Back to School with the Inspire Imagination Box Top Program at Costco

This post is in partnership with General Mills and Box Tops for Education. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Did you know that there's a way to ensure that our schools are receiving much-needed funding while also benefiting your own family at the same time? It's the nation's largest school fundraising program, Box Tops for Education!

A General Mills program, Box Tops for Education began as an experiment on boxes of Cheerios in California with first year earnings of $1 million. Since then, it has grown to include hundreds of participating brands (along with General Mills, others include Ziploc, Kleenex, Lysol, Finish, and more) providing $840 million to more than 70,000 enrolled K-8 schools.

Pretty amazing, right? We make sure to clip each and every single Box Top that we can on our General Mills products (I have found that having a designated Box Tops baggie makes it so that my husband and kids know exactly where to put them) and I absolutely love knowing that such a simple act can have such positive results. We hand our baggie in to the PTO Box Top Coordinator at our school, she mails them in, the school gets a check. What could be better?!

Actually, we were excited to hear that right now there is another reason to be pumped up about Box Tops: the Inspire Imagination Box Top program!

I have no doubt that Box Tops are already helping inspire children all across the country, as what school couldn't use a little extra money? That funding may go to field trips, gym equipment, technology, books, art supplies, musical instruments, enrichment programs, game days... the list goes on and on!

Therefore, I love that the Inspire Imagination program is highlighting just that and giving Costco members the chance to win even more Box Tops for their school. It's so simple to enter (*see official rules below)! Here's how:

• Take a photo of how Box Tops for Education inspires imagination in your child(ren). 

• Share your photo on Twitter or Instagram using #InspireContest and be sure to follow @BTFE as this is how the winners will be notified.

• Sit back and hope to be one of the 3,000 Costco members that each will win 100 Box Tops for their school!

Easy peasy, right?

The combination of Box Tops and Costco is a perfect match, as not only do families such as mine shop at Costco every week to stock up on the products and brands that we trust and use regularly, but we score even more Box Tops with our purchases.

For instance, instead of picking up a single box of Kleenex at the store and being able to clip one single Box Top, we can buy a bulk pack at Costco and end up with 10 Box Tops instead!

With preparations for back to school underway, there's no doubt that I have been shopping at Costco even more than usual lately. There is nowhere else that has everything that I need for all of our lunch-packing supplies at such great prices!

Along with picking up the food items that my daughters love in their school lunches (as well as to have for breakfast, dinner, snack, and pretty much anytime, as they are constantly eating), on my recent Costco visit I also stocked up on a few of the supplies that are necessary to keep our kitchen running.

Now I can rest easy knowing that I won't open the baggie drawer to find it empty or, even worse, prepare to run our dishwasher and have no detergent for it. Instead, we'll head into September ready to go... and with tons of extra Box Tops in our stash as well!

If you aren't already collecting Box Tops for Education, now is the perfect time to start — particularly with the great selection of products at Costco! Whether you have children attending one of the participating locations or not, schools can never have too much money to improve their classrooms and programs and our kids can never be too inspired. All it takes is a pair of scissors to snip the Box Tops and make a difference!

To learn more about Box Tops visit BTFE.com and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Be sure to also visit CostcoBTFE.com for more information on the Inspire Imagination Box Top Program and enter your photo today!

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*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years or older. Ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on 9/30/17. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, and prize descriptions visit www.costcobtfe.com. Void where prohibited by law. Use of “#InspireContest” when posting entry constitutes entrant’s agreement to Official Rules. Sponsor: General Mills.

Each box top is worth 10 cents to redeeming school when clipped from box tops products and sent to the redeeming school. Only BTFE registered schools can redeem box tops. Limit $20,000 per school per year for box tops redeemed through the clip program. See www.boxtopsforeducation.com for program details.

Make Safety Fun with Wipeout Dry Erase Protective Gear {Review}

This post is part of a sponsored campaign for Wipeout Dry Erase Productive Gear. I received compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.

It's no secret that the words 'safety' and 'fun' aren't exactly synonymous. However, for parents everywhere there have never been any viable alternatives when it comes to the benefits of, for instance, removing cords from window coverings, keeping cleaning supplies out of reach, covering outlets, having their child wear a seat belt in the car and a helmet on their bike, etc.

Or so I thought.

Recently I was introduced to an extremely unique and individualized way to let kids customize safety helmets and pads with their own designs, making them actually want to wear each piece again and again. Genius!

That's the creativity and innovation behind Wipeout Dry Erase Protective Gear!

Made by Triple Eight — a trusted company known for safety as a leading producer of action sports protective gear since 1995 — Wipeout was created to protect children on their bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, sleds, and snowboards with a creative twist.

Instead of yet another standard helmet or set of pads, Wipeout products are designed for endless customization with their included dry erase markers and stencils. Why wear a plain helmet or one that looks just like those of everyone else when kids can easily draw, wipe the designs off, create new ones, and repeat over and over again?

Imagination has no limits and that can now be applied in the world of safety gear!

Right out of the box Little Sister B was thrilled to see the the neon pink colors and the dry erase markers and could barely contain her excitement as I removed the packaging.

The Wipeout Dry Erase Helmet package includes the helmet itself, five dry erase markers in assorted neon colors, and eight stencil designs, so kids are able to start being creative immediately.

What could be better than decorating your helmet completely to your own liking? Maybe one day cover it in peace signs and flowers and the next day switch to rockets and skull-and-crossbones!

Needless to say, Little Sister B and Big Sister E got right to work on putting their own designs on our Wipeout Dry Erase Helmet and have returned to erase, draw, erase, stencil, erase, and draw some more just about every day since!

What kid would rather wear a plain helmet when they could rock something cool and awesome like this instead?

At the same time, Triple Eight didn't just create Wipeout for the fun factor, as this sturdy and stylish helmet is made of ABS hard-shell construction with an EPS liner for durability. It is certified for safety protection for all sorts of activities (e.g. biking, skateboarding, rollerskating, scooters, etc.) for kids ages 3 to 14.

As Little Sister B loves her Dry Erase Helmet, I am just as happy sending her off on her bike or scooter and knowing that she is completely safe while showing off her hip style!

As much as my little fashionista enjoys her Wipeout Dry Erase Helmet, she has been over-the-top crazy about the Wipeout Dry Erase Protective 3-Pack we also received. This set of kneepads, wrist guards, elbow pads, and two markers has been worn inside, outside, in the car... she would have worn it all day at school if I had let her (and, considering she is a bit accident-prone, that wouldn't be all that bad of an idea).

Although these three sets of pads don't provide nearly as large of a canvas in which to showcase her designs, Little Sister B has still had a great time adding smaller artwork onto just about every possible dry erase surface provided.

Wipeout makes safety fun! I can't think of a better way to make kids want to wear their helmets and safety pads than by appealing to their creative, imaginative side and providing a way for complete uniqueness. From biking to skateboarding to rollerblading (there is even a winter version of the Dry Erase Helmet that includes ear flaps and a goggle clip for sledding and snow sports!), this gear can't be beat.

Plus, to further encourage kids' creativity or simply give their artistic side a boost, Wipeout has developed a series of step-by-step photo and video tutorials as well as design printouts to inspire kids to get the most out of their Wipeout products. Talk about cool!

The Wipeout Dry Erase Helmet retails for $29.99 and is available in three sizes for ages 3+, 5+, and 8+ in black, teal, neon pink, neon yellow-green, and more. The Wipeout Dry Erase Protective 3-Pack also comes in a variety of great color options and retails for $24.99. Keep an eye out for them at your leading retailer as well as on Amazon.

Whether you are looking for a useful birthday or holiday gift or simply want to encourage your child to love their safety gear so much that they never take it off, be sure to head over to iWipeout.com (and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram) to find out much more about this incredible line of unique products.

Enter the Folgers Jingle Contest for a Chance to Win $25,000!

This post was sponsored by Folgers as part of an Influencer Activation for Influencer Central. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines concerning the use of endorsement and testimonials in advertising. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

While I typically understand the message behind a commercial or at least the direction the marketing team must have been going for, there are also plenty of times that I find myself watching a television ad in complete and utter confusion. Did that make sense to you? I don't get it. What was that even for? 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, however, are the times when an ad is right on the money. You know the ones. Whether they elicit an Oooh, I like this commercial! or you simply find yourself laughing, nodding or humming along, they're the ones that flow smoothly right along with your show.

And there's no better example than the iconic Folgers jingle! Generation after generation has heard the Best Part of Wakin' Up tune and sings right along with it (and immediately imagines a delicious cup of coffee, if they're anything like me). It's far more than just a background song, it's a piece of pop culture!

Therefore, I love that Folgers has taken their classic jingle a step further by inviting any and all aspiring musicians to embrace this well-known tune and make it their own in the Folgers Jingle Contest.

How cool is this?

It's no secret that Folgers has a long-standing tradition of inspiring musicians to follow their dreams, so it just makes sense that this year they teamed up with country music singer-songwriter Chris Young to encourage aspiring musicians to create their own version of the Best Part of Wakin' Up Jingle for this great contest.

Here's Chris telling you about it himself!


Are you pulling out your guitar, keyboard, harmonica or ukulele yet? Here's what you need to know:

• Submit a video of your best version of the jingle on the Folgers Jingle Contest site by February 27th. Your version of the Jingle must include the complete melody and complete lyrics of "The Best Part of Wakin' Up is Folgers in Your Cup."

• From February 27th to March 19th, Folgers will choose five semi-finalists and each will have a mentor session with Chris Young before the online vote.

• From March 27th to April 24th, fans around the country will get the chance to vote daily for their favorite jingle. You're definitely going to want to vote, as each one automatically enters you to win prizes up to $10,000.

• Finally, in May, one winner will be selected to win the grand prize of $25,000!

If you've got musical talent, you can't miss this opportunity to make history with Folgers — head over and get ready to submit your jingle today!

Remember, even if you feel as though you aren't musically inclined enough to create and submit your own jingle, you're going to want to take part in the daily voting (March 27th to April 24th) to not only support your favorite, but to enter to win amazing prizes up to $10,000!

Find out much more about Folgers and this innovative contest by visiting FolgersCoffee.com and connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter. Then head over to the Folgers Jingle Contest and get singing!

Eliminate the Drama of Being Sick with Advil Cold & Sinus {$25 Visa Gift Card Giveaway!}

This post has been sponsored by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.

Confession time: I don't get a flu shot.

Every year I make sure that my daughters each get one and I pat my husband on the back when he gets his and I nod agreeably with my mother and my friends and everyone else who does... but, me? No, thank you. I know that it's supposedly completely false that getting the shot is what makes me sick the following day, but that was my experience for so many years in a row that I've just stopped. It is what it is.

I'm knocking on wood that now that I've written this it doesn't mean that I'm going to spend much of 2017 sick with the flu.

In the event that we do get sick, however, it's best to be prepared. Whether it's a cold, sinus pressure, a sore throat, or more, the drama of not feeling your best can lead to all sorts of disruptions in daily life. It's hard enough missing school or work, but no one wants to have to cancel on an evening out with friends, date night with your significant other, a weekend getaway, and more.

Therefore, here are my top five tips for cold prevention as well as feeling better and relieving the drama of an illness as quick as possible...

1. De-stress.

Easier said than done, of course, but when you are stressed out, you are more likely to get a cold (and it makes getting rid of one more difficult). Too much stress elevates the cortisol levels in your body, which hurts your immune system, and also cuts down on the cells that work to defend your body from illness.

Whether you are fighting off an oncoming sickness or trying to find relief from one that has hit, try to find the time to relax!

2. Rest.

This is a no-brainer, right? Unfortunately, many of us try to stick to our regular routine and "tough it out" when we're sick, but that can just make your body even more rundown. Instead, when at all possible, curl up in bed, pull up the covers, and sleep, sleep, sleep so that your body can do it's thing fighting off the illness.

3. Stay hydrated.

Water is always the best choice, but if you aren't a fan of plain H₂O, try yours warmed up with lemon and/or honey. The average adult human body is made up of around 65% water, so don't deny yours what it needs!

4. Add moisture to the air.

If your home doesn't have a built-in humidifier (or even if it does), turning on a vaporizer or humidifier in the bedroom can help loosen congestion and make it easier to breathe. Just make sure you do a better job than I do of remembering to keep your machine clean or else you'll just be circulating dirty water into your air!

5. Advil Cold & Sinus.

When your cold or flu symptoms become too much, why would you turn to anything but the #1 pharmacist recommended brand for cough, cold and flu combinations? Advil Cold & Sinus is the number-one selling pain reliever combined with a powerful nasal decongestant to provide fast relief so you can continue on with your day.

There is definitely no reason to be more miserable than you have to be when you're sick, so I like to be prepared with Advil Cold & Sinus on hand to stop those crummy symptoms in their tracks. And clearly I'm not the only one, as people have been trusting Advil Cold & Sinus for powerful, non-drowsy relief of their tough cold and sinus symptoms for over 20 years!

Ask for it at your local pharmacy counter and find out more on the Advil Respiratory website and on Facebook.

This cold season and beyond, take care of yourself as best you can to hopefully avoid as many sicknesses and illnesses (and the dreaded flu) as possible. Your body is counting on you!

Thanks to the generosity of Advil Cold & Sinus, one person will be prepared to head to their favorite drugstore and fill up their medicine cabinet just in case, because...

One lucky person will win a $25 Visa prepaid gift card!

Entry-Form

Keep Children Safe in Your Home with Information from the Window Covering Safety Council {#CordSafety}

This post was sponsored by the Window Covering Safety Council as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

While I would like to say that I have always made the best possible choices and decisions when it comes to my children and their safety... my guilty conscience knows that that is not 100% true.

Were their car seat straps always as very tight as possible? Is every single bookshelf, dresser and flat screen TV in our home anchored to the wall? Have they had enough sunscreen on every inch of their skin every single time they went outdoors?

I'm not the only mom with nagging questions like these, right?

But while I can work to ensure that all future straps are tightened, anchors are in place, and sunscreen is applied, what about other areas of our houses that have been largely ignored in childproofing? New parents are warned against crib bumpers, placing their infant to sleep on their stomach or having loose blankets nearby, but there are many other hazards that aren't brought up.

Case in point, the dangers of corded blinds.

Did you know that according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, corded window coverings are among the top five hidden hazards in American homes? That is exactly why the Window Covering Safety Council urges parents and caregivers to check their window coverings for exposed or dangling cords which can pose a strangulation hazard to infants and young children.

This is a topic that is so important (last month was even National Window Covering Safety Month), yet so often completely overlooked when we are thinking about the dangers in our home!

Do you have young children in a home with window coverings that have exposed or dangling cords? Then be sure to retrofit or replace them with safer products, particularly those that are cordless or have inaccessible cords. The time and cost is far outweighed by the fact that your children will be protected from this hidden danger!

Plus, to make it easier to know which window coverings are the best for your home, just look at major retailers across the country for the Best for Kids certification label. Then there will be no doubt that you are making the safest choice possible and one less thing to worry about in the endless uncertainty that is parenthood.

When we moved into our house over a decade ago, there were blinds and cords everywhere. Fortunately, we were able to do a large remodel and, in the process of replacing nearly all of the windows throughout the home, we were introduced to Between the Glass window covering options.

I can't say enough about how happy we are with having shades built right in between the panes of the windows themselves! They're protected from damage, require nearly no cleaning or maintenance, and there isn't a single cord or drape hanging from a window or sliding door in sight. Safe + convenient = love!

Although National Window Covering Safety Month has passed for the year, don't let another day go by that you don't follow these important safety measures in your own home. The Window Covering Safety Council website has all of the information that you need when it comes to checking your current window coverings, eliminating hazards, ordering free retrofit kits, and more.

For even more information and ideas on window cord safety in the home, you can also connect with the Window Covering Safety Council on Facebook and Twitter.

Upgrade Your Bathroom for Free with the Charmin Essentials Toilet Paper Swap! {#CharminEssentials}

This post was sponsored by Charmin as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.

When it comes to shopping, I often find myself torn between buying the best quality or opting for the biggest value. Do I go with the name brand canned corn or will the store label, which costs less, taste close enough? Do I buy my kids the generic markers for school and hope that they don't dry out or stick with the ones that cost a little more but will most likely last longer?

Fortunately, this decision doesn't have to be made when it comes to shopping for toilet paper. We're all able to stick to our budget and shop with value in mind (but without having to sacrifice on softness or quality) thanks to Charmin's newly launched Charmin Essentials Soft!

Just as claimed, Charmin Essentials Soft proved that it does take softness to the next level. Right out of the package this TP resembles nothing else but a cloud!

After having tried Charmin Essentials Soft, the whole family agrees that it is indeed a great fit in our household and just what we need in all of our bathrooms.

But hold on, there's more.

Charmin doesn't want you to just take my word for it, they want you to upgrade your current toilet paper with their new Charmin Essentials (along with Charmin Essentials Soft they have also debuted Charmin Essentials Strong for families that prefer extra strength) for FREE in their #CharminEssentials TP Swap Program!

Participation is easy! Simply tweet your TP swap request to @Charmin using the hashtag #CharminEssentials and #Promotion, and Charmin will send you a free roll (see terms and conditions here). This opportunity ends on September 30, so send out your tweet today! What's better than free?

Sold at a comparable price to other leading bargain brands, the unveiling of Charmin Essentials Soft and Charmin Essentials Strong is a welcome relief for shoppers everywhere. Who doesn't want to receive more of what they want in their toilet paper while staying at a comparable price to the product that they currently use?

Find out more by visiting Charmin Essentials Soft and Charmin Essentials Strong, while connecting with all things Charmin on Twitter and Facebook.

Keep Motion Sickness Away with Dramamine® for Kids {#AdventuresInMotion}

This post was sponsored by Dramamine® as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.

Although I love seeing that my children have inherited some of my positive qualities, there are times when I feel as though karma is in full force when I see my complete lack of patience or inherent need to argue my point come through in them.

Another of my genes that has unfortunately been passed down to both of my children is my motion sickness. It is bad enough that I can't glance down in the car, set foot on an airplane or even consider getting on a roller coaster without worry of being ill, but now my own children experience nausea and dizziness from them as well?

I guess now I can add guilt to my feelings of queasiness.

Fortunately, I know that I can turn to my own personal motion sickness relief savior (and the #1 pharmacist recommended brand), Dramamine®. I never travel without my nausea-minimizing miracle worker, so it was an obvious next step that my family would also be devotees of Dramamine® for Kids!

The only medicated motion sickness relief product formulated just for children ages 2-12, Dramamine® for Kids treats symptoms of motion sickness on the spot and prevents nausea, dizziness, vomiting and queasiness.

It only took one time of Big Sister E vomiting on a tour bus in Europe before Dramamine® for Kids became a must-have in her travel bag and it wasn't long after that before she was asking for it by name prior to field trips involving long bus rides. Why spend time feeling the unhappy symptoms of motion sickness when you don't have to?

Plus, as Dramamine® for Kids comes in a convenient travel case and contains a safe, precise dose in a fun, chewable grape flavored tablet, I never have to worry about her finding a glass of water, having trouble swallowing a pill or needing to pour out any liquid medication. Instead, just chew one tasty dose and she stays feeling great and ready to go, go, go!

While Little Sister B hasn't quite gotten to the point where she needs her own case of Dramamine® for Kids, I can already see her symptoms increasing as she ages and know that it won't be too much longer.

Apparently the family that travels together, feels queasy together? Thanks to Dramamine® and Dramamine® for Kids, we're all able to knock out motion sickness and continue on with our lives with ease!

When it comes to motion sickness, I don't want to just leave my kids to deal with it, I want to prevent it as much as possible. Without Dramamine®, our lives would be spent feeling much more uncomfortable and nauseous — which is why you'll never find us traveling or visiting theme parks without it!

Do you have a child in your life that suffers from motion sickness symptoms as well? You'll want to head over to Dramamine.com (and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter) to find out more about Dramamine® for Kids as well as their other high quality, effective products.

But, wait! Why shop without getting a discount? Before you head to the store to pick up your next package of Dramamine®, print out this money-saving digital coupon first!

New Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals for Motion Sickness Relief {#AdventuresInMotion}

This post was sponsored by Dramamine® as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.

While there are a variety of unfortunate changes that have occurred to my body as I've gotten older, I would gladly take on a few more wrinkles and gray hairs if it meant that I could trade away my motion sickness.

As a child, I never had any problems and could easily read in the car or ride on an airplane without ever feeling at all sick. But fast-forward to today? I can barely glance down in a moving vehicle without feeling my stomach churn, I dread how nauseous I feel when flying, and can even only join my kids on the swings for a very short amount of time before I have to stop the movement. Ugh.

Over the years, I've researched time and again and have tried all the remedies but the bands, candies, and patches just can't keep the dizziness and queasiness away. What was I going to do, never get on an airplane again? Avoid ever being a passenger in someone else's car? Skip all field trip chaperone opportunities because of the bus rides?

Instead, my answer has always been Dramamine®, the leader in motion sickness relief. While others make sure they have their headphones and magazines for their flights, I never, ever leave without this nausea-minimizing miracle worker.

Which is why when I heard that Dramamine® had released a new product, I had no doubt that it would be just as effective. Bring on the Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals!

The full strength of the Dramamine® Original Formula has left me too lethargic in the past, so Non-Drowsy is a must in my book.

Add to that the way that the new Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals contain the clinically-tested ginger dosage required for preventing and treating motion sickness, and these are exactly what I need!

I've long moved past the idea of using things like antacids or upset stomach relievers to prevent or relieve motion sickness symptoms, as I don't mess around with feelings of nausea or vomiting.

Instead, I love that Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals alleviates these, doesn't result in drowsy side effects, and is even formulated with ginger (which makes it safe to use every travel day).

When it comes to motion sickness, I don't want to just deal with it, I want to prevent it as much as possible. Without Dramamine®, my life would be spent feeling much more uncomfortable and nauseous — which is why you'll never find me traveling or visiting theme parks without it!

Do you suffer from motion sickness symptoms as well? You'll want to head over to Dramamine.com (and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter) to find out more about the new Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals as well as their other high quality, effective products. They are the #1 pharmacist recommended brand for treating and preventing motion sickness, after all!

But, wait! Why shop without getting a discount? Before you head to the store to pick up your next package of Dramamine®, print out this money-saving digital coupon first!

Support Team USA with P&G Products at Walmart {#LetsPowerTheirDreams}

This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/P&G.

Growing up, most sports came easy to me. Whether racing on the playground, perfecting gymnastics skills (I was on a club team for many years) or jumping into a game of soccer, my competitive spirit and natural athletic ability served me well for around 95% of all sports.

One from that remaining 5%? Swimming.

Either a result of swim lessons gone bad (I have a vivid memory of being thrown from the diving board when I was too scared to jump. That can't be a valid teaching technique, can it?) or simply a lack of interest and talent, swimming was never my thing and I'm much happier keeping my face out of the water. Give me a shallow end to splash around in any day but try to teach me actual strokes? No, thanks.

So, never would I have guessed that here I am 30+ years after my own disastrous start in the pool getting to experience the complete and utter joy of swimming — by watching my own children love it!

After a few successful sessions of swim lessons, my girls have both joined our local swim team and, without a doubt, have had a blast diving into the water and pushing themselves to be a little faster at each meet.

Whether swimming an individual event (Little Sister B specializes in backstroke while Big Sister E favors breaststroke) or participating in a team relay event, I couldn't be much prouder watching my own children glide through the water in ways that I never could.

What has made this summer's swim team experience even more fun is the Rio 2016 Olympic Games! My family has always loved watching the Olympic Games, but getting to see these incredibly talented athletes show off their skills in swimming and diving has been truly amazing. What better way to show my children that hard work, determination, and lots of practice really does lead to success?

From seeing Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky dominate lap after lap in the pool to David Boudia flawlessly perform dive after dive, we just can't get enough of cheering on Team USA as they rack up victory after victory in the water!

But I also love that we can do more than just yell and clap from our couch, we can support Team USA simply by shopping for great Proctor & Gamble brands at Walmart. That's right! Just by purchasing P&G brands like Bounty, Tide, Pampers, Venus, Head and Shoulders, and more at their everyday low prices at Walmart, we can all help power the dreams of Olympic athletes everywhere.

Pretty great, right? These brands and products are ones that we use and love anyway, so I'm excited that we are getting to support our country's hardworking Olympians at the same time!

Why wouldn't I want to use Head & Shoulders® Classic Clean Shampoo to leave my hair manageable, flake free, less itchy, less irritated, less red and looking great while also knowing that I'm helping back Team USA?

Won't you join me in supporting Team USA by heading to your local Walmart and purchasing your favorite P&G products today? #LetsPowerTheirDreams together!

Saying Goodbye to Cravings with Meta Appetite Control {#MetaAppetiteControl}

This post was sponsored by Meta Appetite Control as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.

There is no doubt that summer is in full swing around here, as everything from the nonstop heat (alternating with rain) to the flip flops to the endless pile of swimsuits and towels waiting to be washed are making the days fly by at a rapid rate. How is it mid-July already?

But here's the thing. My kids grab snacks throughout the day to keep them fueled up for their next activity, and I always seem to find myself joining in simply because... well, why not? The problem, however, is that Big Sister E and Little Sister B truly are burning all those calories while I, on the other hand, am sitting. Sitting in the car, sitting in the bleachers, sitting chatting with the other parents, sitting on the pool deck — you get the point.

Therefore, keeping a handle on my hunger cravings is extremely important in an effort to stay on track with my healthy eating and weight loss goals. If I'm not hungry, I'm much less likely to give in to the temptations that surround me morning, noon and night!

Which is why there was no hesitation last month when I said yes to trying out Meta Appetite Control!

As I mentioned, Meta Appetite Control is clinically proven to help users feel less hungry between meals (reducing appetite for up to four hours), and is the #1 doctor recommended fiber brand that contains 100% natural psyllium fiber. With every serving, that psyllium fiber in the powder thickens to form a gel, which aids in the sensation of fullness.

The result is that users like myself can make it through their busy schedule without constantly feeling hungry (or, in my case, hangry) at all points throughout the day. It really is just that easy!

Including Meta Appetite Control as a part of my everyday routine hasn't been a difficult adjustment in the slightest, as I find myself reaching for it most often after lunch to help ward off the constant afternoon cravings.

Instead of joining my kids in their snacking, a glass of Meta Appetite Control gives me a small boost of energy and a slight full feeling. Plus, as all that is required is to place two rounded teaspoons into an empty glass and mix briskly with eight or more ounces of water, I can simply bring my zesty orange drink right along with me if we're heading out!

Although I still have more work to do in terms of my overall wellness, I'm happy knowing that Meta Appetite Control has at least helped improve my eating habits. One day at a time is the way to success!

Want to give Meta Appetite Control a try with me? It is available now at your local Walgreens, where you can save $5 on it by filling out the form below (Influence Central will select and handle all product and coupon fulfillment). Who doesn't love to save a few bucks on a great product?

online form.

Find out more about Meta Appetite Control (which is available in Sugar-Free Orange Zest, Sugar-Free Pink Lemonade Quench and Unflavored Smoothie Enhancer) and all of the other innovative Meta products by heading over to MetaWellness.com. Be sure to also connect with all things Walgreens at Walgreens.com as well as on Facebook and Twitter.