Never Be Left Out of the Photo Again with Looq {Review}

 

This past fall my daughters had a few days off from school, so my husband and I scooped them up and took a vacation to Washington D.C. We saw all the sights, rode the Metro, walked miles upon miles, had a great time, and went home with memories to last a lifetime.

However, as I look back through the photos, it's apparent that there are mainly two types. One, my kids participating in some sort of activity or posing diligently. Or two, the kids with one parent documenting that we were at a particular location.

Pretty standard vacation pictures, right?

We do have approximately three pictures where all four of us were included, due to me sucking it up and overcoming the awkwardness of asking a complete stranger to stop whatever they were doing and photograph us instead.

Would I have liked to have more pictures of us standing only feet away from the White House so that there might have been one with less forced facial expressions or at a better angle? Sure. But it's hard enough to get people to stop to take one photo, so I wasn't about to tell the nice man to take a dozen more.

So, aside from traveling with a personal photographer everywhere we go, getting more family photos didn't really seem possible... until I was introduced to Looq.

The first of its kind battery-free shutter pole, Looq is compatible with iPhones and Androids and was made for taking vacation photos and selfies to new heights. Simply place your phone, open the app and extend the pole anywhere between 5.5" and 24" and you're able to get more faces in the frame, include a scenic background, and more.

When a Looq arrived here, I was pleased to find that it truly was just as quick and easy as Looq Systems had declared it to be.

After taking a minute to download the free Looq app, I simply connected the two Looq pieces (the adjustable holder and the shutter pole) together and I was ready to snap away.

I had my phone out of its case in these pictures, but the Looq also fits it just fine with the case in place.

Right away I appreciated that the holder felt extremely strong (meaning my phone wouldn't accidentally fall out) and that the pole's sturdy design also eased my safety worries. In fact, the Looq has been proven capable of holding up to a dozen iPhone 5 phones at once, so I felt quite positive that my single one would be secure!

Then, by opening the app (which has an appearance extremely similar to the iPhone's classic camera app), I was able to use the front- or rear-facing camera to set up my shot. There is even a convenient little mirror to help frame photos when the rear-facing camera is used — no more wondering if everyone's face is making it into the frame!

At the same time, the Looq eliminates any of the reaching, tilting, bending or "selfie arm" that is typically involved when taking self-portraits. Just aim, smile and use the included Selfie Button on the handle of the Looq (the pole even gives a little vibration to let you know that it has taken the photo) and your result turns out great!

As well as taking family pictures much more often, my unplanned, fun photo times with my kids are now much easier as well. Instead of a typical picture that is up close and includes my arm...

...we're able to sit back and relax and end up with a shot that looks like it was taken by a third person.

Looq couldn't be much easier!

Whether you're taking vacation photos and want to include the whole gang or just want a way to perfect your selfies, the Looq is an extremely simple way to improve your photographs. You'll no longer feel embarrassed asking strangers to take your pictures (or worry that they will run off with your phone!) and your awkward "selfie arm" won't have to make any more appearances.

Instead, this small, portable devices sets up in seconds and can change the way that your personal photographs turn out for years to come. Want to find out more? The Looq is compatible with a long list of iPhone and Android phones and can be purchased at LooqSystems.com for $69.99.

You can also connect with this innovative company on Facebook and Twitter so that you won't miss the latest and greatest unique inventions that they continue to debut!

Other than the Looq that I was provided by Looq Systems in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion on this product.

Top 5 Reasons I Love My Keurig

Once or twice (or 53 times) on this blog, I've mentioned my love of coffee and my unique, one-on-one relationship with my Keurig.

But what is it about the Keurig specifically that has caused our love affair to withstand multiple years and never waver even throughout the introduction of a variety of other coffeemakers into our household?

Oh, Keurig, let me count the ways.

1. Ease of Use.

Me. Morning. No talkies, stop whining. Time is it? Hmph. Let's just say that I'm not a morning person and anything that takes even a little bit of energy or brain power just might send me right back to bed. With my Keurig, there's no scooping, measuring or thinking involved. Mug. Power. Brew. Love.

2. Speed.

Along with the way that I need everything to be extremely simple in the morning, my already-low patience level is pretty much at rock bottom. I want coffee and I want it now. In the time that it has taken me to walk over to the fridge to get out the creamer, my Keurig has my coffee brewed and ready. Less than a minute = perfection.

3. Versatility.

Whether I choose to believe it or not, there are people out there that don't drink coffee. Fortunately, I don't have to worry about what might happen when they enter my home, as my Keurig not only brews coffee (regular, decaf and flavored), but can also produce delicious tea, hot cocoa, hot apple cider, brew over ice beverages, cafe-style drinks and many more for all family and guests.

I'm sure that my kids love my Keurig just as much as I do when it provides them with a steaming cup of hot chocolate before they've even finished taking off of their gear when they come in from playing out in the snow!

4. Savings.

I know what you're thinking and yes, K-cups cost more than buying a bag of grounds and using a traditional coffee machine. But, as mentioned above, the chances of me dealing with filters and grounds in the morning just doesn't happen... not to mention that I'm the only coffee drinker in the house. So what good would it do to brew a full pot and have much of it go to waste?

Plus, there are ways to save money on K-cups if you look for them! There are multiple types of refillable K-cup filters available (if you have more patience than me) or, even better, hit up a great sale! Cross Country Cafe already offers rock bottom prices on K-cups in every different variety that you could think of, but did you know that they also offer Value Priced K-Cups, Clearance options and Weekly Coffee Deals? Did someone say bargain?

5. Portability. 

As much as I love a vacation, the idea of leaving my Keurig at home does put a damper on things. What kind of coffee machine is going to be in my hotel room when I arrive? How will the quality and flavor live up to my expectations?

Fortunately, Keurig brewers come in all shapes and sizes (and colors) these days, so whether you use a Pro model in your office, a standard brewer in your kitchen, or conserve space with a Mini, there is one that will fit into all aspects of your life.

As for me, I'm thrilled that there is a smaller version on the market. Because not only has that increased the number of hotels that have them right the room, but I know that, if necessary, it isn't an issue for me to come fully prepared.

Do you share in my Keurig love? What reasons would you add to this list?

As a Cross Country Cafe Ambassador, I have been provided with products in exchange for my continued work with their company and affiliate links are included in the above post. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Put an #AppleButterSpin on Your Recipes with Musselman's Apple Butter {Grilling Prize Pack Giveaway!}

Although I'm always shocked when January is coming to an end (I'm not ready to fully admit that the New Year is here yet!), I do love knowing that we're one step closer to spring and warm weather.

Plus, it means the big game is right around the corner! The idea of gathering our family together on Super Bowl Sunday, the table covered with snacks, the kids making up their own end zone dance with every touchdown, my husband and father-in-law getting frustrated by no one else paying actual attention to the game... it's a yearly tradition that can't be beat!

As in years past, this year I'm excited to be able to add a few new party snacks to the mix thanks to the versatility of the unique and delicious Musselman's Apple Butter.

A gluten-free, dairy-free, highly concentrated form of applesauce, apple butter can be used individually as a yummy spread or in any number of dishes to give a rich apple zing. This one-of-a-kind ingredient is just the thing to spice up your traditional game-day favorites!

Just check out what tasty items these guys are making...


While Musselman's has always offered a wide variety of great recipes to get you started (or to inspire you to create your own), they have also made it possible to find even more delicious options with their Apple Butter e-recipe book. Download it for free and get cooking!

With such a large number of tasty-looking recipes in the e-recipe book, I didn't know where to begin... and then Musselman's sent over a few ingredients to inspire me even further!

Even though each of the recipes that Musselman's included looked like a great fit into our Super Bowl gathering (and I especially wanted to put my new Wilton Armetale pan to use)...

...I knew that the Peanut Butter Apple Bites were going to be a surefire hit.

After all, these cute little balls looked extremely easy to make, very delicious to eat, and something that the whole family would enjoy munching on while catching the biggest football game of the year!

Peanut Butter Apple Bites

Ingredients

⅓ cup peanut butter
½ cup Musselman's Apple Butter
1 Tablespoon caramel sauce (optional)
1 cup graham cracker crumbs, finely ground
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup salted peanuts, finely chopped

Instructions

Stir together peanut butter, apple butter and optional caramel in a medium sized bowl.

Mix cinnamon into the graham cracker crumbs and add to the apple butter mixture. Combine well. Chill for at least 30 minutes.

Scoop tablespoon sized balls of the mixture onto a wax paper lined cookie sheet (dough will be soft). Roll into uniformed sized balls.

Place chopped peanuts in a small bowl and roll the balls in them to coat. Store in refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions:

Add 1 cup of mini cinnamon chips or toffee chips into the dough.
Instead of rolling the bites in peanuts, roll them in additional graham cracker crumbs with cinnamon sugar.

My kids wrinkled their noses when I said that these were going to be rolled in peanuts, so we went with the serving suggestion of using graham cracker crumbs with cinnamon sugar instead... and they turned out fantastic!

Mmmmmm! I have to admit that I'm not usually a big fan of peanut butter as an ingredient, but I love the way that the rich apple flavor of Musselman's Apple Butter mixes with it perfectly.

Not to mention that I took the idea of adding cinnamon or toffee chips and went with my must-have instead: chocolate! Mini chocolate chips give these just a bit of an added chocolate kick and made the overall result something that I found myself reaching for again and again.

When it comes time to prep for a gathering or simply to incorporate a mouthwatering product into your meals – whether cooking, baking, spread on bread or more – Musselman's Apple Butter can add an unexpected, flavorful kick to your favorite recipes, dips and sauces.

Visit Musselman's recipes to see all of their delicious ideas that are sure to be crowd-pleasers for the whole family and all of your guests. You can find a yummy bottle of Apple Butter in the jam/jelly aisle of your favorite grocery store, while also connecting with Musselman's on Facebook so that you'll never miss information, recipes, products, coupons and more.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be prepared to make their own football-inspired creation using Musselman's Apple Butter, because...

One lucky person will win a Musselman's Grilling Prize Pack*!

*Prize pack contains Musselman’s Apple Butter, a Grillware Pizza Tray and a recipe card for Caramelized Onion Bacon Pizza. Total ARV ~$55.

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A big thank you to Musselman's for providing a prize pack for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Winning Recipe Ideas with Libby's Fruits and Vegetables {Prize Pack Giveaway!}

With all due respect to January, I've always felt like it is one of the most disliked months of the year.

Temperatures in much of the country are freezing, daylight hours are short, credit card bills from the chaos of the holiday season are overdue, guilt over abandoned New Year's resolutions is high... it all adds up to a large number of people feeling pretty low.

Fortunately for us, January has nearly come to an end and the promise of all of the positives of February has nearly arrived. The love and caring of Valentine's Day, the shortened number of days that makes spring seem even closer, and, as a perfect kickoff to the month itself, the Super Bowl!

Whether you're a football fan or not, the aspect of getting together with family and friends to spend a day eating, drinking, cheering, booing and marveling at just how much money went into each second of the big game's commercials can bring cheer to just about anyone's life.

No matter what your plans are, it's easy to make your Super Bowl gathering better and tastier thanks to the experts and deliciousness of Libby’s Fruits and Vegetables.

As one of the nation's largest brands, Libby's Fruits and Vegetables contains over 60 different products and sizes. Including a variety of household staples such as corn, peas and green beans, they offer one of the industry's most complete lines of canned vegetables, including organic options.

At the same time, their fruit products only meet the highest standards and are created from produce hand selected at the peak of ripeness and nutrient content from the finest orchards. With such a large selection of products, it is easy to add nutritional value to any of your meals for any occasion.

And when it comes to creating delicious and affordable game day snacks, Libby's not only has the products, but they also have the recipes to give you plenty of inspiration. Peachy BBQ Pork Sliders? Black Bean and Bacon Veggie Bites? These and dozens more are available on Libby's Game Day Goodies Pinterest board and Recipes tab and are sure to score points with your guests!

While there were quite a few Libby's recipes that caught my eye, the arrival of a box of goodies from them helped narrow down my choices.

Without a doubt, I knew that the Carrot Cake Bites would surely be a winner in my house!

Ingredients

1 c all-purpose flour
¾ c whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
⅓ c vegetable oil
½ c sugar
½ c fat-free milk
2 eggs
1 can 14.5oz Libby's Sliced Carrots, drained, rinsed and mashed with a fork

Directions

Coat two mini-muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, soda, salt and cinnamon. In a medium bowl, mix together oil, sugar, milk and eggs. Pour egg mixture into flour mixture and stir just until combined. Gently stir in carrots.

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each cup of mini muffin pans. Bake for 10-12 minutes until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Repeat with remainder of batter.

If desired, stir together a simple icing of 1 tablespoon orange juice, ½ teaspoon vanilla and 1 cup powdered sugar. Makes 3 dozen mini-cupcakes (or 15 regular cupcakes).

Due to only having one mini muffin pan and not wanting to have to wait for one batch to come out of the oven before putting in the second one, I opted to make regular size cupcakes that turned out absolutely delicious.

If you're a fan of carrot cake, you'll love how quick and easy these are to make! They aren't overwhelmingly carrot-flavored, but have just enough sweet, richness that is complemented with the icing. But considering that these can easily pass as muffins (Big Sister E brought them in to her class to share on her "VIP Day" last week!) there's no guilt in having a second... or third.

This Super Bowl weekend and beyond, make sure to have Libby's Fruits and Vegetables in your pantry so that you'll be prepared to pull them out for everyday meals as well as for special occasions. Because when it comes to pleasing family and friends with classic as well as creative recipes, Libby's can make the end result turn out great!

Want to share in the enthusiasm for game day entertaining? Then be sure to join Libby's at the #LibbysBigGame Twitter party at 2pm ET this Wednesday, January 29th!

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be prepared to celebrate the end of another football season as well, because...

One lucky person will win an assortment of Libby's product and a football cutting board (total ARV $45)!

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A big thank you to Libby's for providing product and a cutting board for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Winners!

The lucky winner of their choice of 2 Red Hens Rooster Diaper bag and a Tortle baby beanie is...

The lucky winner of a Play-Doh Trash Tossin' Rowdy the Garbage Truck playset is...

The lucky winner of a Despicable Me 2 Chex Mix Prize Pack is...

The lucky winner of (3) coupons for free Krusteaz products is...

Thanks to everyone who entered these fun giveaways! Have a great weekend!

Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season Tires {Review}

Has it really only technically been winter for a month?

Although the rest of the nation might disagree, I'm pretty sure that here in the Midwest it feels as though winter has been going on for the last four years or so. When we're lucky to have high temps for the day reach 0°, that's just not okay.

As much as it would make me happy to hibernate until the snow has all melted, I've had to brave the freezing wind, icy sleet and arctic air day after day as I go about my daily life. And, while I never claim to be the best driver on the planet, I am pretty confident in my abilities.

My husband, on the other hand? Well, let's just say that's not always the case. Even though I know that he is rolling his eyes at me when I stress DRIVE SAFELY to him over the phone when he is leaving work, is it my fault that his past spin-outs, slides and automobile snafus have left me a little overly concerned about his safety?

The fortunately-small aftermath from him spinning 180° on the freeway and bumping into the guardrail.

This winter, however, my nerves have been slightly less stressed every time my husband gets behind the wheel thanks to the superior quality of Goodyear's newest tire, the Eagle Sport All-Season.

Goodyear has been creating innovative products and services that set the technology and performance standards for the industry for over 100 years, and their continued commitment to advancing the science and technology of tires is what drives their experts every day.

So, once I was introduced to their new Eagle Sport All-Season tires, I had no doubt that they would be able to provide responsive handling and confident all-season traction on my husband's car.

I love that these new high-performance tires carry a 50,000-mile tread life limited warranty and that they feature an innovative tread compound to offer outstanding wet and dry performance, with enhanced grip in ice and snow. That's exactly what I want so that I can relax (a little bit) knowing that my husband is less likely to slip and slide when he is out and about.

Once four of these tires were delivered and I was done admiring their quality and durability...

...it simply took making an appointment to bring the car in to have these Eagle Sport All-Season Tires installed.

Even though I don't spend as much time driving this car as much as my husband does, I have easily noticed that the improved treadwear and all-season traction truly does make a difference in the control, handling and responsiveness of the car.

This is great year-round, but especially right now when the roads are covered with snow and ice!

For the remainder of this icy winter and beyond, I'm happy knowing that having Goodyear's well-constructed tires on my husband's car will be one more precaution taken in keeping him (and the whole family) as safe as possible.

Currently Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season tires have an MSRP starting at $97 each (there is also a mail-in rebate to save even more money when you buy a set of four) and much more information and availability can be found on the Goodyear website. They even have a great widget that will let you know if these tires will fit on your make and model vehicle!

Visit Goodyear.com to see their full line of high quality products and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter so that you stay up to date on the latest and greatest in all things Goodyear.

The Goodyear tires, information, and discount code have been provided by Goodyear.

Immerse Yourself in Technology at the Intel Experience Stores {Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 & Intel Coupon Codes Giveaway!}

While I absolutely love the convenience of online shopping, there's a part of me that always misses the hands-on aspect.

It's one thing if I know exactly what I'm purchasing (e.g. vacuum cleaner bags or loom bands) but it's another if it's something like a new laptop or tablet. Reading the details can only go so far in comparison to actually picking it up and playing around with it, right?

Fortunately, there are brands that are taking things even further than just being offered in big box stores. Case in point, for the first time in its history, Intel Corporation has opened community-based, pop-up Intel Experience Stores in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City!

Giving visitors the unique opportunity to interact with some of the latest Intel-based devices, the Intel Experience Stores even offer Intel technology experts to help with purchase decisions and provide technology advice.

Beyond that, visitors can enjoy a range of free daily activities including local speakers and performers, tutorials, a recycling program that is benefiting local schools in each of the cities, and other fun activities including free coffee every morning and game and movie nights during the week.

Although I'd probably visit for the free coffee alone, I love the idea that a relaxed, community atmosphere is incorporated into a location that anyone and everyone can learn about some of the newest tech items on the market today (including tablets, 2 in 1 devices and portable all-in-one PCs).

If you haven't tried out one of Intel's revolutionary new 2 in 1 devices, you've got to see the versatility and convenience of being able to combine the functionality of a laptop with the size and portability of a tablet! Not to mention visiting your local Intel Experience Store to test out touchscreen laptops and awesome tablets, of course.


Whether you're looking to "try before you buy," get answers from experts, see a demonstration or simply interact with technology in a way that wasn't possible before, I recommend visiting these innovative pop-up locations if you're in LA, Chicago or NYC!

Find out more about the Intel Experience Stores on the Intel website (they're closing very soon, so plan a visit asap!) and, for those of us who don't have a store near us, be sure to head over to BestBuy.com/IntelExperience to see some of the latest Intel-based devices online as well.

Plus, thanks to the generosity of Intel's Experience Stores, 11 people are going to be able to fulfill their holiday tech wish lists in case they are still looking to upgrade their technology in 2014, because...

One person will win a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 (16gb, MSRP: $399.99) and 10 people will win $50 Intel coupon codes to be used on BestBuy.com/IntelExperience (exp 1/31/2014)!

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A big thank you to Intel's Experience Stores for providing the information and prizes for the 11 lucky giveaway winners. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Winter Weather Emergency Preparedness: Is There Junk in Your Trunk? {Trunk Safety Makeover Kit Giveaway}

Unless you're one of the small number of people who love and embrace wintertime (do those people really exist?), then you've been not-so-eagerly dealing with extreme winter weather conditions this year.

And as much as we would like to stay inside all day long to avoid the below-zero temperatures, life must go on. We all know to not leave the house without a warm coat, hat and gloves, right? But considering that driving conditions can turn treacherous in an instant, how prepared is your trunk if you become stranded in this extreme cold?

It's important to plan ahead when there is snow, ice, poor visibility and freezing temps, but a recently survey by State Farm, together with KRC Research, discovered that nearly all drivers could improve what is in their trunk to be better prepared for roadside emergencies.

Where do you fall into the statistics?

While nearly all drivers (96%) had at least one emergency item in their vehicle, such as a spare tire or jumper cables, a mere 5% carried all of the emergency roadside equipment, including: jumper cables, spare tire, hazard triangle/road flares, flashlight, first aid kid, windshield scraper, water, non-perishable food and a blanket.

Although I'd like to claim that my trunk carries every one of those items and looks something like this...

...I am instead one of the 67% that admit to having some sort of "junk" (non-emergency supplies) in my car's trunk as well.

What about you? Are every one of those items in your trunk or, when you pop it open, do you find shoes, toys and used food or drink containers, instead?

If the above picture is starting to make you worried that you might be putting yourself and/or your family at risk when you head out in your automobile, then the following Winter Driving Survival tips from State Farm just might ease your worries:

Carry Emergency Supplies

In addition to the items mentioned above, other great winter essentials include a small folding shovel, a bag of road salt or cat litter, windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze and warning flares.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

While having the right gear is extremely important, you can help prevent trouble by having your car checked and tuned up — everything from hoses and fan belts to spark plugs to tire pressure and tread life.

Follow Winter Driving Recommendations

Winter driving has its own set of challenges, from the moment you start up your vehicle. Some useful winter driving suggestions include never warming up your vehicle in a closed garage, keeping your gas tank at least half full, not using cruise control on icy roads and staying calm if you start to skid.

Stay Calm if Stranded

If a winter storm strands you with your vehicle, would you know what to do? State Farm suggests:

• Pull off the highway, if possible, turn on your hazard lights or light flares, and hang a distress flag from an antenna or window.

• Call 911 if you have a phone and describe your location as precisely as possible.

• Remain in your vehicle so help can find you.

• Run your vehicle's engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Exercise a little to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion and sweating.

• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.

• Conserve your vehicle's battery. Use lights, heat, and radio sparingly.

• At night, turn on an inside light when you run the engine so help can see you.

For the remainder of this winter (and all of those to come), be cautious, be safe and be prepared. Winter weather emergency preparedness isn't something to take for granted and, along with having the important supplies in your car, take the time to regularly check that all of the equipment is working properly. Your family just might be depending on it!

This article can give you much more about being prepared for roadside emergencies and the full details and results of the survey by State Farm, so head over for a visit!

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will be prepared for their next ride even more than usual, because...

One lucky person will win a Trunk Safety Makeover Kit* from State Farm!

*Kit includes: mini LED flashlight, Nature Valley granola bars, supa cham towel, shoulder tote and a complete roadside emergency kit (Triangular-shaped tote with carry handle that doubles as a reflective hazard warning sign and contains essential tools for roadside emergency repair, including: set of jumper cables, heavy-duty plastic ice scraper, tire-pressure gauge, 9-piece ratchet set with rigid hand driver, pair of standard slip-joint pliers, flat head screwdriver, phillips screwdriver, roll of red electrical tape, blade-style automotive fuses, pair of white work gloves and insulated ring and spade terminals). Total ARV ~$50.

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A big thank you to State Farm for providing a prize pack for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Forget Sick, Call in Well with Ricola! {$25 Visa Gift Card Prize Pack Giveaway}

When you're a kid, having a sick day isn't all that bad. You get to miss school, have Mom or Dad tuck you in on the couch and bring you juice and cough drops while you watch your favorite shows and movies. Not too shabby, right?

As an adult, however, an illness can quickly turn from an annoyance into a major hassle. Taking time off of work, arranging childcare, making doctor appointments, ordering medication... whether or not you're the one who has the cold or flu or you are taking care of a member of your family, everything to do with being sick quickly adds up to being miserable.

Fortunately, even while the cold and flu season hits its peak this month, there is still reason to smile thanks to the leading manufacturer of soothing herb cough drops from Switzerland, Ricola.

Family owned and operated for more than 80 years, Ricola is one of the most modern and innovative manufacturers of herb drops in the world. But did you know that Ricola products now include around 50 different herb specialty flavors? And that all of the herbs used are organically cultivated in the Swiss mountains?

It is no wonder that fans all across the globe sing the praises of Chrüterchraft, Ricola's magic herb blend, for the strength, flavor, power and results of these cough drops!

This month, however, Ricola is taking things even further by encouraging consumers to trade in their sick days for well days and "Call in Well!"

That's right! Ricola would like everyone to take the appropriate actions to feel better during this virus-filled time of year so that we can go out and enjoy all the great things winter has to offer instead.

But that's not all, the Call in Well Sweepstakes takes things one step further by having consumers call 1-855-4-WELLDAY or text RICOLA (22122) to share what fun things they would do if they took a "well day" off. One lucky winner per day (until January 31st, 2014) will win $500, a pretty great start to a day off, isn't it?

What would you do with your "well day" off? Venture outdoors for some skiing, skating or snowboarding? Stay in and do some shopping? Or never change out of your pajamas and spend the day catching up on your soaps and talk shows in between naps? Sounds good to me!

Visit Ricola's Facebook page for the full details and rules for this fun sweepstakes and be sure to enter for your own "well day" off to indulge in whatever it is that makes you happy!

Be sure to head over to Ricola.com to find out about their full line of amazing products, their herbs, Chrüterchraft, sustainability, games and much more!

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will be even more prepared to enjoy their next "well day" off, because...

One lucky person will win a Chrüterchraft Prize Pack* from Ricola!

* Prize Pack includes a $25 Visa gift card, two Ricola product packages and a cough drop tin

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A big thank you to Ricola for providing a prize pack for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.