World's Largest Bake Sale

Ingredients-

+1.5 cups of oats

+2-3 super rippened bananas

+1 cup of unsweetened applesauce

+handful of craisins to taste

+cinnamon

Pretty much just throw everything together, mix it up pretty well, throw it on a baking sheet at 350 for about 35 minutes and then go to town! It's great and super healthy for you! The entire batch ended up being about 12 weight watchers points, so I made 12 cookies to make it easier to count points on the go. 1 cookie equaled 1 weight watcher's point. 

When it comes to baking and stuff, I'm no expert. I just know sugar tastes awesome. I was pretty impressed when I heard about Sandra Lee's Bake Sale for charity. 16 million kids in this country are going hungry right now. Every treat sold at the bake sale was 5 dollars, and every cent went to Bake Sale for No Kid Hungry and The Food Bank for New York City. 

The Land of Nod VIP party

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA   http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

As a mother of a young boy child, I am absolutely frustrated with the lack of color and style with boy toys and décor. I feel like I’m confined to a bubble of primary colors and it’s hard to break free of that. Whenever I do see an item that is unique, a beautiful color, or simply could be loved by boys AND girls- I jump all over it.

Last week I was invited to The Land of Nod’s VIP party at their brand new Costa Mesa store at the South Coast Plaza. It was so awesome because I was submerged in a world where style meets fun, and “boy style” isn’t limited to a football print on a bedspread (not that there’s anything wrong with that, but if you’re not a football lover, why should you be limited to football decor?). I really appreciate The Land of Nod and their marketing team for not being too themey with their boy stuff. I felt that they simply shared a love for all things ‘kids’, instead of following traditional gender “rules”.

The party itself was so great because we got to see exactly what The Land of Nod was about. I brought along my friend Julie and we slowly made our way around the store, picking up toys and décor, sitting on furniture, and thinking just how genius and fun everything was. So many products could easily be used in my home… or better yet; the products were actually not annoying and made with good design in mind.

My favorite thing about The Land of Nod was that they encouraged you to touch their products. Everything was easily accessible and you could undoubtedly see how something would work without any guesswork. I flipped through books, rubbed my hands on bedding, squeezed soft plush dolls, and stacked colorful wooden blocks.

The “about me” section of The Land of Nod’s Instagram reads, “Design for kids and people that used to be kids.” I think that is so fitting now that I’ve experienced the store in person. My friend and I were totally awing at how we wish we could just live in the store. Everything was simply cool. (Side note- their Instagram and Pinterest are insanely beautiful and inspiring).

So what did I get Wyatt?

Blocks. The kid loves blocks and I couldn’t pass up these interesting shaped wooden blocks. They’re stained all sorts of colors and feel great. They have a permanent home in our living room right now and I don’t even mind. 

Instagrad - Save for your child's future

I've always wished I would have gone to college. I know it's not really too late or anything and maybe I'll go one day, but in reality, it's just not in the cards right now. But where I fell short, I've learned that things can be different. It's really important to me that Wyatt has a good education.

I want the best for Wyatt and that includes sending him off to college one day. We all know there is scholarships, grants, and student loans that can help pay for college, but I personally think the best way to prepare is to really save up now to help your children pay for college.

You may be thinking, “How do I figure out how much to save and where should I put those savings?” I’ve been trying to figure out the same thing! Many parents have the intention of saving up for their children’s college education but just don’t manage to actually do it. That means when it’s time for their kids to head off to college they are struggling to make ends meet and once they do graduate they are in major debt. The scariest word of all time, right?

As of today the average cost of tuition is $22,261 per year (barf). That is a lot of money, especially when college degrees are usually at least 2 years long. I can’t help but think of all the toys Wyatt gets and simply doesn’t need. All the general crap that gets accumulated and the money wasted- everything adds up. What if you could instead ask family members and friends to put their money towards something far more valuable – their college education fund?

That’s where Instagrad comes in. There are many ways to grow your child's college savings plan. The most important way is to start saving early and don't let your child get left behind. Instagrad is a social funding platform for college savings plans. Instagrad helps parents grow college savings so that they can ensure a brighter future for their child.You just sign-up for an account, create a profile for your child, and share the link with friends and family. Anyone can donate and using the Instagrad format is an easy way to share on all your social media platforms. I am sure there are so many parents and grandparents; possibly even friends that would appreciate donating to your child’s education rather than buying another toy.

Once you start receiving donations you can then transfer the funds to your child’s 529 Savings Plan. A 529 Savings Plan is the best option when saving for your child’s college fund because it doesn’t get taxed as long as it’s used for college expenses. You can read more about how 529 Savings Plans work here. Whether you are starting before your little one is born, or starting when they are a teen, Instagrad can help you get on the right track.

If you are really serious about wanting to save for your kid’s college fund then be sure to head over and sign-up for Instagrad. It's free.

Disclosure: This was a sponsored post. I was compensated for publishing this content. However, this is my honest thoughts and opinions.

Land of Nod is almost here!

land of nod by irocksowhat on Polyvore

I am so excited! Land of Nod is having a Grand Opening at the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California and I'M going! The official store opening is May 31st and it'll be awesome. Land of Nod will be having giveaways and free goodies for those that come out and shop early. I'm just stoked about this because I'm a huge Land of Nod fan. I love all of their bedding! My serious dream room for Wyatt would be all Land of Nod and we'd sit in his Land of Nod teepee and read books from Land of Nod and take naps with Land of Nod pillows and blankets. I just want a Land of Nod explosion in his room. I'm not embarrassed to admit that I stalk the Land of Nod Instagram feed and Pinterest. Both feeds will make you cry... mostly because you'll realize that your kid will have a much cooler room than you ever will. Okay I kid. I'd totally have a Land of Nod house. DON'T EVEN CARE!

++++++++++

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA   http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.”

Naturally honest with The Honest Company

I was given the opportunity to try out The Honest Co. products last week. Interestingly enough, I've been really interested in more eco-friendly, non-toxic, and natural cleaning products, but I hadn't quite made the switch just yet. For me, switching to another product was something I wanted to do, but I had some reservations. Would a green product actually clean the same way my standard household cleaners did? Would I have to sacrifice convenience in order to use a more natural product? I was pleasantly surprised after using The Honest Co. The products were simple, smelled awesome and nothing like my old cleaners, and actually did the job. I officially made the cleaner switch in the bathroom! I've been using The Honest Co.'s Honest Multi-purpose cleaner, Honest Bathroom cleaner, Honest Bubble bath, and Honest Wipes.

First off, I just have to tell you that these cleaners can be used anywhere! There is no specific "bathroom" smell. With scents like White Grapefruit and Eucalyptus Mint, it's safe to say everything has a multi-purpose scent. I've actually been using these cleaners throughout my house and not just the bathroom. I have found that the sprays worked just as well as the standard cleaners but without the chemicals and that chemical smell. I noticed there isn't any residue left behind and I don't feel weird knowing that my kid's hands will be all over everything I'm spraying.

Wyatt really enjoys his new Honest Bubble bath, too. The most important thing as far as bubble baths go is if it can produce a decent amount of bubbles, and the answer is yes! The smell is light and didn't leave gross sudsy residue in my tub, which is a huge problem I have since I give Wyatt a bubble bath everyday. A little goes a long way, too.

Things I found interesting about The Honest Co.-

• Their products are not only designed to be safe and sustainable, but beautiful, fresh, and fun. (The design on the bottles is much more appealing than some of the cleaners I see at the store).

• Honest is a Certified B Corporation. Which means they are dedicated to making a profound social difference, safeguarding people and the planet, and making efforts to a be better business. It’s like earning a LEED or Fair Trade certification, but for a business. They are very proud to be an active member of the B Corp community of like-minded organizations, because they believe that together, they can make it better.

• Charitable Giving. With every purchase you make, The Honest Company donates time, money, and product to their current charitable partner Baby2Baby.org. This worthy non-profit supplies families in need with essential baby gear and clothing for children up to age 12.

• The Honest Company’s goal is to provide customers with products they need and love (and exceptional service). This means that their ear is always to the ground—they love to hear from their community and take the feedback they learn from Facebook, Twitter, their blog, and customer support to create products that make sense for your lives. It's these honest discussions with their customers that inspire them to expand their offerings in current and new product categories.

Please make sure you sign up for The Honest Co.'s Cleaning trial (or Diaper trial!) and sign up for their Email.

**Get $10 off a $40 purchase at The Honest Company using code Pollinate10off40. (Limited to first-time customers and one use per customer. Expires April 26, 2013.)**

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and The Honest Company  but all my opinions are my own. I really do love The Honest Company. #pmedia #NaturallyHonest http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

Spring Room makeover with @WorldMarket Victorian Isles Collection

World Market Victorian Isles Collection by irocksowhat on Polyvore

Slate Blue Crosby Sofa Slipcover
worldmarket.com

Aiden Coffee Table
worldmarket.com

Coral Royalty Stool
worldmarket.com

Beryl Green Cotton Velvet Throw Pillows
worldmarket.com

Orange Cotton Velvet Throw Pillows
worldmarket.com

Carlin Carved Mirror
worldmarket.com

Grey Irving Burlap Shades, Set of 3
worldmarket.com

Wooden Perched Songbirds Décor
worldmarket.com



I love spring! Especially Spring here in California, it honestly can't be beat. With the changing of the seasons, you can't help but let change happen to other parts of your life as well. After New Years I find myself wanting to get rid of all the dark and heavy materials and colors in my home and surround myself with light and airy. I've been "window shopping" at World Market lately (I LOVE WORLD MARKET!) and there are so many things I NEED want. 

World Market is having a sweepstakes to win a private movie screening for you and 50 of your friends to go see Oz "The Great and Powerful", free IMAX tickets for a year, and a $1000 dollar giftcard to World Market. Plus 3 first prizes will win a $500 World market giftcard. This is probably the best sweepstakes ever. To enter, go here. 

Follow World Market on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest. 


This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and World Market, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #WorldMarket. http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

pv.body review!

I'm digging the monthly box subscriptions of all kinds lately! But the most interesting subscription I've found is the one from pvBody. pv.Body specializes in work out apparel based on your personal preferences. Simply take their pvBody style profile and they'll send out HIGH END workout clothes for 49.00 a month (a top AND bottom). If you spend at least 50 bucks a month on work out clothing of any kind, then this service is for you. Each pvBody box is well over 150 dollars worth of stuff, so it's an awesome deal. You can pause/stop your subscription at any time, there is no obligation.

I think a subscription to pvBody could be such a motivator to work out. Expecting a new work out outfit each month, knowing that you'll be getting something customized to your needs and wants would totally motivate me to stay on track.

Signing up for pvBody gets you a $15 Lululemon gift card, plus 25% off your first month subscription.

What comes in a box? Check out this short video.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy: pvBody is easy. Take the quiz, sign up and boom, an awesome package arrives at your door each month with a hand picked outfit for you!

Every outfit is styled just for you by a pvBody expert. Each month you receive an outfit worth $150, but you pay just $49.95. You’re getting great, quality pieces for a fraction of the retail cost thanks to the relationships pvBody has built.

pvBody is not just another clothing company, but a lifestyle brand. Their blog is a great place to check out tips and tricks for healthy, delicious meals and at home workouts.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of pv.body. The opinions and text are all mine.