Introduction to DK Find Out and a Giveaway!!! {3/28/15}

**Disclosure: No compensation has been received for this post. DK has graciously supplied a tote for giveaway. All opinions are 100% my own.

If your kids are like my daughter, they probably often search the web for information on various topics of interest--whether it be for school or for pure enjoyment. In fact, they probably perform several searches as their sparks of interest lead them. As parents, we want to encourage the pursuit of knowledge. However, it is important that our children have a safe place to go. DK has launched a free online encyclopedia geared towards children ages 7-11 which is a great place for kids to explore their interests!

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Review -- How to Quinoa: Life Lessons from My Imaginary Well-Dressed Daughter {&Giveaway 7/10/14}

Image courtesy of Ashley Haag

 **Disclosure: We received a copy of this book for the purpose of conducting an accurate review.  No compensation was received.  All opinions are 100% my own.

If you have a sense of humor, and appreciate clever skewering of fashion, hipsters, parenting and our image-obsessed culture, then I’ve got a great summer read for you!  How to Quinoa: Life Lessons from My Imaginary Well-Dressed Daughter, written by Tiffany Beveridge, is a clever tome that takes aim at today’s cultural and social trends as observed through the eyes of a fictional preschool diva.

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Little Passports Lets Kids Travel the World Without Leaving Home {Review}

**Disclosure: We did receive complimentary product in order to conduct an accurate review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Summer break. Nice long days full of fun and relaxation. But, what happens when your kids do not have anything to do? "I'm bored." Words that evoke fear in many-a-parent. Fortunately, Little Passports can come to the rescue! Little Passports is a pretty cool interactive program the delivers the world to your doorstep complete with plenty of educational and inspiring activities for the kiddos. We received the opportunity to try out one of Little Passports' monthly adventures so we could introduce this fun and educational system to you.

My daughter loves to learn about new places near and far. She loves to learn about history, culture, language and places to see. So, a program that allows her to spread her wings and explore topics she enjoys is perfect! Little Passports engages children in exploring the world by using activities that actually let kids experience a little bit of each place they "visit."

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Food Huggers: A New Way to Save Fruits and Vegetables

**Disclosure: We received complimentary Food Huggers for the purpose of a review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

This past winter, I seemed to have a difficult time saving my avocados. I am not sure if it had anything to do with the particular avocados that our region received over the winter or if it was how I "attempted" to save avocado remnants. I always keep the pit with the avocado but that seemed to not do the trick, even over a short period. I learned about new products that recently launched with a successful Kickstarter campaign: Food Huggers. I was particularly intrigued by the Avocado Food Huggers since I use 2-3 avocados every week and am often left with the quandary of how to best to save a half of an avocado for use the next day.

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Bringing Master Lock Along for Summer Travel Protection {& Giveaway 6/17/14}

I know that most of us share a similar worry while traveling-concern over leaving items in the hotel or bringing them with us running the risk of misplacing them or tempting pickpockets. Master Lock introduced me to a new portable SafeSpace system that you can bring with you to stow away important items in your hotel room. While some hotels do have in-room safes, they honestly make me nervous. You can tell I am a little paranoid! However, the prospect of having a secondary safe to put within the hotel safe or to have along just in case the room lacks its own safe. Cue the Master Lock 5900D SafeSpace:

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Feeling Like Some PEEPS for the Summertime!

**Disclosure: We received complimentary PEEPS Minis in order to conduct and accurate review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% our own.

PEEPS have really been strutting their PEEPSONALITY lately! The new line of PEEPS Minis are creative and pretty for summertime gatherings. With the sun shining today, I thought it would be the perfect time to whip out some of my new PEEPS Minis to try. While I do enjoy the traditional Chocolate Crème, I just had to try the Sour Watermelon and Strawberry Crème. It is picnic season and these two sound perfect for a picnic!

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Whose Charger Is Whose? Whooz Will Help!

**Disclosure: We receive a complimentary product in order to conduct an accurate review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

As my daughter gets older, the number of electronics in our house is growing--quite possibly at an exponential rate. My daughter also seems to be getting more and more possessive of her things--which I guess is understandable as she is developing her own identity. Eventually, I am sure we will have quite a few chargers around to sort out. Mompreneur Sativa Turner faced a similar dilemma years ago while attending college. Sativa and her roommate debated over which charger was whose. In order to distinguish between the two, Sativa took out a marker to design hers. This incident inspired Sativa create quality yet removable labels to use to personalize chargers, adaptors and more for iDevices.

Voila, Whooz:

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Moms, Can You Survive Multitasking? Chicken Soup for the Soul has the Guide for You!

**Disclosure: We received a copy of this book for the purpose of conducting an accurate review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

I am always amazed by the shear number of selections that Chicken Soup for the Soul has. Just when I think they quite possibly have a volume for every situation, they come up with a topic I didn't think about. Plus, all of the anecdotes included within really fosters a sense of camaraderie between all of us. One of the latest volumes of Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Multitasking Mom's Survival Guide, certainly does not disappoint and packs in enough humor to have you openly chuckling while reading the stories of mothers that have been there.

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Pampering the Fur Babies with a Little Nootie {Grooming Products and Treats for Dogs}

**Disclosure: A sample of Daily Spritz and Yumzies were received for the purpose of an accurate review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Some say that once you have children, the fur babies will be neglected. That has never been the case in my house. We have always made sure that our dogs get some extra attention. Sure, there are days when they don't get as much attention as we would like to give them. For the most part, though, our girls are pretty pampered.

The past couple of weeks, I have been trying out the Daily Spritz by Nootie to see if it would help with some of the odors my dogs have during the time between grooming visits. I am not sure if this type of pampering is more for me or them since it seems that they are in general pretty comfortable with their smells! But, my nose definitely needs some relief. So, giving the Daily Spritz a try was a welcome experience. I received a bottle of the Sweet Pea & Vanilla Scent to try out. The first fear about trying a product like this is that the scent will be overwhelming, which it is not. The Sweet Pea & Vanilla is a subtle yet enjoyable scent. The product was easy to apply and does not interfere with flea and tick prevention products that are important this time of year.

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We'll Always Have Paris: A Mother/Daughter Adventure {And Book Giveaway 5/11/14}

Paris from the Eiffer Tower

**Disclosure: I received a complimentary book for the purpose of this review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

There is nothing in the world like climbing the Eiffel Tour. Looking down at Paris is definitely an exhilarating moment that is frozen in time. Last year, my husband and I took our daughter to Paris to fulfill an important wish on our family bucket list. After a series of health issues for my husband and myself as well as others close to us, we decided to seize the moment and take our opportunity to go to Paris without regret. In truth though, our personal travel story actually began long before visiting Paris. When my daughter was born, my husband and I were determined to not let her hamper our travel aspirations. So, we have embarked on many adventures near and far with the little one in toe and have not looked back. Together, we will always have Paris........

When I received the opportunity to read Jennifer Coburn's We'll Always Have Paris: A Mother/Daughter Adventure, I jumped at the chance. While reading, I immediately felt a bond with Jennifer and discovered we are truly kindred spirits.  Jennifer in some ways was haunted by her father passing away from cancer at a young age and thought that she in turn would pass away way too soon. Her loss inspired her to go on some grand adventures with her daughter, making memories that would last--just in case. My own father passed away early in my daughter's life--when she was one. These losses can truly be a source of motivation. I almost lost my grandfather to a heart attack when I was in my early twenties. While he was recovering from bypass surgery, he advised me to travel for myself--scale those mountains that I had planned to for so long. The words of my grandfather stuck with me. I mean, here is this guy who just had five bypasses (yes, five) and he is telling me to travel! My husband took a little nudging, but we began traveling in whichever direction was available to us at the time. We did not stop when our family became 3.

Fact: Jennifer Coburn is a USA Today best selling author of six novels and contributor to four literary anthologies. This is her first memoir.

Throughout the book, Jennifer adeptly weaves the story of her remembrances of her father into the travelogue of her adventures with her daughter. Jennifer is able to embrace her relationship with her father while strengthening her relationship with her daughter through creating special moments. In some ways, her book is melodic and flows naturally during the course of her life. During the book, both Jennifer and her daughter, Katie, grow. I really loved seeing each relationship unfold and evolve.

We'll Always Have Paris--A Book We Can All Relate To

We'll Always Have Paris is a book we can all relate to. The book celebrates the joys of life and discoveries, the little stumbling blocks we find here and there, the tragedy and realization of mortality that we all must face and the spirit to find our way through and survive. The overall message encourages us to seize the moment yet savor the time we are with those we love. Towards the end of the book, Jennifer becomes less concerned with checking the items off of her list and has really settled more in to enjoying time with her daughter.

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Theo Chocolate Comes to Chicagoland Meijers {and a Look at the Classic Bars}

**Disclosure: I did receive complimentary Theo Chocolate Bars for the purpose of this review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

I first tried Theo Chocolate a couple of years ago and have not been able to turn down a bar since. I have always found their chocolate selections to be lusciously thick, rich and delicious. When you bite into a Theo Chocolate Bar, you can immediately tell that it is a quality bar. While Theo does make a wonderful chocolate bar, the bars with the add-ins really grab you! As I write this, I am actually enjoying a few nibbles of their new Ginger Bar--made with 70% cacao chocolate. The chocolate is rich and decadent. The ginger is certainly fresh and pops out at you with a delightful bit of sharpness.

Theo is a Feel Good Company:

Besides having quality products, Theo is a company that you truly feel good about supporting. Theo's overall mission is to make the world a better place and to honor the interconnectedness of every person and place on Earth. Our actions here affect people nearby as well as people as far flung as the Congo or Ecuador. Something that seems pretty innocuous like buying a chocolate bar can have far reaching effects when you consider sourcing and all the people that have come together to create that bar and get it to you.

Ginger Bar, Raspberry Bar, Dark Chocolate Salted Almond Bar

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Empty Nest: Strategies to Help Your Kids Take Flight {Book Review}

**Disclosure: We received a complimentary book as part of our membership in Off the Shelf. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Empty Nest: Strategies to Help Your Kids Take Flight is a new book by Marci Seither that serves as a guide to help parents gently navigate changes as their children leave home. While my daughter is still many years from leaving home, I thought that this would be an interesting read. As my daughter is progressing through elementary school, she is becoming more and more independent. So, I find our relationship rapidly changing as my daughter experiences more of the world without dear old mom at her side. While I am glad for some extra time to be me, there are times that I am wondering what she is up to at whatever function she is attending.

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Lollipop Seeds that Sprout for Kind Deeds {Easter Book Review}

**Disclosure: We received a complimentary book in order to conduct an accurate review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Easter has always been one of those holidays that have been difficult for me conceptualize what to do for my daughter. Of course, there are the egg hunts, brunches and baskets overflowing with sweets, but I always felt like we could do something a little more. Last week, I learned about the lovely lollipop seed tradition that Cherri Prince's family enjoys and would like to share it with you. Cherri's tradition is not too fancy, something any family can do, yet incorporating it into your Easter holiday will leave you with some picture frame moments that will last a lifetime.

Cherri has written a charming book explaining her tradition from the point of view of none other than the Easter Bunny himself. Lollipop Seeds that Sprout for Kind Deeds captures the whimsical nature of children's minds while reinforcing the importance of good deeds. The Easter Bunny initially questions why he is distributing eggs and candy for Easter. Just as many of us do when searching for an answer, he consults his grandmother. Grandmother explains that he should also be giving children lollipop seeds as well. As each child completes a good deed, they toss their seeds in a patch. On Easter morning, their "good deeds" should sprout. I love that not only does this book incorporate the Easter Bunny but he seeks his elders for advice--something relatable within the family structure. All in all, the books does a great job of reaching children.

The splendid tale is coupled with adorable illustrations. The book is truly the type that your family would hold on to as a keepsake and take out from year to year, reading the tale. It is pleasure to have a book like this for Easter!

Even at nearly 9-years-old, my daughter enjoyed Lollipop Seeds that Sprout for Kind Deeds. She actually refused to let me read the book to her--she wanted to be the one to read it out loud. Right away, she thought of about a dozen good deeds and is excited about tossing her lollipop seeds before Easter.

Each book comes with 2 packages of lollipop seeds and 2 markers so that you can mark where you spread your seeds. Parents--be sure to pick up some lollipops to "sprout" on the eve before Easter.

I love that the book was printed and made in the U.S.A. Really a wonderful book to add to your collection and something that your kids and grandkids will love! The book has such a great message and wonderful illustrations to go along. If you would like your own edition of  Lollipop Seeds that Sprout for Kind Deeds, there is still time to order your copy before Easter. For delivery before Easter, you must order by 4/15/14.

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Escaping the Usual with Eclat Chocolate's ALP Aleppo Pepper and Pink Peppercorn Bar

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

I am continually on the hunt for unique chocolate bars. I wouldn't say that I always go for crazy flavors or combinations, but I do like to try combinations that are different from the norm yet still seem like they may blend together. On one of our trips to Pennsylvania, my husband happened to discover an interesting chocolate bar by Éclat Chocolate. Éclat has a series of destination bars inspired by Chocolatier Christopher Curtin's love of travel. The particular bar we picked up highlights Aleppo Pepper and Pink Peppercorn, reminiscent of spices from old trade routes through the ancient world. As a fan of pepper and chocolate, this bar sounded like quite the find. But, would the pepper be too much? Of course, curiosity piqued--I had to try the bar!

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Sofi & Liv Skin Products Soothe and Calm

**Disclosure: Complimentary products were received for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. All opinion are 100% my own.

Last week, I introduced you to a wonderful Mom-made line of skin care products by Sofi & Liv. With her babies in mind, mother and entrepreneur Cristina Thompson created gentle, all natural products that parents could not only feel confident in using on their own children but also on themselves as well.

In my previous post, I introduced you to Sofi & Liv's lavender chamomile skin care products. As a big believer in the stress-relieving properties of lavender, I quickly fell in love. So, it was difficult to be compelled to try out the ylang ylang skin care offerings. But, curiosity was ultimately victorious and I tried out the products.

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Addie B. Strong - I Am So Strong: An Empowering Children's Book

We cannot protect our children from everything. However, we can provide them with the tools to make sound decisions. As my daughter rapidly approaches the preteen years, I am a little nervous about what those years hold in terms of her self confidence. I navigated those years pretty easily without too much worry about what others thought about me. Of course, I did give in to preteen and teen impetuous shopping trips. But, over all--those were great years. However, my daughter is not me and I hope that I have given her the tools she needs to soar during those years.

I think that we can really lay down the foundation for our daughters to enjoy their uniqueness as well as that of others at a young age. Recently, I learned about Addie B. Strong, a new children's series started by another concerned mother, Alyson Flippo. Frankly, I have seen even the youngest children at my daughter's elementary school face criticism and peer pressure. It is crucial for children at any age to realize that they each are strong in their uniqueness. Addie B. Strong - I Am So Strong speaks to these young children and inspires them in words that they understand.

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Stress Free Kids by Lori Lite Provides Simple Guidance in Managing Stress for You and Your Kids

**Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of this book in order to perform an accurate review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Prior to 3rd Grade, my daughter did not receive letter grades on her assignments. This fall, she received her first graded assignment ever. She was given a detailed description of the assignment along with a detailed description of expectations for each letter grade. My daughter normally loves school and often is thrilled to work on projects. So, imagine my dismay when I found her bawling while clutching her assignment paper in her hand. Faced with this situation, it is easy to feel a wave of fear when thinking about the future school challenges.

We can't protect our children from everything and anything that can happen. However, we can arm ourselves with tools that can help us as we help them on their journeys. We also can give them basic building blocks that can help them manage stress no matter the cause.

Help for the Stressed Out Family

Recently, I received the opportunity to read Stress Free Kids: A Parent's Guide to Helping Build Self-Esteem, Manage Stress, and Reduce Anxiety in Children by Lori Lite. Lori Lite's journey as a recognized Stress Expert was born out of her own experiences with her own children. Often, Lite needed 2 hours to help her son settle down to sleep. On top of that, her daughter suffered from stress related night terrors. Lite herself suffered from anxiety. From her experiences, Lite developed a series of books and CDs that help children de-stress, control anxiety and manage anger. Lite has been featured in various media outlets including CBS News, Prevention, Family Circle and The New York Times.

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A Story Unfinished: 99 Days with Eliot {A Read That Will Leave You Celebrating Life}

**Disclosure: As members of the Off the Shelf bloggers group, we received a complimentary copy of A Story Unfinished. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

When I first received the opportunity to read A Story Unfinished: 99 Days with Eliot, I was not sure how this story would make me feel. In this book, author Matt Mooney takes readers along his journey of losing his young son and learning how to live in his absence. During an ultrasound, Matt Mooney and his wife Ginny receive a devastating diagnosis--that their unborn son has a fatal genetic disease. Little Eliot was expected to not live through birth. If he did, he would only survive for a few hours or days at best. However, for what would turn into a blessing for the Mooneys, determined little Eliot lived for 99 days.

Early in our lives, we learn that life is a cycle. However, we are never quite prepared for that permanent loss. Sometimes, we temper our feelings by saying "She lived a long life" or "He was very sick" or "He is in a better place now." Yet, we are never ready for the blow that we have lost someone no matter the circumstances.

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Taza Ginger Chocolate Mexicano {Yummy Review}

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this review. I happen to love this product and wanted to share it with you. All opinions are 100% my own.

Lately, I have become enamored with Taza Chocolate. When I first tried stone ground chocolate, I was not entirely sure that I liked it. Yet, something about the unrefined cacao bits and cane sugar kept me coming back. The texture that they provide certainly is intriguing and quite different on the palate than other chocolates. So, now I find myself craving the sweet, rich and gritty selections crafted by Taza from time to time.

Picking up on my latest obsession, my husband slipped a Taza Ginger Chocolate Mexicano treat in my stocking for Christmas. I was pretty excited to find this delight in my stocking since I have started to really enjoy chocolate covered ginger. Taza's packaging is unassuming yet elegant enough to recognize that you are about to dive into an artisan chocolate. I love that it isn't flashy!

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Think Positive For Kids {An Uplifting Edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul for Kids}

Recently, I read had the opportunity to read Think Positive for Kids, part of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. I was particularly interested by this volume because it is directed towards children rather than adults as is customary with this series. When you think about it, a volume for children is a great fit for Chicken Soup for the Soul. The series is known for short, snappy stories that teach us something about life and ourselves. These stories each encompass a short pep talk for kids {and adults} of any age!

My daughter is growing by leaps and bounds, both physically and mentally. So, I know that there will be a lot of questions about life, fitting in and becoming part of the world to help my daughter answer in the near future. While reading Think Positive for Kids, I was transported back to a time when I was sorting out many of these things myself. I guess, in a way, I am still sorting some of these things out and always will be! This volume contains a

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