Too cute to Spook at TJ Maxx & Marshalls + $50 Gift card Giveaway!

If you haven't decided on a costume for your kids, head over to TJMaxx or Marshalls. I was just at TJ Maxx this weekend looking for some spooky stuff for decorating! They had some really cute items. Since I am having a small Halloween party, I bought some lights and Jack O'Lanterns.

But I also saw some really cute costumes for the kiddos. The prices were good and the costumes were adorable. My favorite was the pea in the pod for babies. How adorable is that?

They also had some clever costumes like soda pop and fries, pizza and donuts. There were also the standards: pumpkins, ghosts, vampires and this really cute girl pirate outfit. I loved the emoji costume because that so #trendy! The variety was wonderful.

Also, wanted to let you know about our annual T.J.Maxx & Marshalls reusable Halloween bags, which come in a 2-pack and retail for $1.49 – all profits go to the Save the Children U.S. Programs. The bags are so cute and reusable! So head over to TJ Maxx or Marshalls to see their Halloween costumes. And while you are there, check out the Christmas items that are available as well! I can't wait to go back and shop for my Holiday decorating!!

If you want to win a TJ Maxx gift card, then enter below!

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Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Bedtime Tips from AVEENO® Baby + GIVEAWAY!!! #BellezaEspontanea #AVEENO #Ad

Yes, I know I am not a mom but that does not mean I can't share some great tips for those who are. Many of our nephews and nieces are having babies so I am in the loop about all things baby.

One of the issues I hear from the new moms and dads is lack of sleep. It is super important for these new parents to create a bedtime routine so baby can sleep and they can also get some sleep. Creating a bedtime routine is very important. Luckily,  AVEENO® Baby Hispanic pediatrician,  Dr. Andres Cotton, has some simple and easy tips that new parents can use. Dr. Cotton recommends developing a bedtime ritual that includes using the AVEENO® Baby collection.

Here are some wonderful tips from Dr. Cotton:

Play some music: Playing some lullabies or classical music at a low volume as you put your child to bed can help assist with falling asleep.

Lighting: A soft night light is reassuring and helps the child feel safer. A child that feels protected and relaxed will fall asleep easier than a child that feels afraid in a pitch dark room.

Hugs and Kisses: It’s always a good idea to hug and kiss your child before bedtime, expressing how much you love them and giving them a sense of security right before sleepy time.

A warm bath and a light massage: Before bed, a warm bath with AVEENO® Baby Eczema Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash is a great way to start your child’s nightly ritual. During bath time put some toys in the tub so you can interact and play along with them. Once bath time is finished, use the new AVEENO® Baby Eczema Therapy Nighttime Balm to massage your baby’s limbs with gentle but firm strokes which will relax him, sooth any itchy skin and help him fall asleep faster and for a longer period of time.

Say goodnight to the moon and the stars: A quick look outside the door or window to take in the views of the stars and moon can help your child really understand the idea of nighttime, while taking in a bit of nature before bed time.

Read a bedtime story: Snuggling up with a good book to read to your child is a great way to calm them, lower their stress level and provide a distraction from the day’s activities, allowing the body to rest and fall asleep with ease.

I hope these tips help new parents with their babies. It is impotant to start out baby's life as peaceful and wonderful as possible. If you want to win a set of AVEENO® Baby products, then enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Disney's Alice Through the Looking Glass available now on Digital HD, Blu-ray™ and Disney Movies Anywhere!

If you are expecting a movie adaptation of the book Through the Looking Glass, you are in for a big surprise. Disney's Alice Through the Looking Glass is nothing like the book. But that is not necessarily a bad thing. Through the Looking Glass is a visual masterpiece. The cinematography and costumes are stunning. The visuals are grand and very eccentric and that is what Alice is all about.

The story picks ups years later after Alice was in Wonderland. She is a ship's captain and still trying to find the wonder of life. When she returns home, she is taken back to Wonderland through a looking glass to help the Mad Hatter.

The Mad Hatter is convinced his family is still alive, yet no one believes him. Enter Alice who visits Time and returns back in time to tr and change the future. Of course, things always don't go as they should. But in the end, all works out.

The all-star cast from the 2010 blockbuster is back with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter who’s desperately searching for his family; Anne Hathaway as Mirana, the kind, mild-mannered White Queen; Helena Bonham Carter as Iracebeth, the short-tempered, big-headed Red Queen; and Mia Wasikowska as Alice, the heroine at the heart of the story. Sacha Baron Cohen joins the ensemble as Time, a magical being that is part human, part clock, and the late Alan Rickman—to whom the film is dedicated—is the voice of Absolem, the blue Monarch butterfly who metamorphosed from the blue caterpillar “Alice in Wonderland.”

I loved it. At first I was confused because I have read the book but then realized that the movie is was not the book. And I enjoyed it. t was fun yet touching. The lesson that you can't change the past the make the best of the present was a lesson that everyone can relate to. If you loved the first Alice,
you will love this one as well!

The disc has some great Bonus Features:

DIGITAL HD/SD & BLU-RAY:
A Stitch in Time: Costuming Wonderland – Three-time Oscar®-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Memoirs of a Geisha”) explains how costuming helps shape the curious characters of Underland and reveals hidden Easter Eggs within the cast’s ornate outfits.

Music Video: “Just Like Fire” by P!nk – “Watch this madness, colorful charade” in P!nk’s music video for “Just Like Fire,” the hit song featured in “Alice Through the Looking Glass” that powered to the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Behind the Music Video – Go on set with P!nk for production of her “Just Like Fire” music video, featuring fantastical imagery, aerial stunts, Underland character cameos, and guest appearances by P!nk’s family.

Behind The Looking Glass – Jump back and forth through time during this in-depth look into the making of “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” hosted by director James Bobin.

Time On… – Delight in this discussion with the unpredictable and witty Sacha Baron Cohen who plays Time, the keeper of the Chronosphere, a metallic sphere that powers all time.

Alice Goes Through the Looking Glass: A Scene Peeler – View a side-by-side comparison of raw production footage and final scenes, as Alice enters Underland through a magical looking glass.
Alice Goes Through Time’s Castle: A Scene Peeler – View raw production footage alongside final scenes, as Alice enters Time’s castle of eternity.

Characters of Underland – Get to know the quirky and colorful supporting characters in Underland, such as the tubby twins known as the Tweedles (Matt Lucas) and Absolem (Alan Rickman), the blue caterpillar turned blue Monarch butterfly.

Filmmaker Audio Commentary by James Bobin – Director James Bobin delivers scene-by-scene insight into the creation of “Alice Through the Looking Glass.”

Deleted Scenes with Director Commentary – Bobin introduces five never-before-seen scenes that didn’t make the final cut of Disney’s spectacular adventure.


DVD:
A Stitch in Time: Costuming Wonderland

Bring the journey home now on Digital HD, Blu-ray™ and Disney Movies Anywhere.

Brand New Alice Through the Looking Glass Activities for kids!!!

If you love Alice, like I love Alice, you will want to click and find some great activity sheets for the kiddos!! Alice Through the Looking Glass is now available on Digital HD, Blu-ray & Disney Movies Anywhere!


Disney presents the spectacular live adventure Alice Through the Looking Glass. The all-star cast from the 2010 blockbuster is back with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter who’s desperately searching for his family; Anne Hathaway as Mirana, the kind, mild-mannered White Queen; Helena Bonham Carter as Iracebeth, the short-tempered, big-headed Red Queen; and Mia Wasikowska as Alice, the heroine at the heart of the story. Sacha Baron Cohen joins the ensemble as Time, a magical being that is part human, part clock, and the late Alan Rickman—to whom the film is dedicated—is the voice of Absolem, the blue Monarch butterfly who metamorphosed from the blue caterpillar “Alice in Wonderland.” 

Disney's MOANA Coloring Sheets!

I am so excited for this movie!! I know this will be one of those epic Disney films that will touch me only in a way Disney can. Moana opens in December and I can't wait! Luckily, I have the trailer to keep me entertained for now. I also have some great coloring sheets for the kiddos. Just click on the image and print! 


Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows exactly why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. 

Like MOANA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disneymoana

Follow MOANA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneymoana

Follow Disney Animation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneyanimation/

Visit Disney Animation on Tumblr: http://disneyanimation.tumblr.com/

Visit the official MOANA website here: http://movies.disney.com/moana

MOANA arrives in theatres everywhere on November 23rd!

T-fal Airbake Pizza Pan and Ingenio Pizza Cutter Review!

We love pizza. But when hubby had his bypass last year, we thought that pizza was something we could not eat. But I learned how to make pizza dough with little or no salt. I also realized that I could make my own pizza sauce with no fat and salt. We also learned that if we skipped the meat and used lower fat cheese with tons of veggies, pizza was something that we could still have on occasion. That makes a huge difference when you are eating healthy.

The problem though is that I had a pizza stone but it is such a pain. It's heavy and once it's hot, it takes forever to cool and it's tough to clean. I tried just using a sheet tray but found that the dough doesn't cook through or gets mushy because of the toppings.

Luckily, I was asked to review the T-fal AirBake Pizza Pan. The AirBake Pizza Pan was great. It uses a double-layer  allows users to create perfectly baked pizza 15% faster. AirBake uses a clever double-layer technology to provide an overall enhanced baking performance. It has two heavyweight aluminum steel sheets with a nonstick surface surround a layer of air. The air reduces the temperature of the metal that comes in contact with the food. The bottom sheet blocks the direct oven heat while the layer of air acts as an insulator preventing the top sheet from overheating. This means better browning, no burning, and moister baked goods. Insulated bake ware means pizza won't burn.

I loved it. It solved my problem of a heavy stone that really didn't make my crust crispy. It also solved my problem of using a sheet pan and then getting a soggy crust. The AirBake is light.and because it's nonstick, the pizza came off easily. The crust was as crispy as I have ever made. It was great.

Clean up was easy. I used some soap and water then wiped it clean. You can put the AirBake into the the dishwasher but I prefer hand washing it. This is a great pan if you make your own pizza or if you just want to heat up a frozen pizza.

And check out the T-fal Ingenio Pizza Cutter. I usually used a knife which is not that great but this pizza cutter is so much better. It is durable and is made of heat-resistant Tritan that seamlessly slices through pizza without damaging the pan. The Tritan also prevents the cheese from sticking to the cutter and the detachable wheel makes for a worry-free clean-up.

The T-fal Ingenio Pizza Cutter costs $8.99, The T-fal Airbake Pizza Pan costs $19.99 and both are aviaable at Amazon or Kohls.com.

IMUSA Tamale and Seafood Steamer Review and Giveaway!

I have always loved Fall. When I was little, fall meant cooler weather and holidays. First comes Halloween. I loved it growing up because my mom used to make our costumes and we would go out with all our friends to get goodies.

Next came Thanksgiving. because my parents were from Costa Rica, we never celebrated Thanksgiving the same way others did. It was one of those special days where we would all dress up and head to Downtown Los Angeles and visit the Clifton Cafeteria. It was so magical as a child because there were endless rows of different foods including turkey and all the fixin's.

But the best part of the holidays was Christmas. besides all the presents and cheer, it meant that my family would make tamales. Sure we had ham and holiday food but the most important part of our holidays was making tamales. In Costa Rica, people make tamales not only to eat but to give away as little presents for family and friends who visit during that time.

I loved those times. My mom and grandmother would start prepping 2 or 3 days before. The day of the tamale making, we would all have jobs to do. Since we were little, we would be in charge of stuffing the tamales with veggies. Once done, my father had a fire made outside and my mom would fill a huge pot full of tamales and they would be cooked outside for at least an hour.

Costa Rican tamales are a labor of love and they are delicious. Unless I go to Costa Rica, I rarely make them because it is a tough job. Plus, you have to have the right equipment. This year might be the year, I continue the family tradition.

I recently received a beautiful IMUSA Tamale and Seafood Steamer from the GlobalKitchen Mexico product line. The pot is aluminum with a steamer insert. You can steam anything and everything from seafood and vegetables to even tamales. It is available at Target.com for $29.99

I love it. I used it as a pasta pot and it was great because spaghetti actually fits and I don’t have to be pushing it in to for my other small pots. I could definitely see using this for a clam bake or to cook up fresh lobsters. It is very well made and sturdy. The steamer insert is great because it allows you to steam or use as a double boiler, if needed. I love he lid and the pot handles. Because they are made with red silicone, they never get too hot to handle. The glass lid allows you to look at what you are cooking.

Luckily, I have one to giveaway as well. So if you want an IMUSA Tamale and Seafood Steamer from the GlobalKitchen Mexico just enter below. And check out this wonderful fall recipe by Chef George Duran.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pumpkin Pie Tamales

Ingredients:

• 40 to 60 dried corn husks
• 7 cups maseca corn flour
• 3 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 29-ounce cans of pumpkin puree
• 4 sticks of butter, melted
• 2 cups of warm milk
• 2 cups of walnuts, chopped
• 12 ounces of raisins

Preparation:

1. Fill a large bowl with warm water and soak corn husks until softened, about 30 minutes.
2. In an extra-large bowl add Maseca corn flour and the rest of the dry ingredients. Mix together making sure that all of the clumps are broken up with your fingers. Then add all of the wet ingredients and once again, use your hands to mix the corn flour. Add more water as needed until you achieve the consistency of peanut butter. Fold in the walnuts and raisins.
3. Assemble the tamales by using a rubber spatula to spread 1⁄2 cup to 1 cup of dough mixture onto the corn husk, depending on the size of the corn husk. The spread should cover about two thirds of the husk, away from the pointed end, making sure you leave some space on each side to fold. Gently fold one side of the corn husk to the other end and fold up the pointed end across. Lay each tamale fold-side down. There should be an open end to each tamale.
4. Once the tamales are folded, fill the IMUSA TAMALE STEAMER with water just below the fill line and place the steam tray on the rack. Carefully place each tamale standing up on the steam tray without overloading it and bring water to a simmer. Steam with the lid on for 90 minutes.
5. Remove each tamale with tongs and let rest for a few minutes before serving it as a sweet side-dish. MAKES 40-60 TAMALES.

Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Bakery on Main's Organic Creamy Hot Breakfast Review and Giveaway!

Fall is here and I am thrilled. What I love about Fall is the change in weather. I like the cool days and the wind. I love wearing sweaters and boots. It is my favorite time of year. Fall also means eating more soups and hot food. The slow cooker comes out and I start baking.

On a cold morning, I start eating hot cereals and not the cold cereals I have eaten all summer. A bowl of warm goodness helps me get through the day! It gives me the energy I need to go to work and survive the cooler weather.

I usually have oatmeal but I love any type of hot cereal. I was sent some Bakery On Main’s Organic Creamy Hot Breakfast to review. The Bakery on Main's Organic Creamy Hot Breakfast is a new lineup of oat-free, certified gluten-free hot cereal with an ancient-grain twist. I love that is lower in fat and sodium which is great for my hubby's low fat and low salt diet.

It comes in two unsweetened varieties: Amaranth Multigrain and Quinoa Multigrain, each offers 27.5g of whole grains per serving, an excellent source of ALA Omega-3, and a good source of fiber. Made in the USA at Bakery On Main’s GFCO certified, dedicated gluten-free facility, this nutritional powerhouse of ancient grains and flax can be customized exactly as your taste buds like- savory, sweet, or traditional! It is also Non-GMO Project Verified, OU Kosher, and free of sodium, cholesterol, saturated and trans fat, dairy, casein, wheat, and gluten.

Not only is the Hot Breakfast healthier than most, it is delicious. I loved it. It didn't taste weird or funky. It tasted warm, creamy and delicious. I added some Cane Sugar to sweeten it up and it was perfect. I cannot wait for the weather to finally turn cold so I can have this every morning. It is easy to make. You boil a cup of water or milk and add a packet. It is ready in 2 minutes. Yum!

Bakery On Main’s Hot Breakfast is currently rolling out at natural food retailers across the country and online for an SRP of $5.99 per 8.5oz box. Six individual 40g serving packets are included that cook in under two minutes at only 150 calories each.

I you want to win Bakery On Main’s Hot Breakfast in two flavors, enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Neutrogena® Naturals Line Giveaway #BrighterDifference

As I age, I find that my skin is changing and not for the better. It is ruddy and dry. It also starts looking dull. This happens when I get too much sun in the summer or when Fall begins and it gets cold.

Luckily, I have been using Neutrogena® Naturals Brightening Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 25. Neutrogena® Naturals Brightening Daily Moisturizer brings a lightweight formula with 94% naturally derived ingredients that provides moisture while skin brightening lemon peel, and effective bio nutrient, works with your skin to even skin tone in just 4 weeks.

The moisturizer is formulated without harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, petroleum, dyes, phthalates and provides Broad Spectrum UVA/VB Protection without clogging pores.

What I love about it is that it makes my skin look a little brighter, younger and fresh. It helps mositurize my skin in the Summer. And now that it is officially Fall, it will help keep my face soft and smooth when the weather turns cold and windy. The SPF helps protect my facefrom damaging sun rays. And, as I get older, I need this!

The New  Neutrogena® Naturals Brightening Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 25 along with the entire Neutrogena® Naturals Line are a great fit for the eco-minded women in search of a natural skin care derived formulas that deliver results.

If you have the same problems I have, you need to try Neutrogena® Naturals Line. If you want to win a Neutrogena® Naturals new brightening moisturizer, Neutrogena® Naturals cleansing wipes and Neutrogena® Naturals Purifying Cream Cleanser just enter below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.