Put an End to Bad Brushing with Disclosing Tablets from Smile Brilliant!

Abby H.

Getting your kids to brush their teeth can be a struggle. When I was a kid my mom used disclosing tablets, but when I went to go find some for my kids, I was unable to find them anywhere.

Recently I was contacted by Smile Brilliant to try their Plaque Highlighters, which are awesome disclosing tablets made with food based/natural dyes (which is great for those of us who avoid synthetic dyes).

These plaque highlighters are easy to use:

  1. Chew 1 tablet and swish around in your mouth for 30 seconds. Spit the excess out into the sink. The temporary dye will highlight that yucky stuff!
  2. After spitting, rinse your mouth with water. This removes all the excess dye and makes the plaque and tartar more obvious.
  3. Brush, rinse, floss, and repeat until all the stains are gone. Have fun seeing how quickly you can get your teeth squeaky clean!

I couldn’t get the kids to “model” their dirty/unbrushed teeth, as they were grossed out by what the Plaque Disclosing Tablets revealed. So I took one for the team. I didn’t brush my teeth in the morning, then ate breakfast, and then chomped down on the Disclosing Tablets.

The before and after. I won’t lie, you gotta get in there and brush brush brush, floss, and rinse.

My kids have been using these Disclosing Tablets for about a week and they LOVE them. Besides the “Who has the grossest teeth” daily contest, it’s showing the kids that brushing well does have its perks.  Brushing well and long enough can be a struggle for those with neurodivergency, whether it be ADHD, ADD, ODD, or Autism. I can tell you that it’s been a struggle to get the big kid to brush long/well enough because he is inattentive to activities that don’t hold his attention (or seem “exciting”).

And if you are interested in these for yourself or another grown-up in your life, Smile Brilliant makes disclosing tablets for grownups too!

Enjoy 25% off any set of plaque highlighters with coupon code usfg25

Disclaimer: I received a box of Smile Brillant Plaque Highlighters in exchange for my review from Smile Brilliant and US Family Guide. All opinions are my own. I received no financial compensation for this review. I only post about products and services I personally use and I feel are a good fit for my family and my readers. Please refer to my disclosure page.

AO Opinions: Upcoming Supplement Project Pays $125!

Abby H.

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that I get information from. Right now they are recruiting for an upcoming research study on the subject of Nutritional Supplements.

This research study is a little different in that they are looking for an older demographic. Please share this post with anyone you might think would qualify.

In my experience, it’s rare that there are opportunities for those 50+.

  • To be considered, complete the pre-screener survey here.
  • Compensation: $125 (if chosen)
  • Open to: 55-79 year olds
  • Wednesday, September 29th, 2021  or Thursday, September 30th, 2021 at various times.

 

Fetch Rewards: 50 pts on all restaurant receipts!

Abby H.

WOO HOO! This offer came at the right time. Our fridge died on Monday, so we’re eating a lot of shelf-stable foods and stuff that can be safely stored in a cooler.

That also means we are picking up some stuff to go a little more than I like, but Fetch Rewards has my back!

Fetch Rewards Restaurants & Rewards celebration starts today and lasts through September 26.

On the menu: all restaurant receipts earn at least 50 points! Plus pick up Special Offers for your favorite spots, and we’ll be giving away thousands of points in prizes. Fetch Rewards will be announcing other surprises throughout the week. Check it all out in the app and on their social media now!

If you haven’t signed up for Fetch Rewards yet, or want to learn more, check out my post here. Find the Fetch Rewards app in your app store, and when you download it and scan any receipt, use my code ND2TB when you sign up and you’ll score 2,000 bonus points. I’ve earned over $300 in rewards in 2021 alone, just by purchasing my regular groceries and scanning in all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it).

It is simple, takes minutes, and the points really rack up!

Free Webinar: Talking About Anxiety and Depression in Children

Abby H.

Have you noticed that your children has been upset, anxious, depressed, or otherwise stressed? Check out this webinar offered by Sharp Health for free. It takes place on 9/30/2021 at 12pm.

Unprecedented changes in routine due to the pandemic — mixed with constant stress from social media and the news — has made the life of adolescents and teens more complex than ever.

Join Sharp Mesa Vista’s Child and Adolescent Program for a free webinar on how parents, teachers and school counselors can better identify and address signs that a child or teen may be struggling with significant mental distress, including anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts.

During this webinar, you will learn more about:

  • Recent statistics on anxiety and depression in youth
  • Implications of the pandemic on anxiety and depression
  • Typical developmental changes in children and teens and warning signs of significant anxiety and depression
  • Awareness of suicidal thoughts and risks and responding to a crisis
  • How to talk to children and teens about what they are going through
  • General support for a child with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms
  • Knowing when and how to seek support

To learn more, or sign up, click here. 

Rubio’s Hiring Event: All Locations September 29, 2021

Abby H.

If you are looking for a job, check out this opportunity!

Greet the team, meet the team and join the team. Rubio’s Coastal Grill, home of the Original Fish Taco, is planning a company-wide hiring event across California, Arizona and Nevada. On Wednesday September 29, applicants are invited to any Rubio’s location from 2–4 pm. No appointments or sign-ups are needed, just the goal of leaving with a job…and a free meal card for any Rubio’s entrée!

Rubio’s is looking to fill approximately 500 job openings, including:

·      Line Cooks
·      Cashiers
·      Shift Leaders
·      Assistant Managers

Applicants should apply at https://www.rubios.com/amazing-people, either at the event using a mobile device or in advance to expedite the process. Friendly and enthusiastic applicants should be prepared to answer questions during a short interview and to follow all COVID-19 safety procedures, such as wearing a mask and social distancing.

Managers at all Rubio’s locations across California, Arizona, and Nevada will be on hand to share details about each position, including:

·      Competitive wages (including tips averaging $3 per hour)
·      Flexible work schedules
·      50% off shift meals
·      Opportunities for advancement
·      Employee benefits packages – medical, dental, and vision plans
·      401K plan with company match

Plus, everyone who interviews will receive a complimentary Rubio’s meal card, good for any entrée on the menu. Rubio’s is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Rubio’s participates in E-Verify.

Kabrita’s NEW Free Trial Kit – $50 Value!

Abby H.

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Starting today Kabrita’s Free Trial Kit has undergone a transformation! Now the trial kit has a value of $50!

3 150g boxes of Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula, 1 bag of Snack Puffs with Goat Cheese, with some shown in a bowl, and 2 coupons

As of September 22, each kit will come with:

    • 3 boxes of Goat Milk Toddler Formula—that’s 24, 4oz servings!
    • 1 bag of Snack Puffs with Goat Cheese
    • $14 worth of coupons

*$4.99 Shipping & Handling applies at check-out, limited to one offer per household. This is not a subscription. Please note, our Trial Offer may include either the Apple Cinnamon or Multigrain Porridge.

When my littles were wee, they both had delicate tummies. It’s hard to know what kinds of formula to trust, so after lots of research, trying samples, and talking to other moms (really our pediatrician was ZERO help- she’s a nice lady, but formula wasn’t her wheelhouse), I stumbled upon Kabrita.

Our pediatrician is really big on making sure babies get prebiotics and probiotics, especially if they are formula fed. Kabrita has prebiotics, which are a natural digestive aid.

I like Kabrita because it doesn’t have any added white or processed sugar- just lactose, the sweetener from milk! Also, Kabrita formula smells like goats milk and tastes like goats milk. I will confess: after smelling some formulas I wouldn’t want to taste them, but I tried an ounce of Kabrita once just to see. It tastes like goats milk.

All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. I’ve used Kabrita for both of my kids. This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

September 2021: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I get probably 1-2 products to sample each month. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

Social Nature has rounded up products that are available to try at a local grocery store or mass merchandiser near you.  Apply to Try the products that interest you to see if you’re a match here.

Here are some of the new sampling opportunities:

  • Frozen Wraps By Cool Beans
  • Cauliflower Burgers By Dr. Praeger’s
  • Nitro Cold Brew Coffee By NITRO Beverage Co.
  • Organic Oatmilk Pudding By noops
  • Plant-Based Milk Alternative By NotCo
  • Keto-Friendly Tortilla By Unbun Foods
  • Nitro Cold Brew Coffee By RISE Brewing Co

 

And one of the things I love about Social Nature is that they don’t leave our friends with food allergies out.

There are sampling offers for Gluten-free, nut-free, meat-free foods frequently.

Canadian Friends- You are in luck, there are sampling opportunities for you too! So if you love trying new products, check out Social Nature!

9/19/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI spent all weekend at home, hanging with kiddos and doing meal prep. I made peanut butter chocolate chip cookies (recipe here), and roasted veggies for various meals. I also made some omelet starters- various cooked veggies, ready to be added to eggs (along with cheese, because c’mon- CHEESE!)

I went grocery shopping on Thursday, and I split a share from Porchlight with my buddy Brooke.  The only thing I need to buy for the week is maybe some milk later in the week.

The CSA box will be here tomorrow AM and I’ll prepare some salads, more roasted veggies, and maybe even some soup (fingers crossed!).

Veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $25, it’s a great deal. I don’t have to pick anything, go to the store, or carry it upstairs. I can’t go to the store and get the same amount we get weekly for $25. Seriously. It’s a deal.

And I’ve been getting a lot of really great freebies from Social Nature lately too. It’s fun to try new foods.

For those of you that are new to meal planning, I’ve got an easy 101 style post here with super easy tips and steps. After you get that down, here is info about batch or freezer cooking.

I’ve gotten a pretty good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge done (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I’m able to plan meals and use up what we’ve got with little waste. If you are looking for a kitchen inventory printable, I have made my own and you can find them for sale here on my Etsy Store.

I only post our dinner plans for the week, because our other meals are usually the same each day.

Breakfast: Coffee with 1/2 and 1/2  for me, and pancakes or something along those lines for the kids. They are also into fruit and bagels for breakfast. The Ancient Grain bagels from Einstein Bros. are the current family favorite. I pick them up on Mondays when a dozen is only $7. I slice them and freeze them to keep them from going bad too quickly.

Lunch: I have a plastic tote in the cupboard full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. I’m back to packing lunches again. However, school lunches are free this year, but so far, there is nothing on the menu that appeals to the kids.

Dinner: We’ve got a pretty good schedule down for dinners. We have nuggets (vegetarian for the boy child, chicken for the rest) on the nights that we have respite. It’s quick to prepare and clean up, and I can serve it on our cafeteria trays with other fingers foods (we have trays like these) like cut-up fruit, crackers, and cheese. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday: Roasted Veggies, Salad, Quesadillas
  • Monday: Veggie Chili, Sourdough Rolls, Fruit
  • Tuesday: Shakshuka, Rice, Fruit
  • Wednesday: Nugget night, fruit, cheese, and crackers
  • Thursday: Parm crusted Turkey Breast, Fruit Salad, Kale Salad
  • Friday:  Takeout Night
  • Saturday: Leftovers, fruit

Please stay safe you guys!

Fashion Friday 9/16/21: COZY Sweatshirt & Hoodie Collection Starting At ONLY $15.99

Abby H.

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Are you ready for cooler temps and snuggly soft sweatshirts?
Cents of Style is hooking us up this week!Favorite Tops

With so many styles, colors, and graphics to choose from, and in sizes S-3XL, there is something for everyone!

Oh, and there are hoodies too!

The coupon code is BYESUMMER and it takes an EXTRA 20% OFF the lowest marked price making them start at ONLY $15.99!

Don’t forget FREE Shipping over $35! The code is active until 9/21/21 at midnight!

Easy Hummus Recipe!

Abby H.

Yesterday in my tabouli recipe, I mentioned I’d be sharing a hummus recipe soon. Here we are!

This recipe is super easy, and you can pick up all the ingredients in any grocery store, on Amazon, or even at Target.

Ingredients:

  • 2 15.5 oz canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup tahini (I like Tumeric Tahini from Havens Kitchen)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped (or you can use 1 teaspoon chopped jarred garlic)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 t. cumin
  • salt to taste
  • Garnishes (optional): additional olive oil, everything but the bagel seasoning, toasted sesame seeds, a sprinkle of cumin, sumac, chopped parsley)

Directions:

  1. In a food processor/blender, blend all of the ingredients (except the garnishes)
  2. If the hummus is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water and blend again. repeat as needed, adding up to 3 teaspoons of water.
  3. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Pour into a bowl, top with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and any other additional garnishes as needed.
  5. Serve with veggies, pita, or chips/crackers.

This recipe is vegan, and gluten-free.