Help Your Children Take Note! with Crayola + Giveaway

Crayola is excited to introduce Take Note! – a brand new suite of innovative writing tools designed to make colorful marks - just in time for back to school. Using color for note taking is proven to aid in memory retention and can be helpful for organizing tasks. The Washable Gel Pens feature a quick-dry formula for rich, vibrant color that is streak-free and the Erasable Highlighters’ bright colors will make a bold statement on homework and projects alike. Capture your thoughts, notes and doodles with Crayola Take Note!


Eliminate Stress This Back to School Season with Five Star + Giveaway

Back to school shopping can be hectic - there are so many different brands it’s hard to know what’s going to be the most durable, and give you the best value for your money. You want to buy something that your child will find useful while lasting through the school year. Last year my daughter went through TWO book bags because I was too focused on the cost to get her a quality bag. An expense I didn't want to have to worry about half through the school year.

But not this year because Five Star makes back to school shopping a little bit easier with their with durable and innovative products, so they eliminate the stress of organization by providing school supplies that last all year long. No need to worry about items breaking or losing their functionality, as all products and accessories support your academic achievements, especially when you need them the most.

"Muppet Babies: Time To Play!" on DVD August 14th + Activities

Who else is a baby of the 80's and grew up watching Muppet Babies? Since my family has broken up with satellite/cable, we don't get to see many of the new shows that are available from Disney Jr. So when I heard there was a NEW Muppet Babies show, I just had to see what it was all about! My kids received a complimentary copy of "Muppet Babies: Time To Play" since it is coming to DVD August 14th and I am so excited to share a piece of my childhood with them.


Almost 30 years after the Muppet Babies first won the hearts of kids and families around the world, Disney Junior's reimagined "Muppet Babies" chronicles the hilarious playroom antics of a young Kermit the Frog, Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and Animal – plus a brand-new Muppet Baby, Summer Penguin. Under the watchful eye of Miss Nanny, the Muppet Babies use their imaginations to embark on countless adventures that take them to the farthest corners of the universe and demonstrate to young viewers the power and potential of imaginative play. Muppet Babies: Time To Play! arrives homes on Disney DVD August 14th.

Enjoying Summer Rainy Days with Pressman & Goliath Games

We have had so many rainy days this summer! But that's okay! My kiddos love to play games and we received some fun ones that I am excited to share with you. And then you can enter to win them too!

Orange Soda Pops with Veri Organic Soda

I received complimentary products to provide this review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

This was originally published 7/15/15.

What's better than making a summertime treat with some organic soda! What did I just say?! That's right and exactly what we did. I recently had the opportunity to review Veri Organic Soda. And we used the orange flavor to make some yummy Orange Soda Popsicles.





Veri is committed to crafting the world’s finest organic, low-calorie, soft drinks. They spent years crafting a line of soda that is made with the best organic ingredients and is low in calories but also tastes like the real deal or in other words, how soda used to taste back in the good old days. Veri Organic Soda has no harsh sweetness or overpowering carbonation. It has a delicious refreshing taste and only 60 calories per can with no artificial ingredients. It is a soda the whole family can enjoy. Available in Veri Cola, Orange, Ginger Ale, or Lemon Lime. I think Veri makes a great addition to any summertime get-together!
 

Silky, Shiny Hair with Desert Essence

I received this product for free from Moms Meet to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

I love trying out new products. Although I have do have skin and scalp sensitivities, I am still brave enough to try new brands but the key, in my opinion, is reading labels. And when you can feel good about trying about brand's product because you can understand what is in it, that makes all the difference.




I am pretty particular about the products that I use on my hair. I am still getting use to wavy hair that I started having more and more of since my first pregnancy in 2010. It is so weird how pregnancy can have unexpected side effects, like changing your hair texture. But since it does, I am more cautious with the products I use on my hand while still having to try new ones to find out what works for me. The worst pregnancy/hair side effect that happened to me was more breakage, so I need something that can help improve my hair health overall as well. Desert Essence Anti-Breakage Shampoo & Conditioner smells great and leaves my hair feeling hydrated and light.

Celebrate Christmas in July with Precious Moments

I received complimentary products to provide this post. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Precious Moments is celebrating Christmas in July with so many wonderful pieces! We love Christmas in our house. I could listen to Christmas all year long! We decorate the house inside and out, top to bottom. We love all the events and soaking up all things that celebrate the season. This year not only do I want to focus more on teaching my children the Christmas story, I also want to sponsor an angel child or two so I can teach my children that it is more important to give.


I love working with Precious Moments and since they are celebrating Christmas in July and since I have always wanted one, I decided to choose the “Countdown To Christmas” Nativity Advent Calendar. With this piece, you can reveal the story of Christmas with this clever Advent calendar which holds a little figurine and a lovely Nativity Story Book poem with a special reading for each day of Advent!

Degustabox: The Subscription Box for Foodies - July 2018 Unboxing

I love subscription boxes. And I have unboxed so many. I love when they are themed with either the season or common things that are happening around that time. Like this box was all about BBQ time!
So, what is Degustabox? Degustabox is an on-line food subscription service that delivers a monthly surprise box containing the latest and best products, from small and big brands alike, to the homes of the consumer: saving time and money. You can cancel anytime.
So what was in the box?

Beating Summer Slide with PlaySmart Activity Books: Introducing Picture Puzzlers

I received complimentary products to provide this post. All opinions are my own. Includes affiliate links.

I like to keep fun stuff around to help my kiddos stay school ready and avoid the summer slide. That why I love having Play Smart activity books around.


Play Smart activity books have been raking in the awards! Early Learning 2+, Early Learning 3+, and School Skills 4+ have been given Family Choice Awards and Early Learning 3+ also won a National Parenting Product Award (NAPPA). "It's a great combination of learning and having fun. This is a fun activity book filled with puzzles, games, and art projects. We especially like the design and the colorful stickers that make the book engaging for early learning. And now Play Smart workbooks is growing! Play Smart Picture Puzzlers (6 new titles) are packed with 64 themed fun-first, adorably illustrated activities, a wipe-clean game board, and more than 80 colorful stickers—value priced at $6.99! Age ranges include 2+, 3+, or 4+.

Stylish, Functional, and Organized: The New Diaper Bag from Ethan & Emma

I received complimentary products to provide this post. All opinions are my own.

I remember when my daughter was a baby. I received three different diaper bags at my shower. I didn't register for one at all because I couldn't find one I liked. They had looked very childish and bulky or cheap. But I received a diaper bag because people knew that I would need one. By the time my son was born, diaper bags had started coming around, but honestly? They weren't quite where they needed to be. You know a good diaper bag when it is s fashionable yet functional that you want to continue using it even after you don't technically need a "diaper bag" anymore.


I was recently sent the best BAG I have ever owned. Yes it's a "diaper bag", but it something that is so functional, practical, and stylish I seriously love using it everyday. The bag is from Ethan & Emma and here is what they had to say about their products: "At Ethan & Emma, we understand what it means to be a parent, which is why we are devoted to making parenting easier for you. We are committed to creating products that are functional and durable and that will withstand any encounter with small, but curious hands. We do the hard work of creating these products so that you can spend more time having fun with your kids."

This bag has a place for everything so you can keep everything in it's place.

Change Up Your Hair with Xtava + Giveaway

I am so excited to get the opportunity to share this giveaway with you! I recently had the opportunity to receive a Xtava Infrared Straightener. I have had the same straightener now for over 10 years. It doesn't work very well at all anymore and although I was considering buying a new one, I just hadn't found what I was looking for in at a comfortable price point.


The xtava Pro Satin Infrared flat iron for hair leaves hair shiny and smooth with its 2 inch wide ceramic tourmaline floating plates, 10 temperature settings, universal dual voltage, 60 minute auto shut off function and heat resistant travel hair case. It is a ceramic flat iron with digital display where you can choose from 10 temperature settings on an LCD digital display, ranging from 265 F - 445 F when hair straightening. Not sure which temperature is right for you? Start between 265 F - 300 F for delicate or fine hair types, 300 F - 380 F for normal hair, and 380 F - 445 F for thick or coarse hair types.

Degustabox: The Subscription Box for Foodies - June 2018 Unboxing

I love subscription boxes. And I have unboxed so many. I love when they are themed with either the season or common things that are happening around that time. Like this box was all about getting ready for summer!



So, what is Degustabox? Degustabox is an on-line food subscription service that delivers a monthly surprise box containing the latest and best products, from small and big brands alike, to the homes of the consumer: saving time and money. You can cancel anytime.

So what was in the box?

65th Anniversary Peter Pan Soars Into the Walt Disney Signature Collection

I received complimentary products to provide this post. All opinions are my own.

In celebration of its 65th anniversary, Disney’s beloved flight of fantasy, “Peter Pan,” joins the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection, landing in homes on Digital and Movies Anywhere on May 29 and on Blu-ray June 5. With a little faith, trust and pixie dust, every member of the family will let their imagination soar on this epic adventure to Never Land, sparkling with legendary animation, extraordinary music and both all-new and classic bonus features.
Disney's Peter Pan - Free Coloring Sheets, Activities, & Recipes
Click HERE to Download


Packing Up for Summer Adventures with LUVABUB + Giveaway

I received complimentary products to provide this post. All opinions are my own.

If you haven't heard of LUVABUB, they are a children's backpacks and accessories brand Launched in 2016. Luvabub strives to create beautiful, high-quality products that both kids and parents love. They also believe that by making great products that are adorably cute and are also durable, environmentally friendly, safe and easy to care for, that they are making the world a happier place. With summer right on the horizon, their cute little backpacks make days at the beach or out exploring that much brighter.

A post shared by Diana Chastain (@mrsdchastain) on


They a few super cute ones to choose from, but I decided to go with the mushroom back packs because they reminded me of Super Mario Bros. right away and I thought they would make a cute cosplay when we go to Dragon*Con.

May Degustabox Foodie Subscription Box

I love subscription boxes. And I have unboxed so many. I love when they are themed with either the season or common things that are happening around that time. Like this box was all about getting ready for summer!



So, what is Degustabox? Degustabox is an on-line food subscription service that delivers a monthly surprise box containing the latest and best products, from small and big brands alike, to the homes of the consumer: saving time and money. You can cancel anytime.

So what was in the box?

Comfortable Fashion for Him with prAna's Sustainable Clothing

Since my husband has been losing weight and taking better care of himself, he has been feeling better and wants to show that. He has been exploring more wardrobe options, but he doesn't want to sacrifice comfort.




prAna designs clothes that can be confidently worn all day, no matter what the day brings. My husband wore his outfit while he went to the movies with a friend and then when we went hiking. He is excited to wear this outfit on more of our spontaneous traveling adventures because prAna is so versatile.

Simple Bathroom Decor or Storage Ideas {+ Giveaway}

I received complimentary products to provide this post. All opinions are my own.

So I have been loving farmhouse décor. Now I am not obsessed with it and there are a few details I could live without, but I love using mason jars for everything and the simplicity of it. Since we have moved in our new home, I have been trying to upgrade our décor a little at a time.


Recently I received some bamboo shelves from Songmics that I decided to hang in my guest bathroom to add some life into that room. It is used quite frequently so it needed some easy to give it that little extra. You can use these shelves as free standing, but I chose to hang them.

Memorable Home Decor Gifts with Canvas Factory

I received complimentary products to provide this post. All opinions are my own.
 
I have been on a roll this year with printing pictures. I want something to look at when I'm older and what if I forget how to work an iPad or the sites I use to back up my pictures aren't always there? I always felt like printing pictures was just something that I had to do even though I was terrible about getting around to it, but there are so many affordable options out there now. It's so easy and I can have my pictures created into beautiful art. With my sister-in-law getting married next month, I thought I would give her a memorable gift to decorate her home with her future spouse.


Canvas Factory has so many different options to choose from so you can cherish your memories. From Split Canvas Print, Canvas Collage, Acrylic Glass, or even Metal Prints, Canvas Factory has something for everyone. You can create memories for your to display or someone you love, you can even create beautiful art for each and every room of your house! Canvas Factory has some GREAT deals on canvases at unbeatable prices. 

Baby Shower Gift Idea: Give Books Instead of Cards

I know so many people who are pregnant right now that I put together a HUGE list of Unique Baby Shower Gifts for the New Mom. My favorite gift idea though is to give a book instead of a card. Although appreciated, my children have their baby shower cards stuffed into a box somewhere. With a book you can write a sweet note inside the front cover, sign your name, date it, and you have given something that is useful and sure to be viewed often. They even make personalized story books now too.


There are two new board books from Studio Fun and Silver Dolphin that I would love to share with you for just this occasion.

Benefits of a Sling vs. Soft Structured Carriers + Giveaway

I love babywearing my son. I wasn't aware of all the different types of wraps, carriers and slings out there with my daughter. I wish I had done more research about it. There is so much more info about babywearing out there to day. I love the hands-free ability to carry your child and how much easier it makes nursing on the go.

benefits of sling carriers
Image Found at ComfyJoey.com
babywearing sling wrap carrier

Many areas have baby wearing support groups, where you can learn to use different carriers and even borrow carriers to try out. Breastfeeding support groups (La Leche League, Breastfeeding USA, etc.) can also be a good place to try out a carrier & find out how to use one, since many breastfeeding moms use baby carriers. I have loved a few different types of carriers, but here are the Benefits of a Sling vs. Soft Structured Carriers.