Tonight, I asked my two daughters (age 4 and 7) to list their favorite foods.  The list was long and included things like pizza, candy and of course, doughnuts.  When asked to list their favorite healthy foods, I was greeted with about a minute of silence.  Finally, my youngest said water and my oldest went with corn.  Needless to say, dinnertime can be a battle with my two picky eaters.

While, my husband and I continually offer a variety of foods to our children, it can be more than challenging for them to take a small taste.  We have had some success though with spinach and carrots…a small victory but I’ll take it.  As a Mom, I worry that the kids are not getting their nutritional requirements, so I supplement with vitamins while still working on expanding their taste buds.  Picky eating seems to be widespread throughout my circle of friends with children this age, so it is comforting to know I am not alone.

I am excited to tell you that I am a Boost Kids Essentials Brand Ambassador and for the next several weeks, I will be sharing my journey with my two picky eaters.  On the Boost Facebook page, each week we will be introducing you to a new family struggling with these same issues.  First up is the Brunelle Family!  With both parents working full time outside of the home, I can certainly relate to their mealtime struggles.  The parents worry that their oldest son, Van, who weighs less than the 50% percentile, may get picked on by larger classmates.  Boost Kids Essentials works well with their fast paced lifestyle while providing 24 essential vitamins and nutrient plus 7 grams of protein!  And the best part?  Van loves it!

Do you have a story to share about mealtime struggles?  How do you deal with picky eating in your home?  Share your Story now through June 19th on the Boost Kids Essentials Facebook page for a chance to win some awesome prizes!

GIVEAWAY

One winner will win 25 VIP Coupons for free BOOST Kids Essentials!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So, the last six months have been rather stressful with the loss of my job and searching for a new beginning.  With the stress came the weight.  While I am working to reverse the process, I can’t hide from the public on our upcoming summer vacation to Disney.  I want to be able to enjoy the time with my family without worrying about what I will look like at the pool.

I have been a long time fan of Lands’ End swimsuits, so I knew exactly where to turn.  After searching their website I found a suit that will minimize the parts I want to hide and enhance my good features.  When it arrived, I was more than pleased and my worries about the pool just vanished. I have Swimsuit Confidence!

Join Lands’ End and SELF Magazine from May 21 – 25, 2012 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CST and participate in a series of National Swimsuit Confidence Week events on Twitter.  By following @LandsEndPR and hashtag #confidence on Twitter, you can celebrate women of all shapes and sizes and learn to embrace your swimsuit beauty!  Each day, Lands’ End will give away 6 – $50 Lands’ End gift cards to Twitter Party participants!

In the meantime, upload a picture of yourself in a swimsuit to Twitter and send a tweet to @LandsEndPR exclaiming, “I have Swimsuit Confidence!” using hashtag #confidence. Change your Twitter profile picture to the “I Have Swimsuit Confidence” badge which can be found on Facebook.  Follow these rules and you could win a $500 Lands’ End gift card!  The winner will be announced at 5:00 pm CST on May 25, 2012.

Earlier this month, I introduced you to the Jennie-O Make the Switch Challenge in order to help kids in need.  Just to refresh, Jennie-O challenged us to give up one item in our grocery cart that we didn’t really need and donate the money saved to a charity benefiting children.  My family decided to give up our beloved mini packs of Oreos which cost approximately $20/month.

Today, my oldest daughter took part in a Mass at her school to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Girl Scouts of America.  The organization works hard to build girls with courage, confidence and character.  This is Lily’s second year as a Daisy in Girl Scouts and she has loved every minute.  She has built life long friendships while learning to share, be compassionate and serve others.  As a Girl Scout myself, I know how much this organization helps girls around the world and I am excited that my daughter is taking part. With the savings from giving up our Oreos for the month of May, we have made a $20 donation to the Girl Scouts of America in Lily’s name.

While shopping at Walmart to complete this Mission for Jennie-O and Champions for Kids, I made a point to take a look at the selection of Jennie-O products.  Of course, we were familiar with the deli turkey, but I had no idea the product line was so expansive.  After perusing the huge assortment of bacon (which my family loves), we found the Jennie-O Turkey bacon.  To Make the Switch, we decided to give the turkey bacon a try as a healthier alternative to our regular bacon.

On weekends, my husband makes us a nice breakfast usually consisting of pancakes, eggs and bacon.  We decided to switch out the regular bacon for the Jennie-O turkey bacon without telling the kids.  My husband prepared the turkey bacon just as we usually do, on the George Foreman Grill, and served to our unsuspecting little ones.  Guess what?  No one even noticed.  Their plates were clean and just like that, we made a healthy switch!  Check out my entire shopping experience in my #JennieOCK Google + Story.  To find out more information about the project check out the Champions for Kids Website, @Champions4Kids on Twitter,  Champions for Kids on Facebook, or the Jennie-O CFK Project Card.

Have you taken the Jennie-O Make the Switch Challenge?  Let me hear your success stories!

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™.  All opinions are my own.  #JennieOCFK #CBias #SocialFabric

Discounts for Teen Insurance

Turning 16 years old and finally receiving a driver’s license is a memorable moment in everyone’s life.  The ability to drive gives teens a sense of freedom and independence — but it comes at a price. Since teens have had very little driving practice, they are generally more expensive to insure than adults. For a young person in high school, the cost of a vehicle, gas and car insurance can be difficult to pay with the relatively low wages of an after-school job. Fortunately, most auto insurance companies offer various discounts on teen auto insurance. Here are just a few of the discounts for which your teen may be eligible.

Good grades: The most common teen insurance discount is awarded for good grades. Most companies offer some version of this discount, which reduces a teen’s monthly premium based on grade point average. This discount offers two beneficial incentives: to do well in school and to save money on insurance.

Safe driving: As your teen continues to drive, he or she may be eligible for a safe driving discount. This is another common discount that can be offered to any driver who stays accident-free for a given length of time. It may take a few years to become eligible for a safe driving insurance discount, but the money saved will be worth the wait.

Driver safety programs: A driver safety course can help your teen better understand the rules of the road and proper driving etiquette. Since these classes can help reduce accidents, many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete a driving safety course.

Multi-car policy: Insuring more than one car on an auto insurance policy is another way to become eligible for an insurance discount. The same bundling principle is true for multiple drivers: It is usually cheaper to add your teen to your existing insurance policy than for that teen to buy an individual policy.

When requesting an auto insurance quote, make sure to ask about the company’s teen insurance discount policy. It’s easy to forget that these discounts are available as you’re looking for online auto insurance quotes. If you or your teen is eligible for a discount, speak with your insurance agent to find out more.

This compensated post was written by guest author, Dale Cooper.

As a Mom who also works outside of the home, life can be stressful insane.  Between conference calls, paying bills, packing lunches, helping with homework, cooking dinner, and folding laundry I have little time for me.  Ok, no time for me.  When was the last time you took a minute, an hour or a whole weekend to reconnect with yourself?

On June 22-24, women will converge in New Orleans for the second annual FestiGals Conference which offers the ultimate women’s weekend getaway.  Held at the historic Hotel Monteleone (which I have had the pleasure of staying at for my Anniversary), FestiGals offers something for everyone.  Feel empowered during the motivational sessions, rejuvenate in Spa Aria, rejoice with authentic Gospel music, network with female business owners and industry leaders while dining on food prepared by Chef John Folse.

For the philanthropist, attend Bodacious Bras for a Cause Luncheon and Auction featuring keynote speaker, Hoda Kotb, co-host of the fourth hour of NBC’s “Today.”  The auction, which benefits the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans, features incredible works of art created directly on bras!  The bidding opens May 25th and closes at the luncheon on June 22nd. While attending FestiGals, you can also participate in a fun women’s only second line called the Stiletto Stroll or take part in the Powder’d Sugar Walk headed straight for Cafe du Monde to indulge in some famous beignets and cafe au lait.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased for just $275.  The Hotel Monteleone, one of the official sponsors, is offering a hotel rate of $149 per night.  For more information, call 504-524-1227 or visit FestiGals on Facebook.  Laissez les bon temps rouler!

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy.  While I was compensated for my time and effort, all opinions remain 100% mine.

For Mother’s Day, my youngest daughter gave me a card that her school teacher helped to fill out.  Inside was several questions about me that my daughter provided the answers including, “How old is your Mom?”  Her answer?  28.  I wish!  In reality, my 38th birthday is quickly approaching.

As the years go by, I am definitely noticing changes in my skin.  I was one of the lucky few in the teenage years who did not have to worry about acne so I am not accustom to paying much attention to my skin.  But as 40 gets closer, I feel like I should implement a skin care regimen before it’s too late!

Fortunately, as a Neutrogena Ambassador, I have some great tips and experts at my disposal.  And as my readers, I get to pass the info on to you!  Neutrogena understands that women want younger-looking skin fast, so they strive to offer expert beauty products that make a real difference in women’s lives and provide quick solutions to their anti-aging concerns.  In addition to fabulous products, Neutrogena has some great beauty tips to share as well:

• “My favorite anti-aging products contain retinol because it reduces the appearance of fine lines, evens skin texture and improves skin tone. Hyaluronic acid is also a great ingredient to look for because it doesn’t block the pores and is a super-hydrator, especially in the winter months.” ~Debra Jaliman: NYC-based Dermatologist and author of the newly-released, Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist

• “When I’m getting ready for red carpet events I sometimes don’t have a lot of notice or time to prepare. So, it’s important for me to rely on products that are quick and effective. When I use the NEUTROGENA® Rapid Wrinkle Repair day and night products in tandem, they continuously work to revitalize my skin around the clock, so I have more time for other things in my day. And in just a week, I get dramatic results that highlight my smooth skin and give me the perfect foundation to create my red carpet look.” ~Diane Lane: Actress

•  “We’re always in a rush, whether it’s getting up for work or having to go to an appointment. A lot of times we only have a minute to get our face on, so here are a couple of tips that won’t steer you wrong. For a dewy, flawless complexion, layer on a liquid foundation (I like NEUTROGENA HEALTHY SKIN® Liquid Makeup). Then, for a natural-looking glow, quickly sweep a blush/bronzer duo over the apples of your cheeks (I love Posie Glow!) – flawless face in seconds!” ~Amy Oresman: Neutrogena Cosmetics Ambassador

One of the products highly recommended is the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum which contains Retinol SA, Glucose Complex and Hyaluronic Acid.  The product helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dark circles and tame stubborn crow’s feet.  This mama definitely has the dark circles, so I can’t wait to give it a try!

GIVEAWAY

One reader will win the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum (ARV $20.99)

How to Enter:

1.  Tell me your favorite Neutrogena product!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Neutrogena (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA)on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Neutrogena on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on May 29th.  Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. I am a Neutrogena Ambassador.  All opinions remain 100% mine.

With Summer right around the corner, I will admit I am getting antsy.  My daughters only have one week of school left and then we can focus on getting ready for our family vacation.  We just told the kids last week that we will be spending a week in Disney World and we couldn’t be more excited!

As a blogger and social media geek, I definitely need to figure out how to power up during vacation.  The days in Disney can be long with no way to recharge so I was thrilled to learn about Rayovac’s new Keychain On-the-Go Charger which recharges your Apple or micro-USB device during an emergency. With the powerful 400mA lithium ion rechargeable battery, you can power up your device for an additional 45 minutes.  The keychain includes 2 adaptors: a detachable micro-USB and a built-in Apple device connector which you can use and recharge hundreds of times.  Simply charge up the keychain into any USB port and it will hold the charge for up to 12 months.  Keep it on your keys, in your purse or in the car for use when you need extra power (perfect for a day in Disney).

Rayovac wants to get your Summer started on the right foot with a Six Flag Sweepstakes!  From now through May 30th, head over to Rayovac’s Facebook page for a chance to win a Family Fun Pack which includes 4 general admission tickets, a regular Flash Pass for 4, one Family Meal Pack along with free parking to a location of the winners choice!

GIVEAWAY

One reader will win 4 passes to Six Flags valid at any US location in the 2012 season.

How to Enter:

1.  Tell me how you plan to relax this Summer!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Rayovac (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @Rayovac on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Rayovac on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on May 25th.  Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Rayovac for supplying the product for review and Six Flags tickets for my family.  All opinions remain 100% mine.

Stress.  I have a lot of it.  Between losing my job, growing this blog and organizing Reviewer’s Retreat (which is in less than 25 days!) it is no wonder that I am tense.  I tend to carry the majority of my stress in my neck and shoulders so massages are like little pieces of heaven!

On a recent site visit to Great Wolf Lodge in Charlotte, NC (the host of Reviewer’s Retreat), my business partner and I treated ourselves to a massage at the spa located inside the Lodge.  I didn’t tell my masseuse about my problem areas but she quickly figured it out as I noticed she spent a lot of extra time and aromatherapy massage oil on my shoulders (I may have asked her to marry me). 

After the session, she asked if I was any of the following:

• stressed
• a Mom of young kids that like to be carried
• a dancer

Yes, yes and yes.  She was amazed how tight my muscles were and felt the need to give me homework which included monthly massages (I like this kind of homework), yoga including military poses and lots of water.  I can’t even begin to describe how much better I felt after that session and vowed to make it back to the spa soon.

The next month will be probably one of the most busy/tense of my entire life, so I need help de-stressing.  What are your tips and tricks?

We all know that I am no chef.  My culinary skills are lacking and I often look for help in the kitchen.  When I decide to take on a new recipe, I need to focus and give it complete concentration.  While I love for my kids to join me in the kitchen, they can certainly be more of a distraction than a help.  However, both of my girls love to play “restaurant” in the pretend kitchen.

I have purchased Melissa and Doug play food sets in the past and instantly fell in love.  The wooden pieces are durable and easy to clean while being realistic, too.  The girls love the Velcro pieces that they can really cut and whip up a masterpiece.  But before you can cook, you need to look the part, right?  The Melissa and Doug Chef Role Play Dress Up for Kids Set from Gummy Lump turned my kids into Master Chefs in minutes!  About the set:

“With a machine-washable chef jacket and hat, get ready for some yummy treats when your little chef is in the kitchen. This set is complete with a set of measuring spoons, three essential wooden utensils, an oven mitt, and a name tag for personalizing.”

My youngest couldn’t wait to be the lead Chef and wear the hat!  She is four years old and the set fit her well.  I was impressed with the durability of the fabric, the quality of the construction and the fact that it is machine washable, too.  The wooden accessories and customizable name tag make this a special set at just $23.99

Now that she was dressed the part, she was ready to create the perfect sandwich with Melissa and Doug play food.  About the Sandwich Shop:  “Stack your sandwich the way you like it with the 16 “fixins” in this wooden sandwich kit. Use the wooden knife to slice apart the pieces–a satisfying “crunch” sound tells you your ingredients are fresh! The included wooden storage tray is perfect for keeping it all organized between meals.”

My daughter quickly got to work taking orders and making the most delicious pretend sandwich in NOLA!  I opted for the hamburger with Swiss and pickles.  It was great fun to watch the girls work together in a sandwich assembly line!  This set is only $15.99 and worth every penny.

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive the Chef Role Play Dress up Set and their choice of Play Food from Gummy Lump.

How to Enter:

1. Visit Gummy Lump and tell me which play food set you would choose!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Gummy Lump (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and Gummy Lump Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Gummy Lump on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on May 23rd.  Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to Continental U.S. Residents only. Only one winner per household.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Gummy Lump for supplying the product for review.  All opinions remain 100% mine.