Category Archives: Tips & Reviews

Sweet Memories

March 10, 2017Tips & ReviewsChocolate, Milka Oreosabines

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

Milka OREO

The Milka chocolate was tantalizingly on display at the store. Stacks and bins (sometimes pallets) of it heaped up for all to drool over…every variety and flavor combination you can think of.

Living in Germany, many years ago, prepared me for the onslaught of chocolate bars displayed in the supermarket. Milka is the most popular chocolate in Germany. Everyone knows the purple cow on the Milka packaging.

Milka OREO

I absolutely love Milka chocolate. It’s the first chocolate I ever tasted. Milka is heavenly. It’s like symphony to my taste buds, so sweet and so fulfilling. During the cold German winters, my mom and I often drank Jasmine tea and ate our favorite Milka bars. We knitted sweaters, talked and snacked. That was before the internet and texting. Good times for sure. MILKA OREO

At 18, I moved to the U.S. For years my mom would send over packages full of Milka bars. Getting that package felt like Christmas every single time. I remember I would carefully save the Milka chocolate bars for a long time, because I did not want the amazing experience of eating the bars come to an end. Milka OREO

Last week, I had my first bite of the new Milka OREO bar. It’s so delicious. Seriously, you need to try this combo. The rich, creamy, smooth taste brought back memories of my time in Germany. While eating the Milka Oreo Chocolate Candy Bar, I started looking for old photographs. I found photos of my mom, grandma, sister, and other relatives. To this day I can’t figure it out how my sister always knew where our mom kept the Milka stash. Milka

The OREO and Milka chocolate compliment each other well. OREO cookie pieces mixed in rich vanilla creme and coated in Milka. Amazing and delicious!

Why are you still reading this? Head over to your Walmart candy aisle and buy one ( or two) right now!!! When you buy Milka OREO at Walmart you get it at an everyday low price and you can also earn $1 with Ibotta.

I bought five including the Milka Oreo Big Crunch Bar. Now I have my own Milka OREO stash. I can’t even tell you how much I enjoy it. At night, I light a candle, grab a book and blanket, make tea and nibble on Milka OREO. Probably the best time of the day.

Milka

Milka OREO

Calling All Musicians! #FolgersJingle

February 9, 2017Tips & ReviewsChris Young, coffee, contest, Folgers Jingle, musicianssabines

“This post was sponsored by Folgers as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines concerning the use of endorsement and testimonials in advertising. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.”

#folgersJingle

Coffee has been around for centuries and is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Many people rely on this beverage to start their day. I’m one of them. I love coffee and drink it every morning. What do you know, I’m drinking coffee as I’m typing this. My routine: Coffee in the morning and tea for the rest of the day – which brings me to the iconic #FolgersJingle:

The Best Part of Wakin’ Up™…

We all know the famous Folgers jingle. It has become a piece of pop culture — something we always start singing along with as soon as we hear it.

Calling all musicians!

Celebrating the rich traditions of American music, Folgers® is inviting aspiring musicians to make the well-known tune their own. This year, Folgers has teamed up with one of Nashville’s best: Singer-songwriter Chris Young.

Folgers Jingle

So, pour yourself a cup of Folgers coffee and get to work!

How to enter the Folgers Jingle Contest

Submit a video of your best version of the jingle on the website from January 30th through February 27th. Your version of the #FolgersJingle must include the complete melody and complete lyrics of “The Best Part of Wakin’ Up is Folgers in Your Cup.”

From February 27th to March 19th, Folgers will choose 5 semi-finalists and each will have a mentor session with Chris Young before the online vote.

From March 27th to April 24th, fans around the country will get the chance to vote daily for their favorite jingle. Every vote automatically enters you to win prizes up to $10,000.

Finally, in May, one winner will be selected to win the grand prize of $25,000!

To learn more about the #FolgersJingle Contest and to connect, visit

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Folgers Contest Website

New Mattress, SmartBase & Bedding For My Teen

January 31, 2017Tips & Reviewsbedding, lucid, mattress, smartbasesabines

lucid mattress

Until three weeks ago, one of the oldest furnishings we had in our house was my son’s bed. The twin size bed frame was part of a bunk bed my girls used when they shared a room, 12 years ago.

ceiling lights

When the girls got older, I separated the bunk beds and gave one to my son, which was fine, until he grew 5’9. The mattress and bed frame were simply too short for him. He had a hard time falling and staying asleep, and sleep is important for a 13-year-old boy. So I turned to Amazon and started looking for a new mattress and base.

lucid mattress

I spent a lot of time reading review after review. I decided to purchase the LUCID 10-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress. It has over 3,200 nearly 5 star reviews on Amazon. The mattress is designed of a 2.5-inch layer of ventilated gel memory foam and a 7.5-inch layer of high density support foam for pressure-relief and support with a medium-firm feel.

lucid mattress

The mattress is shipped vacuum packed, so it’s easy to transport and set up. Simply remove it from the box and protective wrap, and then watch as it expands.

lucid mattress

The mattress is amazing. Not too hard, not too soft… just right. I’m a little jealous! The price is great, too – $219 for a queen. Yesterday, my son told me how great he sleeps at night and that he always falls asleep right away. I’m very happy to hear that.

zinus smart base

For his bed frame, I chose the Zinus 14 inch SmartBase. With over 3,000 reviews, this item is also a bestseller on Amazon. There are several things I like about the SmartBase.

It stands 14″ off the floor, which means I can store plenty of boxes and other things underneath. Perfect if you need extra storage.
A SmartBase replaces a bed frame and box spring.
Assembly is super easy – no tools required.
The frame is very stable and strong.
The price for a queen frame is only $79 plus free shipping.

lucid mattress

I bought a goose down alternative comforter from Chezmoi Collection. Mine came from the Bargain Hunt store. Are you familiar with Bargain Hunt stores? They have quality brand name merchandise 30% to 50% (sometimes 90%) below normal retail pricing. I only paid $20 for the comforter.

The duvet cover ($44) is also from Bargain Hunt but was originally from Target. The white sheets are from Big Lots ($16). They are so soft and wrinkle resistant.

Next up, the boy wants new wall art. Stay tuned!