I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Mom Corps YOU. I received a free trial to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Most of you that read my blog know that I am a working Mom.  I went back to work when Connor was around 8 weeks and it was seriously one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.  I cried all the way to work that morning saying to myself “What kind of mother leaves her infant baby alone???”  I continued to pump and breastfeed for 14 months.  That was a huge challenge, but over time it became a part of my everyday routine.   Finding your own routine is part of life and I struggle a lot with work and life balance.

Now that Connor is almost 4 I love seeing the little guy he’s become.  He’s very social and he LOVES going to school and seeing his friends.There are some day I WISH I could be at home with him every single day.  I honestly would love it.  But….I’m trying to provide the best future for us and our child.  I know in my heart this is my calling.  It’s different for everyone.  In the beginning there was a lot of guilt, but over time you find a normal routine for you and your family.  I look forward to picking him up every day and spending the evenings together.  No matter what choice you make your child will be just fine.  Connor is a great, well-rounded kid.  I’m so thankful for our fun spirited boy 🙂

I was asked a couple of weeks ago to try out a new site called Mom Corps YOU.  Mom Corps  is an online resource for Moms interested in finding a more flexible job, re-joining the work force or simply achieving greater work-life satisfaction, offers weekly informational sessions, industry insights, tips from recruiters, and more. With direct access to Mom Corps’ team of recruiting professionals, Mom Corps YOU offers resources in career, health and wellness, personal finance and business ownership. Mom Corps YOU’s weekly programming and frequently added content equips you with a variety of tools to help you achieve your professional and personal goals. Mom Corps believes that work-life satisfaction is best achieved when you can take ownership of several areas of your life:

• career
• finances
• health & wellness

This subscription-based community provides education, resources and tools to help you do just that!  There are several forums you can visit and ask questions and connect with other moms out there.  You can also attend informative webinars on all sorts of topics.  I enjoyed Jean Chatzky’s tips on getting organized.  Whether you are currently a full-time working mother, plan to be someday, are struggling with work/life balance, or a mom looking to get back into the workforce I’d highly recommend checking Mom Corps YOU.

Mom Corps YOU is available via an online subscription for an introductory annual price of $99.99 or $19.99 a month. #sponsored #MC

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for CVS/pharmacy MinuteClinic. I received promotional items as a thank you for participating.”

A few weeks ago when Connor was sick Terence thought he was coming down with the ickies too.  We have a busy lifestyle and it usually takes a day or two to get into our regular PCP.  The next day Terence walked into a MinuteClinic at our local CVS Pharmacy.  The MinuteClinic is a walk-in clinic located in select CVS/pharmacy stores in 28 states and DC. They are open 7 days a week with evening hours and you don’t need to make an appointment.  Terence was seen right away, it was fast and convenient and he received quality healthcare.  He even came home and told me about his entire experience and how he’d rather visit MinuteClinic again than a normal doctor’s visit because it was so convenient.  It’s also a lot cheaper than most physician visits.

The dreaded flu has hit our area pretty hard.  Thankfully you can visit any of the 7100 CVS MinuteClinics and get a flu shot.  No appointment needed.  With every flu shot you will also receive a 20% off shopping pass at CVS as well.

Benefits of visiting a MinuteClinic:

• High Quality – certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants who can diagnose, treat and write prescriptions when medically appropriate
• Affordable – most insurance plans accepted; cash, checks and credit cards also welcome
• Convenient – no appointment needed, open 7 days a week, evenings and weekends, and located inside your neighborhood CVS/pharmacy store
• Coordinated – visit summary sent to your primary care provider, with permission, or assistance finding a provider, if you don’t have one.

If you are looking forward to a healthier happier new year check out MinuteClinic for some great programs.  MinuteClinic offers a Weight Loss Program and a Smoking Cessation Program.

For more information check out the MinuteClinic Fact Sheet.

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #WalgreensRX #CollectiveBias

This time of year is crazy with the flu going around and my sinuses have been killing me lately.  We have the craziest weather in Texas.  One day it’s 30 degrees and the next day it’s 70 again.  It totally messes with your immune system.  A few weeks ago Connor got really sick and we had to get a breathing machine along with two different kinds of antibiotics.  We went back and forth to the Doctor a couple times and we made so many Pharmacy trips it was NUTS!

Thankfully I have the Walgreens App on my phone.  It helps me to manage my family’s medications and health history information.  By using  Walgreens Family Prescription Management resources I save time and can remember what my family has taken in the past.  I can keep track of what worked for us and what hasn’t.

My poor little sick guy.  Our kitchen counter was FULL of medications…..

Using the Walgreens App on my phone is really easy.  When I’m ready for a refill I just scan the bottle and it automatically sets up a refill then notifies me via text when it’s ready for pick-up.

You can also set up Automatic Prescription Refills & even keep a record of your child’s Immunization History

I probably stop by Walgreens at least once a week.  Whether it’s for cough drops or for some other meds I can always find what I’m looking for.  The weekly specials and coupons save us a lot of money too.

I have 3 regular medications I get filled each month.  The staff is super friendly and they know my name when I drive up.  I know they are looking out for me and have my best interest at heart.  That says a lot because I definitely don’t want my meds getting screwed up or something going wrong.  Even if it’s a simple question about over the counter medication they are always quick to answer my questions and give a thorough response.

And….because I thought these were TOO cute!  I love these “Java” tissues.  They have Vicks vapor rub in them too.  I’m loaded up on boxes of these for flu season.  I haven’t been hit with the flu *crossing fingers* ….but it’s always good to be prepared.  I’m thankful to have Walgreens right at my fingertips if I ever need anything.

Stay well this cold and flu season!!!

“I participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central consulting for Carter’s. I received a gift card to facilitate my shopping trip and to thank me for participating.”When it comes to shopping for my kiddo one of my FAVORITE places to shop is at Carters.  They offer something for everyone.  From dress clothes, to casual wear, and the cutest pajamas….you can find everything to style your loves in one spot!

Here Connor is wearing some pirate pajamas from Carters & a cute dress shirt the next day.
Carter’s Friends & Family Event (25% off your entire purchase) is taking place from 12/19 – 12/24, so you can get even more for your money!
Simply print this coupon out or pull it up on your phone at the cash register.

The above-mentioned coupon excludes clearance, doorbusters & Carter’s at Home. This promotion is available both in-store and online.
Carter’s a trusted name in children’s clothing, makes it easy to find cute and thoughtful gifts for little ones this holiday season. Available in sizes newborn – 7, Carter’s proves an easy, one-stop shop for adorable outfits this holiday season.

I love how Carter’s has a play area in all their stores for you child to play while you shop.  I’ve been shopping at Carters since before Connor was born and the clothes have lasted years later after we’ve passed them on to friends and family.
Love these adorable bibs! We’ve owned several pairs of Carters shoes too.  So cute! Aren’t these Santa pajamas adorable???
I came home with quite the haul.  Including a few items not seen here.  I even stocked up on a few Valentine’s items before they sell out.  I just LOVE the dress shirts for my little man too.   OMG.  I mean aren’t these dinosaur Valentine pajamas adorable?  He’s going to be one little stud in 2014 thanks to Carters.  That’s why I keep going back….they prices are unbeatable and the styles are too!

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a thank me for my participation.”

A few weeks ago I was asked to try the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto GENIO Coffee Maker.  Uhm…me???  Drink coffee???  Yes please!  I love a good latte and I was super pumped to try out this machine.  When it was delivered to my doorstep it was like Christmas day came early.  It didn’t take any time at all to pull the machine from the box, plug it in the wall, and BAM I had a delicious latte in my hand.  

The NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto GENIO Coffee Maker comes with delicious flavor options:

o Cappuccino Ice
o Cappuccino
o Carmel Latte Macchiato (My personal favorite!)
o Americano
o Skinny Cappuccino
o Nestea Peach Iced Tea
o Skinny Latte
o Latte Macchiato
o Chococino
o Mocha
o Chai Tea Latte
o Espresso
o Caffe Lungo
o Caffe Lungo Decaf
o A Dark Roast
o Morning Blend
o Espresso Intenso

NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto is the only machine that truly delivers delicious, coffee-house quality creations every time with patented smart capsule technology delivering up to 15 bars of professional pressure and espresso technology.  The line brews over 17 different hot and cold beverages -with true creme and expertly layered specialty beverages with an indulgent fine milk froth – in under a minute. From a classic Americano to a bold Espresso, to a sweet Caramel Macchiato and frosty Iced Cappuccino, NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto has a wide variety of different beverages to satisfy everyone.

Believe me, I know a good cup of coffee/espresso.  NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto uses only 100% Arabica coffee beans Specifically chosen because they yield a more intense and fragrant flavor, ranging from a sweet and soft to a sharp-tangy taste.

1.  Plug in your machine and get the party going.  I’m making a Caramel Latte Macchiato here.  I placed the coffee capsule in first and dialed it up to 5- each capsule tells you what level to brew it on.

2.  I popped in my coffee capsule and it got brewing instantly!3.  Press the red drop (for hot) and it starts the machine. 4.  You can see here how the coffee and the milk pods are brewed to make the perfect Macchiato.OMG.  Can you see that froth and the goodness in this cup?  It tastes amazing!  I should know…I drink a lot of coffee!  If you have a coffee lover in your family this will making a great gift for the holidays.  It’s also great when hosting a party, you can serve your guests the perfect beverage  Check out more information on the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto GENIO Coffee Maker& right now you have the opportunity to save 20% on a NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Coffee Maker with coupon code GustoGift!

1 lucky winner will receive their own NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto GENIO Coffee Maker!!! Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below.  Winner will have 24 hours to respond from when notified via email.  Enter Below:  If form doesn’t pop up, then clickin on “Rafflecopter link”

a Rafflecopter giveaway