Big Savings with Groupon

I love shopping with Groupon and there are so many amazing deals at Groupon right now! Groupon has over 9,000 retailers and over 70,000 deals! That is money just waiting to be saved in your pocket.
With back to school right around the corner I am able to save hundreds of dollars just by using Groupon for my back to school shopping. When doing my back to school shopping I find a lot of the school supplies on Amazon and right now Groupon has over 156 deals on amazon items. Right now, one of the Groupon Amazon deals is FREE shipping with Amazon without having to have Amazon Prime.

There are so many retailers you can shop with Groupon such as buybuybaby , Macy’s, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walgreens, and Aeropostale. No matter what your shopping need may be, Groupon has a deal for you! So, get saving and check on the deals for yourself!

Amazon Prime Free Trial

 Unless you live under a rock, and I'm sure you don't or you wouldn't be online, You have undoubtedly heard of Amazon. Were you aware though that Amazon has a program called Amazon Prime?  I have been a member enjoying all of the benefits for the last 6 mos. I am thrilled with it and thought I would let you guys in on the secret. It costs $99 for a full year membership, and with that you get access to prime music and  movies, free 2-day shipping on prime items, and much, much more. I highly recommend at least trying out the 30 day free trial. You have nothing to lose.

 Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial

Here is what they say about it:

When you want it, when you need it

FREE Two-Day shipping with Amazon Prime

Need a last minute gift? Can’t get out of the house? Realize you forgot to pick up something? With FREE Two-Day Shipping from Amazon Prime, your shopping problems are solved. You get unlimited deliveries with no minimum order size, and with 20 million eligible items, the options are practically limitless. From big to small, A to Z, home to office, and everywhere in between, satisfying that shopping itch —or need— is just two days away.

Rated A for Awesome

Watch unlimited movies and TV shows with Prime Instant Video

It’s always prime time when your options include blockbuster films and popular TV shows. Watch thousands of movies and episodes on your TV, laptop, Fire TV or choice of more than 600 devices. You can also take them anywhere with your Kindle Fire.

Over a million songs. Hundreds of playlists.

Unlimited music streaming

Introducing Prime Music, our new benefit that gives you unlimited, ad-free access to over a million songs and hundreds of custom-built playlists. Now you can listen to the music you love and find new music that fits your taste. It’s like having a backstage pass that lets you access your favorite musicians.

Save it once. See it everywhere.

Free unlimited photo storage

Introducing Prime Photos. Your cherished memories are safe in Amazon Cloud Drive and accessible anywhere you are. It's like having a virtual album of every one of your photos that you can access at any time, no matter which device you use.

Get Early Access

Shop Amazon Lightning Deals and MyHabit.com

Consider yourself a techy, the best-styled fashionista on the block, or just an everyday savvy shopper? There are two ways for you to be among the first to decide what's hot and what's not. Get 30-minute early access to select Lightning Deals on Amazon, and shop new events on MyHabit.com 30 minutes before other customers can access these designer deals.

A collection beyond compare

A Prime membership includes over 500,000 free ebooks

Enter the hallowed halls and stocked shelves of the Kindle Owner’s Lending Library, where over 500,000 books are ready to be checked out. Fiction or non-fiction. New York Times best sellers or lost classics. Borrow one book a month, with no due date. Discover your next favorite book, and your next one, and your next one.

Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial

Look for Prime eligible items, videos, and Kindle books are clearly marked. Just look for the Prime logo when you shop.

Crayon Rocks Review and Giveaway

This has been the gloomiest of all days....

School was cancelled due to the 1/4 inch of snow that fell during the night here in Tennessee.

It was melted by 9am and left nothing outside but a

muddy mess. The kids were inside bored to death today

while I worked. So I tossed them a bag of rocks and told them to stop fighting and go color.

 

These Crayon Rocks are so cool!

They are perfect for little fingers. I wish I would have known about these when my girls were snapping every crayon they ever got their hands on.

They don't do that as much anymore but they think these rocks are just super awesome.

I love these little buggers. They are practically un breakable but a little too small for really young

kids as they do still pose a choking hazard.

I think they are such a great idea.

 I couldn't stop them from wanting to color everything.

After my girls colored to their hearts content,

the rocks hardly changed in size at all. It seems as though they will last forever.

About Crayon Rocks

• Crayon Rocks are all natural soy wax crayons made from USA grown soybeans and colored with mineral pigments.
• The colors are vibrant and can be layered to make beautifully textured art work.
• They were designed to strengthen the tripod grip muscles, preparing fingers and hands for handwriting.
• The shape allows small fingers to color in large, wide strokes creating pictures rich in color.
• Used by occupational therapists to develop fine motor skills.

 

 

They have these giant coloring books and like most kids they color a little on each page and then turn to another picture. I was always the kids who completed the picture and then signed my name to

show my superb coloring skills.

Why don't kids do that anymore?

 

I found a page to print some coloring pages too in case your kids are the same way about needing more coloring books.

 

Crayon rocks not only sent me this free bag of Crayon Rocks to review...

They are also offering a bag to one lucky reader.

So just enter in the raffle copter below!!!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Time for the Circus!!!!

OMG I am so freaking excited!!!!

 

I haven't been to the circus in a very long time.

I am tickled to death to be going to the Ringling Brothers Circus

at Bridgestone Arena.

These performers work so hard to train for these events! I am so excited to see it all. Here is a little snippet of their training process.



I will be posting a few more of these snippets so keep your eyes peeled.

There is also a contest... Wouldn't it be fun to be able to go to the circus????

ENTER BELOW!!!!!

There are only 2 simple entry options!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget the four legged friends!

Christmas Countdown

A little history

 

 

John Paul Pet – pet care with a salon pedigree.
30 years ago John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems, revolutionized the professional salon industry by banning animal testing for his line of hair products. John Paul’s in-depth expertise in hair and skin care formulations also led to research in new standards for pet grooming and hygiene, which lead to the creation of John Paul Pet shampoos, conditioners, sprays and pet wipes.
John Paul Pet shampoos and conditioners are pH balanced so they don’t irritate sensitive pet skin and the entire line is “tested on humans first” to ensure effectiveness and safety for all pets. John Paul Pet actively supports programs benefiting all animals, including Best Friends Animal Society, The Morris Animal Foundation, PAWS, The California Wildlife Association, The Humane Society of the United States, as well as numerous Humane Society of America and SPCA events, pet rescue organizations and pet charities nationwide.

 

My Story

John Paul Pets has been so gracious to allow me to review their products.

I did try the John Paul Pet Grooming Pack and The Ultra Bright Pack.

The ultra bright pack worked great on my English Bulldog.

He loves to roll in the mud and get all dirty. Due to his sensitive skin I like to be careful

when choosing products to bathe him with.

These products didn't seem to irritate him at all. As you can see in the above picture he was nice and white. He couldn't wait to roll in the dirt again though.

It is a never ending battle.

 

As for the Grooming kit... I love the products and will be sharing this kit with my little sister, Taffy Lou.

Pictured Below...

She, too, can be very sensitive as well as have some tangles which makes bathing not so much fun for her. This it includes a brush, waterless shampoo, and conditioner. The perfect little kit for her.

 

John Paul Pets has also agreed to join in the giveaway on Dec 28th.

So stay tuned!!!

 

Disclaimer: I received the products mentioned above free to review. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own and I would not recommend a product I didn't believe would be good for my readers.

A Story Of love and Chocolate

Christmas Countdown

 

 

A Story of Love and Chocolate

Guy Foubert - born in 1938 in Sint-Niklaas - was a passionate Belgian chocolatier making handmade chocolate truffles.
The story of Chocolaterie Guylian began in the late 1950’s with the marriage of Guy Foubert and Liliane. Guy and Liliane joined their names in our company name: Chocolaterie Guy-lian. Guy soon realised that the world was ready for something totally new. On which the young couple created for the first time chocolates in the shape of seashells. Guy developed the recipe of our signature hazelnut praliné filling; Lilliane added the artistic touch by designing the shining marbled look and the delicately sculptured shapes. A true love story of romance and chocolate.



Guylian Chocolates has been gracious enough to allow me to review some of their products.

These are the yummiest chocolates I have ever tasted. Believe me, I have tasted a LOT of chocolate.

They are so delicate yet rich and creamy. I love the creamy center on these beautifully crafted seashell and seahorse shaped treats.

What makes Guylian Belgian chocolate the best in the world?

• Guylian is made with 100 % Belgian chocolate
• We combine artisanal craftsmanship and time-honoured Belgian chocolate-making techniques alongside high tech production techniques.
• We use only the finest ingredients for our chocolate and fillings.
• We hold Belgium’s tradition and chocolate heritage in high regard.
• Our chocolate always has a well-balanced set of flavours that develop gradually, but also endure for a full sensory experience

 

The website shows many different boxes of yummy goodness to be able to purchase for yourself or give as a gift to someone you know would love these delicate little treasures.

 

As you can see, we did try these chocolates and by the way, between my husband and kids this box is long gone. They just don't know how to enjoy a chocolate to savor every minute.

 

Guess what?!?!?!

Guylian Chocolates was also gracious enough to join in the giveaway on Dec 28th!!!

Stay tuned that will be a great day!!!

Disclaimer: I received the products mentioned above free to review. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own and I would not recommend a product I didn't believe would be good for my readers. 

Don't be afraid to mix it up!

Christmas Countdown

I have the perfect gift for teacher, neighbor, family friend,

 or just that one random person you forgot to buy for.

I love homemade treasures.

Especially ones you can personalize yourself.

I used to always buy those prepackaged trail mixes until that one day

I ended up with a bag full of peanuts!

I decided then I would stop wasting my money on stuff I don't really want, not to mention all the additives they put into the prepackaged crap.

So I started making my own mixes with fresh ingredients that I chose

specifically for me!

 

 

I have come across a company Trixi's Treasures that is determined to help people make healthier choices. Trixi’s Treasures  specializes in creating healthy, easy to prepare mixtures, called Shantelyn Treasure Dust Mixtures.

 

What is a Shantelyn Treasure Dust Mixture?  It is a 100% all natural powder mixture that you cook with one cup of oil or butter.  Then, bake onto your favorite types of cereals, crackers, cookies, chips, pretzels, dried fruits, nuts, etc.  It creates a unique “sweet, salty, savory” flavor and adds a light crunchy coating to each piece.  All of our varieties of Shantelyn Treasure Dust Mixtures are 100% all natural and contain no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or GMO’s, and are also gluten-free.

 

 

I was able to try some of their premade mixes for this review and they have a nice mixture of ingredients. I love the flavor. A little sweet and a little savory. But like I said before..... I would love it better to be able to mix my own.

Thankfully, the dust is available to purchase and super easy to flavor your own mix. 

 

 

So, I have gotten off topic here! As I was saying...

you could mix up some of this delicious mix and package it up really cute with a beautiful bow

and give it to that someone who was left off the list as a last minute gift!

 

 This one I have thrown together for a special teacher!

Oh .....one more thing!

 My blogiversary is coming up and on that day

 lots of prizes will be given.

Trixi's Treasures is generous enough to allow one reader a chance to try out a variety pack of their mix for free! 

  So stay tuned!!!!!

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I received the products above free for review. I was not compensated for this post. My opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

Gifts in a jar!

Christmas Countdown

I have a crazy obsession with mason jars!

I make my own "Redneck WineGlasses", and I also love just the jars themselves.
Mason jars are perfect for holiday gift giving since there are so many different things you can do with them.
I am going to share with you all a few ideas I have found around the web of amazing ideas for gifts in a jar!
The first one I have for you is the Reindeer Cookie Mix from The Home Heart

This can be done with many different cookie recipes. The key is to layer the ingredients to show great contrast.

 

I just love this one from Play as U Go and it is so simple!

 

Remember It is the little embellishments that make the difference! I love ribbons and tags.

 

I also found some super cute tags at The Country Chic Cottage

 

 

 

And of course all of the gifts do not have to be edible.

There is also the Pamper Yourself Jar from Milk Bubble Tea

 

 

And for the Big Spender in your life....

Maybe suggest a savings plan!

Easily print out this weekly savings plan and this super cute homemade jar should help them start on the road to saving!

 

Well folks there ya have it! Gifts in a jar! So easy and inexpensive but yet very cute to give as a gift for anyone!

 

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

 

 

Gift Basket Giveaway!!!!

 

Christmas Countdown

 

 I love creating gift baskets! Although sometimes I feel like a cheapskate, I love making them and finding little goodies to include and make a fun themed basket.

My creativity does run out though. I usually end up stuck with a bunch of bath stuff and goodies left over from baskets in the process that never were given out.

I did find a great company, Kernel Seasonings that does have some super delish popcorn seasoning.

Guess what???

They create gift baskets themed and ready to go!

These baskets are reasonably priced and can be shipped directly to the recipient.

They were gracious enough to send me one and allow me to give one away, as well, to one lucky reader.

 

 

Most of my giveaways for this month will come on my blogiversary for this month, but I am going to go ahead and start this quick giveaway as a teaser for what is to come later on.

 

Go check out Kernel Seasonings website and facebook page.

 Be sure to tell em Motor Mouth sent you!!!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I received the items mention in this post for free to review.

All expressed opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

Yummy Snacks!!!

 

Christmas Countdown

 I have found some delicious snacks! These are the most perfect little bananas ever!

I have tried making chocolate covered bananas myself a long time ago but they did not turn out very well. I have always thought they would be so divine.

I was soooo right!

Diana's Bananas was so nice to send me some samples of their products to review for you all.

 

 

Of course I had to share with the kiddos and the hubby but there was not a single person in the entire house who did not enjoy these.

I had to allow mine to thaw slightly though as the bananas are quite hard!

But the kids just gnawed right through them.

I think these would be perfect for a fun little dessert to lay out for a little while for a holiday party!

They seem like they would hold up well long enough for everyone to have a taste without having to worry about them.

 

 

I tried the Banana Bites first becuae I just thought they looked cute and tasty.

I was right.... There was really nothing bad about any of these little cuties.

The chocolate was delish to.

 

Then of course there are the Banana Babies

covered in milk chocolate or

dark chocolate.  

These arrived via FedEx very quickly packed securely in a cooler.

I would definitely recommend these to anyone to even try a single pack just to have a little taste of childhood.

Check out Diana's Bananas Website and go "LIKE" their facebook page because they post deals everytime they have one!

 

 

Disclaimer: I received the products mentioned above free for review. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.



Fun Christmas Crafts

 

Christmas Countdown

 

 

We are always looking something fun to do with the kids and being around the holidays, things are no different. It can be very trying on a person's nerves when kids get all messy and make mess to clean up than is necessary. I have tried to find the most stress free crafts I could that are still very fun without creating the huge mess.

 

The first thing I have found that we will be doing is creating a Santa beard count down. Simply print out this picture and let the kids color it however they see fit. Then each day in December glue another cotton ball onto the beard.  There is a poem that goes along with this as well.
Santa's beard is very bare
On his chin, there is no hair.
So each day, add one puff so white.
And when they're all on,
He'll come that night.

The kids will also be making hand made cards for our local nursing home residents.  I used to work in a nursing home and it is very sad to see all those elderly people with no visitors or family. They are so delighted when kids come by to see them. I have lots of scrapbooking supplies that are perfect for creating Christmas cards.

And last but not least......
Gingerbread cookies are the most fun thing ever!

I love those little kits you can buy with the cookies premade and they include different kinds of candy. Those are perfect for no stress fun!

Our Very Own Elf on the Shelf

Christmas Countdown

There has been so much hype about Elves on Shelves my girls were hoping and praying and wishing Santa would send one to them for this Christmas......

 They were tickled to death when they woke up Dec 1 to see our very own little Elf sitting right under our tree. He isn't one of those creepy looking elves either!

This one is adorable!!!!

 

 

 He came with a letter from Santa telling the kids about him and his likelihood to get into trouble. He also saw our cute little tree and brought a few ornaments with him straight from the North Pole.

Since he is a new Elf my girl's are allowed to name him. They chose to call him

"Cookie Plum Pants"

After we searched Google for some good elf names.

 We are excited to see what great adventures our little Cookie has in store for us. and hopfully the girls will get a good report each night until Christmas!

 

 

Since we have had him a couple days now, He is already into so much mischief.
We have found him playing my new Xbox One and snacking on sweets!

Decorating on a Budget



Christmas Countdown

 

I am a usually a hard core traditionalist. I adhere to the tradition of putting my Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving every year. This year was a little different I had to work that Friday so I decided to go ahead and put the tree up on Thanksgiving night.

After many years of using the same tree and ornaments I have changed things up a little.

I usually have a modest green tree fully engulfed in oodles of homemade ornaments accumulated from over the years of my little ones school and church projects. I have always stuck by that tradition but my kids are no longer making new ornaments at school and I wanted to do a little something different.

I have a small but cozy home and a modest budget, so I had to get creative with my ideas for a beautiful tree. Old Time Pottery is one of my favorite stores for fabulous deals on household items.

I browsed the aisles and these cute little ornaments for so cheap and decided on a whimsical theme. I wanted something fun and colorful!

I got this white tree for $5.99, the ornaments for $3.99, and the ribbon for $2.

And a some little gift box thingies for only a couple bucks. So all-in-all $15 bucks got me a super adorable tree. It might be little but I still love my little whimsical tree!!!

You just have to use a little creativity!!!!!

 

 

Oofos Footwear Review and Giveaway (OVER)

 I am a serious flip flop wearer. If I can I will wear them anywhere!

So I was ecstatic when I have been given the opportunity to try out a pair of

Oofos Sandals to review.

 

 

 

 

 There were different styles and colors to choose from.

 

 

 

I got the OOriginal Thongs in tangerine.

I will give you a little insight into their company first.

OOFOS was formed by a passionate group of colleagues and shoe experts experienced in designing, developing and sourcing in the footwear industry. They share the common goal of challenging the status quo to continually make a positive difference in consumer's lives.

They created the revolutionary OOFOS brand experience powered by an innovative, visionary material called OOfoam. Learn the facts about our exclusive OOFOAM technology and how it helps you recharge and rejuvenate your feet.

 

 

The patented foot-bed design delivers an unprecedented experience because of its unique energy absorption capabilities.

You may think these initial designs look like something you've seen before,  the OOFOS brand experience is like nothing you've ever felt before.

These shoes are designed to be anti fatigue, lightweight, reduce body impact, give underfoot support, and be water resistant.

 

All while giving revolutionary comfort.

I believe they call it the OO experience!!

 

My personal OO experience was different than I expected. I was expecting a rubbery type flip flop that would slip and slide all over my foot and I would not feel stable.  On the contrary, They felt very secure on my feet and I didn't feel like they were slipping at all. I am very clumsy. I am so afraid of falling. It seems like no matter what I find the slick spot on the floor and will slide through it every time. With my new OOfos sandals I was not as worried but I still have some of that fear to overcome. I will continue to wear these and hopefully the real test will be the locker room at the pool.

That is the slickest floor around!!

 

Where to buy OOFOS shoes

 

Lucky for you OOfos has graciously offered to supply one lucky reader with a pair of their choice. Follow the rafflecopter instructions below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: The items mentioned above were given to me for review. Regardless, My opinion is my own and I would never recommend something I do not believe to be in the best interest of my readers.