international wine map and set the example for the quality of wine produced from their home land. Today they are still setting the pace in quality, flavor, and consistency.

“Aromas of ripe lemongrass and tropical rock melon are immediately apparent, allied with a range of sweet, tropical top notes. It is a fruit driven wine that deserves its international reputation for quality and consistency.”

The Sauvignon Blanc has a noticeably unique flavor to it. I am used to drinking wine that has a bit of a bubble so it came off as new to me. But for my guests, they has no hesitation in raving about how delicious it tasted. The scent is fruity and sweet. We found it to be best chilled, refreshing and crisp. It paired well with seasoned hummus inside warm pita pockets. The acidity is noticeable and complimented the pepper jack cheese slices served. It is also recommended with grilled oysters, barbecued prawns or salmon, and poached white fish. If you aren’t not much of a seafood eater it will also be a great match for green salads containing parsley, pepper, or lemon. 

“With aromas of ripe, red cherry accentuated with savory and spice highlights, the style of this wine is typical of fruit-driven Pinot Noir. It has a sweet, velvet approach, displaying ripe red stone fruits, subtle spice, silky tannins, and good length providing a balance of structure and concentration.”


The Pinot Noir gives off an immediate scent of  berries including cherry, strawberry, and even blackberry. Everyone preferred this wine at room temperate instead of chilled. It really brought out the deep flavors. This wine is best paired with duck dishes, red meat dishes, and incorporating mushrooms. Simpler choices may include salmon, turkey, veal, lamb, and  venison. Even if you are not hungry this wine is yummy all on it’s own. It reigned as the “favorite” of the group! The Pinot Noir was much lighter than the Sauvignon Blanc and left a smooth finish. It would be delicious accompanied by a tender filet and baked potato.

Brancott Estate made girl’s night in more exciting and gave all of us a little something special to indulge in as we watched the Bachelorette. There is nothing more enjoyable than being able to unwind while viewing your favorite program with close friends and a cold glass of wine in hand. Do you share a girl’s night in or out with your girlfriends? Consider making Brancott Estate wines the highlight of your next get together!

You can learn more about Brancott Estate wines by visiting their website. Get social and follow along on Facebook and Twitter also! Right now Brancott Estate is hosting a Facebook contest in which one lucky winner will win a trip to New Zealand. What are you waiting for? Enter today and being your #ChillHour with friends!

Influenster: Q-TIPS Precision Tips REVIEW #IdoVoxBox


As I continue to rummage through my Something Blue voxbox, there is one brand that I recognize from a mile away! The Q-tips brand has been around for years, more than 85 to be exact. I grew up using Q-tips mainly to clean my ears after a bath or pop the hard pieces of play-doh out of my toys. As the years went buy I learned that they are actually quite helpful in removing gunk from sippy cup straws, perfecting smudged eyeliner, painting, and touching up excess nail polish from your cuticles. Q-tips sure do grow with you. I couldn’t function without em’ and to ensure I don’t have to there is always a brand new box awaiting me in the bathroom. 

Inside of the #IdoVoxBox I found two 30 count purse packs of the Q-Tip Precision Tips. These new additions to the q-tip family have pointed tips at both ends and are made from 100% pure cotton. This makes them them the softest cotton swab around! I bet you didn’t know that they are also biodegradable. The paper sticks attached to the ends of the fluffy swabs are sourced from sustainable forest too. Q-tips seem to be the most simple tool but they can be used for so many different things. The little purse packs are convenient and small enough to fit within a clutch or purse. Since receiving mine, I have kept one inside of my makeup bag and one in my car for emergencies. I often touch up my makeup during the day and having these little guys on hand makes the task much easier. They are perfect for removing eyeliner, mascara, and any eyeshadow that makes it way out of place. I even use them to clean the tiny crevices in my car near my stereo and console.

Between work and being a full time mommy, I don’t always have the spare time to head to the salon for pampering. Sometimes I prefer to do my own manicure and pedicure at home. I have a vast nail polish collection and enjoy coming up with my own designs. While I am almost a pro at painting my left hand, the right always ends up looking like I did the job with both eyes closed. The Q-tip precision points help me clean up the mess and touch up all of the extra nail polish. The pointed tip does a clean job of removing the excess and leaves my nails looking much nicer. Just another example of how versatile they really are!

You can get your hands on Q-Tips Precision Tips at your local grocery retailer, drugstore, or online. Visit the Q-Tips website for additional information and a look at the other products they offer. Stay connected on Facebook and follow along on Twitter. Pay close attention! They frequently have mini giveaways on Twitter where you can win prizes including Q-tips, nail polish, and skincare products.
Disclaimer: I received the products in this post compliments of Influenster for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Toddler Craft: Handprint Owl With Fingerpaint

Looking for an easy Summer time craft to do with your toddler? Sometimes all you need is a few bottles of finger paint, colored construction paper, and a simple white poster board. A paintbrush isn’t necessary for this project but you may need it to create your tree stem. Your little one’s fingers will do most of the work! It may get a bit messy but I guarantee this will be a ton of fun and also a great way for them to create a picture based on their creativity.
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Influenster: Luster NOW! Instant Whitening Toothpaste REVIEW #IdoVoxBox


Since receiving my Something Blue VoxBox from Influenster, I have been taking the time to test and try each product found inside. You can visit my previous post to see all of the goodies that were packed inside the #IDoVoxBox this month. After a week of using the Luster NOW! whitening toothpaste I have a solid opinion on my experience with the product. Like I mentioned in my first impression review, I love whitening toothpaste. I have been using other brands for years but never found one product that I considered completely effective. While many of them show visible signs of whitening within the first week, I noticed that the results would never last. This was not the case with Luster NOW! and after using it for over a week I continue to see my teeth getting whiter.

This instant whitening toothpaste brightens your teeth with its minty blue formula. Finally, a toothpaste that tastes good! One thing I have HATED about other whitening products is the horrible taste, after taste, and burning sensation. Sometimes toothpastes like this can irritate your gums because of the potency. Fortunately,  it is gentle enough to use on your teeth everyday and whitens instantly. If you have blonde or highlighted hair, you may recognize the concept used in brightening shampoos. The vibrant blue color reminds me the Shimmer Lights shampoo and conditioner to keep your highlights bright. This technology has now transferred over to dental hygiene.  After over a week my teeth are brighter and much more shiny. I am really looking forward to the long term results of Luster NOW! and the overall improvement it offers.


You can learn more about LUSTER Premium products by visiting their website. Also, follow along on Facebook to learn about new products, promotions, and how to keep your smile white!

Disclaimer: I received the products in this post compliments of Influenster for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Harvard Sweet Boutique Gourmet Treats #Review

I have a weakness for sweets and gourmet treats! When it comes to gift giving and treating myself, I can’t think of anything more indulging than an assortment of handmade goodies. When asked to review the Harvard Sweet Boutique I couldn’t wait to receive my package and get to sampling. Not only did everything taste delicious, but my cravings were satisfied! Started in 2007 by Susan George, the Harvard Sweet Boutique is responsible for creating treats from scratch and fresh ingredients. Each product is handmade and contains natural ingrediants including high quality flour, cocoa butter, pure vanilla extract, and grade A butter.

The Harvard Sweet Boutique has done a fabulous job of turning your typical sweet gift into a whimsical, unique, and memorable experience. We all enjoy receiving flowers, teddy bears, and gift boxes of goodies. But isn’t it exciting when something different arrives at our doorstep? The thing that I love the most about Harvard Sweet Boutique is their adorable packaging. Each order comes in a quirky gift box with a bright colored bow. Every box has a different pattern and set of vibrant colors. This makes the whole gift process even more fun! You can also choose with box you would like at the checkout process. This ensures dad or your husband won’t end up with a hot pink box and polka dot bow. In the picture below you can see many of the different options they offer. Picking out the packaging is just as exciting as what is inside! Many other sweet boutiques and online retailers don’t offer this option. I love that you have that extra say in personalizing your gift even further than just a card. Plus the gift box is so nice it can be saved and reused for other occasions.

Now let’s get into the good stuff! Harvard Sweet Boutique has a variety of gourmet brownies, cookies, bars, and toffee. They even have choices within their low carbohydrate and gluten free section. There is something for everyone. Build a gift for your boss, create a care package for your child in college, or just send a surprise to a friend. You name it, they offer it! After tasting these treats you may end up sending on to yourself, just because. No matter what the occasion is you can choose between the different treats, levels of pricing, and flavors within the products. There are goodies with oatmeal, coconut, fruit, caramel, nuts, chocolate, and toffee. Talk about accommodating! This is a sweet tooth’s paradise. My favorite treat ended up being the Buttercrunch cookies. They were chewy and packed with chunks of toffee. I have never tasted anything like them. The creaminess and buttery flavor made them very unique and addicting!

Whether you are giving a gift for a special occasion or just treating yourself, Harvard Sweet Boutique has a lot to offer. I am looking forward to using them for the holidays and the many birthdays I have marked on my calendar.  If you are interested in learning more about the Harvard Sweet Boutique be sure to stop by their website! Also, connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

A special thanks to the Harvard Sweet Boutique for providing me with as assortment of gourmet treats to try!

Disclosure: I was provided with my own sweet treats from Harvard Sweet Boutique to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and I will not be compensated for this post.

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