Category: reviews

“Disclosure: ” This post is part of a sponsored campaign with The Allstate Foundation and MomSelect. All thoughts and opinions are my 100% my own.”

What is the purple purse you ask? It is a conversation starter to help bring more awareness to Domestic Violence. So many families have been hurt or broken over domestic violence. It is such a hard subject to talk this purse is a great way to get the conversation going for many people. You can learn more here on their Purple Purse Facebook Page.

Here is the best part. For every purple purse registered on the Purple Purse site, Allstate is donating $5 to YWCA. As of today almost 96,000 purple purses have been passed with over $350,000 donated to YWCA!!! That is impressive. Today is the last day to get your purse passed and I have posted a code below so make sure to enter it when you go the Purple Purse site.

From someone who was in an abusive relationship before I met my wonderful husband, I can relate to how scared many people are. If you know or suspect someone is in an abusive relationship it can be hard to start that conversation. I know I was in denial about it for a couple of years before I had the courage to leave him. The longer someone is abused, then the harder it is to leave. So please go visit the site and learn about how you can help. I also love to donate toiletries and clothes plus toys and games to my local women’s shelter. There are so many ways you can help someone and your community. Just listening and being there from them is the first best step. Please pass the purse to them.

Disclaimer: I am part of the Mom It Forward blogger network. Mom It Forward and PetArmor by 3M partnered in support of this campaign. I was compensated for participation in this campaign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love my spoiled rotten furry baby and she is a miniature dachshund named Kippy. She is our baby and we do everything to keep her safe including fleas and ticks. Nothing is worse than your pets being attacked by those horrible pests and even worse they track it into your house making everyone miserable. Getting it from the vet can get very pricey. I was thrilled when PetArmor asked me to review this flea and tick protection for my baby!

I have to say how easy it was to apply. Here is a picture of my mom treating her with it. You get a 3 month supply and all you do is open the pipette and squeeze it onto a spot behind their neck and between the shoulder blade area. Super simple and reapply every 30 days. We used this over a month ago and she has not had a single flea or tick. It works extremely well and she just started her second treatment. The only difference I found is in my pocketbook.

You can buy the size depending on the weight of the dog and I need a size Small since my baby is little. You can learn more and see all of the sizes for cats and dogs here at the PetArmor Website.

What is very important to me is PetArmor contains the same No. 1 vet-recommended active ingredient Fipronil found in Frontline brand products but a much more affordable price! I love being able to save money but still protect my baby and family against ticks, fleas and mosquitos but even more importantly deer ticks. I live near swamps but it’s still important that we are all protected from these deadly and disease carrying pests. Did you know deer ticks can survive into the fall and winter months in a warm environment? I didn’t and I am happy that we all are as she loves to walk around the neighborhood and play in the backyard.

You can also get updates and follow PetArmor on Facebook and
PetArmor on Twitter.

Protect your cats and dogs from these pests and ultimately your family since they won’t bring them indoors.

I received complimentary passes and a tour of the Skydeck Chicago review for this post. All opinions and thoughts are honest and 100% all my own.

I am not afraid of heights, but the Willis Tower can seem a bit intimidating at 1,450 feet and 110 stories tall! Mr. Randal Stancik was extremely gracious and gave us an informative tour of the Willis Tower, and of course the 103rd floor where the Skydeck is located! We also watched a short movie plus it offered lots of great facts about Chicago and the Skydeck.

As you can see in the picture the Willis Tower is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. As you walk around you can read lots of fun facts about the building.

This is where the fun really starts at the 103rd floor!

The elevator trip is also fun as it took us less than 3 minutes to reach the 103rd floor. As you are riding, you get to see comparisons such as you are now higher than the Empire State Building, the Great Pyramid, and more! It Is Only 2,232 Steps To Get To The Top Of SkyDeck! I prefer to take the elevator but it would make a fantastic cardio workout.

The ledge is constructed of three layers of half-inch thick glass laminated and tempered for durability. This ledge is not going anywhere.

Check out these fabulous views! WOW!

It is just breathtaking and something you really have to experience! I can’t wait to go back again and this time with my family.  As you can see the Ledge offers spectacular views spanning up to four states that you will never forget.

Our soveniur picture we took with me and my blogging buddies at the Skydeck Ledge. This is a memory I will never forget.

The Skydeck Chicago is open 365 days a year so make sure if you are in Chicago to stop by and experience the Ledge for yourself!

Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post and the DOLE Banana Dippers girls’ night in. All thoughts and opinions are 100% honestly my own.

Who else needs a night off? Between school, housework, errands, and work I need a break! The sad part is school just started and I’m already burned out. So what is a girl to do when she is frazzled?! Eat chocolate of course!

I am super excited that Dole asked me to host a Girl’s Night In for my friends and family! We get to indulge in a sweet treat without the worry of overindulging. NEW DOLE Banana Dippers only has 120 calories or less per serving. Decadent dark chocolate covering over real DOLE bananas to make a yummy froze treat. Yummy. It is also 90 degrees daily is perfect to help beat this summer heat.

I cannot wait for everyone else to try these delicious treats. This will be a wonderful way to end a hectic week of back to school with a fun treat that is also easy on the waistline. I will have pictures during and after the party. You can also learn more about DOLE Banana Dippers on their website.

I have never been to Chicago so I am really excited that I will be able to see the fireworks in the windy city. I am attending BlogHer ’13 at the end of July and I am joining blogger buddies for a fun cruise on Seadog on the lakefront. How cool is that? I love boats and fireworks so being able to see the Fireworks Cruise on Seadog is just perfect.

Are you ready for an entertaining cruise experience along Chicago’s scenic lakefront? Then come out to Navy Pier and let Seadog show you the city April-October, weather permitting. I would love to see do this cruise for the 4th of July. I bet that will be so much fun.

Seadog offers four exciting ways to see and experience Chicago from the water:

• Lakefront Speedboat Tour
  This 30-minute cruise along the shoreline offers a descriptive tour of Chicago’s famous skyline, while playing your favorite music.
• Extreme Thrill Ride
  This cruise is perfect for the dare-devil in you! This 30-minute ride features splash down stops, 180-degree turns, slalom runs and more.
• River and Lake Architectural Tour
  Enjoy historic views of Chicago’s famous landmarks and neighborhoods during this 75-minute cruise on both Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
• Lakefront Fireworks Cruise
  Enjoy front-row seats to the spectacular fireworks display aboard our Lakefront Fireworks Cruise! Cruise along Lake Michigan with an exciting speedboat ride paired with an informative tour of the Chicago skyline, then end the evening with a dazzling fireworks show and top-40 hits playing in the background! The open aired vessel allows for panoramic views, providing a perfect view. The Seadog Fireworks Cruise is available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, running from Memorial Day – Labor Day.

Seadog is great for both individuals and groups. We offer customizable group events for up to 450 people. Seadog also features specific holiday cruises, such as Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Halloween. Not only can you enjoy a Seadog Cruise, but your dog can as well! Dogs ride for free, space permitting. For more information, please visit www.seadogcruises.com/chicago/ or call 888-636-7737.