September 25, 2017

Pumpkin Apple Pops for a FUN Fall Snack Idea

Written by christie 11 Comments
Recipes & Reviews

Need a festive snack that your kids will love? Try these Pumpkin Apple Pops for a FUN Fall Snack Idea! This post is sponsored by G.H. Cretors as a Flavor Obsessed Five Ambassador. All delicious & festive opinions are my own.

Pumpkin Apple Pops for a FUN Fall Snack Idea

I’m all about themed snacks these days. With my favorite season right around the corner, I couldn’t help but bring a little pumpkin sweetness into our snack time. Who can resist a apple pops in the shape of Jack-O-Lanterns? Not my kids! Check out how we made adorable, delicious and kid-friendly Pumpkin Apple Pops for a FUN Fall Snack Idea and how crusting with G.H. Cretors popcorn made ALL of the difference!
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September 18, 2017

FREE Hilde Cracks the Case Printables + Scholastic Prize Pack GIVEAWAY

Written by christie 53 Comments
Giveaways & Reviews

Solve the Mystery of Making Reading FUN with FREE Hilde Cracks the Case Printables from Scholastic! This post is sponsored by Scholastic. All investigative opinions are my own. May contain affiliate links.

FREE Hilde Cracks the Case Printables + Scholastic Prize Pack Giveaway

I love that my son loves to read. I admit, it’s taken a few years for him to really love books. I wasn’t sure that he would grow into a motivated reader like his mom. But when we lost power during Hurricane Irma, it was such a blessing to find this sweet boy curled up with a good book to pass the time. Good books can be hard to come by, but lately my little reader has been enthralled with the new Hilde Cracks the Case book series from Scholastic. Check out what makes Scholastic Branches books perfect for your early reader, grab your FREE Hilde Cracks the Case Printables and be sure to scroll down for a FUN Scholastic Prize Pack Giveaway!

Hilde Cracks the Case Book Series Makes Reading FUN!

Transition is never easy, especially when it comes to reading. Traditional books are too “baby-ish” for my 8-year old, but large chapter books can be intimidating at times. That’s where Hilde Cracks the Case Book Series comes in. These transition books from Scholastic’s early reader line provides the engaging, encouraging and FUN books geared just for kids like him.

Ten-year-old crime reporter Hilde Lysiak is starring in her very own Branches early chapter book series — inspired by news stories Hilde wrote in real life! In this first book, there’s been a break-in on Orange Street! Cupcakes have been stolen, and soon a pie goes missing, too. Hilde and her sister/photographer, Izzy, must interview witnesses and follow the clues. Can Hilde crack the case in time to post her news story online? Joanne Lew-Vriethoff’s personality-filled illustrations appear on every page, bringing Hilde’s adventures to life for young readers!

Here’s why your early reader will love the latest new series, Hilde Cracks the Case:

Based on the true crime reporting stories of 10-year old author Hilde Lysiak
Engaging mystery stories that are perfect for young readers with easy-to-read text
Detailed illustrations on every page!
Quality books that we love from Scholastic’s early chapter book line, Scholastic Branches

The new Hilde Cracks the Case book series is part of Scholastic Branches, a fun line of early chapter books from Scholastic, geared to help your young reader fall in love with books. Each series is Common Core-ready to encourage your early readers to transition from traditional books into chapter books with ease.

FREE Hilde Cracks the Case Printables

Are your kids in love with cracking the case along with Hilde Lysiak? Have your little investigators test their reporter knowledge with this FREE Printable Hilde Cracks the Case Discussion Guide – filled with reporter tips, interview questions, whodunnit puzzles and more to get your kids even more excited about reading and solving mysteries with Hilde!

To learn more about the Hilde Cracks the Case Book Series from Scholastic Branches, visit the official website. Hilde Cracks the Case Books are now available in-stores for your little reader! Be sure to follow Scholastic on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for new book releases and more!

Crack the Case with a Scholastic Prize Pack GIVEAWAY!

Ready to solve the mystery with Hilde Lysiak? Crack the Case with this Scholastic Prize Pack giveaway! One lucky reader will win a fun sleuthing prize pack including:

Copy of the new Hilde Cracks the Case: Hero Dog! Book from Scholastic Branches
Vivitar Digital Camera
Reporter Notepad and Pens

Open to U.S. residents only. Ends 9/30. Here’s how to enter:

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September 6, 2017

2 Fall Looks from Bealls for Under $100

Written by christie 15 Comments
Fashion & Reviews

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bealls Stores. All opinions are 100% mine.

Grab Florida style for less with 2 Head-to-Toe Fall Looks from Bealls for Under $100.

2 Fall Looks from Bealls for Under $100

Falling in love with winter white a season early? Maybe. Falling in love with Florida style? Always. Living in Florida for most of my life, I can definitely say that I have mastered Florida mom style. I live for tank tops, flip flops and comfy dresses 99.99% of the time. And I love it. I also love getting a great Florida inspired fashion that fits my family’s budget. That’s why today I’m sharing my little known secret for grabbing amazing style for less at Bealls Florida with 2 Head-to-Toe Fall Looks from Bealls for Under $100. [Read more…]

September 5, 2017

FREE Popcorn Counting Printable for Preschoolers

Written by christie 14 Comments
Crafts & Reviews

Master counting this school year with this FREE Popcorn Counting Printable for Preschoolers. This post is sponsored by G.H. Cretors as a Flavor Obsessed Five Ambassador. All delicious opinions are my own.

FREE Popcorn Counting Printable for Preschoolers

Eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, “five-teen,” sixteen – oh my goodness, I love to hear this girl count. While ABC’s may not be her thing, this little preschooler loves math (just like mommy). And when I combine her favorite math activity and a yummy preschool-approved snack, I basically become the best mom ever. Help your little one get to counting to “five-teen” and beyond with this FREE Popcorn Counting Printable for Preschoolers and the delicious new organic popcorn flavors from G.H. Cretors – because counting to 20 should be a “POP!”

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August 30, 2017

Back-to-School Sleep Tips that Parents Need to Know

Written by christie 21 Comments
Family & Reviews

Ready to transition your kids from lazy summers to school routines? Grab your Back-to-School Sleep Tips that Parents Need to Know. This is a sponsored post. All bedtime-loving opinions are my own.

Back-to-School Sleep Tips that Parents Need to Know

Confession: I let my kids stay up to 10:30 pm this summer. *Insert your aghast face here.* I admit that when the lazy days of summer roll in, our rigid family routine goes 99.999% lax. Bedtime becomes elusive as we give into kids pout-y faces and begging for “just a few more minutes.”

Then the alarm clock sounds. I’ve always hated that noise.

In a blink of an eye those few short schedule-free months disappear as my mom-voice warms up into full Batman mode. School. Two kids. Schedules. Routine. After-school sports. Crankiness. Bedtime. Parents, the back-to-school reality is tough to accept after a summer of late nights. But there’s a reason why kids’ sleep is so important- especially during the school year. So today I’m getting real with Back-to-School Sleep Tips that Parents Need to Know. How much sleep do your kids really need? How does screen time affect sleep routines? What if your kids aren’t falling asleep? And most importantly, what should you NEVER do?

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August 28, 2017

FREE Printable ABC Worksheets for Preschoolers

Written by christie 26 Comments
Crafts & Reviews

Learning the ABCs is more fun with Cheerios! Grab your FREE Printable ABC Worksheets for Preschoolers to help your little one master Pre-K. This post is sponsored by Cheerios. All brain-boosting opinions are my own.

FREE Printable ABC Worksheets for Preschoolers

The more I pushed, the more she pushed back. I stepped into this preschool year a little worried for my daughter. Unlike her big brother (who mastered letters, colors, and shapes like paralellogram at age 2), this stubborn and feisty girl likes to learn at her own pace. Our biggest struggle, ABCs. She downright refused to do anything that required letter learning, which made the first day of Pre-K so much harder for this parent. Did the preschool teacher have a rebel on her hands? Determined to make Pre-K fun and memorable this year, I’m taking a different approach to the ABCs, with our family’s favorite breakfast in hand. Come grab your FREE Printable ABC Worksheets for Preschoolers and see how Cheerios is helping us master a BIG year of learning.

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August 22, 2017

Top Budget Beauty Picks for Glowing Skin Under $5

Written by christie 25 Comments
Reviews

Want to bring out your natural skin glow for less? Check out my Top Budget Beauty Picks for Glowing Skin Under $5. This post is sponsored by Unilever Brands: Ponds, Noxzema, St. Ives & Simple. All beauty-packed opinions are my own.

Top Budget Beauty Picks for Glowing Skin Under $5

My name is Christie and I am “beauty challenged.” I still don’t know how to use an eyelash curler. What the heck is makeup primer for? And if there’s any brand that has created an actual smudge proof eyeliner for Asian eyes, I’m still searching for you. But thankfully, I’ve always had glowing skin. Maybe it’s in the genes (there’s perks to being Korean!) or that Floridian humidity (it’s not sweat – it’s G L O W), I get asked often how I keep my skin looking healthy and youthful.

And while most beauty buffs are investing in expensive creams and fancy facial treatments, I’m over here like – I’ve got my drugstore favorites? Glowing skin doesn’t have to be complicated. So today I’m sharing my Top Budget Beauty Picks for Glowing Skin Under $5. That’s under $5 per product, y’all. See what I’m using right now and how you are only 4 steps away from beautiful glowing skin (for less).

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August 18, 2017

9 Family Dollar Store Back-to-School Hacks for Busy Parents

Written by christie 31 Comments
DIY & Reviews

Parents, grab your tips to head into the school season with these 9 Family Dollar Store Back-to-School Hacks for Busy Parents. This post is sponsored by Family Dollar. All inventive & thrifty opinions are my own.

9 Family Dollar Store Back-to-School Hacks for Busy Parents

Parents, it’s that time again. It’s time to stretch out those budgeting muscles and loosen up that savvy creativity. With back-to-school upon us, I’m staying organized and on-budget with these 9 Family Dollar store back-to-school hacks for busy parents. Ready to make the school year just a little easier? Grab the “school supplies” you didn’t know that you needed this school season, all with items from your local Family Dollar!

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August 17, 2017

Don’t Forget These Back-to-School Essentials with Hanes + Giveaway

Written by christie 211 Comments
Giveaways & Reviews

Did you remember everything for the school year? Don’t Forget These Back-to-School Essentials that your kids will definitely need. This post is sponsored by Hanes. All back-to-cool opinions are my own

Don’t Forget These Back-to-School Essentials with Hanes + Giveaway

Moms, don’t be like me. I thought I had my act together for the new school year. 2 kids, a bunch of school supplies – I was feeling pretty prepared. But then whoops. I forgot some of the most important Back-to-School Essentials. So head to school this year 100% ready and don’t forget these kids’ essentials from Hanes. Check out how Hanes came to my rescue this back-to-school season plus scroll down for a Hanes back-to-school GIVEAWAY!

The Other Things that Go on Kids’ Feet

Cute new back-to-school shoes, check. Socks? Uh-oh. Living in Florida means that my kids are living in their flip-flops or barefoot most days. But back-to-school means back to covered feet. Sneakers are definitely the “in” shoes for school days. But guess who forgot the socks? Yup, this mom. All of those hole-y, dirt stained, stinky and outgrown socks were not going to get my kids far into the school year. Hanes ComfortBlend Sport Collection Socks are the perfect addition to my son’s feet. Durable, comfortable and breathable, these socks are also infused with FreshIQ technology for advanced odor protection (aka no stinky socks during soccer this year!).

Under What?

Underwear, of course. With my kids growing like WEEDS over the summer, I stocked up on new pants, new shirts, new dresses and even new jackets. But I completely forgot that my kids also grow in more ways than one. Underwear – how could I forget? My daughter especially was in desperate need of new underwear – poor thing was wearing ones that were at least 1-2 sizes too small. (Whoops! That’s where the wedgies were coming from.) Thank goodness Hanes came to the rescue with Ultimate TAGLESS Cotton Stretch Hipsters. With adorable designs, ultimate comfort and no tags (my daughter hates tags!), she is covered for her year in Pre-K!

Where Fashion Meets Technology

Clothes and technology? That’s right. Hanes does so much more than clothe our family’s hidden essentials. Stay cool and fresh this school year with Hanes X-Temp Boys’ Raglan Henley tees.

Super soft and infused with X-Temp technology to keep your kids cool throughout the day, comfort gets an A+ in our home.

Back-to-School ready? Now we are! We have everything covered, including those “you-know-whats” with all of these back-to-school essentials from Hanes!

Hanes Back-to-School Essentials Giveaway

Ready to head back-to-school, essentials in hand? Then be sure to enter this Hanes Back-to-School Essentials Giveaway! 1 lucky reader will win a $50 gift card + Hanes prize pack so your child can go back-to-school prepared for a great year. Giveaway prize includes:

$50 Hanes Visa Gift Card
3 Back-to-School Styles from Hanes (based on child’s age/gender)

Open to U.S. residents only. Ends 9/1/17 at 11:59 pm EST. Here’s how to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter all of the active Raising Whasians Giveaways

Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Hanes. Raising Whasians & associated bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. One winner will be randomly selected using the Rafflecopter random selector and will be notified via email. Once notified, the winner will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google. Void where prohibited. This disclosure is made in accordance with the FTC 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians via Facebook, Twitter, Google, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube for more of your favorite giveaways!

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August 15, 2017

Solar Eclipse Bento Box Ideas

Written by christie 12 Comments
Recipes & Reviews

Ready for an out-of-this-world school year? Head back-to-school with these Solar Eclipse Bento Box Ideas. This post is sponsored by Produce for Kids. All delicious opinions are my own. May contain affiliate links.

Solar Eclipse Bento Box Ideas

What does a solar eclipse and back-to-school have in common? Deliciousness! In case you haven’t heard, a”big deal” in our universe is coming on August 21, 2017. A solar eclipse, where the moon passes between the earth and the sun will cause a period of time where the moon will literally block out the sun. Not to be seen again until July 2, 2019, your family will definitely want to experience this beautiful and rare phenomenon. Not wanting to miss out on this exciting time in the sky, I thought it fitting that I bring a little space learning into our back-to-school lunchboxes with these Solar Eclipse Bento Box Ideas. Grab these delicious, healthy, and adorable ideas as we get ready to watch the skies this August. And find out how your Solar Eclipse Bento Box can donate $1 to Feeding America – by taking the Produce for Kids Power Your Lunchbox Pledge.

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