PEEK in my Pantry

Friday, July 29, 2011

The B Keeps Us Honest-Product Review
I don't have an actual pantry. It's more like 4 cabinets that are filled with food. When we moved in (about 3 months ago) I just kind of threw everything in there assuming one day I would reorganize it all. But between pregnancy, newborn, a busy 3 year old and every day life I haven't even come close to organizing it.






Maybe now that I've exposed my chaotic pantry I will find the motivation to get it organized. I know that having and organized pantry will help me better use the food that I have and to not waste money. I guess I'm still just trying to figure out how to best utilize the space. (At least that's my excuse right now)

What does your pantry look like?
How do you organize your food so you can find everything easily?

PARTICIPATE
Each week there will be a different PEEK theme. I'd love for everyone to join in the fun.
Write a blog post and link up below. 
Leave a comment on one/all of the posts listed.
Add the PEEK button to your post (coding located to the right)

Next Week's Theme: PEEK at MY CLOSET

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Seventh Generation Diapers Review + Giveaway

Thursday, July 28, 2011

We primarily use cloth diapers for health, cost and environmental reasons but I've found that using disposable diapers overnight or while traveling work best for us. However, I still have to give the best to my kids as well as the earth so we use Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diapers.
Free & Clear diapers do not include chlorine processing, fragrances, latex and petroleum based lotions. In an effort to contribute less overall landfill waste and continue to ensure a premium standard of absorbency, the new Free & Clear diapers have been redesigned with a lighter-weight core. With processed chlorine-free wood pulp in Free & Clear diapers, Seventh Generation also makes certain that no chlorine is released into the environment during the totally chlorine-free (TCF) whitening process of the diapers and training pants.

I like the Seventh Generation diapers are good for baby and the envrionment but are still effective. I haven't had any leaks (aside from the typical newborn blowout which happens with every diaper) while using Seventh Generation diapers.

GIVEAWAY
Win - One lucky reader will win a Seventh Generation Diaper Prize Pack


How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:

Mandatory Entry
Visit Seventh Generation and the Leave a comment telling me something you learned about Free & Clear diapers.

Extra Entries:
  • Follow @SeventhGen on Twiter
  • Like Seventh Generation on Facebook
  • Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
  • Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter.
  • Tweet this (can be done daily): "#Win a diaper prize pack from @SeventhGen via @bkeepsushonest 8/15 http://tinyurl.com/3hdyx6t #giveaway"
  • "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
  • Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)
Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 8.15 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information.
I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Capture the Everyday: Jude's Favorite Outfit

Jude is like most little boys and can usually care less about what he wears. However, he has a few items of clothing in which he expresses interest. Today's outfit was completely assembled by Jude. He didn't really want to participate in the picture so this is the best shot I could get.
The shirt is a Toy Story shirt from Target and the shorts are actually swim trunks. He loves to swim so I guess he figures if he's wearing his trunks he'll be more likely to go swimming.

Capture the Everyday from Adventuroo

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Great Giveaway Links

Every Thursday The B Keeps Us Honest offers a place to promote your giveaways, Great Giveaway Links. Be sure to link directly to your giveaway and not your homepage. Links that are not directed to the giveaway will be deleted.

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My Brest Friend Giveaway

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

As many of you know Noah and I have had a difficult time breastfeeding. We are still working on getting him to be a full time breastfed baby and things are progressing very well. One of my most loved breastfeeding aid is my My Brest Friend pillow. It helps so much!
With the My Brest Friend nursing pillow I don't have to worry about hold him right or his position once I get him in place. While working on latch issues with a screaming baby it's most certainly the last thing on my mind. I really love how it straps around your body so you can adjust it to fit perfectly. It doesn't slide around like a regular pillow.
My Brest Friend also offers other breastfeeding essentials like the adjustable nursing stool and breastfeeding vitamins. I take the breastfeeding vitamins everyday and the fenugreek to help boost my milk supply when it feels a little low.

GIVEAWAY
Win - One lucky reader will win a My Brest Friend hipster pillow


How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:

Mandatory Entry
Visit My Brest Friend and the Leave a comment telling me your favorite product.

Extra Entries:
  • Follow @mybrestfriend on Twiter
  • Like My Brest Friend on Facebook
  • Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
  • Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter.
  • Tweet this (can be done daily): "#Win a @mybrestfriend nursing pillow via @bkeepsushonest 8/10 http://tinyurl.com/3zcvd2m #giveaway"
  • "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
  • Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)
Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 8.10 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information.
I received no product in exchange for this post I just really love My Brest Friend and they are sponsoring this giveaway. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Noah Loves His Svan Bouncer

OK, so before Noah was born I did a review of the Svan Bouncer. I just knew I would love this thing and now that Noah is here I can truly say it's a big hit. No seriously, it's his favorite place to hang out. If you don't believe me look at the pictures. Pictures don't lie. Almost all of my pictures of him you will see he's sitting/sleeping in the Svan bouncer.








As I write this post he's napping in the Svan next to me.

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Blueberry Yogurt Pops

I'm sure I don't have to tell you this but it's HOT. I think the heat index yesterday was 106... seriously 106. Needless to say we've spent a lot of time indoors the past few days. To keep busy and cool I've been researching how to make some yummy cool treats. 
I doubt I invented this idea but I made these yummy Blueberry Yogurt Pops.
It's super simple and a great summer treat.


Ingredients
Berry Flavored Yogurt
Fresh Blueberries

I can make four pops at a time and 2 individual yogurt containers was exactly the right amount.
Simply fill the bottom with a little yogurt, then add a few berries, add a little more yogurt and then more berries. Continue the pattern until you have filled the molds.

Freeze for about 8 hours and then enjoy!

To help release the pops from the molds simply run under warm water for a few seconds.

All 4 pops cost about $2 to make. 

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Noah - 6 week update

Monday, July 25, 2011

Ok so he's not officially 6 weeks old yet but we had our "6 week" appointment today. Technically he's 5 weeks and 3 days old.
But here is the update: 
He's awesome
No seriously, I think that was the official update they wrote on his chart. 

He weighs 13lbs 11oz (give or take a few ounces)
He's a super sleeper (he sleeps in 4-5 hour chunks at night)
He's getting the hang of nursing (still eats from the bottle about 3-4 oz a session)
He smiles (swoon)
and is just all around a very happy and peaceful baby.

My check up also went well.
My lochia (post-partum bleeding/discharge) is almost finished
The stitches have healed well (they had to remove 2 little ones that didn't want to disolve)
And I don't appear to have any signs of post-partum depression (Praise God!)

I'm super proud of Mr. Noah.

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Come PEEK in my Pantry on Friday

This week's PEEK theme is food related. On Friday I will give you all a glimpse into my "pantry". We just went grocery shopping so it's fully stocked yet complete chaos. 

Also, join in the fun by writing a PEEK post of your own.

PARTICIPATE
Each week there will be a different PEEK theme. I'd love for everyone to join in the fun.
Write a blog post and link up at the bottom of Friday's PEEK post. 
Leave a comment on one/all of the posts listed.
Add the PEEK button to your post (coding located to the right)

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A Toy Story Party

The weather here in NC (and across most of the US) has been horrendous this past week so to beat the heat we planned a fun indoor party for all of our friends. Jude recently had a birthday and with all the new baby stuff we never really gave him a fun party with all of his friends so I thought this would be a fun opportunity to have a celebration with all of our friends but with no obligation for gift giving. Toy Story is fast becoming a favorite in our house and is always a big hit with preschool age children so I knew it was the perfect theme.
Since Toy Story is all about playing with toys what better theme to have for a morning play date Toy Story party. We had snacks, watched Toy Story 3 and played and played and played with toys. Everyone had a blast and loved the decorations and party favors. The Ready to Play banner worked perfectly hanging on the big wall in our toy room. I think it will have a permanent home there.



Party City provided us with all of this wonderful decor for our Beat the Heat Toy Story party. Party City has a huge selection of party supplies for any kind of party. You don't have to wait for a birthday or special occasion to throw a party, any old play date can become something special when you incorporate a theme. For ideas on how to make your party shine check on Party City's Party Ideas. 

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Party City . All opinions are 100% mine.

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Beanie Designs Review + Giveaway

Saturday, July 23, 2011

I love a fun hat on a little baby. Even though it's 100 degrees outside I couldn't resist taking a few pictures of Noah wearing his new Beanie Designs Organic Cotton: Multi Color Baby Stocking Hat.
Hopefully it will still fit his big head when the weather is finally cool enough to actually wear a hat. I do love this hat and can't wait to shot it off, it's soft colorful and just plain fun. It also doesn't hurt that it's made from 100% Organic Cotton so I can feel good about him wearing it too.

Beanie Designs has a huge selection of adorable infant hats. I had such a hard time choosing which hat to get Noah.

GIVEAWAY
Win - One lucky reader will win a Beanie Designs hat of their choice.


How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:

Mandatory Entry
Visit Beanie Designs and the Leave a comment telling me your favorite hat.

Extra Entries:
  • Follow @beaniedesigns on Twiter
  • Like Beanie Designs on Facebook
  • Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
  • Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter.
  • Tweet this (can be done daily): "#Win a @beaniedesigns baby hat via @bkeepsushonest 8/8 http://tinyurl.com/3vbztwt #giveaway"
  • "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
  • Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)
Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 8.8 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information.
I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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It's 100 degrees outside but I'm thinking about Christmas

Friday, July 22, 2011

It's July and even though is in the triple digits across most of the US, I've got Christmas on my mind. I love photo Christmas cards, especially ones with cute babies. And since we just so happen to have a cute baby (and a cute preschooler) I am already excited about this year's Christmas card. 

I think one of the key components to creating a fun and memorable Christmas card is the photography. You don't have to be a professional photographer or own an expensive camera (although it doesn't hurt either) to create a card that pops. You just need to think outside of the box and be as creative as possible. Here are a few fun ideas of ways you can make your Christmas card the best on the mantle. 
1. Action Shots- take a picture of your family laughing, playing, doing something they love. Forget about the posed shots and have fun. Let the pictures speak for you. A picture of the kids pushing dad in the pool makes for a very memorable photo.
2. Ditch the Sweaters- You don't have to use a picture of your family in front of the fireplace or decorating the tree. Think about using a picture from your summer vacation to the beach or you kids playing in the fall leaves. (I particularly love the idea of using a summer photo for Christmas pictures. Even though it's 100 degrees outside right now, come winter I'll be longing for the heat)
3. Matchy Matchy - I know a lot of people think coordinating outfits are kind of cheesy but when all of the colors work together a pictures just pops. That doesn't mean everyone has to wear demin shirts. You can choose a color palate or use complimentary colors. Think about decorating the pictures like you would decorate a room.
4. Include Fido - Most people that own pets consider them to be a part of the family so why not include them in the picture and the signature. And don't just think about cats and dogs, include your pet iguana, hamster or bird.
5. Dress Up - If you have a very fun loving family get a little crazy and let everyone dress up in funny costumes or include funny props. Make sure to let everyone's personalities shine through. (It would also be fun to have a theme like popular movies or shows: think Star Wars or Harry Potter)

Start thinking about your Christmas cards now, in July, so you can plan accordingly. If you want to have everyone wearing Santa caps in their bathing suits on the beach it'd probably be better to do it now instead the dead of winter.

After you have your photo you need a well designed card that will highlight your picture. Storkie.com has a huge selection of Photo Christmas Card that are sure to match any theme, color or style.

This post was made possible by Global Influence. I was compensated for my energy and time in writing this article, however all opinions are 100% mine.

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PEEK at My Playlist

The B Keeps Us Honest-Product Review

You can learn a lot about a person by looking at their Record Tape CD MP3 collection. Most of the music on our MUSIC SERVER (That's right my husband has dedicated a whole server to our music collection) I married into. 

In our old house we had this huge wall of CDs most of which belong to Joe. Now in our new place Joe has painstakingly converted all of our CDs to MP3s.

Nevertheless, here is a peek into just a small portion of the music on our server...

(selection taken from songs starting with the letter "s")

(selection taken from songs starting with the letter "h")

A few notes about some the songs:
  • Jimmy Eat World is one of Joe's all time favorite bands. (He gave me his favorite album on our 1st Christmas together)
  • I'll admit that the Ricky Martin CD is mine. (It hold nostalgic value from college)
  • The Moulin Rouge soundtrack is also mine.
  • Most of the "Religious" music belongs to me.
  • You won't find much "Country" music in our collection
  • You also won't find much "Hip Hop/Rap"
  • Some of the bands/musicians I've never heard of include: Gwen Mars, Foals, Earth, Movies with Heros, and Paul Burch
  • Over the Rhine's Drunkard Prayer is an awesome album

What's in your purse? 
Write a blog post and link up...

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Melissa and Doug Jigsaws in a Box Review + Giveaway

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Jude loves puzzles. He will spend hours building puzzles. He's usually such a busy and active child I love that puzzles are a great way to keep him calm and focused. I really love the Melissa and Doug Jigsaws in a Box because they give him 4 different puzzles keep him busy.

We received the Sea Life Jigsaw in a Box and I think it's one of the coolest puzzle sets we've seen. The box has 4 different compartments each containing a different sea themed 12-piece puzzle. The back of each piece from each puzzle has a small imprinted shape so you can easily sort out which pieces are for each puzzle. Jude loves to mix all the pieces up and build all 4 puzzles at once.


I like the Sea Life theme because it gives me the opportunity to teach him about the ocean and the animals that live there. I also like that the puzzles are made from wood so they are durable enough to withstand a rowdy toddler. And I can't forget the great storage box that helps keep all the pieces organized and neat so we can plan with it again and again.
GIVEAWAY
Win - One lucky reader will win a Melissa and Doug Jigsaws in a Box Puzzle.


How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:

Mandatory Entry
Visit Melissa and Doug and the Leave a comment telling your favorite product.

Extra Entries:
  • Like Melissa and Doug on Facebook
  • Follow @melissaanddoug on Twitter 
  • Sign up for the Melissa and Doug Toy Club
  • Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
  • Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter.
  • Tweet this (can be done daily): "#Win a Jigsaw in a Box from @melissaanddoug @bkeepsushonest 8/5 http://tinyurl.com/3jcvqwu #giveaway"
  • "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
  • Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)
Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 8.5 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information.
I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Great Giveaway Links

Every Thursday The B Keeps Us Honest offers a place to promote your giveaways, Great Giveaway Links. Be sure to link directly to your giveaway and not your homepage. Links that are not directed to the giveaway will be deleted.

Read more...

A Blast From the Past

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

While looking through old videos I found this one of Jude singing along with Yo Gabba Gabba on a road trip to Charleston, SC. He was almost 2 years old here and so darn cute I can hardly stand it.
Enjoy!

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Is that a Smile? - Wordless Wednesday

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PumpEase Review + Giveaway

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

This past month has been crazy. We've welcomed Noah into our family and had to deal with some major breastfeeding issues, mostly his tongue-tie and latch-issues. Because of his set backs we are bottle feeding him expressed breast milk which I have been pumping about 5 times a day. I finally invested in a good double pump but pumping while trying to tend to a new baby and busy toddler is tough. I need to have my hands free in order to multi-task.

I had been looking at hands free pumping options when I discovered PumpEase hands free bra. While I'd seen several utilitarian hands-free pumping products PumpEase was definitely the cutest. I received the tuxedo style PumpEase and I LOVE it. It is simple to put on and use. It goes on just like a bra (except with the clasps in the front) and the horns of the pump slip right in and I'm pumping in no time. I have free hands to help Jude open his snack or pop the paci back in Noah's mouth. It's awesome.
I love that the PumpEase is available in a variety of patterns and sizes. I have a size Large (since I'm normally a 36G - but bigger while breastfeeding) and it fit perfectly. Check out their Fitting Room for the size you need, pick a fun print and get a Do Not Disturb door hanger.

GIVEAWAY
Win - One lucky reader will win a PumpEase hands free pumping bra, door hanger and magnet.


How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:

Mandatory Entry
Visit PumpEase and the Leave a comment telling your favorite design.

Extra Entries:
  • Like PumpEase on Facebook
  • Follow @PumpEase on Twitter
  • Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
  • Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter.
  • Tweet this (can be done daily): "#Win a @PumpEase hands free pumping bra @bkeepsushonest 8/3 http://tinyurl.com/3qsdno4 #giveaway"
  • "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
  • Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)
Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 8.3 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information.
I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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KinderCare Read.Share.Give

Every night before bed I read a couple of books to Jude. He gets to pick out the books and we snuggle in the chair or on the floor to read. It's a great way to wind down after a busy day and to be honest I really love the cuddles! It's also a great way to teach and encourage Jude to enjoy reading.
We are always looking for new books to read. I particularly love to introduce him to my favorite books. One of my all time favorite books is Corduroy. I am so happy that have finally been able to share Corduroy with my son. Now I hope to pass it along to my family and friends through the KinderCare Read. Share. Give Book Sharing Program. KinderCare understand the importance of reading to children. They are encouraging families to continue reading this summer and helping to place books in the hands of children in need through the Read. Share. Give Book Sharing Program.

Did you know that as a nation…
  • Two-thirds of 4th graders are below reading proficiency and 83% of low-income 4th graders are below proficient (National Assessment of Educational Progress) 
  • Some 42 percent of American children (31MM) lack the income to cover basic needs including child care and access to books (National Assessment of Educational Progress) 
  • In some of the lowest-income neighborhoods in the country there is only one book available for every 300 children. (University of Nevada Study) 
  • 44 million adults in the U.S. can't read well enough to read a simple story to a child. (National Adult Literacy Survey)

PARTICIPATE
This summer you are invited you to READ and SHARE a book so that you can GIVE a book to those in need.
  • Pick a children’s book to read with your family
  • Visit kindercare.com/read to download and print out a book label, enter the book’s code and start following your book’s journey  
  • Place the label into the inside front cover of the book and pass it on to family and friends to do the same    
I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Have you won a giveaway? Did you get your prize? Do you love it?

Have you won a giveaway here at The B Keeps Us Honest?
Did you receive your prize?
If so, was it what you were expecting? Did you like it? Do you use it?

I want to know.
Especially if you never received your prize so I can help remedy the problem.
If you want to write a short testimonial, include a picture (optional) and a link back to your blog, I will gladly post it here!


(Sometimes mistakes are made and prizes disappear or are never fulfilled and for this I am truly sorry. However, I try hard to ensure everyone gets their prize so email me if you have any questions.)


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Frigidaire Store Review + Giveaway

Monday, July 18, 2011

When we moved we left the broiler pan with the oven, since it came with the place. However, our new place didn't come with one so I added "broiler pan" to my to-buy list. I didn't realize how often I actually used the broiler pan.

I was thrilled when I discovered the Frigidaire store carried broilers pans. I recieved my broiler pan within a few days of ordering it and just this past Sunday used it to make some yummy and crispy bacon for breakfast.

The Frigidaire Store not only carriers replacement parts and accessories for Frigidaire appliances but they have a few household items. I almost bought a stovetop ultimate griddle but thought I would get more use from the broiler pan.





GIVEAWAY
Win - One lucky reader will win a $30 GC to Frigidaire Stores. (tax and shipping not included)


How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:

Mandatory Entry
Visit Frigidaire Stores and the Leave a comment telling how you would spend your $30 GC.
Extra Entries:
  • Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
  • Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter.
  • Tweet this (can be done daily): "#Win via $30 GC to the Frigidaire Store @bkeepsushonest 8/3 http://tinyurl.com/698l6wn #giveaway"
  • "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
  • Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)
Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 8.3 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information.
I received the featured product in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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About This Blog

The B Keeps Us Honest is dedicated to providing honest reviews, awesome giveaways and information on hot deals!
This site's purpose is to provide an avenue to spread the word about some great products. The best way to spread the word about great products is by word of mouth, and that is what The B Keeps Us Honest is all about.

Disclosure Policy

This blog is written and edited by me, Jessica. For questions about this blog, please contact jessica@thebkeepsushonest.com.

All the opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone. I post about products that I like or personally prefer, products that I have found, tested, and loved. I do receive free samples to review and giveaway, the opinions expressed are still my own. I do not receive payment in exchange for a review. Please do your research on a product before you buy it and decide if it is right for you and/or your family.

Giveaway Rules

Thanks for visiting The B Keeps Us Honest I hope you find this site helpful.

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