Tag Archives: children

Matilda Jane Spring Collection: It’s A Wonderful Parade (Review & #GIVEAWAY) @matildajanegals #SpringFashion

24 Apr

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Spring is finally here!  I’m cleaning out the closets and transitioning my girls clothing into Spring pieces that are colorful and great for either cool or warm Spring days.  Last  winter my daughter received an outfit from Matilda Jane’s Paint by Numbers collection (review here).  It was truly her favorite outfit in her closet.  She was so excited when she received another outfit from Matilda Jane’s newest collection for Spring, It’s A Wonderful Parade!  Her outfit (pictured below) is adorable and perfect for Spring.  She is wearing:

  • The Cloudy Puffer Tee, made with super soft cotton top and has a 3/4 length ruffled sleeve.
  • Love Bug Knot Top, bright, fun, colors. Wear with the Puffer Tee underneath on the cooler days and without on the warmer days.  For the summer, it looks cute paired with denim shorts.
  • Sweet Heart Ruffled Leggings, sweet for a little girl. My daughter loves the hearts and ruffled ankle.  Made with soft cotton, not too heavy.

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I love Matilda Jane Clothing because all their pieces are colorful and fun!  They are great quality.  I’m shocked with the amount of times my daughter wore her last outfit and the several times it’s been washed. There has been little fading but it still looks new.  The pieces are beautiful and will keep your little one looking like a little girl.  Some of our other favorites from the It’s A Wonderful Parade Collection include the Everything is Nice Dress, the All A Flutter Peasant Top, the Sorbet Circle Skirt, & the Bliss Shorties (pictured below left to right).

Images

Images from Matilda Jane

Matilda Jane is unique to purchase because it cannot be found in stores.   To purchase, you first have to find a Trunk Keeper.  Once you find a Trunk Keeper, you can order items from our one-of-a-kind collections by attending or hosting an in-home Trunk Show, or by directly contacting a Trunk Keeper with your online Wish List! To see the latest collections or to find out more visit www.matildajaneclothing.com!

GIVEAWAY: One lucky reader will have the chance to win a $50 Matilda Jane Clothing Gift Card!  Click HERE
to enter! Giveaway begins today and ends May 14, 2014 at 11:59 pm!  Good luck!

Disclaimer:  I received an outfit for the purpose of this review and a gift card to giveaway to one lucky reader.  This did not alter my opinions, all opinions expressed are my own.  Information in italics are from Matilda Jane.  All images are my own unless noted below.

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Create a Refreshing Look with Minted’s Art Prints

16 Feb

While I was stuck inside during the recent snow storms, I glanced around my apartment and realized it needs a little updating!  We’ve been in the same apartment for almost 5 years and have had the same decor and furniture so a little refresher is overdue!  In an online class with Jill Vegas, I learned you don’t have to get rid of all your furniture and start from scratch to change the look of a room.  You can do something as simple as adding flowers, using a piece of art, or changing the color of your throw pillows.

I was excited to learn one of my favorite sites, Minted, launched limited edition art prints created by independent artists and printed on archival paper.   I plan to do a little refreshing during my upcoming Spring Cleaning Project by adding new pieces of art to my walls.   I’ve found several limited edition prints I LOVE! It’s so hard to choose. Minted offers a Style Your Walls page to help find inspiration and ideas to get you started in creating a look for your walls you’ll love.

Christy Turlington Burns' inspiration for a simple and light design! Prints start at $28 for this gorgeous look!

Christy Turlington Burns, founder of Every Mother Counts, created a simple and light design! Image from Minted, click to get the look for your wall! Prints start at $28 for this gorgeous look!

One of the biggest challenges I’ve had in the past when I’ve looked for art work is finding the print in a size that works for my space.  Minted offers  various sizes  in 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″, 11 “x 14″, 16″ x 20″, 18″ x 24″, 30″ x 40″ and 44″ x 60” vertical prints and vice versa for horizontal.  Select prints have multiple color scheme options to choose from.  Framing options are also available so you don’t have to go to a frame shop and it can go straight on your wall!

The first space I hope to revamp is my girls room.  They have a play kitchen area that could use a little revamping and I would love to include other prints around the room! A few of my favorites are pictured below:

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Love the Tea Cozy print to go above their kitchen sink!

Language of Love

Language of Love Typography Art.  Image from Minted!

Customizable Prints are available to include birth and name information!

Custom Art Prints are available to include birth and name information!  Something I’ve yet to do for the girls. Image from Minted

Heart Snapshot Mix Custom Photo Art: My two girls share a room! A great print to showcase photos of "sister love" over the years!

Heart Snapshot Mix Custom Photo Art: My two girls share a room! A great print to showcase photos of “sister love” over the years! Image from Minted

Love these prints for my living room or bedroom:

A City at Night! Image in Midnight with Distressed Indigo Frame

A City at Night! Image in Midnight with Distressed Indigo Frame.  Image from Minted

Serene Forest in Taupe!

Serene Forest in Taupe! Image from Minted

West Elm collaborated with minted to support independent Artists. I love this Waterscape Color block! Image from and available at WestElm.com

West Elm collaborated with minted to support independent Artists. I love this Waterscape Color block! Image from and available at WestElm.com

Escape

Escape image from Minted

Not only did I find several gorgeous prints, I learned 2 percent of the proceeds from sales of Minted’s art will benefit Every Mother Counts, an advocacy and mobilization campaign founded by Christy Turlington Burns in 2010 to increase support for maternal mortality reduction globally (learn more here)!  Getting ready for your Spring Cleaning and/ or refreshing project?  Check out Minted’s limited edition prints that will add freshness to any wall in your home!

The Minted Design Challenge: From now until March 14, 2014 submit a design.  The minted community will vote and choose a winner whose design will be sold on Minted.  Learn more here.

Minted is also a wonderful site for stationary, gifts, and party supplies.

Disclaimer:  I received a credit towards minted for the purpose of this post however this did not alter my opinions. As always opinions expressed are my own.  Images and information about the prints came from Minted.com!

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MD Anderson Children’s Art Project: Gifts That Keep Giving

9 Dec

20131209-120723.jpgTis’ the Season of Baking and Gingerbread House decorating!  Every year we make Gingerbread Houses and bake Holiday cookies for teachers, parties, friends, family, and Holiday dinners.  My mother-in-law loves to bake and my girls love baking with their Babcia (granny in Polish), especially my oldest.  Last Christmas, my oldest spent an entire afternoon cutting cookie dough, filling them with jam, and watching them bake in the oven with her Babcia.   This Holiday season my mother-in-law will be visiting and my oldest is ready to bake with Babcia.  It’s a great way for the girls to bond with their grandmother and they will have lasting memories, not to mention her cookies and cakes are AMAZING! My girls have been in the Christmas spirit for quite some time and are anxious to make Holiday cookies and decorate gingerbread houses. Our Elf on the Shelf, Snowflake, left adorable aprons and a santa plate designed by two pediatric patients at the MD Anderson Cancer (Children’s Art Project) Center along with an Elf on the Shelf Gingerbread House to use for their afternoons baking and decorating! What a great way to celebrate the holiday spirit!

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The Children’s Art Project began in 1973 at the MD Anderson Pediatric Cancer Center.  A volunteer had an idea to use a child’s artwork for a Holiday card.  Since then it has grown from Holiday cards to other products including decor, jewelry, stationary, iPhone covers, Christopher Radko ornaments, clothing and lots more.  This Holiday season you can purchase gifts that keep giving from the MD Anderson Cancer (Children’s Art Project) Center.  Through worldwide sales of young cancer patients’ original artwork featured on seasonal note cards and gift items, the project has returned more than $30 million to programs that benefit pediatric cancer patients and their families. The Children’s Art Project’s highest priority is ensuring young patients have opportunities to live a more normal childhood. Each year, the programs funded through sales touch more than 26,000 pediatric patients and families.  For more information about MD Anderson Cancer (Children’s Art Project) Center click the link or follow them on twitter and facebook.

About the products we received:

The Deer Trio Apron designed by Caitlyn is available in sizes for Grandma (or Mommy) and Child.  A great gift or stocking stuffer this Holiday season!  The aprons tie at the neck and waist. Machine washable!  Click the link to see Caitlyn’s story and other products with her artwork.

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The Santa Fluff Plate by Agostina is great for displaying snacks or cookies for play dates and Holiday gatherings.   Leave some cookies and carrots out on Christmas Eve for Santa and his reindeer.  You can also use a plate wall hanger to make this cute plate part of your Holiday decor.  A great gift to go along with the aprons for all the grandma’s who love baking with their grandchildren.  The plate is 11-¾” x 9-¼” made from translucent, fused glass. Hand wash.  Not for microwave! Click the link for other products designed by Agostina!

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As we use our plates and aprons, pictures will be posted on Instagram.

Cherish the Season!

Disclaimer:  I received products for the purpose of this post.  All ideas and opinions expressed are my own.  Information in italics came from the MD Anderson Cancer (Children’s Art Project) Center!  

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Win It Wednesday: A #Holiday #Giveaway!

4 Dec

I’m behind on my Holiday shopping.  If you are like me and haven’t begun, this giveaway will help you get started:

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What you will win:

Safety First BoostAPak (link to my review): The BoostAPak isn’t your average booster seat.  The booster seat/ backpack designed by Safety First and Trunki makes traveling fun and easy with enough room to pack favorite toys and art supplies or clothes for an overnight stay.

Easy-Bake Oven Signed by Gail Simmons: At the Easy-Bake Oven 50th Anniversary Celebration, Gail Simmons shared recipes and signed Easy-Bake Ovens.  Here is your chance to win one!

Pillow Pet Magical Unicorn:  A pillow and stuffed animal in one.  Great for long car rides so you child can rest his/her head or snuggle up with.  The unicorn is a favorite for us.

Brush Pet Magical Unicorn and cover: New from the makers of Pillow Pets, Brush Pets  talk and teach kids the right way to brush for the recommended 2 minutes.  They let you know when brushing is over.  A fun way to encourage good dental habits early.

Click the link to ENTER the giveaway!  All entries must be received by December 10, 2013 at 11:59pm! Good Luck and Happy Holidays! 

Disclaimer:  I received items for the purpose of this giveaway.  All images came from the companies website.

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Take A Trip Around the World This Holiday With Green Kid Crafts

19 Nov

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Most afternoons turn into a play date with friends but some days it’s nice to come home and take it easy.  When we aren’t having a play date with friends my oldest likes to sit at the table and do some kind of art project.  Usually, she just pulls out her crayons and colors because I am in the process of getting dinner together and don’t want to pull out a million art supplies.  Green Kid Crafts, an eco-friendly company that designs creative activities to do with kids through art boxes that spark creativity, build confidence, and cultivate respect and love for the environment.  Discovery boxes are filled with supplies and instructions for hands-on learning, making afternoon crafts easier. We recently received a sample of the Around the World II discovery Kit.  The kit included materials to make:

GreenCraftKids

A Chinese Hand Kite that really flies

GKC Chinese kite

Guatemalan Worry Dolls and a Worry Box

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Aboriginal Rock Art from Australia

GKC RockArt

I LOVED this box because it teaches about other parts of the world.  The instruction cards for each project also explain the history behind the culture and the traditions.  My daughter,5, had a lot of fun making the projects but needed help on the activities.   She loved learning about the different cultures. Her best friend was in Australia at the time and was excited to tell her about the rock art when she returned.  Her cousin was adopted from Guatemala.  She wants to ask him if he ever received a worry doll.  After the Chinese hand kite was complete, her and her sister ran around the apartment trying to fly it for luck.  A passport is also included in the box.  After visiting each county, my daughter was so excited to stamp her passport.  This Holiday I will be purchasing the Around the World I which includes projects from Japan, India, and Africa!

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Around the World I, Image from Green Kid Crafts

Check out all the Discovery Boxes available at Green Kid Crafts! Stocking Stuffers, Holiday boxes and Party Favors are also available!

Give Green Kid Crafts as a gift this Holiday Season or join now to get started on your first discovery box:

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Disclaimer:  I received a sample discovery box to review.  This did not alter my opinions.  All opinions expressed are my own.  Information in italics is from Green Kid Crafts.

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Win It Wednesday: Family Pass To Hip Tot Music Fest in Brooklyn (#GIVEAWAY)

13 Nov
Image from Hip Tot

Image from Hip Tot

My girls love music!  They love to sing and dance to their favorite songs!  I recently learned about the Hip Tot Music Festival which brings live music, featuring some of our favorite kids bands, to Brooklyn.  A fun outing, I know my girls would love.

The 2013-14 season of Hip Tot Music Fest concerts are in full swing! Looking for a fun day out with the family or a gift for the Holidays your entire family will enjoy, ENTER to win a Family Pass (4 Tickets) to an upcoming concert (your choice) at ShapeShifter Lab in Park Slope.

Upcoming Concerts :

To Enter:

  • Comment on this post with the concert you and your family would like to see!

Additional Entries:

Please leave a comment for every entry! All entries must be submitted  by 11.59 p.m. EST on November 27, 2013!

Purchase tickets here!

Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received a Family Pass to giveaway.

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Make Traveling Easier, Especially This Holiday Season!

6 Nov

It’s hard to believe Halloween is over and Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner.  Every year we travel to see family.  We are in the process of figuring out how we are getting to and from.  Traveling by train and plane can get tricky because we have to think  about a car seat and booster seat to help us get to and from.  If  booking last-minute, renting from a car rental company be an option because they could be sold out.  It also gets tricky when traveling alone because I need hands to help my girls and can’t carry the booster, push a stroller and carry the luggage.  The less I have to carry, the better!

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We recently had the opportunity to try the BoostAPak, a booster seat and back pack in one created by Safety 1st and Trunki.   Did you know the law requires all children under 12 years old or 135cm in height to use a booster seat? This backless booster is for ages 4- 12 and 40-80 pounds. It is great for car pools or travel as it moves easily from car to car and fits into an overhead aircraft bin. It also has a unique, patented fold-out seat belt guides, and a durable plastic shell. Retails for $69.99 at BuyBuyBaby (click link to purchase)!

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Why we love it:

  • Easy to install
  • Small, compact and easy to store in small city apartments.
  • My daughter thinks it’s “cool”.  She WANTS to carry it on her back, making it easier for me so I have free hands to help her and her sister.
  • She can fit a pair of PJ’s, her teddy, and an outfit or two, and her toothbrush and rainbow loom for an overnight trip to visit her godmother on LI or to visit relatives in NJ.
  • My parents relocated to South Carolina.  I know I will be flying alone this summer, the BoostAPak will be great for my daughter to bring coloring books, crayons, and other toys to keep busy and I won’t have to buy multiple booster seats for cars.

Traveling this Holiday season? Here are Travel Safety tips from Julie Vallese, Consumer Safety Expert for Safety 1st:

  • According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 75% of car seats on the road are installed incorrectly.
  • The safest place to install a car seat is typically in the center of the rear seat.
  • Check in with a local Child Passenger Safety Technician to ensure your child’s seat is installed correctly. You can visit a local police station, fire station, AAA office or Safe Kids Chapter for guidance.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to keep their toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age 2. It also advises that most children will need to ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until they have reached 4 feet 9 inches tall and are between 8 and 12 years of age.
  • Don’t leave a child alone in the car. Hyperthermia is a severe form of heat stroke and last year 32 children died after being left or trapped in a hot vehicle. You can learn more about this issue and easy tips to prevent it here.
  • Childproof the inside of the car and eliminate projectiles. Anything in the car that is not secured is a possible projectile – even a child’s toy, or a water bottle. In a crash, objects take on greater weight due to crash forces.
  • Make sure unused shoulder belts are not in reach of children as they can pose strangulation risk.
  • Car seats expire! You can find the expiration date on the back of the car seat. Also, another very important tip – once a car seat has been in a crash you should not use it, plastic can warp and materials can fray. To properly dispose of a car seat check with your local waste management facility to see if they recycle number 5 plastic.

Safe travels this Holiday season!

Disclaimer:  I received a BoostAPak for review.  All images and opinions expressed are my own.  Information in italics came from a press release or the BoostApak website.

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Getting Ready For The Holidays with Kiwi Crate

4 Nov

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In September, I attended the Fashion Forward Conference where I discovered Kiwi Crate.  My girls LOVE doing crafts and LOVE receiving packages in the mail.    Kiwi Crate mails a crate of materials and inspiration for 2-3 activities to your home.  Perfect to have handy when stuck inside on cold and/or rainy afternoons!

Join and have a new theme crate sent to your home every month.  Examples include gardening, dinosaurs, and space.

Image from Kiwi Crate

Image from Kiwi Crate

Additional materials can be added to the crate for $9.95 a month so siblings can create and do the activities together.

Purchase Single Crates and choose your craft!  Perfect for gifts.  Holiday crates are available too!

From L to R: Space Hero, Fairy Fun, Antarctic Adventure, Thanksgiving Turkeys (all Images from Kiwi Crate)

From L to R: Space Hero, Fairy Fun, Antarctic Adventure, Thanksgiving Turkeys (all Images from Kiwi Crate)

We recently had the opportunity to try the Thanksgiving Turkeys Crate.  A wonderful activity to get you in the Thanksgiving spirit.  The crate includes materials to create Turkey Place Cards and A Turkey Game!  Picture Instruction cards are included for each activity, making it easy for you child to put it together with little help.

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Easy

Easy to make! My 5 year-old was able to put them together on her own, with little help.  These place cards would be adorable to have at your Thanksgiving feast.

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A fun game to play with friends and family this Thanksgiving. Color the Turkey and feathers. Follow the picture instructions to put together. Throw the ball to see if you can knock over the feathers.  Our Turkey wouldn’t stay up so we used our Kiwi Crate box to add support.

I’m excited to order the girls more crates especially the Christmas Crates and stocking stuffers!

Disclaimer:  I did not receive compensation for this post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  I received a sample crate for the purpose of this review.

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Trick-Or-Treat For UNICEF

29 Oct

Last night the girls and I headed to Dylan’s Candy Bar to join The Moms and Laura Marano, actress and star of the Disney Channel series Austin and Ally.  The event was held to educate and highlight the 2013 Trick-or-Treat For UNICEF campaign!  I was excited for my girls to learn about Trick-or-Treat For UNICEF because they will be the third generation in my family helping save lives.

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For those unfamiliar, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more.  The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States.  Together, we are working toward the day when ZERO children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood.

Trick-or-Treat For UNICEF began in 1950 by a family collecting change at Halloween for children left vulnerable from World War II. Sixty-three years later, children continue to raise millions to help other children around the world.  No matter how big or small the donation, every penny counts.   How you can help:

The Trick-or-Treat School Challenge for Teachers:  Beginning October 1st through January 31,2013, K-6 teachers can submit a video or another form of creative visual media, demonstrating how their students are helping kids around the world through their efforts surrounding Trick-or-Treat For UNICEF.  Resources, lesson plans, and things to do with the class are available on the Trick-or-Treat For UNICEF website to help get started!

Families:  If your school isn’t participating in the Challenge, your family can help by downloading everything you need.  After Halloween, send your money and donation form to: Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, 125 Maiden Lane, New York, New York 10038

Clubs and Groups : Get your soccer team, cub scout den or girl scout troop to help too!

Make this Halloween a happy one for those in need.  Join children all over and Trick-or-Treat For UNICEF! 

These items also benefit UNICEF:

UNICEF “I Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” tote from HSN, Chasing Fireflies, and Grandin Road available in Orange and black until October 31st!

Image from Chasing Fireflies

Image from Chasing Fireflies

IKEA “Soft Toys for Education”: For every purchase from the soft toy collection between November  10th – January 4th, the IKEA Foundation will give one euro to support UNICEF.

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Image from IKEA

Gifts and cards from shop.unicefusa.org!

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Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  I received a gift bag for attending the event which included items that help the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.  All information came from the event, the UNICEF website, and a press memo.

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I’m SMILING IT FORWARD™, You Can Too! #SPON #SmilingItForward

14 Oct

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I’m SMILING IT FORWARD™ because I can always count on TYLENOL® when my girls get sick. No matter how many parenting books I read when I was pregnant, they didn’t prepare me for the first time my daughter got sick. The first few times her temperature spiked above 100 degrees, I ran straight to the doctor. They assured me everything was OK, it was just a virus, and to give her a little TYLENOL®. Five years and another daughter later, I’ve learned that I don’t have to run to the doctor every time but if I need to I’ve realized that I am very fortunate to have good health care.

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A month into the new school year and the change of seasons, I know my girls will be getting sick soon.  Starting with a sniffle, a cough, or constantly grabbing at their ear, the next thing I know, I kiss their forehead and they are burning up. My sweet energetic little girls become cranky, lethargic and no longer want to do the things they love. A couple of days later, after TYLENOL®, lots of comforting with hugs, kisses and love from their favorite stuffed animals, the spark comes back and I can see my girls coming back to life. They are ready for dance parties, play dates, scooter rides in the park and they are back to the daily routine. Nothing makes me happier then when they “feel better” and fill the room with laughter with a big SMILE on their face.

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The makers of TYLENOL® were so inspired by the “feel better” smiles shared organically by moms across the country online that they’ve teamed up with How I Met Your Mother star and mom of two, Alyson Hannigan, to launch the SMILING IT FORWARD™ campaign. Together, they hope to set the power of giving in motion, inviting everyone to share smiles of good health to help children in need.

I’m excited to be part of this wonderful campaign.  You can SMILE IT FORWARD™ too!  Between September 17, 2013 and January 31, 2014, McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., the makers of TYLENOL®, is inviting anyone 18 and older to share a photo that makes them smile on SmilingItForward.com. Each photo approved & shared will trigger a $1.00 donation from TYLENOL® to Children’s Health Fund, with a minimum donation of $75,000 and a maximum donation of $100,000. Review Terms and Conditions for complete program details. For information about Children’s Health Fund, visit www.childrenshealthfund.org.

 

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Disclaimer: I have received information (in italics) and products from McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., the makers of TYLENOL®. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks.

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