Three things I'm loving. #Masterlockprotects

 

Three things I'm loving:

I love American Idol.

I love Fridays.

And  I love when companies work towards a great cause. I love even more when they utilize social media to do so. And I especially love it when they get other people involved in the cause.

Matsterlock right now has a great promotion going on through February 28th where they are asking consumers to tweet what they most care about and want to protect. By doing so, and using the hashtag #MasterLockProtects, they will be entered for a chance to win one of 28 prizes. That's not where it stops though. For every tweet that MasterLock receives, they will donate $1 {up to 10,000} to American Red Cross, in addition to their initial $10,000 donation.

For more details about this promotion, please visit this website.

I was also offered the opportunity to review a product made by Masterlock, the 5422D Key Portable Safe. You're probably thinking what in the world would I need this for? I said the same thing actually. That's when I called my husband and as soon as I said the words "Masterlock" he immediately answered "yes." Before I even finished.

He's a product junky. And you really don't have to give him much reason to lock things up.

We decided to use this lock to store important credit cards that our daughter has taken to thinking that belong to her. We lock it up, we know where it is, and they are safe and sound away from sneaky little toddler hands.

Now, please please go tweet those little birds away! Remember, hashtag #MasterLockProtects!

Easy, on-the-go solution to a delicious breakfast option!

"This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group and Jimmy Dean, but all opinions are my own. #pmedia #RedboxBreakfast http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO. "

Sundays are my favorite day of the week. I don't know what it is about that day, but it's always the one day of the week where I feel great, my house looks great, my family feels great, and most importantly, I eat great. As in, I eat a really really really good breakfast. Breakfast is, after all, the most important meal of the day, and I have to say that my husband spoils us rotten. We don't skimp when it comes to breakfasts and we love to have a variety for all to pick from. Who am I kidding here, there is not much picking as there is just devouring everything. From pancakes to bacon, toast, omelettes, and waffles. Throw in a glass of orange juice and a side of fruit and we have all food groups covered. Maple syrup with cinnamon and whipped cream is the obvious dessert here.

Lately though, I have noticed that when we go to the early service at Church {we're talking 9 am here}, then we are always making a quick breakfast on the go. Which is okay, as we definitely don't need a production each and every time, but I definitely feel like it's becoming the same old boring---greab a cereal bar, a banana, and maybe a bowl of cereal if you're lucky and go. I miss my eggs. I miss my bacon. I just miss the feeling of the Sunday meal that I so look forward to having every week.

So, I needed a solution.

I told Andrew that there was an easy fix to all this and I was going to figure it out.

Therefore, this past Sunday, I explained to Andrew that I would be in charge of breakfast that day. He usually insists, but for whatever reason, did not try to argue this one---this wonderful idea that I had in mind. Probably because it meant that he could sleep in a little while longer. I made sure that we were stocked in the fruit department, and picked up a box of Jimmy Dean breakfast bowls at Walmart after work that morning.

I came home to a quiet house and sleeping babies, so decided to pop the breakfast bowl into the microwave, cut up the fruit, filled the cups, and set the table. By the time I got the kids out of bed {including the husband}, the house already smelled like someone had been cooking all morning, and all eyes got real big upon seeing what was on their plates. I don't think anyone even spoke during the meal {which took approximately 2 minutes to scarf down}, and there certainly was not a crumb of food left.

"Oh honey, that was so good!" Andrew said.

"You should be in charge of Sunday breakfast more often," he went on.

I nodded my head and smiled.

"Where did you come up with the recipe, or did you just throw it all together," he asked.

I thought about that one for a moment. Should I tell him the secret? Should I spoil the fun? Should I explain that I'm not miss domestic breakfast maker after all? There was a brief hesitation. But of course I couldn't give all my super powers away. So I told him that he wouldn't be finding out today, however, I'd wake up extra early the next day so he would have a yummy breakfast to take with him to work.

All options available at Walmart 

You would think that I told him that I was buying him the new XBOX {which he wants by the way}. And from that look on his face? There's definitely no way I'll ever tell him that the secret to a quick, easy, and most definitely delicious breakfast that happened to come in a box. They're called Jimmy Dean Breakfast Meat Lovers Bowl. 

Next time, I'm cooking the sandwiches.  And next time I have a big family affair? You better believe I'll save myself all the dishes, all the time, and all the energy and turn to what I like to call now my old faithful.

Quick. Easy. On-the-go solution.

Problem solved.

Follow along with Jimmy Dean Here:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Us women--- we tend to forget about ourselves and our needs and wants.

Do you ever think about things that you used to do prior to children versus what you do now, post children? I don't think about it too often, as there is not much of my past that I miss or wish I could have again---if not nothing. However, sometimes when I'm rushing around to get a pair of socks on one kid and a shirt over the other while they run away from me giggling, I think about the things that I miss out doing for myself. Wouldn't you agree that moms tend to think about themselves last and that we sacrifice our needs or wants for those that we love?

I would say that is pretty darn accurate.

We spend so much of our time worrying about the children and worrying about getting to places on time, that we eliminate things that seem to just not matter.

Did you know that women won't use lotion daily because it takes too long to apply and absorb? I thought this was very interesting because my initial response was---"That's silly, that takes two seconds!" And then I had to back up and ask myself when was the last time I actually lotioned {not a word, I know} myself from head to to toe. Crickets. The answer is--forever.

Have you ever did a full body lotion right after the shower and then realized that you had to put on your skinny jeans in about two seconds? That is always a fun pleasant surprise.

So what is the solution for those that just don't have the time to wait?
Vaseline® Spray & Go Moisturizer.

This is a continuous spray lotion that moisturizes and absorbs in seconds, and after putting it to the test, I have to admit that seconds is definitely the best way to describe it. It's almost as though you just spent the time to put lotion on your body and then use a towel instantly after to dry off. Except here, you actually get to feel that moisturized look without feeling greasy! They even have a great feature where the dispenser is 360 degrees and allows you to be rest assured that all areas are covered, and applied evenly.

I have to imagine that Vaseline® knew what they were doing when they created this moisturizer. A bunch of women got together and all came to the conclusion that we do not take care of ourselves as often as we should do to time constraints.

Not a problem any longer my friends. Not at all.

When you're at the store, be sure to grab a bottle for yourself and use this coupon for extra savings--- $2 off coupon, and if you share with a friend on Facebook, get an additional $2 off coupon! 

This sponsored post was written while participating in my partnership with Vaseline and One2One Network, but as always, all opinions are my.

The 5 minute or less bathroom routine! A mom's best friend.

"This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group and Rubbermaid and Cottonelle  but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CtnlCareRoutine http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO "

They tell you a lot of things when you are pregnant.

Be prepared to fall in love over and over again.

Be prepared for little to no sleep.

Be prepared to be awed by every little thing this human being does. 

Be prepared for messes that you never experienced before.

Be prepared to experience pure joy, happiness, and excitement each and every day. 

Be prepared to not shower, brush your teeth, or put on appropriate matching clothing until way past noon.

Just, be prepared because it is unlike anything you have ever experienced or done in your life.

And although not everything holds true for everyone out there, the one thing that is ultimately fact across the board is that motherhood is in fact unlike anything out there. And there is truly nothing to fully prepare you for all that it entails.

The thing that amazes me the most is how prior to children, or any life experience that we find challenging, we always say things like "Wow, I don't know how she does it!" Or, "There's no way I could do it." We see these challenges that others go through and cannot possibly imagine where they find the time or better yet energy to not only take care of the children but always make time for the other things that require our attention.

Like? Cleaning.

I have never been a big fan of cleaning. For me, I love the end result: a fresh, good smelling, clean home. But the process? Not so much.

I hate knowing that I spend so much time cleaning something that will ultimately get dirty again, in what may seem like less than 24 hours. If not sooner. I hate knowing that I could be investing that time into something more beneficial. Thinking to myself, how does cleaning possibly make the world go round. But no matter how many questions I ask myself, or no matter which way I want to work around this dilemma, I still find myself having to deal with the inevitable.

The key for me though is now finding how to make my cleaning routines quicker and more enjoyable, starting with the place that I usually dread the most--the bathroom. Then again, who actually enjoys scrubbing toilets and bathtubs? Don't answer that.

Here is my quick 5 minute or less routine and essentials.

THE ROUTINE

THE ESSENTIALS

I did forget to mention that the phone also plays a key role in cleaning, as it the owner of the pandora station that blasts country music while I clean. The kids are usually dancing in the background.... and trying to help.

BEFORE/AFTER

Left: Post bath craziness Right: 5 minutes later

As you can see, there is no rocket science to it. The thing for me is finding products that are reliable and that I enjoy. Cottonelle Cleaning Cloths are one of those products that is not only simple to use, but also one that fits in with my decor and easily accessible when I need it. And in between my "official" clean ups, I can tidy up the little messes that are made by the children that have this way of destroying a place in 1.5 seconds. Not to mention, the husband as well.

If you have a Wal-Mart in your area, be sure to buy two of my products there---the Cottonelle Clean Care toilet paper and the cleaning cloths. They are right by one another, but you can always ask {like I did}, if you get lost! There is also a great offer going on now if you purchase both products during the month of February---receive $5 Vudu credit [think HD movies to rent!} by following these simple steps:

1. Take a picture of receipt showing you purchased both items.
2. Text or email picture to clean@drvsusa.com
3. You will receive a text {or email} back with promo code for $5 movie credit.
4. Get more info by visiting: www.drvsusa.com/cottonellemovies

Now that I have the art of cleaning a bathroom down... let's see if I can figure out a way to clean the kitchen in 5 minutes or less......

All suggestions are welcome!