Welcome Autumn with Starbucks Fall Blend Coffee

Disclaimer: I was given a free sample of new Starbucks Fall Blend coffee as part of the Modern Mom Insider program for reviewing purposes. All the opinions I have expressed here are solely my own.

When I first think about fall approaching, I not only am excited to see my child return to the classroom but also look forward to all that the season brings which is cooler temperatures as well as finally getting some much deserved "me" time after my son is dropped off in between my busy work day.

One of my favorite past times is sharing a  delightful cup of coffee with good friends especially when it happens to be a new flavor or type.

Introducing new Starbucks Fall Blend which features Sumatran beans that provide the warmth of spice notes, coffees from Kenya to add citrusy brightness as well as beans from Peru that offer balance and a subtle nuttiness - it's the perfect way to unwind on a beautiful autumn day.

This blend is layered and full-bodied, a medium roast that creates a cup that's hearty and refined.

What I enjoy doing is inviting some of my good friends over to my home after we drop off our kids at school to sit down and unwind to a delicious cup of Starbucks Fall Blend coffee along with a sweet treat such as homemade pumpkin muffins or a slice of apple pie. This coffee pairs well with your favorite fall treat and what better way to celebrate the start of a new school year then enjoying a cup of coffee and dessert with good friends.  

So savor special moments and experience some good times ahead when you enjoy one of life's pleasures, Starbucks Fall Blend coffee which is one of three limited-time only, new seasonal blends that Starbucks offers that you will have to taste for yourself.

Starbucks Fall Blend is available exclusively at major grocery stores for $8.99 per 10 oz. package, now through the fall season.

For more information on Starbuck's Fall Blend coffee, please visit their website at:
http://www.starbucks.com/coffee/seasonal-favorites/fall-blend-2014

Chronic Tacos

Disclosure: "I am a member of the Niche Parent Network. This post has been compensated with payment or product. All opinions expressed are 100% my own,"

Chronic Tacos Story:

Randall L. Wyner was tired of having to jump in his car every time he craved a good taco. After a long night out in west Newport Beach, CA left Wyner and friend Daniel A. Biello disgruntled and hungry with no good local Mexican joints to choose from, the idea hit them right in their angry stomachs: Made-to-order Mexican food that was both fast and fresh. It could be something far superior to what the competition was offering. With more than just good food, it could be a place where they would want to hang out too.

Through this idea, along with third-generation recipes they acquired from a close family friend, Chronic Tacos was born.

The doors swung open at the 800-square-foot Newport Beach location just in time for the 2002 annual Newport Beach Fourth of July Celebration, where thousands of locals indulged in generous portions of fresh authentic ingredients for the first time. Music was blasting, food was flowing and the vibe was great, but the demand soon proved too much for that location alone, and it quickly became time for Biello and Wyner to start thinking about bringing their concept to other areas.

Chronic Tacos opened its Huntington Beach location in 2005, and this time it wasn’t just about the tacos and fresh salsa; patrons were also treated to beer, wine, pool tables and a larger seating area for kicking back. Once again, the locals loved it and Biello and Wyner found themselves entering the world of franchising.

The word had already spread about the great taco restaurant with the laid back feel when the first Chronic Tacos franchise opened in San Clemente in April of 2006. People lined up out the door to be a part of opening day; it was a sign of great things to come.

The momentum hasn’t slowed down a bit; Chronic Tacos now has more than 30 locations throughout California and beyond, including locations in Nevada and Canada. Even professional skater and MTV Jackass legend Jason Acuña has gotten in on the action, opening his own Redondo Beach franchise called Wee Man's Chronic Tacos.

Serving generous portions of fresh, delicious food in a unique atmosphere continues to be the culture conveyed at every location. It is clear that Chronic Tacos isn’t going to be slowing down anytime soon, and stomachs everywhere are eternally grateful.

To me, being able to share a special moment together with my family is very important. One of our favorite places to dine at as a family is our local Las Vegas area Chronic Tacos location.  Chronic Tacos is the one restaurant that both myself, husband, and son can all agree upon as we really enjoy the great array of menu items featured especially since all food is prepared fresh to order.  The fact that all the ingredients are both made from scratch and is high quality is one of the main reasons me and my family enjoy dining on a regular basis at this restaurant establishment.

Chronic Tacos features an extensive menu which offers something for everyone's individual taste. My particular favorite menu item is their chicken burrito that comes with rice and beans that is both filling and satisfying. They also offer a kids menu as well as breakfast items to start off your day.

At Chronic Taco, there is something for everyone which is why it is the perfect choice for me and my family to dine at.

For more information, please visit their website:
http://www.eatchronictacos.com/

You can also visit them on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/EatChronicTacos

Contest alert: For a chance to win a Chronic Tacos gift basket, please let a comment with your favorite menu item that you like to order when visiting your local Chronic Tacos location. I will be choosing one winner at random. 
Good luck!

NEW! Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash

Disclosure: "The Dial" brand provided me with a sample of Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own."

One of the pleasures I get out of life is experiencing a delightful fragrance. Whether it be spending time outdoors and taking in the flowers while spending time at our local park or spritzing my favorite perfume while getting dressed in the morning for work.

Another way I love to enjoy fragrance is when I bathe. I prefer showers over baths these days since it fits better into my busy routine but still want it to be a pleasurable experience.  I discovered a great new product that will really wake up your senses while you experience healthier skin.

Introducing New Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash. This product is the first to contain both coconut water along with refreshing mango for clean, healthy, and hydrated skin. 

What is the benefit of using a product containing coconut water and mango?:

Coconut water is considered to be a leading trend known to be rich in antioxidants and electrolytes that help provide replenishing hydration. Mango is known for being nutrient rich and adds a touch of tropical freshness.

After a week of  using New Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash, I noticed my skin felt softer and more hydrated especially since I live in the desert where constant dryness due to the harsh elements of the outdoors is my every day norm so seeing some relief in my skin has been really a positive experience for me.

You can find New Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash at your local retailer as well as find out more information by visiting:

facebook.com/dial

Spellbinders Celebra'tions by Richard Garay

Disclosure: "The Spellbinders brand provided me with a sample of Spellbinders Celebra'tions 
Collection in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own."

If you are like me who enjoys getting creative whether it be making your own homemade cards or perhaps a gift for a special person in your life, Spellbinders Celebra'tions by Richard Garay is a complete collection of dies, stamps, paper, inks & accessories all coordinated to work perfectly together. 

Whether you like to scrapbook, create unique cards, or enjoy making your own gifts, Spellbinders Celebra'tions by Richard Garay has something for everyone.

I personally enjoy making my own cards and had so much fun using the various cardstock and pattern paper along with the stamps to create a unique and personal card to celebrate that special person in my life. 

The products are fun and easy to use and I like the fact that the True Color Fusion Stamp Pads contain a unique hybrid ink that has the benefits of dye and pigment ink all in one. The inks dry quickly, have no chalky residue, and the best part is that they will not fade.

The stamp pads can be used on all types of materials besides paper, fabric, wood, and acrylic and they will become permanent when heat set on non-paper materials.

The color options are endless as they come in each of the 12 colors with the palette, plus black coordinating beautifully with the solid and printed papers.

So check out Spellbinders Celebra'tions by Richard Garay today and bring out your creative side.

Day by Day Beauty Vitamin C Serum

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I am one of those people that take great pride in my skin. As I have gotten older, little things such as fine lines and wrinkles have started to bother me. I recently was introduced to a new product I had not been too familiar with before,  Day by Day Beauty Vitamin C Serum. Since I am the type of person who is always willing to try something new for my skin, I decided to see how it works. After cleansing my face in the morning, I applied a few drops of the serum to my problematic areas on my face which are my forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck areas. I instantly noticed how well the product easily absorbed into my skin without leaving a shine or greasy residue left behind which I especially like. The serum did not burn my face nor did it leave any redness which makes this suitable for sensitive skin.

After about a week of applying the product both day and in the evening before bedtime, I noticed how my fine lines and wrinkles started to appear more settled as my skin seemed to be more smoother and I was thrilled with having to not worry about adding extra foundation for once. I felt more confident then ever before that this product actually made my appearance more youthful and radiant. I even received several compliments from strangers while out and about which made my day!

You can order this product directly by visiting Amazon.com's website:
http://www.amazon.com/Hyaluronic-Acid-Serum-For-Skin/dp/B00KQ4PEBU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1404048303&sr=8-3&keywords=Day+by+Day+Beauty+Vitamin+C+Serum

Product Description

Day by Day Beauty's Exclusive Vitamin C Serum provides thirsting skin with antioxidants & rich, hydrating ingredients.

These ingredients naturally...
brighten skin tone, diminish superficial fine lines and wrinkles, reverse sun damage effects, lighten acne scarring, restore healthy elasticity, clarify skin, shrink pores & retain moisture.

This serum is safe & effective for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Our premium formula is plant-based, without parabens, alcohol, or fillers. And of course made Cruelty-Free in the USA.

Day by Day Beauty's unique Vitamin C Serum is...
Gentle & non-sticky
Ideal concentration of Vitamin C for maximal absorption for any skin
Packaged to minimizes light exposure, air, & bacteria into the serum (using cobalt blue bottle and pump applicator)
Vitamin E & Hyaluronic Acid balanced

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMe1e9726f7a22aa5f713e2af41ed615b3" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

UNi 100% Organic Pure Moroccan Argan Oil

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPa81ab7e6ff3e45548c192593beb59de6" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a>

Since I am a busy, multi-tasking, working mom, I look for products that can make my life easier by having multiple benefits such as good to use in my hair as well as on my face. I have found the perfect product which is UNi 100% Organic Pure Moroccan Argan Oil. After reading about all the uses this product was designed for, I decided to try it to treat my dry, frizzy hair since the desert heat where I live really takes its toll on your locks. I was pleasantly surprised after several uses that my hair started to appear more shiny and healthy looking and my dry ends were soft and did not feel like straw any longer. 

Since I was quite pleased with the results after using the product to treat my damaged hair, I could not wait to use it on my face since I have several fine lines as well as acne marks from past breakouts. I used the product on these target areas for a couple of weeks and was thrilled when I noticed my fine lines appeared less noticeable as well as my past acne scars. I use to have to use alot of cover up on my face to conceal these problem areas and was thrilled with the results after using the Argan Oil as I needed less makeup and even got a compliment from a stranger when I took my son to a craft activity at the local library as she told me how beautiful my skin looked.

What are some of the benefits of using Argan Oil:
UNi Argan Oil is a great NATURAL hair treatment for damaged, dry, frizzy hair, and dry scalp. Brings back the natural glow and smoothness of your hair and promote healthy hair growth. Excellent treatment for skin care and skin therapy. Boost skin tone and complexion through intense hydration. Helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, scars, sunburns, stretch marks, and rashes. Can help treat chickenpox, acne, psoriasis, rash, itchiness, inflammation and dry eczema. Heal and repairs dry lips, cracking cuticles, and rough heels in record time. Prefect daily moisturizer to keep your beautiful skin young, healthy, and radiant.

As you can tell, using UNi  100% Organic Pure Moroccan Argan Oil made me feel more confident about my appearance since I was quite pleased with the results I experienced.

For more information on how to order this product, please visit Amazon.com for further details:
http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Moroccan-TRIPLE-ABSORBING-Certified/dp/B00G5WO2VK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1403180243&sr=8-3&keywords=pure+organic+argan+oil


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMa81ab7e6ff3e45548c192593beb59de6" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Children's Claritin Mom Crew Playmaker Playdate

Disclosure: "As a member of the Children's Claritin Mom Crew, I received product samples and promotional items to share and use as I see fit. No monetary compensation has taken place and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience."

I love this time of year since summer is right around the corner. Now that the kids are out of school, it was the perfect opportunity to plan a fun play date to kick off the start of summer.

Since both my family and friends as well as their children suffer from allergies, it was great to be able to not only make this fun event all about the kids yet also share my enthusiasm for what "Children's Claritin" has done for relieving our most annoying allergy symptoms by being able to share with my guests some valuable coupons towards their purchase as well as a few other goodies to take home with them.

I planned the playdate for an early afternoon at a nearby park that featured a nice picnic area as well as water features so that the kids can have fun getting wet when they wanted to cool off. Everyone brought their own picnic lunch where I served homemade strawberry lemonade and we made Smores for dessert.

The kids did a craft where they made a summer themed door knob decoration and all had a great time!
When it was time to go, all the moms left with a Children's Claritin spring tote, refrigerator notepad with the Children's Claritin logo, and last but certainly not least, a high value coupon for $2 off their next purchase of Children's Claritin.  

It was a fun time had by all!