Cascade Platinum is here to make your life easier!

Let's face it-no one really likes doing the dishes. If you do, please state your name so I can contact you to come to my house ;)

So why not make this mundane chore a little less stressful by adding Cascade Platinum pacs to your routine!! 

Why are Cascade Platinum pacs better? These little power packing pacs deliver the most effective clean available from Cascade that not only make your dishes sparkle, but the keep your dishwasher clean too!

We have to deal with hard water in our house, and our dishwasher suffers greatly from it as well as our dishes. Sometimes I think-if all that gunk is stuck to the dishwasher, than it's probably sticking to my plates too-yuck! 

We put the Cascade Platinum pacs to the test-we went away for a few days and left some dishes in the sink so they would be extra hard to wash. Lo and behold they came out sparkling. I really was expecting to have to let the pans soak for a while like I normally do to give our current/former dishwasher soap a fighting chance and I was so excited that I didn't have to have stinky dishes clogging my sink space!

Cascade is also doing amazing things with Gail Simmons!

Now, more than ever, people eat with their eyes, and the evidence is all over sites like Facebook and Instagram. With that in mind, Top Chef judge and editor of Food+Wine magazine, Gail Simmons ,has partnered with Cascade to discuss why presentation is just as important as preparation. 

• From prep to plating: It’s more than just a great-­‐tasting recipe, but also perfect presentation. Sparkling dishes, shining flat ware and spot-­‐free glasses truly let you put your best food forward with culinary creations that pop!

• Gail recommends impressing with a Platinum Presentation: “The easiest recipes pop with unexpected, gourmet presentations. Drizzle bright sauces on sparkling white plates or layer desserts in crystal-­‐clean glassware. Keep your presentation sparkling with Cascade Platinum, which keeps dishes perfect for anytime entertaining and impromptu guests.” Learn more about Cascade’s partnership with Gail Simmons by viewing videos available on the Link to the Cascade Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/10Y8RQQ and Cascade YouTube page: http://bit.ly/124rLfa

Cascade also has an amazing contest going on RIGHT NOW!

The Cascade “My Platinum” contest is a four week Instagram contest encouraging fans to upload photos related to the weekly contest themes. Show off how sparkly Cascade makes all your pots, pan and plates!

• Visit the #MyPlatinum Instagram contest page for information on how to enter and submit images:
• Each week, two contestants will be selected to receive a brand new Whirlpool dishwasher. Additionally, one lucky grand prize winner will receive a Platinum kitchen makeover!
• To win, users have to both register and upload a photo with the #MyPlatinum hashtag and tag @MyCascade. Participants that have not registered will be disqualified from winning.
• Each week will have a 6-day entry period where Instagram users can enter the contest with their #MyPlatinum Photo. Cascade will choose two weekly winners and one final grand prize winner after the entry period has ended. Please be sure to include both the #MyPlatinum hashtag and tag @MyCascade in your entries to the contest!
  • Week 1: My Platinum Plate (Entry Period: 6/3-6/9)
    Show us your best dish styled from the sparkling plate up!
  • Week 2: My Platinum Bite (Entry Period: 6/10-6/16)
    Show us your best bite and most creative use of sparkling silverware!
  • Week 3: My Platinum Clink (Entry: 6/17-6/23)
    Show us how you serve up creative concoctions in sparkling glasses. Cheers!
  • Week 4: My Platinum Table (Entry Period: 6/24-6/30)
    Show us your sparkling tablescape for your most special celebrations!
  • Grand Prize Winner (Entry: 6/3-6/30)
  
  

Check out Cascade Platinum pacs in a store near you, you won't be disappointed-you're dishwasher will thank you and you will love having the cleanest dishes possible set out for dinner!

Disclosure:“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Cascade. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

Moving this summer? Here are some tips to keep your identity safe during a move!

With our impending move approaching, I worry about things like keeping my personal files safely guarded as they switch many hands on the way to the new house-here is a great guest post with ideas on how to protect yourself and your family during a move!


With half of all moves in the United States taking place between Memorial Day and Labor Day, that unfortunately also means an increase in identity theft during the summer months as moving creates ample opportunity for criminals to take advantage.
Moving can be an overwhelming experience that creates opportunities for enterprising criminals. Make sure to protect your identity amidst the shuffle by following these smart steps from Experian's ProtectMyID (www.protectmyid.com)

• Change your address with all the companies, financial institutions, magazines, and other organizations that regularly send you mail. Identity theft is often carried out by stealing mail. The people who move into your old residence won’t necessarily steal your identity, but they will most likely throw mail that isn’t theirs, and they won’t necessarily take the care to shred it as you would. Prior to your move, change your mailing address through the United States Postal Service. You can even choose the date you want the change to take effect, so feel free to do this task early and cross it off your list.
• Shed and shred. Moving creates a good opportunity to get rid of things you no longer need, including old documents. But don’t just throw them away; shred sensitive personal documents you don’t need to keep.
• Keep physical tabs on your identity. Regardless of whether you move yourself or use a moving company, keep your important documents with you in a secured place. When it comes to your identity, a filing cabinet in a trailer isn’t secure enough.
• Always keep the security of your identity in mind. Hire only a reputable moving company. After all, you are inviting them into your home. And, if your movers are going to pack your belongings for you, secure your important documents prior to their arrival.
• Manage your technology inventory closely. Many households now include multiple computers, mobile phones, tablets, and other devices storing sensitive information. It would be easy for one to be inadvertently misplaced, or purposely stolen. Make sure your devices are securely packed in unmarked packaging, and that they are locked with strong passwords.

 

 Disclosure: This is a guest post.

Staples makes your life easier while helping the environment!

Staples is known for being the go-to place for office supplies, but did you know they now carry an Eco-friendly line of products? Introducing Sustainable Earth by Staples! These products Debuted last month around Earth Day and are made with renewable resources, recycled materials, and/or are third-party tested to validate their environmental attributes *say that three times fast ;)*

These products are high quality. I have been using these products almost daily for the past few weeks and I can't get over the fact that they are made from recycled material! I like that a big name company like Staples is taking the time to be more environmentally aware, I think it will encourage other companies to follow suit. 

There are several products in the Sustainable Earth line that I was able to review: Calculator, stapler, computer printer paper, notebooks, folders, clip board, and envelopes! Staples also has green cleaning products, computer products, furniture and so much more!The products are very reasonably priced and can be found at your local Staples store or at Staples.com!

Disclaimer: I rec'd products for review, no other compensation was given.

Pinterest challenge: Cinnamon roll waffles

I found another easy Pinterest recipe that people have considered a "fail" that I just had to try: Cinnamon roll waffles! I think the most common error with this recipe is using the wrong type of cinnamon rolls, although if you use small rolls you'll just have small waffles so there really is no true "fail" I think :)

I bought Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls and gave it a shot-the result: Super yummy and easy waffles! We actually ate these as a dessert because let's face it-cinnamon rolls topped with a tub of frosting first thing in the morning is just asking for trouble in my house ;) But they would be good for a special occasion breakfast, like on Mother's Day :D

Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer for the Mom on the go! {Giveaway}

Whether you are a working mom or a stay at home mom *who are we kidding, we all work :D*, you are always on the go! Whether it's chasing after a kid, a dog, or a spouse, we are always on the run.Vaseline is offering a product to help save time so we can put those extra minutes to better use-Introducing Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer!

Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer is a great time saving tool for anyone on the go! Leaving skin instantly soft – not sticky or greasy – this breakthrough lotion is available in three variants, each containing a multi-layer moisture complex and working to infuse moisture!

·         Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Total Moisture®: contains pure oat extract and leaves skin feeling healthy and skin.

·         Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Aloe Fresh: contains pure aloe and leaves skin feeling healthy and fresh.

·         Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Cocoa Radiant™: contains pure cocoa butter and leaves skin feeling healthy and glowing.

Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer is available in food, drug and mass retailers for $7.99 (SRP) for a NET WT 6.5 OZ. can.

 All you do is "Up, Switch, Down, Rub!"



Now for the fun part! In honor of Mother's Day, I get to giveaway not only a sample of Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer but a $100 Gap Gift Card!!

Entering is easy, find the Rafflecopter form after the jump

Random thoughts on the end of Kindergarten

So the school year is winding down and my kids are one of the few kids NOT looking forward to summer vacation...don't worry, their time will come!

My kids love school, particularly my oldest who is finishing up Kindergarten. He loves school and he does really well and he loves being able to see his friends every day. Who wouldn't??

Kindergarten is a huge milestone, at least in my eyes. My son seemed so little when he walked into his classroom on the first day, and soon he will walk out as this grown up kid who actually knows stuff. 

He went in with all of his baby teeth and is leaving having lost 7 teeth in the past 9 months. He grew a few inches, gained a few lbs, and insists on picking out his own clothes despite my need to coordinate. He's more independent and much more confident in himself than he was at the beginning of the school year. Dare I say he is the teacher's pet, but hey, he wears that badge proud just as his mother did before him :D
I'm so proud of my son for doing what he does best-being himself, and having fun while doing it.
I can't wait to see what you will do next Cooper!

Cooper with his very first bass!

Zappos.com necklace giveaway!

Mother's Day is quickly approaching and I know many moms including myself who like to wear jewelry inspired by their kids. Whether it's a birthstone, an initial, or a symbol-giving mom a necklace that is special just for her on Mother's Day is a gift that you can never go wrong in giving!

Zappos.com, who is a top online destination for shoes, clothing and other accessories is offering one lucky reader a beautiful Dogeared Jewels Mom Sparkle Heart Necklace in gold!

Handmade in the USA, this necklace is sure to make the mom in your life smile. The chain is 18 inches long with a lobster clasp, it's both delicate and beautiful!

Enter to win a a Dogeared Jewels Mom Sparkle Heart Necklace ARV $68!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keep your kids safe with Motorola!

I may no longer have an infant at home but I do still have babies ;) My kids are of course my world but I am one of those paranoid, helicopter moms that have to know what my boys are doing every minute of every day. When we moved back to MI, our house had a set up that was hard for me to get used to-the kids rooms were on one side of the house and my room was on the other. I was used to either co sleeping or having my boys in the room right next door when we lived in Ohio. So I chose to get a baby monitor. It may be silly to some people, but it was the only way I would get any sleep at night, despite my kids being 2.5 and 5 when we moved. 

One monitor that has exceeded my expectations is the Motorola Baby Monitor model MBP41 sold exclusively at Babies 'R' Us. It is a wireless, infared video monitor with a 2.8" LCD screen. The sound is crystal clear and the video is even better quality. I am so impressed with this monitor. My kids love that they are on "TV" too :D My mind is much more at ease when using a monitor. Being relatively new in this town, it's hard to be trusting of the community and the safety of it and having this Motorola Baby Monitor on hand has really helped me worry a teeny bit less about my boys being so far away-even in the same house!

I trust this monitor to last a long time, so much so that I will pass it down to my sister when she has her first baby. If you are in the market for a top quality and great priced monitor to help ensure the safety of your kids, look no further than Motorola!

Disclaimer: I received a product for review, no other compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.