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How To Choose A Family Car | 2016 MAZDA CX-5
- 11:04 am
- 0 comments
- by Adanna Dill
I think most of us millennial moms start feeling more “grown up” around this time of the year. With the year ending and a new year approaching, we start evaluating everything to determine what’s working and where we could improve our lives. It’s around this time last year, that Mr. Rattles and I decided that our sedan was no longer a good fit for our family and our evolving lifestyle. We needed a new vehicle that would be a better fit for our busy urban family that would have enough space for things we now needed like soccer chairs etc. We read lots of reviews before deciding on the vehicle that we purchased. Many times, we felt overwhelmed by all of the information and sometimes it was just so much auto jargon that we just ended up making a list of 5 must-haves, the things we knew that our family needed in a vehicle. I wanted to share those 5 things with you and share how the 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring fits the list well.

1.Safety

As a mom, the most important thing is my kids safety and I am certain you feel the same way. The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is very safe for families with small children thanks to features like lane departure warning, LATCH car seat anchors, and my favorite — blind spot detection system with rear cross traffic alert.

2. Space

If you’re looking for a family car, you’re going to need lots of space! Don’t cross off vehicles that look small on the outside, you may be surprised by how roomy the interior is. I found that to be the case with the Mazda CX-5. I drove the CX-5 during The Princess Fairy’s birthday weekend and it was perfect for everything from shopping for her class party, to getting her and her fairy wings to her birthday celebration without the rest of the family suffering because of all of her stuff.

3. Fuel Costs

I think we’re all on the same page about avoiding a gas guzzler! Research the annual cost of gas for all the vehicles you’re considering, especially if you do lots of driving.

4. Luxury Features

I’m a lover of fine things! I want all the fancy trimmings! The 2016 Mazda Cx-5 Grand Touring has luxury features like leather seating, BOSE speakers, sunroof, heated seated and a non-negotiable for The Princess Fairy — XM radio — since she needs her Kidz Bop station at all times.

5. Style

I left style as the last option because I know that it’s the first thing that attracts us to a vehicle. How many times have you been in traffic and said “Oh, that’s going to be my next car.” The style of the car is what will get you into the dealership. The Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring is slick, modern and savvy. I really love it in the Soul Red color but it comes in many other beautiful colors.

The Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring was loaned to my family for this review. Learn more about the Mazda CX-5 and locate a local dealership here.

Are you looking for a new car? What do you think about the 2016 Mazda CX-5 ?
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What’s in The Princess Fairy’s Lunchbox?
- 10:16 am
- 0 comments
- by Adanna Dill
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HorizonLunch #CollectiveBias

One of the things that I had a challenging time with when The Princess Fairy was in Pre-K was packing her lunchbox. I would check her lunchbox the minute she got into the car to see if she ate her lunch and I found my heart sinking too many times when I felt the weight of her lunchbox knowing that her food was still in there. Things are better now but they certainly aren’t perfect and we still run into those days where she comes back home with a packed lunchbox but they are rare and so I felt like I am finally in the position to share what’s in The Princess Fairy’s unicorn lunchbox.

Butterfly shaped Sandwich

My daughter loves when I use cookie cutters to make a butterfly shaped sandwiches because she has fun using her fruits and veggies to make her butterfly come to life.

Grapes

There is always a fruit in her lunchbox, we rotate them between grapes, mangoes, strawberries and apples so she doesn’t get bored.

Water

It’s important that my daughter is hydrated while she’s at school so she’s able to perform at her best. I’ve been using a new infused water bottle which she loves.

Chocolate Flavored Horizon Milk

The kids both love Horizon Milk! As a parent, I feel confident about them drinking Horizon Milk since it contains 8 grams of protein per milk box, is an excellent source of calcium, doesn’t have high fructose corn syrup and is flavored with organic cocoa. With the release of The Peanuts Movie, the kids are excited to see some of the movie’s characters on some of the Horizon packaging at Walmart where we purchase it.

Carrots

When The Princess Fairy was two she went almost overnight from hating to loving carrots. A mother’s dream 🙂 She eats carrots all the time so it’s always an option in her lunch box that I know she would definitely eat.

Horizon Fruit Pouches

These pouches are the ultimate! Don’t ask me how I know, just remember a mom must test drive the food her kids eat *wink* Both of my children loves these pouches, especially the orange flavor and they contain 5 grams of protein. So, what exactly is inside of these pouches? A creamy blend of milk and real fruit.

Stickers

My daughter is curious and loves to explore new things. I want her to be settled enough to eat her lunch while enjoying her friends company so I add stickers to her lunch box that she can use and share with her friends.

Note

I’m not into sending notes daily! I want my daughter to really enjoy them and I know that with her curiosity she would get bored very quickly so I send them spontaneously.

So, this is everything in my daughter’s lunchbox. Of course, I rotate her meals so she doesn’t have the same lunch daily so look out for some lunchbox-friendly recipes 🙂

What your family’s favorite Horizon products?
Kids Fashion, Kids Natural Hair, Sponsored
The Princess Fairy OOTD + Kidizoom Smartwatch DX GIVEAWAY (Closed)
- 11:41 pm
- 17 Comments
- by Adanna Dill
This product has been provided by VTech; however all opinions expressed are my own.

The Princess Fairy is growing up y’all! If you follow me on social media, I’ve been bragging about her and her success in Kindergarten. She’s currently the student of the month and we are happy and proud to see how much she is thriving. My daughter has also developed her own style! She lets me know when my outfit choices for her doesn’t meet her taste and would make suggestions to change it up. I think it’s cute and I usually allow her to lead since I believe style is an expression of who we are.

Her hairstyle is a Curlformers set that we did on Saturday. I shared how I do the Curlformers style a few years ago.

This outfit is all her and her love for soft pastel colors. I’m happy that this fall, pastel colors are trending and this Target sweater is perfectly soft and warm. She loves the pretty stones along the neckline that gives the impression of a necklace. I couldn’t find the exact sweater but here’s a similar one.

One of her favorite accessories is the Kidizoom Smartwatch DX which is wearable technology for my little techie girl. She’s loves making videos and playing all the games especially working on her math skills.

I love that the Kidizoom Smartwatch DX shows kids how to tell time in various different ways. It can really be customized to your child. This watch would make a great holiday gift and you get it at reduced price until November 23rd, 2015. The Princess Fairy is obsessed with calendars (that may be my fault) and she loves that the Kidizoom Smartwatch DX has calendar and calculator features. My son loves this watch, but he’s going to have to wait to get his own since the recommended age group is 4-9 year olds.

She’s also rocking the Dr. Martens Delaney’s which is her favorite boots this fall. They are super cute and trendy. She loved the color and I love the edginess and how versatile they are. The Dr. Marten’s Delaney’s look great with skirts and pants.

You can learn more about the Kidizoom Smartwatch DX on their website or follow them on Twitter and Facebook! Make sure to enter to win a Kidizoom Smartwatch DX below. (US Residents only)

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