This weekend, I have the honor of attending the Natural Products Expo, courtesy of Seventh Generation.  Ironically, I first learned of the conference last year from my husband.  Over the past few years he’s really become supportive of my efforts to live a healthier, greener lifestyle.  Very soon we’ll be launching Raising Generation Green…a venture born out of my passion for raising eco-conscious children.

Expo West is “the world’s premier trade show for the natural, organic and healthy products industry.” By attending, I hope to come away with fresh ideas on how to live sustainably.  I’m also thrilled about the opportunity to meet and speak with Dr. Alan Greene (again!).

Stay tuned…I’ll be guest posting on Seventh Generation’s blog after the event.  And if you want to keep up with the Expo happenings on Twitter, just follow @natprodexpo and @SeventhGen (the hashtag for the conference is #ExpoWest).

Seventh Generation provided a show floor pass, meals, and covered costs related to the event.  No other compensation was received and the experiences are authentically mine.

My son spit up way past the six month mark when experts told me it should have stopped.  If I had known then, what I know now, I would have realized it was likely due to an allergy.  But because I never thought to even suspect allergies, I never kept track of the foods he ate.   He’s 2 1/2 and last week we finished up his allergy tests (we’re just waiting on the results). Our daughter is reacting very similarly to foods in my diet.  This time around, I’m determined to keep a food diary so that if she ever shows signs of an allergy, we’ll have something to reference.

Glow Baby is a company founded by a mom who wanted a way to track her daughter’s needs (i.e. feeding, sleeping, diapering, etc.).  The result was Baby’s First Journal, designed to help parents understand their baby’s needs and assist in developing a routine.  The company also developed Baby’s First Foods, to help parents identify allergens and food preference.  Having a second child actually makes it even more important for me to keep a record for both of my children.  I can get very busy and organization is the key to keeping my sanity.

Because of our experience with my son and his potential food allergies, we started keeping track of our daughter’s eating, elimination, and sleep patterns.  Up until about a week ago, they were simply on scraps of paper…bound to get lost.  Now they’re in the Notes section of Baby’s First Foods (which I will make use of when we introduce solids).  The journal is a handy way to keep all of the information in one place. I can bring it with me to my Pediatrican’s office and likely present a more complete picture (rather than relying on memory).  Baby’s First Foods includes the following:

• Allergy/food sensitivity list
• Favourites list
• Logging sections divided by Grain, Veggie, Fruit, Protein, Dairy and Snack
• Weekly menu planner (12 weeks)
• Favourite recipes section

Baby’s First Foods is easy to use and it’s simple design makes it more likely that parents like me will use it.  I’d love for the pages to include a place for the baby’s age (right now the journal simply has a place for the diet).  For more information regarding Glow Baby’s organizational tools, just visit the site.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was provided in conjunction with Happy and Healthy Mom.

Some days, when I’m reading to my son, I think that I could do it…I think that I could home school.  No preschool is going to give him the one-on-one attention that I can.  In just two short years, my little boy is having full conversations with us, knows his alphabet, and can spell dog.  As a mom, I want to do everything I can to foster his growth and development in all areas.  One of the most important things I can do for my son is to teach him to read before he enters kindergarten.

I grew up hearing about Hooked On Phonics.  I even remember the commercials with children stating, “Hooked On Phonics worked for me!”  So, I had to check it out for myself.  I had been perusing the internet, looking for a reputable program I could do at home with my son.  Hooked On Phonics offers a new Learn to Read program which gives children a strong foundation in phonics and reading readiness skills.  The program focuses on helping children learn letter names, letter sounds, uppercase letters, lowercase letters and blending sounds…all of the phonemic basics for learning to read.  Here is a bit more information from the site:

Designed in conjunction with leading educators, award-winning authors, teachers and parents, the new Hooked On Phonics Learn to Read gives children the fundamentals to become confident readers. The instructional approach and techniques used in this program are based on research and address each stage of the child’s reading development. Hooked On Phonics Learn to Read systematically builds from introducing letters to sounds, then to words and sentences, incorporating more complex sounds and blends with each step.

Apart from the fact that the program’s principles are well-researched,  my son enjoys it, which is extremely important.  The best program available won’t work if my son won’t participate.  Every day for the past two weeks, my son asks me to work with him on his “lesson.”  A “lesson” incorporates a variety of activities to reinforce a particular concept (in our case, the letters). The suggested time frame for completing each lesson is approximately 20 minutes (but it usually only takes us about 15).  Each day focuses on a letter (starting with A) and includes activities designed to help children understand the shape of the letter.  We then practice saying words that start with that letter and my son traces the letter with his fingers. A variety of senses are used, which I appreciate, since children learn in a multitude of ways.  Engaging multiple senses increases the likelihood that a child will retain the concepts being learned.  The lesson also includes a video clip, a story, flash card review, and online content to practice and reinforce the skills he just learned.  At the end of the lesson, we celebrate with a sticker.  My son’s favorite part of the lesson (besides the end where we get a sticker), is the online component.

My son is 33 months (just 3 months shy of 3) and the recommended age to begin this program is 3.  However, my son has always been developmentally advanced for his age.  He came into this program with a knowledge of the entire alphabet.  He knows his “ABCs” and can recognize all 26 letters on most occasions.  So in a sense, some of the aspects of this lesson are too easy for him, while others are definitely appropriate for where he’s at right now.  For example, right now he knows that a is for apple and b makes a “bah” sound.  But we’re working on rhyming (which he doesn’t really grasp at this point).  Here is a summary of what was included in the Learn to Read, Pre K version:

6 original storybooks written to promote the skills your child learns in the program, including 2 books by the award-winning children’s book author and illustrator, David McPhail
2 workbooks that will guide you and your child through all of the lessons and many fun activities
2 DVDs filled with music videos and fun introductions to each lesson, where letters come to life
Quick Start Guide
2 sets of stickers to proudly display in the workbooks and celebrate reading success
4 sets of letter and picture flash cards designed to reinforce letter names and letter sounds

Hooked On Phonics is a program that offers parents the tools to help their children learn to read.  It’s easy, fun, and effective.  My son has enjoyed reading since he was a baby.  Teaching him to read is a natural progression of our time spent reading.

The Pre-K version is suitable for children ages 3-4 and the program retails for $59.95.

You can keep up with Hooked On Phonics on Twitter, Facebook, or their blog.

Win It! One of you will win a Hooked On Phonics Learn to Read Program in the grade of your choice.  Simply visit the site.  Then come back and tell me what you learned and what grade level you’d choose.  Comments will close on March 25, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review and giveaway.

I’m certain you know how important breakfast is…how it’s the most important meal of the day…how it helps children do better in school and sets the precedent for healthy eating habits.  Breakfast is also my favorite meal of the day.  Most days I eat a bowl of cereal or oatmeal due to time constraints.  But on weekends, we have pancakes and eggs and orange juice.

Growing up, my mom made pancakes using Bisquick.  Today we still use Bisquick, albeit the Heart Smart version, for pancakes.  I like my pancakes on the thick and fluffy side, which is just how they turn out with Bisquick.  Plus, when I want a quick breakfast, I can make these with ease.

Have you ever been to a pancake breakfast?  Many non-profit organizations host pancake breakfasts as a fund-raising opportunity in their community.  Bisquick developed Bisquick Pancake Nation as a national effort “to inspire pancake lovers to unite through pancake breakfasts.” The site offers a variety of tools that will help you plan your event including invitations, placemats, signage, and more.  You can also apply for a $250 grant from Bisquick to help cover your supply costs (through May 31), locate a nearby pancake fundraiser, and post photos of your fundraiser.

Win It! One of you will win a Bisquick Pancake Nation prize pack that includes a box of Bisquick mix, a Lodge Cast Iron Griddle, a Cuisipro Deluxe Batter Bowl, and a Cuisipro Pancake Turner to create your own pancake breakfast at home.  Simply leave me a comment with the name of a local organization you’d like to help coordinate a pancake breakfast fundraiser with.  Comments will close on March 21, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided by MyBlogSpark and Bisquick to facilitate this review and giveaway.

I drink a lot of orange juice…particularly because I have cut out all dairy from my diet and am having difficulty finding food sources of Calcium and Vitamin D.  Tropicana is a brand that has been around a very long time…one we’ve purchased time and time again over the years.

Tropicana recently introduced their new Juicy Rewards Program.  If you drink orange juice (who doesn’t drink orange juice? hehe!), why not save money while doing it?  Specially marked containers of Tropicana Orange Juice contain a code for points you can enter on the site to redeem for discounts.  Each carton of Tropicana Orange Juice is worth up to $15 in savings.  The site contains over 20,000 ways to save on things like workout gear, services, classes, entertainment and more.  Partners include Adidas, Coleman, EA Sports, and Coleman.

If I can save money, while consuming something I already use, why wouldn’t I participate?  Stay tuned…I have lots more to share with you about Tropicana’s Juicy Rewards Program.

If you sign up on the site (it’s free), be sure to enter the code  “MOMCE-NTRAL” and you’ll receive one free point to get you started.

Right now, you can enter for a chance to win one of four trips to Las Vegas, New Orleans, Atlantic City or Lake Tahoe.

I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review.

When my babies are little…infants…I keep them close to me.  Even with two, I try to keep my daughter in a carrier as much as possible.  These days, running after a 2 year old with a baby strapped to me is both convenient and challenging, depending on what we’re doing.  And if I’m going to get anything done around the house (or get in a shower) I have to put her down.

I’m actually quite content to put our beauty in Bright Starts’ new Comfort & Harmony Cradling Bouncer.  The bouncer, available in four prints/colors, was “designed to provide supreme comfort for baby with the latest on-trend styling for mom.”  The first thing I noticed about the bouncer (besides the fact that it’s adorably pink), is it’s soft, cushy seat.  This is achieved by a cushioned bolster system and head rest.  The design (the removable padding) naturally gives our daughter a secure, snug feeling.

The Comfort & Harmony Cradling Bouncer features an oversized, cradling seat with Comfort Recline Technology that provides 2 full-body recline positions.  The bouncer reclines to about a 45 degree angle which is great for my daughter after she nurses.  I find that when she’s upright after her feeds, she spits up less.  This is the first time I’ve seen a bouncer with a reclining seat (typically bouncers only offer one position).  The second position is actually suitable for sleeping (something my son never did in our previous bouncer because it didn’t recline).

Music and toys are very important with bouncers (and swings).  Babies get bored very easily and my daughter, in particular, doesn’t particularly like to be anywhere but in someone’s arms.  So it’s even more important that she has some entertainment while she’s in the bouncer.  The bouncer includes 2 plush toys (my son used to bat at the hanging toys when he was a baby) and features seven calming melodies (most of which are quite pleasant).  The only thing I’d love to see changed is the removable toy bar.  It actually comes off easily…a little too easily.  I don’t know if there is a better way to design it but my two year old figured out how to remove it and it’s now a fun game..for him!  It also vibrates (of course!) although to truly bounce it, you’d need to use your hand or your foot (I’m not sure if there is a way to have it automatically bounce…perhaps an idea for a future design).

The Comfort & Harmony Cradling Bouncer is suitable for infants up to 25 pounds and retails for under $50.  It’s an affordable alternative to swings (which can be upwards of $150 to $200.  Minimal assembly is required (even I can do it!) and requires 3 C batteries.  You can purchase it on Amazon or at Walmart and Target stores. A portion of the proceeds supports breast cancer research.

Right now, you could win one of three Babymoon trips by visiting Bright Starts. If you’re pregnant with your first or third, a babymoon is a great way to connect as a couple before your little one is born.  Here are the details surrounding the contest:

Bright Starts is giving away a luxurious 7-night babymoon vacation to three lucky couples.  Relax and reconnect at a U.S. Virgin Islands destination – St. Croix, St. John , or St. Thomas.

Your babymoon includes:
·        Airfare for up to four from anywhere in the continental U.S.
·        Seven night’s hotel accommodations
·        Spa treatment for the mother-to-be
·        Dinner for up to four people
·        $500 spending cash
·        Choice of activities

Sweepstakes ends November 30, 2010. One winner will be chosen each 4-month giveaway period.

Enter to win at www.brightstarts.com/babymoon

If you’d like to keep up to date with Bright Starts, they’ve just launched a Facebook page.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

As I wrap up my test drive with the Palm Pre Plus, I’d to take some time this week to answer all of your questions about the phone (with the help of Verizon!).  I’ve been going through them and am really impressed with the questions you have been asking.  Keep them coming!  You have until March 16, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST to enter to win the phone right here on my site.

1.  Carolyn asks, “Is it non techie friendly. I like stuff that’s easy to figure out without a booklet.”
Carolyn, one of the things I like to do with a product I’m testing out, is to see how far I can get without a manual.  With that being said, to this day, I’ve yet to use the manual (although one of the bloggers on the team has a lot of experience with the phone and has been able to answer my questions).  To answer your question, in my opinion, I find the phone to be very intuitive and easy to use.  And I’m not a techie at all.

2.  Shannon asks, “Is it waterproof?”
I’m laughing…no Shannon. Sorry…you’ll have to keep it dry…just like your kids.

3.  Deb asks, “How long wil it take ME to learn to use all those features?”
Deb, from my experience, it took a couple of days to get used to the Palm webOs interface.  You might find the online tutorial and simulator helpful.

4.  Carol asks, “Is it capable of quick in-succession rapid fire photos?”
Carol, I played with the camera tonight and was able to take approximately 1 picture every 2 seconds?

5.  Amber asks, “I have found that Verizon has better service than T-mobile or AT&T – so props for that! I’m wondering if additional apps will be added? How many apps are available on the Pal Pre Plus currently?”
Amber, applications are constantly being added.  I actually get update notifications when an application has been modified.  Right now there are over 1600 apps available for the Palm Pre Plus.

6. Nicola asks, “My question about the palm pre is how much memory does it have and can i buy extra memory for it?”
Nicola, the Palm Pre Plus comes with 16GB of onboard memory.  While there is no option to upgrade, that is a lot of memory for a phone.

7.  Sandy asks, “How long does the battery last between charges?”
Sandy, according to the site, the Palm Pre Plus has a battery that will give you up to 5.5 hours of talk time and 350 hours of standby time.  In my experience, the more you use the phone (i.e. for email, calendar, internet, VZ Navigator), the quicker the battery gets used up (paricularly when using VZ Navigator).

8.  Jennifer asks, “Is it really tough? My husband breaks phones non-stop! He is really tough on them!”
Jennifer, I haven’t managed to break the phone yet.  Considering the fact that I’m a bit clumsy and I have two children, it has withstood a fall or two (oops).  But I wouldn’t go throwing it around.

9.  Carrie asks, “How does the phone lock? I tend to purse dial with those touch screen phones”
Carrie, the screen shuts off automatically (and locks) if you haven’t used the phone for a couple of minutes.

10.  Susan asks, “Can a 57 year old grandma learn how to use this to full capacity in a reasonable amount of time?”
Susan, please see Deb’s question above (number 3).

11.  Lauren asks, “Can you buy this in retail stores yet?”
Lauren, the phone is available at Best Buy, and online at Verizon, Amazon, and Palm.

12.  Marci asks, “Does it come in different colors?”
Marci, right now it’s only available in black.

13.  Rachel asks “How much talk time does it have?”
Rachel, please see number 7 above.

14.  Shel asks, “Can you customize ringtones and text tones…I like having a particular song play when different members of my family call me…it’s like caller-id when I can’t find my phone but can hear it ringing, I know who is calling me before I find it.”

Shel, you can customize ringtones and text tones for the people in your contact folder (which is where you do this).

15.  Debbie asks, “Can you do more than 1 thing at a time? My phone will drop the navigation if I get a text message.”
Debbie, absolutely! One of the features of this phone is it’s ability to “multi task.”  You can have several different applications open at once without compromising any of them.
Be sure to come back each day this week for more answers to your questions about the Palm Pre Plus.

I wrote this review while working on a Verizon Palm Pre Plus campaign by TheMotherhood.com on behalf of Verizon Wireless and have been given a Palm Pre Plus (and prizes for giveaways) to facilitate my review.

I remember when grocery stores first started moving towards reusable bags.  The branded canvas totes offered by these stores were dull, but aimed to save our environment from the harmful effects of plastic.

Today, many companies are getting creative and offering reusable bags that you’d want to use for more than just groceries.  Radley London, a British company offering handbags and accessories, recently introduced a gorgeous line of Recycled Foldaway Totes. They’re more durable than I would imagine, given that they are very light in weight.  The bags are made from 100% recycled materials and fold away nicely into a zip-around patch.  They’re quite roomy, but I need a few of these to carry all my groceries.

As a mom, I appreciate the fact that the bag is durable enough to be used for groceries and fashionable enough to use for other occasions.  The Recycled Foldaway Tote is available in three patterns/colors and retails for 20 British Pounds (approx. $35).  Matching handbags are also available on the site.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

We live in a big city which offers a variety of conventional and natural grocery stores.  But in many parts of the country, shopping for natural, organic foods is a challenge.  My husband’s family is from the South and these specialty markets are few and far between.  It would be impractical to drive over an hour a week just to go grocery shopping (which would be required of my husband’s grandparents).  If they had internet access (or a computer!), they could go online to Abe’s Market, an online marketplace offering some of the best all natural products available.

What’s unique about Abe’s Market is the ability to learn about the products before purchasing.  Find out who makes the product, what’s in the product, and where/how it’s made. If you have a specific question, the site offers a live help option which allows you to chat with sellers so you know exactly what you’re purchasing and bringing into your home.  In essence, it’s like a virtual visit to your local farmer’s market.

While I was perusing the site, I realized that there are many natural companies I’ve never heard of (and I think that I have been exposed to quite a few)…like this Ultimate Cacao Muffin Mix from Purely Elizabeth.  Can you believe it’s free of sugar?  Must. try. it.

Speaking of baking, Abe’s Market offers an amazing assortment of mixes.  The site also offers natural products in the following categories:  Personal Care, Gifts, Baby & Kids, Food & Drink, and Home & Pet.  The company sent me an assortment of Peeled Snacks to get a feel for the company and the products they represent.  I can’t think of a healthier way to snack than to eat fruit.  The company strives to keep their snacks as close to natural as possible without adding or oil (check out their interview on the site). Their snacks include dried fruit and roasted nuts which act as a good source of protein and fiber.  Our favorites?  Apple-2-the-core!

For more information about Abe’s Market Natural Goods and the products they sell, just visit their website.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

When I was younger and single, I didn’t care much about the amount of money spent on hair, face, and body products.  Most of my purchases were made at upscale department stores and salons.  These days I don’t have the freedom to spend as much on beauty products…and I actually prefer to spend the excess money on my children.

Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer (in our area they go by Ralphs) recently launched a new beauty brand called mirra.  mirra “combines quality, natural ingredients with proven scientific technologies” to meet 3 different needs:  Routine personal care (Daily);  a rejuvenating time out (Renew); and a quick transformations for a night out (Inspire).  The line includes shampoos and conditioners; hair styling products; body washes and mists; facial and skin care lotions, cleansers and cleansing cloths; eye firming and age defying creams; and cosmetic brushes.

I’ve always been a label reader.  I’m concerned about parabens and phthalates and artificial anything.   mirra products are made with natural ingredients, like olive oil, aloe leaf juice, cranberry, bamboo, honey and chicory root extracts. I’ve tried numerous products deemed organic or all-natural.  At times, I have found that they simply don’t work as well as salon or department store brands.  mirra products were designed to be natural AND effective.

I had an opportunity to try several of the products including the Deep-Moisture Day Cream, Wrinkle Reduction Eye Cream, Protective Lotion, Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner, Strong Sculpting Gel, and Replenishing Body Wash. One of the first things I noticed about the products was their scent.  For a natural line, they have quite a bit of scent, but it’s not overwhelming.

My favorite product is the Replenishing Body Wash.  It’s luxurious and leaves my skin feeling hydrated.  The Color Care line is gentle but effective.  Some body washes and hair care products don’t foam well.  I know that the product doesn’t have to lather to be effective, but I still like thinking it does. The shampoo and body wash lather well and leave my skin and hair feeling clean.  I actually don’t have my hair colored right now so I can’t speak on it’s effectiveness with regards to color maintenance.  The Color Care line contains sunflower and red tea extracts which provide UVA/UVB protection which is a must for anyone with color-treated hair.  I typically don’t like day face creams because they’re oily and don’t allow me to wear makeup on top of them.  Both the day and eye cream rub in relatively well without being overly greasy.  The Day Cream was designed to smooth away wrinkles and hydrate skin for 24 hours.  I actually don’t have visible wrinkles (yet) but I did find that my face didn’t feel as dry as it has been the last several weeks.  The Eye Cream was designed to reduce wrinkles, hydrate, and firm skin. I tend to have dark circles under my eyes (it’s herediary) and while the Eye Cream didn’t elminate them, I felt they were less noticeable. Both Day and Eye creams should be used twice a day for two weeks to full realize results.

Have you ever visited a spa or department store, only to be shown a beauty regimen that would be impossible to replicate at home?  mirra was designed to help women achieve their beauty goals effortlessly.  I have two children, a husband, a part-time job, and a house to care for.  Anything more than a 10 or 15 minute routine would be impossible for me to achieve.  These products are quick and easy to use, and so far I’ve been happy with the results.

mirra products can be found in the beauty care aisles at all stores that are part of the Kroger Co. family. For a limited time, mirra is offering $5 off when you purchase any two mirra products. To download the coupon visit www.kroger.com\coupons.

Win It! One of you will win a gift pack of mirra products (similar to what I reviewed).  Simply leave me a comment with a product from the site that you’d like to try.  Comments will close on March 21, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided by The Kroger Company for review and giveaway as a part of the Global Influence Network.