Friday, February 27, 2015

Make Summer Plans with Challenger Sports' British Soccer Camp!

 British Soccer Camps logo
Although it is hard for me to imagine the arrival of summer when the current temperatures outside hover somewhere between frigid and glacial, it is indeed already time to start making plans for my kids. Will they attend camp? Will they take lessons or classes or go to events or have play dates?

While there is still plenty of time to decide on some of the options, parents everywhere know that there is no time to waste when it comes to signing up for a great camp.

For us, this summer it means finally checking out the most popular camp in North America (150,000 campers!), British Soccer Camp from Challenger Sports!

soccer camp

With an innovative curriculum that develops skills, speed and confidence in players ages 3-18, Challenger Sports' British Soccer Camps provide boys and girls with the rare opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international experts right in the heart of their own community.

Hundreds of Challenger coaches each year have helped the company develop one of the most innovative approaches to coaching youth soccer in the U.S. Their experienced staff study the game at all levels and have identified the key techniques and skills that players need to work on and master to reach their true potential.

Each day includes individual foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices, small-sided games, coached scrimmages, and a daily World Cup tournament. Plus, in addition to teaching new skills and improving game performance, each British Soccer Camp provides lessons in character development, cultural education and is the most fun your child can have learning the sport they love!


Challenger Sports has a program in almost every U.S. market so head over to their website today for a complete list of camps available.

Even better, when you enroll your child in a British Soccer Camp now, they will receive a free t-shirt, ball and British Soccer Jersey... and, if you enter the promo code FMG15, they'll also include a bonus Challenger water bottle for free!

Challenger jersey

Challenger's British Soccer Camps have helped hundreds of thousands of young boys and girls fall in love with the sport of soccer for the past 25 years, so what are you waiting for? If you have a child in your life who would have a blast learning, playing and having fun this summer, check out Challenger's Soccer Camp options today!

Other than the information and free admittance to one week of camp I was provided by USFamilyGuide, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion about this company and its offerings.

Wrapping Up the Listerine 21-Day Challenge — A Success!

 Listerine logo
We are a family of routines.

Although the clutter and disorganization might indicate otherwise, it has always seemed as though the four of us have thrived the most when our days have been somewhat predictable or methodical. What can I say? Daredevils, we are not!

Therefore, when it comes to altering our daily routine, the change has to be something that has not only come about for a good reason, but it has to be received quite positively in order for it to stick.

Which just goes to show how much we have enjoyed being a part of the Listerine 21-Day Challenge that we're excited to keep up our new and improved (and healthy) habits!

Listerine Challenge

Three weeks ago, when we committed to brushing, flossing and rinsing every day, twice a day, I had my doubts that we would successfully complete all 21 days. After all, even though my kids were thrilled over their new bottle of brightly colored Listerine Smart Rinse (Elsa, Anna and Olaf are on here!!!), that didn't necessarily mean that they were ready to embrace the idea of a more intense oral care routine.

After all, it was one thing to make sure that we were doing all three aspects at bedtime, but in the morning as well? Didn't the people at Listerine have school-age children or have any idea as to how hectic things can get when it's time to get out the door to get to school on time?

Listerine 21-Day Challenge

However, all it took was a demonstration from Mom showing how much fun it was to squeeze the bottle of Smart Rinse so that the correct amount of mouthwash pooled in the top (LOVE that feature!) and my assurance that they would be able to handle it, and they were ready to give things a try.

While it took Big Sister E a little more convincing, Little Sister B was immediately on board. By the second day, they both realized that they were able to do the entire process (squeeze the bottle, pour the mouthwash into a cup, rinse and spit it out) all on their own, and suddenly the idea of being "in control" of this process made it infinitely better. Not to mention how good it feels to start your day with a clean, fresh mouth!

As the week went on, I noticed that instead of constant reminders and cajoling to get the kids to brush, floss and rinse twice a day, they both knew that this new routine was for the best and happily dubbed using mouthwash as "swishing." I love that this simple addition was like putting a magnet into their mouths to grab any particles left from brushing and that they were happy to do it in the morning or at night!

kids mouthwash

By the time the three weeks ended, it was clear that Listerine 21-Day Challenge had made enough of an impact on our lives to be a permanent part of our routine.

Little Sister B's class has coincidentally been discussing oral health recently and I happened to be volunteering in the classroom when the kids were giving suggestions on how to have healthy teeth... and my little girl confidently raised her hand and said We need to SWISH!

And don't even get me started on their disapproval when the bottle gets low!

Listerine kids
Do you not SEE that the bottle is empty, Mom?

Overall, I'm glad that we were able to participate in the Listerine 21-Day Challenge to improve our oral health in such a fun and easy way. I will definitely be buying more Listerine Smart Rinse, as I hope that having shown the importance of the brush-floss-rinse-twice-a-day process with my girls still so young that it will continue on with them through childhood and into adulthood.

As for me, my teeth, gums and mouth have never felt healthier!

At the same time that our oral health was improving, I appreciated all of the ways that Listerine Brand helped make the process more fun as well as more informative. Each day I received an email checking in to see if I had rinsed the day before and a chance at the instant win game...

instant winner

...as well as great tips and fun facts.

I chose to receive a daily tip from Cassey Ho, fitness expert (other options included an organizational expert and a healthy eating/nutrition expert), and was happy to read the great information that she shared as well. If I can improve other areas of my life along with making my mouth healthier, why wouldn't I jump at the chance?

health tips

If you haven't already joined the Listerine 21-Day Challenge, head over to their website to sign up today!

Then be sure to stop by your nearest Walgreens, as they offer a wide range of wellness products that can get you stick with just about any healthy habits you may be incorporating into your life. Even better, you'll want to head to Walgreens next week (the week of March 1st) as Listerine Antiseptic will be priced at $4.49, perfect to help keep you going with your continued rinsing.

Here's to a healthy mouth for all of us!

I received LISTERINE® Brand products and a Walgreens gift card from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. and The Motherhood as part of my participation 21-Day Challenge. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Add Flavor to Spending New Year's Eve in Times Square by Dining at Maria Pia! {#ReviewCrew}

2015 Review Crew Blogger Badge
Being as family-centric as we are, my husband and I tend to involve our children in just about all aspects of our lives. From going out to eat to taking a vacation, it's all four of us, all the time.

Except... for those few select times when the two of us manage to steal away by ourselves for a moment or a meal or a couple days of not having to worry about anyone else but each other. After all, it's good for the soul to take time out of our crazy, hectic schedules and simply spend one-on-one time with the one you love!

Even better? When we can save some money doing just that by using a Restaurant.com certificate on our visit to Maria Pia while hitting up New York City for New Year's Eve!

New York City New Year's Eve

Who knew that we were so adventurous, right? If you have the opportunity to experience the chaos, crowds and boisterous fun of New York City around the holidays and Times Square for New Year's Eve, I highly recommend it as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you'll never forget!

However, while you may be content with spending a fortune, traveling a long distance or getting your meals from a cart on the street corner, we opted to head to Maria Pia during our NYC visit and couldn't have been happier with the choice.

Maria Pia NYC

Located only steps away from Times Square in the heart of the theater district in New York City, Maria Pia is a quaint, one-room restaurant (there is also an outdoor seating area in warm weather) serving delicious Italian fare for lunch or dinner. No matter if you arrive on your way to a Broadway show or simply for a night away from cooking, the warm, home-like atmosphere and friendly staff will ensure that you're comfortable and happy before leaving full.

Upon our visit, we were immediately greeted, seated and started perusing the large menu filled with mouthwatering option after option.

Maria Pia menu

After we finally made our decisions, we were treated to a basket of delicious fresh bread...

Maria Pia bread

...followed by a Pear & Gorgonzola salad that was equally as stunning to look at as it was to eat!

Maria Pia salad

Following the bread and salad, our entrees arrived and it was time to dig in!

I was thrilled with the sweet, rich goodness of my Butternut Squash Ravioli...

butternut squash ravioli

...while my husband happily munched away on his serving of Rigatoni pasta.

Rigatoni pasta

There are times when Italian dishes can end up a bit too heavy, but these from Maria Pia were just right. There just isn't anything better than a plate of pasta that is flavorful bite after bite and leaves you perfectly content!

Whether you select from their full menu or opt for a Prix-Fixe lunch or dinner (they also have plenty of room at their full bar), be sure to put Maria Pia on your Places to Visit list for the next time you are in New York City. Although the prices might be a bit more than if you were to dine at a chain restaurant, the warm atmosphere and delicious offerings make it well worth it.

Not to mention that purchasing a Restaurant.com certificate easily lowers the bill to an even more reasonable and affordable amount!

For more information about Maria Pia, visit their website and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter. To find out about all of the money-saving options that Restaurant.com has to offer in your area (or in an area that you are planning to visit), head over to Restaurant.com as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Bon appetite!

As a member of the Restaurant.com Review Crew, I have been provided gift cards and compensation in order to facilitate my reviews. However, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Available Today: Academy Award Winning Big Hero 6 Blu-ray Combo Pack!

 Disney logo
While my kids don't always have the most discerning taste when it comes to the movies, television shoes and characters that they like, there are times when I can't agree with them enough.

After all, when a film includes a lovable robot, comic-book style action, and a tale based on teamwork and becoming more than you thought you could be, how could anyone not fall in love?

Which is why we have all been over the moon excited for today's release onto Blu-ray Combo Pack of the incredible comic adventure, Disney's Big Hero 6!

Big Hero 6 box art

The 54th feature film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Big Hero 6 introduces viewers to Baymax, a lovable, personal companion robot, who forms a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada.

When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to Baymax and his diverse group of friends — adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred — who transform into a band of unlikely heroes to unravel the mystery.

If you haven't yet seen Big Hero 6, you're missing out on the incredible time your entire family will have cheering on these hilarious, unforgettable characters!

Big Hero 6 characters

Although my family had been excited to see Big Hero 6 simply from having seen the trailer, I don't think that any of us expected to fall in love with Baymax quite as much as we did. The way that Disney wove action, comedy and the heartfelt, poignant friendship between this extraordinary robot and Hiro is truly amazing!

Even better, apparently we aren't the only ones who think so!

First, Baymax was named Most Huggable Character of 2015 on National Hugging Day (January 21st), the holiday created to encourage people around the world to show more affection in public...

National Hugging Day

...and second, Big Hero 6 took home the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature of the year!

I have to admit that there are times that I don't always agree with the films, actors or actresses that take home the Oscars, but this year I couldn't have been happier because Big Hero 6 definitely deserved the award and the recognition!

Big Hero 6 best animated feature

Disney's Big Hero 6 is available now on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) as well as Blu-ray Combo Pack. Along with the 102-minute running time of the movie itself, bonus features include:
  • FEAST Theatrical Short
  • The Origin Story of Big Hero 6: Hiro's Journey (hosted by Jamie Chung, voice of Go Go Tomago) — Join the team behind the team that brought Big Hero 6 to the big screen as they travel on research trips to Tokyo and San Francisco and go behind the scenes of this epic film.

    Explore everything comic-book about Big Hero 6, from director Don Hall's passion for comics to the story's roots in a lesser known Marvel property. Marvel's Joe Quesada and Jeph Loeb, who were consultants on the film, talk about what makes a good comic-book story, and how these devices were used to help create Disney's Big Hero 6.
  •  Big Animator 6: The Characters Behind the Characters — Join the six lead animators of Big Hero 6 as they talk about each of the characters and how they came to be the heroes they are now.
  • Deleted Scenes (intro by Directors Don Hall and Chris Williams) — Includes two alternate openings and more.
  • Blu-ray Only: Big Hero Secrets (Easter Egg) — The movie is filled with Easter Eggs, and this Buzzfeed-type list piece will give you a sampling of some of the hidden treasures in the film. See if you can find this Easter Egg about Easter Eggs!
  • DMA Only: Gag Animations (intro by Directors Don Hall and Chris Williams) — For fun, animators made alternate versions of scenes they were working on and threw them into the mix at review sessions. The directors will present some of these gags for the first time to the public in this piece.
  • DMA Only: Beatmax — Check out some of Baymax's greatest lines auto-tuned like you've never heard before.
Are you ready to bring home the love, laughter, hugs and fun of Big Hero 6? You can find this fantastic film on Blu-ray Combo Pack in stores and on Amazon today as well as connecting with all things Baymax on the Big Hero 6 website, Facebook and by downloading the Disney Movies Anywhere app.

Big Hero 6 cast

Other than the Big Hero 6 Blu-ray Combo Pack that I was provided 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 option about this product.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Mix Up Your Breakfast Game with General Mills and Skylanders! {Prize Pack Giveaway}

General Mills logo
Although the first ever breakfast cereal was granola, invented in the USA in 1863, cereal as we know it didn't arrive until years later in 1895. And it wasn't until after World War II when the big breakfast cereal companies realized how much children loved this morning staple and began to look at ways to get them more interested.

How different the history of cereal would have been (and how much less fun!) had the innovative thinkers behind General Mills (who entered the market in 1924 with Wheaties) not started surprising families with free prizes in cereal boxes!

However, even though we have been enjoying all sorts of unique and fun items in our boxes for more than 90 years, this year General Mills is upping America's breakfast game through a new partnership with the most popular children's video franchise, Skylanders!

General Mills and Skylanders

If you're not familiar with the award-winning, $3 billion Skylanders video game franchise, then you must not have children interested in the interactive figures, portal and accessories that seamlessly bridge the physical and virtual worlds across multiple platforms.

If you are, however, then you know how much kids everywhere LOVE anything and everything Skylanders! Which is why, for those households, there will be excitement in the air to know that General Mills and Skylanders have teamed up to offer exclusive Skylanders Skystones card sets free in your favorite boxes of specially marked cereal boxes!

Skylanders Skystones Big G cereal

Participating brands of Big G cereals include Honey Nut Cheerios, Frosted Cheerios, Fruity Cheerios, Reese's Puffs, Cookie Crisp, Lucky Charms, Trix, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

There, customers will find not only find a Skystones game card set, but a game board printed on the back of the cereal box and a downloadable code to unlock characters in the popular mobile Skylanders game.

Skylanders Skystones game board

If you have a Skylanders fan, then they'll definitely want to collect all four Skystones game card sets!

Skylanders Skystones

While my girls aren't fully familiar with Skylanders, they still been having a good time playing with the Skystones cards and making up a variety of their own games... that the two new furry members of our household have been quite interested in as well!

Skylanders cards

From favorite cereals to hot properties like the Skylanders franchise, Big G is connecting families with what they love. This exclusive offer helps fuel family fun and promotes developmental skills through imaginative and cognitive play. What could be better in conjunction with a bowl of delicious cereal?

But, hurry! The specially marked boxes of Big G cereals featuring Skylanders will be on store shelves beginning in March and for a limited time only.

However, thanks to the generosity of General Mills, one person will be prepared to enjoy the delicious flavors and nutrition from their tasty cereals as well as have a fun time playing with Skylanders, because...

One lucky person will win a variety of participating General Mills cereals and an exclusive Skylanders game set!

Actual product received may vary.


A big thank you to General Mills for providing product for me as well as a Prize Pack 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.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Disney Imagicademy Celebrates the Arts with Mickey's Magical Arts World App {#DisneyImagicademy}


I've always said that there is something magical about Disney. Nearly every one of their movies, theme parks, characters, books, television shows, toys and more have managed to capture the hearts of children and adults from all corners of the globe in a way that others just can't compare.

Therefore, last year when we were introduced to Disney's new learning brand, Disney Imagicademy, I had no doubts that it would be just the thing to merge my girls' love of the digital world with their passion to learn. What could be better?

Disney Imagicademy

Created as a way to inspire a natural love of learning and encourage kids ages 3-8 to learn by creating, making and doing, the emphasis of Disney Imagicademy is on how the creative experience fuels children's curiosity.

In fact, Disney Imagicademy is the first comprehensive brand of interactive and connected early learning experiences that combines the Disney characters and stories families love, with a research-driven curriculum developed in conjunction with top academics and education experts.

The integrated program includes 30-plus app-based experiences – five of which are available now as part of Mickey's Magical Math World – along with a companion app for parents, as well as books and other physical products that will be available for back-to-school 2015. The apps and products cover key subject matters that are important for early childhood development, including math, creative arts, science, reading and social and emotional skills.

With such a focus on imagination, endless possibilities and learning coming naturally, why would I not want to introduce my children to this world?

It was time to download Mickey's Magical Arts World!

Mickey's Magical Arts World

Compatible with most all iPads (2nd generation or higher, running iOS 7.0 or later), Mickey's Magical Arts World invites children to join Mickey and his friends in the most imaginative place around, as they explore a fully immersive world of creative arts.

Mickey's Magical Arts World app

Mickey's Magical Arts World is free in the App Store, however, it contains in-app purchases to unlock each of the five fun options for learning and play ($4.99/each or $19.99/bundle of all five).

Once we had purchased all of the various worlds of play, both Big Sister E and Little Sister B couldn't wait to get started creating!

Mickey's Magical Arts World free app

1. Mickey's Sketch Artist (Drawing)

Helping kids learn to draw and experiment with shapes, textures and lines with Mickey at the Drawing Studio, this engaging section allows users to practice their skills through free draw or with guided lessons.

From designing characters (that then become animated!) to coloring animals, flowers, objects and more, my kids have both had a great time with Mickey's Sketch Artist and I appreciate that it is open-ended and fun. There is no wrong way to use the crayons, spray cans, paintbrushes and more!

Mickey's Sketch Artist

2. Donald's Costume Play (Costume and Movies)

This portion of the app explores storytelling, improvisation, costume design, character development and role play with Donald... but not until kids prepare their character for movie stardom at Daisy's Hair and Wardrobe!

My girls have definitely enjoyed stretching their creativity while growing, brushing, tinting and styling hair, mixing and matching costumes, and more. Not to mention that their completed characters then appear in the short movie of their choosing and participate in all sorts of humorous antics!

Donald's Costume Play

3. Pluto's Crafty Creator (Materials)

This portion of the app lets kids design their very own virtual pets by transforming adorable animal toys into works of arts with different materials, tools, colors, textures and more. Start by selecting an animal and then dip, spin, scrub, paint, brush, sticker and more to turn it into your own one-of-a-kind toy!

What kid wouldn't have a blast getting to play with arts and crafts tools such as slime, cheese, glitter, stamps, crowns and more... while parents have the satisfaction of knowing that Goofy and Pluto will be the ones left with the (virtual) mess!

Pluto's Crafty Creator

4. Minnie's Art-chitect (Design)

This section was immediately a favorite of both girls, as they couldn't wait to get started designing six different types of buildings with Minnie.

But unlike games where the buildings are realistic and straightforward, this app has kids exploring things like proportion, balance, symmetry and hue all while stepping into the shoes of an architect. Little Sister B's eyes lit up time and and time again as she made her structures taller, shorter, wider, different colors, added windows, doors and so much more!

Minnie's Art-chitect

5. Mickey's Music Maker (Music)

No creative app would be complete without music! This final portion lets users explore and experiment with rhythm, patterns, pitch, tempo and melodies as they make music with Mickey and 13 different instruments.

After choosing which instruments will make up their band and the particular song that will be played, kids then lead the band on a parade, all the while controlling the speed and getting to record their masterpiece.

Mickey's Music Maker

Disney didn't leave parents out of the fun as well, as they also offer a coordinating app so that it is easy to monitor your child's progress on Mickey's Magical Arts World. Simply download the free Disney Imagicademy Parents app and you'll be able to be a part of the Disney Imagicademy community as well!

app-icon-imagicademyparents

Compatible with both the iPhone and iPad, this all-new app not only allows you to monitor your child's learning as they progress through all of the magical worlds with Mickey and friends, but it allows you to view your child's latest creations, provide in-game encouragement with a virtual "high five" and even share accomplishments with family and friends.

I love that I can log right in and see the "Pins" that my girls have earned, buildings and pets that they have designed and more. As opposed to other apps where I have a general idea as to what concepts are being presented, Disney Imagicademy Parents allows me to really stay on top of what is being learned.

At the same time, this app also serves as a fantastic go-to resource for information that can be used to engage with children in meaningful ways. In fact, Disney Imagicademy Parents let me easily find everything from daily articles to Imagicademy-inspired activities designed to help spark creativity and encourage imaginative learning. I can always use a little help when it comes to keeping my kids entertained and this app includes such a wide variety that you really can't go wrong!

Disney Imagicademy Parents

In addition to the digital apps, children and parents can engage with the Disney Imagicademy brand in a variety of ways, including a free community parent portal, free Disney Store events, books and magazines, and hands-on learning tools that extend the digital experience to the physical world.

The brand aims to engage and enrich children through the power of imagination and creativity and I'm looking forward to seeing what they come up with next!

Disney Imagicademy apps are available now for FREE in the App Store in the Kids, Education and Entertainment categories, so be sure to add Mickey's Magical Arts World and Disney Imagicademy Parents to your iPad today!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Warm Up Winter with Green Mountain Coffee Golden French Toast K-Cups {Review}

Cross Country Cafe logo
While I don't always believe the phrase Absence makes the heart grow fonder as being completely accurate (I've "lost" clothes in my closet and typically don't yearn more for them, I just forget that I own them!), I do think that it is quite apt when it comes to foods.

After all, would pumpkin spice lattes be so incredibly popular if they were available all year long instead of just in the fall? Would you really be so inclined to have a glass of eggnog during the holidays if you could also have it in June?

Similarly, while I'm typically a standard, unflavored coffee drinker, when winter rolls around my taste buds know that it is time to get excited for Green Mountain Coffee Golden French Toast K-cups!

green-mountain-golden-french-toast-k-cups

Perfect for getting a jump on a cold, blustery weekday or for enjoying on a lazy weekend morning, Green Mountain Coffee has created a much-loved flavor that is in high demand year after year. If you think that Limited Edition doesn't mean anything, don't get in the way of someone on the hunt for their Fair Trade Golden French Toast K-cups!

After all, if one little cup can provide the flavor and satisfaction of a full plate of warm, buttered French toast sprinkled with cinnamon and drizzled with sweet maple syrup, how could you not get a bit addicted?

Green Mountain Coffee Golden French Toast

From the moment this coffee starts brewing, the air is filled with the familiar, comforting smell of French toast and, in less than a minute, one perfectly brewed cup of Golden French Toast coffee is waiting in my mug.

Limited Edition French Toast K-cups

Mmm, mmm, mmmmm!

From the first sip, I always appreciate that the maple syrup flavor is smooth and tasty but not overpowering enough that it is too sweet to be enjoyable. This coffee truly embodies the essence of French toast without being so much so that I can't down my cup and want to return for another (and possibly another)!

Instead, this light roast coffee has just enough hints of cinnamon, brown sugar and maple syrup swirled throughout that the result is irresistible and a bit indulgent. Coffee drinkers could also easily customize a mug of Golden French Toast by adding any number of flavored creamers to change things up even more — vanilla, hazelnut, caramel pecan... the list is endless!

If you're a fan of French toast (are there people who aren't?), you'll love that this unique coffee is available now — but remember that it is Limited Edition this season so I recommend picking up a box to give it a try today!

But don't spend more than you have to, head over to Cross Country Cafe! Their low prices ensure that you can receive a 24-count box of Green Mountain Coffee French Toast Keurig K-cup coffee for only $11.99 while supplies last. That's quite a deal!

Are you excited for Golden French Toast coffee this season?

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.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Combat the Sniffles and Sneezes with Puffs Plus Lotion Tissues!

Puffs logo
I participated in the Pass The Puffs blog program as a member of One2One Network. I received compensation but all opinions are my own.

As if life here during winter in the Midwest didn't already have its problems (if I see one more complaint from you southerners about your temperatures being so "freezing" in the 60s, I might burst), this year we're also dealing with yet another harsh season of colds and the flu.

Many states are on high alert for an outbreak of the flu and, according to the CDC, this is one of the toughest flu seasons in recent memory. Even worse, as much as families everywhere have already dealt with (Big Sister E managed to bring home some sort of virus last month that had her out of commission for five days and then nicely passed it to me so that I was stuck in bed for nearly a week), we're really only approximately halfway through this season of sickness.

Argh! No more!

Unfortunately, aside from enclosing my entire house in a bubble (I'm considering it, let me tell you), the best that I can do is prepare our household as much as possible. Extra soap for more hand washing, a stocked medicine cabinet just in case, and, a must-have, super soft tissues for all of the runny noses, sneezing, and constant sniffling that occurs.

Which is why it makes sense to turn to America's #1 lotion tissue, Puffs Plus Lotion!

Puffs Plus Lotion

Puffs is the only national brand dermatologist tested to be gentle and Puffs Plus Lotion is the most soothing tissue in their collection. Why would you not reach for something gentle on sensitive skin that contains a touch of Shea Butter, Aloe and Vitamin E to provide extra comfort when your nose needs it?

Considering that my kids seem to manage to bring home new germs every day and that various areas around the state of Wisconsin are on an especially high alert for an outbreak of the flu (I'm looking at you, Milwaukee!), it just makes sense to do all that you can to make life easier no matter what symptoms you are experiencing.

Bring on the Puffs Plus Lotion!

Puffs Plus Lotion square

Along with making you feel better by providing just the right amount of softness to soothe irritation caused by sniffles, coughing and sneezing, Puffs Plus Lotion can also help all of us look our best even when we're not feeling 100% healthy. Simply by reaching for these great tissues, you can help reduce the red noses, watery eyes and all-over Help! I'm sick! look that our faces tend to portray.

Instead, put your best face forward while providing comfort for even the worst cold and flu symptoms with Puffs Plus Lotion!

Puffs Plus Lotion tissues

Let's face it, winter is hard. The bitter cold temperatures here in the Midwest don't make anyone excited about going outside, but the harsh winds tend to be especially brutal on our faces. But that's why Puffs Plus Lotion is soft! Don't let another sniffle or sneeze go by without it!

Puffs Plus Lotion is available in cube, rectangular and to-go formats online and at local retailers nationwide with a suggested retail price of $1.79 per 56-count cube and $2.49 for a 124-count rectangular box. To find out more, head over to Puffs.com and connect with Puffs on Facebook.