Have you ever purchased a snack only to realize it tastes absolutely DISGUSTING?  Maybe the kids were begging for that new fruit snack they saw advertised on TV or maybe your favorite brand just came out with a new granola bar you just had to try. Whatever the reason, there are times when new products just completely flop.

Recently, I decided to splurge and get my kids natural cheese sticks. These weren’t the cheese sticks from the refrigerated section, but crunchy cheese sticks  from the snack aisle. They looked divine on the package and seemed like just the product my kiddos would go crazy about. The problem was, I didn’t have a coupon and the sale wasn’t anything fantastic.  I decided to try them anyways as a surprise to the kids.

Those of you who “know” me, are used to reading about me trying new products that are free or almost free after coupon and sale.  While ending up with a snack that my family won’t eat is always wasteful;   I’m not nearly as upset about it if I didn’t pay my hard-earned money to purchase it.  These cheese sticks that ended up in the trash, I actually paid for!

If you like to try new products but don’t want to waste money on items your family refuses to eat after the first bite, check out the new offer from Goodies Company. Subscribers to the Goodies Co. Taster’s Box will receive a monthly box of 5-8 snacks for just $7/month!

Goodies Co. is a highly sought after monthly subscription and to get yours, you will need to visit and enter the code BLOGVIP to instantly receive your invitation. Typically, there is a waitlist to get an invitation, however through our partnership with Goodies Co. you can skip the line and get right in.

Once you enter the code into the promo page, you will receive 2 emails from Goodies. The first will state you are in line for your invitation, the next will instantly tell you your invitation has arrived. This shows you how you skipped the line!

At Goodies, your opinion matters, and you get rewarded for it. After you try your snacks, go back to the Goodies website and give a review of your box. By doing this you will earn points to redeem for rewards and free Taster’s Boxes.  We all like to earn freebies, so this is a great way to try new products for less and get some for FREE just for sharing your opinion!

Head over to Goodies, skip the waitlist and try it, before you buy (lots of) it!

Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Goodies Co. All opinions are 100% my own and may differ from others.

Who is a fan of Graeter’s Ice Cream?

I asked this question on Facebook about a month ago and you all raved about Graeter’s Ice Cream, so I just had to try it.  Graeter’s sent my family Black Cherry Chocolate Chip, Black Raspberry Chip and Chocolate Chip Vanilla ice cream flavors to review.  You all are right, it is amazing ice cream!

Black Cherry Chocolate Chip is the first new Graeter’s flavor in 3 years. It’s all-natural black cherry ice cream made with heavy cream, pure cane sugar and loaded with fresh black cherries and Graeter’s signature dark chocolate chunks.  My husband and kids enjoyed this flavor, but I’m more of a vanilla fan.  My biggest disappointment is that my kids polished off the pint of Chocolate Chip Vanilla when I only had a few bites!!!

The process to make all Graeter’s ice cream helps to ensure to delicious flavor –  churned in a French Pot, two gallons at a time, and hand-packed by the pint.  YUM!

The newest flavor, Black Cherry Chocolate Chip, will be available online at graeters.com on February 1^st and hitting grocery stores this spring.

Do you like Graeter’s Ice Cream?

Disclosure:  The products listed above were received in exchange for writing this post.  All opinions are 100% my own and may differ from others.

I have always had trouble during the winter months with my skin feeling dry and chapped.  I have tried countless lotions, face masks, and cleansers made for dry skin to help combat the issues that my skin encounters during this time of year.

I recently started using a few products from the alpha hydrox line skin care line, including the enhanced lotion, foaming facial wash and the sheer silk moisturizer from Neoteric Cosmetics.  It took about a week or so for me to see any noticeable difference in my everyday dryness, but I did notice immediately how tight and soft my skin felt immediately after the wash and lotion was applied!

I was very happy to have my skin feeling so great and, much to my surprise, after continuing to use the product for a week or two, the skin dryness that is usually impossible to combat, was significantly better.  I can’t remember the last time my skin has felt this soft and moisturized in the winter.  The best part about the enhanced lotion is the 10% glycolic AHA ingredient which is supposed to be help reduce the onset of fine lines and wrinkles.  Although I’m 25 and have quite some time before I have to worry about that, it’s nice to know that what works for my skin is also a preventative measure to keep my skin looking young.

I would highly recommend the alpha hydrox line to anyone looking to combat dryness and reduce the onset of fine lines and wrinkles!

More about the Products:

FOAMING FACE WASH

Contains citric AHA
6 fl. oz.
* For all skin types
* Fragrance-free, soap-free, oil-free
* Gentle, non-drying, pH balanced
* Removes makeup, dirt & pollutants
* Maintains skin’s moisture level

ENHANCED LOTION

10% Glycolic AHA
Helps reduce & prevent wrinkles

6 fl. oz.
* For dry skin types
* Effective pH 4
* Enriched with moisturizers
and Vitamin E
* Softens fine lines & wrinkles
* Improves elasticity & evens tone
* No fragrance or parabens

SHEER SILK MOISTURIZER

Unsurpassed, moisturization plus an SPF 15 Sunscreen
1 oz.
* For all skin types
* Lightweight, intensive moisturizer
* UVA/UVB SPF 15 sunscreen
* Non-greasy, fragrance-free
* Contains Lactic AHA, Vitamins E&B5, Soy & Green Tea
* pH 7.8-8.0
* Light diffusers give an instant glow

Disclosure:  The products listed above were received in exchange for writing this post.  All opinions are 100% my own and may differ from others.

Posted by: Courtney

Have your child’s next birthday party at My Gym Virginia Beach!

I recently had my sons first birthday party at My Gym in the hilltop area of Virginia beach. I had so much anxiety with the thought of handling all aspects of my first child’s first birthday. I wanted to make sure he had a super special day and all of our guests enjoyed the party as well. I was more than delighted at the organization and overall helpfulness that the staff at My Gym provided for me.

We decided on a pirate themed party and I bought all the supplies necessary to decorate the facility for that. My Gym informed me the week before that there was no need to come in and decorate, that I could drop off all supplies the day prior to the party and they would do all the decorating and set up for our special party!! Oh boy was that a huge courtesy and weight off of my back to know I could arrive that day and not worry about having to rush around decorating.

During the party they had so many fun and creative things to do with the children that were attending my sons party. I was concerned the older children from ages 6-10 wouldn’t have very much fun since it was a baby party but the staff were great at involving the older kids so that they were having a blast as well! I couldn’t imagine a better venue or staff for this most memorable occasion. They really made my sons first birthday a special, fun and relaxing party! I would recommend to any parent of any age group for a party at My Gym.

Make sure to mention you saw this post on The Coupon Challenge to get 2 FREE weeks of My Gym classes!  Offer is valid at the Virginia Beach location on Laskin Road only.

Note from Dana – My 8-year old son was worried he wouldn’t have any fun and that My Gym was just a “place for babies.”  He ended up having a blast and wants to go back to My Gym to play again!

Disclosure:  A free birthday party was received in exchange for writing this post.  All opinions are 100% my own and may differ from others.

Posted by: Courtney