The 6 Best New Language Learning Apps For Your Kids Out Right Now

Guest Post

I’m sure I’m not alone when I admit that I took four years of Spanish in high school because my counselor told me to, but I can’t remember much of it now. It stuck around for a few years but gradually faded away. Kids today don’t have the option to learn a language and forget it—with a growing international economy and global connections, it is becoming so important to speak another language. Not to mention that it looks great on college and job applications, which I’m sure moms everywhere will love.

Luckily for our kids, there are so many more resources than when we were in school. One of the best resources is something your kids are probably using constantly anyway—their smartphones. Set your kids on the path to language learning success with these six great education apps:

Hello Talk (free)

Most kids love to talk, so the chance to learn a new language through conversations with a native speaker is a huge selling point. Hello Talk steps away from strict memorization and quizzes and instead connects users with native speakers around the world to practice their new language skills and get instant feedback. Hello Talk is based on a worldwide network of more than 70 data centers set up by communications company Agora.io, which means that no matter where in the world you or your native speaker are, you can always have crystal-clear communication. It’s a reliable cultural experience for kids that shows them new parts of the world.
Download on iOS
Download on Android

busuu (free)

With no Internet connection required, you can access busuu anywhere and go at your own pace. Busuu works with native speakers around the world to teach languages by listening and speaking, so you can practice what you learn right after each lesson. Another great option is the streamlined learning system, which highlights the top 3000 words and 150 topics you need to know in each language, perfect if you are tight on time.

Download on iOS
Download on Android

Brainscape (free)

Brainscape doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the other apps, but it does produce great results that will stick with kids. Brainscape is all about flashcards, and it has a deck of thousands of words for each of the languages it teaches. The more you get a word correct, the less frequently it appears in your deck, just like words you struggle with show up more frequently. Brainscape also customizes your response time to make the flashcards as memorable and effective as possible.
Download on iOS

Memrise (free)

This app combines proven memory techniques with content created by native speakers to create a program that can teach an amazing 44 words per hour. With learning activities varying from videos to rapid recall and more, there’s something to match everyone’s learning style. One of the best features about Memrise is that it covers more than 100 languages, ranging from Arabic to Icelandic, and even languages from your favorite books and movies.
Download on iOS
Download on Android

Duolingo (free)

For game-loving kids, Duolingo is the obvious choice. The lessons are short and highlight a particular grammar principle or vocabulary area. The review activities involve a variety of games, with each correct answer earning the user more points to use within the app’s virtual store. The more you learn, the more levels you achieve—you can even compete against friends and other users to see who can reach certain levels the fastest. That’s huge motivation for my friends, and I love that the program is fun and effective.
Download on iOS
Download on Android

Lingvist (free)

If your child wants to learn French, Lingvist is a great option. Watch out for more languages to come, because this app can turn anyone into a language master in just 200 hours. Lingvist aims to teach practical, usable words and grammar skills and then apply them to situations where you may actually find yourself. The app also adjusts based on your learning progress to help you be as successful as possible.
Download on iOS
Download on Android

As the world continues to get more connected, learning a second (or third) language will become more important than ever. And thanks to mobile technology, it’s never been easier to learn something new. Put your kids on the path to global success with these great apps.

Are your kids learning a language right now?

3 Ways To Manage Your Child's Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects adults and children around the world. If it’s not controlled or managed effectively, it has the potential to be life threatening. So if your child has recently been diagnosed as asthmatic, you will be eager to do all you can to help them. While stocking your cupboards with asthma medication is an excellent start, there are other things you can do too. Read through these three easy ways to manage your child’s asthma to help them breathe easier each day.

Start a diary

Now that you know your child has asthma, it can be beneficial to start a diary to gain more understanding of their condition and it’s triggers. You can use it to note down times, days and locations when your child feels wheezy. You could also take note of what your child was doing just before their asthma symptoms began. The more you use your diary, the easier it will be to pinpoint potential triggers. You might find that exercise, pets, pollen or temperature changes are to blame. Identifying what triggers their symptoms is a key step in effective asthma management. You now know how to help your child avoid these triggers, which will make controlling their condition far easier. You can also show your diary to your doctor during checkups to help them update the asthma management plan.

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Keep their plan up to date

It’s likely that the doctor or specialist who diagnosed your child with asthma, helped you develop an asthma management plan. Each plan will vary depending on the severity of the condition. But they usually include daily medication regimes and breathing exercises. It’s important not only to stick to the instructions laid out in the plan but also to keep it updated regularly. As your child gets older, the plan might not be as effective as it once was. So schedule regular appointments with your doctor not only to check on their condition but to make necessary changes to their plan.

Get your child involved

One of the best ways to manage your child’s asthma is to get them involved. Use asthma books and leaflets that are designed for kids, which will help them to understand more about their condition. It’s important that your child knows what to do if they find it hard to breathe properly and if they come in contact with an asthma trigger. Without scaring them, convey how important it is to tell someone if are having breathing trouble and to take their medication. If they know what symptoms to look out for, this will help them alert you or another adult before an attack can occur. You should also get them into the habit of remembering to take their asthma medication with them wherever they go.

For more information on how to help keep your child’s asthma under control, make an appointment with your doctor. They should be able to answer any questions you have while also giving you advice and guidance. If your child is ever in respiratory distress, act quickly and call the emergency services as soon as possible.

Protect Your Little Ones From Mosquitoes This Summer With Fairy Tales Bug Bandit Spray

It's that time of year again where we have to make sure we stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, take safety precautions with the high temperatures, and protect ourselves from those pesky mosquitoes. We have had more than our fair share of rain this year and with the extra rainfall comes the abundance of mosquitoes. I am very particular when I let my little boy go outside in the evening when the mosquitoes are most active, because he gets attacked like crazy. It's not unusual to see those enormous red patches all over his skin. 

It is essential that I use a good mosquito repellent on him. I received a bottle of Fairy Tales Bug Bandit DEET-Free Bug Spray to test out. This product does not contain chemicals or pesticides. It has a blend of lemon eucalyptus, soybean oil, and citronella to proved hours of protection against mosquitoes, fleas and no see-ums. 

As a mom, I love the idea of insect repellent that is free of harsh chemicals, toxins, parabens, and sulfates. Even better for those with allergies, it is also free of dairy, gluten and nuts. I have been using it on William for about a week and it has been working amazingly well. The one mistake I made the other day was not applying it to his neck. He was fine everywhere else, but the mosquitoes are so bad that they found his neck and had at it (sad face). I learned my lesson and sprayed some product on my hands and rubbed it along his neck for extra protection. I really appreciate that it does not leave a lingering pesticide odor and is very effective. You can't really put a price tag on protecting your little ones and this product is well worth it!

Fairy Tales Bug Bandit has become a summer must have! Even my husband uses it when he goes outside to work in the yard towards the evening hours. You can find Fairy Tales Bug Bandit on their website, at salons, specialty stores and retailers across the U.S.. An 8-ounce bottle retails for $13.95. Be sure to follow Fairy Tales Hair Care on Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates.

I received a product sample in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 

Hard Candy Brow Ink Review

I am sure by now most of you have seen the latest beauty trend-- eyebrow enhancing. Some use products to fill in thin brows while others take it to the extreme. I personally go for a polished look and prefer natural looking brows. I got my eyebrows threaded a few months ago and after the process was over, the technician applied a brow filler. I really loved the look because it was super natural yet slightly dramatic (if that makes sense). I have never used any eyebrow filler in my whole life, but since then, I've been intrigued.

I have been seeing ads for kits that go up to $50. No way. I refuse to invest that kind of cash into a basic product. Today I want to share a new product from Hard Candy called Brow Ink. It is actually a brow stain. No lie, the word stain scared me a bit.

This product comes in a fun, contemporary looking tube. It comes in 2 colors: 1108 Light Medium and 1004 Medium Dark. I tried the medium dark since I am a brunette. When you open it, you will find a long, slender wand with ultra fine bristles.

This Brow Ink comes in a gel formula and instantly darkens and defines your brows. It has Henna Fruit Actives that nourish hair while the Longwear Ink Technology transforms brows that stay in place for 24 hours and is waterproof. 

I found the product very easy to use and it really does what it supposed to. One tip I will offer is that you should not press down too much when you apply. You will end up with too much product in one spot. If that happens you can easily use your finger to blend it in. 

The end result is a fuller, natural brow look. It does not smudge at all and does not come off until you remove it. Want to hear the best part? It costs only $6 and can be purchased at Walmart and Walmart.com. I still can't believe how good it is considering the low price tag. Seriously, it is worth a try and I highly recommend you give it a shot. If you try it out, please let me know how it worked for you.

Be sure to check out Hard Candy at their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for beauty tips and product updates.

I received product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always.  

There Is Beauty Everywhere

Lately I have been feeling very overwhelmed with social media. I'm sure many of you can relate. Seeing the same horrible stories circulating over and over again gets nauseating. Even worse when everyone and their mother decides they need to do their own "news reporting" on their site. I have made it a point to completely log off and turn away from the garbage, even if it's for an hour or two.  One of the things that I find very soothing and even rejuvenating is by immersing myself in nature. I don't necessarily sit outside all day, but I do look outside my back window and take in the scenery. We have planted several trees and shrubs and it is cool watching them grow. My favorite thing I do from the moment I wake up is to look for the hummingbirds that feed at our window feeder. We have a few regulars that stop by for the sweet, homemade nectar. 

This particular ruby-throated beauty loves to perch on top of our weeping cherry tree and fly up to the feeder throughout the day. It's amazing how these tiny creatures can capture your attention and make you feel so relaxed. Just call me the #CrazyBirdLady :) 

I don't have photos right now, but we also have several other feeders for all of the other birds that visit each day. It's not unusual to see up to 8 types of birds at once. My husband often jokes that he needs to start charging for rent and food. We have factored in the cost of bird seed into our grocery budget. Hey, it's still waaaaay cheaper than kids!

Overall, taking time out to relax and enjoy watching God's creatures is a great cure for the social media funk. I highly recommend it.

Dove Beauty Bars - A Must-Have For Radiant Summer Skin (Giveaway)

Can you believe that today is the first day of June? Although the official summer season has not started, the temperature says otherwise. It is already blazing hot out and this means many of us are wearing shorts, tank tops, and sundresses. It is important to me that my skin always looks and feels good, especially when more of it can be seen. One of my summer beauty must-haves is a classic item, the Dove White Beauty Bar. It's a very effective way to get your skin looking and feeling smooth and moisturized for the season.

Dove Beauty Bars are not soap. While soap strips skin of essential nutrients, Dove replenishes them. It is renowned for its 1/4 moisturizing cream and contains natural skin lipids that deposit onto the skin. It contains a blend of very mild cleansers so your skin isn't being stripped or dried out. With all of the trips to the pool, beach, and other outdoor adventures, Dove beauty bars will help replenish your sun-drenched skin. It is also the #1 recommended bar by dermatologists.

Dove makes a variety of beauty bars, but the classic White Bar is my favorite. Are you ready to get your skin summer-ready? Enter below for a chance to win a Dove Beauty Bar prize pack. One winner will receive 3 2-packs.
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This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on June 14, 2016. Be sure to follow rules in Rafflecopter. One winner will be chosen and contacted via email to claim prize. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

I received product samples for review purposes. All opinions are my own as always.

$100 Winner's Choice (Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash) Giveaway

I've teamed up with 8 other fabulous bloggers to offer a fun giveaway for our readers. The prize is your choice-- $100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash. What would you buy if you win? Enter below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway starts June 1 at 12:00 AM EST and ends June 15 at 11:59 PM EST. USA, 18+. One winner will be randomly selected from all qualifying entries and contacted via the email they provide. The winner has 48 hours to respond. The winner will be announced after they have responded.

Graduation Gifts Ideas for the Super Hero in Your Family

Today's conversation is sponsored by Cross & Marvel. All opinions are my own.

It's college graduation season and we have so many graduates in our family this year. We have several cousins graduating from all over the country. We also have two very important soon-to-be graduates living under my roof. Both my older daughter and my husband will graduate from college this year. As a matter of fact, their ceremonies are three days apart! Aside from all of the planning that goes into any type of celebration, figuring out what to gift your favorite graduate can be a difficult task. There are so many very typical gifts you can give, but I believe in giving something thoughtful and memorable.

I recall more than 20 years ago when I first became a mother, an old friend of mine purchased a Cross pen as a gift for Mother's Day. It's not necessarily a gift you might expect for that occasion, but it really meant a lot and reminded me of the fact that I was a brand new mom. It came in a blue leather case and the pen had sea shells etched on its shaft. To this day, I still have that pen. I've purchased ink refills over the years and it has always been a special keepsake for me.

This story gets me to thinking about my daughter and husband, and their upcoming celebrations. They have both worked so hard in college to earn their degrees and I want to honor them with a timeless gift. Cross has come out with its Marvel Super Hero Special Edition Collection line of writing instruments, so you can mark epic moments with larger-than-life writing instruments featuring Captain America, Spider-Man and Iron Man. These striking collectibles are designed to inspire Marvel fans of all sizes.

In the Cross Century® II Marvel Collection, heroic design meets legendary performance in three stunning luxury collectibles. Also, the Cross Tech2™ Marvel Multifunction Collection features dual-powered pens that flip to transform from a pen to stylus in a flash. And last, but certainly not least, there's the Cross Classic Century® Collection. Perhaps the most well-known pen, the Cross Classic Century® is an icon of American design and innovation.

Each of these pens offers the superior quality you expect from the Cross brand. How cool would it be to gift your real-life super hero with such a unique item? Think of all the documents they will have to sign as they go out into the world looking for new opportunities and ventures. The Marvel Super Hero Special Edition Collection pens let your loved one channel some of the most popular super heroes: Spider-Man, Iron Man and Captain America.

Check out the the Cross Tech2™ Marvel  Multifunction Pen in the Captain America design:

This pen is absolutely perfect for your college graduate. It has a beautiful finish and writes like a dream. The stylus is a plus since we are living in a touchscreen world. It is compatible with most touchscreens so your graduate can go from writing on paper and switching over to their smartphone or tablet in an instant.

This pen comes in a Marvel themed gift box and has a lifetime mechanical guarantee. My husband was all smiles when he was gifted this pen. My personal Super Hero deserves this amazing pen!

You can't go wrong with the specially formulated Cross ink that flows flawlessly for a superior writing experience. This pen includes one black medium ballpoint tip and retails for $45.

Another favorite is the Cross Classic Century® Medalist ballpoint pen. This exquisite writing instrument captures the classic style of Cross pens. The two-tone finish adds such elegance and sophistication. This is a pen that you will keep for a lifetime. It writes so smooth and you can refill the ink in your choice of color or point. I can see my daughter signing big contracts with this beauty.

The Classic Century® Medalist is a classic that offers the patented twist-action barrel as well as a lifetime mechanical guarantee. It comes in a premium gift box ready for gifting to that special person. Any college grad would love this piece. It retails for $65.

Any of these fine writing instruments would make an outstanding gift for your favorite super hero—your college graduate. You can find the pens at Cross.com. Do you have a future college graduate in your life? If so, which pen would you love to gift them?

How To Make Downsizing Easier

Downsizing is necessary for a number of reasons; whether you’re making the switch to a smaller place due to money issues, a desire for simplified living, or moving to a new city, moving your family into a home with a much smaller amount of square footage isn’t always the easiest of tasks. Make the transition easier on you and your kids by following these downsizing guidelines.

Finding a New Place

When you’re hunting for a new place, especially if you’re going to be renting, make sure you don’t jump on an apartment just because its square footage is smaller. Make sure the limited space is designed well and conducive to your living habits, especially if you have children. Often downsizing is due to money limitations, but signing your name on the lease simply because it fits into your price range is not advisable, especially if you want to make downsizing as painless as possible. Use listing sites like LiveLovely.com that allow you to input various filters so you can narrow down your choices. Don’t let desperation to find a home let you speed through the process; view multiple homes, and don’t land yourself in a terrible landlord situation (or fall for scams) just because you’re anxious to move—if something feels off, it probably is. Something to keep in mind during this process: if a landlord asks for sensitive information, always request he or she use a service like MySmartMove to ensure your SSN and bank info doesn’t fall into the wrong hands, and make sure you have enough money in a savings account to cover the rent for the first few months.

Perform an Inventory

It’s going to be an extensive and time-consuming process, but the first thing you need to do is take a detailed inventory of everything in your current home. Go through the new apartment or house you’ve found and take exact measurements of the floor and wall space. Compare it to the dimensions of your current home, and determine how much you’ll need to get rid of. You need to have a comprehensive understanding of all of your belongings, and determine the things that will be coming with you to your new, smaller space, and the things you can leave behind (by selling, donating, or throwing away). Make three different lists: one of the things you can get rid of, the things you can hypothetically live without, and the things that must come along with you. The things you decide you can get rid of can be sold in a garage sale, donated to a worthy cause, or find their way into a local dumpster. You’ll want to refine these lists a few times; it’s simply amazing how much of an emotional attachment we can have to physical items, but simplifying your life means getting rid of items we might have previously thought were absolute necessities. Look at your list of must-haves again and again, and see if the essentials are actually necessary for your life and your new space.

When it Comes to Selling

If you do decide to sell off the belongings you decide you don’t need, you will find yourself with an excess of cold hard cash that you wouldn’t have had otherwise, especially important if your downsize efforts are due to monetary concerns. You can decide to host a good old-fashioned garage sale, post your items on a common website like Craigslist, or use eBay to get rid of the things you no longer need. If you’re looking to sell designer items, use a site like Tradesy, where you can find buyers willing to spend quite a bit on any designer pieces that are still in great condition.

Make Smart Storage Choices

When it comes to working with limited space, organization is your best friend. Before moving in your new space, nail down which storage solutions you’ll take advantage of. Use vertical storage options to take up the least amount of floor space possible, purchase furniture with hidden storage containers, and utilize space under the bed and behind other furniture pieces to keep your belongings sorted. Stick with decorations that incorporate clean lines to avoid the appearance of clutter, and intersperse sentimental items sparingly throughout the house to incorporate personality without causing decorative chaos.
If you’re facing a downsizing transition, make it easier on yourself and your family by incorporating these tips into your moving process and learn how to live with less—it will change your life in a more positive way than you could have ever imagined.

$100 Amazon GC Giveaway

If you're an Instagrammer, you should stop by and enter this fun giveaway for a chance to win a $100 Amazon GC. You've got to be in it to win it! Enter here and good luck. Details below....

10 awesome Instagrammers have teamed up to give one lucky follower a $100 Amazon GC! 👍🏽👍🏽Here's how to enter: Follow me -----> @Momfiles and comment on this photo for one entry. Go to -----> @thedenverhousewife to repeat these steps for another entry. Repeat at all ten Instagrammers = 10 entries for you! Details: Instagram Loop Giveaway starts 5/23 at 7:00 PM EST and ends 5/30 at 7:00 PM EST. Your profile must be set to public during the giveaway. USA, 18+ . One winner will be randomly selected from all qualifying entries. The winner will be notified and announced on Instagram after the giveaway has ended. The winner has 48 hours to respond and provide their email address for prize delivery or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Instagram. #loopgiveaway #giveaway #win #entertowin #instalike #instagood #instawin #instagiveaway #contestalert #loop #giveawayloop

A photo posted by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on May 23, 2016 at 4:00pm PDT

Father's Day Gift Giving With Jord Watches

As we near the end of May, I'm reminded that June is the kick-off to summer and more importantly, Father's Day. My husband has been a father for over 2 decades and we make certain that he is celebrated to the fullest. This year we wanted to give him an extra special gift to show our appreciation for all of his hard work providing for our family, and for always being there for our children in any and every way he can. His dedication to our children is above and beyond what I've seen from many fathers in this time. One item I know he would love is a new watch. He is one of those men who must have a watch on his wrist at all times. I browsed watches online and came across some very unique ones from Wood Watches by Jord. Their watch bands are made out of wood, giving them a different look and feel.

I presented my husband with his early Father's Day gift and it brought a look of surprise to his face.

I'm pretty sure he said, "WOW" at least a dozen times. His first thoughts after getting over saying wow was that the watch was very different. He said that the wood finish was very nice and something that would be noticed. This was the first time either of us has seen a watch like this so there was a lot of admiring, and oohing and aweing going on. The little boy in him loved the see-through face that lets you see the mechanisms inside move. He was like a big kid! I admit, I was completely obsessed with it too!

This wood watch is packaged beautifully and is ready for gifting. His Jord Watch came in a wooden box that is perfect for storing, along with a cloth for keeping the watch face clean. Seriously, isn't it beautiful?

This particular style is from the Dover Series in Ebony & Redwood. The colors are so rich and go well with either dressed up attire or dressed down. I know my husband though, he will only want to wear this one with his suits dress outfits.

These wood watches from Jord are an exquisite choice for Father's Day gift giving. The prices and selection ranges to suit your budget and taste. The ordering process is so simple and they have a handy printable sizing guide to ensure you order the correct size. The actual shipping is super fast so there is plenty of time left to get that perfect gift. 

Follow Jord on social media- Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest & Twitter. You should take a look around their site. I love all of the beautiful styles and color options. I am totally eyeing one for myself! 

Jord Watches provided me with a product sample, but all opinions are my own as always. 

13 Reasons Why Home School Works For Us

We are wrapping up our first (almost) full year of virtual (home) school with William. I have to say, if you have ever questioned if you should do it for your child, you should give it a shot. It has been the best decision we could have made and plan to continue all the way through high school. I got to thinking about how much we don't miss public school. Even William shudders at the thought of ever going back. I came up with a list of reasons why our choice to home school works best for us.

1. No being on PTO or PTA. No meetings, no stress about school activities, and no planning school activities or fundraisers. Yes, NO FUNDRAISERS! 
2. No volunteering. Although I really enjoyed it, sometimes you become the default parent who ends up helping with EVERYthing. This leads to a severe case of burnout. 
3. Your kid doesn't get invited to 29,452 birthday parties. That's money saved. 
4. No car pick-up/drop-off line. I have been able to get back a good hour+ into my life each day. It also saved on gas from sitting in the cold with the heater on or the heat with the AC on. Again, money saved. 
5. We have recess any time we want and as often we would like. P.E. is not longer a once or twice a week activity. It's daily. 
6. No dress code. We can do school in pajamas or anything for that matter. 
7. No outside influences. 
8. Freedom to go on field trips or travel any time we want. School can be done anywhere as long as we have a wifi connection. 
9. No distractions! This is a big one for us. William could easily slip away into dreamland if he gets bored. Being at home allows me to bring him back to focus easily. 
10. No stress. This has been the most stress-free school year we have ever had. William is having a positive school experience that goes according to his learning style and pace. 
11. I get to know all of the details of assignments. Being hands-on allows me as his teacher/learning coach to really understand what he needs to learn. This makes it easier for me to teach lessons and for him to really learn and retain information. 
12. Time. Having time is priceless. We can do our work on our own time. This makes life easier when it comes to scheduling doctor or dental appointments or travel planning. 
13. William has become very social! Yes, a child who learns from home can be extremely social. If you give him the time of day, he will chat you up for hours. 

William got to meet and chat with our county Sheriff, Leon Lott. Sheriff Lott was quite impressed with William's ability to speak confidently. 

Honestly, I could go on even more about how great homeschooling is for us. I never thought it was something I would be capable of doing for my child, but here I am! William will finish second grade with straight A's. This makes us know we are doing the right thing that is working for him. He is having a great school experience and has a thirst for learning. His favorite subjects are math and social studies. He is a history geek. We plan to do some enrichment activities over the summer to get him prepared for third grade. Thanks for reading and feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. 

$100 Walmart Gift Card Giveaway

Hello, everyone! I hope you had a great Mother's Day weekend. I am so excited to share the latest giveaway that is co-hosted by me along with 8 other fabulous bloggers. You can enter for the chance to win a $100 Walmart gift card. Think about how much you can do with this prize. Maybe you want to spruce up your garden, bathroom or kitchen? Perhaps simply stock up on groceries and household items. Think of all the fun possibilities! Enter below and good luck! 

Leave me a comment telling me how you would spend the Walmart gift card if you are the lucky winner.

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This giveaway starts May 10 at 12:00 AM EST and ends May 23 at 11:59 PM EST. USA, 18+. One winner will be randomly selected from all qualifying entries and contacted via the email they provide. The winner has 48 hours to respond. The winner will be announced after they have responded.

What Rocco Thinks About The New TRU harvest® Treats For Dogs At Walmart

Sponsored post by Lunchbox. All opinions are my own.

If you are a dog parent, I'm sure your pup loves his/her treats. Our fur baby, Rocco, is very important to us and we give him the best we can. When it comes to treats, we go with healthier varieties that benefit him and not his waistline. There is a new premium line of treats available at Walmart called TRU harvest® with Ancient Grains. The Ancient Grains include: Barley, Spelt, and Quinoa. 

They come in varieties like:

• Chewy Bars Chicken, Cheese, & Tomato Flavor
• Wavy Strips Turkey & Pumpkin Flavor
• Chewy Bars Turkey & Cranberry Flavor
• Wavy Strips Turkey & Pumpkin Flavor

Sounds really healthy, but would a dog actually want to eat that? We tore open a bag of the Chewy Bars with turkey spelt, and quinoa. Rocco was very curious and snatched the Chewy bar out of my son's fingers and ran away to the other side of the yard to enjoy his treat. He didn't want anyone to get in the way of him and his delicious snack! He ran back over for more with those big puppy dog eyes. 

I always share treats with my neighbors' dogs and tossed over a couple of the Wavy Strips their way. Duke and Sherlock gobbled them up and look at what they did afterwards. Ha! They sat perfectly still in hopes of getting just one more. Of course, I indulged them. The loved their treats and since sharing with them, they take naps close to the fence on my side of the yard. You know, just in case I walk out with the treat bag. 

Look at Duke's tongue! 

The great benefits of TRU harvest® dog treats are:

• These treats are made with Ancient Grains: Barley, Spelt, and Quinoa. Ancient grains are naturally low in fat and contain more nutrients than common grains.
• The very first ingredient is REAL meat.
• Treats contain NO corn, soy, wheat, artificial colors, artificial flavors or poultry by-products.
• Each treat has either chicken or turkey as the primary meat source with a mixture of real fruits and vegetables, such as tomato, cranberry, sweet potato, pumpkin, and or carrot.
• Wholesome goodness found in ancient grains that have been unchanged for millennia with a good source of lean protein as well.
• Product is simply made.

You can feel good about feeding your dog TRU harvest® dog treats. You should let your dog try them out with this $1.00 off coupon from Walmart. My pup loves them so much and I'm glad we found a treat that is better for him. If you get these for your dog, let me know what he/she thinks, although I'm sure I already know the answer. Have a great week! 

Beauty Gifts For Mother's Day

Mother's Day falls on May 8th this year. There's still plenty of time to get the mothers in your life a nice gift. I'm a very practical gift giver and feel like you can never go wrong with the gift of beauty products. Below is a list of some ideas to help you find something that is just right for mom. 

1. KISS Salon Secrets Acrylic Nude Nails- These are perfect for moms who stay on-the-go. They can do their own nails quickly and effortlessly. You can't ever go wrong with a nude look. These are available at Walmart for only $7.99.

2. The NEW Instrumental Beauty Sonic Touch Cleansing System will instantly freshen and brighten your complexion with the unique micro-pulsating action combined with stimulating silicone-cleansing points.  The massaging action wakes up the skin, shakes off loose impurities and encourages healthy blood flow.  It feels SO good!

The dual silicone cleansing surfaces feature one side with fine cleansing points for extra gentle cleansing and the other side with broad cleansing points for deeper cleansing. No replacement brushes needed and it's waterproof. I LOVE this item and I keep it on the side of my shower for everyday use. You can find it at Rite Aid for $34.99.

3. Yardley London Soap- This is a name that has been around for a long time. These bars are perfect if you are looking for an affordable option to pair with the sonic touch system. They come in these scents: English Lavender,  Oatmeal & Almond, Lemon Verbena, Aloe & Cucumber, and Cocoa Butter. They cost around $1.59 each and can be found at most major drug stores and retailers.

4. CLEAN Reserve Six Piece Travel Spray Layering Collection - For the moms who loves fragrance and is very earth conscious, this set it perfect. Mom can wear these natural scents individually or layer to make her own signature fragrance. You can find this set at Sephora for $45.

5. Susan Posnick COLORFLO - Make sure your mom has flawless skin and is protected against the sun's rays with Susan Posnick COLORFLO mineral foundation in a self-dispensing brush that delivers invisible coverage so you don't feel it or see it and powerful, completely natural sun protection of SPF 26. It really gives your face a polished and natural look. It is available at SusanPosnick.com for $68 and there are refills available.

Make sure you don't forget any of the important moms in your life, and most importantly, don't forget yourself! 

I received product samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 

The Best Relaxation Methods

One of the hardest things about being a homemaker is knowing when to stop with all of the household tasks and learn to give yourself a little ‘me-time’.

So if you’re looking for some simple ways to relax, then check out these tips that show that whether it’s doing some simple artwork, or even playing online games, there’s plenty of ways you can take some time out in a fun way!

One of the biggest trends in recent years is regarding something called ‘wellness’. This kind of alternative medication has been with us for decades, but it has only really became trendy in the past couple of years for the way that it encourages us to get a healthy balance between mind, body and spirit.

The practice of wellness works in a similar way to meditation as it helps you forget the day-to-day worries by focusing your thoughts on a specific activity rather than manically multitasking!

This is why there’s been such an amazing popularity regarding adult coloring books as they can really help focus your mind and pass the time making some beautiful images.

Focusing your mind on a specific task has also led to the increased visibility of many simple, yet aesthetically-pleasing online games like Monument Valley that provide a soothing way to unwind. And scientists have also proven that engaging your mind in a puzzle game like Color Switch and Swiperoo can have a variety of brain-enhancing benefits. Furthermore Lucky Nugget Casino give you chance to improve your strategic abilities by testing your blackjack techniques thanks to the site’s user-friendly gaming interface that also includes roulette and slots, and can be easily accessed whilst curled up on the couch!

But as well as taking it easy, there’s been many who point to powers of light exercise as being a great way to relax. Even something as simple as walking is a proven stress-reducer as it encourages the production of endorphins which make us feel better, and it can help shed a few pounds too!

If that all sounds a little too energetic then simply having a nice, long bath can work wonders in helping you feel rejuvenated and refreshed for the next day. Just make sure to get some good exfoliating salts, and you’ll feel like a new person in no time!

Of course, it’s important to treat ourselves every now and then, and whether it’s a trip to the local health spa, or a quick weekend break away, there’s nothing like a treat to give you a little perspective.

So whether it’s a few rounds of online blackjack, or just doing some coloring in with the kids, there’s plenty of fun ways to relax.

Save Big With Groupon Coupons

Today's post is sponsored, but all opinions are my own as always.

Whether you have a small or large family, one thing we all have in common is saving money where we can. We have a rule in our house that if it's not on sale or a major necessity, you can't buy it. When it comes to trips or getaways, the same rule applies. A great tool for going away at a reasonable price has been looking for deals with Groupon Coupons. You can find everything from quick day trips in your area, to weekend getaways for couples or even the whole family at discounted rates. When you are on a tight budget and want to travel, Groupon Coupons can help save you some money.  After all, who doesn't love saving money?

Besides travel destinations, Groupon Coupons can help you save at the places you already spend money at, both in-store and online. You can score great deals at stores like Kohl's, Macy's, Foot Locker, Nordstrom, JCPenney, and more. I shop Kohl's often, so I look for extra savings anywhere I can. Another great benefit you gain from using Groupon Coupons is that it is FREE. There's no fee for joining and you only use what you need. So what are you waiting for? Start saving today with Groupon Coupons. Be sure to follow Groupon Coupons on Facebook and Twitter for promotions and updates.

Do you use Groupon Coupons? If so, what sort of deal did you score?