Save money, time, and eat well with Giant this holiday season!

*Disclosure: I was compensated with gift cards for this post. This post is brought to you by Giant/Martins.


GIANT Food Stores and MARTIN’S Food Markets is helping customers save money, save time and eat well for every holiday and celebration through the New Year.During the holiday season, GIANT/MARTIN’S customers have the choice of trying Own Brands Limited Time Originals Peppermint products, Simply Enjoy, World Menu and as a finishing touch, Etos beauty products. GIANT/MARTIN’S is your one-stop shop for entertaining essentials this year.

Save money of quality products

Just in time for the holidays Giant/Martins has come out with some new products. There are a variety of peppermint limited time originals such as peppermint cupcakes, ice cream, gelato, double layer cake and double peppermint filled sandwich cookies! Limited time beverages include peppermint seltzer, peppermint craft soda or peppermint tea. 

If you are looking to bake this season you can find new peppermint ingredients like crushed baking chips, milk chocolate covered marshmallows with crushed peppermint, chocolate bark, brownie and cookie mixes. 

And don't forget the home with peppermint soaps, candles and cleaning products! 
To help shoppers create more memorable meals the Simply Enjoy products are back with even more products. These items include frozen appetizers and desserts, deli dips, smoked salmon, fresh pasta and crackers. 

Earlier this year Giant/Martins expanded its World menu line. These internationally inspired products feature quality ingredients and easy preparation, including many Italian and Asian favorites to offer a new take on take-out. Grab a few varieties to keep in your freezer for quick appetizers when unexpected guest drop by. Don't forget to check for the Giant brand staples such as canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce, chocolate chips and more! 

Eat well by lightening up holiday favorites
It is possible to make better choices, and eat well while still allowing yourself to indulge on your favorite holiday dishes this season.

GIANT/MARTIN’S nutritionists offer their “Top Five” ideas to lighten up your holiday festivities: 

1. Rather than skipping a meal because of a holiday party later in the day, eat a light lunch or snack to curb your appetite beforehand. Because you’re not starving when you arrive, you are less likely to overeat. 

2. Before grabbing a plate at the buffet, first take stock of what’s available. Fill half of your plate with seasonal vegetables, one quarter with lean protein and finish the remaining quarter with a starch such as potatoes or corn. 

3. There are plenty of lower calorie substitutes for your baking recipes. Whole eggs can be swapped with egg whites and applesauce in place of oil. Instead of sour cream, cream cheese or mayonnaise, opt for plain non-fat Greek yogurt. 

4. Both sugary and alcoholic beverages can contain a lot of excess calories so instead feature sparking beverages. A pitcher of sparkling fruit flavored seltzer water (calorie and sodium-free) can be dressed up with floating cranberries or orange slices for a festive beverage option. 

5. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the three bite dessert rule. Choose a small piece, take three bites and savor each bite. 

Saving you time

You can save time by choosing one of Giant/Martins great entertaining party trays, fully prepared dinner, desserts, and more all available to order! Visit the Giant or Martins website to order today. 

Also available at select Giants is Peapod. Peapod offers the convenience of online grocery shopping, and delivery to customers homes or businesses. You can also utilize Peapod's pick up service where you can shop online and schedule the time to pick up your groceries! Visit Peapod and type in your zip code to see if one is near you!

As part of GIANT/MARTIN’S ongoing commitment to help customers include more fresh and healthy meals into their busy schedules, the holiday edition of Savory Fast, Fresh and EasyTM hits store shelves and online in early November.View on the GIANT or MARTIN’S website or download the free Savory app.Packed with easy recipe and entertaining ideas. 

Rather than circle the mall parking lot for a spot, see what gifts you can get at your local GIANT/MARTIN’S. 

Did you know the floral department offers a wide selection of holiday centerpieces and arrangements perfect for gift-giving? Choose from a variety of styles or speak to a floral associate who can create a unique arrangement just for you.

You can also create one-of-a-kind gift baskets featuring snacks for the sports lover, sweets for the choco-holic or beauty care items, like GIANT/MARTIN’S simple, effortless and affordable Etos beauty products.

Don't forget the gift cards for the person that has everything!


For more holiday ideas stop by your local Giant or Martins or visit the Giant or Martins websites. 


MotherRoo

*Disclosure: I have received product for this post. All opinions are solely my own. 



MotherRoo started out as a mother-daughter team. The designer (daughter) Jessika and the seamstress (mother) Kathi. They started making stage costumes and formal wear and when the birth of Jessika's son came along the ever popular babywearing obsession happened and a new partnership was born. They now have a new seamstress, Meredith and an apprentice, Jessie, making MotherRoo an awesome quad of ladies! 

They are CPSC approved, lab tested in compliance with CPSIA regulations based on the ASTM2236 standard. 


I met Jessika virtually in one of the many babywearing groups I am in on Facebook. When we first started chatting about doing a post I had no idea what I wanted or all the options. One of the retailers had a sale on Natibaby wraps and I snagged it up. I messaged Jessika which wrap I bought and we started discussing my options about making it into a Mei-Tie (Asian styled carrier). 

I decided on a junior toddler size since L was (at the time) big for his age. Then came the fun part. I chose wrap straps, extra padding in the shoulders and I knew I wanted ears on my hood. Jessika then thought about making the reach straps have paws to go with the theme! How adorable are they! 


The hood can be worn Velcroed up or down (like a sun visor). And the ears are amazingly cute! Turn around time was amazing! 


Everything on this carrier is perfect. It is extremely well made and sewn together. I did not see any mistakes and the fit is perfect. I have been using it for a year now and it has fit Lex from 1 year old to 2 year old with plenty of room! It has a contoured body so you can fold the waist when they are shorter and unfold when they grow! I can wear this carrier for long amounts of time with no pain in my shoulders. And I forgot to mention the wrap I chose was Natibaby Panther. 


They are now also creating buckle carriers and buckle onbus, which I may have to try and snag a custom spot for myself! 


Do you want to find out all the deets about upcoming stockings? Get added to their group: MotherRoo: In the Loop. You can also find their Facebook and their website


Have a yummy day! 
~Crystyn~














Mama's Pumpkin Roll

*Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. These thoughts are solely my own.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. A day many Americans celebrate with their families with good food, crazy uncles, and laughter. We eat some of our favorite foods and keep some traditions. One tradition in my house is pumpkin roll. I love pumpkin everything, yes even the epic Pumpkin Spice Latte. If you are in a crunch and need an awesome dessert this season try my mom's special pumpkin roll! Here is a step by step of the process and I will post the recipe below. 



 First preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Beat three eggs until they are yellow and frothy. It should look foamy. 



 Next gradually add 1 cup of sugar and 2/3 cup of pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie mix). Beat the mixture until everything is mixed together. 


Gradually add 3/4 cup flour, 1 tsp. baking soda, and 2 tsp. cinnamon to your bowl. Beat until the batter is smooth. 


Pour your batter evenly into a GREASED jelly roll pan (or cookie sheet). Make sure your pan is greased well so you can easily pop the batter out after it is cooked. 


Bake the batter for 10-12 minutes or until you insert a toothpick into the center and it comes out clean. Immediately loosen the cake from the edges and invert onto a kitchen towel that is generously sprinkled with powdered sugar. 


While the cake is still HOT roll cake and towel together. While the cake is cooling it is time to make your icing filling. 


Beat 1 cup powdered sugar, 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, and a splash of milk together until the batter is creamy. 


Make sure your cake is completely COOLED. This is very important so your cream cheese filling does not melt. Unroll the cake and evenly spread the filling onto the cake. Roll just the cake back up. 


Sprinkle the outside of the cake with powdered sugar to prevent it from sticking on the plastic wrap. Wrap the pumpkin roll up and refrigerate until you are ready to eat! Enjoy! 


Pumpkin Roll Cake

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup pumpkin
3/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon

Filling

1 cup powdered sugar
8 oz softened cream cheese
1/2 tsp vanilla
splash milk

Beat eggs in large bowl on high until thick and lemon colored.
Gradually beat in sugar and pumpkin.
Gradually beat in flour, baking soda, and cinnamon until smooth. 
Pour batter into greased jelly roll pan. 
Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes.
Loosen edges and invert onto a powdered sugar towel. 
Roll towel and cake together, cool completely. 
Beat powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, and milk together until creamy. 
Unroll cake. Spread on cake. Roll cake up and sprinkle outside with powdered sugar. 
Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate. 




















Amorini USA

*Disclosure: I have received this product free for review. These opinions are solely my own.



This week I have a product that has done wonders for my new breastfeeding relationship with our newest addition Jackson Seeley! 

The first thing you think about when you are a new breastfeeding mother is how the nipple pain will be. There will be some pain during your breastfeeding relationship, but if you are worried about cracked and bleeding nipples then you need to buy this product! 

Amorini harnesses the antibacterial properties of Silver to offer immediate nipple protection to breastfeeding mothers in a safe and 100% natural way. Unlike creams and balms, Amorini leaves no residue on the skin ensuring that your baby does not ingest any potentially harmful chemicals.



I started using this product while I was pregnant and my nipples were in the sore stage. It protected my nipples from rubbing on my shirt. 

I then started using it from day 1 of nursing Jack! I took them to the hospital with me and inserted them after each feeding. I have had zero cracking and no bleeding! I have had a little pain but it was nothing like my first son's initial latches! Even the OB commented on how great my nipples looked for the first few days of nursing! I showed her what I was using and she was very intrigued! 

For two weeks I continued to use Amorini and continued to have awesome looking nipples making nursing so much easier this time around! I am now almost 3 weeks in and breastfeeding is great! 

Clean Amorini with a Baking Soda mixed with water paste. We advise you to clean Amorini before its first use and as necessary during the breastfeeding period. Do not disinfect Amorini with harsh chemicals; it may damage the silver.

I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to try this product! I would suggest it to any mother that plans on breastfeeding their little one! 

If you want to learn more or purchase Amorini you can click here

Have a yummy day! 
~Crystyn~







Equiptbaby

*Disclosure: I have received this product free for review. These opinions are solely my own.


Now that I am a mom of 2 going outside to chase my toddler seems near impossible. But the equiptbaby portable bassinet makes going outside easier! Jack can relax in the shade in this awesome bassinet while i run around with Lex! 


This bassinet fully extends in 2 seconds with one hand. It has a fine mesh insect screen all the way around. It has an SPF 50 exterior to protect babies skin. It has a padded insert that is machine washable. And it is portable! 


Equiptbaby's global concern is Malaria. Worldwide every 60 seconds an infant dies of Malaria. And although we are not in Africa, every child is a child of the global community. 


This can go with me to the beach, or the pool and I can rest assured that Jack will be protected from the sun and bugs! It was easy to open and set up. Folding it back up took me a few tries but once I figured it out it was easy! and it fits in my diaper bag no problem for easy transfer!

If you want to learn more about Equiptbaby products you can click here.

Have a yummy day!
~Crystyn~



Pouch Pal

*Disclosure: I have received this product free for review. These opinions are solely my own.


The No- Squeeze Food Pouch Feeder for Kids! 

The Pouch Pal is a mess free device that you insert the pouch of food into so our toddlers can feed themselves! This is awesome! When Lex was smaller I made him a ton of home made applesauce and fruit sauces and I stored them in pouches for easy to go meals. This would have made pouch feeding so much easier! 

Pouch Pal is BPA and Phthalayte free, dishwasher safe, easy to grip and has a cap storing space! 


Open the Pouch Pal and get your pouch ready.


Roll up and place in the pouch pal. 


Close it and it is ready to go for mess free eating! 

No matter how hard my 22 month old tried he could not open pouch pal. He figured out how to suck up the food easily. And we had zero mess! How great is that???

This is great when you are in the car traveling or sitting at your dining room table!

Pouch Pal is available for pre order now and you can contribute to their campaign to help in production! 

to find out more you can see them here

Have a yummy day!
~Crystyn~






GabasaurusRex

Disclosure: I have received this product free for review. These options are solely mine. 


I was really shocked when I put this adorable hat on Lex that he kept it on for most of our beach trip! It fit perfect on his head and shaded him from that hot beach sun!


All of Gabasaurusrex's hats are reversible. This hat is anchors on one side and narwal on the other. Both sides matched Lex's swim gear perfect! This stitching and creation of this hat is phenomenal. I gave Gabrielle, the owner, Lex's head circumference and she created his perfect hat! The price point for her hats are very reasonable also! They run from 27.00-40.00USD. 


Gabasaurusrex's shop doesn't just have hats. She sells mobiles, bibs and burp cloths, buntings, blankets, dresses, crowns, and shoes! The perfect gifts for any occasion! 

If you want to order your own hat you can check out her shop here!

That's all for now and remember I am here for you!

Have a yummy day! 
~Crystyn~

Beautiful 4 Baby

*Disclosure: I have received this product free for review. These opinions are mine alone.

Seriously! Take a look at how amazing Lex looks! Fall is an amazing time of year and these burlap suspenders and bow tie make the perfect accessory for your little ones! 

Beautiful4Baby was created by Kristyn (great name ;)). She has two sons and a love for crafting. She is a stay at home mom just like myself!



As Lex frolicked through the sunflowers these suspenders held up from all of his active movements. The buckles hold tight no matter how hard he pulled or tugged to get them off. These are adjustable so they could actually fit Jack or Lex, and we love when we can mix and match for them! Surprisingly,  Lex didn't even bother with the bow tie so it stayed put the whole night! Again, this is adjustable so it can fit children of all sizes! A set of suspenders with bow tie runs from a low 8.50 USD and all the rest of her items are also great on the wallet!

Beautiful4Baby has a number of items in her shop including bow ties and suspenders in all styles, bow ties for adults, leg warmers, and hair bows for little girls.


There are many holidays around the corner to dress up your little ones for, why not support a small business and buy them some adorable accessories this season! 

You can find out more below: 



Have a yummy day!
~Crystyn~




Bushel and a Peck Crafts

*Disclosure: I received this product free for review. These opinions are mine alone.


Is that a Cabbage Patch doll? I may be biased but Jack looks so handsome in our fall pictures and this Bushel and a Peck Crafts newsboy hat is the perfect compliment! When I started communicating with Shelby, the owner of Bushel and a Peck crafts she was planning her sons birthday party, just as I was a few weeks before. I saw the pictures from her sons party and she did so fantastic on all the decorations just as she did on this hat!


It was only a few days after the party that she messaged me saying the hat was done! I was impressed with how quickly she finished and sent it to me. The quality is fantastic and it fits Jack great with a little room to grow! Shelby is busy making items for her upcoming Etsy shop but if you have an idea of an item you would like made just shoot her a message and maybe she can make your vision come true! 


Need your little ones ears to stay warm this winter? Need your own ears to stay warm? Bushel and  Peck Crafts is the shop to look up! I highly suggest it, you won't be sorry! 

Check out her Etsy Page!

Have a yummy day!
~Crystyn~

Inexpensive ways to make a party great!


 Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this post. These thoughts are purely my own

I love throwing parties. When Lex turned one we went all out. We rented the hall and everything matched to a T and we spent way too much money even though it was amazing and he will never remember it. For his second birthday we decided since we recently bought a house we would have the party here. K did not want to spend as much money this time so I had to come up with creative and inexpensive ways to scratch my matching itch. Here are a few tips to make something big out of something little! 

 



First I went on Etsy.com and searched for super hero instant download print outs. The set I bought was about 10 dollars and had tons of print outs. Then I went on Staples.com and selected what I wanted printed at my local store. To have everything printed out that I wanted it was about 15.00. 



I made a list of things I needed for my food table and used the little cut out signs for all of my food ideas. These little signs added a super touch to something so simple. 


I bought a pack of water bottles and cut out the water bottle labels that came with the pack and water went from ordinary to extraordinary in just a few minutes! 
 

I made balloon pillars from a roll of balloon decorating strip. I blew up 80 balloons to make those pillars! Each bag of balloons cost 2.99 for packs of 20 making it 12.00 total. 

I also made my own lovely cupcakes (Black and yellow for Batman colors) and bought this paper cupcake tower at Party City for 7.00. 

Here are more examples of signs for the food: 

     



I hung a few more "Happy Birthday" signs and "Super Hero Only" signs and bam! one awesome super hero party! You can do this with almost any theme! So next party you throw I hope this helps you add some cheap special touches! 

Have a yummy day! 
~Crystyn~









Lunch Packing Ideas That Rock

May have received compensation for this post. All opinions are mime and mine alone.
planet
Looking for easy ways to make a great, healthy lunch. It's not as hard as you think! It can also be Pinterest fun! All you need is some fresh fruit or veggies. Cut them up ahead of time. Each day add them into the lunch box. Add a different dip. Do a marshmallow dip one day for the fruit and a ranch the next day for veggies. Add some great pick me up protein with a Yummy Snack or a handful of trail mix. Last but not least, unless your kid hates peanutbutter/jelly. Toss in a sandwich. Cut out a small heart on top to make it just a little more fun to eat!
planet 2
One other way to keep a lunch more on the healthier side is to use some wheat bread. You can also make your own lunchable! Put some pepperoni in the case, cheese slices, and crackers.
When looking to pack a lunch. Great ideas are easy and not hard to come up with. There will days when yes, you do toss a pack of Oreos in the bag or buy a premade lunchable. You know what, in my opinion. Thats ok! I have those days and my daughter happens to enjoy those days as well. All about surprise of the lunch. She loves to open it and see what kind of bar she got or fruit is in it that day.
planet 3
Another A+ lunch idea is to include a small note. Grab a stack of post its. When your done packing lunch, write a few simple words. Like I love you or even a picture of the sunshine. It's going to bring a smile to their face for sure and set their moods for the rest of the school day to a good one.