It’s no secret we are a family who loves movies.  Since it’s more cost effective to rent a movie from Redbox we will do that quite often, I mean really can you argue $1.08 compared to $32.50 (not counting snacks)?  So, unless it’s just something we feel needs to be seen on the big screen we wait until it hits our local Redbox to watch it.  When we sit down to watch a movie at home we want the theater experience of having popcorn right there so we have always kept some handy at home.  This time though we were approached with a challenge…to change our our regular brand of popcorn with Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop!  So we did…

I’ll go ahead and admit I was a little apprehensive because I have have stuck with a certain brand and flavor of popcorn for quite some time, but I was up for the challenge.  Can Orville Redenbacher’s be a new favorite…a new, healthier favorite at that?  The non-named brand of popcorn I usually ate I had never really looked at the nutrition info and when I did I saw that when popped it made about 4 cups popped popcorn and had 180 calories.  I figured that’s not too bad right?  WRONG, a big fat wrong, when compared to Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop!  The SmartPop! bag was a serving size of about 7.5 cups.  Can you guess how many calories are in that 7.5 cups?  Remember that’s 3.5 cups more than my “not sharing the name here” brand of popcorn.  You’ll never guess…120 calories!!!  More popcorn and less calories, I’d say that’s a win!

Not only was I loving the more/less situation but I loved the fact that the popcorn bag was the bowl, which meant less dishes for this momma to wash later.  See…

Enjoy the popcorn in the bag/bowl and then throw away when you are done.  LOVE THAT!  Now for the taste test because fewer calories dont’ mean a thing if you don’t enjoy the taste because you won’t be eating it.  I tried the butter flavor and was pleasantly surprised.  While, it didn’t have quite as much butter as the other brand, it was enough that it added a nice flavor.  I have to say I really enjoyed the taste, it’s hint of butter added just enough flavor without going overboard.  I will say if you like very buttery taste this might not work for you but if a hint of butter is enough then this is awesome.

After trying the butter we headed out to pick up the SmartPop! Kettle Corn (at my sons request) and that has become his favorite after school snack.  Tasty and healthier than the normal after school snacks he tries to go for…SCORE!  Over all I am impressed with the taste and packaging of the SmartPop! pop up bowls and I will be keeping a pack of it handy for future movie night snacking needs. Don’t forget to head over to Orville Redenbacher’s facebook page to grab the $1 off coupon (while available) and see what other fun they have going on. Now before you go, there’s a giveaway!

WIN IT:
Ten (10) Winners will each win 1 box of Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop! to have a healthy snacking challenge of their own. Entering is simple using the rafflecopter form below!

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I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Orville Redenbacher’s. I received an Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop! product as well as a promotional item as a thanks for my participation.

I have been a huge fan of Boost for my kids for years now. It’s a great way to give them a quick snack on the run or extra nutrition when they may not like each thing on the dinner table. We do have a rule of “you have to eat at least one bite of each thing” but after that one bite sometimes they still don’t want to down those veggies. I will add a Boost Kid Essentials to their dinner and they are getting 24 essential vitamins and minerals, and 7 grams of protein added. Not to mention, according to the site, Boost Kid Essentials is high fructose corn syrup and gluten free. So my kids can get a tasty treat with their meal or as their snack and I don’t have to feel guilty about it.

Boost Kid Essentials has a little something going on called “Share Your Story“. They want to hear how Boost Kid Essentials has helped meet your childs need. Over the next few weeks they will also be featuring 3 different families stories on how Boost Kid Essentials came to be a part of their lives. The first family featured is the Bruelle family. Having a son named Van, who is on the smaller side, they want to be sure he is getting the nutrition he needs to grow. Check out their story:

Over the next few weeks I will be sharing with you more on kids eating AKA my challenges with my picky eaters as well as the other families featured in the Share Your Story campaign. So please stay tuned. Also on June 20 I will be chatting live on Boost Kid Essentials Facebook Page at 10 a.m. CST. Mark your calendars because I would love your support!

 

WIN IT:

Five (5) readers will each win FIVE VIP Coupons to pick up some Boost Kid Essentials. Enter using the raffle copter form below!<

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Giveaway Ends May 31, 2012 at 12:01 a.m. EST! Be sure to read my giveaway policies because when you enter, you are agreeing to them!

*This post made possible by Boost Kid Essentials and representing PR Firm as part of a 3 part campaign. Giveaways during campaign are supplied Boost Kid Essentials and prize fulfillment handled by representing PR firm. I have been compensated for my time. Compensation has no influence on the opinions stated. Opinions are always mine and always 100% honest and how I personally feel. For more on my policies please see my disclosure under the PR Friendly tab.

Bring in the Aquaphor healing ointment….

Aquaphor healing ointment can be used to treat minor cuts and scrapes as well as chapped/cracked skin and lips.  During the cold weather it can also help ward off the effects of wind and cold weather.  It’s great for all seasons.  I love to keep in handy in my purse for the above mentioned cuts.  My daughter is the active one and there is not a day where you don’t see a scrape or cut on her so I can clean it off and apply just a bit of the ointment to protect the cut until we get home.

Another product that I am in love with from Aquaphor is  their lip repair treatment:

Florida beach fun can make kisses with my husband not so enjoyable when my lips get dry and chapped from hours spent playing in the sun.  Thanks to Aquaphor lip repair that worry is no more.  I use the lip repair several times daily and it keeps my lips smooth and soft, sneaking a sweet kiss from my guy is perfect and pain free!  My kids also deal with peeling lips from sun dry out during the summer and this is perfect for them as well.  They can apply a bit and go about their fun.  It truly is a lip saver.  During the hot, humid months here on the gulf coast we will be getting a lot of use out of the Aquaphor products and I am sure my skin will thank me!

WIN IT:

One reader will win a prize pack that includes a $50 Visa Gift Card, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, and Aquaphor Lip Repair. Enter using the rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I did receive prize pack the same as being given away to try the products featured and as a thank you for my time. All opinions are my own and not influenced in anyway. For more on my policies please see my disclosure under the PR Friendly tab.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and one of the things I love to get as a gift is chocolate. Chocolate and I are great friends especially when it’s rich and tasty like Guylian Belgian Chocolate. I was sent a package of pure yumminess. Chocolate, Chocolate, and more chocolate was in the box and my mouth did a little summersault of joy. Of course my kids were as excited as I was about this delivery. Let me share with you a little bit more about how Guylian came to be.

Guy Foubert was a passionate Belgian Chocolatier making handmade chocolate truffles in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium. In 1958, Guy and Liliane joined their names, both in marriage and in their company name creating Chocolaterie Guylian; a small, artisanal chocolate maker. Today, Guylian crafts the finest authentic Belgian chocolate truffles, selling them to chocolate lovers in Belgium and in more than 100 countries across the world. Guylian Artisanal Belgian Chocolates provide the ultimate experience for chocolate lovers. Each luxurious chocolate seashell is marbled with 100% pure, silky smooth milk, dark or white Belgian chocolate. Our irresistible seashell chocolates are filled with a rich, decadent, and luxuriously creamy chocolate truffle; the original handmade recipe of Guy & Liliane. Our signature truffle recipe is still made in small-batch copper kettles exclusively by Guylian’s Master Chocolatiers in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium.

I love learning the history behind the company. However, history is great but it boils down to taste factor when chocolate (or any food) is involved. If it doesn’t taste good, then great history or not, it’s not going to fly. So I pulled the harshest of critics to help me with this review….my daughter, like her mother she is a lover of all things chocolate and not shy to share her opinion. First up we tried their Chocolate Bars..

I took it upon myself to taste the dark chocolate while my daughter grabbed up the milk chocolate. We both savored each bite even taking a few dips in some peanut butter. I have to say the dark chocolate was delish, bitter yet sweet just the way I prefer my dark chocolate. My daughter went on and on about how yummy the milk chocolate one was so Guylian wins in her eyes. I am not a fan of milk chocolate unless with peanut butter, so I took a nibble after dipping it and it was so very tasty. Sweet and savory how milk chocolate should be. The chocolate bars were definitely a hit with us.

Next up was the Artisanal Belgian Chocolate Truffles:

Living near the ocean, I got a kick out of the sea shell and seahorse (above) shaped truffles. The next thing I noticed was the mixture of chocolates….milk, dark and white chocolate together to make a very eye catching design for a treat. Now the big taste test! My daughter opted out of this one since she is not a fan of truffles in general but I was ready to take them on. As I bit into the seahorse, I noticed the combined flavors of the chocolate overtake my taste buds. The truffle filling was rich and smooth. Yes, my mouth fell in love with the truffles. Since I have received them I have steadily enjoyed a truffle a day, chocolate is good for you after all!

You can eat the truffles alone, with coffee, pair with wine, anytime! When you are eating them take a moment to experience each moment of taste! Available at certain retailers nationwide they should be near you, to find out check their product locator. These would definitely make this mama happy this Mother’s Day. They are tasty, pretty to look at and the whole family could enjoy them with me, what more could a mom ask for.

WIN IT:

Two (2) lucky readers will each win a Guylian Prize Pack that includes:
One – 22 piece box of Guylian Artisanal Belgian Original Chocolate Truffles
Two – 6 piece Original Chocolate Truffle Boxes
Four – 2 piece Original Chocolate Truffle Boxes

REQUIRED ENTRY:
Leave a comment telling if you will be keeping the goodies for yourself or giving them to someone. *THIS MUST BE DONE BEFORE EXTRA ENTRIES*

Extra (optional) Entries:

1 Entry Each (leave a separate comment for each extra entry) :

• Subscribe to my blog in a reader (orange icon in header).
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Tweet this tweet up to twice daily (be sure to leave each each link in a comment): Enter for a chance to win some sweet treats from #ADailyDoseofToni http://t.co/s8eE4oWo #giveaway

Giveaway will close on 5/11/2012 at Noon CST.

Disclosure: I did receive samples for the purpose of this post. Both item received and giveaway item are from company or representing pr firm. No monetary compensation received for this post. Reception of product does not influence my opinion and opinions are always that of my own and 100% honest. By entering this giveaway you are agreeing to terms in my giveaway rules as well as have read and understand my disclosure. Open to US ONLY! For more on my policies please see my disclosure.

Coming this Friday (hopefully to a theater near you) is a movie of one of my favorite shows growing up The Three Stooges.  I don’t know about you but I am hoping to head to theaters this weekend and catch this on the big screen as are my boys. There is nothing like watching classic, old fashioned humor and some eye poking in my opinion. Here’s a little about the movie in case you haven’t heard about it:

This spring, “3” + “Stooges” = the spring’s funniest family movie event: THE THREE STOOGES. Left on a nun’s doorstep, Larry, Curly and Moe grow up finger-poking, nyuk-nyuking and woo-woo-wooing their way to uncharted levels of knuckleheaded misadventure. Out to save their childhood home, only The Three Stooges could stumble their way onto fame, fortune – and starring roles in a phenomenally successful TV reality show.

The film stars Sean Hayes, Will Sasso, Chris Diamantopoulos, Jane Lynch, Jennifer Hudson, Sofia Vergara, Craig Bierko, Stephen Collins, and Larry David. Directed by Peter Farrelly & Bobby Farrelly. It is rated PG

Here’s a new clip with Jennifer Hudson for you to enjoy:

Don’t forget to keep up with all things Three Stooges by visiting their website, following @TheThreeStooges on twitter (be sure to use #ThreeStooges), and check them out on their facebook page.

WIN IT:

One winner will win a Three Stooges Prize Pack that includes a Three Stooges t-shirt and $25 Fandango Gift Card. Enter using the rafflecopter form below.

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Disclosure: Prize being provided by 20th Century Fox. I will receive a gift card as a thank you for my time in hosting this giveaway. All thoughts are my own and not influenced in any way.  For more on my policies please see my disclosure under the pr friendly area.

If you don’t know by now I have always been a huge momAgenda planner fan.  There isn’t a year that goes by that you won’t find a momAgenda planner in my desk or purse.  They keep me organized both on and offline.  Today I am bringing to you a product from momAgenda I had never tried until it arrive on my doorstep.  Thanks to being on the momAgenda COMM team I get a treated to the occasional momAgenda items and it sure brings a smile to my face.  Today I am sharing with you their Refillable Spiral Folio, it’s great because you can use this with their spiral collection (minus the Mini’s).  Whether you are looking for a momAgenda, notebook or myAgenda this folio will work perfect for you.

With three colors to choose from (shimmering berry pink, shimmering smokey grey, and shimmering spring green) these refillable folio’s add a splash of color to your organizational or note taking needs. I chose to go with the notebook this time, seeing as I have two planners that still have a couple months use  to go.  In the notebook it has 3 different areas: a graph area which is great for the artist in you, a list making area and of course a note taking area.  The notebook has come in handy for me  whether I have been writing down the timeline of the situation we have been dealing with, making a list of blog posts I need to get done or writing out a shopping list.

Here is a little shop talk about the Refillable Folio Cover and Spiral Notebook:

• The notebook includes 3 separate areas as mentioned. The lined area, the list area and the graph area.
• The notebook measures 7″x9″
• The refillable cover was created exclusively to house the spiral collection
• The cover is made of faux Italian leather and has a snap closure to secure your agenda or notebook while you are on the go.
• The cover measures at 7″x 9″ as well.

Both of these items are a great accessory to have at home or on the go to keep your life, lists, thoughts, and drawings a little more organized. With an inspirational quote on each page I find myself smiling whenever I open the notebook to jot something down or make a list. You can get the Refillable Folio Cover for $24.96 and the notebook runs $14.95. While you are looking around over there at these two items don’t forget to check out all the fun products momAgenda has out for the 2012-2013 year. Can you say crocodile and leopard print!!!

WIN IT:
One winner will receive the items I have shared with you today. One refillable folio cover and one notebook to use in the cover. Simply enter using the rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received the items in this post at no cost to me for sole purpose of review. Giveaway items are provided as well. This is a compensated post as part of my duties of being on the momAgenda COMM team. All opinions are that of my own and not influenced in any way.

First up Ultra Sheer Moisturizer ($54):

Ultra Sheer Moisturizer by SkinMedica is very simply what it says it is. A morning and evening moisturizer that I used under my makeup for daily moisture needs, it was light feeling, which I love. I do not like moisturizer that feels oily and heavy. Being oil-free (this particular moisturizer) it’s great for me during summer because I am prone to breakouts and have to use oil-free products on my face. Containing vitamins C and E your face is protected and nourished with the Ultra Sheer Moisturizer. I really am enjoying it and love that a tiny bit goes a long way, so don’t use a lot. I only use it on my face but you can use it on your neck and décolleté as well.

Next up is the Tri-Retinol Complex ($55):

The Tri-Retinol Complex is an anti-aging treatment that is sustained release so it works while you sleep. It, like the moisturizer, is light and airy. It went on smooth and a little went a long way. You only use this in the evening, on your face and neck Be sure to use something that has an SPF of at least 20 because it can make your skin more sensitive to sun (I bring out the 50 for my face). I noticed over the last month not a big change but a small hint of firming, which I hope is a testament of what is to come. You only use a single pump (which is a tiny amount) for your face, don’t overdo it!

Overall I am impressed with the feel of my skin from the moisturizer. My skin is getting a nice cool drink of water before my day starts and again before it ends. The subtle change from the Tri-Retinol Complex is making me excited to see where my skin goes from here. I am sure if I used it every single day the first two weeks the change would have been different. I have gotten better the last two weeks and look forward to making it a regular part of my skin care routine and having healthier (and prettier) skin!

WIN IT:
One reader will win of each of the items I reviewed in this post which is a $109 value! Enter using the rafflecopter form below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Thank you to La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre and/or representing PR firm who provided product for both review and giveaway.  No other form of compensation has been given.  Opinions, as  always, are my own thoughts and honest.

One of the things that is an absolute must as a mom is feeding my family. They do have to eat! Kraft plays a key part in that with recipes that don’t require hours in the kitchen, because some days you just don’t have hours to spare. One of the most recent recipes we have tried was the Southwest Three Cheese Chicken using their new Fresh Take product. IT.WAS.DELISH! I loved the ease of preparation and the cooking time was just long enough for me to throw together some sides to plate up with the chicken.

I know I am not the only busy mom (or person) out there, so I know I am not the only one who can appreciate these new products from Kraft.  I was a big fan of the peanut butter, milk bite bars (see my review on those in this post), the Snackwell’s cinnamon-creme drizzled caramel popcorn (be careful it’s VERY addicting), and obviously Fresh Take.  I really enjoyed everything in the box but those were my top favorites.  Check out the other new products for 2012 that are here to help save you time and/or re-energize you!

• PLANTERS new Natural Peanut Butter: A nutrient-dense energy source and plant-based protein that builds on the heritage and quality of PLANTERS in a tasty and nutritious option for adults. This is the Natural Creamy No Need to Stir Peanut Butter!
• CRYSTAL LIGHT Energy On-the-Go Sticks in NEW Citrus: Helps you through the day with energy releasing B-vitamins and just enough caffeine. All for just five calories per serving. You’ll be able to try the NEW Citrus flavor that just launched, and the product is also available in Wild Strawberry, Grape and Peach Mango flavors.
• New KRAFT MILKBITE Milk & Granola Bar (coupon for free product): Combines real milk, calcium and granola in a convenient refrigerated bar, providing the calcium of an 8 oz. glass of milk
• SNACKWELL’S new Peanut Butter Pretzels and new Cinnamon Crème Drizzled Caramel Popcorn:New flavors to fulfill sweet & salty tastes with unique, delicious permissible indulgences.
• New KRAFT FRESH TAKE (coupon for free product): The perfect blend of Kraft Natural Cheese, unique spices, and breadcrumbs… all in one bag! Just mix, coat, and bake and you are on your way to a fresh and flavorful take on your favorite chicken, fish, pork, or beef recipes. Available in six flavor varieties, including Southwest Three Cheese and Italian Parmesan.
• New JET-PUFFED Mallow Bits: An innovative shaker makes adding Mallow Bits to your treats fun and playful. Currently available in Vanilla and Peppermint, Mallow Bits is sparking imaginations and creating new recipe uses across the country.
• Lunch Break Insulated Zebra-print Lunch Tote
• KLIP-IT by Sistema 14-piece Food-to-Go Storage Set

WIN IT:

One reader will win a prize pack with the featured items listed above. It’s such a yummy prize! To enter check out the rafflecopter form below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kraft Foods sent me a basket of free products and Kitchen tools. Opinions are based on my own experiences with the product. No other form of compensation has been received. Kraft Foods is providing the prizes for this program at no cost to me and has provided me with a gift of equal value for review. This program is not administered or sponsored by Kraft Foods or its affiliates, but solely by A Daily Dose of Toni.  For more please see my disclosure.

About Hop:  From the makers of Despicable Me comes an all-new comedy about candy, chicks and rock n roll! He was destined to be the Easter Bunny, but all he wanted to do was rock! When teenage E.B. (voiced by Russell Brand) leaves for Hollywood in pursuit of his dream to become a rockstar drummer, he meets Fred (James Marsden), an out-of-work slacker with his own lofty goals. Together the two encounter a series of hilarious mishaps and misadventures and in the end help each other recognize the importance of family.

Check out this clip from the movie that has us laughing all the way through:

If you hurry now you can get some special pre-order offers, just click below to find out how:

One (1) winner will receive a HOP prize pack valued $47.98:
· HOP Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy)
· HOP Book Meet the Easter Bunny
· HOP Book Chicks vs. Bunnies

To enter use the rafflecopter form below. Required entry must be done before other optional entries can be done.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway courtesy of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. I will receive the same item(s) being giveaway as a thank you for my time. NO other form of compensation has been given. All opinions are my own, honest and not influenced in any way. For more please see my disclosure.

X Out is from the makers of ProActiv, which is a big name in skin clearing, and is made especially for those teens who don’t want to do more than one step when it comes to clean skin.  X Out is a 1 Step process that is geared toward busy teens according to their FAQ page “School, homework, sports, clubs, dating, the internetz—we get it. So we designed X Out™ to fit your crazy busy lifestyle by doing all the acne fighting you need in just 1 step. That’s why X Out™ is the anti-hassle, anti-drama, anti-breakout wash-in treatment. It’s the acne help you need.”

I don’t know about your teen/tween but mine wasn’t thrilled at the aspect of doing 3 or more steps to keep his skin clean and breakout free so when we were approached about doing the X Out test drive it was an easy decision.  It hasn’t been a month quite yet since we have been using it but I have noticed a difference.  He was lucky to just be entering the stage of skin problems so he really didn’t have much to conquer.  He did have a few bumps and over the last couple of weeks using X Out during his morning shower and right before bed I noticed them go away.  Smooth sailing (and skin) makes X Out and easy choice for my tweens skin care needs.

His thoughts on X Out were “I like it because it’s only one step, and it’s easy”  No truer words were ever spoken.  X Out works in other ways than just a 2 Minute wash.  We used it as a spot treatment for the bumps that were trying to appear and away they went.   You simply dab it on the area and leave it overnight.  You can also use X Out as a 10 minute deep cleansing mask, which we haven’t tried that but I am all for masks!

We were very impressed with the ease of use and the clearing of the minor skin bumps he had.  X Out will definitely be something we use continually (and I have two more kids coming up). Now you can enter to win a 60 day supply of X Out for your house! Simply enter in the rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I wrote this review while participating in a testdrive campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of X Out and received a X Out product sample to facilitate my review, one to giveaway, and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Related articles

• Skin Care Lessons With My Soon To Be Teen. X Out Test Drive (juststopscreaming.com)