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

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?

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5 Great Free Android Apps for Moms!

January 30, 2013 By 6 Comments
free android apps

free android apps

I recently got an Android based phone, and first off I have to say it’s a great switch from the iPhone operating system. One thing I can say is “holy free android apps for moms batman!” I have only had it a few days, and I am in love with all the great apps. Anything and everything you need to have on your phone to enjoy life and my life a little less chaotic is in this list.

Crunchy’s Favorite Top 5 FREE Android Apps for Busy Moms!

1. Pandora: I live and swear by Pandora. If my kids see me with my headphones on, they know it’s Mommy’s Pandora time and she is NOT to be disturbed. Rocking out to Pandora can turn any mom’s mood around, so this one is definite must have for moms.

cosi

2. Cosi: Cosi is an awesome application that helps you schedule anything and everything for the entire family. You can plan meals, write shopping lists, and even schedule appointments. My favorite part of this application is that you can send email reminders to your whole family about their appointments. Plus the calendar is color coded for each family member!

3. My Fitness Pal: Whether you are trying to lose weight or just trying to stay healthy, this app has everything you need. My Fitness Pal not only helps you record your calories and your exercise, but it allows you to root on your friends to keep them encouraged too. My favorite feature is being able to scan the bar codes of food and easily add it to your daily tracker!

4. Food Planner: This one is fabulous for any mom that needs help meal planning. This app has a meal planner, recipe section, and even inventory to help you keep track of what you already have in the house. No more freezer burnt meats or veggies for your family.

Kindle App for Android

5. Kindle: Any mom that has ever been stuck in a doctor’s office for what seems to be hours knows that a girl needs her books. You get all of the great books that the Kindle offers right on your phone. Plus, Amazon has TONS of free Kindle books daily so make sure to check out the free books too!

Do you know one that belongs in this list? What is your favorite FREE Android App for moms?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Far Cry 3: You’ve Been Waiting, and Now It’s Here!

January 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Far Cry 3

There have been some really HOT video games to come out the last couple of months! In the last few months, we saw the release of Assassin’s Creed 3, and now with the release of Far Cry 3 you can expect even more hot game play!

Mr. Crunchy was able to get a copy of Assassin’s Creed 3, and he wouldn’t put that game down. Since he loved it so much, I thought what better way to surprise him than with the latest installation of the Far Cry series!
Far Cry 3

Lucky for me #FarCryGold is actually the Amazon Gold Box Deal of the day, so I am going to be able to score Far Cry 3 on Amazon for only $34.99 (Reg. $59.99). That is a HOT price for new video games.

Far Cry 3 features an arsenal of weapons during game mode, and it also has single and multi player features. It is centered on an island with vast terrain and white sandy beaches that are sure to challenge anyone from the beginner all the way up to the expert game player.

You fight your way through temples, beaches, vast jungle, while seeing the riveting cast of characters unfold before you. It will really make you ponder what moral line is to be crossed in order to survive on this treacherous yet beautiful locale.

If you are ready to play the game, make sure to snag your copy of Far Car 3 TODAY for $34.99 on Amazon, or you can retweet the message at the end of this post for a chance to win 1 of 5 copies of Far Cry 3 courtesy of Ubisoft; the amazing game maker that brought you Assassins Creed, Far Cry, and World in Conflict! Good luck!

Far Cry 3 is rated M for Mature.

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Get your kids rocking with Just Dance Disney Party!

December 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Just Dance Disney

Just Dance Disney

 

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. #UbiChamps

One thing that I always seem to get asked as a homeschool mom is “how do your kids have gym class?” Ummmm, didn’t know that being active required a “class.” For the Crunchy kids, it’s all about getting their booties moving any way I can. Since I have been laid up most of this year, and can’t really be active with them, I have had to get a little bit creative.

My kids are all BIG Disney Channel freaks. They are always nagging to watch the TV  downstairs because it has all of their favorite Disney shows on demand. If I would let them, they would take over my TV permanently. (So, NOT going to happen by the way). That’s why I decided to kill two birds with one stone!

Just Dance Disney

The Just Dance video game series from Ubisoft just came out with a Disney version. It’s called Just Dance Disney Party. We grabbed the version for our Wii console, which conveniently is UPSTAIRS. (See how my master plan is starting to unfold) This game not only keeps my kids OFF my TV, but it gets them to dance their tooshies off too!

GET YOUR KIDS ACTIVE

When they first started playing, I thought I was going to smack them for singing Disney songs all day long but have since decided it’s a fair exchange to get my kids active. I am not having to beg them to go outside and play or get their butts off the couch. Instead they are begging me to play Just Dance Disney Party. It’s a great thing when I trick them into thinking that this was all “their” idea. See how I am sneaky like that?!?

Just Dance Disney Party is a great mix of classic Disney songs, and some of the new songs feature on hit shows like Camp Rock, Wizards of Waverly Place, and Good Luck, Charlie. If I wasn’t still in a boot, I think I would probably be up their dancing and singing with the Crunchy kids too!

HOT DEAL ON JUST DANCE DISNEY PARTY

Here’s the cool part, right now on Amazon you can grab this game for only $9.99 (Reg. $29.99). There is still time to grab it for the holidays too! Here’s how to grab this deal.

1. Sign up for your free Amazon Mom membership (or be an Amazon prime member)

2. Grab the Just Dance Disney party game (on Wii or Xbox360)

3. Add it to your cart and use Amazon coupon code DANCEMOM at checkout to save $10 off! (offer expires 12/31/12)

The offer says Amazon Mom, but I was able to get it to work as an Amazon Prime member. Here’s the fine print:

Just Dance Disney and Just Dance 4 on all platforms are $10 off from 12/10-12/31 for all Amazon Mom Members. Simply use the Promotion Code: DANCEMOM at checkout while logged in to your Amazon Mom account. Promotion only valid on items sold and shipped by Amazon. Promotion code only valid once per customer.

4.  Then get ready to shake your groove thang!

 

 

I did receive a free copy of Just Dance Disney Party to facilitate this review as part of Ubisoft Champ program through Clever Girls Collective, but all opinions are my own

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Assassin's Creed 3 is on the top of Mr. Crunchy's Wish list (plus win one too!) #AC3Gold!

December 11, 2012 By 8 Comments
assassins creed 3


Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please visit Amazon.com to get your own copy of Assassin’s Creed 3, today’s Gold Box Deal of the Day! I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

Mr. Crunchy is quite the Playstation nut. I am blessed is not one of those husband’s that act like I don’t exist when he plays video games, but he definitely has his fair share of screen time.

assassins creed 3

Last year, we were able to test the Assassin’s Creed 2 video game, and he LOVED it! He played that thing for hours and hours! That’s why he was so excited when he heard they were coming out with Assassin’s Creed 3!

assassins creed 3

 

Assassin’s Creed 3 is a different twist on the Assassin’s line of games. This time you are in the revolutionary American era! I love this fact, because I am a sucker for American Revolutionary history. Mr. Crunchy loves the action that is in this game. He has already rented it on Redbox 3 times! (Do you think he REALLY wants to grab a copy of the game?!?)

 

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Horse Haven from Ubisoft is slightly addicting: Ok REALLY addicting!

May 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Horse Haven

About six months ago, I gave up all games on Facebook. They were all like crack to me. I would sit down and tell myself I will only play for a few minutes and find it to be hours later when I finally hopped off.  Tired of losing hours and hours of my life to these addicting games, I gave them up.

Since I had controlled my obsession, I figured I would be ok to play again. Horse Haven was a new game that just came out so figured I would give it a try. Sad to report, minutes become hours again, but hey I am having a blast!

Horse Haven

 

Horse Haven is a new Facebook game by Ubisoft. It is a really fun game that I have found to be just as addicting. (Consider yourself warned)

In this game you build a ranch, and raise your own horses. You train them to race, breed, and live their happy horsey lives out on your ranch. The game is really easy to play, and even more fun when you invite friends to join you on your adventure.

Horse Haven

 

There are so many customizable options on the game. You get to name your ranch and each of your horses. Plus, you can decorate the ranch with various flowers, gates, and even buildings.

I think the most awesome part of this game is the fact that you can mix and match different breeds of horses to try and breed a super horse. You can look at the strengths of each breed, and challenge yourself to breed an even more amazing line of horses. The stronger the breed, the more blue ribbons that come home to your ranch!

There are even a lot of mini challenges that earn you “horse bucks” bucks and experience points. They are fun to do while you are waiting for your horses to get old enough to race and breed.

In addition to the challenges, you can head over to your friends’ farms and help maintain their ranches also. The more you help, the more cash and experience points you earn.

I just started playing this game this weekend, and already have quite the nice collection of horses. Several blue ribbon winners already, if I might brag a bit. Ok, so maybe I am getting a little too attached to the game, but if you are looking for a way to pass the time while on Facebook,  Horse Haven is a great way to have a little fun!

Want to check out the game for yourself? Head over to Horse Haven to get your ranch started!

 

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own. #UbiChamps

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Score Assassin’s Creed Revelations for only $35.99!

December 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

My husband just had the opportunity to review this game, and he says it’s awesome! It’s his favorite of all the Assassin’s Creeds so far! Grab Assassin’s Creed Revelations today only on Amazon fro $35.99 shipped. It’s available on PS3 and Xbox . So make that gamers day, and grab this game at an amazing price!

My husband has played all three of the Assassin’s Creed games, and he says this one is the absolute best so far, and he is one that is hard to impress!

He really loved the story line. Unlike the previous Assassin’s Creed, this plot line is easy to follow and maintains the players’ interest where they not only want to get to the next level, but find out what happens next in the plotline.

The graphics in Assassin’s Creed Revelations are amazing! The details of even the clothing of the main character looks as though you are watching a live action film. The motion is almost lifelike and the controls are easy to figure out to move your assassin through the story plot.

My husband gives Assasssin’s Creed Revelations two thumbs up. He spent over 8 hours playing it all weekend. I haven’t seen him concentrate on something that long since the Superbowl. This game is every gamers idea of the best present you could put under the tree this holiday season!Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

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Smurf Dance Party Review

September 7, 2011 By 5 Comments


The Smurf Dance Party is a great game that  makes you want to get up and dance! It’s good for young and adult, kids or parents. It’s a really ingenious game that is fun to play for hours and hours.

Smurfs were a great part of many of our childhood’s and now we can relive those memories and shake our booties at the same time! Smurf Dance party for Wii is a great way to interact with your kids, have a great time, and dance the night away.

Smurf Dance Party for Wii uses the Wii hand held controller to score your awesome dance moves! You hold the control in your hand and follow the Smurfs’ lead. There are step by step instructions on the screen as you follow Smurfette, Papa Smurf and all the others of Smurf Village.

Even the songs are great for young and old. There are Smurftastic songs like “Who Let the Smurfs Out,” “Smurfberry,” and “Smurfberry-licious.” The game also features great titles like “I wanna Dance with Somebody,” “Just the Way you Are,” “A Year without Rain,” and even Barbara Streisand!

So get off the couch, grab your family, and your Wii remote and get moving to Smurf Dance Party! You will be glad you did!

 

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

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