Category: Giveaway

Friday Favorites – Zen Coloring Set Flash Giveaway

Today I had to pick my daughter up from school. She has had a raspy voice and sore throat for days. No fever, nothing extra. Just plain feeling crummy. So when she finally had enough and went to the nurse because her throat was just too sore I caved and let her come home.

I don’t want to start a trend of every time I visit the nurse I get to go home, so right now she is not allowed to watch TV or play her video games. She has to stay in bed, in her jammies and rest. Awhile ago I picked up some zen kiddie coloring books with ocean scenes. My girls love them! My little lovey asked if I would sit with her in her bed and color with her. Sure. Why not? My agenda for this day is already shot.

Coloring books are fun, unless you have two perfectionists fighting for elbow room on a tiny lap tray. I remember, I have my own stash of coloring books! I pull them out now and then when the girls are working on art projects and I want something of my own to color. No really, I do! So, guess what? Ya’ll get a flash giveaway of an awesome coloring book and markers set!

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s inside:

You have to be a fan of my Facebook page to get in on this action! So head on over to The Whatever Mom to like the page and share, and tag 3 friends you think could use a little zen time! WINNER ANNOUNCED TOMORROW 1/7/17 ON FACEBOOK.

After the last few weeks of life being total chaos, it was nice to slow down and enjoy some quiet time. Even if it wasn’t by myself.


The Whatever Mom is a twin mom learning to let go of perfection. She shares her real life struggles with parenting through her blog and contributes her time and talents as a writer to Hudson Valley Parent and Masshole Mommy. When she isn’t writing you can find her chugging coffee, folding laundry and not judging other parents. Don’t forget to subscribe via email so you never miss a blog post again! You can also find her work featured on Mamapedia 

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Friday Favorites – Vero Brava Giveaway!

Happy Friday all!

I know you have all been waiting to find out who won the 3 Disc collection of Leslie Sansone HIIT Walk DVDs!! But first let me tell you all about my new favorite thing- Vero Brava headbands! These headbands are essential accessories for your next work out,  or to keep those fly-a-ways from your mom bun from escaping.

I can never keep a head band on my head! It will pop off, or slide off my head and I am constantly adjusting the band to stay put. It’s really annoying and kind of embarrassing when I’m at the gym. BUT! I have found that my Vero Brava headband stays put! Whether I am working out, or wearing to keep all those wispy little fly-a-ways at bay while running errands, this thing has holding power! These amazing bands were created by mompreneur Veronica Shogren who shares my frustration with finding just the right headband. Now she designs, sews and shares her creations. Every purchase you make helps support her efforts to give back to children suffering from Cancer.  

I wore this colorful print during a gym workout on the elliptical machine. It stayed in place! The last headband I wore to the gym literally pulled off like a sling-shot despite the rubber grips guaranteeing me it would stay in place.  All lies. But this flexible little fabric headband actually stays where I put it. It’s comfortable and it wicks away sweat (bonus). You can even wear it a few different ways. As a headband, a pony tail holder, a bun wrap, even as a neck cover. Whatever works and feels most comfortable. Comfort and style? Yes please! Giving back to kids with cancer – a win for all!

As I was scrolling through the pages of prints I discovered the mystery print grab bag for only $7.99! There are 9 headbands for less than $8! Great stocking stuffers! Or, just stock up for yourself!

I can’t get over the selection of prints! Not only do I love the rainbows and hearts, but I love this galaxy burst print band that I am giving away today!! You can have it to wear during your walks with Leslie! Which by the way that brings me to the winner! Are you ready? Congratulations  AMY HF you are the winner of the 3 disc set of Leslie Sansone HIIT walking DVDs!! You have 24 hours to claim your prize by confirming your mailing address before I move on to the runner up!

Thank you ALL so much for playing along! I truly love bringing you my favorite things and I especially love when I get to give some of them away!! Enter for your chance to win your Vero Brava headband in galaxy burst print now! I have one more giveaway for you next Friday! I’ll announce the Vero Brava winner then!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Whatever Mom is a twin mom learning to let go of perfection. She shares her real life struggles with parenting through her blog and contributes her time and talents as a writer to Hudson Valley Parent and Masshole Mommy. When she isn’t writing you can find her chugging coffee, folding laundry and not judging other parents. Don’t forget to subscribe via email so you never miss a blog post again! You can also find her work featured on Mamapedia 

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This post contains affiliate links from Amazon which means I earn a small commission if you purchase using these links. There is no difference in price if you use the links in this post. I did not receive financial compensation for this post. In exchange for my enthusiastic and honest review, I received individual product for review. Giveaway sponsored by Vero Brava.

#Amazon #Affiliates #Ad 

Friday Favorites – Walking With Leslie GIVEAWAY

Photo courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment.

 

HAPPY FRIDAY!! IT’S FINALLY FRIDAY!! WOO HOO!!

I don’t know about you, but I have just had the most craptastic week! Really, it was fantastically crappy in so many ways. Except TODAY! Today is gonna be a good day I can already tell! I am walking with my girl Leslie Sansone AND I’m giving away a little something to put us in a good mood!

I always find getting out for a walk clears my mind and gets rid of some stress. But here in the North East it is so cold and gray in the morning. It is hard to get motivated to walk when it is this cold. Back in the Spring I shared with you my love of Leslie and her quick and easy walking work outs. I just pop in a DVD, or pull up a workout on Youtube and power walk right in my living room! No crazy choreography, no weird angles to twist myself into, just walking! The best part is I really feel like I had a WORKOUT! The kind that leaves ya sweaty and with a pep in your step. You aren’t just walking front to back and marching in place. She throws in some classic aerobic moves like side steps, kick backs, even some jogging.

Yes, I could go to the gym to walk- but I feel like a drone on the treadmill plugged into the TV. Plus, I have to hope my kids aren’t tearing up the day care room. Last month I made a couple of sad attempts at joining some new classes, which only reminded me how out of shape I really am. (It’s totally normal to need the Chiropractor after a work out right?). Following along with Leslie makes me feel just as energized as any class. I really miss taking my high intensity aerobics classes! So, guess what I just got my hands on? A couple of new Leslie Sansone HIIT DVD’s! HIIT Stands for High Intensity Interval Training. You exercise in short bursts of “all out” effort and then recover. Essentially, you walk for less time, but burn as many calories as a longer walk session. Plus, the music she picks for these DVDs is so upbeat! It makes rolling out of bed before day light almost worth it!

Sweat Session 1: Walk to the Hits with All Time Favorites. This includes some 50’s hits like The Twist and songs from The Temptations, but amped up. I felt a little out of shape trying to keep up, but I could still walk without limping after and that is gold once you turn 40!

Sweat Session 2: Walk to the Hits Radio Remixes. This includes remix versions of Let’s Get Loud and Move It, Move It (my kids love this one!). Another great work out that left me feeling sweaty, yet energized! I loved the play list much better (and it was 8 minutes shorter than session 1).

If you haven’t tried walking with Leslie Sansone yet you are missing out! It’s literally like having a walk party right in your living room! Guess what?! Now you can win ALL THREE HIIT DVD’s and have Leslie to yourself! Woo hoo!! Walk party with the kids, or invite some moms over and let the kids play while you grab some miles! Winner will be announced in my next Friday Favorites Segment on 12/16/16.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 


This post contains affiliate links to Amazon which means I earn a small commission if you purchase using these links. There is no difference in price if you use the links in this post. I did not receive financial compensation for this post. In exchange for my enthusiastic and honest review, I received additional DVDs promoted by Anchor Bay Entertainment. #Amazon #Affiliates #Ad 

 

The Whatever Mom is a twin mom learning to let go of perfection. She shares her real life struggles with parenting through her blog and contributes her time and talents as a writer to Hudson Valley Parent and Masshole Mommy. When she isn’t writing you can find her chugging coffee, folding laundry and not judging other parents. Don’t forget to subscribe via email so you never miss a blog post again! You can also find her work featured on Mamapedia 

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Friday Favorites -LuLaRoe {Giveway}

Friday FavoritesLuLaRoe

I am a little late to the LuLaRoe party. I was very hesitant to get started with these pricey leggings in bold prints that I could never see myself in. That is until my friend Heather Bunch invited me over to one of her pop up shops for some personalized shopping. I went alone without kids and really took my time getting to know more about the company and the clothing line. It turns out LuLaRoe has way more than just leggings!

I confess, I am a recovering (self) body basher and trying on clothes is a trigger for me. It takes me back to a time in my life when I was so self loathing and hated looking in the mirror. I am accustomed to hating the whole experience of clothes shopping and the body shaming that follows.

But let me tell you, this experience is trans-formative. It isn’t simply because the clothes are magical, but the LuLaRoe clothing line is designed to accommodate all body types. It enhances what you do like about yourself and smooths out the rest. It also helps that Heather is on a mission to make women feel good about themselves. She says after all, “I’m not just selling clothes, I’m selling confidence.” The in-home shopping experience is way more personal than shopping at the mall. And Heather is not only there helping coordinate outfits, but she is there telling me how to be kind to myself.

The first thing I try on is the Azure skirt. You can see in this picture I’m still really skeptical about this whole process.

LLR Azure HB

I am traditionally anti-skirts. I don’t like the fussiness of having to sit still, or the way every skirt rides up over my hips. Thankfully, the yoga band at the top keeps the skirt in place and makes it oh so comfortable. I can sit tall and still breathe. It is also a very versatile piece that can be worn as a strapless dress, or turned upside down and tied at the ends to create a scoop neck top.

Next, I try on is the classic T with the beloved Cassie skirt. I am starting to warm up a bit more.

LLR Cassie HB

My typical mom uniform is a t-shirt and blue jeans. It’s quick, it’s easy and I don’t have to think about it. It requires very little effort on my part, and I’m starting to think maybe I want to look like I put in a little effort. Wearing clothes that are tailored to fit my body type and style, gives me a little more freedom to feel like myself.

The Cassie skirt is form fitting like a pencil skirt, but it is flattering to many different body types.

Then, I try the Nicole dress. As you can see I am much more comfortable with trying on new things.

LLR Nicole HB

I would never pick this out for myself. On the hanger it looks too form fitting. But it is actually very roomy. It is also very comfortable, light weight and easy to change the look with accessories. I can wear with leggings or without leggings, or dress it up with a belt and a chunky necklace. I am starting to see the possibilities!

The more tops and skirts Heather hands to me to try on the more comfortable I become with getting dressed and undressed. I am not so worried about the mirror. This experience becomes less about my body and more about finding comfort and joy in what I am wearing. Suddenly I want to find prints that I like. There are classic prints, fun and whimsical prints and some very unique prints. There is quite literally something for every style and taste.

After two pop up sessions of trying things on and learning what I love, I am now hooked. As a mom I often feel uncomfortable spending money on myself. But I work really hard and I deserve nice things. Most of all I deserve to feel good about myself.

As you can see by the pictures below, Heather is right. She DOES sell confidence!

BEFORE LULAROE

LLR before HB

AFTER LULAROE

LLR Gloria

Giveaway Heather is giving away $25.00 LuLaRoe Cash to ONE lucky winner!!! Enter below for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

That’s not all! Visit Heather at one of her pop up shops and tell her The Whatever Mom sent ya! You get a 10% discount just for mentioning my name! Pop up shops are Friday’s 10 am – 2 pm and by appointment only. Located at 164 Linderman Ave. Kingston. Call Heather directly to set up your appointment 845-532-9373 or email [email protected]

Join Heather’s exclusive Facebook VIP Boutique to hear about all her sales and upcoming parties!

The Whatever Mom is a twin mom learning to let go of perfection. She shares her real life struggles with parenting through her blog and contributes her time and talents as a writer to Hudson Valley Parent and Masshole Mommy. When she isn’t writing you can find her chugging coffee, folding laundry and not judging other parents. Don’t forget to subscribe via email so you never miss a blog post again! You can also find her work featured on Mamapedia and The Novice Mommy.

The Whatever Mom did receive complimentary LuLaRoe product in exchange for this review. However, all thoughts and opinions are solely my own. This transformation really did take place and my experience is genuine.

Friday Favorites- Limelight by Alcone {Giveaway}

I’ve already shared with you my favorite Summer Sun Skin Care items I use all summer long. But today I am excited to share with you some new products I’ve found through LimeLight by Alcone. I am always on the hunt for great makeup and skin care products. I have found a line that I truly love and look forward to using!

I met with my friend Tenaya who is now a Beauty Guide for LimeLight by Alcone. She treated me to a make over with skin care and make up products that are all manufactured with your health and the health of the planet in mind. I was excited to spend the day outside on her deck enjoying the beautiful day kid free, and getting some extra pampering.

Alcone Chemical Free

The first thing I tried is the Dream Clean set which is a basic starter collection. I could feel my skin immediately hydrate and it felt really clean. My skin felt smooth after using all of the products which is key for me. I loved the feel of the masque of zen. All of these products are plant based and smell amazing.

Alcone set

Next up Tenaya matched me up with a foundation color. I will say this was the most perfectly smooth foundation I have ever tried. Not only did it go on easily but it made my skin absolutely flawless- no redness, no freckles it was all covered. I am not a fan of foundations that have a strong “plastic” smell. This cream foundation had none of that. It felt light and was totally fragrance free.

Alcone foundation

I learned that this makeup line is used by Hollywood makeup artists. In fact, the family owned company has been the number one makeup supplier for generations. Adding in a plant based skin care line and removing non essential chemicals from the makeup formula is what gives this company it’s modern edge.

The Alcone product I am most in love with right now is the Make-Off make up remover cloth. It is gentle enough to use every day and will take off your make up in one swipe. With the summer heat here I’ve started carrying these little prepackaged cloths in my bag and even in my beach cooler. As soon as I am done with a day of sun with the kids I pull out one of these cloths. The rosewater is refreshing and hydrating and I can feel my hot skin start to calm. Super convenient!

Alcone MakeOff Cloth

All of the Alcone products come with a 100% happiness guarantee, so if you don’t love your products you get your money back. Oh I almost forgot to share with you the best part about the packaging! Not only is it gorgeous, but it is 100% recyclable. The color pallets and the foundation pallets all pop out of the cardboard case; all of which can be tossed into your recycle bin. Each one is small enough to carry in your purse or add to your makeup bag!

Alcone package

If you want to learn more about LimeLight by Alcone stop by Tenaya’s personal shopping site, or ask to join her exclusive PRIVATE Facebook group. You can ask any questions there and get all the details on new products and upcoming sales promos. If you are local and would like to have your own make over and foundation color match you can schedule one with Tenaya through her group.

Alcone Tenaya

* * * *  GIVEAWAY TIME * * * * *

 

Alcone giveaway

Three lucky winners are going to get a $25.00 gift certificate to shop with!! How exciting is that? If you haven’t tried Alcone products before this is your chance! Simply follow the link to Tenaya’s closed Facebook group and request to join. Then like and share the group for extra entries! You are entered for your chance to win! (Contest open now through Sunday 7/24/16. Winners announced on Monday 7/25/16).

Happy shopping!

 

The Whatever Mom is a twin mom learning to let go of perfection. She shares her real life struggles with parenting through her blog and contributes her time and talents as a writer to Hudson Valley Parent and Masshole Mommy. When she isn’t writing you can find her chugging coffee, folding laundry and not judging other parents. Don’t forget to subscribe via email so you never miss a blog post again! You can also find her work featured on Mamapedia and The Novice Mommy.

 

Friday Favorite- Lose That Mommy Guilt {Giveaway}

WELCOME TO

Happy Friday All!

This week guest blogger (and new mom) Debra shared with you how she’s read all the latest books on baby sleep and none of them work. Guess what I’m sharing with you today? A book written by an expert. Wait, wait, wait!!  This isn’t just any expert. She is an expert at letting go of perfection. Lose That Mommy Guilt, Tales and Tips from an Imperfect Mom by Cara Maksimow. 

mommy guilt cover

I know most days it’s hard to find time to read the back of a shampoo bottle let alone an entire book. But the 150 pages is a quick read! Instead of the pretentious lecture about the exact steps you should follow to execute efficient routines, Cara gives a few options with the understanding that not everything works for everyone. 

cara maksimow

Cara is a certified therapist, writer, mother and owner of Maximize Wellness Counseling & Couching, LLC. Everything written in this book encapsulates my exact mission as The Whatever Mom. And it touches on nearly every area of motherhood where I feel guilty. From potty training, to pacifiers to dealing with kid drama Cara shares her own guilty moments and what works for her.

I love that Cara encourages us mommies to embrace our imperfections as part of this motherhood experience. We are all going to make mistakes and it isn’t worth our time to continually beat ourselves up over them. “As the baby grows the mommy guilt grows. It doesn’t matter how good of a mom  you are, you will find a way to beat yourself up over something, I am here to say that it does not have to be that way. As moms, we are amazing and we don’t recognize it enough! . . . You do not need to let “perfect” get in the way of amazing parenting.”

I literally felt myself breathe a sigh of relief after reading those words. I wish I had read them sooner! Cara delves deep into the mom psyche and pulls out the big things we stress ourselves out with and then tells us, it’s going to be OK! I don’t know about you, but for me, I need to hear that now and then. I need to hear someone tell me that I’m not the only one worrying about ruining my kids lives (don’t worry we aren’t ruining anything).

We all get caught in the big trap of anticipating judgement from bystanders. Even a woman who has degrees and is educated on human behavior gets stuck in those real moments. You know the ones where you have to make a snap judgement to let your kid pee in a parking lot?

“I admit I taught my three-year-old girl to squat in the mall parking lot once (maybe more than once) to avoid unbuckling the baby from the car seat and going all of the way back inside the mall to find the nearest bathroom. I was smart enough to know we would not make it in time. Driving home quickly would have at best lead to a urine soaked car seat, so I made my choice.

Thankfully, it was summer and she was wearing plastic jelly shoes. I was worried someone would see me and judge my parenting. My negative self talk was on high that day. What mom lets her three-year-old girl pee in the parking lot? Clearly, I was that mom. It is what it is. I am not particularly proud of it, but I have learned to let go of that particular guilt.”

That’s why I enjoy this book so much. Cara writes from an authentic place of struggle and humor. I feel like she gives us permission to be real about the crazy choices we make as parents. And isn’t that what being a Whatever Mom is all about? Letting go of the idea of perfection? Life is messy and completely imperfect. You do whatever works to get through the day even if it is just surviving from one moment to the next!

Cara has also published a few other books that you can find on Amazon. One lucky reader is going to get a copy of Loose That Mommy Guilt and a bonus planner for a Kick Ass Month! You know the drill, enter below!

kick ass month

Thank you Cara for writing this book so the rest of us can realize not one single mom has it completely together and none of us is escaping motherhood without feeling guilty.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Whatever Mom is a twin mom learning to let go of perfection. She shares her real life struggles with parenting through her blog and contributes her time and talents as a writer to Hudson Valley Parent and Masshole Mommy. When she isn’t writing you can find her chugging coffee, folding laundry and not judging other parents. Don’t forget to subscribe via email so you never miss a blog post again! You can also find her work featured on Mamapedia and The Novice Mommy.

Disclosure: There are no affiliate links contained in this post. Product for giveaway provided by Cara Maksimow personally. No financial compensation was received for this review. All opinions contained herein belong solely to The Whatever Mom. 

Friday Favorites -Anna Nova Review & Giveaway

Spring Awakening Satchel Anna Nova

Anna Nova Australia is hosting this promotional giveaway and has provided the merchandise depicted for review. All honest opinions belong solely to The Whatever Mom. No affiliate links are contained within this post and no financial compensation given.

Before I was a mom I loved the fresh scent of a new hand bag. I would drive an hour to my favorite outlet to peruse the season’s newest offerings.  Those gorgeous designer bags were replaced by cute diaper bags and large shoulder bags. As cute and functional as those bags are, I miss carrying something I absolutely love. I am super picky when it comes to my hand bag choices. I want to carry a bag no one else has, I want quality and I want something that makes me happy. Oh and now it has to have enough room to carry the stuff my kids hand off to me.

Just when I thought designer bags were no longer in reach for my mom lifestyle I was asked to review the Anna Nova Spring Awakening Traveller. (I may have literally squealed with delight). To have designer quality in my hands again felt like a luxurious dream come true.  I have been longing for something that could keep up with the busy demands of my mom-lifestyle, yet make me happy to carry around. Maybe it is because Anna herself is a mother of 4 she understands how to marry together form and function with fashion.

The Spring Awakening Traveller Satchel

I don’t know why I never thought to carry a cross the body satchel before! Even though this satchel is half the size of my current bag, everything fits inside! There are pockets galore creating a very efficient way to carry my mom items (I could write a separate post on the amount of stuff I have inside my mom bag). After I transferred everything into the satchel I discovered an entirely empty pocket still available for all the future stuff I’ll need to cram inside!  All the pockets are secured with a zipper or a snap making it hard for tiny hands to smuggle things in or out.

anna nova stitching

I could see right away my Anna Nova is stitched with quality and care! The stitching on my worn out shoulder bag is frayed and very thin (clearly not a designer bag). The turquoise threads on the Anna Nova Traveller is not only gorgeous but heavier and deeper which means less fray and longer wear.

Anna Nova Traveler

The fabric on the inside of this satchel feels much softer and I can tell immediately it has a better thread count (it simply means a tighter weave which equals longer life). The fabric inside my cheap shoulder bag became “pilly” and worn shortly after I purchased it. Not a very luxurious feeling.

After years of carrying shoulder bags that slide down my arm while trying to hold two little hands across a parking lot, I am ready for a cross the body bag. This week alone I wore my Traveller to our soccer practices, during preschool drop off and even out shopping. Knowing my items are secure and safe from falling off of me and spilling out as I am chasing a kid gives me less to worry about. It is so light weight and comfortable I find myself going back into the house to look for my purse. Meanwhile, I’m already wearing it! Ha, ha!

Anna Nova Spring Awakening Traveler

If I am being honest, this print wasn’t my first choice, but I kept coming back to it because there was just something comforting about it. It reminds me of the floral prints I used to wear as a teenager (back when I was carefree and had time for fashion). The pastels on black aren’t super bold, but lend just enough color to make a statement and still coordinate with my casual outfits.

I know no one likes to chat dollars and cents but I feel like if I am bringing you an honest review we have to go there. I feel everything is very reasonably priced for designer quality. This particular bag is around $105 which is way less than any other designer bag I’ve purchased, but the quality is on par. Take a look at the Anna Nova website to see the other affordable pieces available; from coin purses to phone pouches, from back packs to overnight bags there is a bag to fit every need.

The Spring Awakening Pouch

Anna Nova Spring Awakening Pouch

The folks at Anna Nova also sent this companion pouch that fits inside my satchel. I have filled it with my arsenal of lip glosses, lip balms and favorite essential oils. The pouch fits perfectly inside any pocket on this satchel. It is also a great pouch to store your cell phone in inside of a diaper bag, or large shoulder bag for quick access.

Guess what?! I have one extra Spring Awakening Pouch to giveaway!!  Are you excited?!! You should be!!  This roomy little pouch can be a piece of luxury you can count on every time you open your purse.

To enter follow the instructions below and check back on The Whatever Mom Facebook page on Monday morning!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Whatever Mom is a twin mom learning to let go of perfection. She shares her real life struggles with parenting through her blog and contributes her time and talents as a writer to Hudson Valley Parent and Masshole Mommy. When she isn’t writing you can find her chugging coffee, folding laundry and not judging other parents. Don’t forget to subscribe via email so you never miss a blog post again! You can also find her work featured on Mamapedia and The Novice Mommy. 

Friday Favorites – Jolly Dragons GIVEAWAY!

Jolly Dragons Organic Kids Clothes

Promotional products generously provided by Jolly Dragons. No financial compensation was received for this review. All opinions are honest and belong solely to The Whatever Mom. Does not contain affiliate links.

Here it is … my new favorite: Jolly Dragons organic kids clothing! I’ll be honest I had no idea the difference between organic cotton vs. typical cotton fabric until I held these shirts in my hand. They are so much softer than any t-shirt my kids own. 

Jolly Dragons

When our package arrived, our shirts were hand wrapped in tissue paper and sealed with an adorable Jolly Dragons logo. There was a hand written note included! How often do you get a hand written note with your products? Right away my girls loved the designs and the colors. Mermaids and butterflies are kind of their thing. I am so impressed by the fabric quality, the colorful print on each shirt and the attention to detail in the design and packaging.

Jolly Dragons Logo

Jolly Dragons is a family owned business located in Cape Cod, MA. and what a delight it has been getting to know the owner in our email conversations! Each shirt and body suit is designed by this mom and dad team. What I love most about family owned businesses is that they GET ‘family’ in every sense of the word. They get the struggle for balance and the struggle to find safe products to use on our kids. And, that’s how Jolly Dragons was born!

Jolly Dragons family

This family puts great emphasis on using organic cotton fabric to keep pesticides away from your baby’s new skin, and sustainable printing methods. Your toddler won’t care they are wearing an organic shirt printed with eco-friendly digital printing. But they will LOVE the vivid and colorful prints! How cute is this spider shirt!!?

 Jolly-Dragons---Spider

Sizes range from newborn to size 6T. You have your kid’s skin covered (see what I did there) through every tender stage of their young lives. You will have peace of mind knowing these shirts are labeled with the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) seal of approval. 

 GOTS

My kids loved the shirts Jolly Dragons sent for review so much that they argued over who gets to keep which design. (There were actual tears and fist-a-cuffs). This means there will be TWO lucky winners receiving an organic t-shirt for free! 

EVERYONE is getting a 25% discount just for being a reader of The Whatever Mom! Perfect timing to help fill those Easter baskets! Shop the Jolly Dragons catalog and when you are ready to check out use the discount code: thewhatevermom.  Enjoy the savings! The folks at Jolly Dragons have a lot of exciting new things happening! So be sure to find them and like them on Facebook so you can be the first to see!

Follow the instructions below to enter! Good luck! Winners can select from the two designs pictured above (mermaid or monarch).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Whatever Mom is a twin mom learning to let go of perfection. She shares her real life struggles with parenting through her blog and contributes her time and talents as a writer to Hudson Valley Parent and Masshole Mommy. When she isn’t writing you can find her chugging coffee, folding laundry and not judging other parents. Don’t forget to subscribe via email so you never miss a blog post again!

Friday Favorites- Hungry Root Review & GIVEAWAY!

Hungryroot

If I said the words: Gluten Free. Dairy Free. Soy Free. All Natural. Vegan. Would you wonder, “is it also flavor free?” Not if it’s a meal from Hungryroot!

Hungryroot offers amazing veggie noodle based meals served with a creative sauce that can easily pair with a protein (purchase with or without grilled chicken). Home cooks can prepare their favorite meals in less than 10 minutes on the stove top or in the microwave. All the meals are locally sourced, non-GMO and are gluten free. Many are dairy free and even vegan. This is the answer to all my food dilemmas!

As a busy mom, with dietary restrictions, I often lack the time to prep healthy meals for myself. I spend so much time making meals I know my picky eaters will like that I am left at the mercy of hunger and I grab anything quick. I have dreamed of finding healthy organic convenience meals for years. Now, I can make a full sized healthy meal for myself before you can say chocolate chip cookie binge (OK more like 7 minutes). Every meal is less than 500 calories, rich in nutrients and already prepped!

Hungryroot package Noodles

I placed my first order as a Christmas gift to me. I was curious to taste for myself how root noodles could compare to the taste of traditional pasta meals. I selected a gift pack of three full meals and one side and one dessert. Did I mention these FRESH healthy quick cook meals were delivered right to my door?

Hungryroot insulated cooler

I wasn’t home when my package arrived. But, the meals were all kept safe inside the insulated box with cooler packs. Incidentally, all the shipping materials are biodegradable and recyclable. Be sure to check with the local recycling guidelines in your area and read the directions on packaging before recycling.

Carrot Noodles Hungryroot

My husband raves over every meal we try! The man who could live on pasta with every meal- RAVES over noodles made from vegetables! I personally love the Rutabaga noodles with Mushroom Pistou Sauce and grilled chicken the best, but those Sweet Potato noodles with Creamy Cashew Alfredo and Roasted Falafel have me craving more! My picky little eaters and I are now addicted to the Coconut Carrot Cake Bites with coconut frosting (all vegan!). I can’t wait to try the Black Bean Brownie Batter and the Maple Chick Pea Pancake Batter!

Carrot coconut cookie bites Hungryroot

The cook time and the already portioned ingredients sold me on Hungryroot! A price point of $10-$12 per meal to serve 1-2 people may seem pricey for a family budget, but for this gluten/lactose/soy intolerant mama on a time crunch these super convenient meals really fit the bill!

You all know how much I love a company that gives back. Hungryroot is a 1+1 company which means they donate 1% of their profits to charity and volunteer 1% of their time to support nutritional education and healthy eating. At the time of my purchase they were donating fresh meals to City Harvest a NYC based food rescue agency.

Hungryroot meals are available through Hungryroot.com or FreshDirect and AmazonFresh.

So, hungry for more? Well, nothing gets a Friday started like some free food am I right? The amazing folks over at Hungry Root are giving all of you the chance to win a fabulous FREE meal including dessert! Just enter below!

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Promotional product provided by Hungryroot. Financial compensation not provided for this review. All opinions provided herein belong solely to The Whatever Mom (and lots of other people who think Hungryroot has yummy food).

*Title photo credit: Hungryroot.

The Whatever Mom is a full-time wife and twin mama living on coffee and wine. She enjoys the pure rush of cleaning the BIG potty between loads of laundry. It is her dream that moms everywhere accept and embrace the Whatever Mom philosophy which can be found here.

Find more from Roxanne at Hudson Valley Parent and at Masshole Mommy

Friday Favorites- Perfectly Posh VALENTINE’S GIVEAWAY!

Honeycomb

No financial compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are tried and true and solely belong to The Whatever Mom.The links contained in this post are not affiliate links. 

Do you know why I love giveaways? It isn’t just because everyone loves free stuff. It’s because I LOVE treating my friends and readers to some really awesome products! I only share with you products I use in my own home! This week I’m in love with Perfectly Posh products! In honor of Valentine’s Day I am giving some for FREE!

What made me fall in love with Posh products is they are cruelty free and never tested on animals, there are vegan options and everything is made with plant based natural ingredients. I love that I can pamper myself and my little girls without worrying about fillers and synthetic chemicals. Now I don’t mind sharing my products with them! You can find a list of product ingredients at Perfectly Posh.

Of course you can also count on me to find a company that contributes to charity and a great cause! Through the You Deserve It charitable program Posh generously shares their products and raises funds for women’s shelters. They also collect needed items like socks and gently used shoes for women and children living in YWCA shelters. I don’t know about you, but for me buying products I can safely use with my children while supporting families in need feels like a really big win!

Here are my personal favorites:

Brazillian Bombshell Body Butter

Perfectly Posh brazillian bombshell

This 10 oz. tub of awesomeness goes a long way! I use it every morning in place of perfume. Essential oils gives this creamy body butter a fragrance that lasts a long time without over powering. My kids and I both have sensitivities to strong fragrance, but this has no effect on our allergies! I use this rich body butter to moisturize before bed too!

Caffeinator Skin Stick

Posh Caffeinator Skin Stick

This skin stick has amazing super powers. I’m not kidding! The lemon powered scent is reviving and the caffeine helps with that over tired look. I have used at the beginning of a migraine and found relief! It really helps! I keep mine in the fridge for a nice cooling effect when I need that afternoon pick me up.

Gender Bender Chunk Big Bath Bar

Perfectly Posh gender bender

This chunky bar is vegan and made with natural charcoal powder to draw toxins from the skin. The shea butter leaves a nice smooth layer of moisture and the scent is light enough for guys or gals. I use in the shower for a five minute spa effect. I’d almost forget I have kids if they weren’t yelling through the door.

All products are Made in the USA and every item costs $25 or less! I know! That means you can afford to pamper yourself and share a little with the kids (although you might not want to share). Speaking of sharing it’s time for our giveaway!

My very generous friend Stacey a.k.a Dr. Posh (yes she really does have a PhD!) is sponsoring today’s Posh giveaway! Two readers will win a posh Valentine’s Day Treat!

Be sure to comment below which item you would like to win! A full size Gender Bender Shower Bar, or a Starbucks travel cup filled with samples and Valentine chocolates!

Don’t miss out on these amazing specials happening right now! If you are already a Posh fan then you won’t want to miss out on these freebies with purchase! You can also join the perks program and earn free products! Find out more here.

posh chunk bar posh hand cream posh lip balm

Contest opens midnight Friday February 12, 2016 and ends February 14, 2016. Winners will be announced on Monday February 15, 2016 on The Whatever Mom Facebook page. If you are not following on Facebook yet, you can do so here.  Why not sign up to follow the blog via email and never miss out on another giveaway again!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Whatever Mom is a full-time wife and twin mama living on coffee and wine. She enjoys the pure rush of cleaning the BIG potty between loads of laundry. It is her dream that moms everywhere accept and embrace the Whatever Mom philosophy which can be found here.

Find more from Roxanne at Hudson Valley Parent and at Masshole Mommy

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