Living well, spending less with Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products

This is a compensated post written by me on behalf of Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

There are two things I grow more and more conscious about in life: my health and my finances. Making healthy choices isn't always an inexpensive endeavor, but Walgreens has stepped up to the plate to offer exceptional value without sacrificing quality or trust in their Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products.

 

I've been taking Walgreens' Green Tea Dietary Supplement Caplets, which, according to the package, help "curb appetite, burn calories, and boost energy." The suggested use is to take two caplets a day - one mid-morning and one mid-afternoon.

Green Tea is something that I make an effort to include in my diet, so I have tried other brands of Green Tea supplements, and, since currently trying the Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Green Tea for the first time, is absolutely comparable - size, taste, texture, etc. In fact, I can't even tell the difference - except in the price I pay. The Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Green Tea is $1-$2 less than the brand I was purchasing prior to using this.

Not only are products from the Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness line recommended by Walgreens pharmacists, most contain the same active ingredients as other national brands. I recently read an article online about easy ways to save money, and one of the suggestions was to buy store-brand over-the-counter medications and supplements. Because the basic formulas of such are government regulated, there are few, if any, proprietary differences that would effect the desired result. In other words - buying store brand, like Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products, instead of national leading brands gives you pretty much the same medicine/supplement/vitamin for less money. Plus, with their 100% satisfaction guarantee, you've really got nothing to lose. Click here to learn more about Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products and see what would be a good fit for your family's lifestyle and budget! You can also find out about the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™ and see how Walgreens is giving back to communities.

Have you tried any of Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products? I'd love to hear what your favorite product is or what you'd be interested to try!

It's Moving Day!

It has come time for Saving in Sacramento to move and become something a little more fabulous. Please bear with me today as I redirect and make the transition - things may get a little wonky. As for entries into giveaways, all your comments will come with me, so rest assured all your entries will be counted!

Trumpette: Gear & Apparel for Modern Moms & Kids - Giveaway!!

If you aren't familiar with Trumpette apparel and accessories for newborns and toddlers, then I am really too excited to introduce you to them (and if you are already familiar, then you know this is going to be gooood!). You've probably seen the very popular "maryjane"-style socks little baby girls wear (they are socks that are designed to look like your baby is wearing shoes). They seem to be everywhere nowadays, but Trumpette is the original (you can tell a real pair of Trumpette's by the cute little logo on the bottom of the sock). Of course, over the years they've grown, offering more styles, sizes, and varieties of socks and even introducing accessories like diaper bags, t-shirts, umbrellas, shoes, tights, and so much more. They've outdone themselves with their soon-to-debut Fall line and I'm delighted to be able to offer a Trumpette giveaway....but first, let me tell you a little about my experience with Trumpette...

Last summer, when Abigail was a newborn, I bought her the Pixies and the Suzie Q Socks. Not a time goes by when she wears them that we're not complimented on them or told what a great idea they are. They are unique and stylish, and I particularly like that they're so easy - especially for small babies where shoes just seem awkward, or for toddling toddlers who manage walking a bit easier with socks than shoes. They're also durable -we've worn them and washed them so many times and they're still as cute as can be. I love to give them as gifts because they are one of those "stand-out" gifts that people "oooh" and "aaaah" over. Jon Stevenson, the owner and creator of Trumpette, says it best:

Sacramento is lucky to not only be home to the Trumpette brand, but also to have an exclusive Trumpette store in the Pavillions Mall, amongst other locations that sell them (like Goore's and other upscale retailers like Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus, as well as baby boutiques). Don't have a Trumpette store near you - or a store that sells their products? No fear, they're available for purchase online and you won't want to miss pre-orders for some of the cutest upcoming Fall clothing ever.

Trumpette has so many adorable items to choose from. Of course their sock line is extensive - there's something for every style, gender, and age. I could keep going on and on about Trumpette and their products, and posting picture after picture, but I think by now you get the idea! Just in case you didn't, Trumpette is so fabulous, they want to give away a gift pack of Trumpette socks to five lucky readers! Each of the five winners will receive of gift box of six pastel Trumpette Princess socks, valued at $26.50 each!

To enter, you can do any or all of the following (please leave a comment for each entry, and include your email address so that I may contact you in the event you are chosen as the winner):

• Visit Trumpette.com and tell me what's on your Trumpette wishlist!
• Follow me on Google Friend Connect and let me know you do in the comment!
• Follow me on Twitter and leave your Twitter username in the comment!
• "Like" Trumpette on Facebook and tell me you do in your comment!
• Tell Trumpette on Facebook that Summer suggested you "like" them (and get two entries for that!)
• Follow Trumpette on Twitter and leave your Twitter username in the comment!
• Tweet this giveaway using the little "tweet this" link below and tell me you did, along with the link to the tweet, in your comment.
• Share this giveaway on Facebook using the little "facebook" link below and tell me you did so in your comment!

This giveaway will close on the evening of Friday, October 1st and five winners will be chosen at random using random.org. Winners will be contacted using the email provided in the winning comment. Winners will have 48 hours to confirm receipt or new winners will be chosen. Open to U.S. residents only.

Uncompensated post.

For further disclosure, click here.

Girls Just Want to Have {Science} Fun!

If you've got a girly-girl like I do, then this is the product review for you, my friend!

There's nothing better than a product aimed at children that is not only exciting and fun, but educational and unique, too. There's lots of learning toys geared toward younger children, and many more for boys in particular, but it's rare when something comes along that is appealing mentally, physically, and emotionally for a young girl. And that's where GiddyUp has come in with some excellent hands-on Scientific Explorer Kits marketed specifically for girls.

Emma and I went to work on the Bath Fizzer Kit the other night and it was one of the most enjoyable experiences we've had together in a while. She was way too excited about it and eager to follow the instructions and take the lead on the "science experiment" to make cute, scented bath fizzies. It was really easy to do and the instructions also included ways to enhance the learning experience, such as taking time to feel the texture of the ingredients, watch how they react with water, notice any differing scents, etc. While I liked all of the above, I especially liked that it was easy to clean up!

We did hit a few stumbling blocks, though. I wasn't clear on a thing or two and we messed up the first batch of fizzies (too much water, I figured out). With that experience under our belt, though, it was a breeze to start over and know exactly how to concoct the right mixture! The second batch turned out perfectly and, because we had to let them set in their molds overnight, the excitement for Emma carried over into the next day as she eagerly anticipated taking a bath!

The suggested age range is for girls 8 and up, but Emma is 6 and had no problem at all. This is going to be my go-to for her next birthday party. With other Scientific Explorer Kits like Heavenly hair (where you can make your own yummy-smelling shampoo), Blissful Body Mist, Lovely Lip Balm, and Shimmer Soap - wouldn't they be perfect for an activity that the girls can then take home as a favor? They are currently available nationwide at specialty toy stores such as Learning Express, as well as Toys R Us, Michael's, etc., and have a suggested retail of $9.99.

Product was provided for review.

For further disclosure, click here.

Free Meals at Old Spaghetti Factory for Grandmas and Grandpas!

The Old Spaghetti Factory is helping you celebrate Grandparent's Day! From September 12th through the 14th, Grandma and Grandpa can select their free meals from The Old Spaghetti Factory’s extensive menu of palate-pleasing dishes including: Spaghetti with Tomato, Meat, Mushroom or Clam Sauce; the signature Spaghetti with Mizithra Cheese; Manager’s Favorite; Spaghetti Vesuvius; Sicilian Meatballs or Italian Sausage entrees. And no meal at The Old Spaghetti Factory would be complete without a scoop of their spumoni ice cream for dessert!

The Old Spaghetti Factory has 39 locations, and this offer is available at all restaurants. Grandparents will receive a free meal with the purchase of a regularly priced entrée (dine-in only). For more information and to find a nearby location and hours, visit www.osf.com. 

Back to School with Mabel's Labels: Giveaway!!

Mabel’s Labels is the gold standard of household labels. Whenever I notice them on other people’s things, I smile to myself because I know that people who use Mabel’s Labels care about quality, individuality, and durability. That said, I also like "being seen" with them because I know what it portrays to others about me and my little family.

Now that it’s Back to School time, Mabel’s Labels offers the Classic Back-to-School Combo pack which has everything you need to gear your child’s gear up for the coming school year. It includes:

• Classic Sticky Labels, which are great for water bottles, lunchboxes, bookcovers, notebooks, binders, etc. 
• Tag Mates, which are my very favorite Mabel’s Labels item, can be applied to clothing or clothing tags and are completely washable and so versatile (they can fit on just about anywhere!). 
• Shoe Labels are especially useful to those after-school activities like dance, miscellaneous sports, or for the gym shoes that are kept in school lockers. They stick to the insole of the shoe, just like any other Mabel’s Labels, but they come with a clear plastic sticky cover that is placed over them so they never wear out, not matter how much wear and tear the shoe goes through. 
• Bag Tags are really modern and add just the right touch to anything from jackets to bookbags to keys.

Of course, as with any Mabel’s Labels products, you get outstanding quality and customization choices. There are three colors combinations and 48  icons to choose from to make your set just perfect for your little individual (can you tell from the picture that I deal with a little princess everyday?).

Now it’s your turn to experience Mabel’s Labels! To enter to win your very own Classic Back-To-School Combo Pack, you can do one or all of the following by leaving a comment for each along with an email address so that I may contact you in the event you are chosen as the lucky winner!

• Tell me why you want to win!
• Follow me on Twitter and leave your twitter username in the comment
• Follow me on Google Friend Connect and let me know in the comment
• Follow Mabel's Labels on Twitter and leave your username in the comment
• "Like" Mabel's Labels on Facebook and tell me so in your comment!

This giveaway will close on the evening of September 28th, and a winner will be chosen at random. Winner will have 48 hours to confirm or a new winner will be chosen. Open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

P.S. I’m a proud Mabel’s Labels Buzzmama, so if you’re looking to make a purchase from Mabel’s Labels, email me - I might have a coupon code for you!

Product was provided for review.

For further information, click here.

CSN Stores - Internet Shopping Made Easy

Back in July I had a great experience shopping with CSN Stores and wanted to let you know about it. I had mentioned here on the blog that I would be working with them and how impressed I was "at first sight" by the sheer vastness of their network of stores. It is hard to not find what you are looking for at any of the CSN Stores.  We purchased the Cuisinart Pure Indulgence Ice Cream Maker and couldn't be happier. But what about afterward? You know...after you find the right thing at the right price?

Oftentimes, to receive free shipping from an online marketplace, I've had to settle for a loooong shipping method. I'm happy to say that wasn't my experience at CSN Stores and that it will likely make me a return customer. Should we do a little comparison?

*I'm not even kidding about the "4 to 9 months" shipping estimate. Same price - who would you choose?

We've thoroughly enjoyed the Cuisinart Ice Cream maker we purchased from CSNStores.com and even the follow up emails inviting us to review the product or offer suggestions for improved service. It's also nice to get periodic emails with discount codes in them! Way to make a good thing even better, right?

The holiday shopping season is soon approaching, and has even started for some people, so I highly suggest using CSN Stores as your go-to online shopping center!

Product was purchased with personal money in addition to 

store credit in exchange for honest review of shopping experience.

For further disclosure, click here.