This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FinalFourPack #CollectiveBias Coca-Cola is a corporate champion of the NCAA. 

When it comes to sports, I'm all about having a party--but the actual watching of the game I couldn't care less about.  I try to understand football for Ricky because he loves it so much, but my eyes gloss over after the first two minutes.  Basketball is pretty straight forward, so I can enjoy the games a bit more...especially college (GO BADGERS!).  If you find me at a sports gathering, usually I'm in the kitchen mixing up drinks or making tasty snacks to nosh on. 

Going Green With Your Bathroom Routine! #NaturalGoodness

 This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NaturalGoodness #CollectiveBias

Being on a budget and "going green" can be a bit complicated.  As I've written about before: you have to learn what to focus on and how to find ways to save doing so.  I have pretty bad allergies and last year I suddenly had a horrible reaction to my deodorant.  It was completely out of the blue and I tried many different brands until the cause was found.  My doctor recommended trying Tom's of Maine and the problem was instantly fixed.  The deodorant is aluminum free and lasts through the toughest of workouts! I was so impressed!  Plus, it smells AMAZING.  At the Y the other day, someone in my kickboxing class told me I smelled like their favorite Cobbler.  Ha! From that point on, I started to really look at the ingredient lists on the products we use.  I really didn't want my kids being exposed to so many chemicals and additives!

Have you tried any Tom's of Maine products?  They are quite budget friendly and there are coupons available frequently.  On a recent trip to Walmart, we stocked up on toothpaste and deodorant. I usually fill our pantry when there's a coupon and a sale.  The Tom's of Maine product line includes toothpaste for both adults and kids, mouthwash, lip balm and deodorant, plus tons of new products rolling out soon.  Nothing has  artificial colors, flavors, fragrances, or preservatives and they never test on animals.  Another bonus: 10% of their profits are donated back!  I have found the toothpaste lasts much longer than our old brands, we seem to need less of it.  

We have slowly started to find new and improved items for our bathroom routines. For my curls, I have found sulfite free shampoo and conditioner has really been helping with the dryness.  The girls really love the Tom's of Maine Silly Strawberry toothpaste and we know that there aren't any scary ingredients inside.  Instead of an expensive toner, I rely on Witch Hazel (found in the first aid aisle) after washing my face to make sure my pores are extra clean.

Certain nights of the week, Ricky works at his second job and we have a Girl's Night.  We love to do facials and this mask will leave your skin glowing.  I love that it's kid-friendly!

In other areas of the house, we have been eco-friendly for much longer.  I try to use baking soda and vinegar as much as we can.  I also found this handy Zip drain cleaner for $2 at Home Depot that really keeps the drains clear--having 4 girls in the house, it's kind of necessary!  Instead of harsher spot cleaners, Borax is always our go-to....I can get out any laundry stain with that stuff, guaranteed!

While we aren't completely a green household, we've taken huge steps in the past few years.  I have realized it CAN be done on a budget and it's fun to include the kiddos in our process.  The twins help with the compost and garden in the summer, also we are teaching them to recycle or re-use as much as we can.  Baby steps make the process much easier on the budget--plus the changes are more permanent!

How has your family "gone green"? Have you tried Tom's of Maine products yet?

Want to save $1? Here's a Coupon!

Simple Suppers: Cheesy Pasta Primavera with Ham #BountyAtWalmart

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Bounty

Our dishwasher stopped working this week.  I know, I know. #FirstWorldProblems, right?  But it really is quite a pain!  As a family who runs the dishwasher AT LEAST twice a day, I feel like I'm washing dishes non-stop.  I picked up some paper plates until our new one arrives on Monday.  Side note: I found a floor model at Lowe's and then got an extra $75 knocked off...plus I had a coupon! I felt like a rockstar walking out of there.

I was so excited to get the Bounty with Dawn paper towels in the mail last week--perfect timing! Ricky loves to use washcloths and I really, really dislike them.  Something about the bacteria sitting around on the cloth really grosses me out.  With the super sturdy Bounty paper towels, I know I can trust them not to rip when wet and the added Dawn gets surfaces (and dishes!) clean quickly.

We all have those super gross messes we want to dispose of quickly--these are perfect for those too! At least once a day, the girls spill milk or something sticky!  If you have a puppy, these would be great for little messes.

Needless to say, I'm a fan!  We made this Cheesy Pasta Primavera recipe earlier this week and I was able to clean up the parmesan spilled all over the table by Gabby, wash the pans AND use a cloth to wipe up the muddy paw marks on the floor from Rambo.  #MomWin

Now time for this cheesy recipe.  It's a huge hit in our house and I love that it's full of a rainbow of veggies.  If you have any leftover ham after Easter, be sure to try this one out!  Homemade alfredo sauce is quite simple to make and you can control the ingredients inside making it as healthy (or indulgent!) as you want.  Once you get the base for this sauce down, feel free to experiment with different additions.  Four cheeses instead of pesto. Or for a new variation, add this sauce to your marinara for a droolworthy blushed sauce.  Drooling yet?

Cheesy Primavera Rigatoni
Here's what you need:

• 16 oz of Ham, cubed (We like Kentucky Legend, Low Sodium)
• 16 oz Rigatoni, or ribbed pasta of choice
• 8 oz Asparagus, chopped in bite sized pieces 
• 1/2 cup Red Pepper, chopped
• 4-5 Crimini Mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
• 1 cup Frozen Peas
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese- about a half of an 8 oz block
• 4 oz light Cream Cheese (about half a brick)
• 2 tablespoons Pesto
• 2 tablespoons Flour
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 cup milk of choice (I used Cashew)
• 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
• Salt + Pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese to sprinkle

Let's Cook!

1. Start water to boil.
2. Add all chopped veggies (except frozen peas) and diced ham to a pan and saute over medium high heat for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.  Pour into a large bowl and set aside.
3. In the same pan (no need to clean!), melt butter.  Sprinkle butter  and stir.  It will be crumbly.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly pour in milk, whisking smooth before pouring more milk in.  Season with nutmeg and pepper.
5. Add cream cheese and pesto, stir and allow to bubble to thicken.  Finally add Swiss cheese.  
6. At this point, water should be boiling.  Add noodles and cook until very firm, about 7 minutes.  Add peas into the boiling water during the last 2 minutes.  Drain.
7. Once pasta is drained, add to cheesy pesto sauce and return the ham/veggie mixture to the pan.  Mix together, adding more Swiss cheese, if desired.
8. Serve immediately with warm, toasty bread.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese to serve.

What do you use to clean up life's little messes? Have you tried these Bounty with Dawn paper towels?

Lunchbox Remix with Absopure Packables

Disclosure: I have a partnership with Absopure water, but all opinions are my own.

Now that we are more than halfway through kindergarten, I feel like I'm finally getting the hang of the whole lunchbox routine with the twins.  Since they only have 20 minutes to eat, it was a bit of a battle at first! Some days I would pack too little and they would be starving by the time school was done and others I would go overboard, with food wasted.

Another issue we had was thirst.  At home, they drink tons of water and would end up being so parched by the end of the school day.  We tried sending a thermos to school, but they would misplace them (no idea how!) or end up forgotten at school.  When the flu bugs started going around, the ick factor of having a germy thermos grossed me out.  Enter: the Abspoure packable water.  Super convenient size: 6.5 oz and easy for them to open.  Every morning, we throw one bottle with their initial in their backpack and one in the lunchbox.  Hydration problem solved!

To keep lunchtime interesting, I've been trying to stray away from the most requested PB&J.  I have found wraps go over better than regular bread--it seems like they are quicker to eat.  Main staples include frozen yogurt tubes, fruit and veggies.  Olivia is a bit strange with her requests: hard boiled eggs, bread & butter pickles and she even asked for leftover salmon (I said no).  I swear she is an old soul!

Here are some inexpensive and quick ideas we've been loving this month:

Banana Sushi

Just spread PB or sunflower butter on a warm tortilla, sprinkle with honey, coconut or mini chocolate chips and wrap around a banana.  Super simple and very versatile.  Nutella is super tasty too!

Pizza Bites

Maddie LOVES this, especially since she always asking for those pre-packaged lunches.  So simple to make: chopped up cheese sticks, turkey pepperoni and fiber crackers.  You can also add ham cubes, peppers, olives or sausage sticks.

Cheesy Wraps

Olivia actually came up with this one a few weekends ago.  The Happy Farms wedges from Aldi make for a perfect binder for wraps! Just add your favorite meats and wrap it up!  This is also tasty with pepperoni and peppers, like a pizza wrap.

You can find the Absopure Packables at Meijer and Spartan stores here in Michigan.  I love that they are a local company!  They have a super convenient delivery system, also.  If interested, mention the code BLOGGER and get $2 off monthly deliveries AND a free 30-day trial!

What are your go-to lunchbox staples? Have you seen Absopure Packables in your grocery store?

Getting Ready for the 2015 Kids' Choice Awards {Plus a Printable Game!} #KidsChoiceDrink

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #KidsChoiceDrink #CollectiveBias

I don't know about you, but I LOVE awards season: the red carpet looks, sappy speeches and all.  The girls love to sit and watch the pre-shows with me, but they aren't quite old enough for the main event. This year, I think they're ready for the Kids' Choice Awards now that they have ventured away from their "baby TV shows", as they call them.  The official drink of the awards is Capri Sun Roaring Waters. These are a staple in our house since they are low in sugar and a switch up from plain water. At Walmart, you can pick up 30 pack team boxes right in the regular juice aisle--perfect for the warmer months coming up!

Although we do regulate their screen time quite a bit, they are allowed to be more lax on the weekends.  The 2015 Kids' Choice Awards air on Nickelodeon March 28th at 8:00 EST, we are prepared to watch the orange carpet and more--the girls love live performances!  I made the mistake of telling the twins about the show a bit early and now they have been talking about it non-stop--they can't believe I'm letting them stay up late!  Watch closely on Nick and you'll see funny commercials promoting the show with your favorite characters.

You can't have an awards show night without tasty snacks, so we tested out some JELL-O flavored popcorn balls that I've been eying on Pinterest.  They are SO easy to whip up and you can use any JELL-O flavor you want!  Gabby chose strawberry with chocolate chips--tastes like a chocolate covered strawberry!  I think Cookies + Cream would be a fun one to try...or even coconut! Possibilities are endless!  These will be the perfect snack to wash down with a Capri Sun Roaring Waters.

Strawberry Chip JELL-O Popcorn Balls

Here's what you need:

• 4 Tablespoons of Butter
• NOTE: I tried to sub coconut oil and it did NOT work
• 10 oz. package of Jet Puffed Mini Marshmallows
• Small box of sugar free strawberry JELL-O (0.3 oz)
• 1 cup popcorn kernels (popped makes about 10-11 cups)
• Sub 2 bags of unflavored microwave popcorn
• Chocolate chips to sprinkle (about 1/2 cup)

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter.  Slowly fold in marshmallows until melted.  Remove from heat.
2. Sprinkle in JELL-O and stir.
3. With popcorn in a large bowl, slowly pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn and stir.  Prepare to get sticky!!  Sprinkle in chips and mix together--some may melt a bit.
4. Grab a handful and roll into a ball shape.
• Tip: spray hands with cooking spray before forming balls. 
5. Store in an airtight container.  Enjoy!

To keep the Kids' Choice Awards fun, I created a fun 2015 Kids Choice Awards scavenger hunt for the kids to do during the show.  At first I considered BINGO, but figured there would be some arguments to I kept the sheet the same.  There are Capri Sun Roaring Water breaks, also fun things to look for during the show: silly outfits, jokes, etc.  I found neon circle stickers for $1 at Walmart, perfect to use instead of BINGO markers!

Tip: the prizes can be super simple, like a sucker or even index cards with "10 Minutes Kindle Time" or "Library Trip with Mom".  No need to go crazy!  The fact that the kiddos get to stay up late is more than enough of a prize, right?  

Click below to print some for your party!! 

I would say that we are more than prepared for our fun night!  Another special treat that we love are FROZEN Capri Sun Roaring Waters.  Turns out just like a slushy.  Simply freeze for 2 hours or until barely frozen, then slice the edges off and leave in the straw.  Perfect on a hot summer day too!

Is your family excited for the Kids' Choice Awards? What fun ways do you enjoy Capri Sun Roaring Waters?

RO*TEL Savings at Walmart! #JustAddRotel

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #JustAddRotel #CollectiveBias

Great Savings on RO*TEL at Walmart!

Are you creating a big snacking spread for the Big Tournament? Looking for ways to spice up game day and save money at the same time? #JustAddRotel is the perfect way to spice up your favorite recipes. I love RO*TEL tomatoes for my queso dip!

From guacamole to pot roast sliders, adding a can of RO*TEL makes a traditional game day recipe into something extraordinary. Click this link http://cbi.as/4wqx  to print a Walmart coupon where you buy 3 cans of RO*TEL, you will get 1 can free! Hurry, this coupon expires on April 6th and is only while supplies last!

Be sure to look for RO*TEL in either the Pasta or Hispanic aisle in Walmart!

How do you use RO*TEL?

Say Goodbye to Spring Germs with #PurellWipes! #Ad

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PurellWipes #CollectiveBias

It has been a LONG and COLD Winter here in Michigan.  This past week's warm up (50 degrees!) has been amazing because we could open up the windows and get some of the germs OUT!  Fingers crossed this weather stays!  The only downfall is looking at the yard after having 2 dogs all winter--yuck.

Being cooped up all winter made me realize how much junk we have accumulated within the past 3 years living in this house.  The girls have outgrown toys and clothes that need to be donated, our holiday decorations are filling up our basement storage area and there is just STUFF everywhere. This year, it's time for a major spring cleaning.  Buh-bye junk.

Although Spring helps get rid of all of the past season's bugs, there's a whole new batch of germs going around.  I swear Gabby will touch anything and everything when she's outside! I know it's good to let kids get dirty for the immune system and all...but this girl likes to put things in her MOUTH!  Last fall we had a leaf incident where she stuffed them UP HER NOSE.  Umm, what a little weirdo!  Since Gabby always has yucky hands and a messy face, I was super excited to hear about new PURELL® Hand Sanitizing Wipes.  They can clean those dirty hands and faces, plus make sure they are sanitized.  The wipes are super soft and come in a handy container perfect for your car or bathroom. SCORE!

There is quite a selection of the PURELL® Hand Sanitizing Wipes at Walmart, but they can be a bit hard to find.  Be sure to look in the cleaning aisle, not by the regular PURELL® hand sanitizer or hand soap.  Gabby and I had to do a bit of searching before we found the wipes!  They come in two different sizes- 35 and 70 count.

I know I'm not the only one who has a Spring spruce up in mind! Thinking of all of the germs that get passed around in the school and I thought our teacher might want to try out these 
PURELL® Hand Sanitizing Wipes, too! In the beginning of the year, we all donated school supplies but I figured the twins' teacher might need a little restock.

Consider a little PURELL® Spring spruce up for your favorite teacher to show you're thinking of them! There are a million different things to include, but here's what we are sending:

• PURELL® Hand Sanitizing Wipes-perfect for dirty post-recess hands
• Tissues- allergy season is coming!
• School Supples: pencils, dry erase markers, sticky notes, glue sticks

You'll be able to save $1 off canisters of PURELL® Hand Sanitizing Wipes NOW, so check them out! Be sure to join the PURELL® Loyalty Program! 

Have you seen new 
PURELL® Hand Sanitizing Wipes in stores yet?  What is the biggest cleaning job you're tackling this Spring?

A video posted by Ashleigh Evans (@itscheapash) on Mar 16, 2015 at 6:33pm PDT

Wear a FitBit? Earn some cash! #FitFluential

Who loves their FitBit?!  Mee! I got one almost two years ago and it's really help keep me active--or help me realize when I need to get movin' more!

I wear the Flex and I really love it--it tracks steps, sleep and calorie burn! Since I wear mine daily, I thought I would check out some ways to earn cash for using it!  Believe it or not, you CAN!  Here are my three favorites with some pros and cons.  You can join them all!

Keep in mind, this is a simple way to earn some extra money--it's not going to be a huge sum of money.  I like to use my points for household items, toiletries or makeup. 

Walgreens Wellness Program 

Connect your Fitbit (or other tracking device) to your Walgreens Balance Rewards card and earn 20 points per mile tracked!  You also get bonus points for connecting different apps and devices.  I also have My Fitness Pal on there.

PROS
Super easy to set up and a nice bonus if you shop frequently at Walgreens

CONS

Points don't add up very quickly--5000 points = $5

FitStudio

Connected to your ShopYourWay account (for Kmart and Sears).  I use this the most and I LOVE IT!!

PROS
Earn 5000 points ($5) for every 1500 calories burned OR when you walk/run 15 miles.  They add up FAST and I usually have at least $10 per week.  Great for buying items like toilet paper at Kmart. I also use them for socks, shoes, etc.  TIP: Use the Kmart website and order site to store! 

CONS

Points expire SO fast--usually 3 days. That is why I highly suggest site to store shopping online.  You get Ebates points and all you have to do is head to the service desk to get your order!  Also, you must live by a Kmart or Sears store for it to be worth it.

Pact

I've spoken about this before (I did a review for All You Magazine last spring), but I wanted to note that I still use the app a YEAR later and I love it!  Each week you make a fitness Pact and you get PAID if you reach your goals.  If you fail to reach your goals, though, you PAY THEM.

There are three categories: Gym, Food Log and Veggie.  You can do all three or pick and choose. Over the past year, I've made over $150 and only paid twice!

PROS
It truly keeps you on your toes and super motivated. No one wants to pay money!

CONS

You have to remember to use it! I will be in a rush at the gym and forget to log in BEFORE my workout, or I'll forget to snap a photo of my banana or salad when eating. It takes a while to set up a routine for using it.  

Have you tried any of these sites/apps before? Do you have one I didn't mention?  Let me know!

Bestowed Box Review + Giveaway!

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, but it does include affiliate links.  All opinions are my own.

I am a bit slow to jump on the monthly subscription box bandwagon.  I think it would be fun to try one a few times a year, but every month would get quite expensive on our budget!

There was something about Bestowed that seemed different to me, so I had to try it!  They send full sized healthy snacks, as well as samples and health items.

Here's what they had to say on their website:

Join Bestowed and each month we'll send 7-10 of the best healthy snacks, beverages, and lifestyle items straight to your door. Every product we feature is carefully selected by our team of experts led by nutritionist Heather Bauer.

In the February box, there were quite a few tasty treats!  I loved the Nature's Bakery Blueberry Fig bar and the Numi Chocolate Rooibos Tea (sounds crazy, but it was ah-mazing!). Most of the items were full sized, which is nice for a subscription box--sometimes you just get little samples. I shared some items with the family and the coupons were a nice bonus, especially for the tea which I loved! I really enjoyed the healthy treats, but I still think it's going to be a once-in-a-while treat, instead of monthly.

Interested? Join today and get 10% off Bestowed subscription with coupon code LOVEHEALTHY.

You can enter to win the March box by entering the QUICK giveaway below!

Bestowed Box Giveaway!