A Year of BarkBox: My BarkBox Subscription Review

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Did you just get a new puppy or have a dog at home that could use a little more excitement in its life? Here is my BarkBox Subscription Review for our first Year of BarkBox and how I was able to save both time and money by signing up for this service.

barkbox review

First, what is Barkbox?

Each month BarkBox delivers 4-5 toys and treats in a specialty themed box.

Past themes include:

Invasion of the Space Squirrels

Barktober

Bark to School

SoCal Pups

Click here to see my BarkBox reviews… or keep reading to find out how to get your first BarkBox for Free.

They also work with you if your dog has allergies or is a super chewer.

Prior to BarkBox we were making multiple trips to the pet supplies store each month and it seemed like every time we were there it was another $20-$30 in dog toys and treats.  Trying to take a dog and 2 small kids to the store just isn’t fun.  I had it pictured as a fun time with our new pup… but that just was never the case.  However, when a BarkBox arrives in the mail, both the kids and the dogs got super excited and I didn’t have to yell at anyone in the process…#win.

How I stumbled upon BarkBox…

I had seen BarkBox advertised several places and finally decided to give it a try. Our puppy soon got very big and we needed the big dog box which usually had about 2-3 toys and 2-3 treats of some sort. Every month has a different theme which is also really fun.

Us hoomans get bored and so do our dogs… getting new toys each month kept Scout interested in his toys and not in our shoes) – Thankfully. Case in point..our neighbor got a puppy about 8 months ago… that puppy recently ate an entire cushion off her couch… the ENTIRE cushion… Keeping a puppy interested in new toys is much cheaper than a new couch any day.

Here’s how having the BarkBox saved me both time and money.

1. Less trips to the store… yea! More time to write blog posts 😉
2. A fixed costs for dog toys… this really helped keep the budget
3. Through the teething stage, after getting Barkbox, Scout rarely chewed on our belongings or furniture. Saving us money in damaged goods.
4. Toys on average cost less than I was spending at the big box pet stores.

So about how much does a box cost?
If you decide to go with a 12 month plan you will get the best deal. The 12 month plan is about $21 month, which is way less than I was spending on trips for toys and treats to the store.

Thinking about trying BarkBox? You can GET YOUR FIRST BOX FREE by clicking here.

If you decided to try it out and get your free box, Scout will get one too and be pawfully grateful.

Comment below with any questions if there is something I haven’t covered or let me know what you think about your BarkBox subscription when you get it!

Disclaimer: This post is not endorsed by BarkBox. Opinions are my own. We will receive a free BarkBox if you use the link and sign up but no other compensation has or will be provided at this time.

What to Wear Wednesday: Labor Day Edition

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Does the “don’t wear white after labor day” rule still exist?  We don’t think so… and this makes a fab outfit for any spring through fall evening out on the town.  Those in the southern hemisphere can enjoy this year round.  Those in the north, frankly, are a little jealous of that.

Jewelry pieces shown here can be found at my boutique at iheartshinyobjects.com

Hope this outfit idea inspires you to have a glamorous holiday weekend!

labor day outfits

Need a compact kitchen scale ? Consider the Ozeri Touch II

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Need a compact kitchen scale?   Here’s why you might want to consider the Ozeri Touch II 18 lbs. Digital Kitchen Scale, with Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection.

Post disclosure… I am posting this as part of a promotional campaign for Ozeri Touch II and will be receiving a scale to review.

Industry exclusive scale features Microban antimicrobial product protection that helps prevent the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria.
Boasts 2 touch sensitive buttons, 4 high precision GFX sensors, a large Blue LCD screen, and a capacity range of 0.05 oz to 18 lbs or 1 g to 8000 g.
Award-winning thin design is infused with Microban antimicrobial technology to provide an added level of protection that won’t ever wear away.
Precision Tare button subtracts the container weight for the net ingredient weight; easy Unit button instantly converts between lb/oz, g, fl.oz., ml.
Includes 2 Lithium batteries and an easy-access battery compartment (no screwdriver needed).

So if you are in need of a compact kitchen scale…Click Here for More Information

 

This post was sponsored by Ozeri.  I will update this post with a review when I have the opportunity to use the Ozeri kitchen scale and provide you with more information.

How to Save 50% on an Amazon Prime Membership

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Want to know how to save 50% on an Amazon Prime Membership?

Then you’ll need to go to college.  No, really.

[Post Disclosure: Contains Affiliate Links]

If you are currently going to college, then you are about to be the envy of all Amazon Prime members.  As a college student, you can save 50% on an Amazon Prime membership.  This means that you get free shipping on all the essentials, which is especially great when you don’t have a car or the time to go to the store. Here’s more on how to save 50% on an Amazon Prime Membership.

In addition to the free shipping, you can stream thousands of TV shows and movies, get exclusive college deals and all the goodies that come along with an Amazon Prime Membership.


Right now, new members receive a 6-month free trial and get 50% on an Amazon Prime Membership after the trial.  Click here to get full details and to sign-up for a free trial.

Is Amazon Prime right for you?

If you hate dealing with shipping costs and but can’t always make it to a store or want to drag kids in the store with you, an Amazon Prime membership can be a great option.

In the last year Amazon has upped its game by making many items 1 day shipping!  The con is that if you still need it same day – A LOT – then prime might not be the best option for you.

Another great alternative is Target’s Drive Up option, which allows you to place your order and pick it up at Target without getting out of your car.  There is no additional cost to that so if an annual fee if something you are trying to avoid I would highly suggest checking it out.  Wal-Mart has something similar as well and of course those are both aimed at competing with Amazon for both speed and convenience.  … oh the times we live in!

Along with free shipping you also get access to prime video which has probably my favorite current binge watching… The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel… ahH… dreams of stand-up…

Free Shipping.  We should probably talk about free shipping for a minute.  Sometimes that free shipping isn’t really free.  It often depends on the Amazon seller.  They may up the price to make up what is lost on the “free shipping” or simply mark it up because they know people really, really don’t want to go to the store sometimes.

The Hybrid Method…  We use both prime and target drive up…because sometimes believe it or not you can’t find what you are looking for at target or we can’t even make it to do a drive up order.  I like them both for different reasons.

Try both and see what you like.  If you are in college, then lucky you… You can click here to save 50% !  If you aren’t in college or a Prime Member and haven’t seen The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel… then click here to sign up and get a free 30 day trial then start bingeing!

Read More:  How to Save Money When Planning a Birthday Party

What to Wear Wednesday: Peacock Plumes

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What to Wear Wednesday: Peacock Plumes

Here is this week’s inspiration led by these amazing Peacock Plumes Earrings from Chloe and Isabel.  Comfortable, flowy and perfect for summer evenings out.  Please let me know what you think about it!
What to Wear Peacock Plumes

 

Dance Marvel elastic dress
nordstromrack.com

Peacock Plumes Hoop Earrings
chloeandisabel.com

 

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Really Exists (And Here’s How You Can Find It)

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You can ride a trolley through Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood !

You can ride a trolley through Daniel Tiger's NeighborhoodIf you kids love Daniel Tiger and all of the lovable character’s in his neighborhood, then they will flip when they visit the REAL Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, complete with trolley, located in Southwestern, Pennsylvania at Idlewild and Soakzone Amusement Park.

We started going to Idlewild just before my son turned 2 and it is such a good experience every time we go.  When we originally started going it was still modeled after Mr. Roger’s land of Make-Believe, however, after PBS launched Daniel Tiger (based on the characters created by Mr. Rogers) the park did a much needed update to the ride both for aesthetics, functionality and make the story more relate-able to younger viewers.

Bonus fact:  When the ride was originally built in the late 80’s if I remember correctly, Mr. Rogers, who was originally from Latrobe, PA, actually had a hand in the development, design and creation of the first ride, so rather then let it continue to age and eventually replace it with something completely different, I am really glad they decided to make the updates and keep it going for future generations.

In order to visit Daniel Tiger’s neighborhood, you must first hop on the trolley, these are the real deal wooden trolleys.  Trolly then takes you through the tunnel of make-believe to the castle where Prince Wednesday invites you along with his family to a Hug and Song party and asked you to please invite all of the other friends in the neighborhood to join.  As you go through the ride you get to meet O the Owl, Katerina Kittycat and Miss Elaina and of course Daniel Tiger’s family.

The entire ride takes about 6-7 minutes and the wait time can be much longer since this is a popular ride with limited space and is longer than most rides.

Tip:  At the very beginning and end of the day the lines will be there shortest.

The Daniel Tiger’s neighborhood ride isn’t where it ends though!

Multiple times a day you can get the chance to see Daniel and Katerina perform in a cute sing along show and get to meet them afterwards for hugs and pictures.

Get there about 15 minutes before the show starts to get a good seat. The stage is in a casual open air setting so you can see that show easily even if you don’t get a seat, but you may end up holding the little ones so they can see.

 

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

 

 

 

Life Solution: The Freeloader Child Carrier

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Has you child outgrown the baby carrier ? The Freeloader Child Carrier helps you carry kids up to 80 lbs.

We are all about solutions and with summer and fall hiking, travel and exploring in full swing, I am excited to share with you this solution that many of you may have been looking for, especially if you love outdoor activities or travel often.

 

freeloader child carrier

We all had the baby carriers, but what happens when then outgrow them?

The Freeloader is the First Child Carrier Built Specifically for Toddlers!

The Freeloader is compact, lightweight and portable and creates a better experience for parents who love spending time with their kids.

the freeloader carrier

Here are just a couple ideas of where you can use this product:

  • Airport
  • Zoo
  • Outdoor Trails/Hiking
  • Festivals

When not in use, the Freeloader’s integrated aluminum seat folds up neatly to the size of a daypack. The Freeloader is a perfect fit for parents that want a lighter carrier that will accomadate toddlers and young children.

Safety is also an important point and the Freeload features a  5-point safety harness that is specially designed to fasten securely and safely out-of-reach of your child.

toddler child carrierThe secret to the Freeloader is the ergonomic shoulder and waist straps which evenly distribute your child’s weight to your hips and core. The contoured shoulder straps are adjustable and also provide extra padding for comfort,

Are you as excited as I am about this life solution?

If you are, you can learn more at http://www.myfreeloader.com/ and find Freeloader on facebook at Facebook.com/myfreeloader

Save 10% on your Freeloader order!
Save 10% off your Freeloader Child Carrier when you enter the code “freeloaderfun”

 

 

What is LEGOfest?

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What is LEGOFest ?

For the past two years we have had the opportunity to attend LEGOfest.

If you are the parent of a LEGO Superfan like my son is… then you need to know about this event.

The first thing you need to know is that tickets for this event WILL SELL OUT.  Dates are usually announced far in advance and you can also buy tickets in advance.  If you want until the week of the event you probably are going to be out of luck.

At the event you can expect:

  • FREE small LEGO kits given out for completing challenges
  • Lots of LEGO building
  • Different LEGO themed areas such as LEGO City, LEGO Friends, LEGO Duplo, NexoKnights and Ninjago to name a few.
  • LEGO Masterbuild Pieces on display in characters like Darth Vadar and Superman
  • They also have mono-color building challenges and a giant display of LEGO art created by those who attend the event.

 

Psst..When you go… Don’t forget to sign up for the LEGO Club and you can get a free bi-monthly LEGO magazine !

There is more than enough to do during your session time at LEGOfest, in fact, when we go, we are usually one of the last to leave because we haven’t got to all of the fun!

Here are some of my favorite pictures of the event that will give you an idea of what to expect and what you might like to do when you go.  Have fun and make sure to buy those tickets for your chosen session time early!

cimg4394 cimg4400 cimg4412 cimg4413 cimg4424 cimg4425 cimg4428 img_7574 img_7582 img_7584 T

Why Northeast Ohio is a Great Place to Live + Giveaway

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Northeast Ohio is a great place to live and here’s why.  Plus, read on to learn about how you can win a $25 gift card to one of my favorite places.

Photo Credit: City of Cuyahoga Falls

Learn more about the best realtors in Cleveland .

 

Cleveland.  The rust belt.

But do you know what’s happening in the rest belt?  We are shaking off the rust and rising up.  1 NBA Championship, a World Series run and business is returning to the Main Streets of Northeast Ohio.  Local businesses are giving the big box stores a run for their money.  Communities are rising up.  While downtown Cleveland is small in comparison to other big cities, there is an influx of downtown living and what was once a 9-5 city is now becoming a full community where people, live, work and play.

Northeast Ohio is made up of many communities, each with their own charm.

My community is Cuyahoga Falls, which was born as one of the many communities of the Akron tire industry and Cleveland steel industry in the early to middle 20th century.

The houses in Cuyahoga Falls vary between homes that are 100 years old to newly built.  But it all blends beautifully.

Cuyahoga Falls, like Cleveland, is experiencing a rebirth.  Main street in now in the process of being restored.  There is a new shopping district and movie theater.  All streets are in the process of being repaved.  There are community parks abound and numberous community events throughtout the year, like Food Truck Rally’s, Concerts, Octoberfests, Irishfests, Farmer’s Markets and more.   It’s what helps make this community a community.

burntwoodtaverngiveaway

When we first bought our house we planned to be here for 5 years then move to the “next bigger house”.  Instead I love the community that I am raising my kids in so much, we have been here for 12 and don’t plan to go anywhere anytime soon.  We can walk to the parks, restaurants, even the grocery store.  We are only 20 minutes from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and within 15 minutes of several Metroparks.

One of my favorite places to hang out in the Burntwood Tavern which is set right along the Cuyahoga River and has some of the best Moscow Mules you have ever had, (they also have a few other locations in Northeast Ohio.)  One lucky reader will get a $25 gift certificate to the Burntwood Taven! Click the Rafflecopter box below and tell me your favorite place to eat in Northeast Ohio in the comments below to enter.  1 winner will be chosen at random at the close of the contest.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Disclaimer: This giveaway is a partnership with Nakturnal

 

 

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Coffee Mugs for Moms

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Coffee Mugs for Moms

It’s Monday and the coffee is in full force as we begin a new work week.

To kick of off the week we have created this list of coffee mugs for moms to fit every parenting style.

Which one fits your parenting style?  Let us know in the comments below.

[Post disclosure: contains affiliate links]

 

  • The Type-A Mom.

 

  • The Free Speech Mom.

 

  •  The Coffee First Mom.

 

  • The Go-With-The-Flow-Mom

 

  • The Forgetful Mom