Hungry for more real snacking

Yep,  you heard me, I have done it. I found an awesome snack the whole family can love. No guilt factor, nothing artificial, just goodness in a bag. Being a Bzz agent gave me the opportunity to try at no cost to me a brand called Smartfood. I received the Smartfood selects care package that had the most easy and most snack-able treats. My teenager caught to it first and took them down as if she was in a race to the finish. She liked the Cinnamon Brown sugar flavor for sure (this was my favorite) hers was the Parmesan Heb flavor though. She started hiding the bag in the back of the panty in hope others would forget about it. None of us did, We all had it as a prime time television snacking ritual for about two weeks. It is on the shopping list as I type this out. It will not be forgotten.
Check it out for yourself when you go to the market, you won't be sorry you did when you look over the specs on the bag and see that each bag contains

• No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives; Kosher; 0 grams Trans Fat; No MSG
• All Natural
• Resealable Bag- huge plus, who has time to look for clips these days?

Happiest snacking!

Cheers.<img src="https://img.bzzagent.com/image/smartfood.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=9602242601&Campaign=9090448031&Uid=1077565&token=1270fe45234cd683a63fdaa309adb91a" alt=""/>

"Beauty" of the blended family

Ran out of hands

I recently was given the opportunity to go to Old Navy and find my inner beach babe and share the experience with three others that I found worthy. My worthy accomplices that day were my good friend and one of my daughters Step mom Liz, my daughter Makenzee and y stepdaughter Jordan. That's were the blended part comes in. I am fortunate enough that every aspect of our families works so well together. Being a Crowdtap member gave me a unique experience to take my family shopping and spend some good fun girlie shopping time together.
Since half of the party lives in Duluth, Mn, we headed to the Miller Hill Mall and did some minor wallet damage. The area was just getting over the major flood, so this was good to just literally get some fresh air and dry out a bit. The towels came a little late, but better at the beach than sopping up water in a flooded basement for sure.
Each of us got to pick out sunglasses, a beach towel, beach bag and a pair of flip flops. So perfect to bring down to Lake Superior once the beach comes back.
The glory of shopping with these girls is all of the giggles we had and seeing how everyone's own personality came out in their choices. As a mom, I loved seeing what my girls picked out. Their habits are always changing since they are teenagers and I can hardly keep up. I am lucky I am one of the cool moms. No, don't go and ask them, they will never fess up, but we know. :)
There was also a fun scavenger hunt that the store added. So insert more giggles and a bouncy ball prize. SCORE!!!

can't be barefoot

sun protection is a must

look at those tootsies

The fourth of July is literally around the corner, so you need to go to your closest Old Navy and score your beach gear too. Don't worry, we left some for ya!

can you spot us?

Look at those GAMS!!!

Earlier this month, I was given the opportunity to go with My teenage daughter to OLD NAVY to check out their new shorts for the season. Thanks again CROWDTAP!!! I can see why they wanted to get the word out. Each year brings upon a time to go and get some new shorts. Many of you know this is good in theory, but the follow up is not so grand. This year was seriously one stop shopping. Upon walking into the store it became a small joke that every corner we tuned there was another display of shorts. It was so awesome. It did not matter what type of mood we were in, there were white one, jean ones, Bermuda ones. Plus, ideas throughout the store on ways we could pair them to look super stylish. We also enjoyed the staff picks of summer outfits including accesories near the fitting room.
Now, because there were so many to choose from, this was not a quick trip in. We really did not pigeon hole ourselves and tried on so many styles and inseams.
It was so great to see so many. My daughter AKA "freaky, freaky, long legs" had a great amount to choose from. Me? Not so freaky long legs? I had more than enough to keep me busy in the fitting room too. By the end, and countless styles later we walked out with an amazing loot of a haul and a smile on our face with the excitement of how painless and super fun this was. It is not often that  can say I loved every pair I had on.
Growing up 80's style I can see why this summer's Old Navy campaign is "Get Stoked for Summer". In which I say, Yes, Yes you should.
Go show your Gams this season!!!

Who needs a vacation....

When you have one of these dangling off of your arm? BRAHMIN leather handbags has designed such a great statement with these two bags, it does not matter how low or high keep you are. They are sure to bring anything to light. You will need your own clam diggers and high ball, but I am sure any one tell you, you will be able to roll with the gals on the block in MN or in the HAMPTONS.

check out brahmin.com and find your favorite for now and for later.
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For the love of Roses

With the great floral print on these, you are sure to stun and be the center of attention. There is nothing out there quite like em'. The "Sara Rose" is my favorite out of these two, the unique design brings such a special " I have something not everyone else has" vibe.
Check out brahmin.com and see what else they have to offer for now and for later.
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Classic names never go out of style

and they always seem to have more fun for sure. Check out Vivian and Marilyn bags from BRAHMIN. A lady can never have too many statement pieces and these are sure to pleasure every arm.

Two distinct sizes, two personalities to combine.

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Classic Handbags

Vogue influencer gave me such a great opportunity to check out BRAHMIN spring line of handbags. They are so fun and flirty. I was given a grand opportunity when they sent me out the classic BRAHMIN Medium Arno-Black Glossy Arno Tote.  My teenage daughter has dubbed it the newest family heirloom. And indeed I can see it as that.It came in a great drawstring bag to keep it clean and out of the elements when not in use and the smell is divine.  With it's classic design and black  shade, this will for surely be such a timeless piece to have around. With it's soft interior and down to the studded feet, this will for surely be fought over in my home. 

I thought I would share with you the other spring pieces in their line and let you see how classic or fun you can be. Enjoy and your welcome. 
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Lemon Olive oil cookies

Yes, you heard me right. Cookies, crazy right? Being a bzz agent gave me a chance to really look at Olive oil. I use it daily in home made dressings, sauteing food, greasing dinner pans so the chicken won't stick.
Recently they sent me a kit of Filippo Berio Olive oil to try out. In this particular kit was a conversion chart that got me really thinking what else can I do with this. Insert evil mom laugh here. (mwahhh-ha ha)
I have been know to use applesauce instead of Canola oil sure, who hasn't?
Then I thought olive oil is so body healthy, that if moms can sneak veggies into goodies, than I am going to sneak olive oil into mine. Insert, blah rainy day here and a vision. Voila, Lemon Olive oil cookies divine. I am not going to take credit for the recipe, but, I will take credit for the deliciousness of them. Made with love and Olive Oil, this is a keeper for sure.
Check out Filippo Berio's website for other awesome ideas and let me know what you can create.
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Spring Lip picks

I know, being & looking a fabulous s a tad difficult when it is sweltering out and you are chasing your dovies around and don't want to take more with you that you can possibly juggle without your swimsuit top falling off. So, lucky me I have actually found my spring/summer lip balm already. I know, I know, so soon you say?
Well, being a bzz agent helped about 98%. I received to review three Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balms. I must say I was pretty neutral about them, until I popped the top and slid one across my lips. PERFECTION for sure. These tiny portable tubes of balm are the bomb. They have a sheer but silky formula that truly was the easiest to apply. With just a hint of color that makes them perfect for the non fussy, "But I still wanna jazz up my lip area" balm. They are a great moisturizer too and true to the hype, in just a week my lips are softer and have me touting the prettiest pout. The SHEER SHIMMER goes with all of my various eye looks too.
You can pick them up just about anywhere too, not just those specialty shops all the past great ones seem to be forever hiding.
I like how I can try to be a minimalist and pop it in my pocket to take on the outings my darling daughter and I seem to always be having. And as a bonus, us long haired gals can still wear our hair down, we still get the color, with out the sticky yuck in the wind.
Now, go I tell ya and get  your Balm On.

Let them eat cake...well, it is as yummy for them I think

being a  BZZ  agent gave  the opportunity to give a little extra love to our littlest family member. Our chihuahua. I was given the opportunity to try Hills Science diet dog food for her, it was delivered right to my door so that was a plus. But, I also knew I was able to pick it up at our local Petsmart as well.
I was really drawn to this campaign because of  the superb qualities that this particular formula had. What you ask? Well...for starters. chicken is the first ingredient and it is whole grain, and there is no CORN (so over done). No artificial colors or preservatives either.
I have  already noticed how there is a difference in the appearance and texture of her fur.
I started off slowly mixing in a tad of the Hills Science diet with her old food. I did not want to send her into a panic. And then was able to go straight after a few days.
Right now, if you go to hillspet.com/dealbalance you can compare your current brand to IDEAL BALANCE and then when you are done there is a free  bag rebate that you can download.  Nothing to lose. They even have a cat  food for you feline lovers.

So while you are not giving them the cake per se, you are giving them something just as yummy. Let me know what you think and how yours compares.
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When you have a free moment.... Easier than the ACT's

I really enjoy doing these little tests. Being a Bzz agent gave me the opportunity to try this fun site out. For me, it is not as much about the quick button questions,  but I seem to learn so much more how to quickly navigate all of these sites to make my job of searching and posting so much easier. Give it a try and tell me your favorite tests and best score... No one will judge, I promise




 

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New year, friends, cute adventures

I got an email about it being Build a Bears 15th birthday. They hit milestone is the celebration of selling their 100 millionth furry friend too! I swear they could have all came out of the Mall of America location, it is always so busy. So adorable. I remember bringing Makenzee by and she would always point and pretend which she would make. The when she did get the chance it was the most adorable monkey girl I had ever seen. I love how everyone can use their imagination and just tailor their own. 

Speaking of friends. It also makes me feel so blessed to have the friends and family I do. Having Makenzee a teenager and going on all of our adventures. Even if it is just shopping. She is my personal P.A. I am so excited to see her grow and our relationship too. Stella too. Being able to be home with her and play and see things through her preschool eyes. What a joy. I am so excited to see our relationship grow too. Too walk her by the Build A bear window and let her imagination blossom until she gets the chance to "build" hers.  My realtionship with my girls really counts. Where is your imagination going to take you? http://www.buildabear.com/shopping/ By publishing this post, I was entered to win a gift card as part of a promotional offer from MomSelect and Build-A-Bear Workshop. All opinions are my own