Balance Bar mini energy bars & Itzy Ritzy Snack Bags {Review & Giveaway}

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With three active kids, I always find myself on the go running from one activity to another... yep, I'm that mom.... Constantly in the car, I find it hard to stop and get a bite to eat. Thankfully, I have my box of new Balance Bar mini energy bars that give me that little pick me up when I'm hungry, exhausted and don't have a second to spare. 

First, About Balance Bar

Founded in 1992, Balance Bar, one of America’s original nutrition/energy bars, inspires consumers to lead active, well-rounded and balanced lives by providing great-tasting, healthy and convenient nutrition for lasting energy. Balance Bars come in seven unique product lines (Original, Gold, BARE, Café, nimble, CarbWell and mini energy bars) and are available in 23 flavors with all based on a 40/30/30 nutritional model (40% of calories come from healthy carbohydrates, 30% from quality protein and 30% from dietary fat). 

Balance Bar®, one of America’s original nutrition/energy bar leaders, is launching mini energy bars in two popular Balance Bar flavors: Cookie Dough and Double Chocolate Brownie. They’re the perfect pick-me-up for kids and adults so everyone can feel good about enjoying them at snack time or between meals!

Each 100-calorie mini energy bar contains seven grams of protein and 23 vitamins and minerals with an excellent source of antioxidants (vitamins A, C & E). Like all Balance Bars, mini energy bars adhere to the proven 40-30-30 principle (40% of calories come from healthy carbohydrates, 30% from quality protein and 30% from dietary fat) to help stabilize blood sugar levels, satisfy hunger and provide lasting energy.

mini energy bars are certified Kosher and come in a two-flavor, 10-count box which will be available where ever Balance Bars are sold and on their site, www.shopbalance.com.

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COUPON: To get a one-dollar Balance Bar coupon, go to www.Balance.com and click on {Get a Valuable Coupon}.

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For more information, visit their website, www.Balance.com. Follow Balance Bar for tips and nutritional information on Facebook and Twitter.

With the kids back to school, they require their daily snack. As easy as it is to use plastic bags, I always disliked the number of bags with would go through every week. I have always loved the idea of the reusable snack back, but never found one that I really liked A LOT, until recently when I was introduced to the Itzy Ritzy Snack Happened™ Reusable Snack Bags. This ZIPPERED (not velcro-ed) snack bag is keep crackers, fruit, sandwiches, new Balance Bar mini energy bars, and other snack securely in place.

Features include:

• 100% cotton exterior
• Waterproof lining interior
• FDA-approved, BPA-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free
• Lead-free zipper top closure keeps crumbs, drips and contents securely inside –no velcro for snag free and silent snacking
• Machine washable
• Award winning

To get your very own Itzy Ritzy snack bags of your own

at www.itzyritzy.com in regular or mini size.

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Buy It

Special Offer! Buy four boxes of Balance Bar mini energy bars and receive one FREE regular-size Itzy Ritzy Snack Happened bag and FREE ground shipping. Offer is limited to the first 50 responders. Go to www.shopbalance.com.

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Win It

One LUCKY ace and friends reader will win a 10 count box of Balance Bar mini energy bars and Itzy Ritzy Snack Bag Prize Pack!

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2012 Back To School Guide: Gutzy Gear {Review & Giveaway}

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With school beginning shortly, the kids are ready to go. We've prepared by getting their classroom supplies, new outfits, shoes... and backpacks. Every year I try and add a little pizazz to the kid's backpack to make them a little more special and personalized. This year I came across Gutzy Gear that can do just that to each backpack. So, you may be thinking... what exactly is Gutzy Gear? I'm here to tell you....

About Gutzy Gear
(credit: gutzygear.com)

Gutzy Gear is a great, new way to express yourself by customizing your backpack, sports duffel, messenger bag, and more! Gutzies are cool looking removable patches. Gutzies stick to a Gutzy strap cover that you put wherever you want to go Gutzy! With 56 Gutzies in a series and new Gutzies constantly being introduced, you can collect and trade a world of Gutzies. But Gutzy Gear is even more… Gutzy Gear is a lifestyle! Gutzy Gear is about showing the world who you are, taking chances and being the best YOU you can be. 

As one last hurrah for summer, we had a fun little Back To School party featuring Gutzy Gear. As the kids came arrived.... they were immediately drawn to the table of fun *stuff*... and quickly asked, what's this... can we have one? Instead of the kids grabbing and potentially causing a little craziness... we decided to play some Gutzy games to WIN some Gutzy Gear as prizes.

We played a few different games, but their favorite was GUTZY.... you may recognize it as bingo.... as the kids instantly pointed out to the parents. Each child was given a GUTZY card with various Gutzy images. {a} helped run the game by calling out various letters and gutzies. As each kid began to call out *GUTZY*, they were allowed to choose their prize.... a strap and one of the patch packs. There were some many choices... the kids had fun time sorting through them and picking out their favorite patches.

The kids were had an amazing time hanging out with their friends one last time before the summer comes to an end and everyone left super excited to add their new Gutzy Gear prizes to their backpacks. Look at all those smiling painted faces. Thanks Gutzy Gear for such a great day!

For more information about Gutzy Gear, visit their WEBSITE, like them on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.

Also check out Gutzy Gear below: 

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Buy It

Get your own Gutzy Gear style on their WEBSITE or find a retail location near you HERE.

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Win It

THREE LUCKY ace and friends reader will win a Gutzy Gear Prize Pack, including a Straps starter set and a package of patches (patches will vary depending on availability).

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2012 Back To School Guide - SugarBooger by o.r.e. Zippee! Back Pack/Lunch Sack {Review & Giveaway}

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For the past month or so, my kids (and I) have been on a quest for new backpacks and lunch boxes for the new school year. With little *e* beginning kindergarten this year, we wanted to find the perfect one to make her feel special. Thankfully, Sugarbooger by o.r.e. introduced the new Zippee! Back Pack and Lunch Sack, that we just fell in love with... 

About o.r.e.

Lisa Lowe started o.r.e. with a bold line of graphically innovative recycled-rubber bulletin boards that were designed, assembled, and shipped from her garage in Long Beach, California.

Fast forward nearly 20 years, o.r.e.'s focus of fun + functional has not changed and they have grown their brand collections above and beyond bulletin boards to include lots more items  for everyday living. Whether you’re a mom needing to be fashionably organized, a pet-owner looking for a better feeding solution, a college student in need of cool shower curtain to spruce up an apartment bathroom, or you’re just looking for a functional bag to take on vacation,  their hopes is that o.r.e. is an easy place for consumers to find all their products you have in mind – and then some. 

So what does "o.r.e." mean? It's simply their way of saying, "All Designs Are Original." 

About the Zippee! Back Pack

(credit: o.r.e.'s website)

The roomy but simple new Zippee! Back Pack is big enough to hold a notebook and supplies, a lunch sack and even a sweatshirt, and sized just right for little kids to carry.



Made from durable nylon canvas and features Matryoshka Doll, the popular Russian icon. The Zippee!TM Back Pack has a sturdy zippered main compartment for larger items, a zippered exterior pocket for extra supplies like pencils, keys or toys, easy-to-use over-sized cloth zipper fobs and a convenient carabiner for attaching kid collectibles.



Product Features

• Padded, adjustable nylon shoulder straps
• Weighs only 7 ounces and measures 11.5 inches x 15 inches deep
• Includes place to write name on interior for easy identification

About the Matryoshka Doll Lunch Sack 

(credit: o.r.e.'s website)

When off to school or daycare, the Matryoshka Doll laminated cotton canvas Lunch Sack is the ideal choice to carry snacks. Features full insulation, a hook-and-loop closure, interior card for ID information and a convenient handle strap. Measures 10 x 6.5 x 4.5 wipe clean, line dry. Non-toxic and lead-free.

Product Features

• Waterproof and easy to clean/wipe off
• Not to big or small, perfect size for an elementary lunch
• Unique pattern and design, making it easily identifiable

 ace and friends thoughts 

If you haven't noticed, I have a small obsession with Matryoshka Dolls (more commonly know as the Russian stacking dolls), so I was immediately drawn to this delightful print. As I perused the expansive collection on o.r.e.'s site, I immediately fell in love with the new Zippee! Back Packs and Lunch Sack. 

Based on the measurements, I felt this would be the perfect backpack and lunch tote for *e* to head off to kindergarten. When it arrived, I was even more impressed with the print, the style and durability of the bags. It's light enough for her to carry to and from school. 

The backpack's larger compartment will perfectly fit her new one inch binder, supplies, jacket (if necessary) and even her lunch sack if she would prefer not to carry it. The top handle is useful for hanging it on the hook at school or at home. 

The Lunch Sack is a great lunch box with a fun and unique pattern, that will be easily identifiable at school. The bag is waterproof and appears to be super easy to clean. It's not too big or too small and fits her lunch items perfectly! 

Little *e* adores her new Matryoshka Zippee! Backpack and Lunch Sack... beginning her first school year,  just right!

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Buy It

Buy your very own Sugarbooger Zippee! Back Pack ($25)  and Lunch Sack ($16) or many other amazing products at o.r.e.'s website HERE.

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Win It


Thanks to o.r.e., one LUCKY ace and friends reader will win their very own Sugarbooger Zippee! Back Pack and Lunch Sack. (winner's choice, based on availability)

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Boys & Girls Club of America - Tools for Back To School Initiative!

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If you have been following along for the past month or so, we, like many other, have been shopping, preparing and gathering our supplies to head back to school in a couple of short weeks. We take our annual trip to the store to gather each child's teacher's school supplies requests. In addition, the kids get a new first day of school outfit, along with new tennis shoes, backpacks and lunch boxes. We also do a little end of summer grooming, like getting each child's haircut. By the end of summer, I'm exhausted, but the kids (as I) will be ready for the new school year to begin.

I love supporting and promoting initiatives that promote higher education and learning. For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) has been doing just that. They provide kids with a safe haven along with highly engaging activities to help them develop the creativity and confidence necessary to succeed in school. Through programs geared towards education, leadership development, arts and fitness, BGCA helps young people reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

This years the BGCA has teamed up with Disney to launch the Tools for Back To School Initiative. This initiative features a pop-quiz style game, where supplies are donated to BGCA for every correct answer you score.  Five correct answers = school supplies for a Club kid. How cool is that! I just took the quiz and scored some supplies for a participating Club kid. It's easy to give back... so why don't you give it a try?! Your kids can do it too... it's a great way to get them involved (and seriously, who doesn't love a little trivia?).

In addition to the amazing Tools for Back To School Initiative, BGCA has also partnered with jcpenney to allow it's customers to join jcp cares and round up purchases at the register to benefit BGCA during the entire month of August. Another very simple and easy way to give back. 

The Boys & Girls Club of America not only want to help it's kids, but also would like parents to feel prepared too, so they have created a variety of educational content and tip sheets that they can easily download and utilize at a parent's leisure. Make sure to visit HERE (located on the left side under the ‘Get Ready’ header) to print your very own copies.

Making a difference doesn't require a lot of time or effort thanks to organizations and companies such as the Boys & Girls Club of America, Disney and jcpenney. It super easy to participate... so get on out there.... and make a difference in your community!

[Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Boys and Girls Club. I received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate. See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]


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2012 Back To School Guide - Keurig MINI Plus Brewing System {Review & *Vue* Giveaway}

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With many kids heading off to college on a limited budget, you may want to arm them with a Keurig's MINI Plus Brewing System. Why you ask? For one, this coffee maker has the ability to brew a quick cup of coffee from the convenience of a dorm room for less than the price of a regular cup of coffee at the local coffee shop. Second, this model is more compact than a regular coffee maker and doesn't take up much space. As most of us know, college dorm rooms don't offer the largest living space. Also, it brews a fresh cup of coffee in under two minutes, with no mess, and fresh water each time. Furthermore, if you are a college student or the parent of one, Keurig MINI Plus Brewing System offers the convenience of a personal brewer right at your finger tips. 

The MINI Plus Brewing System is not your average personal coffee maker! Not only can you make coffee, but you can also make cappuccino, latte, espresso, hot chocolate, tea and iced beverages. Essentially, Keurig beverage choices are limitless. What's great about this brewer is that is uses convenient K-Cups which are available at a variety of retailers. Each K-Cup contains a premeasured amount of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Just insert the K-Cup and brewing simply begins with the push of a button.

Keurig MINI Plus Brewing System

The MINI Plus Brewing System, now available in a variety of colors,  brews a perfect cup of coffee, tea, hot cocoa or iced beverage in under two minutes at the touch of a button. With the choice of three cup sizes, the MINI Plus brewer offers a removable drip tray to accommodate short travel mugs. To operate, you simply add fresh water into the single-use reservoir, choose your favorite K-Cup® portion pack, brew and enjoy.

Features:

• Personal Brewer
• Choice of 3 cup sizes (6 oz., 8 oz. and 10 oz.)
• Single-use water reservoir
• Energy Savings Mode – Auto Off after 90 seconds
• Removable drip to accommodate larger cup sizes or travel mugs

Here's how easily it works:

{lift lid to add water.}

{add water - your choice of size.} 

{fill to desired size.}

{as you lift the lid, water drains into machine and begins to heat, add favorite K-cup.}

{once ready, button illuminates blue, press and coffee begins to brew.}

{while brewing, brew button illuminates to red.}

{in less than one minute, your steamy hot beverage is ready.}

What I REALLY liked:  The Keurig MINI Plus Brewing System is compact in size, making it easy to place in small dorm rooms, on a countertop or desk area. Perfect for your college student. Ideal for those looking to brew a single cup of coffee quickly. Fresh water added to brew each cup. Brewer is available in multiple colors. Brews a variety of flavors and types. Automatically shuts off after 90 seconds.

Potential Downside: If you need to make multiple cups of coffee, the single reservoir could be a hassle. Limited to three cup sizes.

For Mom and Dad, there's the amazing Vue, the newest addition to the Keurig line. 

Make sure to check out my full review of Keurig's Vue Brewing System HERE to learn more.

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Buy It

You can purchase the MINI Plus Brewing System for $99.95 at Keurig.com (other models also available), at a variety of retailer including Bed, Bath and Beyond, Kohl's as well as other online retailers.

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Win It

Thanks to Keurig One LUCKY ace and friends reader will win a

NEW Vue Brewing System (MSRP $249.99) of their very own!

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2012 Back To School Guide - Western Chief Kids Raincoat, Boots and Umbrella {Review & Giveaway}

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The school year is quickly approaching and now {little *e*} is prepared for all sorts of weather this Back To School season. She is definitely geared up and ready to go for the rain as well as other inclement weather thanks to our friends at Western Chief Kids. They offer an amazing selection of fun, stylish and COOL rain boots, raincoats and umbrellas for kids.

About Western Chief Kids 

When the rain rolls in Western Chief Kids (a part of the Washington Shoe Company) colorful and fanciful rain gear will keep them happy and dry!

There is something magical about the bond kids form with our characters. Once a kid puts on a pair of Western Chiefs they will never want to take them off, not even at bedtime!  With Western Chief Kids boots and accessories, no matter what the weather, they will be able to wear their beloved characters.... and a big smile.

ace and friends thoughts

Western Chief Kids offers an amazing selection of  fun and adorable outwear for toddlers and kids. As {little *e*} begins kindergarten, she wants a raincoat that is SUPER cute, but I want one that is functional. Now for a soon to be five year old, anything could be justified as cute, thankfully Western Chief Kids offers several styles that {e} had to choose from that was adorable and practical. Generously, she was sent what she considered three beautiful pieces from their collection featuring Hello Kitty from Sanrio.

The Hello Kitty Froggy Raincoat is a great design and is just perfect for what {little *e*} is looking to wear to school. This classic pink bow adorned hooded raincoat is styled with a simple snap closure and features a moisture absorbent poly/cotton fabric lining to keep her extra dry. She loves to run in the rain and jump in water puddles... so this will keep her dry and cozy. The exterior shell has a matte finish and feels extra soft, unlike any other raincoat that I have seen for girls. This jacket also features a back ruffle detail and Hello Kitty's adorable face that she just loves... A. lot.

A little more about the Hello Kitty Froggy Raincoat

• Colorful waterproof outer shell with moisture-absorbent lining.
• PVC free
• Breathable and lightweight.
• Snap-up front closure.
  
  
  

{e} was also fortunate to get the Hello Kitty Froggy Boots. These boots are not only cute, but super cozy for her tootsies. These boots feature one of her favorite character that offer great durability. I like that these boots are also waterproof and super easy to put on with the attached easy-on handles. These rubber uppers also have a cotton lining that is not only breathable, but moisture-absorbing too.

Finally, the Hello Kitty Froggy Umbrella was even cuter in person. It features a "no-pinch" design that's easy to open and close. It measures  24" in length and 28" in diameter when open. The perfect size for her.

With school back in full swing, make sure to check out the wide selection of Western Chief Kids products, including other Rain Coat, Rain Boot and Umbrella styles for girls AND boys. You will be so happy you did, we sure were!

{*e* LOVED her CUTE little pink bow.}

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Buy It

Get your own Hello Kitty Froggy Raincoat, Hello Kitty Froggy Boots and Hello Kitty Froggy Umbrella as well as other styles HERE.

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Win It

Thanks to Western Chief Kids, one LUCKY ace and friends reader

will win their choice of these four adorable Rain Boots.

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2012 Back To School Guide: Sam’s Club Bonus Box Tops for Education! {& $25 Sam’s Club GC Giveaway}

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My kids LOVE collecting BoxTops (well... they LOVE the prize that their class gets from collecting the MOST, but irregardless... they still LOVE it). 

Now they have a greater chance of collecting more, because Sam’s Club is giving away 500,000** eBoxTops®. Awesome, isn't it?

Members can earn 5 eBoxTops when they shop at Sam’s Club until the 500,000 are gone. Earn your 5 eBoxTops (a .50¢ value to any BTFE participating school) by following these simple steps:

• Purchase ANY product at Sam’s Club and save your receipt
• Now thru September 30th, log in or register at btfe.com/clickandearn and enter the code found at the bottom of your Sam’s Club receipt
•  Answer a few survey questions and earn 5 eBoxTops for the school of your choice!*

**Limit one earning opportunity per email address. Limit of 100,000 earning opportunities thru 9/30/12.

Box Tops Membership Bonus - Now through September 1, 2012

• New Plus Members will receive 100 Bonus Box Tops.* (a $10 value to any BTFE participating school)
• Upgrade your current Membership to a Plus Membership to receive 50 Bonus Box Tops.* (a $5 value to any BTFE participating school)
• New Advantage or Business Members will receive 25 Bonus Box Tops.* (a $2.50 value to any BTFE participating school)

*Offer vaild only with original receipt of purchased Membership taped to certificate. Only available in-Club. While supplies last.

Looking for a Sam’s Club, click HERE to find a location near you!

And, for a full list of Bonus Box Tops items, visit www.samsclub.com/boxtops.

For more from Sam’s Club, please visit them on Facebook and Twitter!

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Win It

Thanks to Sam's Club and MyBlogSpark, one LUCKY ace and friends reader
will win a $25 Sam's Club Gift Card to start
earning extra BoxTops for your school.

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