Back To School Tips & Tricks

August 22, 2017 by Momstart 11 Comments

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Yummy Dino Buddies for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

With it being the busy back to school season I find myself constantly on the go. Thinking about dinner, lunches and snacks for the kids is always on my mind but I don’t always have time to do anything about it. Plus I want each meal to be well rounded giving the kids what they need to fuel their bodies for the day. So I’m very glad to be teaming up with Dino Buddies for back to school tips and tricks.

Back to School Tips & Tricks

Dino Buddies are an excellent source of calcium, a great way to get Omega 3s, and a good source of iron for your kids. They take only 1 minute in the microwave and are fully cooked. They are made from boneless skinless chicken breast making them a good choice for any time of day. Kids love the dinosaur shape and moms love the nutritional value they provide. Even my picky daughter told me how happy she was that I made these for dinner the other night.

Dino Buddies Chicken

Our back to school hack for you today is to put Dino Buddies in your kids lunch. It’s easy to do. You have a few options here. Save time by making extra in the oven the night before. Separate them into plastic bags so the kids can just grab them in the morning. Or create a bento box and have them in one of the many sections. Fill the other sections with a sauce, fruit and veggies. Or since they only take 1 minute to heat in the microwave, make them that morning and throw them in a thermos so they stay warm.

Dino Buddies

By saving time in the morning we are able to get out the door without feeling stressed. We are able to smile more and start our day off on the right foot. Plus it keeps me from worrying all day about if they are getting what they need. I know they are. I know they eat their lunch because they like Dino Buddies.

It’s a win win

Pampers Rewards App: Download Save and Earn Rewards

August 22, 2017 by Momstart 13 Comments

This is a sponsored post with Pampers. All opinions are my own.

I’m a huge fan of earning rewards on things that I buy every day. I’m part of every store rewards program that I can think of. I love that you have been able to earn rewards with Pampers for a while now, and now Pampers Rewards are even easier to accumulate.

As a parent you will or already have purchased your fair share of diapers. Hopefully you’ve taken full advantage of the Pampers Rewards points. Maybe you didn’t even know what they were. There is a new way to collect those rewards points now. If you download the Pampers Rewards App you can just scan the code on diaper and wipe packs with your phone to earn points, instead of typing in the codes online. You get 100 free Rewards points just for downloading the app, plus 50 more when you scan your first code!

Pampers Rewards App

Collecting Pampers Rewards Points is a great way to earn cool gifts with a simple scan of your phone. I love being able to do this. In fact, at one of our grocery stores, the only reason why I played their game was because I could now scan the codes with my phone. I earned so many gift cards just by scanning every code I had. I wish we had the Pampers app when my kids were babies so I know you guys are going to love how easy it is to now earn those points.

Here is what to do

Buy Pampers Diapers and Pampers Baby Wipes
Download the Pampers Rewards App on Android or on the iPhone
Scan the code using the App to get points which you can redeem for prizes!

Sample prizes are things like a donation to Feeding America, or to Every Child Succeeds. You can earn coupons for Hello Fresh and other cool places. One of the best prizes to me is coupons for more diapers, see all rewards options here !

Kid Reviewer Miitopia Nintendo 3DS Game Walk Through

August 17, 2017 by Momstart 2 Comments

As part of the Nintendo Kid Reviewer program, Zoe and Miles are on their own. This is their thoughts on the Nintendo 3DS video game Miitopia.

By Miles Bishop:

Miitopia is a really fun game to play something that I like about the game is that there are a lot of customizations for the characters to choose from. The farther into the game that you get you can build your mii warriors’ relationships between each other. Another feature I like about the game is that you can choose the entire mii cast with your own miis.

Miles also created a video for us:

By Zoe Bishop:

Miitopia is fun game, but I don’t like that I had to delete my brothers game to start my own game. When you play, you can only have one game going at a time, so when it was my turn to play I had to just use his game. The boss levels are sort of hard and you only get to create four characters. I like the characters and that you get to customize them and their outfits I wish the outfits weren’t so expensive in the game. I like the raffle tickets and how you get to win things for your characters but how does that relate to the game otherwise?

Questions About Miitopia

What is your favorite game feature?

Zoe: the costumes

Miles: My favoriate game feature is how hard the enemies are

What is your least favorite game feature?

Zoe: the bad guys are to hard

Miles: I don’t know if I have one

What is your favorite character?

Zoe: the character I make

Miles: My favorite character is me and the mage

What does this game make you think of or remind you of?

Zoe: nothing

Miles: doesn’t really remind me of anything

Would you recommend this game?

Zoe: yes

Miles: Totally!

Zoe is 10 and Miles is 9.

Get Tickets: American Express Seattle Seahawks Dinner On The Field

August 15, 2017 by Momstart 2 Comments

American Express is offering card holders the chance to do something quite amazing. Fans of the Seattle Seahawks can purchase tickets to dine on the 50 yard line at the stadium and I’m going to partake. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and the price is right.

American Express is back with the return of “American Express Dinner on the 50” at CenturyLink Field on Tuesday, August 29 at 6:00PM PST, offering 400 Card Members and Seattle small businesses the opportunity for a unique, four-course dining experience on the 50-yard line. Additional event highlights this year will include appetizers and desserts from top Seattle-area businesses, Seahawks game day programming and special guest appearances by Seahawks players Bobby Wagner and Tyler Lockett.

These tickets are exclusive to American Express Card Members and they go on sale August 17th at 10:00 Am PST on a first come first serve basis. You can purchase up to 4 tickets and you must be over 21. There will also be more than 150 small business owners there as well. Oh and of course there will be Seahawks players, the Sea Gals, and the Blue Thunder Drumline.

Features of American Express Dinner on the 50 this year include:

A four-course meal (similar to the four quarters of the game) and a pre-dinner cocktail reception

Special appearances by Seahawks players Bobby Wagner and Tyler Lockett

A variety of special game day programming, including appearances by Blitz, the Sea Gals, the Blue Thunder Drumline, Taima the Hawk and the Lombardi Trophy

Attendees will receive an exclusive Seahawks gift

American Express has a strong partnership with the Seattle Seahawks. Bringing back its All for the 12s platform that involves working with Seattle businesses and the Seahawks to provide a variety of benefits for Card Members and the 12s all season long. Benefits include the Section 12 pre-game activation, Seattle local business offers, in-stadium deals at concessions for American Express Card Members and the return of Hawks Island later this year. There are so many fun things and this is just the kick-off event.

Event Details

WHAT: American Express Dinner on the 50

WHEN: Tuesday, August 29 at 6:00PM PST

WHERE: CenturyLink Field

How To Address Separation Anxiety in Pets #PurinaPartner

August 14, 2017 by Momstart 13 Comments

This is a sponsored post with Purina

It’s back to school season and we’re running around getting everyone ready. We’re getting school supplies, making lunches and signing up for sports. We’re getting everyone ready but have you remembered your pet? Pets get used to all the activity, the littles being home and playing with them every day. They get used to all the attention and excitement every summer day of activities brings. Then what happens when they are in an empty house? Pets can get separation anxiety, and that can cause trouble for everyone in the family. We know from experience. Thanks to Purina, we have some tips for separation anxiety in pets to share with you.

Tips for Separation Anxiety in Pets

1. Set A Routine – I know for our dog a routine is so important. Emma, our German Sheppard is used to getting up in the morning, going out, then eating breakfast and then going to doggy day care. When the kids are home she knows she’s not going to doggy day care. This year we have to set up a new routine. To do this Purina suggests that leaving the house at the same time and getting back at the same time will help. Also dedicate a certain time of day to play with your dog, this structure and consistency will help them deal with loneliness and anxiety.

2. Spend Quality Time – In the advice above we recommend that you set aside some play time with your dog. Your dog needs exercise and attention. Give them a walk, a cuddle session or a mental exercise. It’s this time that will keep the pet mentally sharp and from feeling neglected.

3. Turn on Some Music – The first time the kids went to school and I was left home a long the house was way to quiet. I couldn’t work, I couldn’t concentrate. I had to turn on some background noise. The same goes for pets. You can play some soothing music or sounds while you are away. Music has benefits for pets including distracting them from worrisome noises and it promotes relaxation.

4. Give them a Toy – For our dog who loves to chew we like to give her a rawhide or a chew toy. My sister’s dogs love toys too. A toy keeps your dog occupied during alone time. You might also consider a scratch post or furniture for your cats. Give them things to keep them busy. Puzzle toys are also a great idea for pets.

5. Play It Up – So if you notice that what you have done so far hasn’t worked and your pet is experiencing destructive behavior, you just need to play it up. That means they need even more physical activity. They need rigorous play that gives them an outlet and relieves all the stress and pent up energy. Our dog needs lots of extra exercise we she has to walk in the morning, at night and if I have time in the middle of the day. Running is even better, and I let my son do that with her.

For more information on pet separation anxiety and how you can address it with your cat or dog, check out this piece at https://www.purina.com/better –with –pets/7 –tips –separation –anxiety and be sure to tune in to Purina’s Facebook Live on this topic taking place on Tuesday, August 29 at 12pm CT.

New Krusteaz Protein Pancake Mix Review & Giveaway

August 14, 2017 by Momstart 78 Comments

Breakfast is such an important meal to get your household off to a good start. It’s a struggle though to get protein in my daughter because she’s so picky. She’ll have toast or some sugary cereal. She’s not a fan of eggs and sausage, but she will eat bacon. Another thing she love to have for breakfast are pancakes, and we’re a family that always has a box of Krusteaz pancake mix on the shelf. Krusteaz makers of premium pancake and waffle mixes (they make amazing cookie mixes too), is launching a new Buttermilk Protein Pancake and it’s fantastic.

The new Buttermilk Protein Pancake mix has 13g of added protein keeping your family full and energized all day long. In addition to adding they protein they kept all the ingredients wholesome and free of partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. It made the perfect pancake for my kids. I even threw in a few chocolate chips.

One of the reasons we keep Krusteaz pancake mix in our pantry is so on those mornings when my kids want pancakes I can get them together in a flash. All you do is add water (but I usually put in milk instead of water). Mix the batter and you have pancakes in a flash. If you want even more protein might I suggest adding peanut butter to the batter. This is what I did. I put some peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl, warmed it up so that it was extra creamy and very easy to mix into the pancake batter. Oh wow they were so delicious.

Enter to Win:

Krusteaz Protein Pancak Mixes

A whisk

A Blender Bottle and Tote bag

To Enter:

Tell me what you do to add protein to your breakfast

Extra Entries:

Use the rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hiking Essentials: What To Take On a Hike

August 14, 2017 by Momstart 19 Comments

I’m proud to be working with CVS Pharmacy to help spread the word about #BetterHealthMadeEasy and how to #FindYourHealthy. All opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.

I love hiking, I love walking, I love being outside on a nice day. Zoe and I loaded up our bags with Hiking Essentials this past weed. We were supposed to go to Mount Rainier to go hiking in Paradise, but we woke up on Sunday morning to rain and cancelled our trip. Luckily, we haven’t had a lack of nice weather this summer and have been hiking more than once and will make plans to make it up the mountain again soon, and we’ll be ready with supplies thanks to CVS.

What to take on a hike:

Zoe and I made a video of the things we think you should make sure you have when you go hiking.

Hiking Essentials:

1. Number one item is a safety kit. Make sure you have the supplies you need in case of a minor injury.

2. Snacks, lots of snacks. CVS has so many snack options. Protein bars are perfect for camping because they give you that burst of energy you need, before during or after your hike.

3. Water, arguably this would be number 1 on the list. You need to stay hydrated. It’s great to have one of those water bottles that purifies river water, but just to make sure you have water at all pick up a water bottle from CVS. They have plenty of options.

4. Band-Aids, antiseptic cream, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol. These are all things that will probably be in your basic safety kit. It’s important to check your kit and make sure that they are in there and if not grab some from CVS.

5. Athletic/elastic tape, this isn’t something that I would have thought of but my sister in law says it’s amazing to have. She said you can wrap that around your joints and it reinforces them making them feel stronger.

BE Prepared with CVS

Stopping by a CVS Pharmacy can make pre-travel immunizations easy

In Case of Illness on the Road

In case there are any minor illnesses or injuries that happen on a trip, MinuteClinic could be a convenient alternative to an Emergency Room visit

6. Matches, just in case you want to start a campfire for lunch, or if you end up staying the night. I think it’s just important to have them just in case. It might be overboard for a hike but it’s better to have them.

7. Burn Pads, if you have matches be prepared to get burned. I mean be prepared to deal with that burn you might get. It’s just better to be prepared.

8. Ibuprofen, I don’t go anywhere without Ibuprofen. Headaches are no fun, so I keep this stuff with me for just that reason. But it also comes in handy when my son takes a tumble and that’s about all the time. I have to be prepared for his accidents.

My little monkey!

A post shared by Louise Bishop (@momstart) on May 16, 2017 at 8:53am PDT

9. Compass, it seems that most people just use phones now for direction, but what if you get into an area where you lose reception. Having a compass is really helpful if you get off the path.

10. Flashlight, it’s great to have a flashlight just in case you get lost or it becomes dark.

We also want to remind you of the importance of checking for lice after your hike. Lice have been really bad this year and it’s important to find them quickly and get them off your skin properly. Check a site like WebMD for proper removal when you find one.

Meal Subscription Box: Dinnerly Everything You Need To Cook

August 8, 2017 by Momstart 6 Comments

Weeknight cooking gets mundane sometimes as we get set on cooking the same things over and over again. Of course I could look up recipes but sometimes it’s about what’s in the pantry because I don’t want to go to the store. That’s just two of the reasons why I love having dinner meal kits sent to our house. These Meal Subscriptions box kits are perfect for our family needs. We recently received a meal kit from Dinnerly and Zoe did a box opening so you can see everything that we received in our first box.

Another reason I love these subscription meal box kits is because it gives us a chance to cook together or for Zoe to cook on her own. Zoe loves cooking and what I love about Dinnerly is that everything comes pre-measured and with easy to follow directions. Zoe was able to make a dinner and there was hardly any mess and under 30 minutes. Each box seems to come with three different meals. You pick how often you want the boxes and you can always put it on hold. You don’t have to get a box every week. You can choose between a couple box that feeds two adults for 38.99 and a family box that feeds four adults for 68.99.

My husband and I are on a KETO diet so I adjusted the recipes to work for us. Using our box, we made burgers one night with the beef and home made potato chips.

We also made Sausage Pasta. For my husband and I, we omitted the pasta. It was delicious.

But I think our favorite recipe was the Chicken Chili recipe. OMG, this was amazing and even my kids who are picky about chicken gobbled this up.

DINNERLY is the first affordable meal kit delivery service to send all the fresh ingredients to cook weeknight dinners for just $5 per serving! With most kits being around $10 per serve, this represents a big weekly saving for families who love the convenience of meal kits. I love this price point.

Dinnerly targets those that want to cook but don’t want a lot of hastle. They keep the price down by having fewer ingredients keeping the recipes simple. They also have digital recipe cards verses printing up full color cards keeping costs down per box. Dinnerly is currently on the West Coast including California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Idaho with expected expansion by end of 2017.

DINNERLY will send quality ingredients like antibiotic free chicken and free range ground beef to make delicious family-friendly meals like turkey burgers with sweet potato fries, or a Harissa pan roasted chicken that will satisfy even the fussy eaters!

Period Underwear: Knixteen #ShutUpPeriod – Knixwear launches Knixteen

August 7, 2017 by Momstart 2 Comments

This is a partnered post with Knixwear. Makers of KnixTeen. Knixwear, the leading brand of active intimates reinventing women’s underwear, launched of the first line of leakproof period underwear designed specifically for teens.

We just found a pair of underwear that my daughter loves. My daughter hasn’t had her first period yet but we are expecting it any time now. She’s as prepared as she can be. She’s learned about her body, we’ve talked about different hygiene products and now she has this amazing pair of underwear that are perfect for those little accidents or slips we sometimes have in-between trips to the bathroom.

She wants like 10 more pairs because of how comfortable they are alone! The Knixteen brand and line of products will offer the same performance, technology and protection as its top-selling adult counterpart. The brand features two styles of black leakproof, seamless panties – a boyshort and a bikini cut that absorb the equivalent of two regular tampons and provide back up protection and peace of mind for teens.

For the launch of this new product Knixwear created a serious of videos that use humor to encourage girls to face their periods head-on. They all use the hashtag #ShutUpPeriod and can be seen here! We’ve decided to share one of them below!

Everything about Knixteen has been developed with input from teen girls themselves. Born from a culture of listening, Knixwear uncovered a need amongst the underserved youth demographic after seeing the success of its line for women. Even the ‘Oh-No’ Proof Underwear packaging, a reusable pouch, is perfect for use as a period emergency kit, a pencil case or make-up bag. The pouch also comes with instructions that explain how it can be reused as a heating pad to help combat period cramps.

My daughter loves the collection of things that came with the underwear also. She really feels ready and I can’t wait to updated this post with how they work and how she feels after she has her period. For now, I’m probably going to be purchasing her another pair or two just because of how much she loves how they feel on.

A Marvel-ous Smoothie Recipe #StreamTeam

August 2, 2017 by Beeb 12 Comments

MomStart is a member of the Netflix Stream Team. This is a partnered post.

I’ve been a big comic book fan ever since I was a little girl. I remember being a toddler and feeling frustrated that I couldn’t read, because my dad had a novelization of the Supergirl movie and I wanted to be able to read it, too! I’ve gone as almost every comic book character for Halloween, made my own X-Men crafts out of corndog sticks, and even created my own Incredible Hulk-inspired gingerbread man!

Making Incredible Hulk cookies in the 1980s

My culinary skills have gotten a little more advanced since then, it’s true. 😉 But I still have fun coming up with comic book-inspired recipes for special occasions – like the time I threw a Spider-Man themed party and made a Green Goblin Veggie Platter! Since I’ve been eating healthier the past few years, I take it as a challenge when I need to come up with recipes that are compatible with my goals but still party-friendly. I think I managed to do that with my latest drink creation, a smoothie that is super healthy but still tasty enough to be enjoyed by anyone, including kids. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer day like today – preferably while keeping cool inside watching the latest Marvel show on Netflix!

Even Wolverine loves this recipe!

Marvel-ous Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 banana
1 cup frozen mixed berries
1 cup Almond Milk
Ice

Directions:

Add all ingredients to blender and mix until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Just like my smoothie bridges the gap between healthy food and “Treats”, the new generation of Marvel programming has brought both comic book nerds and casual viewers together with shows that have something for everyone. You don’t have to know every origin story to enjoy the dark, edgy storylines in Jessica Jones or root for the underdog in Luke Cage. Meanwhile, hardcore fans can enjoy new and compelling adventures – one of my big pet peeves with comic book adaptations is when they rehash the same plots over and over again. I know how Wolverine got his powers, let’s see what he actually does with them!

Bringing different worlds and tastes together is part of the fun of spending time with other people – so go on, grab a friend, make some smoothies, and compare notes on Daredevil!

What shows do you use to “Bridge the gap” in your family?