Dyson New DC35 Digital Slim Vacuum

I can't begin to tell you how long I've coveted a Dyson! And I am a lucky lady because as a Walmart mom I've been sent the Dyson DC35 Digital Slim Vacuum! It is easily converted to a hand held vacuum and it is great for use in areas like the kitchen and stairs (I always have trouble with the stairs!). Today I'm not going to review my vacuum but I am going to let one of the engineers from Dyson share some information with you about this little powerhouse! It is available at Walmart now if you want one but of course you can wait to read my review first! 

Disclosure: I am an official Walmart Mom. Follow me and my fellowWalmart Moms as we share our reviews! Walmart has provided me with product (the Dyson) in return for my time & efforts to create this post. My participation in this program is voluntary and my opinions are my own, always have been, always will be.

Sprout Babyfood!

Although Mekhi is way past baby food age, when he was young I made his food or I only fed him organic jar food. And although my son is close to four, in the fairly recent past I've used left over jars of babyfood in my cooking. You know how applesauce is used in recipes as a substitute for oils? Well, one day I was making muffins and had run out of applesauce. And that is when I discovered the magic of babyfood! So, when I can, I use babyfood in some of my recipes because it is organic, wholesome and if it is good enough for a baby it is good enough for me! 

I have to tell you that I WISH Sprout organic baby food was on the market when my son was younger. This baby food is special, it was created by chef Taylor Florence (foodies out there may know him from Food Network). And the flavor in this baby food is amazing. What? Of course I had to taste it! And cook with it too! LOL

In addition to being full of flavor, one of the great things about these pouches is that they are resealable. And the food can be used within three days of opening so no waste! Inventive, right? And the final reason I am impressed by Sprout Baby food is because they have partnered with TerraCycle and encourage parents to return the empty pouches to TerraCycle for UpCycling. They recycle the pouches and make items like bibs, splat mats and diaper bags. TerraCycle also donates $.02 to various charitable organizations for each returned pouch!

So, to all of my friends who are new/soon to be moms (and there are almost more of you than I can count) I highly recommend Sprout. Try it! And let me know what you think! 

Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and was compensated for my time to write this post, I was also provided with Sprout products to try. 

Opening Day Disney Store at Perimeter Mall!

I’ve come to expect big things from Disney and the new interactive Disney store at Perimeter Mall brings the magic of Disney to the Atlanta area! Today Mekhi and I had the pleasure of experiencing the new store before tomorrow’s opening day. To say we were impressed is an understatement! Before I get too caught up let me give you the information about tomorrow’s opening:

Where: Disney Store @ Perimeter Mall (lower level)

            4400 Ashford- Dunwoody Road

            Atlanta, GA 30346

Time: 10:00 AM Disney Store Opening Celebration led by Jodi Benson - voice of Arial

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       The  First 250 people will receive Mickey Ears!

So we toured the store today and it was amazing! It is truly interactive. The front of the store is divided one side is geared toward boys and the other girls. But believe me, the girls and boys in attendance played on both sides and were not stuck in traditional gender roles! The highlight of the boys side is the Cars Ridemakerz! Visitors have a chance to design their own cars using with choices of body’s from the movie cars and then assemble! The basic car is $41 but you can add remote control and the price is $58. A Disney store employee will help you “trick” out your car!

On the other side of the store is Cinderella’s castle. The highlight there is the magic mirror. You simply wave a wand from one of the Disney princesses and she “magically” appears. My son had a great time bringing Princess Tiana to life!

In the back of the store there is a theater where you can choose clips to play from favorite Disney movies and shows. And weekly there will be scheduled events held in the theater like coloring, trivia, story time and even parades! 

And you can’t miss the Disney Playhouse which has a tower of stuffed characters, noise making knobs that turn the carousel in the sky and even a tunnel.

My words are not doing the Disney experience justice. You have to see it for yourself. And there is merchandise for everyone. I admit that I never stepped into a Disney store in a mall before today because I thought the prices would be outrageous. I was so surprised by the affordability! There are things available at every price point so although I will walk in the store knowing my son is likely to want something, I can spend a couple of dollars and make him happy (no exaggeration, literally a couple of dollars)!

If you can, visit tomorrow. If not, April 9th is the big Grand Opening and Mickey and Minnie will be in attendance! The Disney store will be one of my go to destinations with my son because he truly enjoyed the Magic!

Disclosure: I was provided with a gift bag for attending the press event but all opinions are 100% my own.


            

Delitefuls Seafood Meals

Although I try to cook things from scratch, lately I haven’t been eating very well and have been going the quick meal route. When I found out about the new Delitefuls meals, as corny as it sounds, I was “delighted”! I am a pescatarian - meaning that I don’t eat meat, with the exception of fish. And since the deliteful meals are low-calorie, high protein and seafood, I was very excited about having a healthy meal prospect for lunch or dinner. Another plus? No preservatives!

So, with gusto I tried out the variety of meals - Shrimp Bowtie Scampi, Salmon Florentine Alfredo, Swai Caribbean BBQ, Tilapia Tango Mango and Cod Mediterranean Medly.  After carefully taste tasting each of the meals (which are quite easy to cook, in a bag from 4-5 minutes in the microwave) I have to admit, I was not impressed. As a matter of fact, of all the meals, I only like the Shrimp Bowtie Scampi.

The other meals were either too spicy, too sweet or just not good. And to let you know how serious I am about this, I didn’t finish my meals! If you don’t know me, I am a girl who will eat just about anything if it is part of my diet. But I just could not finish these meals.

Your palate may be different from mine and you may want to give these meals a try. With prices averaging about $5.48 for two servings it is worth a try. I’m sticking to the Shrimp. It will always be a good go to option for me!

Disclosure: Compensation and product were provided by Walmart for my time and effort to participate. All opinions are 100% my own.

3M Natural View Screen Protector

When the Apple iPhone4 was released I was extremely excited about the new phone. And although I had to wait a couple of months before purchasing it, I have to say that it certainly was worth the wait! As the mom of a busy 3 year old I have to keep my phone protected. I've found a great sassy phone cover to protect it and I was need of a screen protector. For the past couple of weeks I've tried out the 3M Natural view Screen Protector.

Two proctectors are included in the package and it is pretty easy to apply. You simply clean your screen, remove the film from the protector and apply to your phone. The included applicator helps to remove the air bubbles that are likely to form when you apply the protector. 

Overall I have to say that I like the 3M protector. I was particularly impressed with the thickness of the film and ease of application. I've used other protectors in the past and they've been flimsy in comparison to 3M. The thickness really made a difference when applying it to my phone. With my old 3G I had to immediately use both films in the package (can't remember the brand) because it was so difficult to apply. 

With 3M I was able to remove most of the air bubbles but not all of them. I don't think this should deter anyone from purchasing the product. It is virtually impossible to remove all air bubbles during the application process. I am happy with 3M and am confident that my screen will be protected from the sticky fingers of my 3 year old! 

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of 3M and received a Natural View Screen Protector to facilitate my review and a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Dannon Small Steps

I've been a lifelong fan of Dannon yogurt. As a kid my mom would always buy Dannon yogurt. Although my son is a finicky eater I do try to get him to eat yogurt which he will do occasionally. Although I fight with him about food, exercise is something that is a staple in our house. My son has been my biggest cheerleader during my weight loss journey and after losing 50 pounds I still maintain my healthy lifestyle.  If I'm sitting on the couch, my son (who is 3.5) will encourage me to do Zumba on the Wii and we dance for exercise. 

From January 23 - February 28, Dannon encourages you to live a healthier lifestyle with their "Small Steps to a Better You" program, while giving you the chance to win free groceries for a week, month or even a year! By entering the UPC code found under the barcode of any Dannon product at dannon.com/smallsteps you have four daily chances to win instantly (Free means of entry is also available at Dannon.com/smallsteps). 

What you could win:

• Three (3) Grand Prizes: free groceries for a year, valued at $7,800.

• Fifty (50) First Prizes: free groceries for a month, valued at $550.

• One hundred (100) Second Prizes: will win free groceries for a week, valued at $150. 

I hope you consider adding some "small steps" to healthy living in your life and enter the contest! 

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Dannon and received a coupon and gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate

Essie Nail Polish

I am a long time fan of Essie nail polish. The top polish in this photo is called Ballet Slipper and for years, YEARS, it was my go to shade. Those were the years when I was young, single and childless. Having my nails done weekly was not a treat but mandatory. Oh, those were the days! Not that I don't appreciate being a parent,  however the days of having my nails professionally done are few and far between. That is why I am so happy that Essie products are now being carried in Walmart. Walmart! 


I have access to my old fav, Ballet Slipper and some new favs too, I like Wicked for the winter months and am currently wearing it on my toes. 

 I know I don't have the prettiest feet in the world but you must admit Wicked makes them look better! LOL When I was on the Disney Dream Cruise I treated myself to a spa pedicure and brought along my Essie nailpolish. We all deserve a little pampering! My nail technician immediately recognized the color as Wicked! When I let her know that it is now available at Walmart she was ecstatic because the spa doesn't carry it anymore.  


Another thing that endears me to Essie is the fact that  essie nail polish is 3-free; contains no formaldehyde, DBP or toluene. And, essie is not tested on animals! 


I think the best way to see the colors is in video, so check out this video I made featuring Essie products!



Disclosure: I am a Walmart Mom and received the Essie products, I've been compensated for my time to write this blog post and make the video. But as usual, all of my opinions are my own!