Parenting, Product Reviews, Psoriasis, sponsored posts

Neutrogena Sunscreen MimicMommy and Win Giveaway

June 8, 2016 superexhausted 17 Comments

Neutrogena Sunscreen MimicMommy and Win Giveaway: Skincare and protecting your skin is so important. My family is my top priority like many moms. Teaching my children to care for themselves is an important because you cant replace it, your skin is no exception. In our family we burn easily and studies have shown one or two bad burns can increase your chances by 40%. All my life I have burned every time I go in the sun for any length of time.. If I walk into the sun for 20 minutes I will burn, my husband thinks my burn factor is hysterical, for me it is no joke.

Finally as a mom, I have learned the power of a great sunscreen to allow me to really enjoy the summer and outdoors. I use a sunscreen every day all year because Apply often and apply regularly. A true life lesson I am teaching my kids, apply or pay the price, of being miserable with a burn.

Therefore teaching my kids a respect for the sun is very important. My daughter has been taught about the importance of sunscreen in school, I love the idea that school is teaching what we have taught at home. I feel it is really important to teach the benefits of sunscreen at home by watching me use sunscreen daily. I apply a sunscreen every day, because sun damages the skin. I use it because I want to stay young looking into my later years, plus avoiding skin cancer is also a benefit.. because health is just as important as my vanity.. lol.. Neutrogena is my top pick to use to protect my family.

I recently watched Kristen Bell have “The Talk” check out her revision of “The talk”

I was so inspired I had “The Talk with my daughter.. who normally is a very good at using the correct amount of sunscreen.

Check out these great products :

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face + Body Stick Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70: http://www.neutrogena.com/product/ultra+sheer-+face+-+body+stick+sunscreen+broad+spectrum+spf+70.do?sortby=ourPicks
Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 70+: http://www.neutrogena.com/product/wet+skin+kids+sunscreen+spray+broad+spectrum+spf+70-.do?sortby=ourPicks

Neutrogena Sunscreen MimicMommy and Win Giveaway !!

Here is our giveaway of these great Neutrogena Products

Three winners (within the U.S.) via a social media contest with the following products:

For Moms:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face + Body Stick Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70 (Kristen Bell’s Favorite)
Neutrogena CoolDry Sport Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

For Kids:

Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 70+ (Kristen Bell’s Favorite)
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60+

Share how you talk to your kids about sun protection. Share photos or videos of you and your children applying sunscreen together

24 hour Giveaway

starts Today 6/22 10:00pm ends 6/23 10:00pm

Want to win leave a comment below to enter- “Why you go into the sun? “

extra entry if you tweet: Want to win @Neutrogena Share your children applying sunscreen together Tag #MimicMommy

Choose Skin Health Hub Page:

Neutrogena Facebook:

Neutrogena Twitter:

Neutrogena Instagram:

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Cooking

Menu Planning Monday

May 30, 2016 superexhausted

Since I have been back working out side of the house the hardest thing has been making dinner when I get home. I feel like planning our meal is more Important now then ever before. I have my son set up meals but that means I have to have all the directions written out.

This past weekend was memorial day. It was great weekend for burger and corn. We are extending it a few more days with an easy meal.

Tuesday: Hot Dogs, tater tots

Wednesday: Crock Pot Taco Chicken

Thursday: Pizza

Friday: Ravioli

Enjoy your week

Product Reviews

Dyson Light Ball Review

May 22, 2016 superexhausted

I received a Dyson Light-ball available at Walmart for a product review. During the past week, I have fallen in love with my Dyson, I have always wanted one and it did not disappoint. The Dyson Light ball is amazing and the suction they describe in the advertising is very realistic, You can feel it lifting the rug as it cleans. I was embarrassed that my rugs were so dirty, since I just used my old vacuuming last week. The Dyson cleaned so deep down it defiantly got to the micro dirt that has been in my rugs for years. Check out how much dirt was collected at the bottom of my post.

The wobble function of the ball takes a few minutes to use and it does suck so strong you have to push to start it moving once going it flows easily.

The suction is amazing I filled a canister just vacuum one 8’x10″ wool rug. see the picture.

The wand is very handy I was able to clean very easy behind the tv an area that does not get cleaned often. It did take a minute to figure how the wand fits back into the vacuum. I like how all the attachments fit on the vacuum. The size is lighter and more compact then my other vacuum, the height of the handle is nice for my tall frame of 5’9, my son like the height at his 6’2″ frame and my 5′ daughter also used it with ease.

I have to say my 15 year son use it and he said it made his rug “fluffy”m because it cleaned all the rug fibers so they stood up.

How is customer support: Dyson Support was helpful and I spoke to a real person quickly. I also registered my product with ease.

I have to share how much dirt came out of my carpets. The Dyson picked up all the dirt my old vacuum has been missing. I already feel like my house is already cleaner.

The dyson is amazing and made my house truly feel clean.

Dyson Light Ball Facts

Radial Root Cyclone™ technology: Designed to maximize power. A mesh shroud helps separate large debris, with inner cyclones generating powerful centrifugal forces. Every angle of each airway is honed to ensure microscopic particles like pollen and mold are separated from the airflow.
Testing: Dyson upright vacuums are subjected to 550 tests over 50,000 hours. During development a Dyson vacuum will be dropped onto a hard floor 5,318 times. It will run 847 miles on a turntable rig; the equivalent of being pushed from the Dyson Headquarters in Malmesbury, Wiltshire to Valencia, Spain.
Patents: There are currently 304 patents and 481 pending patent applications worldwide relating to technology used in the Dyson Ball™ range of vacuum cleaners.
Maneuverability: In addition to the motor and filter, ducting, valves and the stand have been engineered into the ball, making it even easier to turn the tightest of corners.
Hygienic bin emptying: Just push the button to release the dirt directly into the bin.
Warranty: The machine comes with a 2 year parts and labor warranty.
Price: $389, currently on Rollback for $319

TV has come a long way… VIZIO SmartCast

May 20, 2016 superexhausted

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.

Introducing the all-new VIZIO SmartCast™ P-Series™ Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display™, the first 4K ultra HD display to feature High Dynamic Range with Dolby Vision, Ultra Color Spectrum, Google Cast™ built-in, with a powerful 6” Android™ Tablet Remote included.

Includes a powerful 6” Android™ tablet remote preinstalled with the ingenious that lets you browse content by genre across multiple apps all at once, what you love won’t change, but how you experience it will never be the same again.

The P-Series™ features High Dynamic Range with Dolby Vision content support and Ultra Color Spectrum for a dramatically different visual experience with astonishing brightness, radiant contrast, and captivating color. Full-Array LED backlighting and up to 128 Active LED Zones™ deliver exceptional light uniformity and deeper, richer black levels.

The included 6” Android™ tablet remote, preinstalled with the VIZIO SmartCast app, puts you in control of your entertainment like never before with simple tap, swipe and voice-based commands. Browse movies, TV shows, music and even Live TV* by genre across multiple apps all at once on the VIZIO SmartCast™ app, then tap to play your show onto the P-Series™’ stunning display.

And with Google Cast built-in, you can cast from thousands of Google Cast-enabled apps that you already know and love, like YouTube and Netflix. Sports and action fans will appreciate the powerful image processing of the P-Series™ with up to Clear Action™ 960 that combines a blazing 240Hz effective refresh rate achieved with backlight scanning for sharper detail in fast action scenes. With all of this and more on display, the P-Series™ is a whole new way to watch.

What you love won’t change, but how you experience it will never be the same again.

Cooking, Product Reviews

My top 10 Favorite Things to buy at Aldi and Save

May 1, 2016 superexhausted 1 Comment

My top 10 Favorite Things to buy at Aldi and Save : Several years ago when our family budget challenging because I decided to stay home with the kids. I discover Aldi’s which at the time no one I knew shopped there, I did because it was less expensive. As the economy changed more and more of my friends discovered the secret of Aldi’s . I have actually learned Aldi’s is the parent company of everyone’s beloved Traders Joes.. yes it is true.

Here are Just some of my favorite items I purchase on a regular basis.

Clancy’s Potato Chips $1.49 Just as good as Lays and saves you a fortune if you have 5 teenage boys show up at your home.

Simple Nature Organic Salsa $1.89 it is organic salsa, it was loved by my entire family.

Savoritz Saltines Crackers $.75 They are very good my kids eat them with cream cheese or peanut butter , they are great and way cheaper than brand name Saltines at $2.49

Basics Salad Dressing $ .89 (Italian or Ranch) great for marinades or dips.

Friendly Farms Greek nonfat Yogurt $.69 (2.79 for 4) verses name brand $3.89

Happy Farm Shredded Cheese 4Cups $3.29 (grocery store is 2 cups for 2.49= 4 cups $5) even on sale $1.89 store sale $3.78

Benner Classic Tea Bags Individual Wraps $1.89 vs Lipton $5.00

Bakers Corner Double Chocolate Quick muffins $1.89- I makes these muffins in 12 pan cupcake pan and send them to swim team. The recipe is for 6 muffins but spreading them out works better for us. They mix has chocolate chips which makes them super yummy and a favorite in our home.

Fit & Active Peach Ice Tea $1.69 This is comparable to Crystal Light or Whelches Peach Tea I actually Like the Fit &Light over the Name Brands not as sweet. Please note they usually run out.

Sundae Shop Ice pops (with or without sugar) 24 count $2.19

Simply Nature Organic Black Beans $.79

I love Aldi it is one of my favorite place to shop. Once you find your favorite it can save you thousands of dollar a year. I love to cook and saving on great items makes me really happy. I have more favorite to share with be sure to check back next week for more of my favorites.

Check out my post on how to save big at Target!

Linking up to Motivation Monday

Product Reviews

Earth day and Giant Food Giveaway

April 15, 2016 superexhausted 30 Comments

Earth day is coming this up coming week. I think everyday we should honor and preserve the earth, the concept of earth day it is lovely on this one day we stop and focus on the earth as the entire earth. This year I am pairing up with Giant for my earth day blog share. They have shared some fantastic products that help to preserve our environment and the have a special treat for my readers.

Great ways you can celebrate earth day?

Recycle old items
plant a tree or a garden
Make a place for animal habitat
turn off the water when you brush your teeth, conserve water
compost
use earth friendly cleaning fluid like Natures Promise
Use a reusable bag at the store

I received from of Giant Food Stores Natures Promise Products. I loved these products because they are organic and free from harsh chemicals. They clean great I am really enjoying cleaning with them.

Changing your light bulbs can drastically improve waste and help with the efficient of electric bills:

Giant In the past few years Giant has done some amazing work to help the earth and other.

turned extra food into 2,984,317 Donated meals
88% waste has been diverted from Landfills
990,00 Treas saved each year by recycled Cardboard
200+ sustainable Seafood Products in all stores
Since 2011 Our better bagging methods have saved enough plastic bags to circle the half of the the Earth

Giveaway Time: Giant has offered one of my readers a $25 gift card. Enter using the Rafflecopter form

Giveaway is open to US residents, Not Sponsored by facebook or Twitter. Gift Card to be mailed out when giveaway ends. Expect 2-3 weeks for deliver. Babypop/Superexhausted/Sherry Aikens Not responsible for lost card in the Mail.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Giant provided me with gift card and product in exchange for this blog post all my opinion are my own.

Product Reviews

Meal Planning Monday

April 10, 2016 superexhausted

This week is a fun week. It is my 3rd week back at work full time out side the house. I still have not gotten the time of anything correct. Juggling the office, dinner, housework, kids, babypop my cape company , and my husband. I need to come up with an effective way to have the kids complete there chores and find time for family fun. I think everyone has gotten so use to me doing everything over the last 11 years that this is a tough transition.

Currently my goal is to get my teen to sort the laundry and do 2 loads a day (switching), and My daughter to empty her book back and the dish washer. My rule is no dishes in or around the sink when I get home. Yes, the best laid plains of mice and men. I am hoping this week go smoothly. If I could just find someone to wash the kitchen floor.

I did have fun this weekend with shopping for work clothes. Because I am try to stretch my 1st pay check I. When to a a lovely consignment store. You can read all about it on my Plus size Blog BigGirlsGuide.com. I can truly say it was fun shopping after 11 years of not purchasing work clothes,

Meal Planning

Sunday: Crispy baked chicken wings from OurbestBites.com

Monday: Split pea Soup : My Recipe from guest posted on 5minutesformom

Tuesday: 3 ingredient orange chicken from craftmorning.com

Wednesday: Creamy Tortellini and Sausage from YellowBlissRoad.com

Thursday: Beef and Gravy

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Linking up with Motivation Monday and Organizing Junkie

LIfe, Parenting, sponsored posts

How to teach responsibility : That can grow with your child

April 4, 2016 superexhausted

How to teach responsibility ?: I have been thinking alot about one of the prompts I was given to write about for my last Pley post “How do you teach young kids about responsibility?” My oldest is 15 yep, just turned it last month. I have to say everyday, I am more and more in love with who my son has become. Not only has he become responsible but a truly caring person. He looks at the world through empathetic eyes and views the world as his “responsibility.”

I know, a 15 year old who really cares about others, he does, which still takes me as by surprise even though he has always been this way. This weekend he helped a 12 year boy swim across a pool kicking for the 1st time after 4 years swimming practice. Rooting his “little buddy” on to win gold, it made my heart swell to watch them both grow. He has taken responsibility for his buddy success. I love when find out that he has stopping to see a neighbor on his way home from school without being asked to check that he is “all right”. He want to make sure his older friend is safe and healthy.

Today i was asked, How did your Son come to understand responsibility for enhancing others lives? I said I always stressed the importance of caring and understanding for others.

Some people have more, and some have less, some just are plan happy with the gifts they are given.

It started when he was little I would have him run soup to older neighbors, or have them work with me to give donation to a toy bank. I remember my little boy wanting to give all his saved money when a collection was not taken. He said he wanted to give because it was his responsibility to give to other kids that had less. He is still your typical teen never picking up his mess, regardless he is always amazing in my eyes.

Allowing kids to find balance and learn the world is a much bigger place then their block or street. Teaching there are others that are in your own world that can benefit from kindness. Children will learn it always comes back to you 2 fold. Just the basics be good and kind then responsibility will come.

How do you teach Responsibility?

This Post was sponsored by Pley- Pley is a monthly toy subscription based service that allows you to pick out the toy of your choosing. The toy of your choice gets shipped to you. When the child is finished you simply put the toy back in the packaging and ship it back postage paid. You are taking responsibility to not add to landfills and teach your child responsibility for a toy. It is a “Win Win” on the responsibility front. It is a rental toy dream because your kids get to play with all those expensive toys sets without the cost. That is also being responsible with your money. Check out Pley here.

Check out my other parenting posts:

16 Ways To Teach Kids to be Grateful

Don’t be Angry Mom

Product Reviews

Easy Quick Breakfast Casserole

March 29, 2016 superexhausted

So my 1st official week back to a full time job out of the home, in 11 years. In the past i was running a business of my home, it is easy to start dinner mid day. Meal Planning is becoming super important since I am out of the house. Last week I was up Wednesday night late cutting and prepping veggies for soup for my daughter birthday. I definitely have to do a make ahead mirepoix on the weekend. Also precooking sausage and ground beef is going to needed to make meals happen in the evenings.

I did make a egg casserole for Easter brunch at church. My daughter sang 2 services they had a brunch in the middle. Which was lovely for all the family’s and members. I was making my item to take- egg casseroles at 7 am so they were hot. I used a Jimmy Dean Precooked Sausage crumbles ($3.50) The cost a little more then cooking it yourself but I split the package between two 9″x13″ pans. I was impressed by the ease of the pre cooked.

Here is my Quick recipe

Easy Quick Breakfast Casserole

1 bag of frozen hash browns (shredded)
1 Bag of Jimmy Dean Precooked Sausage crumbles or 1 cup of ham or 1/2 cut bacon
6 Eggs
1 cup of milk
1 cup of cheese
1/2 a small onion grated
1 tbls of Hot sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste (sausage has salt to easy on salt)

Preheat oven to 375
Spray pan with baking spray (pam)
Mix Milk and eggs in a separate bowl, Grate onion
Layer Hash Browns, Sausage, Cheese
Pour Eggs mixture over top and bake
30-35 or till top is golden

This weeks meal plan

Monday : Sheppard’s Pie

Tuesday: Chili

Wednesday: Roasted Chicken

Thursday:

Friday: Tacos, Rice, refried beans

Linking Up with Motivation Monday and Menu Plan Monday

Fashion

Preteen Dresses: Age Appropriate Fashions from Kate Mack

March 20, 2016 superexhausted 1 Comment

Preteen Dresses: Age Appropriate Fashions from Kate Mack

We recently received a sample of this wonderful Kate Mack dress to review. I am a huge fan of Kate Mack/Biscotti clothing. My daughter has been wearing their clothes since she was a baby. I loved the originally ballerina bathing suit that she we purchased over 9 years ago, she was the hit of the local pool, before every big box store made a version of the bathing suit the original version was a Biscotti. Isn’t she cute at 3? I love the new line of Biscotti Ballerina swimsuits it makes me wish my daughter was younger, how time flys?

Now that my daughter is a PreTeen turning 11 this week, it is getting harder to find dresses that are age appropriate for her made of quality material. (I am not a fan of thin poly knit dresses). My daughter is also tall for her age, between issues with size and style it is difficult to located a dress for her that is not too revealing.

I was very excited to receive this fun Kate Mack Dress my daughter is a size 16. She also loves the fun shape of this dress. It’s handkerchief hem and bold black & white with a splash of color is perfect for a girl her age. The fabric is a stretch knit that is super comfortable to wear. She can look dressy and casual all spring/summer.

The dress is trimmed hot pink binding around the neck and armholes. With a T back for a sporty look this is perfect so the girls don’t to have to fight with straps. Also, if the child get a sun burn while wearing a competitive swimsuit this dress won’t hurt the burn.. (this is an issue that I am very familiar with). The fabric is a mid-weight comb cotton spandex, which means it is super soft and wonderful to wear.

The flowers are also knit spandex as well..so, no fraying of the flowers during washing. Kate Mack and Biscotti knows quality sewing and after my many years working in apparel, I can tell you when something is well made. This dress is worth it’s boutique price tag.

Preteen Dresses: Age Appropriate Fashions from Kate Mack

Your girl will spin and twirl in this dress. As a mom I love the idea of a simple twirl can make a child feel fabulous.. it real can solve their problems with a spin of happiness. Check out the Kate Mack Spring summer line here.

Biscotti clothes are made of beautiful fabrics with all the special trims and details the brand has been famous for since 1986. Biscotti is proud to be the designer of choice for stylish kids across the world. It’s been worn by many young celebrities for numerous red carpet events, and has been featured in publications such as Women’s Wear Daily, Vogue Bambini, The Wall Street Journal, Child Magazine, Us Weekly, and Teen Vogue

The Biscotti and Kate Mack brands can be found in luxury department stores including Harrods, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks, Barney’s and Bloomingdale’s, as well as more than 1000 exclusive specialty boutiques across the United States and Canada. The brand has established a strong customer base in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Holland, Italy, Spain, Japan and the Middle East.

Neutrogena Sunscreen MimicMommy and Win Giveaway !!

24 hour Giveaway

starts Today 6/22 10:00pm ends 6/23 10:00pm

Want to win leave a comment below to enter- “Why you go into the sun? “

extra entry if you tweet: Want to win @Neutrogena Share your children applying sunscreen together Tag #MimicMommy

This is my super life uncensored