In 2013, I began reviewing Wen for one month with week-by-week updates for my blog readers. After the first month, I did a six-month check-in post. I’ve now been using Wen for 16 months, and I continue to use Wen regularly. I purchase Wen for my own use and have not been compensated for writing […]
My search for the perfect family camping tent
I love to camp. My parents were (and still are!) avid campers. My earliest childhood memory is camping in my mom and dad’s big blue canvas cabin tent. Incredibly, that big canvas tent is still around…
Walking across America in Reebok Skyscapes
Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Reebok. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating. Hashtags: #skyscape #MC #sponsored Recently, Reebok asked me to try out a pair of new Reebok Skyscape sneakers. The Skyscape is […]
Battle of the backpacks: Jansport vs. Land’s End
Back in 2012, I decided I was done with bargain backpacks for my kids. I’d bought plenty of $10-$15 backpacks over the years, but I had an epiphany when my daughter’s “new” backpack completely fell apart shortly after the school year began. Every time her backpacks would wear out, I’d loan her my trusty green […]
Shopping Kohl’s spring clothing collection
Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Kohl’s. I received a Kohl’s gift card to facilitate my post and as a thank you for participating. I have to admit, I don’t often shop for entire new, head-to-toe outfits. Kohl’s is one of my favorite places to bargain hunt — […]
A rant on “pleather” boots and choosing leather ones
I’m done with non-leather boots. I love boots and pretty much live in them from fall to spring. And, I’ve been wearing boots since high school, so we’re talking almost 25 years of boot love. When I was in high school and college, I remember a pair of boots lasting at least a year, sometimes […]
My children put Tide to the test for the #MyMessMyTide challenge
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Tide and Jewel-Osco. Tide supplied the detergent for this challenge. I have been compensated for this post. All opinions about Tide and Jewel-Osco are my own. By now you’ve probably seen all of the new varieties of Tide Plus on the shelves at Jewel-Osco and other stores. Tide asked […]
Phosphate dishwasher detergent fans: Look what I found at Dollar Tree
My February 2012 post, “The Clean Dishes Challenge: Battle of the Dishwasher Detergents” has been the most-visited page on my entire site for close to two years now. This tells me I’m not the only one who was looking for a better dishwasher detergent! Of the detergents I tested, Professional Line Cascade was my favorite, […]
Jill reviews it: Red Lobster’s Lobsterfest
Disclosure: I received a Red Lobster gift card for the purpose of this review. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. Lobsterfest is back, and our family headed over to the Red Lobster in West Dundee, Illinois to celebrate some recent family events and, of course, to enjoy some […]
My “9-year” CFL light bulb lasted 13 months.
My regular readers know that I despise CFL light bulbs. I have purchased some during past deals, but I decided earlier this year that I am done buying them. In addition to the health and UV exposure risks, I have yet to have any of these bulbs last anywhere near the duration that they are […]
