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Team Pride, Childhood Memories and Happiness With Missy’s Monkeys

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Have you ever had a sound or smell, sight or color engulf your mind with memories of your past?  It amazes me how many things that I deal with on a daily basis remind me of my past and get me reminiscing of fond memories that I love.  Years ago my grandmother gave me a sock monkey as a gift and it’s something I have never forgotten.  Since my grandmother has since passed over 20 years ago, I keep those and many other memories close to my heart, so when I see a sock monkey, it floods my thoughts with happy memories.  Recently I was introduced to a handmade sock monkey creator and it instantly warmed my heart.  As a fellow crafter, I know how much love goes into work like this so I am excited to share it with you.   Missy’s Monkeys has a monkey for your favorite team, color or to just remind you of your childhood memories and I’m sharing it with you today.

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Missy’s Monkeys is a company that makes unique handmade monkeys and has been doing so since 2013.  Each monkey is made with great care and handmade in a clean, smoke-free environment.  Missy hand stitches each monkey using double-ply thread twice over in each area to ensure durability and each monkey is unique.  Handmade by Missy Wanamaker who is a stay-at-home mom of two, each monkey is made with all new materials including knit socks, hypo-allergenic fiberfill, buttons, ribbon and more.  Missy’s Monkeys meets CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) requirements and creates original Rockford Red Heel Sock Monkeys as well as new novelty patterned, super hero characters, licensed sports teams, Mini Monkeys and many more fun designs.

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If you’re looking for a revamped, handmade vintage product as a gift or to add as a part of your collection, Missy’s Monkeys are nostalgic with a modern flare and handmade with love.  These great and fun pastime gifts are made with a twist to provide comfort, happiness and fun for all ages.  Missy’s Sock Monkeys retail from $14 – $84 depending on the design and the type.

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It’s obvious that we are Oakland Raiders fans in our household, so it was our first choice for the monkey we decided to go with.  Our sock monkey is well made, sturdy and durable but most importantly – his sock is soft and cozy making it an ideal choice for anyone as a gift or cuddle buddy.  But the quality of our monkey is so great that I have a list of others I plan to order for my sons as well as others who I am planning to gift for the future.

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There are a plethora of designs available and custom designs as well.  Missy’s Monkeys is a small business that truly provides a piece of your childhood, team spirit or happiness to any household.  Head on over to: www.etsy.com/Shop/MissysMonkeys and browse the many designs available for you.  Whether it be for a gift to treasure, your biggest sports fan or a little piece of your childhood, you’ll find a design you can surely treasure.
Thank you Missy’s Monkeys for sharing  your beautiful gift with me.  I’m thankful to have it as a part of our Raiders collection and look forward to buying more from you in the near future.  My sons have absolutely loved this Monkey friend and I know they’ll enjoy the gift as will anyone else.
Signature Honey
Disclaimer:  The product featured in this post was sent for review consideration.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased.
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Taking The Lewis N. Clark Duffel Bag to the Gym and Everywhere In Between

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I can’t believe the boys are heading back to school in a week or so.  It seems like their summer months completely flew by and we didn’t get as much play time as we would like.  But, as we prep for back to school, I’m reminded to share with you a product that has been essential for my son as a teenager.  Do you have kids that play sports?  If so, a good bag or duffel that can take them from school to sports is important.  Our Kevin finished up his Basketball season a month ago and carried with him a duffel from Lewis N. Clark.  And, as we prep him and the twins for a season of Pop Warner Football, my eldest is ready to take his duffel bag with him.

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When it comes to carrying your sports gear, you really need something that is durable and that can withstand any heavy gear as well as daily use.  Over the years my son has gone through a variety of different bags and usually at season end, he’s retiring one and we need to pick up another for his next sport that starts shortly after.  Kevin has been using the Lewis N. Clark duffel as his daily bag, taking his basketball gear with him and then even took it with him when he was off to camp at the beginning of July.  It’s held up well and still looks like it’s brand new.  For a teenager that tosses his things when he’s on the go – I was amazed that it lasted as well as it did and how great it looks after months of heavy use.

Now that Kevin’s off to football season, this Lewis N. Clark duffel bag will be carrying his football gear – helmet, pads, cleats and extra clothes.  He’s excited to be able to use a bag that he likes through football season because it was so durable it held up all through basketball season and summer camp.  I will definitely come back & update the wear and tear on the duffel bag once it makes it’s way through football season.

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This Lewis N. Clark Duffel Bag retails for $56.49.  It’s dimensions are 18 in. x 36 in. x 18 in. and this duffel fits A LOT of stuff.  My son packed a week’s worth of clothes, towels and gear for summer camp and was able to fit it all inside the bag.  This bag features multiple interior and exterior pockets which make it great for separating items and storage.  It has a padded shoulder strap, which my son LOVES because his gear can often be so heavy, that it really helps and aids in him carrying it.  He did mention that he wished the straps could be adjusted a little more than it current can, because it’s still a little long for him at its shortest length – but it was still doable and able to be used.

You get carry handles with hook and loop fasteners to give you options on carrying your bag and the shoulder strap is detachable in case you want to just use the traditional side grab handles to hold your bag.  The grab handles are padded which make it comfortable to hold.  The inner zippered pocket allows you to also carry your essentials out of site to help with storage but also deter theft since it’s out of sight, out of mind.

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The zippers are heavy duty nylon and have lasted through stuffing this bag and daily use.  But, what I love the most about this is that it has the ability to be folded down into a small square and packed away easily while it’s not in use.  The storage pouch that holds the bag when it’s folded doubles as an inner pocket as well.  The bag is constructed of weatherproof 900D polyester which makes it a great companion for holding your hiking gear or for outdoor activities like rafting down a river or skiiing in the mountains.

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If you are an outdoor lover, enjoy traveling or just want a new duffel bag to have in your life, I highly suggest this one.  If any bag can take the beating my sons dish out to it and still look like it’s brand new – I think it deserves an award all on its own.  This bag is awesome and I know it comes in other sizes as well.  Considering the price point and the quality you are getting, it can’t be beat.  My sons are active boys and keep busy and they need products that can withstand the abuse they will put them through.  After having this bag for 6 months and using it daily, I have noticed how well it has held up and I like it.  I’ll be picking up two more so the twins can each have their own as well.

Have you tried anything from Lewis N. Clark before?  This is one of several different products that we have had the opportunity to try out and have enjoyed it.  You can check out what Lewis N. Clark has to offer on their website: http://lewisnclark.com/

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  The product mentioned and featured in this post was sent to me for review consideration.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased and this is not a sponsored post.

 

 

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5 Reasons We Collect Box Tops For My Kids’ Schools

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Since all three boys will be heading back to school in a month after a fun Summer break, we have been preparing diligently for the upcoming school year.  There is so much going on, with sports and fundraisers to volunteering and buying school supplies that we are busy prepping and planning away.  One of the things we love to do as a family to help our children’s schools is collect Box Tops for Education.  These little “coupons” are easy to collect and come on different products from brands like Hefty and Reynolds and when your child turns them into school – the school can redeem them for a little money.  It’s a fun way for us as a family to work together and have a little fun while doing so.

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My boys look forward to shopping and checking out our goods to see if there are any Box Tops on them.  Each child takes out their pair of scissors and collects the Box Tops to take to school.  It’s a fun little task and we enjoy the reward that it gives the school and our community.  Today I want to share with you 5 reasons we collect Box Tops for my kids’ schools and how you can do so for yours too.

  1.  Collecting Box Tops allows my children to have a sense of pride in their school and their work.  They can help the school by clipping these “coupons” and we are helping the school by buying products we already need and use and enjoy.
  2. My children learn that giving and helping others (their fellow students and school) is a great and awesome thing.
  3. It teaches my children about being organized, helpful and helps to improve their counting skills.
  4. The money that is raised from the Box Tops collected gives my children and their fellow classmates a better school experience by helping to provide for the school.  Two years ago – my sons’ school was able to raise enough money to buy new laptops thanks to the Box Tops collected from the families whose children attend the school.
  5. Collecting Box Tops also gives our community and family a sense of pride and accomplishment and they help and get involved by giving their Box Tops to my children to take to school.

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So what the heck are Box Tops for Education anyway?

Box Tops for Education is a program where you and your family (include your children) can collect Box Tops from designated Reynolds and Hefty products and trade in for $0.10 each.  This may sound like a little amount, but let me just tell you – the Box Tops add up and they add up quickly.  One year my family and I turned in well over 500 Box Tops for Education and we also collaborated with our neighbors and family members who saved their Box Tops and gave them to the boys to collect as a part of the program.  It’s a fun way to keep my kiddos busy year round because they enjoy shopping and looking for products that include them.  Like I mentioned, there are so many Reynolds Consumer Products and Brands that participate in Box Tops – you’ll be amazed at how many you already have in your pantry.

Since all of my sons part-take in different extra curricular activities like band, STEM and sports – those and many more activities can benefit from Box Tops for Education and help to provide funds for equipment, technology and so much more.  Honestly, your trash (the Box Tops) can easily be clipped and saved to help contribute to your child’s school and you are donating directly to benefit the programs and school as well.

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Collecting Box Tops for Education is a huge family affair and one that is kind of considered a tradition.  While I collect them with my children (going on 10+ years), I have collected Box Tops with my parents for myself as a child and also with my siblings.  As I stated before, my sons’ schools have collected enough Box Tops in the last couple of years to help get new computers for the children to use.  Since my twins go to the same school as my eldest had gone for Elementary, they also utilize those computers that we helped collect Box Tops for.  It’s a huge sense of pride for myself and my children and a tradition we have been doing since I was their age.  I love seeing programs like these progress over the years and I’m proud that it continues now for my children.

Reynolds-Hefty Box Tops

You can get ready for school in the Hefty and Reynolds Box Tops for Education “School Supplied” sweepstakes and daily instant win game.  They’re giving away thousands of product prizes PLUS 10,000 eBoxTops to 5 lucky schools!

So what about you?  Do you and your family collect Box Tops for Education?  If you do – that’s awesome, we hope your school benefits tremendously and if you don’t, definitely check out the program and see if it’s something you and yours can utilize.

Signature Honey

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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Parent Picks! Best Apps For Kids and Family From Amazon Underground

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Summer break is in full swing in our household and all three boys are home from school.  Between sports and summer camps, we are currently at a point in summer where we are in between the hectic and still getting used to having a full household all hours of the day.  As a family, we are spending our time engaging with one another and as a mom who works from home, I’m spending a lot of time entertaining the littles.  When I need a little down time for myself, some quiet time to collect my thoughts from the day or just time to get work done, I like to pull out the trusty phone or tablet and let the boys explore some of my favorite Android apps to keep them busy.  Did I mention these apps are free (really, actually free) and it not only keeps the littles entertained, but the hubby and I too have fun with it too.  Today I’m going to share with you our top apps for Kids (and, for the whole family)… so read on to learn more.

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As a family, we have absolutely been loving Amazon Underground App for Android Phones.  With apps to download for free directly to your phone or tablet, you can access a plethora of games, learning and education apps.  The Amazon Underground app for Android smartphones includes enhanced features and access to content that isn’t available on the Amazon Shopping app found on Google Play. These additional features include Amazon Video and 100% free apps and games.  As a Prime member, I’m slowly learning all the benefits that come with Prime and trying to utilize each one.  With access to a variety of games and books for reading on Kindle as well as different add-ons and Amazon Video, the Amazon Underground app helps to make everything available at the touch of the screen and at my fingertips.  So – let’s get right into it, shall we?  Here are five of the top apps that my family loves and enjoys.

Amazon Video – Of course, I mentioned this above so I definitely had to include it.  Like I said before, this is a great app to have if you already are an Amazon Prime Member.  We use Amazon Video to get caught up on some of our favorite TV shows or to watch movies, all from our phone and tablets.  What makes it so great is that the boys can watch their favorite educational shows while in the car on the go or while we are waiting in line at the store.  It’s convenient and a wonderful tool to have.

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Cut the Rope 2 – The sequel to the original game – Cut the Rope, this game is literally fun for the whole family.  There are quite a few of these games in the Amazon Underground App store and we enjoy them all, but something about this game is addicting and we love to take turns as a family to see who can beat the previous high score.  The littles absolutely love it and I love that it’s easy to use and navigate for all ages.

Apps, free apps, android apps, amazon underground, free amazon apps, free games, family apps, games,Jigsaw Puzzle – This awesome app offers over 10,000 free puzzles to play.  Unlike a real Jigsaw puzzle where pieces can get everywhere and lost while completing your picture, the digital version of is fun for the whole family.  You can choose from 4 to 400 pieces and its as easy as using your finger to move the pieces around to assemble.  This is especially fun for road trips or summer vacation travels.  I love puzzles as do my children because they keep our brains and mind occupied while on a long plane right – but the traditional jigsaw puzzle is not travel friendly.  This app gives you all the fun without the hassle.

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Sonic Dash – Well, I couldn’t possibly not include a Sonic the Hedgehog Game.  While it dates me since Sonic is from my childhood, it’s a game that everyone in my family enjoys.  Collect as many coins as you guide Sonic through the various obstacle courses while avoiding his arch enemies.  This game is addicting, it brings back childhood memories and it’s something we all love to play.

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Handy Photo by ADVA Soft – This app isn’t the traditional “kid friendly app” but I thought it was worth the mention.  Since technology has been really improving with leaps and bounds, I find myself doing EVERYTHING on my phone from taking photos and videos to editing them directly on my phone’s interface.  Handy Photo is a great app that really is easy to use and takes your editing prowess to new levels.  If you are someone that loves photo editing and cropping objects within your image, you will definitely love this one.  This is probably more for adults or the teens that have a passion for imagery, but I think it’s a great addition.  Especially if you are that mother that pulls out your phone or tablet for those special moments you capture – you’ll enjoy this one.

Apps, free apps, android apps, amazon underground, free amazon apps, free games, family apps, games,The Amazon Underground app combines Amazon’s best mobile shopping experience with instant streaming of Amazon Instant Video PLUS 100% free apps, games, and even in-app items. Unlimited lives, levels, upgrades – everything!  It’s awesome that you can watch your favorite movies and TV shows from Amazon Video on your Android phone as well as enjoy 100% free apps and games only from Amazon Underground.  With apps and game users fed up due to Micro-transactions, paid upgrades and waiting times now the new norm for customers of “other” App and Play Stores, Amazon Underground is making mobile app and gaming a great experience to enjoy once again.

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Now keep in mind, I have only provided my family and I’s Top 5 apps that we enjoy through Amazon Underground.  However, there are so many options for apps and games that it will keep your family busy for hours looking for and downloading the ones you will all love and enjoy.  Remember, 100% free apps, games and in-app items are available through Amazon Underground so take your time checking out the app and see what it has to offer.

Want to check out Amazon Underground and download the app for yourself?  Download the Amazon Underground app from your Android smartphone Click here.  If you’re reading this on a laptop? Go HERE and follow the on-screen instructions.

*The Amazon Underground app is generally compatible with all Android phones that run Android version 4.0 or greater.  Amazon Underground is only supported on 5th Generation (2012 – newer) and newer Fire tablets, and Android phones.

So – are you going to check out Amazon Underground?  What are you looking forward to checking out once you download the app?

Signature Honey

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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Hello Happy Memories – Easy Marshmallow S’mores Pops

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** “This post was sponsored by Hello Happy. Hello Hershey’s. as part of an Ambassador Activation for Influence Central.”

As a work-from-home mom, it can be a challenge to split my time between my day to day job as a homemaker (cooking, cleaning, etc.), working from home (running my Blog and YouTube channel) and being a wife & mommy and caring for the boys.  Sometimes I can be pulled in various directions but I try my best to make it work and make my family my priority at all times.  Cooking, baking or just creating fun and delicious delights in the kitchen is one way we get together and have a little fun and spend happy moments with one another.

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Since I work from home, Kevin, Luke and Isaiah have had a huge part in my blog and its success.  Whether it is to help me scout locations for photos and images, help me review products (since they often get toys, games, books and other items), be my taste tester or sous chef, or be the eye behind the lens (my outfit photos as well as many images of me are captured by my sons), my boys are a pivotal part of why this site thrives.  With Take Your Daughters & Sons to Work Day (April 28th), I thought this would be a fun and tasty way to include them this time around.  In celebration of “Take Your Daughters & Sons to Work Day” the boys and I worked together to create one of our favorite treats to share with you. What made this so fun is that my husband Kevin was home from work so he was able to join in on the fun with us too.

Today we are sharing with you our Marshmallow S’mores Pops.  They are so easy to make and perfect for little hands to get involved and make their own creations.  The prep work takes just a few minutes and the boys can get involved and get hands-on.

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WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  1. 1 bag of HERSEY’S Milk Chocolate Chips.  We don’t normally use the whole bag unless we are dipping the entire bag of marshmallows.
  2. 1 bag of large marshmallows
  3. Graham Crackers
  4. Lollipop sticks or skewers
  5. Microwave or some heat source to melt the chocolate chips

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PREP YOUR INGREDIENTS:

  1. Crush your Graham crackers.  You can do this quite easily by using a chopper (I used my Ninja) or by placing the crackers (break them up some) into a ziplock bag and sealing the bag tightly without air.  Smash the crackers in the bag until you get the consistency and size of graham crackers you want.
  2. Place one to two marshmallows on each stick.  We opted for two this time around, but we normally do one marshmallow per stick.
  3. Melt your HERSEY’S Milk Chocolate Chips in a Microwave safe bowl.  Melt a little at a time in 10 second increments and remove bowl from microwave and give the chocolate a little stir.  Once the chocolate is smooth, liquid like and melted, remove from the microwave and set on the side till you’re ready to use it.
  4. To make dipping your marshmallows to coat them easier, you can place the melted chocolate and graham crackers in wide bowls if that works for you.

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TIME TO CREATE:

  1. Simply dip your marshmallow(s) on the stick into the chocolate first.  You can decide to drizzle the chocolate onto the marshmallow with a fork for a different effect.
  2. While the chocolate is still melted, dip your chocolate covered marshmallow into the graham crackers or sprinkle them on as you want.  Not into graham crackers?  You can skip this step and just do the chocolate dipped – but they are S’mores pops because they utilize s’mores ingredients.
  3. Once dipped, you can decide to eat them as is or refrigerate for about 15 minutes so that the chocolate can set.
  4. Enjoy!

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My most happiest moments in life have to do with my family – my husband and sons, making memories and having fun.  This April and beyond, HERSEY’S is facilitating Hello Happy Moments to show families that they can choose happiness anywhere, at any time!  Whether it’s that s’more after school (or in our case, s’more pops), a chocolaty baked treat shared on a Sunday afternoon or planting in the garden, families can choose to find happy moments each day. HERSEY’S is seeking to open the world’s eyes to the everyday joys around us by creating experiences through which people can choose happy – no matter the situation.  Even in places or times where they may not think it is possible – like during their morning drive/commute, at work during a deadline crunch time or on those gloomy rainy days, happy moments are everywhere.

On Take Your Kids to Work Day (April 28), HERSEY’S will set out to remind people that happiness is a choice!  The intimate, individual and personal moments of happy that we choose each and every day create memories that last a lifetime. Years ago, when I was in middle school, I remember following my mommy to work for the same celebration.  It was an experience I will always remember and it instilled in me how important these personal memories are and how they mold us into who we become as adults.  I live by a mantra… make every moment count!  

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WIN SOME CHOCOLATE:

Thanks to HERSEY’S – you have the chance to win your own little HERSEY’S Product Pack to create your own Happy Moments with your family.  Enter via the form below and share this post with friends and family so they may have the opportunity for a chance to win or they can create their own Marshmallow S’mores Pops.

So, how about you?  Will you be taking part in “Take Your Kids to Work Day” or have you gone to work with your parents in the past?  Do you have any Happy Moments you want to share?  Comment below and share the love and have a Happy  Moment with all of us.

xo

Signature Honey

Hersey’s Product Pack

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