New The Lone Ranger Trailer out on iTunes

May 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The Lone Ranger

The Lone RangerA hero and a smart witted Native American, who knew that this would be a mix for an amazing film? I saw the trailer for The Lone Ranger  when I was going to see Iron Man 3 for the second time. Both hubby and I turned to each other and said “WE HAVE TO SEE THIS?” I mean there isn’t a movie with Johnny Depp in it that isn’t great! (Well, I am sure you can find a few, but this won’t be one of them!)

There is a new trailer out on iTunes for The Lone Ranger. As if I wasn’t excited enough, now I REALLY can’t wait until this movie comes out July 3rd

 

To get the latest scoop on The Lone Ranger, make sure to stalk Crunchy Frugalista of course, but also follow the Lone Ranger social media channels too:

 

THE LONE RANGER rides into theaters on July 3rd!

Why are you excited to see The Lone Ranger?

Filed Under: Disney, Entertainment Tagged With: ,

Shop at Dollar General and Save Cash on Your Fur Babies

May 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dollar General. All opinions are 100% mine.

Mr. Crunchy and I LOVE our fur babies. We constantly joke that they are our "children." We love them to pieces, but man can they break the bank sometimes. You wouldn't think that a 5 pound dachsund could eat as much as he does.

photo 53e79a18-6a8e-44eb-8fd6-28e07b3b7a72_zps66beca54.jpg

Since taking a couponing break for a while, I have decided to get back to basics and shop more frugally again. One of the places that I have always loved shipping was Dollar General. They have great name brands that I can use my coupons and my Dollar General coupons on.

Did you know that there are even MARS® Petcare products at Dollar General? We grab our Pedigree dog food there when we are in a pinch. It's a great way to save money.

Right now Dollar General has a great promtion when you buy $10 worth of Pedigree or Temptaions you get a coupon good for a free book! Plus, when you redeem your coupon for the free book Dollar General will donate a $1 to Dollar General Literacy Foundation to support Dollar General's literacy inititatives.

How is this a bad deal? You save money on your fur babies. You score a free book, AND you get to help literacy campaigns to help those that struggle with reading. It sounds like a win/win situation all the way around to me.

What are you waiting for? Take advantage of htis promo, and then you can thank me later ;) . I won't mind.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Kid Friendly Food Donation Bags with Odwalla

May 21, 2013 By 4 Comments
odwalla champion for kids

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias®, Odwalla, and Champions for Kids #cbias #SocialFabric #Odwalla4Kids

Since moving to a new area, we have been on the look out for ways that we can continue our efforts to give back to the community. My kids love donating to the local food pantries because the food pantries in Indiana helped us out so much when we were in need. We figured that making a food donation was the way to go.

Now that we are in Minneapolis, my kids wanted to make some kid friendly donation bags so that hungry kids not only got some food but something neat to play with too. They came up with the idea to make a snack bag, and to also add a few neat little toys and stickers to make another child’s day. Our project was a part of the Champions for Kids & Odwalla Hunger in the Summer simple service project. Now that school is out, so many kids have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.  Hopefully our donations will help ease that worry a little bit.

odwalla champion for kids

As a mom, I wanted to make sure that the kids received something healthy to eat. The food pantries really helped us, but we mainly received candy and junk food when we went to the pick up line. To make sure what we donated was yummy and healthy the kids and I headed to our local Walmart store.

Near the produce I found one of our favorite snacks, Odwalla bars. They are great tasting and chock full of nutrients. (The kids don’t even realize they are good for them which makes this mom happy). Love the names like “Choc-a-walla!” With a fun name like that it’s healthy food in a fun disguise!

odwalla champion for kids

After grabbing our part for the donation, the kids decided they wanted to take it up a notch. We don’t know a lot of people in the area, so my kids decided to go door to door to collect canned goods and other food items to make the donation as well. We didn’t get too much, but I was really proud of the kids for making the effort to get out in the neighborhood to help those in need!

After we got all of our stuff boxed up, we decided to head to Groveland Food shelf with our goodies. When trying to find some place to donate it was nice to see just how many food pantries the Minneapolis area has. It can get really cold here in the winter time, and it’s even more important that people have something to eat to survive the harsh winters.

odwalla champion for kids

If you want to help in the local area, make sure to check out the Groveland Food Shelf website to learn how to donate.

 To learn more about Odwalla and Champion for kids follow them on their social media networks:

odwalla champion for kids
To check out our shopping trip, make sure to checkout our Odwalla/Champion for Kids Google + Album too!

What would you put in your food donation bags? Does your family donate regularly?

 

Filed Under: Giving Back Tagged With: , ,

Home Decor Tips to Style to Your Home When You Are Renting

May 20, 2013 By 2 Comments
Home Decor Tips

FTC DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT Crunchy Frugalista aims to provide unbiased editorials. However, I wish to disclose that from time to time I may receive free products or other compensation from companies for blogger reviews.

The things that makes a house a home is how you decorate it. These home decor tips are going to show you how I keep my home stylish yet practical while renting (plus raising my three kids!) Even though we are renting right now, doesn’t mean that we can’t make it feel like a cozy place to live. It just means the changes that we make can’t involve paint or more permanent changes!

The additional challenge is when you have kids in the home. Even though my kids are older, they can still wreak havoc on my house. Table cloths, tables, floors yep they all require CONSTANT cleaning because we all know kids are messy! Who has time for that? So these tips are a way to fit into a busy moms schedule as well. Practical yet beautiful!

Home Decor Tip

Home Decor Tips to Style Your Home!

Make personal pieces: Find some crafts that you love, and then learn how to make them knockouts! To of my favorite crafts I have ever made I feature in my home. One is my “LOVE” word art piece. It’s a super simple craft piece that I made using scrapbook card stock paper and a frame I got at Goodwill. It’s a great piece but cost me less than a few dollars!

My other favorite is the my “make your own chalkboard“! It’s made from an old cabinet door I bought from my local Habitat from Humanity Restore. Each season I change the message which adds a personal touch to the home.

Home Decor Tips

 Buy a few unique anchor pieces: Buy a few anchor pieces that you could accent your home with, and keep out of the general traffic of children. I have fallen in love with old windows and doors. Right now I have an old window that I sit in the corner of my living room. In my last home, I made it a mantle piece with a wreath over the top (which I changed seasonally). It’s unique and can be decorated for the seasons or your mood to bring a pop of color into the home.

Home Decor Tips

Celebrate pops of color:  Grab a bright throw pillow and/or blanket. Find an amazing piece of ceramic or glass to bring a pop of color to your living room. These are non-permanent changes that can make a great difference. Plus, most of these are easily washed or out of the way of children to prevent extra hassle in your decor theme.

Adorn your walls with some amazing photos: Photography happens to be one of my new hobbies. When I need a new decoration for my wall, I head out into nature and grab some great shots. Check out this one of the Minehaha Falls. I am going to make a larger print and grab a frame from Goodwill. Spend $2-$3 for an amazing piece that will start conversations with your house guests.

Minehaha FallsUse Command Strips to hang your pictures: (Thanks Denise and Ashley) If you don’t want to poke holes in your walls, grab some Command Strips! Amazon always has some really great deals on them. They are strong and they don’t harm the walls. We use them right now for my son’s Hot Wheels car sets that go on the wall.

 

With these few tips, you can make your house a home. We all know that it’s hard to be stylish and be a mom. Life is so hectic, but anytime you think your life is crazy make sure to think about Pretty Wicked Moms (a new series on Lifetime premiering June 4th at 10pm ET!) to see how crazy life can be. Check out the trailer and you are sure to feel better about the “chaos” in your house! These moms are full of drama and sass, but still keep it stylish!

What are some of your favorite home decor tips for renters?

Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured Post, Frugal Tips Tagged With: , ,

Parmesan Rosemary Mashed Potatoes: Our Family Favorite

May 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment
rosemary mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are one of my family’s favorite comfort foods. It’s a really inexpensive way to make a great side dish, and we can easily make two separate batches to accomodate the food allergies that we have in the house!

 

rosemary mashed potatoes

These parmesan rosemary mashed potatoes are super easy to make, and they are chock full of flavor. (Though Mr. Crunchy still doctors them up. I swear that boy is going to turn into garlic as much as he eats)

To make this recipe allergy friendly, replace the parmesan with Vegan shaker parmesan and rice milk instead of the half and half and regular milk. We usually pull some from the boiled potatoes, make my daughter’s dairy free mashed potatoes, and then make the rest for the rest of the family. That way we can all enjoy the same meal together.

Print
Parmesan Rosemary Mashed Potatoes

Parmesan Rosemary Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

  • 10 medium potatoes (cut into quarters with skins on)
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (finely chopped)+ one fulk stalk of rosemary
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup half and half
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large stock pot, boil water, garlic, and rosemary stalks and potatoes until potatoes are tender with a fork (approximately 10 minutes)
  2. Remove potatoes and garlic from the pot, and place in a stand mixing bowl.
  3. Mix on low to start smashing the potatoes.
  4. Add the milk and half and half (add more if necessary to make creamy consistency)
  5. Add parmesan cheese, rosemary, and additional garlic if you desire.
  6. Continue to blend until the consistency you like ( we like a chunkier mashed potatoes)
  7. Serve warm.

These mashed potatoes are great for Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas or just a regular family night dinner. My kids beg us to make them so often I think Mr. Crunchy and come up with new variations all the time just so we don’t have to eat the same recipe 7 nights a week.

What is your favorite way to make mashed potatoes?

 

If you liked this recipe, make sure to check out more great Crunchy Frugalista recipes on our Recipe Pinterest board!

 

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: ,

Tips to Soothe Eczema in Children

May 19, 2013 By 1 Comment
baylagood

Disclosure: I am totally not a medical doctor, but I have been helping my daughter for 10 years that has severe eczema. Always consult a doctor first. (PS Post contains affiliate links)

So, they told you your child has eczema. Sometimes people thinks it’s no big deal, others are a little scare what that mean. One thing for sure for your child it means itchy, uncomfortable skin! Eczema in children is like  having a mild case of poison ivy on your skin 24/7. Yep, that is the world of eczema!

My daughter, Bayla, was diagnosed with eczema at a very young age. If I remember right, it was about six months old. Pretty much since birth, she had splotches and scaly patches on her skin. In our daughter’s case, we noticed that when I would eat certain things (I was nursing her at the time) her skin would get red and flared. It took me a YEAR fighting with doctors for them to finally agree to test her. Her test results concluded she had a LOT of allergies as well. (Which tends to be true with kids with eczema)

When we were going through all this with our daughter, there wasn’t a whole lot of resources about eczema in children let alone what to do about it. That’s why I am gracing you with my knowledge. If you are reading this post for some help, maybe you might just find some answers that make your child more comfortable.

All of these tips are tried and true by my family. You might find that these are amazing helpers to soothe your child, or you might find somethings work better. (Which we would love for you to share by the way)

Ezcema in Children

Tip to Soothe Eczema In Children

Disclosure: Yep, still not a doctor. Consult a doctor before taking my advice

1. Get your child tested for allergies: If you haven’t already, ask to get your child checked for allergies. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 37% of children with eczema also have food allergies.

2. Avoid hot water: When your child showers or bathes, avoid using hot warm. Hot water dries the skin out, and that is the last thing anyone with eczema needs. Make sure to bathe in warm water.

3. Moisturize: The best time to moisturize is within three minutes of bathing. That helps lock the water in the skin. We use thick moisturizers, like Vanicream, to do this when my daughter’s eczema is only slightly flared.

4. Stay free and clear: Most kids with eczema can’t handle a lot of perfumes in their lives. So stay free and clear and use sensitive skin laundry detergent. Some of our favorites is All Free and Clear, Dreft, and Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent.

5. 100% cotton is the way to go: As far as sleep wear, 100% cotton pajamas is the way to go. Most pajamas have a flame retardant chemical added to them which can irritate kids with eczema. My favorite place to grab our 100% cotton pajamas is Amazon. They always have some really great designs and deals! Just look at these pairs. Aren’t they cute?

Cotton Pajamas

6. Beware of heat: When it’s really hot out, it can be a bit much for little ones. It makes them super itchy. So if you can keep them inside when their skin is flared. If you have to be out and about pack a ziploc baggie with moistened wash cloths in there. It will help keep their skin cooler when you are out in the heat.

 

What is your experience with eczema in children?

 

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: ,

Home After The Mayo Clinic: Miracles Made

May 17, 2013 By 8 Comments
baylagood

As you guys know last weekend, my daughter had an unexpected visit to the Mayo Clinic inpatient hospital. It really wasn’t something that we were expecting, but after two years of fighting what we were told was psoriasis we are so glad that we decided to admit her.

The last 2 years have been filled with pain, worry, and regret, but that all doesn’t matter now. She entered the hospital virtually covered head to toe in what we now know was eczema. Bayla has had eczema almost her entire life, and it was something until the last two years had been really well controlled. Then like a switch it wasn’t anymore.

Mayo Clinic

We probably won’t ever know why her eczema went psycho, but what we have now is a great number of tools in our arsenal to keep this from happening again. Normally my daughter would fight and scream to put her creams on. She always hated to feel “goopy” and was just sick and tired of being sick and tired. She never had any relief at all.

During our hospital stay, they had to wrap her skin in wet dressings soaked in vinegar and then wrap that in dry dressings (kinda looked like cloth diapers). They changed these dressings every three hours (including during the middle of the night). She was NOT a happy camper about the dressings, but what we noticed is each wrapping change her skin look remarkably better. It was like the Mayo Clinic had waived their magical eczema wand because what they were doing was almost like magic.

For two years other doctors couldn’t get her skin under control. We had tried pills, shots, and even a medicine they give to transplant patients. Nothing had worked. So it was really miraculous in less than three days in the hospital under the Mayo clinics care my daughter has gorgeous, baby smooth clear skin! I mean her skin is 100% clear!

Bayla has been enjoying her new found skin. She finds herself going to scratch her skin because she is used to having to scratch, but this time when she starts she realizes that her skin isn’t itchy.

Today she put on her favorite black Hello Kitty ninja t-shirt and said “Look Mommy! I can wear my favorite black shirt with no skin flakes!” Until recently, she always had skin flakes all over her skin because her skin was constantly flaking and sloughing off.

She’s waking up earlier in the morning and well rested. She’s even taking ownership in her medicine which always used to be a fight. Now we have a great morning routine where we get up together, eat breakfast, and get her in the tub. We plan to stay on top of her skin so this won’t happen again. Plus, I know she is enjoying the Mommy time!

We wanted to thank everyone that sent their prayers and thoughts, because our prayers were truly answered. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. For all of you out there that have kids with eczema and/or food allergies hang in there. Times can get really rough, but every now and then you can find a blessing or two.

My experience with my daughter has really inspired me to write more to help families like ours. On Crunchy Frugalista, I will be sharing more about food allergies, eczema, and allergy friendly recipes that are great for both. Stay tuned!

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: , ,

5 Tips to Making Nursing Your Baby Easier

May 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment
DSC_0918

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Comfort and Harmony for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

My "baby" is now ten years old, but I have some really amazing memories of when I nursed her. I tried to nurse my eldest daughter, but it only lasted about 3 months due to some health problems she had. When I had my second daughter I was bound and determined to make nursing her successful.

I thought I would make a list of ten tips to help you make your nursing experience as positive as possible, because tips like these can be the difference between nursing successfully and not.

Mombo Nursing Pillow

1. Have a great nursing pillow: This is a MUST! A pillow like the Mombo Comfort nursing pillow is your best friend. I had a chance to check one out before I am mailing it to my sister, and it's SO much better than the ones I had when my kids were younger.

This pillow is amazing. It is so simple to put around your waist, and has a great height to it. It's got a more structured side so it won't start to collapse or your baby roll toward you too much. I know my sister is going to love it for her newborn.

It is so easy to use, the pattern is just absolutely adorable, and it's really a great top notch product!

2. Have support: Look into great groups like La Leche League to have support when you have questions about breastfeeding.

3. Have a plan: Know what your breastfeeding goal is! This will help you through the tough times. When you feel like giving up, remember you have a goal for you and your baby.

4. Have pride: Know that breastfeeding is what you want for your child, and DON'T be afraid to take care of yoru child. If you need to feed your child in public do it how YOU are comfortable, not how it makes others comfortable. 

5. Have backup: If you have to make changes to your plan, be flexible just remember that breastmilk is best but if you have to pump and give it in a bottle that is just as good! Don't judge yourself.

Follow these five steps to breastfeed your child, and you are sure to have a positive experience!

Make sure to learn more about the Mombo line of products. You should follow Comfort & Harmony on Facebook and Comfort & Harmony on Twitter!

You can find momboTM products at Babies R Us as well!

Visit Sponsor's Site

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Ways to Avoid Stress During Party Planning Season + GREAT Giveaway!

May 16, 2013 By 2 Comments
aura cacia

Disclosure: I did receive free products from Aura Cacia to facilitate this review, but the wit and genius are 100% my own.

Party planning season is right around the corner. It’s time for weddings, graduations, and of course summer parties! Parties can be a great way to spend time with your family and friends, but if you are the one doing all the planning it can be really stressful. Honestly for me that’s why Mr. Crunchy and I usually keep our parties pretty small and intimate.

aura cacia

When I get really stressed out, like gonna pull my hair out stressed out, I pull a few tools from my stress relief tool box. One of those tools is my essential oil collection from Aura Cacia. I say collection because I have been using their essential oils for years. A friend of mine back in California was an herbologist and got me started using essential oils to improve my life.

Since I tend to be a bit of a stress bucket, I try to keep things in the house that are soothing. When I am in my office working or planning my next party, I get out my favorite Aura Cacia blend to relax me a bit. (Trust me it works) One of my favorite things to do for stress relief are these tips:

  • Add 3 drops of ylang ylang to sweet almond oil to create a natural perfume.
  • Place 1-2 drops of ylang ylang on pillow at night for sweet dreaming.
  • Add 7-10 drops of ylang ylang to tub for a relaxing, sensual bath experience.
  • Combine 2 drops ylang ylang and 4 drops bergamot per ounce of water for an uplifting mood mister.aura cacia

Aura Cacia has added some pretty awesomesauce new products to their line throughout the year. One of my favorites is the new aromatherapy room diffuser. They have these great reusable pads that you can put drops of your favorite essential oil on and let them waft through your room. Mine is in my office. It’s a great blend of lavendar and ylang ylang to calm my stress ball butt down.

To learn more about Aura Cacia, make sure to check out their website and their social media channels

 

Now for the really exciting part! You can get to win your very own Aura Cacia “Choose Calm” kit! This great kit includes:

  • Ylang Ylang III Essential Oil
  • Euphoric Ylang Ylang Massage Oil
  • Sensual Cinnamon & Ylang Ylang Foam Bath
  • Euphoric Ylang Ylang Mineral Bath
  • Aromatherapy Room Diffuser

 

Filed Under: Featured Post, Life Tagged With: ,

10 Tips to Build Up Emergency Savings

May 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment
emergency savings

Information for this post is sourced from Genworth Financial in partnership with the SheHeard Influencer Network

Emergency savings is one of the most important things that you can have to protect your family. You know it’s that little nest egg that you “break the glass” in case of emergency, and NO buying an awesome pair of shoes is not an emergency.

Sadly most American families are still living paycheck to paycheck so when emergencies strike they have to take a hit on their credit and/or rack up their credit cards to get through the tough times. It’s can seem like it’s impossible to save money.

If your family is anything like mine just as you start saving money an emergency hits to deplete the account. Mr. Crunchy and I are just getting to the point when we can actually keep some money in savings. Since we have become successful at saving money, I thought I would share some tips with you! These are easy ways to build up emergency savings and manage your money. For us we have to make it easy or we won’t do it. (Fess up, you know you are the same way ;) )

emergency savings

10 Tips to Build Up Emergency Savings.

  1. Calculate How Much Emergency Savings You Need: Use a great savings calculator like this one from Genworth Financial. It will tell you how much you need to have an adequate emergency savings fun for your family.
  2.  Make it Automatic: If you can send your paycheck to more than one bank account, automatically send a portion to your savings account. If you can’t set up an automatic transfer between your checking and savings accounts.
  3. Limit Your Access: If you have a debit card for your savings account, don’t carry it with you. Some may not agree with me on this, but most emergencies you can pay after the fact or have time to go home and get your card. If you must carry the card, put it in a place in your wallet that you don’t remember it’s there. The less you see the card, the less likely you are to use it.
  4. Set Savings Goals: Challenge yourself. Set both a long term and short term goal on how you want to build up your savings. Having a goal will help you be encouraged to save.
  5. Have a plan: One of my favorite quotes is “A goal without a plan is just a dream.” Goals are awesome, but make sure you map out a plan how you are going to get to your goal.
  6. Make your goal manageable: When setting goals, don’t shoot for something so astronomical that there is no way your budget can support it. On the other hand don’t make it so small you will never build up any savings, that doesn’t help either.
  7. Bump it up: Once your savings is automatic, you won’t even miss the money. Every six months bump up the amount you are sending to your savings account. You will be amazed how fast the money adds up, and that you don’t even miss it.
  8. Shop interest rates: Once you have a decent balance, can even be as little as $500, shop around to see if there are CDs or savings accounts that are offering great interest rates. Make your money work for you.
  9. Reward yourself when you reach your goals: Do something nice for yourself when you reach your goals. Don’t go overboard, but get a mani/pedi, go out to dinner. Celebrate your accomplishment.
  10. Rinse and repeat: Once you meet your first short term goal, use these tips to keep saving above and beyond! It will be so reassuring to see that if your family has an emergency you will be covered!
Filed Under: Frugal Tips Tagged With: , ,

Composting In Small Spaces: An Urban Gardening Tip

May 15, 2013 By 5 Comments
composting

For the past few years, I have been dabbling with the idea of composting. We have also thought a lot about homesteading. You know, getting back to basics. Days when all food was made from scratch, and you knew exactly where your food was coming from. Food is more wholesome this way, and it also minimizes your carbon footprint since most of your food is grown and/or local. It doesn’t have to travel thousands of miles to get to you, so there is no depletion of nutrients.

composting

When I begin conquests like this, I tend to bite off a bit more than I can chew. It’s what I am and what I do, but this time I promised to do some research and get things done properly. Off to the library I went, to get an arsenal of books to quench my thirst for knowledge. I wanted to be Suzy Q homesteader even though my yard isn’t the best place for crops. (That’s why I need the urban gardening books.)

I read book after book about how to raise your own chickens, pick which vegetables and fruits to grow. Even how to grow fruits and vegetables right from the ones that you have on your table. (I am a growing my own pineapple right now )

With knowledge in hand, I am ready to take on spring! Grabbing my overalls and proverbial pitch fork, I am ready to become one with the Earth and open my own homestead. Wait, there’s a problem I live in the middle of a city.

Let the Composting Begin

Nevertheless, I am not going to let my city dweller status stop me! I have decided my first homesteading adventure is going to be setting up my own compost pile. This is actually going to be really simple to do. To make your own outdoor compost bin, you don’t need any fancy contraption all you need is a large outdoor plastic trash can with a lid.

If you want to take on the challenge too check out how to make your own compost bin. To get your compost started, make sure to drill holes about 12 inches from the bottom and drill all the way around. Once you have down that put it in an area that it won’t get knocked over. If you are going to be placing it on the ground, drill holes in the bottom to welcome worms to come in and help make vermicompost. It decomposes things faster, plus its some of the best compost you can have!

Now you are ready to start composting. Put table scraps in your compost, make sure to leave out anything with dairy or meat in it. Once you start using your compost, you want to make sure to have an even mixture of brown and green byproducts. Green would be things like table scraps, and brown would be yard waste like leaves and twigs. It’s really important to layer your compost evenly between the two for it to  properly compost down.

Ready to Start Your Own?

It will take probably about a full year for your compost to be ready, but it helps reduce the amount of garbage goes to the landfill dramatically. Plus, when your compost is ready you will have some of the best plant fertilizer and you won’t have to spend a penny for it!

Now go ahead, and get started. Now is the perfect time to get your plans together on how to start your own compost piles and make your gardens look fabulous!

 

Filed Under: Featured Post Tagged With:

The Perfect End to a Meal ~ Dessert Suggestions With Private Selection

May 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Private Selection for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Private Selection

Food is an honored family tradition. It's something that we cook together, we enjoy together, and we create together. All of my family spends time in the kitchen which makes it even more fun when it's time to enjoy eating  it!

Our favorite thing to do lately is to use food and cooking as a way to teach our homeschool lessons. Kids get to learn chemistry, math, and critical thinking skills. Since we have to alter a lot of recipes due to food allergies, my kids get to make and create their own recipes. My daughter, Bayla, just loves seeing what she can create that has foods she can eat in it.

Our latest recipe has been vegan chocolate chip cookies. Most people think you have to be "vegan" to eat them, but you don't. They are just made egg-free, dairy-free so my daughter, and other kids like her can eat them. They are actually really delicious. We used bananas instead of eggs, and her favorite dairy free chocolate chips. When we are asked to bring dessert to family gatherings, we grab great goodies like these cookies!

Private Selection has the same passion that my family does for food! Private Selection is a private brand available at the Kroger Family of stores! 

Right now you can grab a Private Selection Upside Down Cakes coupon, which is perfect for their Upside Down cakes! These cakes are premium quality without the premium prices. They offer three distinct flavors, and taste like homemade!

To learn more about Private Selection, make sure to like Private Selection Upside Down Cakes on Facebook  and grab some inspiration on the Private Selection Upside Down Cakes on Pinterest!

You can find the Private Selection Updise Down Cakes using this great store locator at http://www.privateselection.com/store-locator

Fine Print: Coupon ends 6/2/13. Official Rules. In order to load these coupons to your card, you will need to sign into your Kroger account or set up a Kroger account and enter your card number. Limit one use per digital coupon. Digital offers are not eligible on Manager's Specials, cannot be combined with manufacturer paper coupons on the purchase of a single item, and do not double. Not all items are available in all stores. A limit of 150 coupons can be loaded per household at one time.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Blogging Can Be a Pain in the ………

May 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of American Osteopathic Association for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

One thing that a lot of people don't realize about blogging is that full time bloggers spend a full time work week sitting at the computer. Personally I can easily work 40-60 hours a week between writing, social media, and creating content.

I LOVE what I do, but what I don't love is the pain in the butt (well back actually) that I get after sitting at a computer all day long. The more intense and focused I get on my work (some would say obsessed) the more I feel the aches in my back. (Mr. Crunchy likes to tell me it's because I am getting older, whateva)

You guys know I have found ways to do yoga for free, and now I found some other goodies to help too. Check out the Break Through Your Pain videos! These great videos below share some really awesome stretching tips to help keep you feeling great while working those LONG hours at the computer.

These tips are all really easy and quick to do. I try to set a timer and do them every two hours or so just to get my body moving. It's reall helped with the chronic pain I have had in my back and shoulders.

Make sure to check out the video, and then take a second to share this post in the share bar to the left so any friends and family that have chronic pain from working too much can check it out too. Trust me they will thank you!

Visit Sponsor's Site

Filed Under: Uncategorized

El Capitan Theatre: History, Mystery and Ghosts? #ironman3event

May 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment
El Capitan

The El Capitan Theatre has a history that is heavily entrenched in Hollywood mystique. It’s a relic located on Hollywood Boulevard that has the seen the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Rita Hayworth. When I was in Los Angeles, for the Iron Man 3 premiere we had a chance to tour El Capitan Theatre behind the scenes and check out the new Disney’s Soda Fountain located right next door. Tales of history, mystery, and ghosts? Yep, that’s what El Capitan Theatre is all about.

El Capitan

El Capitan theater was built in 1926. For the first 15 years of its history, the theater only showed stage shows. Over 150 stage shows were shown during these first 15 years, until silent films came into play. Silent films were shown for many years with the musical stylings of the famous El Capitan Wurlitzer pipe organ, which Disney reintroduced with the 1998 restoration.

Ed, General Manager of the theater, gave us some great insight into the history to the museum, and a little bit about it’s first, 1989, restoration. Disney purchased the theater and wanted to restore it to it’s future glory. This included restoring some of the amazing architecture. Some of the designs had fallen and the crew had to make casts from the originals that were left. They used these casts to bring the theater back to life, and bring it back to life they did!

The inside of the theater is absolutely breath taking with it’s high arched, gold enlayed ceilings and it’s beautiful Werlitzer pipe organ. We had the privilege to listen to the pipe organ during the Iron Man 3 premiere. The stage is still graced with four curtains like in the old Hollywood days when the amount of curtains used to signify the “class” of the theater.

Now the El Capitan is home to all the great Disney movies as only Disney films are played in this theater. Most recently it saw the premiere of Iron Man 3, and will also host the premiere of Monster University coming up June 17th.

El Capitan is also home to some friendly resident ghosts! Even though we didn’t see a friendly spector ourselves, we did have a chance to speak to an employee that shared they encountered an El Capitan ghost when during her rounds down in the employee corridors. So, El Capitan is even a great travel spot for ghost hunters too!

el capitan

Disney Soda Fountain

After watching a movie at the El Capitan, make sure to stop by the Disney Soda Fountain! It’s quickly becoming a fixture on Hollywood Boulevard as well. It’s located directly next door to the theater, and can actually be reached from inside the theater.

The soda fountain is a throw back to the old 1950s soda fountains including a genuine fountain. You can get your favorite floats, malts, and other yummy treats while shopping around for some great Disney gear!

During our visit, I grabbed some Soda Fountain exclusive Disney pins for my kids. They collect the pins sold at each one of the Disney venues, and each venue has it’s own exclusive pin to collect. I also picked up some great Oz nail polish for myself. (Momma deserves a treat too, right?)

The walls are covered in autographed photos of stars that come to grab a bite, or drink, after Hollywood Premieres at the El Capitan. It was really neat to take a look around see some of our favorite stars enjoying the Soda Fountain.

Both are Must See Stops When Visiting Los Angeles

If you are traveling to LA, I really recommend seeing a movie at the historical El Capitan theater and then heading over to the Soda Fountain to grab some yummy treats. It makes for a great date night or family night out!

Go See the Movies at El Capitan Theatre

IRON MAN 3 is currently playing at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA until June 20th in Disney Digital 3D and Real D 3D

   See a Display of Collectibles & Comic Books from the Private Collection of Stan Lee!

For tickets call 1 (800) DISNEY6 or visit www.elcapitantickets.com

   Coming this summer at the El Capitan Theatre:

  • June 21st – August 8th: MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (Plus, see Mike & Sulley in the MU Pep Rally with the Sprit Squad Live on Stage!)
  • August 9th – September 19th: Disney’s PLANES
Filed Under: Travel

Our First Trip to the Mayo Clinic

May 11, 2013 By 19 Comments
Mayo Clinic Waiting Room

Since Bayla has been fighting with psoriasis for two years, we decided it was time to get the help of  some of the best doctors in the country. Watching my daughter struggle with psoriasis for two years has been one of the hardest things. She was in constant pain and chronically uncomfortable. It was no fun for her at all, and she often didn’t get the chance to be a kid anymore.

Friday we went down to Rochester, Minnesota to see what the Mayo Clinic was all about. Our first stop that day was at the pediatric allergy and asthma clinic. You don’t say this very often about doctor’s office, but it was THE most beautiful waiting room that I have ever seen. The walls were decorated with animals and lights. The center poles in the waiting room were trees that had animals playing peek a boo from their tall trunks.  There was even a touch screen television where children could select which educational video they wanted to watch. My daughter spent her time in the waiting room learning about snakes, turtles, and the grand ole Mississippi River.

Mayo Clinic Waiting Room

They also have Nook Colors available for the children to use while visiting this department, and a lovely lady gave my daughter a book from a book cart. Bayla’s eyes lit up when she learned that she got to keep the book! (I love the fact Bayla chose a book written in Spanish to work on her Spanish lessons. So we will be reading about “Barcos” later this weekend)

After our visit to pediatric allergy, and some tests, we were off to dermatology. This is where our trip to the Mayo Clinic took a bit of a turn. We knew Bayla’s skin was bad, that’s why we had come to the Mayo Clinic, but we weren’t prepared for what they wanted to do about our daughter’s skin. It took us a bit by surprise.

Mayo Clinic

There was a HUGE gap between our two appointments, but we decided to check into dermatology a bit early. Luckily for us, they were able to see us an hour early. The staff was amazing. It was so comforting how thorough they were and how well they listened to our concerns.

Beyond their patient manner and attention to detail, I was impressed that they actually took photos of my daughter’s skin. This was so we could physically see the difference between what she looked liked when she came to Mayo, and how she’s going to look after her treatments. Any parent, that has a child with eczema, can tell you after a while, it’s really hard to tell how much better or worse your child’s skin is. If they are uncomfortable, you tend to forget if it’s actually better because all you want for them is clear skin that isn’t uncomfortable.

After we were done with all of the questions and pictures, both of the dermatologists came in to talk about our “options”. Her father and I just figured that they would be recommending more creams or maybe some other therapies to try. We were kind of hit with two whoppers instead. Number one, they didn’t agree that my daughter had psoriasis, but thought this was just her eczema on hyperdrive, and number two they wanted to admit our daughter to the hospital.

Mayo Clinic

The last whammy filled me with hope and fear at the same time. Who had ever heard of getting hospitalized for eczema? Isn’t that just something that you cover a kid in goop and they get better? Well, I guess they thought we had fought the good battle long enough and wanted to throw everything at my daughter’s condition. When we heard the news, we agreed it was our next step, but it instantly made my daughter start to cry.

There is such a hard part about parenting. When you know your decision is best for your child, but they aren’t quite sure they agree with you on that. It’s scary, it’s unchartered watered for them, and sometimes that is just a bit overwhelming for any kid to handle. Bayla is one of the strongest little kids I have ever met. It’s not just because she is my daughter, but because no matter how crappy she feels or how cranky she gets she never gives up. She doesn’t think she is strong, but I know a lot of other kids that would’ve packed up their toys and gone home a LONG time ago.

Mayo Clinic

So here we sit at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester watching Arthur Christmas (in the middle of May) while my daughter is wrapped head to toe in goop, wet gauze wraps, socks, and support hose. She is looking quite mummy like, and hating every minute of it, but you know what? Each time they change her dressings her skin gets a little bit clearer and clearer, and my heart gets a little bit lighter.

Just over the last two days, I have seen my daughter finally look and act like herself again. (I mean what kid thinks it’s awesome to eat bacon with no hands (see pic above)) She’s starting to smile a little bit more and joke a little bit more. Hopefully within a day or two more we can go home, and she can go back to being that smart ass pain in the butt 10 year old that I know and love her to be.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: , , ,

It’s All Good: Brownies That Could Recipe and In The Kitchen With Gwyneth Paltrow #ironman3event

May 10, 2013 By 2 Comments
Brownie Recipes

Disclosure:  I did receive a free copy of It’s All Good to facilitate this review, but all the opinions and quick wit are my own!

During the last week of April, I had the opportunity to interview Gwyneth Paltrow. She shared lots about her latest film Iron Man 3, but also spoke with us about her latest cookbook “It’s All Good.” It was a great chance to learn first hand why Gwyneth is so passionate about her latest project, and the story behind why she felt she needed to write another cookbook.

Brownie Recipes

 

“It’s All Good” is deeply rooted in her connection between father and her. She has many fond memories of their time in the kitchen together. After a health scare a few years ago, she realized that the crap she was eating was literally killing her. She found herself burnt out and ill after not taking care of herself. Rather than brushing it off, Gwyneth decided to dig deep into her foodie roots and come up with some fresh, clean recipes that would get her back to an even keel.

The thing that I love about Gwyneth’s book is that it is easily labelled. My daughter has food allergies, and I really need to be able to know what is in each recipe. There is also a lot of variety in her recipes. You can make anything from Thai chicken burgers t0 dark chocolate almond coconut bark.

its all good

I love this book because it’s chock full of so many recipes that are great for those with food allergies! My daughter and I had a chance to make the Brownies that Could recipe. My daughter has milk, egg, and soy allergies, so we can’t use regular cake or brownie mixes. We always have to make something special for her birthday.

It was a great opportunity to spend some time in the kitchen together. As homeschoolers, we use cooking as a way to teach math and critical thinking skills. Even Gwyneth acknowledges the kitchen is a fantastic place to  bond and help kids learn.

The kitchen is an amazing place to interact and teach kids. ~Gwyneth Paltrow

teaching kids in the kitchen
Her love of the kitchen stems from early memories of her father. Gwyneth shared, “[her father] was the one taught [her] cook, and [they] learned together and [their] connection to food was  such a part of [their] relationship.” It’s a tradition that she has chosen to continue with her children as well.

We had so much fun making the brownies, and my daughter was stoked she could lick the batter because there were no eggs in it. Once they were done and out of the oven, I could barely keep her from trying to eat them right away.

 

kid eating brownies

Once they were cooled, I think she ate them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She literally gobbled the WHOLE pan! PLUS, it didn’t hurt her stomach (a symptom she suffers from when she eats something she is allergic to). The brownies delighted her so much that she told me that since Gwyneth Paltrow and I were “friends” now, that I had to call her and tell her thank you, thank you, thank you for the brownie recipe!

its all good cookbook

If you want to give these yummy brownies a whirl, here is the recipe from Gwyneth Paltrow’s “It’s All Good!”

Print
Brownies That Could Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white spelt flour
  • 1 c high-quality baking powder
  • pinch of sea salt
  • 1 1/2 T baking powder
  • 1/2 C vegetable oil
  • 1 c maple syrup
  • 1/2 c brown rice syrup
  • 1/2 c strong brewed coffee
  • 1/2 cup soy or rice milk
  • 1 T pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
  2. Grease a 9X11 in baking dish
  3. In a large bowl combine all dry ingredients
  4. In a separate bowl mix all of the wet ingredients, (use the coffee to dilute the brown rice syrup)
  5. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ones (don't beat too much or your brownies will be tough)
  6. Pour batter into pan.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a little bit of chocolate on it.
  8. Let brownies cool before cutting and serving.

To check out more of her recipes, make sure to grab It’s All Good. It’s currently available on Amazon for $17.39 (Reg. $32) Prices May change

What are some of your favorite memories of family time in the kitchen?

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Recipes, Reviews

10 Quick Ways to Spruce Up an Outfit

May 9, 2013 By 2 Comments
Cents of Style

Disclosure: This Post Contains Affiliate Links

You guys know that the last few weeks I have worked on putting myself first. Well, this week I am happy to report that I have made it a full week with getting up, actually showering before noon, getting dressed (no yoga pants DON’T count), and even throwing on some eyeliner a time or two.

I feel SO much better now that I have been doing this. It’s amazing that the small things make you feel better. It also got me thinking. What other small ways can you spruce up yourself. Nope, it’s not always the outside that makes you feel better that is true, but for right now I am sharing tips that put an extra little spring in your step.

Feel Fab Friday

 

Last week, we talked about 7 tips to make you feel better about yourself. This week, I wanted to share 10 quick ways to spruce up your outfit. I am a complete low maintenance kind of girl, but I LOVE finding something fun to wear or do to myself that is just “me.” You know, that fun accessory or quirk that just makes you feel great! Also you guys know I am SO not about to break the bank to look great, so of course all of these tips are going to be frugal as well!

10 Quick Ways to Spruce Up an Outfit

1. Stacking Bracelets: Grab some funky bracelets and mix it up! Mix glam with casual. Just whatever YOU like. It’s about finding your taste, not mine or what some fashion magazine says to like. Personally, I love these stackable bracelets (yep, totally hooked on their stuff now)

Cents of Style

Look how bright and colorful that is! Love it. Plus, because it’s Feel Fabulous Friday you can get 5 bracelets for only $15.99 shipped. (They are regularly $60!) Make sure to look around, they have tons of great bracelets. Just enter coupon code STACKED at checkout.

2. Add a Funky Purse: I love cruising Goodwill. That is probably why “Thrift Shop” by Maclemore is one of my songs at the moment! Get creative think outside of the box. Plus, if you score it at the thrift shop, you know it won’t break the bank.

3. Find new outfits in your own closet: Have you been wearing the same thing day in and day out? Come on admit it, we have ALL done it. Well, head to your own closet and mix and match until you find a cute new outfit. It’s like going shopping without spending the dough.

4. Earrings, Dahling: I am an accessory junky. I love the ones that look fab with my jeans and tshirts or I can dress up for something a little bit more fancy. Plus, it’s an inexpensive way to add a little bling!

5. Layers: In Minnesota, it’s all about the layers. You can create tons of different outfits just by changing your layers. I am a sucker for my zip up hoodie sweaters. Yeah, total dork I know ;)

Charming Charlie Ring

6. Funky Ring Baby: I have fallen in love with those obscenely large rings, but my requirement is they HAVE to be comfortable. Charming Charlie’s has a great selection of inexpensive rings that are stretchy on the back and mold to your finger. That’s what I wore to the Iron Man 3 premiere. It was awesome.

7. Funky flats are your friend: I love shoes that you can wear with multiple outfits (see the trend here). My Lindsay Phillips ballet flats are a new favorite. They sell these awesome clips that you can mix and match to create different looks. The shoes are a bit pricey at $60, but they are worth every penny. They are one of the most comfy ever! If you are going to spend a little money I would spend it here.

8. Nails are the way to go: No, I am not talking full blown nail art. Just find a funky nail shade you like and paint your nails and/or your toes. Remember, I am a simple gal. (Well that and I have crazy unsteady hands!)

9. Dare to be different: I am all about unique style. No, I am not talking about People of Walmart kind of style, but spruce up your outfit by exploring things YOU like! If you like stripes with polka dots, wear it! Who cares what anyone else thinks :)

10. Wear Something From the Heart: Wear something you made or has sentimental value to you. One of my favorite things to wear is a cool broach that my grandfather gave me for Christmas last year. It’s a little funky, and totally not something I would normally wear but it reminds me of him every time I wear it!

 

What’s YOUR favorite ways to spruce up an outfit?

 

Want to read more great articles like this one? Make sure to check out all the Feel Fab Friday posts here at Crunchy Frugalista

Filed Under: Fashion, Featured Post Tagged With: , ,

Cruising Fun with Motorworks and Manhattan Toys

May 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
boy car toys

Disclosure: I did receive free Motorworks Toys to facilitate this review, but all opinions and amazingly funny jokes are 100% mine (post may contain affiliate links)

Boys are ROUGH on toys. Ever since my son came into my life, I have realized this. He is awesome, imaginative, and tons of fun, but I definitely have to find toys that will outlast the wear and tear he puts on them. I can’t tell you how many times we have bought him toys just to have them break within an hour. (You can totally relate, right?)

motorworks toys

Even though he is older, he still loves playing with cars. He builds these cool ramps and courses all over my house. If there is ANY cardboard around he tries to take off of with it to his room to build only god knows what!

Recently he had a chance to get his hands on two Motorworks cars from Manhattan Toys, and he is having a ball! We got them about a month ago, and no joke he plays with them every day.

I really like these toys. The cars themselves are made out of wood, which pretty means they can outlast the apocolypse. The plastic parts that attach to the car are easy to remove and change, but are sturdy when in the cars. They don’t fly off everywhere and get lost!

We tried out the Extreme Monster Truck and the dragster. Brenden also got a chance to customize his cars with the monster wheels accessories. (That boy is ALL about Monster trucks) Check out how he customized his dragster!

motorworks

Nowadays it’s really hard to find toys that are well made and have some educational benefit. These toys are a great way to encourage the imagination of your kids. In our house, we use them as part of our homeschool classwork. My son has built so many different ramps that we have had the opportunity to talk about physics, drag, and construction. He can’t get enough! (Plus I Love the fact he doesn’t realize he’s learning ;) )

boy car toys

Each Motorworks vehicle features:

  • European Beech wood bodies with realistic styling.
  • Convertible chassis designed for adding vehicle accessories that simply snap-on to customize your vehicle.
  • Interchangeable cabs, wheels and rims for even more customization!
  • Smooth, fast rolling wheels.
The line of Motorworks Cars include:

Motorworks STX Patriot Dragster 1.0

Motorworks FSX Monster Truck 1.0

Motorworks FSS Flareside Truck 1.0

Motorworks EXS Ground Effects Roadster 1.0

Plus, many more models you can find on the Motorworks website!
You can also find Motorworks by Manahatten Toys on Amazon! Prices start from $13.99 for vehicles and $6.99 for the accessory kits. (Amazon prices may change)

boy car toys

What do you think your kids would like most about Motorworks by Manhattan Toys?

Filed Under: Reviews, Toys, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Blacking Out on Mother’s Day

May 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
MetLife Social Media Blackout

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for MetLife. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

 

No, this isn’t some tail of debauchery and too much Mother’s Day punch. It’s a tale about how I, Ashley aka Crunchy, am going to black out my social media on Mother’s Day. Yup, I am going to unplug for ONE WHOLE DAY!

MetLife Social Media Blackout

According to Mr. Crunchy, I might just need straight jacket this Sunday or you could possibly find me in a corner rocking myself, but I really have faith that I can do it. I mean I am a business woman so I have to be on social media all the time (hubby says I am addicted). This weekend I am going to prove whom wrong.

Working from home I admit it’s REALLY hard to unplug. I am new to the area and don’t have many friends, and yes all of my friends live in this tiny little box, but that’s ok. Well, to treat myself for Mother’s Day I am going to go 24 hours without touching a computer. I am even going a step further and giving hubby my cell phone, YIKES!

white flowers

See spring has arrived in Minnesota. We are going to check it out for Mother’s Day

This weekend it’s supposed to be nice, so we are going to venture out and find some nice canoeing spots if we can. That’s one of the reasons that we moved to the land of 10,000 lakes. Other than that not sure what we are going to do. I know the kids have something up their sleeves because they have asked me about a bajillion times when Mother’s Day is.  (I guess that’s sweet that the teenagers still care)

Heck, my kids are going to black out with me. If they aren’t plugged into their Nintendo DS screens, they are on the computer or watching television. Darn it, it’s my day! They have to pay attention to me right?

In honor of #SocialBlackout courtesy of Metlife, I am going to put up this cute Snoopy Logo as my Crunchy Frugalista profile photo! Feel free to join in on the fun. That way you spend more time with your family and enjoy yourself this Mother’s Day! Do you think you can do it?

Learn more about the Metlife Social Media Black Out by visiting their Facebook page :)  

So who’s going to join me during this great Mother’s Day Social Media Black Out?

Filed Under: Tech

Fun Free Printable Disney Planes Activity Sheets

May 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment
disney planes

With all of the hot summer movies coming out, you are going to want to grab these free printable Disney Planes activity sheets. They are a great way to have fun with your family, and get stoked about the new Disney/Pixar film Planes!

Download Coloring & Connect the Dots

My kids already have their Monsters University activity sheets printed. They had a lot of fun making their own MU Ids. I know they are gonna love to print these. They were hug fans of Cars and Cars 2.

Make sure you stay on top of everything coming up with Disney’s Planes!

disney planes

 

 

Disney’s PLANES releases in theaters everywhere on August 9th!

Filed Under: Entertainment, Printables Tagged With: , , ,

New Monsters University Activity Sheets!

May 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Monsters University Activity Sheets

Monsters University Activity SheetsIt’s almost time for enrollment in Monsters University. Get your kids excited with these new Monsters University Activity Sheets! They can make their own MU IDs, or even play pin the MU logo on Archie the Scare pig (the rival school’s mascot!)

My kids love printing these out even though they are tweens. Heck, I will admit to have done a Disney activity sheet or two myself. Just click the pictures below, and it will take you to a printable version of these great Disney activity sheets.

Monsters University Activity Sheets

Stay on top of all things Monsters University by following them on their social media channels!

 

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY releases in theaters on June 21st!

If you went to Monsters University, what would your scary nickname be?

 

Filed Under: Disney, Printables Tagged With: , , ,

Making Memories This Mother’s Day with Best Buy

May 8, 2013 By 9 Comments
camera phone

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free (camera was purchased 100% by Crunchy)

With May here, there are tons of holidays right around the corner that you want to capture on camera. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations, and wedding season is practically here. You guys know that I LOVE my camera phone, and I practically need an intervention when it comes to Instagram, but when it comes to wanting to save those memories my handy dandy camera phone just won’t do.

camera phone

I have been jonesing for a DSLR pretty much since I began blogging, not just for my business, but also to make my photos better of my children. They are getting older now, and won’t be at home too much longer. I wanted to take photos that would last!

Don’t get me wrong DSLRs can be really expensive, but it’s one of those investment purchases that are worth EVERY penny! Just look at the difference. This first photo was taken with my camera phone a few years ago, and the second one was taken a few weeks ago with my DSLR Nikon D5100.

dslr cameras

See how the colors are so much crisper and you can see the finer details in the DSLR photo? I LOVE it! I spent about 30 minutes in that flower garden alone shooting my kids and the flowers! (I can’t compare the first and second two much or I am going to cry because my babies are growing up WAY too fast!)

While you don’t have to go overboard like I did with a DSLR camera, you should head to Best Buy. They have some really hot deals right now to help you find the perfect camera. Camera phones are great and all, but they don’t always provide the best when you want to print the photos. They can be really pixelated and grainy.

Plus, Best Buy offers the lowest price guarantee. If you find the camera you love somewhere else for a lower price, they will honor that price. On top of that, they offer free shipping on all of their cameras. (You know free is one of my favorite four letter words)

Have a camera you need to get rid of? You can trade that camera in for a Best Buy gift card, and use it towards the purchase of your new camera. I was really stoked about this feature. I had a ton of point and shoot cameras I needed to trade up.

The Best Buy camera selection is pretty rocking, and you are sure to find what you need. They even had really neat digital photo frames so you can display your awesome photos! Mr. Crunchy and I got one when we got married a few years back, and it’s still one of our favorite wedding gifts. (You can even save 25% off select digital photo frames with this Best Buy coupon!)

What’s your favorite memory from this time of year? Do you guys take lots of photos?

Filed Under: Tech Tagged With: , , , ,

Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum: Mingle With the Stars #ironman3event

May 8, 2013 By 1 Comment
Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum

Disclosure: I did receive an all expenses paid trip courtesy of Disney/Marvel, but all opinions are 100%. Crunchy’s opinions have no price, and the sarcasm is free

 

Madame Tussaud’s Wax Musuem is one of the ultimate tourist destinations when you visit Hollywood, California. It’s right up there with seeing the Hollywood sign and walking the stars on Hollywood Boulevard (which you can do all in one day btw!) We had a chance to visit the museum during our Iron Man 3 premiere trip to Hollywood, and it was a completely blast! I wasn’t quite sure what I would think about the museum, actually I thought it might be a bit boring. (I mean a wax figure is a figure right?) Well, I am happy to report that I was really wrong. Madame Tussaud’s Wax museum is actually an amazing place to visit!

Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum

The first thing I realized about the museum was that the it is completely interactive. You are ENCOURAGED to touch the figures. Normally when you go to a museum they threaten to beat you if you even think about touching anything. Madame Tussaud’s is completely hands on (and coats, hats, and other props on too!).

The museum itself covers three floors right on Hollywood Boulevard, which makes it a perfect place to stop during your trip to California. You could easily spend part of the day at the museum, and then have lunch and do some local shopping. The Chinese Theater and El Capitan theater are all right in the vicinity.

madame tussaud wax

One thing you will realize about the museum when you go is how life like the figures are. The whole time I was visiting, I was waiting for something to jump out and grab me. (Probably didn’t help that they had a Psycho/Alfred Hitchock figure at the museum). Some of the figures were definitely better than others, but over all they were so amazingly similar to the actual photos of the celebrities.

iron man wax fig

When visiting the museum, I highly encourage enjoying the props and taking LOTS of photos. It makes the museum so much more fun. I just introduced my kids to the movie Grease, so I took this photo for them. Yep, that’s Crunchy joining the Pink Ladies! Though I think I needed to join the Pink Plus Size Ladies because I had to grease myself outta that jacket. (Did you get that pun, get it? Grease? haha)

john travolta wax figure

Several of the sections also have audio interactions too. When you step in to shake your thang with Justin Timberlake, he cries you a river, or you could head over to visit Hannibel and listen to him slurp on about his Kianti and Fava Beans. I was totally freaked out by that one, so I didn’t get close to him!

If you are planning a trip to the Hollywood/Los Angeles area, I definitely recommend making a stop at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum.  I mean what other way can you get this close to celebrities without a body guard showing you the curb?

madame tussaud

Learn more about Madame Tussaud’s on their website and social media channels:

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: , ,

How $5,000 Could Change My Daughter’s Life

May 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Huggies®. All opinions are 100% mine.

Remember when your kids were first born, and you had all these big dreams of who they will be or what their life will become? Heck, you probably still have lots of dreams for them even as they are growing.

Right now Huggies is having the Huggies® Little Hands, Big Plans Essay Contest. Where you can share your dreams, and how $5,000 will help those dreams come true.

photo HuggiesEssayContestCopydoc_zpsec743ae6.jpg

In our house, my dream would be letting my child be a kid again. She's suffered most of her life from ezcema and/or psoriasis and can't do a lot of things other kids can because she doesn't feel well.

We would use this $5,000 to treat her to a vacation to let her be a kid. One of the places she has always wanted to go is Alaska, and I know she would love to head on a cruise and see the beautiful land. It would give her a chance to forget about her conditions and enjoy herself.

You too can enter the Huggies® Little Hands, Big Plans Essay Contest. There are 2 winners per submission period. These periods run.

  • Sub-Period 1: 4/23-5/30
  • Sub-Period 2: 6/1-6/30
  • Sub-Period 3: 7/1-7/31
  • Sub-Period 4: 8/1-8/30
  • Sub Period 5: 9/1-9/30

Each winner will receive a $5,000 check to make their dreams come true! So enter away and hopefully you are one of the 10 lucky winners.

Visit Sponsor's Site

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Watching the Pain of Childhood Psoriasis: Our Journey To Mayo Clinic

May 7, 2013 By 8 Comments
Watching the Pain of Childhood Psoriasis: Our Journey To Mayo Clinic

I have shared tidbits off and on about my youngest daughter, Bayla. Some of you know a little bit of history about her struggle with severe psoriasis and allergies. They’re so bad that we joke the poor child needs her own bubble, but in all seriousness watching your child be chronically ill and in constant pain is probably one of the most heartbreaking things about being her mother. Childhood psoriasis is no laughing matter, and it kills me that she has it.

Watching the Pain of Childhood Psoriasis: Our Journey To Mayo Clinic

My pregnancy with Bayla was a pretty normal pregnancy, other than my affinity for Mountain Dew and York Peppermint patties together, she was born on her due date at a healthy weight of 9 pounds. Every thing seemed perfect.

I don’t quite remember when the issues started, but it must’ve been around 6-10 months old. Bayla started to develop really bad eczema. It was the kind that no matter what we seemed to do on our own it never went away. Poor thing was ALWAYS itchy.

Most Terrifying Experience of My Life

We never had any problems with her spitting up too much or anything that would’ve told us she had food allergies, but something just told me in my gut that something else was driving her eczema. After fighting her eczema for almost a full year, Bayla had her first asthma attack at 18 months old. For those of you that don’t have kids with asthma, it’s like watching your child drown in air, but being too young to tell you what is wrong. It was one of the most terrifying experiences in my life.

 

Childhood Psoriasis

After the asthma attack, I wasn’t taking no as an answer from her doctor’s anymore. If I got paid for everytime I was told that it was impossible for Bayla to have allergies, I would be a very rich woman. They would tell me “oh she is only breastfed, it can’t be allergies” or “kids this young don’t get allergies”. Well, at 18 months old we found out that Bayla was allergic to peanuts, soy, dairy, strawberries, grass, trees, cats, mold, and dust mites and most of them were severe allergies.

At last we thought we had our answer. We would just avoid these foods, and keep her indoors a little bit more, then she would be ok. We got her to an allergist, whom put her on the proper medications and all would be fine. Well, for several years Bayla was fine. Her asthma was virtually gone, and her eczema was under control until about 2 years ago.

Childhood Psoriasis

Problems Surface Again

Halloween 2011, Bayla had face paint on her face for the holiday. It was something we had used on her before, and she had had no reaction. This time something was different, when we removed the makeup she had a red rash all over her face. That initial rash went away, but there was a new permanent rash on her chin that wouldn’t go away.

We went back to the allergist, that thought it was just a spot of eczema, but even after six months of treatment he couldn’t get it to calm down. Defeated, he referred us to a dermatologist, and that’s when the “fun” started.

A New Diagnosis

The dermatologist was the absolute nicest doctor, and great with kids. Bayla, whom has grown to hate doctors, even liked him and his silly antics. When we were done with our first appointment, we had a new diagnosis to add to the list. Bayla had childhood psoriasis.

Most of you have heard of psoriasis, but I am not just talking a little spot on your elbows or an itchy scalp. I am talking head to toe covered in hives and scaly patches, psoriasis.

The dermatologist saw us off and on for several months, and each time we would get a little better and then get a little worse. It got to the point that Bayla was having to have shots in her stomach once a week to try and calm down her skin. Can you imagine having to hold your child down so you can give her a shot, just to have her blood curdling screams heard next door? I couldn’t make it each week without crying, and just holding my baby and rocking with her until she felt better.

My daughter’s life is filled with kids that make fun of her, adults that ask her “what’s wrong with your face,” painful medication treatments, little to no sleep, and feeling left out all the time. We do our best as her parents, but it’s near impossible to not feel like you are failing her as she is pain all the time.

Childhood Psoriasis

Our Journey to Mayo Clinic Begins

Part of the reason we moved up here, is to take Bayla to the Mayo Clinic. It’s one of the top hospital networks in the country, and I pray that they figure out what is going on. Something in my mommy gut is telling me there is something wrong with my daughter that they haven’t put the pieces together yet. One thing I have learned from raising my kids is that when my gut is screaming at my unfortunately I am usually right.

This Friday is our appointment, and it’s probably going to be a day filled with more pain and tests for my daughter, but I sincerely hope this is a step in the right direction for her. If the Mayo Clinic can’t help her, I am afraid that we won’t be able to find anyone that can.

So if you are blessed with healthy children, hug them a little tighter tonight, and NEVER take that for granted. You might not have the most money in the world, or the house you want to have but at least you have your children’s health, and money can’t buy that.

To learn more about childhood psoriasis, and learn about kids like Bayla, please check out the National Psoriasis Foundation :)  https://www.psoriasis.org/

Does your child or a family member struggle with childhood psoriasis?

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