Review – Couponista Queen ~ Saving, Eating, Crafting

Escape to Mountain Ranch Resort at Beacon Hill

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 Couponista Queen was compensated for this post.  All opinions are 100% genuine.

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 Escape to Mountain Ranch Resort at Beacon Hill

Princess Thanya lives in Phoenix and boy summers are tough.  Winters are amazingly mild, but once the temperature reaches 110 degrees you start to look for ways to escape.  Resorts abound both in Phoenix and neighboring cities, but the temperature stays the same so although you frolic around pools you are still hot.  We needed a change but didn’t want to drive too many hours from home.  Happily I found out about this incredible resort that was only 2 hours away from me!

The drive was short and beautiful.  Northern Arizona holds many treasures.  Mountain Ranch Resort is located in beautiful Williams, Arizona.  Williams is less then an hour away from the Grand Canyon, making it a wonderful option for accommodations if you are not staying inside the canyon and do not want to stay at the entrance with all the traffic and tourists.

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If you are looking for a chance to get away with lots of things to add to your itinerary to do then Mountain Ranch Resort is the place for you. They have rooms that are so specious that you will be able to relax in comfort and style. For those that don’t like smoking, you will be happy to find out that all of their guestrooms are non-smoking. The maximum amount of guests is two in their king rooms and four in their rooms that feature 2 doubles beds. Mountain Ranch Resort is also accommodating if you want to bring your fur baby along as they have rooms that are pet friendly.

We arrived in the afternoon ready to relax.  First impression — the grounds are gorgeous and surrounded by majestic pine trees.  The courtyard to the hotel has a lush lawn where my kids were tickled to see wild hares and their babies playing!   They also spied the pool and that became THE priority, so we were anxious to go to our room and change and go splish splash!  I went to check in at the gorgeous lobby.  The staff was wonderful and welcoming and I instantly knew this was going to be a great stay.  When we got to our room, I decided to never leave.  The inviting touches from the throws on the bed, the robes in the closet, to the Keurig with coffee sampler were all giving me a great big welcome hug.  This hotel has been renovated by its present owners and you can tell that it’s a labor of love.  The rooms have an warm and inviting air to them and you instantly feel at home.  This is not your cookie cutter resort.  From the lobby to the rooms you can feel the personality of its owners welcoming you to their resort.  

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Though there are a LOT of local activities, we didn’t feel like leaving the resort so we opted to eat at the restaurant onsite, The Ranch Bar & Grill.  It is amazing, with a menu featuring grass fed beef and locally grown and organic ingredients.  The bar service is excellent and the kids meals are generous.  My daughter exclaimed, ‘”This is so awesome Mom you have to try my spaghetti!”  Which is a feat in its own right since she’s been known to be picky.  The same could be said for the next morning’s breakfast, just amazing and FRESH.  Complimentary breakfast doesn’t hurt and includes omelets, whole grain waffle station, freshly baked muffins and breads, Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, oatmeal and homemade granola.  Eating healthy to feel your best during your stay is not a choice. Guests will also get complimentary Wi-Fi to utilize in the lobby and even the ability to do their laundry if they choose in the laundry facilities.  If you choose to just stay at the resort and not see the sights for a day of your stay (or more!) there are poolside daybed loungers, a whirlpool, tennis courts, and other activities to keep you active and busy.

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Mountain Ranch Resort wants their guests to think of them as more than a place to just sleep at night.  They want you to enjoy yourself while you make plans to visit places such as the Grand Canyon.  The resort has all the amenities that you could ever want to make you relax and get away from it all for just a little while.

Mountain Resort wants to be able to change your life in a way that you will remember them and keep coming back. A healthy experience on your vacation may just empower you to bring some of those lifestyle and behaviors back with you when you leave.  Transforming what was hospitality into a healthy and memorable experience that is relaxing all at the same time.  With all the fitness activities that you have to choose from it will be a wonder if you don’t find something that you will enjoy when visiting.

Their 35 acres allows you to enjoy activities such as horseback riding, hiking, biking, tennis and swimming.  There are also fitness, yoga and weight loss classes that you can attend.  Their fitness and training centers that they have will give you an alternative to going outside if that is not what you like to do.  There is guaranteed to be a program for you.

The retreat packages that are available are meant to help you, your family or even a group of corporate workers come together and learn how to have a healthier lifestyle.  You will enjoy meals that are prepared by their award-winning chef, sit in on classes that will inform you and even get coaching if you so desire one-on-one.

If you are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon or if you are in Phoenix and want a getaway that isn’t far, then this is definitely the resort you want to visit.  They have all inclusive packages that include breakfast, dinner, horse back-riding and fitness classes!  Please visit the website for their Arizona Getaway Packages and Activities Calendar today and check them out on Facebook!  Resort memberships are something that you can look into acquiring so that you can enjoy any of these activities whenever you would like.

We are already looking ahead to later in the year to share this gem with family.

Couponista Queen was compensated for this post.  All opinions are 100% genuine.

This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon.  Please visit our Privacy Policy and Disclosures.

Get great sounding music to go with the Nakamichi® Wireless Bluetooth® Speaker

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Couponista Queen was provided a product for review.

 

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I have been wanting a wireless Bluetooth® speaker for months, but all the ones I REALLY wanted were out of my frugal price range, so I yearned and figured that someday I would find the deal I wanted.  Fast forward a few months when I began working with the Personal Shopper program at Shop Your Way in September of this year.  I learned that the Nakamichi brand is heavily featured at Sears.  Nakamichi has been around a long time and they have a reputation pf consistently providing a quality product at a fair price.  I began looking at the line of Nakamichi® Wireless Bluetooth® Speakers and was wondering if Santa could maybe, possibly bring me one for Christmas when Sears offered me the Nakamichi Wireless Bluetooth® Speaker – Gray to review!  I could not say yes fast enough, and a few days later I had the package in my hand.

To say the setup is easy is an understatement.  I literally took it out of the box, plugged it into my charger (the battery when fully charged will give you 6 hours of music!) and paired it to my phone.  Within 5 minutes of starting to open the box I was jamming out with some tunes!  I love the portability of the unit, and the size is perfect.  Since I often blog in various parts of the house/city/country, this speaker is super easy to pack and take with me so I can have music whenever and wherever I want it.  I have had zero issues pairing the speaker with multiple Bluetooth® devices.  The speaker is very stylish and understated.  The sound quality is excellent, there is no distortion even at the highest volume level, and the deep, rich bass with a wide frequency range enhances the overall music experience.  Another feature that I am finding very useful is the hands-free speaker calling.  I can keep my fingers flying while using the hands-free calling at the push of a button for noise canceling conferencing.  I have to say that I am in deep like with this speaker, and we are now in a committed relationship!  Seriously, I am SO HAPPY that I did not waste my cash on a pricey brand.  This Nakamichi Wireless Bluetooth® Speaker is worth every penny.  BUT the best part is that when you are a Shop Your Way rewards member you can score a great deal on it PLUS earn points to spend on something else from Shop Your Way.  Like Nakamichi Bluetooth® Headphones perhaps? 

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Capture and Share Life Uniquely with GoPro from Best Buy

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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.  All opinions are 100% authentic.

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Best Buy is the home of the latest cameras and camcorders, including the full line of the NEW GoPro cameras, plus a broad assortment of accessories to complete the package.  GoPro cameras make perfect gifts for everyone, from kids and teens, moms and dads, athletes to performers, to gadget gurus — and with the Holidays approaching they are on the top of many a wish list!   GoPro’s new line of cameras allow you to beautifully and authentically capture and share the experiences that bring purpose, adventure, and joy to living.

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Take your life to a whole new level!  I have seen GoPros everywhere lately.  And they are not just for the adrenaline junkies.  I recently attended a wedding where the bride wore a GoPro to record her day, from walking down the aisle to tossing the bouquet.  The uses are endless, the fun is there for the taking and you can record it from a unique perspective to enjoy over and over again.

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·  GoPro HERO4 Black: the most advanced GoPro ever, featuring improved image quality and a 2x more powerful processor with 2x faster video frame rates, HERO4 Black takes award‐winning GoPro performance to a whole new level.

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·  GoPro HERO4 Silver: the first-ever GoPro to feature a built-in touch display. Controlling The camera, playing back footage and adjusting settings is ultra-convenient—just view, tap and swipe the screen. With 1080p60 and 720p120 video, and 12MP photos at a staggering 30 frames per second, HERO4 Silver combines powerful, pro-quality capture with the convenience of a touch display.

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·   GoPro HERO: Featuring high‐quality 1080p30 and 720p60 video, and 5MP photos up to 5 fps, HERO captures the same immersive footage that’s made GoPro one of the best-selling cameras in the world.  12x more powerful processor with 2x faster video frame rates.

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Learn more at www.bestbuy.com/GoPro or visit your local Best Buy to check out the latest cameras in person!

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.  All opinions are 100% authentic.

This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon.  Please visit our Privacy Policy and Disclosures.

Grab tickets to great events at ScoreBig and set your own price!

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Couponista Queen was compensated for this post.  All opinions are 100% honest.

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Have you been looking for a place that has great deals on tickets to an event that you want to attend?

ScoreBig.com is the place to go if you want to save big on tickets to everything – sports, concerts, theater, Broadway and family shows.  I was very impressed with the number and variety of events that are available around the country.  Here is something awesome so pay attention: You set the price and tell them what you want to be paying.  You also get an instant answer so that you know whether the price that you offered has been accepted.  There is nothing I hate more then trying to get something at a discounted price and having to bid on it and play the waiting game. You won’t have to do that with Score Big.  There are never any fees, you choose where you are wanting to sit and all seats will be ordered together and be next to each other.  There is no more picking out the cheapest seats and then not being able to sit with the people that you are going to the event with in the first place.

So here is a breakdown of how it all works:  You choose the event that you want to attend, you decide how much you want to pay, you choose a seating area so that your group can sit together, and you will get an instant answer on your offer.  I am not sure how getting a discount could be any more simple then that. 

ScoreBig.com is a place that allows you as the consumer to get the tickets that you want and a guaranteed savings of up to 60%.  For the businesses that partner with them,  ScoreBig  is the only channel that is used to move their unsold seats.  They are located in Los Angeles, California and were founded in 2009.  They have been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Most Promising Companies and by Billboard as one of the 10 Best Start-ups of 2012.  If YOU want to go out, ScoreBig.com will help you find the tickets that you want at a price that you can afford to pay.

Visit ScoreBig for the latest news: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scorebig

Twitter: https://twitter.com/scorebig

Blog: http://blog.scorebig.com

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/scorebig/

 

Couponista Queen was compensated for this post.  All opinions are 100% honest.

This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon.  Please visit our Privacy Policy and Disclosures.

Where’s the best ground beef? At Zaycon Foods of course!

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Couponista Queen was compensated for this post.  All opinions are 100% authentic.

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Have you been looking for a great and FRESH ground beef?  Zaycon Foods has a ground beef that is 93% lean and only 7% fat.  93/7 is what you will end up paying the most for at the grocery store.  I prefer to buy that mix because it is leaner and healthier.  I hate losing so much of what I paid for when I cook it, but sometimes 93/7 is just too pricey for the budget.  I was THRILLED to find out Zaycon Foods was going to be offering ground beef in a upcoming sale!  I don’t know about your home but we go through a lot of ground beef.   Zaycon Foods is already a brand I trust because we’ve bought their amazing chicken breasts before, so it was really easy for me to place my order and wait anxiously for the day to arrive.

The notice said 8-8:30 am and I set my alarm and told the kids we’d be leaving early to go get our beef!  What happened?  Well according to Murphy’s Law, anything can go wrong and it did!  I slept through my alarm!  Woke up in a panic and was still about 10 minutes away at 8:30 am.  I called their customer service line and she calmed me down (not an easy feat)  and she called the driver and he told her that he’d wait for me.  When I got there I was the last pick up for this stop of course.  I could have hugged that man but I didn’t (I’m sure he appreciated that).  I just let him do his job and he quickly loaded my 40 lbs of ground beef into my van.  So I can tell you from experience they are not just nice when you place the order, their team of people from the customer service representatives to the drivers are AMAZING.

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I drove home and opened my box, what did I find?  Four 10-pound rolls of gorgeous looking ground beef.  Just sending me telepathic ideas for dinner!  I am in the process now of breaking it down into 1.5 lb freezer bags as well as setting tomorrow aside to do some cooking for some pre-made freezer meals.  But the best part for me is knowing that all of the beef is USDA-inspected and are monitored in compliance with all of the highest food safety standards. Before the beef is even began to be processed the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service will randomly sample the cattle under a monitoring plan and will perform testing to check for antibiotic residues.  The beef cattle through Zaycon Foods have a grass diet which is then supplemented for grains after they reach 700 pounds.  I really like that the cows are 100% raised in the USA and that there are no chemicals, additives or water added to the meat during processing.  This means there will be no pink slime.  That can be a huge turnoff when you are cooking the meat.

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(this kid right here is thinking of burgers and lasagna LOL)

 

I trust Zaycon Foods.  I would never feed my family anything questionable in order so save money.  You can trust that the beef that you will be getting from Zaycon Foods will fall in what is considered the “super lean” category.  No greasy mess that you have to pick through in order to drain and hopefully get the best out of the beef that you are cooking.  With 7% fat, it is just enough to make sure the meat is not dry, and you get all the meat you paid for.  If you are curious check out the the product and nutrition label for the ground beef

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Cooking in the skillet

Zaycon Foods knows that you need good food to be happy and healthy, and they want you to know that their food tastes great.  You can go online to place your order and you will be shocked at how much you can get for such a low price.  On the day that your local Zaycon Foods has their sales event all you have to do is bring your order confirmation with you and get all of your delicious and nutritious foods.  It’s as easy as that and you will enjoy knowing that you are getting a great and healthy product from Zaycon Foods.

Zaycon Foods is privately owned and based in Spokane, Washington.  The company got it’s start in 2009 with one thing in mind, and that was to bring fresh farm meats directly to you, the consumer, at wholesale prices.  Farmers have the best stuff and they had experienced grocery stores and they knew how to move product to keep it at it’s freshest.  They just didn’t want a middle man involved so that they could get the food directly to you from the farmer and save you some money.  When Zaycon Foods first started, they just offered a few meats in a few areas but now they have grown and grown.  They now offer all kinds of foods from milk to berries to even salmon fillets, and they just keep expanding.  They are making it a mission to come to your area so that you can experience the Zaycon Foods way for yourself.

Check out this short video About Zaycon and learn how they get you the freshest meats and produce:

Connect with Zaycon Foods!

Zaycon Foods on the Web

Zaycon Foods on Facebook

Zaycon Foods on Twitter

Zaycon Foods on YouTube

Zaycon Foods on Pinterest

 Couponista Queen was compensated for this post.  All opinions are 100% authentic.

This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon.  Please visit our Privacy Policy and Disclosures.

Twist on Tradition with Nestle El Mejor Nido and All You Magazine!

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Twist on Tradition with Nestle El Mejor Nido and All You Magazine!

When the CQ Stacy told me that we had been chosen by Nestle to test drive their new recipes, Twist on Tradition I was super excited.  Having grown up with both American and Latin American products from Nestle they are a brand that I trust, love and that I now give to my own family and recommend to my friends.

I was sent a wonderful basket from Nestle El Mejor Nido that included everything I needed to try traditional recipes with a twist, the December issue of All of You Magazine, and their Limited Edition Holiday Entertaining Guide.  Now once I got the basket I got a little nervous because as I’ve shared before I’m not that exceptional in the kitchen.  But my nervousness was quickly put to rest as these recipes are not only easy they are deliciosas!

I was super excited to try the Flan Impossible as it blended my two loves, chocolate Devils food cake and Flan!  But I had never ever ever made flan on my own so I was really happy to know that using Nestle evaporated milk and condensed milk La Lechera I was going to be able to make a dessert I’d be happy and proud to serve to my family at future gatherings.

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Flan Impossible was not only a huge hit for dessert I caught my husband and daughter having some for breakfast the next day!

The creaminess is due to the wonderful ingredients found in Nestle Evaporated and Condensed Milks.

Next up I made the kids a special treat that had Frozen Nestle Drumsticks and Abuelita brand hot chocolate mix.  WOW the kids loved this as a nice treat and I loved knowing that they were having a treat made with the great ingredients found in these Nestle products.   I even made my own hot chocolate with Abuelita, this has been a brand my mom has used since I can remember and we’ve always loved it but now so much more convenient in a powder mix and not just a hard tablet.

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My own brats…ah er I mean prince and princess enjoying their Frozen Hot Chocolate.

I’m really excited about these recipes because they are easy to make, simple to follow and they include ingredients I recognize – nothing I have to Google ☺  I registered at El Mejor Nido.com and was just amazed at all the great recipes I found, so you should also come and join the fun by registering today!   I’m going to be cooking up a storm in the next few weeks and now I have great inspiration!   It’s a full site that you can choose in either English or Spanish so not only can I find great recipes but I’m also sharing with my Spanish speaking friends and  family!

Now we are really excited to share these great products and recipes with you our super fans!  Nestle El Mejor Nido has generously given us 3 baskets like the one  pictured above to giveaway to 3 of our muy fabuloso fans so that you can start also cooking and baking with your own Twist on Tradition!

Your basket includes products and recipes that provide a new twist on traditional flan and hot chocolate!

 

These two recipes provide delicious and creative new variations on flan and hot chocolate.  Let them inspire you to recreate other dishes a tu manera.

 

 

 

Flan Cake / “Flan Impossible”

This Flan Cake (Flan Impossible) recipe is the perfect choice when you are looking for a unique alternative for family and friends entertaining. You’ll love the layered look and tasty flavors of this inverted cake. You can make this ahead and serve when ready.

Prepared with Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk and La Lechera Sweetened Condensed Milk.

 

Frozen Hot Cocoa

Surprise and delight your family with a twist on a traditional hot chocolate with this unique recipe that will take your love of hot chocolate to another level.

Prepared with Nestlé Frozen Drumstick and Abuelita

 

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The reviewer received compensation and or free samples from Nestle and All You Magazine to facilitate this review.  All opinions are 100% authentic.

This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon.  Please visit our Privacy Policy and Disclosures.

New mom no sleep faking it with Lancôme DreamTone

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Couponista Queen received complimentary product in exchange for this post.  All opinions are my own.

Lancome DreamTone

With a 4-week old newborn at home, by late October my pregnancy glow had turned into the look of a tired new mother, and my skin showed the lack of sleep and the effects of crashing hormones and recovering from a c-section.  I was NOT pretty for the first few weeks, so I was happy when Lancôme sent me a bottle of their new DreamTone to try out, as long as I promised to say how I liked it and to share an after picture of my face at 4-weeks.  I agreed and then forgot all about it until the day the box arrived.  I was so happy to get it that I washed my face right away so that I could apply it.  I put 2 pumps on my fingertips –  and that is not a hug amount – and I applied it to my face, mostly to the dark areas then using what was left over the rest of my face, and it was plenty of product to do the job.  This week is my birthday eeek how did I get this old?  but I digress.  Anyhow I figure at age 42 I can use all the help I can get brightening up my complexion.  I grew up before the age of sunscreen.  And though I routinely use it now since it is in my daily moisturizer, I did not protect my face when I was young.  So now I have dark sunspots and some freckles, which I forgot I hated until my skin has lost that lovely pregnancy glow that made me look like I was 20 again.  Sigh.  So back to reality with the dark spots and uneven complexion.  Needless to say, I coveted the bottle, enjoying the bright pink of it sitting on my bathroom vanity like a little pick-me-up.  I used it religiously twice a day for 4-weeks, relishing the few minutes alone to brush my teeth and wash my face and put on the DreamTone and my moisturizer.  I loved the scent and the texture.  It sunk into my skin so that I was able to then apply my regular moisturizer without it making my face icky and oily, a big bonus for a new mom who was not wearing much besides spit-up and a breast pump.  After the 4-weeks are up I will say that overall my skin feels smoother and my skin tone is more even (I don’t look as haggard haha).  As for the larger dark spots…they ARE a little bit lighter, just slightly.  I have plenty of DreamTone left so I will keep using it and I hope that by 8-weeks that I will notice a bigger difference.  Bottom line — This is a luxury product that even if it does not totally make me look 25 again does make me feel good and pampered and hopeful on a daily basis.  Lancome DreamTone $98.  Happy new mommy – priceless.

And here is that #bareselfie I promised to include.  Thanks Lancôme!

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In all my glory lol. Fresh from the shower rockin’ wet hair and my pajamas. See the little dark spot under my left eye? I hate it but it is lighter than it was!

Lancôme on Twitter: @LancomeUSA 
Lancôme on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancômeUS 

Lancôme DreamTone retails for $98 for a 1.3 fl oz. bottle and is available for purchase at Lancôme.com and department stores nationwide.

DreamTone is the next generation in dark spot correction. This customized skin tone correcting serum is so powerful, 72% of women dare to bare their skin.* The new DreamTone is 3 barely-tinted serums formulated to visibly correct dark spots, color imperfections and give you a more even-looking skin tone. It comes in 3 serums customized for your skin tone: 1- Fair, 2 – Medium, 3 – Dark.

The results:

IMMEDIATELY:
• 74% saw glowing skin*

7 DAYS:
• 70% noticed a more even skin tone*

4 WEEKS:
• 69% saw the appearance of dark spots reduced*

8 WEEKS:
• 78% saw color imperfections reduced*

*All results based on global self-assessments of women of multiple ethnicities in an 8-week study. 72% reflects 8 weeks of use.

 

Couponista Queen received complimentary product in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon.  Please visit our Privacy Policy and Disclosures.

I love this bassinet for baby – Check out Kolcraft’s Cuddle’n Care 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper

This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon.  Please visit our Privacy Policy and Disclosures.

Couponista Queen was sent merchandise to facilitate this review, but as always all opinions are 100% my own.

Kolcraft Cuddle 'n Care Bassinet

When we were preparing a list of things we would need for the new baby, a bassinet was at the top.  I knew that I wanted to be able to have her close to the bed at night.  I needed to be able to check on her easily and I wanted her to feel close to us, plus it would be easier to grab her and nurse in bed versus having to go to the nursery.  I shopped around and I saw lots of options on bassinets, and prices that varied from $50 to well over $300.  Fate has a way of stepping in because Kolcraft gave me a Cuddle’n Care 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper as a baby gift, and it was one I had been looking at anyhow!  I was so excited when the box arrived that I made the King put it together that very night.

Kolcraft Bassinet out of box

Everything was well packaged and the instructions were easy to understand.  It took the King around 20 minutes to assemble the bassinet, and it seemed very straightforward to me.  We did not argue during the project so you gals know that is a successful assembly hehe.  After he finished putting it together I promptly took it apart to wash, and I put those pieces back on with no trouble at all.  It has been washed another time since and still looks show-room perfect.  I really love the pattern and the colors.  Our bedroom is gray and tan, so something pink and girlish would stick out like a sore thumb.  The green and gray colors on the bassinet are perfect to blend into the decor.  The bassinet itself is well constructed and I feel at easy laying my baby down to sleep in it.  The bassinet comes with a regular mattress plus an incline sleeper for when they are really little or for when they have a spitting up problem.  The incline sleeper has been perfect for us, as Ava needs to be inclined to sleep because she has a little acid reflux.  I love it also because she is a squirmy sleeper and the incline snugly straps her in and keeps her in the middle of the mattress to sleep.  We sometimes use the bassinet in other rooms, and the wheels can be made to roll for this, but normally they are positioned so that the bassinet rocks.  Making the wheels roll is not arduous, but one thing I would love is the ability to turn the wheels forward and back and to have a handle so that I could push the bassinet from room to room like a buggy.

Kolcraft bassinet assembling

The bassinet has a canopy, which is handy to shield Ava from light for nights when we watch a little TV before collapsing from exhaustion.  There is a cute mobile that detaches in seconds, though since Ava is too little to show much interest in it I don’t have it installed at the moment.   There is also a roomy basket under the mattress area that is handy for blankets and extra bassinet pads and sheets, or anything you might want nearby for baby.  One if the best things about this bassinet is the Light Vibes® unit.  It plays 4 different sound categories from music to nature sounds, plus it can vibrate to soothe the fussy baby.  And bonus-especially at 3 AM: it has a small light that I can use to peek at baby during the night without waking her up.  She sleeps so well in this bassinet that when I wake in the night and have not heard from her in awhile I use the light to check on her.

Bassinet assembled view 1

The price of this bassinet is reasonable and gives you a quality piece of furniture that will last far beyond the time your little one outgrows it.  We have a crib for Ava already, but I am enjoying the time that she spends in this bassinet in our room.  She will grow too fast and I like having her near us.  I would definitely recommend this bassinet for your baby registry.  Check out the Kolcraft Bassinets!

Bassinet assembled view 2

 Couponista Queen was sent merchandise to facilitate this review, but as always all opinions are 100% my own.

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Chocolate milk after exercise? Rockin’ Refuel® Review and Giveaway

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

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Low-fat chocolate milk is the original protein drink.  In addition to getting the right combination of carbs and protein, research suggests low-fat chocolate milk is a naturally nutrient-rich protein drink that helps you refuel and rehydrate within the critical two-hour recovery window after exercise.  photo Untitled_zpsd8706714.jpg

Shamrock Farms® created the Rockin’ Refuel® line to provide active individuals with delicious, natural protein beverages to deliver the best nutrition for their workout.  Because it contains real milk, Rockin’ Refuel is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and is the only protein beverage that boasts naturally occurring electrolytes.  And it tastes great.  Seriously – really great.  The chocolate is rich and very satisfying.  It is easy to enjoy every last drop, and unlike other protein drinks I have tried, this is not chalky and there is no aftertaste. Now that baby Ava is over a month old, I am finally feeling better and most of the post-baby swelling is gone.  I am able to start an exercise routine again, and for now I can only walk 0n the treadmill.  My doctor wants me to wait longer to do anything more since I am still healing from the c-section.  Still, I want to make sure that even though I am not hard-core training I am still getting back into an exercise routine and I want to make sure that I do it in a healthy way.  While I was pregnant I had gestational diabetes, and I had to carefully watch my diet (particularly carbs) and I exercised after every meal to lower my blood sugar.  I learned from my dietician that it is important to have protein with a carb,and this line has extra protein.  There is twice as much protein in the Rockin’ Refuel as there is in the same size reduced fat milk, with the same amount of calories!  And now since I am breastfeeding my body needs an extra 400-500 calories a day to produce milk, and I want to make sure that I eat enough healthy calories to provide for both her needs and mine.  I need to snack frequently and drink plenty of milk, and it is especially important for me to get a good snack after I spend time working out.

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Shamrock Farms® created the Rockin’ Refuel® line to provide active individuals with delicious, natural protein beverages to deliver the best nutrition for their workout.  Because it contains real milk, Rockin’ Refuel Protein Milk Beverage is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and is the only protein beverage that boasts naturally occurring electrolytes. And it tastes great- not chalky like other protein beverages!  I have already gone and gotten more of the Rockin’ Refuel® because I love the taste and it is easy for me to drink a glass of chocolate milk after I manage some time on the treadmill.  Plus it is easy to find Rockin’ Refuel in the dairy section of your local Walmart and at www.RockinRefuel.com.

WIN some Rockin’ Refuel®  for yourself!  Enter to win a Rockin’ Refuel® prize pack, including one case of Rockin’ Refuel® Muscle Recovery, one drawstring gym bag, and one sweat towel.  Use the easy Rafflecopter form below.  Good Luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Eden Allure Argan Oil Review

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Couponista Queen was provided compensation and/or product to facilitate this review.  As always, opinions are honest and no dependent on compensation.

EDEN ALLURE IS one of the few companies that market pure refined and deodorized Argan oil.  They deodorize it to remove the nutty odor that many people find offensive, and then refine it to remove any possible toxins that may be in it. (Argan oil comes from Morocco, and unfortunately they do not have the same quality standards we do in the USA).  This process costs more money, but Eden Allure wants to make sure their customers are getting the safest product possible.

Their current promotion is a 15% discount for first time buyers!  Please subscribe to their newsletter when buying for future promotions and product information!

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Eden Allure Reviewed by Princess T.

When I moved to Phoenix a lot of things changed in my life.  I became a stay at home Mom, I started to really coupon, and I started to experiment with DIY concoctions.  One thing that also changed A LOT that I had not anticipated was my skin.  My face became so dry, dry in the summer because of the dry heat (you know a dry 120 degrees doesn’t feel that bad, like 118 ☺) and dry in the winter.  I started to feel a little reptilian because my face would peel on really bad days.  I was always trying one thing and then another to hide this little problem.  My skin felt as dry as the parched soil that surrounded me.

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Yep this what my skin felt like…

I started to feel that it was just how my skin would be until I further adapted to my new surroundings.  Deep sigh.  BUT I recently was given the opportunity to try Eden Allure Pure Argan Oil from Morocco and Beauty bar and I was very excited to see if this would help me.   But I had a lot of  questions too.  Aside from extremely dry skin I also have some oily areas and some occasional breakouts, so would this oil make one problem worse?  Would it smell medicinal?  But at the same time I’m 40 now, no longer a spring chickadee so I need to start to think about skin repair and anti-aging.

I started washing my face with the beauty bar and then applying  just a drop or two of the Pure Argan Oil to my face and let it be absorb.  It’s not oily feeling and it has no medicinal smell on your face.  It gets absorbed quickly and what is left is beautifully silky soft skin.  I was concerned about more acne, but Aragon Oil is proven to work to prevent acne.  My skin is starting to heal and I couldn’t be happier.

All you need are a couple of drops to start seeing the difference!

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Some characteristics of Eden Allure’s Natural Moroccan Argan Oil

Moroccan Argan Oil is very rich in:

Vitamin F (omega 6): anti-aging and anti-dryness of skin

Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory for sensitive skin, UV protection, and aids in cutaneous micro-circulation. Also neutralizes free radicals

Phenols: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, powerful against fungus and bacteria, activates blood circulation and activates Vitamin C

Triterpens: restructure cells, is anti-inflammatory and slows down cell aging

Squalene: suggested to prevent against skin cancer

Follow Eden Allure on Twitter and Tweet them with any questions or comments and to keep up with their latest news and offers!

 

 

 

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Maui Excellent saved me while I had the flu – Win some for yourself!

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Maui Excellent

I recently had the flu.  The actual influenza.  In May.  The irony is not lost on me, and I had not been that sick in a LONG time.

One of the symptoms of the flu is achy and sore muscles, and I had them in spades, especially in my neck and shoulders where I am sore all the time anyhow from blogging.

I had JUST gotten some new products to try from Maui Excellent  and I dragged myself out of bed to check them out.  I received two products.  The first one, Volcano Oil, comes in a convenient roll-on applicator bottle that allows me to use it on myself without getting the product all over my hands.  It really helped the achy muscles in my neck, and when I applied it to my temples my headache felt much less severe.  I put a dab under my nostrils and that seemed to clear my sinuses for a short time.  Any relief was welcome!  The Volcano Oil Gel I mainly used on my chest to help relieve the congestion and the coughing, but the King also used it to massage my neck and shoulders for me and that was heavenly.   The Volcano Oil and the Volcano Oil Gel both contain an analgesic combined with the healing properties of mints, and they relieve  headaches, sore muscles, pain & congestion.  These two products work as asvertised, and they really helped me to survive the flu.  I plan to keep using them for my achy muscles and (knock on wood) the next time I get sick.  LIKE Maui Excellent on Facebook and keep up-to-date on their latest news and product information, then scroll down for a chance to win some Maui Excellent of your own.

Volcano Oil Maui Excellent

Maui Excellent wants YOU to have a chance to experience the healing benefits of Volcano Oil for yourself.  One lucky fan will win a prize package containing a Volcano Oil and Volcano Oil Gel [$25.98 Value].  To enter, please use the easy Rafflecopter form below.  This sweepstakes will close at 12:01 AM CT on May 31, 2013 and is open to US residents age 18 and over.  Good Luck!

Couponista Queen received complimentary products from Maui Excellent to review.  All opinions are my own.  Please see Couponista Queen’s Privacy Policy and Disclosures

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Check out my review of Chewy.com + Exclusive offer just for Couponista Queen fans!

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Chewy logo  

When I was offered the opportunity to review for Chewy.com, I jumped at the chance.  Our family dogs are happy (and somewhat spoiled) pets, and I am always searching for toys, foods, etc. to make life better for them.  Chewy.com is proud to offer the best brands to help your pet lead a happy and healthy life.

I chose two items from Chewy.com and ordering was easy.  Shipping was blazing fast.  They shipped the next day and I had my order in 5 days!

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In my box was Frontline Plus for Small Dogs and the Natural Balance Dog Food Roll Holiday Pack.  My only small complaint is that the package of Frontline did get a little crushed by the weight of the food.  Bubble wrap would be a quick fix, but the product is fine.  I wanted to try the Frontline to make sure that it is indeed the same as I get at my veterinarian’s office — and it is identical in every way except one — the price is less!

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As for the Natural Balance Dog Food Roll Holiday Pack, I wanted to try it because I like to add to my poodle’s dry food…but I am careful about what I add.  People food is a no-no, and wet food can rot her teeth.  The consistency of this food is perfect.  It reminds me of a good summer sausage, and it smells and looks great.  The best part of this food is that it can be sliced, diced, chopped, or shredded like cheese!  There are handy measuring marks on each roll so you don’t overfeed.  Millie really likes this, and I will be getting more for her.

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I am very pleased with my entire experience and I am now a Chewy customer!  You can be, too.

Take a look at Chewy.com and take advantage of this offer exclusively for Couponista Queen fans!

Use code COUP2498 and receive 10% off your first order PLUS Chewy.com will donate $10 to the Best Friends Animal Society!

 

 

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Madrina’s Ice Cream ~ Add Mas Sabor To Your Vida

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Madrina's Ice Cream Banner

Add More Flavor To Your Life with Madrina’s

 

Who loves ice cream?  I think that is a rhetorical question because I have never met anyone who does not love ice cream.  I am always trying new flavors to satisfy my sweet tooth, and when I met Madrina’s it was Amor a primera gusto – Love at first taste!

About Madrina’s

Madrina’s Ice Cream was created to celebrate fun, extraordinary, multicultural flavor experiences in Ice Cream—based on traditional Latin flavors.  Founded by Rich Davis,  a St. Louis business man, he runs the company with his sons Justin and Alex and a few other employees.   Madrina’s Brands also launched their delicious Madrina’s Iced Coffee in 2012, with flavors Café Mocha, Café Vanilla, and Café con Leche.  Madrina’s Ice Cream launched in May 2012.  Currently, Madrina’s products are sold only in the Midwest, in St. Louis and other cities: Kansas City, Omaha, Memphis, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Chicago.  Look in your local stores in these cities, and be on the lookout for Madrina’s to expand into a store near you!

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Add Mas Sabor To Your Vida

You will definitely add more flavor to your life with these delicious ice creams.  Since I could not decide on just one or even two flavors, I tried 5 of the 6: Cafe con Leche, Horchata, Espresso con Chocolate, Pina Raz and Mango Mango.  There is also a Coconut flavor that I am dying to try, and it must be really good because it is always sold out.  I brought the ice cream home and we grabbed spoons and went to town.  Our verdict?  The Cafe con Leche is the perfect blend of coffee and sweet cream and is the King’s favorite.  The Espresso con Chocolate is darker and richer, and I could eat the entire pint in one sitting it is that good.  I have been hiding that one back in the freezer so I don’t have to share it.  Is that wrong?  Haha I think not where ice cream is concerned.  The Horchata is a delicioso balance of cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for when you crave something sweet and a little different.  I would serve the Horchata with some apple pie for dessert in fact!  Both of the fruit flavors are refreshing and just right.  The Mango Mango tastes like I sliced open a fresh mango, and I find myself sneaking a spoonful here and there when I crave a fruity taste.  The blend of the pineapple and the raspberry in the Pina Raz is unique, and sure does hit the spot on a hot day.  I made myself a Pina Raz float with the one scoop that was left!  Just add a scoop or 2 of the Pina Raz or the Mango Mango to a glass and pour a white soda over top.

Madrinas Pina Raz Float

 

Taste for Yourself

Madrina’s is hosting several tasting events at Shop ‘n Save stores in the St. Louis metro area (including the metro East), so please stop by and give the ice cream a try for yourself.  Besides the tasting, you can score an amazing deal on the 56-oz containers at Shop ‘ Save while the tasting events are happening:  Buy one at $2.88 (price cut through 8/18) and get one FREE!  That is right, you can score TWO 56-oz containers of Madrina’s ice cream for only $2.88 ($1.44 each!!), AND when you Like Madrina’s Facebook Page, you can print an exclusive Mail-In Rebate that is good on both the 56-oz containers and the Pints!   Pints are available at Dierbergs Markets in the St. Louis area and sell for $2.19.

Find a tasting event at a Shop ‘n Save near you, and meet me or one of several other St. Louis area bloggers!  We will be handing out ice cream samples and would LOVE to meet you!!

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Shop ‘n Save location tasting events noon-5 PM

Sunday, August 12

South Lindbergh PLUS Meet Slap Dash Mom blogger Sadie Langford at this location from Noon-1PM

Arnold PLUS Meet Thrifty and Frugal by Debbie blogger Debbie Hewitt at this location from Noon-1 PM

Saturday, August 18

Maplewood PLUS Meet Coupon STL blogger Jeri Morris at this location from 1-2PM

Chippewa

Sunday, August 19

St. Ann PLUS Meet The Krazy Koupon Queen blogger Lea Michelle at this location from 1-2PM

Saturday, August 25

Ellisville

Harvester

Flower Valley PLUS Meet Couponista Queen blogger Stacy King at this location from 1-2PM

Sunday, August 26

South Lindbergh

Collinsville Road

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Make sure to Like Madrina’s on Facebook and Follow Madrina’s on Twitter.  Pay special attention to the Madrina’s Facebook page as they are awarding a fan every Monday (though December) with some great prizes (Even $1000 cash!) and tell them Couponista Queen sent you!

Check out what some other bloggers have to say about Madrina’s:

Enza’s Bargains

Our Kid’s Mom

Thrifty and Frugal by Debbie

Slap Dash Mom

The Krazy Koupon Queen

Coupon STL

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Campus Book Rentals.com – Your Text Book Alternative @textbookrentals

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It has been awhile since I have been a college student, but I still remember the horrible pain of being broke and paying huge money for books each semester, only to sell them back for pennies on the dollar…if they would take them at all. Way back in the mid-1990s when I was co-ed, renting textbooks was unheard of. Then last year the King went back to school, and I was very pleasantly surprised to find out that renting textooks is now very popular and saves a TON of cash! I was recently introduced to Campus Book Rentals, and if you have never look into renting…you should! 

  • Rent textbooks without the risk of your books becoming worthless by the end of the semester. 
  • Rent college textbooks from the comfort of your home or office and don’t stand in those awful, long lines.

Don’t lose money and time at your school bookstore anymore! Rent textbooks along with customers on over 5,000 college campuses that have used Campus Book Rentals so far.


Campus Book Rentals offers new and gently used textbooks for typically less than half the price or more than you’ll pay in your school bookstore.  Search for the college books you need and start saving money today!  


For example, check out this Psychology textbook which lists for $95.00 (and you would pay at the bookstore the full price)…but you can rent it for the entire semester for only $31.33…that is 1/3 the price!  Imagine how the savings add up when you think of 4-5 books per semester for 4 years or more.

NO sign up fees.  LIVE support staff to help you!  30-Day Risk Free Guarentee on every book (you never know when you need to drop a class!)  There are monthly giveaways, textbook scholarships, shirts, and other prizes.   PLUS they will buy your unwanted books and even pay to ship them.  And if you refer your friends, you can earn $5 and they get a 5% discount!



Visit Campus Book Rentals on Facebook and enter to Win Free Textbooks for a Year! 
Follow Campus Book Rentals on Twitter and be eligible for coupons, giveaways and other cool stuff!
Campus Book Rentals also is teamed up with Operation Smile.  Operation Smile is an out of this world, awesome organization, that performs life changing cleft lip surgeries on children whose families could not otherwise afford it.  A portion of every sale goes to support this program and pay for these life-changing surgeries.

Check out Campus Book Rentals and see how much you can save, and help them Pay if Forward to Operation Smile.  You know how I love that as much as saving money!

Couponista Queen did receive compensation for this post, but the opinions are entirely my own.  
This post may contain affiliate links–Please read the Privacy Policy and Disclosures

This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon.  Please visit our Privacy Policy and Disclosures.